Author's Note: Geez. How the hell did I get back here? I thouht for sure that I was gonna quit this story. Ah well, Justice League is like meth for me.

Truthfully, I'm sorry dear readers. Demanding that you all review was pretty messed up of me, but we all have our low points, right? Well, I'm coming back swinging - and hard, might I add. This story has a long way to go and I promise to carry this one out to the very end. Even if I might starve of no reviews because let's face it, we all like to be given the oh-so often pat on the back to say we did a good job. I'll admit it. I like hearing what you think, about characters and all of your thoughts on things I wrote down and if people make comments about the (horribly dry) humor that I try to incorporate. I love it!

But anyway, I solemnly swear to see this story to the end. So, readers, if there are any of you actually out there still, review if you want, and if you don't, that's great too. Enjoy!


They descended down upon the bare, yet almost expansive island which was primarily occupied by a giant nuclear power plant. Batman, Flash, and Shayera were standing at the ready in the green bubble Lantern had materialized for them while Superman flew alongside good-naturedly. Smoke curled up from the curved white stacks, joining the gray veil that the storm clouds were holding ominously above. Around the superheroes, the ocean was also an ashen color as it threw itself repeatedly against the jagged cliff's edge. They were all standing upon the open rock face toward the entrance of the plant, the sea at their backs as the mist sprayed around them that the wind kicked up into swirls.

"Ready?" asked Superman, as the group formed into a shoulder to shoulder line. No one exchanged looks, but instead watched the giant deposit in front of them.

"Nope," Flash said simply, and then they took off, charging at the doors at full speed.

Superman reached the giant bolted metal doors and gripped them with his large hands, crumpling them like tin foil as he tossed them aside, discarded. Beyond him, outstretched sterol white halls that were filled with smoke and people garbed in white lab coats fleeing and coughing.

"Lantern," Superman barked, and on response, Lantern took all the people from the giant hallway out of the damaged entrance with one gentle sweep of his ring's energy. An explosion erupted from a wall near by, engulfing the group in flames. Out of the inferno, a metallic creature emerged, yet it was different from the one recently but still so similar.

The thing was shaped like a humanoid, only lacking a face and it was nearly twelve feet tall. Its skin was a pure and hard looking silver material, not marred by scratches but the red veins pulsated throughout its entire body, drawing an intricate web of crimson. It seemed to see the superheroes but didn't quite focus on them alone. The humanoid straightened itself up and cracked its knuckles against its large hands.

"It acts human," Batman murmured to himself, and Flash, overhearing, frowned at the new prospect. The humanoid ran at them, smashing into Superman who collided with the beast. The two went spiraling off through another set of walls.

Quite a few yards away, Superman staggered to his feet. They had actually been jettisons out of the whole compound, now standing on a large rocky outcropping that was adjacent to the one that they had first landed on.

The humanoid got to its surprisingly small feet before charging in once more on the Kryptonian. Superman dodged to the side and punched with all his might, a shock wave sent out by the sheer force of the impact. This sent the creature out in the direction of the ocean and skipping across the green-blue water like a pebble.

That…hurt, the man of steel realized dully, staring at his bruised fist with confusion. Flash was at Superman shoulder in a second, resting one congratulatory hand upon his shoulder as the creature fell beneath the dark waves.

"Let's go back and order some Chinese take-out," Flash said half to himself as he began to walk away. Superman was about to turn follow when movement alerted him from his peripherals. This battle was just beginning.

Water exploded up from the ocean and standing on the sea like it was barely a few inches deep, was the creature. It stood, on the water, and started to run at them, a speed that which could even rival Flash's. The sea sprayed up behind it, creating a giant torrent of water as it neared.

"Flash, we aren't done here yet," Superman said slowly, watching hesitantly as it drew nearer. "Go tell the others that we have a situation and…and that I'll hold it off for as long as I can."

Fear prickled at the back Flash's mind and clawed his way up to his throat in a painful lump as he recognized the same fear that was reflected in his comrade's voice. With just a slight red blur and an even slighter gust of wind, Flash was gone. Superman turned back to face the on-coming threat, his red cape billowing in the oceanic breeze and the scene could've almost been peaceful had there not been an unstoppable android that was about to collide with him.

The humanoid was now upon him, using the momentum it gained from running to nearly fly forward over the land. It outstretched one hand, which morphed into a spiked ball not unlike Shayera's mace; the only exception was that it was much, much larger.

With one fluid motion, Superman gripped the primitive weapon that replaced the monster's hand, and smashed it down into the sea cliff. He wasted no time, throwing himself upon the strange beast, and pounded blow after blow onto the giant's supposed head and torso.

The metallic thing threw up all of its defenses by curling it self into a large sphere. Superman leapt back, hovering only a few feet above the cracked and rocky ground. The rest of team gathered across from them, waiting for the moment to attack, but Superman stopped them with a simple gesture of his hand. Never turning his back to the creature, Superman flew over to the others.

"We need to take it somewhere else before it decides I'm not entertaining enough and smashes this place to bits and causing a leak or worse an explosion," Superman said quickly. Flash frowned at him and Green Lantern shot Superman a skeptical look, but it was Batman who spoke first.

"We can move it. Where do you want to take it?"

"Are you crazy?" Shayera asked, turning to address the dark knight. "How do you expect to just move it? Plus, the only place that's uninhabited is miles upon miles away!"

"Are you forgetting who has a power ring?" Lantern intervened. Shayera pouted, crossing her arms over her chest in her signature way.

Flash looked around, scratching the back of his head, said, "Well, if Lantern could contain it, then I could carry it to where ever we need to take it."

Superman gave a quick nod, "Good and I can help you do that. Now we'll take it to a near by island. I know of an uninhabited spit of land not too far from where we are. There we should be able to contain it and no one would get hurt." Superman gave a momentary pause before giving a small chuck, saying, "Plus, we won't have to worry about anything Ms. Amanda Waller has to spring on us."

The joke was grounding, and even Superman seemed to see what bad taste it had. Without another word, they moved out, surrounding the deceptive unmoving ball. It began to shake, and the creature began to slowly unfurl until it had finally morphed back into its incredibly tall human-like state.

It's not unlike the android, Superman observed dryly as he watched it stand up straight. Yet, I doubt it's even half as strong. Thank god for that at least.

The creature snapped its neck to one side, echoing out a sickening almost wet sounding break. With another crack, it put its faceless head back into place.

Without hesitation the five threw themselves into action, giving it everything they had. Shayera slammed her mace against its broad chest, repeatedly pounding on it while Flash ran around it, trying to create a vortex of sorts. Batman threw a few liquid nitrogen capsules on its back, freezing it all down its spine and therefore gluing its feet to the earth. Superman tried to help by blasting it with his heat vision in the face but Green Lantern hung back, awaiting the perfect shot.

Shayera was swatted away like nothing ore than a fly but with such tremendous power that she soared low and fast over the earth until coming to a crunching halt as she slammed against the building's broad side. Shayera collapsed onto her side and didn't get back up, her mace rolling out of her hand. The creature shifted more of its mass to one leg, and almost like a thick concrete-like substance, engulfed Flash, covering him head to toe.

"Wally!" Superman cried, launching himself upon the now hardened blob which contained his friend. Grasping his hands together above his head, Superman brought down his fists down onto it with crushing force. Before Superman could strike another blow, a giant hand from the alien gripped the man of steel and sent a shock of red lightning coursing through him. The creature flung the limp body of Superman like a discarded piece of trash.

Batman watched helplessly as Clark disappeared over the cliff's edge and into the raging ocean below. With reckless anger that boiled his blood, Batman ran at the monster, using everything at his disposal on it. Nitrogen cap after another froze the beast to its spot while Batman made his way over to the sac containing Flash with haste.

Batman took three pills in his fist and slammed against the side of it, freezing the whole thing. He ripped his gloved hand free of the ice and then, with one especially hard blow, he broke the whole thing holding Flash captive. The superhero tumbled out, gasping for air and desperately tried to stand.

By this time, Shayera had struggled to her feet and barreled in at the monster that was trying to bring down an oversized fist down on both Batman and Flash. With a horrible grating sound, Shayera clashed with the beast, barely holding it off while Batman brought Flash to safety.

Green Lantern instantly went to back her up by throwing a beam at its chest and head. Batman laid Flash down on his back, placing two steady shaking fingers over his neck and checking for a pulse.

"Come on, Wally, stay with me," Batman snarled fiercely through clenched teeth. The heartbeat under his fingers was painfully slow, especially for the Flash. He pounded his clenched fists down on Flash's chest a few times but Flash didn't stir. Batman's mind was racing, going through what he had learned from Alfred in the medical field. Then it hit hm.

I need electricity, Batman realized heavily. From his utility belt he salvaged a bat-a-rang that sent out powerful voltage once set off. He pressed the center key, expanding the wings of the device. A current of energy over came him for a moment, but he fought the urge to let go. With extreme care and surprising dexterity, Batman was able to touch one end to Flash's chest, right above his heart. The electricity instantly whipped through Flash, causing him to convulse wildly, his back arching stiffly. Batman, however, finally dropped the contrivance, smoke curling up from his left forearm. His fire-retardant gloves diluted the voltage but not enough.

Flash's eye lids opened lethargically, at first not quite focusing on anything until resting upon Batman's masked face. A slow hesitant smile slid stupidly over Flash's face.

"I'm alive, Bats," he whispered, his breaths coming slow and shallow. "Now get back in there."

Batman got back up, cradling his left arm as he rushing in to join the battle. He was just beginning to throw more capsules at it when Green Lantern called out to him.

"Batman, go get Superman," was all Lantern could choke out past the gripping hand of the monster around his throat and lower jaw. Shayera smashed her mace against its side, distracting it from Batman.

And so Batman ran, as fast as he could, his legs burning from the exertion, until he got to the edge of the cliff, where beneath the water smashed against the unyielding rock viscously. Without even the slightest hesitation, he dove headlong into the sea, his cape whipping out behind him madly. The cold water swirled around him as he broke the surface but his costume protected him from the worst of the freezing ocean. Batman swam hard against the current which seemed determined to smash him up into awaiting deadly rocks.

When he spotted Superman, his stomach turned. Superman was sinking, slowly but surely, with bubbles steadily coming out from his mouth. Batman swam toward his friend heedless of the dangerous surges until finally gripping the man of steel's cape in his fist.

Batman brought Superman's head up with his, trying to breathe and keep Clark from going under again. He struggled until he had Superman in front of him, holding him up by the collar of his costume.

"Clark, wake up!" Batman bellowed over the roar of the sea. He brought one hand across his friend's face hard. From the cliff above, a cry of pain could be heard, sounding like Shayera. "It'll kill them, Clark. Then it will kill others, is that what you want?"

Superman's eyes flew open, staring frantically at Batman. His creamy brown eyes cleared of all confusion where only anger remained. Superman shot out of the water, taking Batman with him up into the sky with one arm wrapped around his partner's waist.

They descended onto the battle rapidly, neither given any time to recover, but instead launched back in the fight. Shayera was barely fending it off, with one of her wings held at on odd angle while it was tucked protectively against her ribs. Green Lantern was trying to keep one of its giant arms from smashing down on Hawkgirl with the raw energy of his ring acting as a shield. Flash had gotten back up again and was trying to coax it into leaving Shayera alone by encircling it legs, and thus creating a small trench around it.

Lantern's hold on the silvery humanoid's arm shattered, bringing it down upon Shayera. Superman reacted instantly, whirling and throwing Batman like a discus at her who in turn, wrapped his arms around the winged woman. Batman slanted his body so that his back collided with the hard earth, instead of Shayera's injured wing. All of the air was forced from Batman's lungs and he tried to take in a breath but the pain in his chest cut him off.

"Are you alright?" she asked as she rolled off of her teammate. Batman sat up a little bit on his elbows, his expression as stoic as ever.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he in turn questioned. Shayera shook her head and laughed as she shakily got to her feet. Batman got up as well, rubbing his probably bruised shoulder. "I want you to stay here until we get it contained, understood?"

Shayera's face fell, but she knew that she would be more of a hindrance than any assistance. "Yes, loud and clear."

Without another word, Batman rushed back toward the rest of the team, leaving Shayera alone on the sidelines. She watched as Superman pounded away on it as Lantern held it in place. Flash had dug a nice trench around the monster while Batman had frozen its legs together and to the pillar it was standing on.

Suddenly, the humanoid twisted free, snapping its arms out fast enough where it broke the hold. It brought its oval head down on Superman's with shattering force, causing the man of steel to smash into the ground below. Its arm whipped out, catching both Batman and Wally, sending the two flying off in another direction. While Lantern moved to catch the pair, the monster brought all of its weight down on him, crushing him against the concrete earth.

It took a few steps back, as if making sure that it wouldn't be followed, and then threw itself back into the ocean and didn't resurface. Shayera limped quickly over the crater that had John's body resting in it. He was lying on his back, arms and legs splayed out awkwardly.

"John!" Shayera picked her love up from the ground, trying to dust the rubble off of him. Green Lantern rubbed one of his temples painfully as he leaned heavily upon her. "Easy, it hit you pretty hard."

Green Lantern moved away from her to stand on him own as he grasped his side in pain. "I was able to avoid most of the blow with my ring and I'm more worried about them frankly," he wheezed, gesturing at Flash and Batman and Superman. Batman was pulling a tremulous Flash to his feet as Superman picked himself up from his own little hole, dusting himself off in the process and all the while grumbling irately to himself.

"When I get my hands on that thing," Superman mumbled, brushing himself off again and tried in vain to fix his mussed black hair, though one rebellious strand continued to fall onto his forehead.

"If we get out hands on that thing," Shayera corrected. "We don't know where it went and hell; we don't even know why it came here."

"Well, it didn't steal anything," Flash said, rolling his shoulders and wincing from the ache it brought on. "At least not for what I could tell, but it sure worked us over, right guys?"

All he got in response was glares.

"Maybe it wasn't here to steal," Lantern pointed out.

Batman thought broodingly for a moment before saying, "It wasn't here to steal or kill. It chose this spot because it's isolated and it knew we would come. What it wanted was to fight us."

"It wanted our attention," Superman concluded ominously. They all glanced around one another apprehensively but the question was on everyone's tongue.

Why?


"Everything is going according to plan," Savage reported. He was standing in a large chic office on the very top room of the Lexcorps building. Luthor was lounging in a leather plush chair behind his hefty wooden desk, his fingers laced pensively.

"And they didn't suspect a thing?" Lex questioned severely, resting his chin musingly upon his locked fingers, all the while watching his associate methodically.

"I was far enough away to where they weren't able to see me but close enough to operate it mentally," Savage said in his lightly accented voice. "After the modifications I made to it, it will only serve the one who wears this."

Vandal Savage held a small circular band in his hands that looked almost to be forged from the same strange alloy but also infused with some circuitry. Lex just nodded, as if he expected no less.

"And is everyone preparing?" Luthor asked. Vandal smirked, running a hand through his short and quite thick black Russian hair.

"Indeed, they are."

"Good, now you may leave. I have another appointment I can't be late for," Lex Luthor said mockingly apologetic. "Mercy will show you out."

Savage turned on his heels and left, leaving Luthor alone in his dark office. As soon as the heavy oaken door swung shut, Joker seemed to materialize from the shadowy corner, his grin stretching tightly over his face.

"Lexy, are you sure you can trust him?" he asked, strangely serious. The tone in Joker's voice made Lex glance up sharply.

"Of course, why do you ask?"

"Oh, no reason, Lexy, cross my heart," Joker smiled wickedly and traced a small 'X' with his finger over the purple lapel of his jacket that was right over the place where the clown's heart supposedly was. For all Lex knew, it was just a hollow cavity, or maybe it was filled with confetti and a sign that said 'ba-thump'. Luthor sighed and ran his hands over the smooth curve of his skull, his nails lightly scratching the skin.

"Joker, don't play games with me – I'm not in the mood," the President grumbled.

The clown Prince of Crime seemed to back off, much to the other man's surprise, and while this may have normally perked his suspicion, or at the very least his interest, it did not tonight. The gun in his coat felt heavier, especially with those special alloy and Kryptonite bullets loaded in it. He felt his hand drawn toward the weapon and his palm brushed against it, the chill of the metal lingering on his skin. His mind felt hazy as he thought about killing Superman, as if he was in a dream. Such a wonderful dream.

"…and so then I suppose we would just have to commence your so called 'Phase Two', right, Lexy?" Joker giggled gleefully. Luthor hadn't realized the clown had even been speaking until he glanced up at the painted face, watching him with glinting eyes. A cold sweat began to creep over him and his limbs suddenly felt as though they were made of lead.

Perhaps my nightly activity has caught up with me, Luthor mused tiredly.

"Clown, I have a strict schedule to keep and I can't have you romping about in my quarters as you please," Lex drawled, arching an eye brow at the feral grin he was receiving from the Joker. "You are already well aware of my plan, and I expect you to follow the orders that have been given to you should you ever dream of finally riding the world of our nuisance once and for all, now get out of my sight."

Joker tipped his hat in a menacing way, his yellowed eyes never once straying from Luthor, akin to a wolf waiting for its brethren to fall ill in order to slit its throat. However, all he said was, "As you wish."


"What happened on that island shouldn't have," Superman said, shaking his head, making the curl on his forehead bounce back and forth. The five were all gathered at the metal table, talking over what went wrong. The two empty seats seemed to have the most presence in the cave.

"And why not?" Green Lantern demanded, smashing his fist down on the table. It had been nearly a day since the island incident and they were all recovering at Batman's manor. This was the first time they actually had sat down and discussed their failure yet they were nothing but at each other's throats again. "We aren't used to fighting alone and especially together. We need to train as a team again – get back into working with each other, not around."

"What we need to do right now is to recover," Shayera pointed out. Her left wing was wrapped up in bandages and set with light wooden bars to keep the bones in it straight while healing. Her hands were clasped desperately around the creamy white mug of coffee, black without sugar or milk.

"She's right," Batman conceded. His whole torso was bandaged for he had broken (some re-broken) four ribs, one on his left side and three on his other. "And here my bones had just started to knit from my last exploit."

Flash laughed, even though he had the worst of it. The lack of oxygen had made him concussed which he was steadily recovering from and he had broken two ribs, plus his thigh bone had a minute fracture. However, Green Lantern had only broken two fingers for all his troubles, though he did walk away with an impressive bruise on his neck.

"We can recover and then get back down to work," Flash responded flippantly.

"What work do we even have?" Superman said pointedly. "We never even really settled the matter of us all together anyhow."

"Well, that already seemed pretty settled, don't you think?" Flash said, chuckling slightly. Superman frowned at him.

"We only fought together because of convenience, Wally," he responded, his voice edged with a small bit of sadness. "It would have been stupid to not work together on that."

"And it'd be stupid not to work together now," Shayera spoke up out of frustration. "We still don't know what that thing wanted, so I don't think it would be wise to split up if that thing, whatever it is, rears its ugly head again."

"Exactly," Lantern arbitrated. "We should stick together and learn to be in sync again."

"Or at least until this threat passes," Batman said. No one said another word for awhile, everyone suddenly busy with their own cups of coffee, and Flash with his hot cocoa.

"Master Bruce," Alfred called out, breaking the awkward silence and stirring amongst the super heroes. "You have visitors."

Batman glanced up at the entrance of the bat cave, where his butler was standing in the doorway.

"I'm busy. Tell them Bruce Wayne has very important company over," Batman said dismissively, turning back to his friends who were all smirking at him of some variety.

"But sir, they are here to see the Batman, sir," Alfred responded curtly. Batman stood up quickly and strode over to the exit, curious stares were digging into his back from his friends and his interest was just as burning.

"Alfred," Batman said steadily as they walked through the giant house toward the front door. "I'll handle this, and if it's something bad, tell them to leave out the back way and go with them and take Tim."

Alfred looked stunned for a moment, as if realizing what his employer was telling him to do. "You'd have me leave you here to die, sir?"

Batman didn't respond as he pulled the door open swiftly. Standing on the porch in the slight drizzle, was Diana dressed in simple casual clothes of dark jeans and a tight cream shirt with a subtle duffle bag hanging off of her shoulder. Positioned next to her, in his usual attire, was J'onn, the Martian man hunter.

For a moment, Batman just stood there, too shocked to a say a word. Diana tucked a piece of rogue hair behind her ear and said almost coyly, "Aren't you going to let us in, Bruce?"

He opened the twin doors wider, allowing enough room for both of them to pass by easily. J'onn walked in past him, but Diana seemed to hesitate, glancing around cautiously before fully entering the estate, which for some reason made Bruce prickle in annoyance.

"They're down in-," Batman was cut off by J'onn's raised hand.

"I know," was all that the Martian said before turning intangible, taking Diana's bag, and slipping into and then under the floor they were standing upon. Batman was turning to leave but stopped when Diana spoke.

"Bruce, aren't you even surprised to see me?" she asked. "God forbid you may actually be happy."

Batman turned back around slightly to just look at her. Diana was staring right back at him, standing tall and proud like a true Amazonian. Her clothes clung to her skin slightly from the rain and it made her hair twist together in spiraling tendrils that framed her gorgeous blue eyes. Her wet hair instantly reminded him quite painfully of their kiss.

"It's good to see you again, Wonder Woman," was all he managed to finally say.

They stared at one another for a long moment, neither one daring to move, barely even to breath. Diana took a few steps toward Batman steadily, this time she wasn't hesitating. She stopped only a foot away and angled her head back to look up at Batman.

"When you kissed me, did you mean it?" she asked calmly, her voice betraying nothing. "Was it just a ploy to get me to go back with you?"

Batman didn't say anything at first, just as stoic as she was, if not more so. Diana placed one hand lightly against his cheek and moved forward just a tad more until she was only scarcely touching him, so lightly it was more like a memory rather than reality.

"Don't," Batman snapped, snatching her hand roughly in his as he pulled it away. The moment was shattered. He took one wide step backwards, leaving plenty of space between them. Batman continued before Diana could break his hold on her. "There can never be anything between you and me. My enemies would never stop until they got to me, through you. I don't care if you're just as strong as Superman, you still aren't invulnerable. Plus, we work together. I may make stupid decisions in order to save you, than an innocent life. There is nothing between us and there never will be."

"Oh yeah?" she challenged. "Then what about when you kissed me on Themyiscira?"

"I slipped up once," he said, setting his jaw and making his lips form a grim line, "and I promise you it will never happen again."

And just like that, the conversation was over, because Wonder Woman knew when to drop a subject. However, she was staring daggers at his back all the way to the bat cave.

The others were surrounding J'onn, all bright with laughter and joy when the two reached the underground sanctum. Flash was retelling some story which in turn brought a new round of heart mirth. Batman walked over to the group, followed closely by Diana, who then got mobbed everyone else.

Flash hugged her, and then Superman wrapped his arms around both of them and easily hefted the two clean from the floor. Green Lantern got his way in and clasped a hand on her shoulder in greeting, but Shayera held back, not that anyone noticed, just as Batman was.

"Something happen between you and Diana?" Shayera asked, joining Batman quite a few yards from everyone else. Batman narrowed his eyes at her harshly but didn't bother to respond. He hated when Shayera of all people could read him, in fact, he hated when people could read him period.

Shayera held her hands up in surrender, "Okay, forget I ask."

"Why aren't you in there?" Batman questioned, turning the subject back onto the winged woman with a gesture towards their friends. She cast him a knowing side long glance but didn't say anything about it, instead merely answering his question.

"Because the princess never really forgave me for betraying the Justice League when the Thanagarians attacked," Shayera chuckled, brushing her copper hair from her neck. "No matter how many times I explain to her that at the time I did what I thought was right, she just doesn't see it that way. I wouldn't have rejoined the Justice League if I had been in the slightest doubt that it wasn't right."

"You don't have to defend yourself to me," Batman said simply, not kindly, but literally. Shayera let a small smile fall across her face. That was one of the best things about Bruce, she figured, because with him, you knew where you stood, and honestly was such a great gift these days.

"And all the newbie superheroes thought you were just such a badass," she smirked while watching Batman from the corner of her eye again, waiting for a reaction. He stiffened faintly and shot the death glare over in her direction, the white slits of his cowl narrowing to deathly thin proportions. With that, he went back over to the cluster of heroes and after a few terse words they all quickly sat down in their chairs around the table. Shayera joined them as well, taking her place next to Green Lantern quietly.

"We have a problem," was all that the dark knight said for a moment.

Thus it earned some confused stares all around but Batman continued like it was nothing with, "There's a threat that we cannot fight alone. For now, we will work together, like before. During the time between the next expected attack and our own assault on the Injustice Syndicate, we should gather our forces and try to recruit come of the ex-members."

"But what about when this is all over?" Diana asked, casting a strange look all around the table of her friends. Batman knew what else she wanted to ask; if she could go back to the island when it was all over or not.

Batman gazed back at her, locking eyes with Diana, hoping she would understand these words for more than just the question at hand. "I don't know, Diana. Right now, things are complicated and there's no way to see what the future will hold for any of us. We're in the middle of what could be the biggest fight of our lives, so what has yet to come, doesn't have much weight with us."

Diana blinked once, slowly, as if she was taking in his rejection as well as an answer, all at one time. Luckily, no one else at the table seemed to catch on to what the hidden words were or even meant towards.

"And we'll all just stay here?" Green Lantern asked skeptically. "Amanda Waller knows where you live, man. What we need to do is find a place that she doesn't know about that will give us room to train."

They were all silent for a moment, thinking as to what place they could even begin to go for refuge.

"What about Dr. Fate's tower?" Shayera asked. "When I left the Justice League, he said that he would always sanction my return, no matter what circumstances, so surely he would the permit seven of us to stay there."

"No," Batman replied. "Fate wouldn't allow us to use his place to prepare for some battle. He keeps his ground rules tightly."

"What about the Fortress?" offered Superman. Flash shivered at the memory.

"No way, Supes, it's way too cold up there," he denied.

"So what?" Lantern shrugged. "All we need to do if we're cold is to wear heavier clothes. If Superman has a secluded place where we can rest and train, then I say we go for it."

"Well, it's not going to be as nice as the watchtower," Superman granted modestly. The air suddenly seemed thicker, sadder, just by the mention of their beloved lost tower. They all did sorely miss their second-home-in-space, but no one said a word, just letting the silence stretch on respectfully.

"Maybe we should just stay here," J'onn said solemnly, eyeing the rest of his team with his thoughtful orange gaze. "We can train where we want and when we want as to all be together, for we all have some mode of transportation, but we shall report back to here, perhaps?"

"And sleep here too?" Flash asked doubtfully.

"No, Flash," Batman responded. "Amanda Waller would expect us to stay together, so what we're going to do is meet up every other night here, but sleep other places. On the nights which we meet, we can get the location and hero of whom we will go see and try to get to join us. And when it's done, you come back and report."

"Alrighty," Flash smiled. "Let's do it."


Author's Note: You guys would not believe the hell I was put through to write that fight scene. I had it all in my head, and then to actuallymap it out and write it was torture. And yay, the seven's back together! So, this chapter was really freaking long and I alo wanted to apologize for all of those Batman/Wonder Woman fans who are snapping their fingers saying "shoot! so close!" but I feel like Batman's doing a professional thing. I mean, what if he sacrificed a citizen's life for the sake of Diana? He would be totally compromised. Anywho, hope you guys liked. Reviews?