A Better World
Truth
"How am I gonna cause the world to end?" Flash asked.
"It's what happened in our world. It's why everything happened the way it did," Nightwing said.
"Explain," Batman ordered.
Red Arrow sighed. "Pull up the footage, Nightwing."
Nightwing went over to the computer and holographic screens sprang up in front of them. On it was a picture of Lex Luthor in the Oval Office. Next to it was a picture of the Flash being dragged in front of a bunch of soldiers.
"Luthor became president in our world a few years ago. It didn't take long before he found some reason that the Flash was treasonous. He had him executed by firing squad," Red Arrow explained.
"Wait, so I'm dead in your world?" Flash asked.
"Yep," Lightspeed said sadly, unconsciously shifting closer to the older speedster.
"I still don't see how this is going to bring about the end of the world," Superman said.
A few keystrokes, and Nightwing had changed the picture to a snapshot of the Justice Lords and a graph of those in jail through the years of tyranny. It was a straight upward curve with no sign of leveling off.
Red Arrow continued his explanation. "Not long after, our Superman went mad. He started talking to himself and he grew brutal. Every villain he fought ended up with at least a few broken bones. The rest of the Justice Lords, our version of the Justice League, grew more withdrawn and gloomy. They didn't think that the people could really take care of themselves anymore. Then, Superman decided that enough was enough. He went after Luthor, but he was egged on and killed Luthor. The Justice Lords then took over the world, taking away any power that countries had to rule themselves. All villains were lobotomized, and anyone who committed even a small crime was arrested without a trial."
"I don't believe it," Hawkgirl stepped forward.
"We would never allow ourselves to become tyrants," Wonder Woman added.
"But that's what happened. We didn't agree with what happened there, and we decided to take matters into our own hands. We took down the Lords, saved all the people of Earth, and now we're shunned. To them, we're criminals," Ghost said.
"And that's why you're here," Batman stated.
The Rebels nodded gloomily.
"We did not wish for your world to become like ours. We wanted to save you from all the pain," Tempest said.
"We'll have to talk this over," Flash said, it was a rare serious moment for him.
The League formed into a group to discuss what they had heard. A few minutes later, they turned around.
"We should have you arrested for what you've done, but instead, after reviewing the circumstances, we've decided to let you go home with the promise that you'll never return," Superman said.
Red Arrow nodded. "We realize now that's it wasn't the best idea to come here. We won't come back."
"We've got a few more questions, though," Wonder Woman said.
"I'll be happy to answer them," Red Arrow said.
The League and Red Arrow went into a separate conference room to talk while the rest of Rebel Justice sprawled in seats and on the floor. Kid Flash, Superboy, Robin, and Aqualad had stood in the background until this point. They stepped forwards, intrigued by their counterparts.
"We have a few questions of our own," Aqualad said.
"Ask away," Nightwing said, standing on his hands.
"How did the small number of protégés grow to this number?" he started out.
"Speedy, Robin, Kid Flash, and myself were the first. Our mentors were much more strict, and Superboy did not appear until after Speedy had disappeared. Martian Manhunter brought his niece, Miss Martian to be his protégé after Green Arrow took in Artemis. Zatanna joined after an incident with her father. Rocket joined the Rebels, as did the members that are not with us now, Cheshire and Arsenal," Tempest replied.
"Who's Arsenal?" Kid Flash asked, interested.
"Spoilers," Nightwing warned.
"You'll find out soon enough," Lightspeed joked.
The teens got along well, asking and answering questions.
"So," Kid Flash was talking to his counterpart. "Who am I dating in the future?"
Lightspeed turned red. "I don't think I should tell you. Just remember to look for a spitfire."
"Spitfire?"
Superboy and Powerboy were having a stare off.
"Does he talk to you?" Superboy asked.
"No."
Red Arrow stepped out of the conference room.
"It's time to go."
Nightwing set up the portal, and Rebel Justice left this world for the last time.
So next time we'll find out what happened in the conference room. See ya soon!
-Shadow