#SweetJusticeandTroubles
Still at the pier, the group kept walking, chatting a bit after the night they were beginning to have. Barbara put her faith that she could make it so that Diana could be a normal girl. And she was managing to do this in a way that made her happier than she had ever been. On the other hand, Johnny could see that his optimism, although he was getting a little irritated with the problems of the training, was finally coming back, seeing that he actually had friends he could count on.
(Barbara) - Now, ladies and gentleman. - To the rest of the group, who were looking at Barbara, half-confident. Diana, Karen, Kara, Zee, Johnny and Jessica were standing next to the girl in the purple hoodie as she continued to speak. - After a night like tonight, there is only one thing that can cement this friendship: frosting! - She began to lead the group into a gigantic and colorful ice cream store, which brought a smile to everyone's face, which was enough for everyone to start getting ready to say something.
-Sweet Justice! - Everyone but Barbara, Diana and Johnny spoke the same sentence, which showed the excitement of the girls to be in a place like that. The boy seemed to be half surprised to see Sweet Justice, simply amazing in his vision.
(Kara) - You don't want to miss this! - Johnny seemed a little nervous about what he was seeing, considering all the ice cream options they had to choose from, but not knowing which one to get, which did not go unnoticed by Zee, who came up to him, with a shy smile.
(Zee) - What's up?
(Johnny) - Sure. I'm just a little undecided about which flavor I'll choose. - He analyzed the options, as if he had to make an important decision, but he kept calm at that moment.
(Jessica) - Just go with your heart. - At this, each went up to the counter, as they looked at a clerk, half-animated, serving each one with a certain half-surprising speed. A young Barry Allen, taking and delivering orders not only cheerfully, but with a smile on his face.
(Barry) - What's it going to be? The usual, always, always, always. - He stopped half suddenly when he saw Barbara, Johnny and Diana on the scene, seeing that they were new, until Zee positioned herself in front, deciding to order for everyone in the group.
(Zee) - Babs will have the Triple Wavy Tower Sweet Cake with rainbow granules. Diana will have the Death by Chocolate, - The Amazon started to pick up a gun that was lowered by magic so as not to draw too much attention. - Figure of speech. Diana and my friend Johnny here will have the Strawberry Candy Surprise.
(Johnny) - I'm a little curious now. - He looked at Diana, seeing that she was still a bit confused. The boy thought it might have been the movie they saw before they went to the pier, but he concentrated a little on the order that had been placed, while slowly, he watched Barry prepare the orders a little faster than he had imagined. The fact that Zee had ordered for them meant that she seemed to know that some people liked surprises, something that made him a little more nervous.
A few minutes passed, with that, Karen, Barbara, Johnny, Zee, Kara and Jessica began to eat the ice cream they had received, except for Diana, who didn't seem to know what to do now.
(Johnny) - Diana, what are you waiting for? - The Amazon decided to try the request she had received. At that moment it was as if a mix of emotions took over her body. An impulse that came suddenly because of the combo of flavors that the ice cream had, along with the sugar that was in it. Something totally different than the fights he had faced until now.
(Diana) - I have never tasted something so wonderful like this! I must have more of this magical mixture! - In a few seconds she began to take the ice cream from each of the girls, tasting all the sugar in the ice cream, a sign that she was amazed. Getting close to Karen's ice cream, she looked at the girl, half excited. - Are you planning to eat this? - In just a second, she grabbed Karen's ice cream, leaving Johnny's last, in which he tried to protect his ice cream from the Amazon. However, that was enough for Diana to faint after devouring the ice cream of each of the group.
(Johnny) - Looks like she ended up having a sweet little boost from how good it was. - Diana was passed out, not moving, making some half nervous. Zee looked on, a little worried, along with Jessica and Kara, at the same time Johnny, Barbara and Karen were a little nervous to see that Diana was still not moving.
(Karen) - Diana? - She touches the Amazon with one of her fingers. In just a second, Diana wakes up, apparently recovered, still excited after her little sugar trip.
(Diana) - Siblings! This food is more delightful than ambrosia! This place is more perfect than the Elysians! I declare that we must celebrate each of our future victories here and fast!
(Barbara) - Sweet Justice is life!
(Jessica) - I don't know what that means.
Emotion seemed to have taken over many once again. Johnny looked to the sides, knowing that he was feeling accepted, at times, seeming to be something kind of unlikely. He looked at Diana, giving a little laugh, while at the same time, showing the happiness he was feeling inside his body after all that had happened. Slowly, as they enjoyed the evening, Johnny looked at the owners and Barry, seeing that they seemed to be talking to someone.
(Johnny) - Have you ever had the feeling that there is something strange?
-What are you doing? We refused the offer. Get out of here, please. - One of the owners said, a little worried.
-We said we wouldn't sell. Barry, go get our lawyer.
(Jessica) - Lawyer? Why would they need a lawyer? - Somewhat suddenly, several robots began to appear, with one of them going up to the counter.
Attention citizens. This business has been categorized for immediate destruction. By order of the city of Metropolis, you have 30 seconds to comply. - At that very moment, the citizens started to run, seeing the panic, while the group was gathered, watching everything, a little worried.
(Kara) - What are we going to do?
(Zee) - What can we do? They are robots from the city. - The purple haired girl spoke, while at the same time, they looked at each of the robots, still worried.
You have 15 seconds to obey. - The owners seemed to be a bit afraid. Looking at the group, you could see that they didn't move from their seats.
-Please, people. Nothing you say will stop them.
(Diana) - But the city can't tear this place down without permission! This doesn't make any sense!
-You have 10 seconds to obey. - Each of the group was divided, wondering whether to fight or obey the warning. A mixed thought went through everyone's head, including how things could be going wrong now. It was an unusual decision. However, without them realizing it, this time that the seven of them took thinking ended up consuming what they should choose. This also caused the robots to go into demolition mode.
-This completes your warning. The demolition will now begin. - More robots began to appear one after another, in demolition mode, as Kara, Johnny, Zee, Jessica, Barbara, Karen and Diana's concern simply increased even more as they saw the robots trying to destroy the Sweet Justice according to the orders they had received. The Amazon then saw that one of the robots was heading in the direction of a young boy who was wearing a Lexcorp virtual reality goggle, causing the Amazon to launch herself out of pure instinct towards the young man and pull him away from the direction of the machine, saving his life.
(Diana) - It doesn't matter if these machines are protected by the law of men! Our mission is to protect the innocent. And that's what we must do. Come, brothers! It's our time!
(Johnny) - She is right! It is our time! We can't let these things destroy this wonderful place! - Everyone stood up, ready for the fight, which was enough for a tear to fall from Diana's eye because of the emotion of seeing the whole team gathered for the fight. Putting on their costumes, the group got into position.
(Diana) - Huzzah! Let's get more chocolate!
The group then set out to attack the robots, trying to remain firm in every detail of the fight. Johnny started to use his energy manipulation powers, shooting several bursts one after the other, managing to destroy some of the robots, while the girls took the lead in the fight. Batgirl managed to save a couple that were being attacked by a robot, Supergirl began to crush each of the robots she saw in front of her, while Bumblebee tried to attack each of them, however, his attacks began to fail due to the fact that he was small because of the costume. For each one the boy destroyed, he continued to concentrate more energy, trying not to hide the fear he was feeling, but to embrace the powers he had with him. Looking at Diana destroying some of the machines, he could see how committed the Amazon was to being able to stand her ground.
(Johnny) - Maybe if we continue like this, we can stop them. - He fires another blast that goes through some of the robots, until suddenly, several others appear, showing that what they were facing seemed to have no end at that moment. Each blow they dealt was kind of slowing them down, along with the girls, who were giving it their all, until suddenly, Supergirl passes at high speed through the group, leaving everyone kind of surprised. - Supergirl, wait!
(Kara) - I can handle it. - She hit several of the robots in front of her with her super strength, however, this ended up throwing the machines in the direction of more teenagers who were wearing virtual reality glasses inside the ice cream parlor. Green Lantern managed to save them, however, this ended up breaking a support beam, forcing her to take cover. Johnny, seeing some of the beams starting to break, used one of his hands to try to contain them in the face of the situation.
(Johnny) - It can't get any worse. - He uses the other hand that was free to try to push the robots away, while slowly, he began to try to steady himself. The strength he was having to put into his body seemed to be difficult.
(Diana) - Bumblebee, try to short-circuit them! - Even though she tried to attack with the suit, they put saws in place, forcing her to retreat with the suit that was in shrinking mode. Johnny was practically trying to hold everything around him, along with Green Lantern, feeling the fear in their bodies. It was slowly becoming clear that they were both having to put more of their resolve into protecting the place. Batgirl tried to throw several punches at them, but none of the robots would fall, which was enough for one of the machines to throw her onto another beam. - Focus, Batgirl... - she sighs, more nervous than she has ever been. - By Hades, I'll do it myself. - Using her powers, Diana began to take down the robots in record time, while at the same time, punching the chassis, destroying the machine in front of her. However, Zatanna accidentally ends up hitting her with a blast, throwing her onto another beam. Even though the boy was trying to contain what was happening with his powers, deep down, it seemed that he couldn't take it anymore. It was enough for everyone to be forced to retreat.
They were looking at what could be their first failure as a team. Sweet Justice had collapsed. That was enough to be a little surprised.
-Thank you for your cooperation. You will receive a bill for any damage to city property. Have a great day. - The robots are gone. That was enough for Diana to slap Kara, with a certain anger in her body.
(Diana) - Insubordination! Why didn't you wait for my orders? You are reckless!
(Kara) - Well, excuse me, Princess! In case you didn't notice, I was the only one there who was really fighting!
(Karen) - I was fighting. - Karen spoke, somewhat shy.
(Kara) - You were afraid.
The argument seemed to be taking over each of them, with Johnny being able to feel everything around. He seemed to want to break up the discussion, but there was a certain nervousness in his body.
(Johnny) - Can we calm down a little bit? It's obvious that fighting like this is not going to solve things.
(Kara) - Why don't you stay out of this? Talk to Jess! She could have ended them all just by wearing her ring! - The two started looking at each other, practically shooting themselves in the face with them, while making it clear that they were both feeling a certain anger in their bodies.
(Johnny) - As far as I know, I didn't show off, unlike some people. Zatanna managed to take down Wonder Woman and you, but you, Kara, should have stopped to think about the situation.
(Kara) - Are you going to blame me for what happened?
(Johnny) - No. I'm not blaming anyone. What happened now was the exact opposite of teamwork. - Sighs, totally nervous. - Now I'm getting totally stressed.
(Zee) - At least my magic managed to do something better than certain people's powers. - She looks at Johnny, totally nervous. - You acted as if you were holding back.
(Johnny) - I'm still trying to master my powers, Zatanna. Why do you think I used them to try to hold the beams? Imagine you have intense strength, but still...
(Zee) - As far as I know, his ego was inflated.
(Johnny) - And yours? - Both of them seemed to be making clear a certain anger in the middle of the discussion that was emerging little by little. - Someone with such a big ego seems to think that just because he has enough magic to change things, he can do anything. Your arrogance is stamped on your face, you know?
(Zee) - I am not arrogant. You can call me perfect, if you want to know.
(Johnny) - Isn't it the same?
(Barbara) - Guys. Guys. - she said, managing to get the group's attention and stop the discussion. - It's okay, we can fix it. - Barbara began to analyze the wreckage of the destroyed robots, looking at everything that could be around, also analyzing the Lexcorp brand. - A city would never demolish a private business! They were sabotaged. By Lex Luthor.
(Jessica) - Lex Luthor? - she spoke, with a certain doubt in the girl's answer.
(Barbara) - That's it.
(Zee) - The most risky and powerful man in all of Metropolis?
(Barbara's animation seemed to be a bit intense, while at the same time she maintained her optimism in that situation.
(Kara) - Focus, Batgirl! What would Lex Luthor possibly have against cupcakes?
(Johnny) - I have to give her credit. At least Batgirl was able to find a clue among the wreckage. That's the first step to understanding what's going on. - Kara seemed to have become more stressed than she already was. That moment seemed to be the breaking point for the blonde.
(Kara) - What's it got to do with you? Who wouldn't want to have powers like you? The ability to take out any enemy at once. Manipulating energy like that is a power greater than you could ever imagine. - The Kryptonian spoke, while remaining more irritated than she already was.
(Johnny) - Who wouldn't want powers like me? - He uses some of his powers, managing to lift some of the debris. - I have a strength unlike anything I've ever felt before. What do you think happens if something goes wrong? I lost control of my powers once.
(Kara) - And what happened to make you lose control like that? Did someone irritate you that much in a single day?
(Johnny) - It wasn't just in a single day. It was over several days. - He spoke, a little fearful, yet totally nervous. But for Karen, that was enough for her to realize what the boy was going through.
(Karen) - You have been bullied, haven't you? - The question left the girls a little surprised, even with the optimism of someone they had just met. Johnny's optimism seemed to be a little difficult.
(Johnny) - Imagine having someone on top of you just for being different. For liking things like science fiction, or movies in other genres that people nowadays, scoff at. I was the type that loved romantic movies. I have several friends in high school in Coast City. But there was one bully who thought he was the king of the town. And to prove his point, he decided to make me the target of his jokes. - He looks at Kara, totally irritated, also having reached the breaking point. - You, Supergirl, look like you didn't have to go through this. I believe almost no one here has gone through anything like this. Do you really want to know that much about my powers, Kara? The truth is that even though Diana says they are a gift, deep down they are not.
(Kara) - I didn't mean it. I swear.
(Johnny) - Of course. The girl who solves everything by brute force is trying to apologize. You know, as funny as this is... - He puts one of his hands on his face, practically nervous about the situation. - I am an optimist because I believe in the best in everything I meet. Honestly, I put so much faith in all of this, it feels like I was wrong. These powers, honestly, even I don't know how this happened. Admit it: this whole thing is a joke. A joke in such bad taste that we are carrying it out out of optimism. - He seemed to be making some things float with his powers, until he kept his cool again. - Infuriated. - The boy then starts to walk away, leaving some a little surprised.
(Diana) - Where are you going?
(Johnny) - Come on. After all, I think everyone here agrees with me that this was all a mistake. If my ego is big, if I have no control over my powers, what's the point? Deep down, even you don't think I'm capable of this. And I think you are right. - Johnny then disappeared, leaving the girls totally surprised by what had happened. Karen then began to put her things away, along with the costume she was wearing.
(Karen) - Face it, we were never meant to be heroines. Least of all me. - Barbara looked on, watching each of the girls give up, with Zee being next.
(Zee) - For once, I agree with Karen. I never wanted to do that in the first place.
(Barbara) - No, wait-
(Jessica) - I knew that this ring would only lead to violence and destruction.
(Kara) - Like I said, trying to be a hero is for weaklings. - They all left, leaving only Barbara and Diana in place. Somewhat suddenly, everything began to blur.
(Barbara) - Wonder Woman?
(Diana) - Barbara Gordon, meet... my mother. - Unusually, Queen Hippolyta's presence became visible, along with what appeared to be an army behind her.
(Barbara) - Your mother looks like the ultimate boss. - The red-haired girl hid her face behind her hood, totally nervous.
(Hippolyta) - Disguising herself as a warrior, entering the tournament of Athena and Aphrodite against the wishes of her queen, leaving Themyscira without my permission! - Barbara seemed to be a bit surprised to hear this from Hippolyta, realizing that the girl in front of her was a rebel before she even set foot in the city.
(Barbara) - You... sneaked out? I thought it was your destiny to save the Man's World.
(Hippolyta) - This insolent child has no such fate! She has brought shame to her people! Come, Diana! It's time to return home. - In one motion, she began to pull Diana by the ear and drag her to a Viking ship. - And accept your punishment. You are facing the grounding of your immortal life, young lady.
(Barbara) - Diana... - Barbara could only stare, half perplexed. With a sadness taking over. That was enough for the girl to remove her hood and take out her cell phone. - Dad? Can you come get me?
Arriving home, Johnny walked in the door, still half worried. Seeing his mother with dinner ready, he walked past her, without her seeing him. Kate then went to the stairs, seeing her son coming up the stairs.
(Kate) - How was your day, son? Did you have fun with your new friends?
(Johnny) - Yes. - He just went upstairs, trying to keep a half shy smile on his face, while at the same time, he went into his room, a little sad. He just lay down, picking up a baseball that was on top of a piece of furniture in his house. - Where did it all go wrong? - He starts to throw the ball, totally dismayed.
Inside the car, Commissioner Gordon looked at his daughter, trying to understand what had happened.
(James) - So, did you have fun with your new friends? - The same question that Johnny's mother had asked him, by pure coincidence, the Commissioner made sure to answer.
(Barbara) - Of course.
Arriving home, Barbara just lay in her bed, totally saddened by what had happened. She felt as if her optimism was simply low now. Singing a few songs to try to deal with the pain, she seemed to be trying to find a reason to keep going. She knew she had friends. She couldn't give up. However, her difficulty at that moment was such that she wondered what else could happen after all that had happened. Going to each of their homes, Barbara tried to convince each of them, but without success, including Johnny, who refused to answer the door, asking his parents not to answer.
A few minutes went by, with Barbara worried. Even so, she decided to do something unusual: call everyone she had in her contacts to convince them that they could be heroes. Still, each of the girls was annoyed. Johnny was the only one who didn't take the call.
-I'm not talking to you, Babs! - The girls spoke at the same time, while Barbara tried to keep her optimism inside.
(Barbara) - Guys, don't hang up!
(Kara) - Give us one good reason why we shouldn't!
(Barbara) - Because I need you to fight! And also the alarm is going to ring again. - The girls seemed to be angrier than ever, but Barbara wouldn't give up for anything now. - Look, I know that not all of us wanted to be heroines. But one of us did. She did. We don't have to choose to be heroes. But Diana's super scary warrior mother is dragging her back to her crazy magic island forever and now the only one of us who was sure what she wanted to be, she is the only one who has no choice. - Her explanation was slowly being told as she tried to convince the other girls to help in her mission to save Diana. - She wanted to save everyone in the whole world, and now she is the one who needs to be saved. You don't have to be heroes if you don't want to be. You don't have to fight. Except for this one time. Because she is our friend. And best friends, they are worth fighting for. - Barbara completed her speech, however, she couldn't hear the other girls' voices. - Hello? Hello?
(Kara) - You just cut off for a second there. Can you repeat all that?
Now it was Barbara's turn to be irritated that her own speech was not heard. But she decided to convince each of them again. The girl managed to find the location of Johnny's house, where each of them changed into their normal clothes so as not to attract too much suspicion. Nervousness was something in all five of them, but they had to at least convince him to come back and help.
(Zee) - Are you sure about this? - The purple haired girl looked more worried and fearful considering the current problem at hand.
(Kara) - I think he might be a little bit angry with us still.
(Barbara) - We need a little more help. We need to show Johnny that he can be important. He is our friend and you know it very well. - At this, Barbara knocks on the door, hoping to see if someone will answer it. Even with Johnny's request, his mother, Kate, answers the door, being surprised to see the five of them in front of her.
(Kate) - How can I help you?
(Barbara) - We... we are friends of your son. We want to talk to him.
(Kate) - He looked a bit gloomy when he got home.
(Kara) - That might have been half our fault. - The woman was kind of surprised to hear that. - We didn't offend him or anything. It was all a misunderstanding.
(Kate) - I think it would do him good to see some familiar faces. My son hasn't left his room in a while. - Still hearing the noise of the ball hitting the floor, Zee, Kara, Karen, Jessica and Barbara went up the stairs, while at the same time, they saw Johnny, lying down, as he threw the ball at the wall and back into his hand, without expressing any reaction.
(Johnny) - What are you doing here? - He continues to throw the ball, while at the same time, the other girls see his room, getting a little surprised with what they were seeing, with the posters, books and a notebook he had in his room, looking as if they were exploring.
(Barbara) - I know you are not very happy right now, but we need help. Diana's mother came here, she is forcing her to go back home. We have to save her.
(Johnny) - So what? - He continues to throw the ball, while at the same time watching the other girls seeing what they had in their room.
(Barbara) - What do you mean, so what? I don't know if you understand, but Diana practically saw potential in you. She believed when no one else would, not even you.
(Johnny) - It is the pure irony of fate. One moment, you believe you are important to someone, and when you least expect it, it turns out that you have always been wrong like everyone else. - He throws the ball again, while keeping his expression downcast. Zee started to look at the books he had, seeing that most of them were all mysteries. - Do you like what you see, Zee?
(Zee) - You have a lot of Agatha Christie books here, in my opinion.
(Johnny) - That's right, I bought it a while ago in my old town. I've always been a fan of a good mystery, in movies or books.
(Zee) - Death on the Nile, The Orient Express, that's a lot on that shelf.
(Johnny) - That's right, I've always been optimistic about certain details. - Stop throwing the ball, as it falls into your hand again.
(Karen) - We understand. You had problems in your old town. Anyone suffers because of that.
(Johnny) - It's not just that. It's everything. I worry about anything that happens around me. Just look at me. - He gives a shy little laugh, trying to hide his uncertainty. - I have given a demonstration of my powers before, but I never thought I needed to use them. Can any of you read my mind by any chance?
(Jessica) - None of us have mind-reading powers, if you ask me.
(Johnny) - So I guess I can sum it up: Before this bully came to school, I was just like everybody else. A group of friends who loved the same things as me. We were almost like smart guys in some ways. - He told everything, kind of worried, while at the same time, wondering about everything he was supposed to do. - Then one day, I woke up like it was a day like any other. I didn't realize it at first when I woke up, but I was able to lift an object in front of me, without using my hands. That was when I realized that I had powers. Little by little, I searched and found out about energy manipulation and what it could do. - Little by little, he kept a constant worry in his body. Fearful. As if he had something more than fear. - I never told anyone about these powers that I had. I never thought I would need to use them. - Sighs, still trying to explain. - Then, some time passed. Until the bully arrived.
(Kara) - It must have been really hard for you.
(Johnny) - Indeed, Kara. I'm not usually very open about my problems. What he did with me was what he thought was funny: locker, bucket on the door, trick after trick. The climax of this came in a competition, more precisely in a science project. I assembled a volcano, a classic thing, but with some modifications. And this same guy, without my seeing it, stole the volcano that my friends and I had built, and presented the project as his own. This made me more angry than I already was. - He remembered everything, with a certain photographic memory, apparently speaking. - My anger channeled my powers without anyone seeing. The volcano I had built, it just exploded, along with a bunch of paint we had put on it as part of the experiment, on this bully and his friends. At one point, when I was alone, my powers got more out of control, to the point where I destroyed part of the school because of the anger and negative emotions I was feeling inside.
The girls seemed to be a little surprised by what they were hearing, while at the same time, Johnny seemed to have a deep fear in his body after telling them everything that had happened.
(Johnny) - So, the truth is that I'm afraid of myself. What I was able to do was enough to move to Metropolis, along with my parents. Having that much power can be considered bad luck. I'm afraid of losing control of my powers again, of hurting someone who is close to me. Now you know. Even if I am a hero, there is no guarantee that something won't go wrong.
(Jessica) - I think I know how you feel. I'm also afraid that something will go wrong, Johnny. When I got that ring, I told myself that I could solve problems without violence. I'm also afraid of what I might do with it. - The girl knelt in front of him, while at the same time, she hugged him. - We all fear something, whether we have powers or not.
(Zee) - We may have problems, but we have the choice not to let them affect us. The truth is that your abilities are more than meets the eye. Look at me: I have magic in my body. I can do a multitude of things, and I never thought of being a heroine. - He giggles, as each of the girls start hugging him, worried, but keeping a smile on their faces. - And I can have my way, even if I'm a little annoyed, but deep down, I care. We can do a lot if we're together.
(Kara) - And whatever happens, we will be there to help, Johnny.
(Johnny) - I worry, I really do. But... I think I want to be close to see where this story goes. - He puts one of his hands in front of them, with a smile on his face. - For Diana.
(Barbara) - For Diana. - Barbara put her hand on top of the boy's hand, with Karen and Jessica doing the same.
(Karen) - For Diana.
(Jessica) - For Diana. - Soon, Zee and Kara did the same move, showing how they were willing to help.
(Zee) - For Diana.
(Kara) - For Diana.
The six joined hands, reforming the team at that very moment. At this, they began to descend, with a smile on their faces. Kate then looked at her son, happy to see that he was all right.
(Kate) - You look much better.
(Johnny) - We worked it out, Mom. - He starts to walk to the door, leaving his mother a little puzzled.
(Kate) - Where are you going?
(Johnny) - To do a little pending thing.
(Kate) - Good luck.
The sextet began to run, and without anyone seeing, they hid behind a bush, putting on their superhero costumes as they ran, willing to do what was perhaps their greatest folly yet. But they were willing to save Diana and bring her back, before Hippolyta took her daughter back to the island where she came from. With a smile on their faces, they were willing to do whatever was necessary to bring the Amazon back.
To be continued...