"The battle is still raging on Thanagar." Wonder Woman informed the usual group around the table at the castle.
This wasn't a Shield meeting. It was a general one.
"It could likely go on for several weeks." Brunhilde sighed. "Will you be overseeing things, Husband?"
Harry shook his head. "Odin assured me his people wanted a true battle. With all the risks involved. The Valkyries are out in force and the current residents of Valhalla are setting up new chairs at the feasts."
"They want to die?" Kara asked in disbelief. She was aware of much of the Asgardian way of life as Lara insisted she accompany her when she visited Jor-El and Frigga.
"They are warriors. This is their way of life." Xander assured her. "The goblins back home were the same. It took a lot of arguing with Harry to stop him from preventing them from dying when they went into battle."
"What changed your mind?" Lana asked.
"Watching them never waver from their faith that this was the right thing to do." Harry shrugged. "I never really accepted it until several thousand years later when I started to call on souls from the afterlife. Luna helped too."
"What about… about my people?" Shayera asked quietly. She was dressed casually for once. Her helmet off and her red hair and green eyes showing her beauty.
"Many will die." Harry said firmly. "But I won't let your people die out."
She nodded, still clearly feeling the guilt. She gave Barry a weak smile as he took her hand comfortingly.
"Any other questions or information regarding Thanagar?" Clark asked.
"I can report that I have successfully reduced the Gordanians back to a pre-space-flight era." Brainiac spoke up. "I have wiped all data regarding the science needed.
"I recommend you act quickly to liberate the slaves before the Gordanians realise that some might have the knowledge they need."
"I will head over tonight." Harry assured him.
"I will accompany you." Clark added. "Perhaps…" He turned to Aphrodite. "Your daughters might be willing to participate? If Harry protects them?"
"I can help them stay on this side of the veil." Luna said as she appeared in the seat reserved for her. "Just make sure Harry has their DNA memorised."
"Then I agree." Aphrodite nodded stiffly. "Amara, I will join you and inform them myself."
"I'd like to go as well."
"Dad?" Clark asked Jonathan in surprise.
"Never ask someone to do something you won't do yourself." Jonathan said firmly. "As long as I am their regent, I am one of them."
"You would have made a fine Avenger, Jonathan Kent." Brunhilde smiled at him.
"I will stay by his side at all times." Diana promised Clark.
"And who will stay by yours, Princess?" Amara smirked.
"Sounds like a job for me." Xander said as he began stretching.
Clark was about to object when his communicator activated.
"I will stay with them, Kal."
He gave a short nod, even though he didn't look at Brainiac.
"Anything else?" Clark asked.
"I might have a zombie problem." Bruce spoke up. "I found a behemoth of a man trying to rob a bank in downtown Gotham. He was chalk white, slow moving and seemed to have limited intelligence.
"I tried talking to him and all I could get was his name was Solomon Grundy."
"Was he born on a Monday?" Barry quipped.
"So he says."
Barry was unable to come up with a response.
"I was able to drive him back without magic, but I couldn't contain him. Magic wouldn't stick to him and my tracker fell off.
"I am going to need a consult."
"Next time he comes up, give a shout and me or Clark will pop over." Harry promised.
"We might have a new player in Metropolis." Chloe spoke up. "Andrea came to me today and told me she was approached by an archer in a mask who calls himself Green Arrow.
"Yes, he was wearing green." She sighed as she saw several people gearing up for a quick stab at a joke.
"What did he want?" Bruce asked.
"To become a member of Shield."
"But Andrea's not a member." Lex frowned.
"But she has been seen with Superman." Chloe countered.
"Wait, an archer?" Kyla scowled. "With a long bow and quiver? Dresses a bit like Robin Hood?"
"Andrea let us have copy of her memory." Chloe said as she looked to the Cuckoos who immediately shared her memory.
"Yeah… I know I'm not a member of Shield, but I say you don't let that asshole anywhere near your team."
Miya was standing behind Kyla looking a bit confused. She had tried to hit the Amazon for swearing, but the girl had snatched the ladle out of her hand.
"Not the time, Miya." Kyla glared at her.
"How did you do that?" Miya asked.
"We can all do it, Honey." Harry chuckled. "We just love you and your ways and let you do it."
"The rest of us just fear you." Jason offered.
"What are your objections?" Bruce tried to get them back on track.
"He's a thief. He crashed a high-class party Martha and Jonathan were at and stole from several attendees, including Martha!"
"What? Why didn't you tell me?" Clark asked worriedly.
"Because your father handled it." Martha said pointedly. "And Anna and her team managed to drive him off."
"He is definitely not a candidate for Shield." Arthur said darkly.
"Agreed." Lex nodded. "Also, as a team, Shield has already set some 'rules' if you will regarding new members. We definitely aren't accepting volunteers."
"Oliver Queen."
Everyone turned to Victor who said the name quietly.
"I ran what could be seen of him through my systems. His face, body type and movements match Oliver Queen.
"But I admit that the body type and movements are a direct match based on the facial match."
"Were there other facial matches?" Brainiac asked.
"Two hundred and sixty in Metropolis alone."
Brainiac hummed thoughtfully. "I believe I have managed to eliminate eighty-three of the facial matches. But I can confirm Victor's conclusion based on body type and movements."
"What do we do about it?" Kyla asked. "Is this a Shield issue? Do you want the Amazons to handle it?"
"It's a police matter." Clark said simply. "The man is a thief and possibly an attention seeker. Bruce, how would you handle this?"
"As the man appears to have no powers or abilities, I would inform Jim Gordon of my findings. I would monitor how things went… but I would only step in if the person proved to be too dangerous or beyond the current capabilities of the police."
"But you'd still scare the crap out of him." Lois smirked.
Bruce simply returned the smirk.
"Captain Sawyer has the report we filed." Jonathan informed them. "Specifically regarding the jewellery he snatched from Martha."
"A very ancient necklace belonging to the Amazon Nation." Amara said with a hint of anger. "It was loaned to Martha Kent by Princess Diana.
"The Amazons are very angry that the wife of their Regent was attacked like this."
"Lex, can you and Tess speak to Captain Sawyer?" Clark asked. "Tell her that Shield is willing to provide back up if she needs it."
Tess interrupted her brother as he opened his mouth. "Listen, I know Oliver. I spent weeks with him when we escaped the island.
"This doesn't sound like him. He must have a reason."
"Which he can explain to the police." Arthur stated. "The man is a thief. From what little I can glean from the description of the robbery… he caused no small amount of terror to his victims."
"I was quite shaken." Martha admitted. "And I've been murdered twice."
Tess growled. "I take it back. I'll speak to Sawyer myself."
Martha was the mother of their god and mother-in-law of their goddess. They were lucky the Amazons hadn't descended on the party like goddesses of war.
No matter how proud Athena would have been.
%
Captain Sawyer sat in Lex Luthor's apartment opposite Mercy Graves and sighed. "Miss Graves, I appreciate everything you and your people do… but we're getting to the point where your help is not going to useful in an investigation.
"If I take this image to the DA they will want to know how it was taken. They will need that information for their case." She said as she held up a printed copy of the Green Arrow from Andrea's memory.
"Then consider it an anonymous tip." Mercy suggested. "You have eyewitness accounts and descriptions of this Green Arrow. There is no way he escaped every camera in the city."
Sawyer nodded tiredly. "This is going to be a nightmare. It was bad enough when trying to prosecute Lionel Luthor… that only succeeded because the Feds were involved and the clone was actively helping."
"If you need to involve the FBI you have cause. At least one item the man stole belonged to the Amazon Nation. It was on loan to Martha Kent by Princess Diana."
"And the connection from an Amazon princess to farmer's wife?" Sawyer asked sceptically.
"Princess Diana, Wonder Woman, is a member of Shield. She is good friends with Superman, Clark Kent. He has brought her to meet his family and they help her acclimate to 'Man's World'."
Sawyer put the photo down and sat back. "Are you sure you want the FBI involved? I know you aren't fond of the government agencies."
"The agencies… not the agents. We've worked with several who we would be happy to work with again.
"But, it is a risk we have to take if we don't want to completely alienate the US government."
%
Alienating the US government seemed to be unavoidable.
Whilst Tess was briefing Sawyer, Superman was briefing the UN and the Alliance on the recent invasion attempt.
"You are telling us now that you knew about an imminent invasion?" The American representative demanded.
"Yes."
"You should have told us immediately! The United Nations should have determined our course of action! Not some foreigners who aren't even from our planet!"
"All of us are citizens on Earth." Superman glared at him.
"You readily admitted you were born on another planet!"
"And I am still a citizen on this planet having been raised here since I was a toddler. Besides, the rest of my teammates, other than Hawkgirl, were all born on this planet, so your argument holds no water."
"You still should have submitted to our decisions!"
"The last time we offered the United States of America the chance to be a part of an extra-terrestrial event you were rude and insulting. And then you tried to commit genocide and put the entire planet at risk.
"My teammates and I are still clearing up the mess you made."
"How dare you!"
"Sit down and shut up." Superman barked. He then turned to the rest of the members. "Now, this situation has been dealt with. We will deal with similar situations the same way and you will be informed in the same manner… if you have complaints… take them up with the US."
Superman vanished with a gust of wind.
%
Clark was floating silently above the farm, just three hundred meters in the air, face up and staring at the stars. This was a horrible day.
"Want to talk about it?"
Clark huffed at Harry's voice next to him. "What's to talk about? Everything is… fucked up."
Harry grimaced. Clark did not swear. Ever.
"Want me to conquer America?"
Clark smiled softly, but said nothing.
"What's bugging you more? The 'Justice League of America' or the US filing charges against all of us?"
"I don't care about this Justice League, Harry. They aren't any sort of threat.
"I care about my family. Dad, Mom, Ryan, Lana, Chloe… hell, the whole town of Smallville. They are all at risk because of the arrogant US government.
"Bruce, Lex and Jason all stand to lose their inheritances and hard work."
"Now, I know you don't think for a second that I haven't put plans in place." Harry said with a very pointed look.
"And these plans will save Bruce's family home? The farm?"
"Clark, you've heard my dad and Neville say it before, but I only abide by other people's laws and wishes because I want to. Because I respect them.
"I have zero respect for the US government.
"Bruce's family home will be untouched. As will the farm."
"So we start conquering?" Clark asked as he sat up and faced his brother who was floating next him with his legs crossed.
"Clark… I've been slowly conquering the planet since I arrived." Harry smirked. "In the few months we were here before you and I met, I started opening various bank accounts around the world. All of them legal.
"I used those accounts to purchase a lot of stocks and land. I owned large amounts of stocks in Wayne Industries, LuthorCorp and Queen Industries within a month of arriving. Not to mention any other major company you want to name.
"Amara, Laura and Brunhilde were very busy."
"And what does that mean in practical terms for the farm? For the businesses?" Clark asked.
"For the physical assets, like the farm and Bruce's manor, I will use magic to hide them from the governments. Anyone looking to seize them under government authority won't be able to find it… but they will know it exists." Harry grinned evilly.
"As of yesterday, all our privately owned companies are now under Japanese law. All major bank accounts have been emptied and moved to Japanese banks.
"Pretty much any action the US government takes will cause harm only to the employees of our companies in the United States. So it is in their best interests not to."
"Harry, Kal." They turned to see Diana floating there. "Steve Trevor has come. He is saying the President is demanding a meeting."
"Really?" Harry said dangerously. "With whom?"
"You and the Shield team."
%
Jonathan Horne had been waiting nervously and impatiently in the Oval Office for Colonel Trevor to report back. He needed to talk to Potter and Shield immediately.
"You demanded a meeting?"
Jonathan jumped as Potter appeared in front of his desk, alone. Guns were instantly pointed at the man.
"Wait! Stand down!" Horne ordered his guards frantically. He then turned to Harry, his expression pleading. "I know I was rude. It was on purpose. I needed to talk to you urgently and assumed you would come quicker if you were angry."
"And you thought that was smart?" Harry growled.
"The safety of my country is at risk! Not from you or Shield. From congress. I have many powers as President, but I can't unilaterally control them.
"I don't want this 'Justice League' and I didn't in any way tell them to start proceedings against Shield members.
"I needed to talk to you to convince you not to make the American people suffer for the actions of the few."
Harry looked at the man appraisingly. "The people made a good choice when they elected you." He sat in the chair opposite the desk and indicated for the President to take his.
Horne took a deep breath and leant back. He had been terrified for most of the day.
"Would you like me to calm you?" Harry asked quietly. "You are very stressed. I can calm your body and mind so you can think rationally without all that fear and anxiety."
"No… thank you. I have never liked mind altering drugs… even prescription ones." Horne shook his head. "Listen, I hate everything about this Justice League.
"The name alone… 'Justice'? It simply screams Orwellian. Especially as they are government sponsored."
"You know one member is a thief wanted for questioning in Metropolis?" At Horne's scowl he expounded. "The Green Arrow, he invaded a political party event and stole several expensive items of jewellery, straight off the necks of patrons.
"Including an ancient piece from the Amazon Nation."
Horne turned to his personal assistant who was standing against the wall with the rest of the White House Staff. Conveniently behind the Secret Service Agents.
"I want the real names and identities of the so-called 'Justice League of America'. I want them now!"
The young woman nodded and darted for the door.
"Yeah…" Harry drawled slowly. "I don't know who she is, but 'Star Girl' is underage. Fifteen at best."
"Somebody issue an arrest for Waller." Horne growled, never looking away from Harry.
"Let me give you a little bit of additional information about my family." Harry said as he casually crossed his legs. "We've all been fighting since we were kids.
"I was one when I was nearly murdered. My sister was fourteen when she was murdered. My current youngest daughter was an experiment for a madman.
"My family understands that children can be forced into a fight… but we do everything to make sure they are trained at the least… just in case something slips by us."
"A warning on judging 'Star Girl' and Amanda Waller?" Horne asked.
"I don't know their motives." Harry shrugged. "I will say that I would never allow an underaged child to be a part of an adult law enforcement team.
"I would allow them to be members of a back up team. A team that could lend aid to civilians during events like the White Martian Invasion and Darkseid."
"But they are just children!"
"With incredible gifts. My youngest brother is a telepath. Imagine if he helped search and rescue teams… he could sense trapped individuals." Harry offered.
"But-"
"It's what they want to do." Harry smiled. "If we don't supervise and help them then they will put on a mask to defy us and do it anyway… like 'Star Girl'.
"Of course, I would recommend they wear a mask or let me hide their identities anyway. At least until they are older."
"You allowed children to fight?" Horne clearly doubted it was that simple.
"These children were in a different world to this one. A different Earth." Harry explained. "Imagine a world where some had an ability… like meta-humans here. But this ability was the result of a unique gene they all shared.
"The bigoted humans demanded they be contained, killed. Those children were hounded and hunted. Just like the adults with the gene.
"I couldn't stop them from fighting… but I made sure they were trained so they could if the bigots got past me."
"I understand." Horne nodded sadly. "We fight so others can live… but we can't be everywhere."
"My concerns for this Earth are that meta-humans will be treated like those gifted children on the other Earth." Harry told him. "I have dealt with many children and adults that have abilities beyond human norms on this Earth.
"These abilities can be as much a burden as a gift. They can destroy the lives of the person with them."
"And of others." Horne sighed. "Which is why the public fears them."
"Exactly."
"Doctor, as I said, I just wanted to speak to you to let you know that I am not party to this and neither are the general citizens of the United States of America. I remember the night I won the election.
"I don't want you or your team… your family to treat the USA as enemies."
"With respect to the Shield team and any crimes, catastrophes or simply aiding other meta-humans, nothing will change for my friends. They won't let themselves be intimidated into not aiding those in need.
"As for the attacks on their private lives and businesses… they will try to protect their employees. But as of yesterday, a substantial amount of money left the US for Japan."
Horne breathed in and closed his eyes. Not quite the worst case scenario… but getting there.
"This is a good move." Harry smirked. "You see, the government might be inclined to seize a business and all assets. But not if they wind up having to pay to keep the business running.
"If they do try and seize Wayne Industries, they will have to pay billions to keep it running.
"Or they will have to explain to the American people why several million people just lost jobs."
%
The following few days were filled with newspapers and media outlets trying to figure out what stories had top priority. The US legal suits being brought against the members of Shield and their personal and business lives or the fact that the President was strongly against it and had ordered an investigation into the new 'Justice League of America'.
The Green Arrow was hauled in for questioning and demasked. He was then charged with multiple accounts of theft, assault and other crimes.
Star Girl was immediately introduced to Harry and Lorna whilst her parents were interrogated about allowing her to run about fighting bad guys.
Batman eventually called in Superman when he found Solomon Grundy.
"Is there a reason we are just sitting here and watching the police fire thousands of dollars' worth of bullets at that thing?" Superman calmly asked Batman as they sat on top of a nearby building across from the Gotham Bank.
"Jim says we are forbidden from interfering. Orders from the Mayor, the Governor, the FBI.
"He's called them all and demanded help, but you and I are the only ones here."
"Civilians?" Superman asked.
"I got them out. Grundy seems more interested in gold and jewels."
"Why are they still firing?" Superman wondered. "The bullets clearly don't affect him."
Grundy was calmly making trips into and out of the bank as he carried sacks of gold and money and deposited them in large trailer meant to be hauled by a car or truck.
"Death's Hand described it best." Batman scowled. "They have to be seen to be doing something."
"Sounds like personal experience. Oh, new players." Superman nodded to the sky as a large jet descended and landed via Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL).
"The 'Justice League'." Batman growled.
As the jet powered down, the doors opened and a group of four costumed characters led by Steve Trevor descended the steps.
"Catwoman, Katana, Doctor Light and Vibe." Batman listed them. "Catwoman I'm familiar with. She's a thief. Someone must have pardoned her as Jim had an open case with her as the main suspect."
The woman was dressed in tight, black leather with a pair of orange goggles and head covering with cat ears on it. She carried a whip and her gloves had sharp claws.
"Katana is a mystery, but she's not exactly picky about killing with that sword." Batman scowled at the chalk-white Asian woman with the sword.
"Doctor Light… Doctor Arthur Light. A scientist who somehow gained the ability to fly and control light. His body language says he doesn't want to be here."
The glowing man of light was hard to see properly. But his head could be seen darting around as his shoulders were hunched.
"And Vibe. Another mystery."
The young man wore a loose sleeveless jacket over tight leather trousers. He wore a mask that concealed his eyes.
"What are the chances they can handle Grundy without collateral damage?" Superman asked as Trevor began issuing orders to his team.
"Minimal."
"They don't seem very confident." Superman noted as they watched Trevor lead the team and then address Grundy, ordering him to surrender.
Grundy ignored them, like the bullets.
"I think the Green Arrow was being groomed as their leader. Star Girl was their heavy hitter."
"Dammit!" Batman swore as the Justice League launched their first assault. Doctor Light became unbearable to look at.
"He's blinded everyone but the team!" Superman scowled as they saw the cops stumbling around.
A barrier of green light immediately separated the cops from the Justice League and Grundy as Hal Jordan appeared, floating in the air courtesy of Superman's mental call.
"Break out a gadget and help me heal these people." Superman ordered as he began zipping amongst the cops.
Batman didn't move. He wasn't going to waste his time moving only for Superman to have finished before he got there.
Instead he just watched as Grundy became enraged and began blindly swinging punches. The first thing he hit was his trailer full of money and gold. It went everywhere.
He could see the look of longing on Catwoman's face.
Grundy's punches were strong and just the impact near the Justice League sent them flying. They didn't go far as they hit the Green Lantern's barrier.
"Batman… what's going on?" Hal asked as he floated down, still maintaining his barrier.
"Grundy is pulling a bank heist."
"Bats… I know you don't think I'm very smart, but even I can see that. I was talking about you and Supes sitting on the bench."
"Federal orders. Gordon says we are prohibited from acting. He doesn't like it… but he doesn't have a choice."
"Are we answering to local government now?" Hal frowned.
"It's a teaching moment, Lantern." Batman explained calmly. "The FBI and the US Government are about to discover why people like Gordon and Sawyer call on us."
The Green Lantern dropped his barrier as the police were all healed and began to evacuate under Commissioner Gordon's orders.
"Trevor's going to be in the hospital for weeks." Superman said as he joined them. "Not sure about the durability of the others. Katana has multiple rib fractures and Vibe has a broken leg."
"Will Grundy kill them?" The Green Lantern asked.
"It depends on how much they fight after they should stay down." Batman answered. "If they annoy him."
"He looks fairly annoyed to… " Lantern trailed off as Doctor Light went sailing over their heads from Grundy's backhand. "Huh…so he's not a pure light construct."
Superman vanished and returned instantly with the Doctor.
Batman covered his eyes with Green Lantern until Superman waved his hand at the man causing him to stand there…
"You walk around naked?" Green Lantern was not impressed as he conjured some shorts on the man.
"I- I'm cured?!" The Caucasian man looked down at himself in amazement. "Y-You saved me!" He looked at Superman with pure hero worship.
"You weren't ill." Superman frowned. "I have just suppressed your light."
"Aren't you going to help your teammates?" The Green Lantern pointed to where Vibe was causing a massive vibration that was making it difficult for the Doctor to stand.
Grundy was unaffected.
The Green Lantern created a small platform for them to stand on.
"They aren't my teammates." Light sneered. "They were my masters. They forced me to work for their team. They kept me locked in a room. Refused to let me see my wife and kids.
"Do you know why the Justice League of America was created?" He turned to the three heroes. "Literally to counter Shield.
"You saved myself, my family and many of my friends when the Martians and Darkseid invaded. If you can protect my family and myself then I will work for you gladly."
"Superman, you bellowed?" Harry grinned as he appeared. "Isn't he a little underdressed?" He nodded his head to the shorts clad scientist.
"He's a victim of ARGUS and the Justice League. I've temporarily suppressed his power but you'll need to do some extra wok to give him control."
"Are you certain?" Batman asked Superman gravely. "After the Thanagarian incident… ?"
Superman nodded. "I'm close enough to him to feel his soul. I would be able to tell if he was lying."
"Yeah… soul…" Harry muttered as he looked towards the futile battle against Grundy.
Harry started walking towards them, easily jumping down off the roof of the four-storey building.
"Green Lantern, can you take Doctor Light to the castle?" Superman asked, clearly not wanting to let Harry go off alone.
"Go ahead. I got this."
Superman and Batman quickly jogged after Harry.
"Harry, what's the problem?" Superman asked as they caught up. He casually batted a thrown tire away.
"Someone has been fucking with souls again." Harry growled.
Superman winced as he smelt the smoke Harry was exhaling.
"Harry… ?" Superman and Batman shared a look of confusion as the man completely bypassed Grundy who was facing off against Vibe.
Vibe was immediately sent flying by another back hand.
"Superman, maybe you should remove Grundy from the situation." Batman suggested.
Superman was about to object to leaving Harry at this moment… but then he realised he could feel every single one of his bond mates. Including Lois, Aphrodite and Kusano.
Superman and Grundy vanished in a flash of lightning and thunder.
"Stand down, Potter." Steve Trevor wheezed from the floor with a broken leg.
Harry ignored him. He kept walking, simply holding out his hand as Katana's weapon flew into it.
"Horcrux?" Batman asked as they stopped.
"Return my sword!" The Asian woman demanded as she limped up.
Harry looked at her with narrowed eyes. "You are not evil. So I will assume you are ignorant.
"This sword holds many stolen souls."
"You tell me nothing new." She spat. "I used it to kill the one who used it on my husband and daughters. And I will use it on anyone who would try to do the same to others!"
"Then I will craft you a sword worthy of your goals." Harry said firmly. "But this sword… is an abomination.
"Luna. Teleute."
The two avatars appeared instantaneously.
"Whoa… is she part of the missing souls deal?" Teleute demanded as she saw the sword.
"I will remove the souls." Harry said. "The two of you can decide the fates of the souls unless I decide to destroy them. Then I will destroy the sword."
"Oh Harry." Luna said disappointedly. "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."
Harry just glared at his baby sister.
"You've just found a tool that can suck out the soul so you can judge it later. I can think of two groups of people who could make use of it." She returned the glare.
"She's got a point, Boss." Teleute offered. She backed up a step as she became the focus of the glare.
"That is my sword!" Katana was not happy at being ignored and had pulled a dagger.
"And this is mine." The gravelly voice was accompanied by the snap and hiss of Death's Hand's lightsabre as it glowed red under her chin. "Would you like me to dispose of her, My Master?" The cloaked figure asked with eager anticipation.
"No. She is not evil. Just uninformed." Harry shook his head. "We will give her a few moments with her family before we send her to my wife and daughters."
Katana was standing there motionless. Sweat was pouring off her. Not from fear… from the heat of the blade.
Harry gently ran his hand along the blade, from the hilt to the tip three times.
Katana gasped as she saw the ethereal forms of her husband and daughters.
Harry nodded to Death's Hand and the lightsabre vanished. "You only have a few moments."
Harry turned and walked away a few metres, Batman and Death's Hand leaving the reunited family in Luna and Teleute's hands.
Sword still in hand, he walked up to the young man who was on his hands and knees and gasping for breath. He casually waved his hand healing the man. "Vibe, right? Want to tell me your real name? I can easily find out myself."
"Screw you man!"
"Francisco Paco Ramon. Both parents deceased, two brothers."
Vibe was clearly staring at Harry in shock, despite the goggles.
"You were caught in a boom tube when Darkseid invaded, you've been physically changed and gained some abilities. You will be taken by Batman to my castle for a medical check up and details on your future training.
"Batman?"
Batman looked to Death's Hand who just nodded. Knowing the most important person in existence was in good hands, he grabbed the protesting Vibe and vanished.
"I'm guessing you already know who I am, Handsome." Came the seductive voice of Catwoman.
"Selina Kyle. Gifted with the abilities of a cat.
"A thief." Harry said dryly.
"Former thief." She smirked as she stood there, her goggles on her forehead and her hip cocked. "And I was pardoned."
"Make sure you stick to the 'former' part and return what you stole. Other than that… why the hell are you working for the government?" Harry demanded with exasperation.
"As opposed to you?" She laughed.
"As opposed to anything. I don't recruit. Shield doesn't."
"That pardon wasn't free." She smiled, with a hint of a sneer.
"I'll make you a deal then. I will talk to the President and make it so that the only terms are that you stay in contact with Commissioner Gordon and provide your expertise as a consultant on crimes he might need you for if Batman is busy."
"Just like that?" She scoffed.
"The President is not a fan of this Justice League. He is the reason the Green Arrow was arrested and Star Girl was sent to me.
"You were being led by a thief and had an underaged girl working with you."
"I knew she was just a kid!" Catwoman said triumphantly.
"You want the deal?"
"Sure. I'll help Gordon. Better than risking my expensive manicure on things like Grundy."
"Well, Gordon is that way." Harry pointed behind him. "Go tell him what I said and give him some contact details. I'll let him know when the deal is in writing."
She looked at him warily. "Ok… but if you cross me-"
She froze as the tall cloaked being ignited its weapon.
"Nevermind." She then quickly sidled past them.
"Still got it." Death's Hand chuckled.
"Got what?" Superman asked as he reappeared.
"An ego." Harry smirked. "Grundy?"
"Formerly known as Cyrus Gold. A mobster from the 20's who was betrayed, murdered and cursed. I found this out when I removed his soul. I gave it to Hel."
"Had to go full bore, eh?" Harry smirked as he indicated the sparks of lightning that were still dancing on his shoulders.
"If anyone goes to the dark side of the moon, they are going to find my body imprints." Superman scoffed.
"And these pitiful mortals thought they could take on that which would challenge my Master's apprentice." Death's Hand scoffed.
"I'm guessing Harry would have had to deal with it the same way I did. Destroy his own body so he could put a hand in and grab the soul." Superman shrugged.
"Well, let's go and talk to the last member of this disaster." Harry said as they moved over to the badly injured Steve Trevor.
"Steven… I honestly thought you were smarter than this." Harry said as he waved a hand, healing the man.
The man in question scowled as he struggled to his feet. "You were ordered to stay out of this."
"Such gratitude the mortal shows." Death's Hand commented causing Steve to back up and reach for his weapon.
"Don't be stupid." Harry warned.
Steve paused, he still put his hand on his weapon, but didn't draw it. "Who are you?" He demanded of the cloaked figure.
"None of your business." Harry retorted. "Now, your team is down to just you. I imagine you are going to be hauled before some sort of committee demanding answers about why you failed to do what Superman just did. Especially as he did it in seconds and didn't cause any collateral damage."
"You can expect to be summoned before Gotham's courts as well." Jim Gordon scowled as he walked up with Catwoman. Behind him his force was spreading out to check their vehicles. "You've practically reduced the Gotham Bank to ruins and forced us to waste thousands of dollars in munitions because you refused to let us accept help from Batman and Shield."
"Not to mention it meant the Commissioner had to leave most of the city unprotected as he called his men and women here." Superman added.
"I do believe young Steven Trevor has a far more dangerous court to deal with." Death's Hand mused. "The court of public opinion." He raised a skeletal hand to point up.
Flying low were several news helicopters and drones.
Superman scowled. "Now I'm going to get forced onto camera to explain why Shield was just sitting there. I hate giving interviews."
"Boss, Luna took the husband and kids over." Teleute said as she walked up with Katana. "I've explained the deal to Tatsu here."
"Well, Commissioner, I don't know about you, but the Justice League of America said this was their issue. Should we leave them to it?" Harry asked Jim.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll be sure to pass his name to the bank manager. Don't forget to move your vehicle… you aren't exempt from parking tickets." Jim nodded as he turned and walked off.
Harry and his entourage vanished with Katana.
Steve Trevor was left to stand there, staring at the damage around him… and the police car embedded in the side of his jet.
