A/N: Guys, I've had a lot of problem writing this chapter. I don't really know why, but I did my best with this. I just had a hard time using the words to go with this scene.
Thank you so much for the response guys! I never thought my first chapter would be such a hit to you people! I am completely overwhelmed when I woke up only to find the reviews and number of favorites and follows. I will continue this story, of course, but this time I am more fired up than ever!
For the people wondering the Justice League in this fiction isn't as big as it is yet. Most of the members are the iconic male heroes, but the more dominant number are the females, because reason! Haha!
I've seen the reviews. There are a lot of request for the harem list and I can already see this is a long story. For the other request I'm still going to research everything about them in the New 52. And for those I already know, we'll see. :)
The only reward I can give you guys now is this chapter!
Enjoy!
Chapter 2: Akai me?
She woke up a few minutes ago, alone in this white room with a single television turned on. Even though every inch of her body feels like it's been stung by a thousand needles, she couldn't help but laugh at the show. The host of the segment was acting as Batman and the other person was a villain. She shouldn't laugh, breathing alone is hard enough.
The door opened up and she saw Kara. "Hey," she said on a soft voice, telling her that she didn't came here to fight. Karen gave a single nod and then her counterpart nodded "How are you feeling?" Is this some weird dream? She's never seen Kara worried about her well-being since the two of them met here on earth.
If this is a dream then she's just going to ride along with it. "I-I'm fine. I feel so weak though. It makes me feel-"
"Vulnerable." She nodded, giving Kara a little smile. No, it didn't matter who visited her, but she felt more than happy that her counterpart, the one who disliked her most, is worried about her. Or again, maybe this is just the krypton injected to her by the Court of Owls and it's causing her weird hallucinations. "It's because of krypton. That's what Clark said." She nodded as a response to her sentence.
"You've never been?"
"Yeah. I have never been near a krypton before so I wouldn't know the feeling. Clark said he didn't even know what you're feeling now, because even he has never experienced krypton injected into his body." There's a small chuckle from the two of them.
It warms her heart.
Maybe this is just really a dream, but maybe she can finally understand why they disliked each other. "Hey, Kara?" the younger kryptonian looked at her. "Why do we… disliked each other?" she'd probably wake up anytime soon, cutting off Kara's answer.
Kara laughed softly "Honestly?" she nodded, she can feel her dream going to be cut off. "I don't know. After our fight we just didn't talk to each other." Wait, her counterpart is still talking. "I guess I disliked you because they often compare me to you. More mature, level headed, and that." Kara pointed at her bosom.
Karen stared at her, eyes as wide as possible. "Pinch me." Before she could say anything else, Kara had already pinched her. That's when she forgot that there's still some kryptonite left inside her body. She screamed in pain as her counterpart mouthed 'Sorry' then they both started laughing "It's okay. I… did tell you to pinch me," they both laughed.
The door burst open "What happened?" Flash said, almost yelling at the two. He quickly ran towards them with extreme caution, they did mention Power Girl is super sensitive to other things. "So," Barry gulped "How you doing?"
Before Karen could react, Kara stood up "Why do you have to be such a jerk right now?" she could feel Kara's hands are shaking, not from anger, but from preventing herself to a burst of laughter, After all, she could clearly see the vibrating lips of her counterpart, inches away from laughing.
"Whoa! I didn't mean to be-"
Kara stopped him "Look, if you're going to be a pervert why not do it on Wonder Woman? She did liked how you would always try and flirt with him." She finally gets it, she's trying to prank Barry. It's fine with her, she could finally feel a revenge of sort from all the lewd looks he gave her.
Barry arched an eyebrow. "Really?"
Kara coughed, regaining her composure "Well, between you and me, she had always found it cute." There's a hint of red shades from Barry's face. Almost the same color as his suit. "Well, Diana secretly told me that she'd love if someone slapped her bottom." Barry gulped. Now, Karen is the one trying to hold her laugh. "Well, you know us girls. We like to get a little… naughty." She whispered, Karen didn't knew that her counterpart knew the arts of seduction, because she clearly doesn't know anything about it.
Barry's skin was as red as his suit "Oh- yeah… thanks!" and he's gone in an instant.
"Naughty?" Karen asked, as the two started laughing. Her phone began to buzz "Can you-" Kara is already handing her phone to her. "Um… thanks." She said. What is wrong with her? She's always calm and reserved, but the smallest amount of interaction with Kara is hard-
No messages.
"What?" Kara asked.
She smiled sadly "It's nothing. Just a guy I met." She slapped herself mentally. Why did she opened that up!?
"Ohhh! Do tell!"
-Line Break-
"Once Power Girl has enough strength we will call her to our meeting. We need her to be there." Batman said, explaining things to Diana since the Amazon Princess has been quite defensive about having Power Girl back up on her feet right now. The Dark Knight sighed "We are not going to push her. I just want some questions answered." He said.
He didn't like it whenever Diana puts both of her hands on her hips. "Fine. Just five minutes." Since when did Wonder Woman ever cared about Power Girl, Batman thought. Well, maybe it's because Power Girl is the first to ever come close to dying ever since Darkseid's alien invasion five years ago. "And keep Barry away from me!" she growled. What a surprised, Barry managed to piss another girl.
Once every member of the league had gathered they started talking about the Court of Owls. Batman forced not to groan; can't they see the real danger here? They are all waiting for Power Girl and Supergirl to arrive since Supergirl is the last one to visit Karen.
Her thoughts wandered through Karen Starr, owner of Starr Industries. She's definitely a beauty, no one would doubt that. But they are scared of her. Unlike Supergirl, they knew she grew up on Earth, not to mention that she's still young. Karen's case was a lot like Superman's, but with two matured people from Krypton now living on the same planet the tension just became higher. Superman had already proved himself to be a champion of this world, Karen hasn't. Now, every pent up frustrations on Superman or Supergirl is redirected at Power Girl. It's really bad. Not only does Power Girl have the exact same power as Clark does, but can Clark or Kara even do the thing that needs to be done, should it come to that? Killing another one of his kind when there's only three of them left? No, Clark will side with his family and he, the Batman, won't have any countermeasures against three Kryptonians.
He's not a team player, but he sure hopes Clark, Karen, and Kara would finally find that person he too has been looking for, for so long. But the Dark Knight can never love, not while there are enemies. Superman and his kind however, can protect their love ones, but they are the most dangerous should they lost it.
Two women entered the room. Karen is on a wheelchair pushed by Kara. Something's not right. These two never got along no matter what they do. He narrowed his eyes delicately. They were talking like they've been friends for so long that it hurts Bruce's head a little. Did somebody put a- never mind.
The two sat together as Batman cleared his throat to gather all of their attention. "Barry, what's wrong?" he took notice of the Flash cowering behind Superman, who is as clueless as Bruce.
His voice was stuttering. "N-N-N-No-hing" did me missed that 't' on nothing? He glance at Kara and Karen who are laughing so hard it already answered his question. Add it up with Diana's glare full of fury on the Flash, he knew what the two girls had done.
"Barry, my friend, what is wrong? You have always shown confidence at times like this!" Arthur said, forcing the man with a lightning bolt insignia on his chest to stand up. Bruce sighed; Arthur had mistaken confidence and showing-off.
"Yeah. Barry. Show. Me. That. Confidence." Diana said, her voice filled with venom that a single touch on your skin will kill you. And soon, it might not be figurative anymore. "Show. It. I'll cut if off." Barry tried to toss down whatever it is inside his mouth only to end up choking on it. Everyone laughed save for Diana who's eyes never left Barry and Clark who still doesn't get why everyone is laughing.
Batman sighed "Why not go to the infirmary and have your face checked out." Clark said, and he giving Clark a confused look. There's nothing wrong with Barry. "I can see that bruise you're hiding under that mask." At this point, Kara is rolling on the floor laughing and Karen giving everything she's got just to stop laughing.
"O-Okay. Stop, It's hard to breath" Karen managed to say, but only ended up laughing some more with Kara. "S-Seriously."
Everyone's energy moments ago died down. Batman breathed deeply, starting this meeting and the danger that they could possible face. "You might already know why I've gathered each and every one of you." They nodded.
Barry who chose not to go the infirmary raised his hand. Batman signaled Flash to speak. "Yeah, it's because of the Court of Owls who attack Power Girl , right?" Batman exhaled deeply, he has no time for this.
"It's because of the Krypton the Court of Owls posses." Diana interjected, again Bruce shook his head. "What is the answer then?" she asked.
"This man." The screen on the back opened up, showing a figure covered by a hooded cloak. He could see Karen's eyes becoming serious. "Remember anything, Karen?" she shook her head, saying that after she got hit by Krypton she barely remembered anything. "While he eliminated every single one of the Court of Owls that night, that's not what I'm afraid of." Everyone shared a confused look, "This is."
A video showed up with Deathstroke cuffed to the chair. "What the?" Instead of fighting back or being calm and reserved, the once known assassin is currently in Arkham Asylum. This is live."
Aquaman stood up. "Neptune, help us. What happened to him?" he asked. Even in Atlantis the name Deathstroke is known. Sure, he might not be as fearful as most people think, but he is a tactical genius who adapts in the battlefield and is able to take down most of his targets, super or not.
"Deathstroke holds the title of World's Greatest Mercenary yet, here he is." Batman growled, this is probably worst than killing a person. As the video continues to play, Slade Joseph Wilson was acting insane. Screaming 'Stop' yelling words about how painful it is. The slightest touch of the nurse taking care of him sent him into a flurry of screams.
"What happened?" Karen asked.
"I thought you could answer that." Batman said, truly hoping a slight clue is at hand.
-Line Break-
She tried to remember everything she could. "Akai Me!" she burst out, causing jolts of pain through her entire body. "Ow…" Kara gently guided her back to her seat. "That's what they called him. I'm not sure, but that's what ringing in my head." She said. "What exactly happened?" she asked again.
"I think it's better if we show you." Batman said "This is a video recorded by a bystander."
-Line Break-
The video started with her full attention on it. She wants to know her mysterious savior as well, despite what he did to Slade. No, he actually don't care about that guy anymore, even though he is a criminal he didn't stop the old man who has the clearest intention of raping her. "Black cloak, animal-styled porcelain mask, and those glowing red eyes." Deathstroke said, full of confidence unlike the video she saw earlier. "Are you the one they call Akai Me?" he asked.
He didn't respond, his head pointed at her. "Let me take Power Girl and Poison Ivy out of here." It didn't seem like a demand, not for her. "Let me bring them to a hospital where they can receive medical attention." It's hard looking at her lifeless body on the ground.
"Do not let him take her!" the old man shouted, "I will multiply my current pay if you give her to me!" her mouth began to quiver, she didn't knew this happened and how close was she to becoming a slave. And to see it from someone else's eyes made it harder for her.
"Don't worry. Victor already took care of the video on YouTube. That's the only copy left on the world" Why do Kara's words comfort her? They simply shared a bit of stories and the laughter from the prank they did on Barry.
She smiled at her counterpart.
"Slaves?" the masked man chuckled, "Do you think I'll allow that?" Deathstroke and the old man followed with their eyes the trail of body falling down all around them. "I will protect her even if it kills me." He said, his voice filled with commitment to his word. "I don't back down from my word." The others are just as engrossed as she did. She noticed he mouthed something, but she couldn't figure out what he said next.
Deathstroke charged with blinding speed, swinging his sword. "I never expected an opponent like you," he scoffed "This is what makes it fun!" he said.
The masked man draw out his sword as well, It was a simple and elegant katana that was on his back. Deathstroke tried spearing his sword, but he's faster than Deathstroke. It's clear who has the advantage on sword battles, but Deathstroke had technologies set up almost everywhere.
The battle continued and both men showed great agility and finesse. It's like they are fighting for the world's best swordsmanship, but again, it is clear that the masked figure had the upper hand should Deathstroke run out of tech.
The camera shifted from the two fighters to the old man who's hands is about to touch parts that's never been touch by any man. She looked around the room, she could see hatred in their eyes, especially Clark.
The masked man glanced at the aged man. Deathstroke laughed, piercing his sword on the masked man. "NO!" she screamed unintentionally.
"Arghh!" the body of the once masked man turned into pure electricity, forcing Slade to his knees.
The aged man who has yet to be named was distracted by Slades' yell of pain. "What the!?" a hand grabbed the old man by his hair and the other removed the mask. Thurston Moody. The masked man pushed his head towards the dirt, as the older fellow is now the one screaming for help.
The talons are all dead, Slade is stunned, and there's no one else to help him.
"No!" as the kunai slowly slices his neck into two.
"Ask for forgiveness while you're still alive." Was all the masked man said, leaving Thurston Moody crawling for his life. He tried shouting, but all that came out was a gurgling sound and his very own blood.
Barry, Hal, and Victor already had enough. The three are close to gagging whatever it is that they ate for lunch. But for her… no, she's not gagging. She doesn't know what else she's feeling right now, but she is sure she's thankful.
He slowly walked towards Slade who could now move a few limbs. He's on his knees, tired, his arms wiggling from the strong windy night. "Nice trick." Slade commented, "Now that is something I truly did not expect." He added. "What are you going to do now?"
"You sold her." He calmly pointed to her. Her body is still lifeless on the ground.
"So? Easy money."
She felt a pang of anger from his comment.
The masked figure nodded, understanding his enemy's way of life. "Then I'm sorry for what I'm about to do." He said.
Slade merely laughed "I'm not afraid of death, kid."
"No. That's why I won't kill you."
After that Slade merely drops to the ground, motionless. The masked man made a dash towards her. He lifted her head so it lied down on his legs. "Are you okay?" his hands softly caressed her face. She could see her head twitch a bit. "Good. You're still alive." He exhaled, the tension moments ago was killed as he calm down.
The sirens were nearing, that seems familiar to her. She could see herself mouthed something as he slowly released his hands on her. He pulled out a small bag or a pouch like thingy that can be attached on any part of your body.
He tilted his head, studying her face. "Take care." He left his pouch under her head, acting as a pillow for the ground is hard.
"That wasn't a dream?" She's definitely sure that last part of the video was a dream, just a fleeting dream. She smiled, that blissful feeling wasn't short-lived. He is true.
"What was that?"
She shook her head, smiling at her counterpart.
"He just sounds like someone I know." It's just an excuse-
Wait.
Is it?
Chapter End!
Hello everyone! As much as the first chapter has been great to you guys. I had a hard time writing the second chapter. I don't know why, but maybe it's just some writer block or something.
Hopefully it is as good as the first chapter. And yes, it's a slow chapter.
Announcement: For the Harem part… some characters might be delayed since I am still studying them. For Starfire, can someone tell me her original story before New 52 and her fresh origin on the New 52. Thanks! I can't seem to find a good article about her from the New 52.
Maxima might enter, as one requested. I already have the perfect idea how to push her in. Others will be included yes, but since there's so many they won't have too much screen time. But they'll appear again and again to have things fired up! ;)
Hopefully you guys enjoyed the second chapter. Third chapter is on the way!
See ya!