Disclaimer

I don't own any of the characters I used in this story. They are the property of DC Comics and Warner Bros. However, the story is entirely a product of my own imagination

Chap 2

He switched on his boom tube, and within seconds, he was gone!

Superman scowled at Batman, "What is your problem? He is a God, who unfortunately lost his powers. That doesn't make him any less respectable. And who are you to question his intentions?"

He remained calm, and looked at others, "I presume you all agree with him!"

"Of course we do!" Wonder Woman came forward, "And we also agree on the fact that you need to see a psychiatrist and take professional counselling classes."

"What about you Jonn?"

"I do not approve of your behaviour towards the High Father, but certainly believe you have a reason." Jonn replied calmly.

"Spoken like a true psychic, Jonn" Batman smiled. That did not bring any lightness in the mood of the others.

"And pray, what is the reason you have?" Superman mocked.

"What do you intend to accomplish by going to the New Genesis?" Batman asked

"Well of course, kick the Dark fellow's butt," Flash remarked. Batman frowned, and the others did not approve of his expression either.

"To rephrase it, we intend to take down Darkseid and restore High Father's powers." Superman completed.

"And how do you plan to do that?" Batman enquired.

Superman frowned, but he had no ready answer. He hadn't thought about it yet, but he was sure they would come up with something extempore.

"You're going to charge on him with both arms swinging, aren't you?" Batman broke the silence.

"I don't see why not!" Superman remarked.

"Did you even think why not?"

"All right, Batman! I don't have the answer. If you have one, I am ready to listen!" he growled impatiently.

"Superman you cannot possibly take over him! No force in this Universe can, given that he has the powers of High Father and himself. It won't take a minute for him to kill you, or a thousand of your kind. Did you think about it?"

The room fell silent. Everyone began to see the point.

Superman broke the silence this time.

"Assuming you are right, why would High Father come all the way to ask my help?"

"That was exactly what I intended to find out, but you interjected with a show of your attitude. Also, he did not ask for the entire league, he asked for you, only you." Batman lingered on the line, while Superman gave it a thought.

"I really don't see anything unnatural about it. He might've thought that I would stand a better chance against Darkseid and did not want to put others into danger." Superman offered the explanation.

"And yet, he wanted me to accompany you, me - someone who would stand no chance what so ever against the Darkseid."

"He only said so because he was frustrated by your enquiry!"

"And yet, he was disappointed when I refused to accompany you."

"Was he?"

"It was clear on his face. And I don't think he had any reason to fake the disappointment."

The room fell silent again, as Superman sank into the chair, deep in thought.

"Jonn, appraise Green Lantern and Hawk Girl of the situation and summon them immediately." Superman ordered.

Batman frowned. "You really don't get anything I've said, do you?"

"I think you're being too critical. And even if you're right, we will not stand back. We'll have to take an action, for all the faith High Father has in us."

The others seconded his decision.

"Very well! Suit yourself! But don't complain that I didn't warn you." He turned around to leave.

"You are coming with us, Bruce!" Superman had resolved.

"I don't think this is a risk worth taking. I'd rather stay back, lest I should jeopardise your mission with my feelings." Batman retorted.

"That is a chance I am willing to take. You are coming with us, and there is no further argument. If High Father was really disappointed by your declining his offer, then he should want you there."

"Not my concern!" He bluntly stated and walked out of the room before Superman could protest any further.

He walked towards the hangar, cursing Superman's obstinacy. As he approached the hangar, his began to reconsider the events and the train of thought to which they led.

It is not a risk worth taking.

You are our only hope, Superman! - his words rang in his mind.

Why don't you come over and see for yourself - what could he possibly mean by that?

He repeated both the lines in his mind, - again and again!

He reached the hangar, but his mind hadn't reach the conclusion. He placed his hand on the wing of the bat-jet and closed his eyes.

If you have apprehensions about your friend's safety -

GOD BLESS YOU SUPERMAN! -

He abruptly opened his eyes, as they filled with horror. The pieces began to fit together.

The conclusion -

He shuddered at the thought. He wanted to scream. For once, he cursed his powers. For once, he wished that he was only being too critical. For once, he wished he was wrong.

He ran back to the monitor room. The others were preparing for the journey. Jonn was communicating with GL and Hawk Girl. Everyone was surprised by his sudden entry and the expression on his face. He was panting.

"I will come - "