Disclaimer

The characters used in the story are the property of DC Comics and Warner Bros. I used them in my story which is entirely a product of my own imagination.

Note: Gods in Justice League is definitely not my forte. I am not a reader of comics, I love cartoons though, and I base my story on the limited knowledge I gained from the cartoons. I only watched two episodes which featured Darkseid and High Father, and that is as far as my knowledge goes. So, if you feel I have goofed up somewhere, let me know, so that I can correct in the future works.

And FYI, I am not very good in narrating action sequences. I'd wish that I were an artist or animation wiz to bring forward what the characters play in my mind. But I hope you'll be able to understand them and enjoy.

Chapter 14

"Your wish is my command, father!" said the metallic figure, as it reached out to a seam in its neck and pressed a button. The metallic face loosened up like a mask. With one more movement of hand, it was off its head and on the ground.

Superman gasped.

For a moment, he forgot where he was.

"Bruce!"

Unmistakably him…

Superman leapt forward and hugged him, tears streaming down his eyes.

"I…I knew it! I knew that you were alive. I just knew it," he said, and then released him from the embrace. He still held the grip on both his shoulders. However as his attention drew towards the other's face, the joy of reunion faded. Bruce stared levelly at him, in the eye. His eyes held no empathy, let alone warmth.

"Finish him off, son!" Darkseid shouted, "What are you doing?"

"Granting him his last wish, father," Bruce said, in a cold voice.

Darkseid seemed to let out a small sigh and the smile on his face returned. But before Superman could digest what he had just said, Bruce's armored fist landed in his gut again. His back arched and he fell forward this time, face hitting his chest before he fell prostrate at Bruce's feet.

Everyone stared at them for a while. Orion got up with a jerk, but was pushed back to his seat by the guards surrounding them. The Leaguers, who were equally excited to see their friend alive were bedazed to see what had ensued.

"Now that," Darkseid clenched his fist in exhilaration, "Is what I call strike!" He came forward with his arms open to hug his soldier. Kalibak followed him, dismayed if not distressed on seeing Superman lying broken.

Bruce raised his hand into the air, palm toward the approaching guards, and then gestured them to go back. Darkseid frowned.

"My job is not yet complete, father!" Bruce said, "He is not dead yet!"

Darkseid smiled, in satisfaction, but Kalibak seemed not to approve of him.

"You let him live? You gave him the armour," he uttered excitedly, "Are you insane?"
Before Darkseid could reply, Kalibak for lifted up into the air, Bruce's fingers clutching his throat.

"Order, father!" he said, looking menacingly at Kalibak, "I'll rip him apart!"

Darkseid threw a glance at Kalibak who struggled in vain. Darkseid smiled at him suggestively, and kalibak gaped.
"You won't. I'm your son!"

"Well biologically, you are his son," Darkseid said , pointing to High Father. I might as well get rid of you, just in case. But…" he turned to Bruce and smiled, "Let him go, son! He didn't mean any harm."

Bruce dropped him instantly, and he fell to the floor on his back. He crawled away from the place in pain.

"I have changed my mind, son!" Darkseid continued as he turned to Bruce. Bruce's eyes were still fixed on Kalibak. But he replied, "Your wish shall always be my command, father!"

Darkseid tapped his shoulder. "Take him down slowly, son." He said, looking towards Superman, who had barely made it back to his feet.

"Torture him! Give him a more painful death," Darkseid continued, "He had upset me, humiliated me many a time. This is my chance to see him bite the dust. Don't kill him till I ask you to. And after all, you have you need to have your revenge too!"