Chapter 12: "Authentic Dawn of Justice"
New York City – Weeks After Homelander's Death
The skyline of New York City had slowly begun to recover from the destruction Homelander had left in his wake. While the physical wounds of the city were healing, the scars on the public's trust in superheroes had only deepened. Vought's propaganda machine continued to churn, trying to regain control of the narrative and salvage what they could from the chaos. But with Homelander's demise, things were changing.
In the midst of the city's uncertainty, a new idea was forming—a new team. One that wasn't driven by corporate greed or manipulation. One that didn't see the public as pawns to be controlled, but as people to protect.
Superman stood atop a tall skyscraper, looking out over the city as the wind whipped his cape around him. He could hear the distant hum of conversations below, the whispers of hope, and the murmurs of fear. The world had changed, and it was clear now that a different kind of heroism was needed.
Starlight appeared beside him, her eyes focused on the horizon. She had been through so much—disillusionment with Vought, betrayal by The Seven, and the weight of her own moral compass pulling her in a different direction. But here, beside Superman, she felt something she hadn't felt in a long time.
Hope.
"You sure about this?" Starlight asked, breaking the silence between them. Her voice was quiet but firm, tinged with both curiosity and concern.
Superman turned to her, his expression resolute. "The world needs more than what The Seven ever offered. They need something real—heroes who stand for justice, not profits."
Starlight nodded slowly, her mind racing with the possibilities. "But starting something new… it's a big step. People are still reeling from everything that's happened."
Superman's eyes softened. "That's why we have to do it now. We can't wait for Vought to rebuild or for another Homelander to rise up. People need to see that real heroes are out there—heroes who care about them, not their image."
Starlight took a deep breath, her hands resting on the edge of the building. "Okay. So how do we start? We can't exactly put out a job listing for 'Justice League members.'"
Superman smiled, a small glimmer of amusement breaking through his otherwise serious demeanor. "We'll need to be careful. We need to find people who believe in the same things we do—heroes who aren't just about power but about doing what's right."
Starlight frowned, her mind drifting to The Seven. "That's a pretty short list. I don't think we'll find anyone in Vought's old lineup."
Superman's gaze grew distant, his thoughts already racing ahead. "There are others. People out there who want to help, who've been held back by systems like Vought or forced to hide their true selves. We just have to give them a reason to come forward."
He paused, turning back to her. "You've already started that, Annie. People look up to you. They trust you."
Starlight's expression softened, a hint of warmth spreading across her face. "I guess… I never thought I'd be the one inspiring others. But if it means making sure we never see another Homelander, I'm in."
Superman nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "Then we start today."
Later That Day – The Announcement
News of the coming press conference had spread quickly across the country. The world was still adjusting to the new reality—Homelander's death, Vought's scrambling attempts to control the situation, and the growing distrust in superheroes. In the midst of all this, rumors swirled of an impending announcement by none other than Superman and Starlight.
The press gathered in the heart of New York City, their cameras and microphones poised, ready to capture every moment. A small stage had been set up in front of the steps of the courthouse, a symbol of justice and order. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, unsure of what to expect but eager to hear what Superman and Starlight had to say.
Superman and Starlight stepped onto the stage, side by side. The cameras clicked and flashed, capturing their every movement. Reporters shouted questions, but both heroes stood tall, waiting for the noise to die down before speaking.
Superman stepped forward, his voice strong and steady as he addressed the crowd. "Thank you all for coming. I know these last few weeks have been difficult, not just for the city, but for the entire world. We've seen destruction, fear, and chaos—things that have shaken our belief in what it means to be a hero."
The crowd quieted as Superman's words settled over them, his calm presence commanding their attention.
"The events surrounding Homelander's death have left many of you feeling uncertain, questioning who you can trust and whether there are any heroes left who stand for what's right. I understand that doubt. I've seen firsthand what happens when power is abused, when heroes lose sight of their purpose."
Superman paused, his gaze sweeping across the sea of faces before him.
"But we're here to tell you that this is not the end. This is the beginning of something new—something real. A team of heroes who don't answer to corporations, who don't seek fame or fortune, but who are dedicated to one thing: justice."
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder as people began to realize what he was saying.
Starlight stepped forward, her voice filled with conviction. "For too long, people like me were used by companies like Vought—heroes who thought they were doing good but were manipulated for profit. That ends now. We're here to build something better. A team that you can trust. A team that stands for truth, fairness, and the protection of everyone—no matter who they are or where they come from."
The crowd erupted in applause, the energy in the air shifting from uncertainty to hope.
Superman continued. "We're calling it the Justice League. A league of heroes who will work together, united by the common goal of protecting this world from threats, not just from villains, but from systems that would seek to harm it. We're not here to replace anyone. We're here to set a new standard."
Reporters frantically took notes, cameras zooming in as Superman and Starlight stood side by side, their vision for the future of heroism laid bare before the world.
One reporter in the crowd raised his hand. "Who's going to be part of this new team? Is it just the two of you?"
Superman smiled. "We're starting small, but we're looking for others. Heroes who believe in these same values. We'll find them, and they'll join us."
Starlight nodded in agreement. "There are good people out there—people who have been hiding in the shadows, who didn't fit into Vought's system. It's time for them to step into the light."
Another reporter shouted out, "What about The Seven? Are you going to try to recruit any of them?"
The crowd fell silent, waiting for their response.
Superman's face grew serious. "The Seven have been compromised by Vought for a long time. Some of them—like Starlight—have found a way out, but others are still entangled in that system. If they want to join us, they'll have to prove that they stand for the same things we do. This isn't about power—it's about justice."
The reporters continued to fire questions, but Superman and Starlight remained focused, their message clear. The Justice League wasn't about taking down one group of heroes and replacing them with another. It was about creating something authentic, something that could restore the faith the world had lost in heroes.
Vought Tower – The Seven Reacts
Inside Vought Tower, the remaining members of The Seven watched the announcement unfold on a large television screen. The tension in the room was palpable as Superman and Starlight's words echoed through the sterile corporate space.
A-Train, sitting on the couch, scowled as he watched. "A new team? What does that mean for us? They're gonna make us look like the bad guys."
The Deep sat beside him, nervously wringing his hands. "I don't know, man. Without Homelander, we're barely holding things together as it is. And now they're gonna bring in Superman? We're screwed."
Queen Maeve, standing by the window, crossed her arms, her face impassive. She had known this day was coming. With Homelander gone, the cracks in The Seven were widening, and now, with Superman and Starlight forming a new team, their time was running out.
"What did you expect?" Maeve said, her voice cold. "Vought's been using us for years. We've known that. Maybe it's time we start thinking about our future without them."
A-Train looked at her, incredulous. "What? You're just gonna jump ship?"
Maeve's eyes narrowed. "I've been out of this for a while, A-Train. I'm just waiting for the right time."
As the announcement continued to play, the members of The Seven knew that their world was changing. And with Superman and Starlight leading the charge, Vought's control over the superhero industry was being threatened in ways they had never anticipated.
Later That Night – Starlight and Superman
Back at the safehouse, Starlight and Superman sat quietly, reflecting on the day's events. The Justice League was no longer just an idea—it was real. And the world had taken notice.
"Do you think it'll work?" Starlight asked, her voice soft, her eyes searching Superman's face for reassurance.
Superman nodded slowly. "It has to. People need to believe in something again. They need to believe in heroes."
Starlight smiled faintly, feeling a sense of hope she hadn't felt in a long time. "Then let's give them something real."
Vought Tower – The Aftermath of the Announcement
In the aftermath of Superman and Starlight's announcement, Vought Tower was in disarray. The remnants of The Seven were still reeling from the shock, but the real panic was happening in the executive offices. Inside the pristine, glass-walled war room, the higher-ups at Vought sat around a large table, each person either frantically typing on their laptops or nervously sipping coffee.
Ashley Barrett, Vought's new CEO following Homelander's demise, paced at the head of the table, her stress palpable. Stan Edgar had disappeared in the fallout of Homelander's death, leaving her with the impossible task of holding Vought together in its darkest hour. Now, with Superman and Starlight forming their Justice League, the pressure was mounting.
"They're going to ruin us," one of the PR executives muttered, his voice shaking. "The public's already on their side. If the Justice League gains any more momentum, Vought is finished. Our stock is plummeting. We need to respond—now!"
Ashley rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her. "We can't just release a statement. This is bigger than damage control. We need to act, and we need to act fast."
Another executive chimed in, "What if we pit The Seven against them? Turn it into a public rivalry. People love drama. It could distract from the fact that Homelander's dead and give us some breathing room."
Ashley shook her head. "The Seven are barely holding it together. Without Homelander, they're nothing. A-Train and The Deep aren't exactly poster children for moral integrity, and Maeve's checked out completely."
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the situation sinking in. For years, Vought had maintained an iron grip on public perception, controlling the narrative through manipulation and corporate power. But now, they were up against something they couldn't control—Superman's authenticity, Starlight's resilience, and the undeniable appeal of the Justice League's vision.
"We need a new face," Ashley said finally, her voice low but decisive. "Someone powerful, someone the public can rally behind. Someone who can counteract Superman and make people believe in The Seven again."
One of the executives frowned. "But who? There's no one left on The Seven who has that kind of influence."
Ashley's eyes darkened as an idea formed in her mind. "We need to find someone outside of Vought. A new supe, someone we can mold into the hero the public needs—someone who can go toe-to-toe with Superman."
The room murmured with uncertainty, but Ashley's mind was already racing. They would have to move quickly, or everything Vought had built would collapse. Superman and Starlight had given people hope—Vought needed to give them fear.
The Justice League's Headquarters – In Progress
A few days had passed since the public announcement of the Justice League, and Superman and Starlight were hard at work, establishing their new headquarters. They had chosen a location away from the public eye—an old, abandoned military base deep in the mountains, far from prying eyes and corporate influence.
The base itself was vast, with underground facilities that had once been used for top-secret government operations. Now, with some upgrades and repairs, it would serve as the Justice League's home—a place where heroes could gather, train, and plan their efforts to protect the world.
Superman and Starlight walked through the corridors of the base, inspecting the progress. Technicians—some of whom had defected from Vought after Homelander's death—were busy installing advanced communication systems, training areas, and secure briefing rooms.
"This is really happening," Starlight said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she looked around the facility. "I still can't believe we're doing this."
Superman nodded, his expression calm but focused. "It's the right thing to do. The world needs heroes they can trust—heroes who stand for something real. And this place will be the foundation of that."
Starlight paused, looking out of one of the large windows that overlooked the sprawling mountains below. "Do you think people will come? Other heroes, I mean. Do you think they'll join us?"
Superman joined her by the window, his cape fluttering softly in the breeze. "They will. There are heroes out there who've been afraid to step forward, afraid of Vought's influence. But now, with Homelander gone and the Justice League rising, they'll see that they don't have to hide anymore. They can stand for something."
Starlight smiled, her confidence growing. "Then let's make sure we're ready for them."
Elsewhere – Maeve's Decision
In a quiet, dimly lit apartment in downtown New York, Queen Maeve sat alone, a glass of whiskey in her hand. The television played softly in the background, broadcasting endless coverage of Superman and Starlight's announcement, as well as the growing speculation about the Justice League.
Maeve's heart ached as she watched. She had always wanted to be a hero—back when she had first joined The Seven, back when she still believed she could make a difference. But Vought had corrupted her, twisted her ideals, and turned her into something she barely recognized.
Now, though, there was a chance. A real chance. Starlight had done what Maeve never could—she had stood up to Vought, exposed their lies, and aligned herself with Superman, the only person strong enough to stand against the corporation's might.
Maeve took a long sip of her whiskey, her mind racing. She knew what she had to do.
Grabbing her phone, she quickly typed out a message to Starlight:
"We need to talk. I'm ready."
The Search for New Heroes
Over the next several days, the Justice League began their search for new members. Superman and Starlight had compiled a list of potential candidates—heroes who had operated under the radar, those who had either refused to work for Vought or had been blacklisted for not fitting the corporation's mold.
They traveled across the country, meeting with these individuals, each of whom had their own stories and struggles. Some were hesitant, afraid of what might happen if they opposed Vought openly. Others were eager, tired of hiding and ready to join a cause they believed in.
One such hero was Samara "Valkyrie" Kane, a former soldier with enhanced strength and durability, who had been dishonorably discharged after refusing to sign a contract with Vought. She had been living in isolation, unsure of what to do with her powers—until Superman and Starlight found her.
"You really think I can make a difference?" Valkyrie asked, her voice filled with skepticism as she stood in front of the Justice League's new headquarters, her arms crossed.
Superman smiled warmly. "You've already made a difference. You stood up for what you believed in, even when it cost you everything. That's what being a hero is."
Starlight nodded in agreement. "This isn't about money or fame. It's about doing what's right. And we need people like you—people who aren't afraid to fight for that."
Valkyrie hesitated for a moment, then nodded, a small smile breaking through her tough exterior. "Alright. I'm in."
And so, the Justice League began to grow.
Vought's Counterstrike
Meanwhile, back at Vought Tower, Ashley Barrett was putting the finishing touches on Vought's counterstrike. The company had launched a massive PR campaign, using every tool at their disposal to undermine Superman and Starlight's message. Talk shows, news outlets, and social media were flooded with content questioning the motives of the Justice League, painting them as reckless vigilantes.
But that wasn't all.
Ashley had also started reaching out to some of the world's most powerful—and dangerous—supes, offering them contracts and promises of untold wealth and influence if they would side with Vought in the coming conflict. She knew that Superman and Starlight wouldn't be easy to defeat, but with the right allies, Vought could still tip the scales in their favor.
"The Justice League may be rising," Ashley said to her team, her voice filled with steely determination, "but we're going to make sure they fall just as fast."
