Injustice 2: The Incursion Chapter 2: Times of Peace and Reflection, an Injustice: Gods Among Us + Justice League Crossover fanfic

(-Washington DC-)

Bang

"In my years fighting crime, I learned only one truth...That every villain is the hero of their own story."

In a disclosed area in Washington, Bruce Wayne, also known as the Insurgency hero Batman, begins his opening statement to the world's new leaders.

"Superman was no exception." Bruce continues with his speech. "The Joker drugged him. Tricked him into killing his pregnant wife, Lois. And made him trigger the bomb that nuked Metropolis. So when Superman killed the Joker, I understood why. We all did."

The leaders silently continue to listen to the man's testimony. Most of them understood why Superman had killed the Clown Prince of Crime. If their loved ones were put into the same situation, they would've done the same thing.

"But once that line was crossed, there was no going back," Bruce says as he recalls the event when his former friend had crossed that very line, the line he'd sworn to never cross under any circumstances. The memory of that day was still fresh in Bruce's mind.

"He gave himself and the Justice League a new mandate. Stop all crimes before they happen, by any means necessary." Another set of memories flows through the man. The memories of those who have perished by Superman's hand for defying his order.

"But he couldn't see his good intentions were leading him down a path of tyranny and evil." Bruce then looks down for a moment to lament his Kryptonian friend's chosen path before he firmly looks at the leaders. "That's how our greatest hero became our greatest threat…"

Bruce wants to assure them of something else. Despite the friendship he once had with the Kryptonian, Bruce vows to never allow Superman to escape his imprisonment. Not even for any circumstances that arise to threaten the earth.

Because luckily, the world has moved on for the better. And it's all thanks to one who liberated them from their time of need.

Superman took the people's hopes away by using fear and intimidation. But their Gardian savior, Aaron Grant, gave them something else to rely on, a new motive to help drive them to stand up against those who want to hold them back. And the same one that helped the Gardian take down Superman, the power of courage.

And with that same courage, along with the trust his friends and allies have given him, Aaron will continue to fight and protect the world.

(-The Amazon Rainforest One Day Later-)

Morning finally ascends over one of the world's substantial jungles. The sunrise helps remove the night sky while illuminating its light upon the jungle region. The gentle wind continues to breeze through the lowest trees and to the highest mountain as the unique silverish mist surrounds the entire wilderness province. Also, The everlasting sounds of the habitants continue to sound off throughout the jungle.

Everything is peaceful, especially for one who'd taken full advantage of as he moves through one of the mountainous terrains. But this one, in particular, appears to be moving extraordinarily fast in an almost green blur.

Whoosh

It wouldn't be long until the green-glowing enigmatic blur jumps into the sky for a few seconds before dramatically landing on the tallest mountaintop. Soon enough, the figure slowly stands to his feet as the green aura dissipates around him, which now helps to reveal who he is.

Despite being two years since he defeated Superman, the now eighteen-year-old Gardian, Aaron Grant, hasn't changed much. His short black hair retains its spiky formation from his birth, along with the same spike bangs from before. His lower body consists of dark green combat pants and combat shoes and his black undershirt, which proves to be incapable of hiding his natural lean muscle upper build.

It's also incapable of hiding two more noticeable things, which is the thin scar on his chest he received from his deadly encounter with the monster Doomsday. Along with his most important possession, which means the world to him more than anything else, happens to be a silver sun-embedded necklace, a final gift from his Gardian parents before their demise.

Exhaling breath from his mouth, Aaron takes in the whole scenery of his home in the Amazon jungle. All while pondering on the events that have happened in the past two years.

The One Earth regime was completely dismantled. Its members have been rounded up and imprisoned. Leaders from around the world have regained their authority and restored civil order. A lot has happened to the world after Earth became freed from Superman's oppression.

And he means a lot has happened between those two years.

It starts with planet Earth. Because to advance Gardia technology melded with the planet's very biological systems, Earth's ecosystem has evolved into something truly extraordinary. Satellite images detected a sudden growth in numerous areas of Earth. Growths such as new lands like islands have suddenly risen from the ocean floor. Not to mention that ocean pollution has rapidly reduced due to the planet's new developments.

These lands helped create vast amounts of Earth's natural resources than before and even produced unique ones never seen before.

Aside from all these dramatic changes, everything seemed to be at peace now.

At least, that's what Aaron wanted to believe. But it's not true. Crime and corruption had returned, just as Batman had predicted would happen. Global threatening events have arisen from the regime's absence.

One such crime followed by corruption had risen from the shadows by the name of Ra's al Ghul, head of a group known as the League of Shadows, a warlord, along with a small band of villains, who used the opportunity to appropriate the world by eradicating the majority of humanity. He would've succeeded had it not been for Aaron, Batman, and other heroes, new and old, who managed to stop the madman from executing his plans.

But Ra's wasn't the only global threat taken care of afterward. Not just the newly developed terrain has arisen around Earth, but newer evolved species of animals are rising from these landscapes through underground tunnels from the center core of Earth.

But there was one creature that became a problem to the whole world. Aaron's mother, Betty, called this ultimate beast the Camazotz, an enormous demonic-like bat creature that emerged from the underground of Earth to assert its sheer dominance on the surface. But like with Ra's, Aaron, along with the other heroes, managed to end it before it'd engulfed the entire world in eternal darkness.

But those are stories for another time.

Letting out another sigh, Aaron lets all those memories sink in. All while grasping onto his necklace. After everything that's happened with Superman, Ra's al Ghul, and the Camazotz, he couldn't believe that there are people out there who believe that mass genocide is the answer to bring peace to the world.

That talk enrages the Gardian when he hears Ra's monologue. Which soon the man was beaten to an inch of his life soon after. Life isn't always fair. That much, the male Gardian understood. But committing such heinous acts would only damage the world instead of the opposite. That should be a common fact, period.

Ring

Aaron's thought was halted by his phone ringing out to him to answer. "Hello?"

"Morning Aaron, Where are you at?"

And the said Gardian instantly recognized the voice on the other line. "Morning, Mom, I'm just out on my late morning exercises. Is something wrong?"

His adoptive mother, Betty Grant, quickly responds. "No, no, everything is fine. I just wanted to remind you of our plans for today."

Aaron raises an eyebrow in confusion regarding these plans his mother spoke of. "What plans?" he asks.

"The Metropolis Memorial Day." The adoptive parent elaborates on her son, and The young gardian immediately remembers the event.

The anniversary of the day when Joker nuked Metropolis and Superman's downfall is today. The new political leaders have decided to host an event in Metropolis to pay respect to those who perished in the bomb. And they wanted Aaron to be there to show him something in the end, something that would show their appreciation to him.

"Oh, that plan…" but from his voice, Aaron didn't seem the least bit interested in the event. "Do I have to be there?"

"Aaron, we talked about this," Betty states, reminding him of the importance of his appearance. "You know why."

"Yeah, I know…" Aaron groaningly agrees.

After the incident with Ra's al Ghul and the Camazotz, the people have grown deeply concerned about the next unsuspecting attack from their enemies. To help ease their anxiety, heroes like Aaron and Batman, whom the public knows as Bruce Wayne, were required to attend these events.

The young Gardian understands their reasons for wanting him to be there. But He feels like his presence shouldn't be necessary. With the current events happening in the world, he should be out there.

But after hearing numerous explanations from his adoptive mother, Bruce, and J'onn, he is helping the people. To know that their new champion is there for them, to protect them from whatever crisis that will threaten them in the future.

From being reminded of these reasonable thoughts, Aaron couldn't refuse.

With a reluctant sigh, Aaron abides by it. "When do I need to be there?"

"Later this afternoon," Betty informs the Gardian. "I need to take care of a few things in Gotham before meeting you there in Metropolis."

"OK, I'll see you there-" Aaron is unable to finish when his Mother abruptly hangs up on him. "Ok, that was weird." That took him by surprise. His mother never hanged him up abruptly like that before. So Whatever she's doing must be indeed important then.

Shrugging it off, Aaron needed to get ready for the upcoming event. With his necklace still in his grasp, Aaron channels a small amount of green energy into it, which soon lit up in a flashing green hue.

And for the next few seconds, Aaron patiently waits for something to arrive at his specific location. And that something happens to be a silverish-black gold hoverboard that managed to arrive through the air in just a moment.

Seeing his new means of transportation, The Gardian couldn't help but have a satisfied smirk. "Gotta my people's technology." He proudly remarks. His battle with Superman helped him come up with this idea, and he utilized the Osmosian alloy from his Inner Sanctum to create it. So not only does he have a way to get to A and B, but he's also purging the air of all matter of pollution. It's a win-win for him and the earth.

Hopping onto the hoverboard, Aaron channels his green energy to the floating mobile. And like the necklace, the hoverboard thrusters emit a green hue, indicating its full connection to the user.

And with that, Aaron immediately takes off at high speed, leaving behind a green light trail as he flies back to his Inner Sanctum.

(-Gotham City Three Hours Later-)

With Bruce reclaiming his entire family's welfare and Eric being the new director of S.T.A.R Labs, both worked together to rebuild everything that Superman and his Regime had destroyed in their onslaught.

Because of the Earth's sudden development of new and unique resources, they utilized these aids to develop benefits for civilization. Most resources were put into reconstruction. Some were put into creating new jobs. The rest were to be delivered to S.T.A.R Labs to research potential technology.

But despite these optimistic developments, there were still some setbacks that needed resolving.

"It's been two years since the Regime fell. Superman's behind bars." Bruce informs the public on a large holographic screen displayed in a conference room. "Damian…one of my sons, is there with him." A slight hint of disappointment could heard in the man's voice as he spoke about one of his sons.

"But we can't ever forget why we put them there." Regardless of that, he nonetheless continued his statement with a straight face. "We must stay vigilant."

The holo-screen then dissipates when a young brown-haired man in a casual red shirt and blue jeans mentally commands it to. But the most noticeable thing about this twenty-year-old is the familiar spinal device with bright blue segment bars, known as a Resource Integration Gear or R.I.G. for short, implanted on his back.

His name is Eric Jones. He was a former tech supporter of the Insurgency. And now the new leading head of S.T.A.R Labs.

"'We must remain vigilant' huh…" the young technopath begins to say when he looks toward Bruce. "You do know that's the opposite of reassuring people?"

Bruce remains quiet as he continues vigilantly gazing out the high-building window of the current rebuilding of Gotham.

Seeing the man's silence prompts Eric to continue. "We're not the only ones in rebuilding Gotham and Metropolis..." He points out in regards of an obvious issue. "And the money will soon go to waste if we can't change at least some people."

"Thought that's why we hired those overpaid PR firms, Eric." Bruce finally interjects right after Eric finishes his sentence.

"Yeah… The good that they're doing." Eric sarcastically remarks as he is slightly annoyed at Bruce's utterance. "Because It's hard to convince them to move back when an unexpected disaster could occur at any moment now,"

The billionaire denounces those claims with a firm declaration. "Superman's never getting out, Eric. I made that clear in the conference."

"Superman, yeah. But not the rest of his flying flocks."

That bitter reminder of those flocks, as Eric puts it, makes the bat-themed hero slightly grumble.

Though Superman, Cyborg, and Damian remain imprisoned in Stryker's, some other regime members have managed to avoid prosecution from numerous governments. By a tolerable treaty made with Kahndaq and Atlantis to avoid any trials, Aquaman and Black Adam never leave their kingdom under any circumstances.

Wonder Woman, however, somehow managed to escape her imprisonment in Themyscira and has taken refuge somewhere in the world. As for Hal Jordan and Sinestro, by a heavy agreement with the governments and the guardians of Oa, the two rogue Lanterns remain imprisoned with them to face punishments for their crimes against the entire Green Lantern Corp years ago.

"Yeah, I know, it's a lot of loose ends to tie up." Eric seriously quips before smirking. "But at least we have something to keep tabs on them. Though, too bad we have to keep it a secret."

"It's critical we do keep it in secrecy, Eric. Our enemies can't fight something they don't know exists." Bruce crucially reminds the technopath user in regards to their ultimate secret.

"Yeah, and I completely agree with that," Eric fully acknowledges the importance of this project that needs to be unknown to most. "But with all the money we're paying those PRs just to convince people to move back, we should at least follow one little advice."

"And what's that advice?" Bruce questions with a raised eyebrow.

To answer that question, Eric grins. "Be ten percent the Darkest of Knights, Batman, and be ninety percent Billionaire playboy, Bruce Wayne. And as how I'm going as Genius futurist Eric Jones one hundred percent. In other words, get out of your dark cave, soak in some sunlight, and have a good time. And if it's a possibility for you, smile. Believe it or not, it shows the people that they're safe. You can even fake it if you have to."

From hearing that speech, Bruce just let out an understanding grunt.

Beep

Their conservation suddenly halts when Eric's R.I.G flashes in and out to signal their attention, which said person brings up another holo screen, revealing two familiar individuals in the stairwell. "Well, it looks like our other job is calling us." He tells Bruce in a slightly joking tone. "We don't want to keep them waiting now, do we?"

Bruce nods before he takes one last look at the window. "Go on ahead. I'll be down there in a minute," he tells the technopath genius.

"Alright, see you down there," Eric says before he makes his way to the door to meet the two awaiting people, leaving the billionaire man alone to his thoughts. One thought that's been on his mind for some time now.

For as long as Bruce can remember, he usually preferred to work alone, only permitting a few people he could allow in his circle of trust. But those people, Dick, Jason, Damian, Tim, Barbara, and those in the Justice League, have either betrayed him for Superman or perished or imprisoned at his hands. So it's hard for the man to trust anyone these days anymore.

But then, it all changed when Aaron came to their aid and ended his former friend's reign, not to mention that the Gardian also fought against his old nemesis, Ra's al Ghul, and put an end to his world genocidal plan. Not to mention the Camazotz incident as well.

But despite that, Bruce's old paranoia still lingers on the thought of the Gardian going rogue next. What would stop him from crossing the line?

But Bruce quickly pushes those negative thoughts away to the back of his head. He realizes the chances of that happening are now slim at best. Bruce knows Aaron would only resort to such drastic measures if the situation became dire. And he will always try his best to do the right thing.

For now, Bruce has to trust Aaron, just as Luthor did until the very end. And not only that, but he also needs to expand his circle of trust to those he can truly count on.

With that decision made, Bruce prepares to go and meet up with his awaiting guests.

(-With Eric-)

Meanwhile, at the building's stairwell, Eric continues to chat with the two guests while they wait for Bruce to arrive.

One of the two is an attractive woman with long blonde hair with a slender-toned body build. Her attire mostly comprised of dark leather and some yellow accents. Wearing high combat boots and partially cut pant that reveals fishnet covers underneath. She wears a black zip-up leather top underneath a bomber jacket with black fingerless gloves and a studded choker.

The other is a man with short blonde hair equipped with a green bow and numerous specifically made arrows on his back. He has donned a green armored shirt embedded with a 'G' on the right pectoral, with pauldrons and gold bangles while wearing gray leggings and green boots, and his goatee mustache face is a green domino mask.

These two guests happen to be none other than Dinah Lance and Oliver Queens, also known as Black Canary and Green Arrow. They were indeed a surprise to everyone. Even Bruce was surprised when they first showed up two years ago because he thought Superman killed them.

Well, at least, one of them is supposed to be. But thanks to a certain mystical friend, their fates have been averted for the better. Especially for their son, Conner Lance.

"You know, Eric, you and Bruce have odd tastes for picking a reception area." Green Arrow couldn't help but jest in regards to their surrounding area.

"Oh, trust me, Ollie…" The young S.T.A.R Lab director begins to jest back at the Emerald Archer. "If I had to pick the location, it would've had more bright lights. But with Bruce being a nyctophilla, he'd probably hang around in his Batcave and watch the debriefing through the security cameras."

From that joke, Black Canary couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, that does sound like something Bruce would do."

And speaking of Bruce, the billionaire himself makes his presence known. "Dinah, Oliver, thanks for coming on short notice." He greets the married couple with great appreciation in his voice.

Seeing her old friend again after all this time, Dinah lets out a smile. "You're lucky we found a sitter." She casually remarks before she, Ollie, and Eric meet up with Bruce.

Seeing their approach, Bruce turns to push a hidden panel on the wall behind him, which opens up to reveal an elevator ready to take its passengers to their destination. With a welcome inside gesture from Bruce, all four of them enter the elevator. And once they're inside, the elevator immediately descends them down to the lowest part of the building.

Once they reached their destination, Both Bruce and Eric led the two blondes to what appeared to be an old Gotham subway. "My great-grandfather built the original Gotham underground." Bruce briefly educates the married couple as they venture through the tunnel until they almost reach the exit. "But these days…it's the Batcave."

Both Dinah and Ollie were astonished by what their billionaire friend had been doing to the old subway. Practically refurbished with the latest state-of-the-art technology his company provided him. Eric also helped provide a few donations from S.T.A.R Labs for a project he and Bruce worked on for some time now.

Seeing the two blonde's amazed expressions, Eric chuckles before getting their attention. "Hey, if you two thought that this was amazing, then get ready to have your minds blown for this." The tech genius makes a behold gesture at the object they arrive toward. "Dinah, Oliver, I'd like you to meet our greatest creation, Brother Eye."

The said couple turns to see this Brother Eye that Eric introduced. And they were taken aback by what they saw in front of them. Brother Eye is a pillar comprised of numerous advanced surveillance screens that look to be monitoring the entire Earth. But what made it even more interesting was when one of the screens popped open an eye before turning its gaze at the heroes.

"More like the eye of Sauron." Green Arrow quips as he can't help but feel creeped out when the eye of Brother Eye shifts toward him. "Surveillance hub?"

"Oh, it can do lots more than just simple surveillance, Ollie." Eric proudly clarifies one of Brother Eye's capabilities as he leans next to a chair.

"A lot more?" Dinah questions.

Seeing their confusion, Bruce helps to verify Brother Eye's purpose. "Think of it as a communication hub. It can link up to every satellite and sever on the planet. It warns us when trouble's coming. And guides us when trouble's here."

"Well, not how I would have put it. But yeah, that's the gist of Brother Eye's central programming." Eric says in confirmation of Bruce's description of their advanced spy satellite. But in truth, Brother Eye's layout was practically based on the technology that created his R.I.G.

It means that anything Brother Eye can connect to, Eric will also be connected to it. To him, it's like a suit of armor around the world he can wear anytime he wants.

"Well…" an astonished Black Canary lets out before she turns her gaze at the young technopath. "Guess it must take a real genius like you, Eric, to operate…"

"Well, I dunno about being genius like backpack boy here…" a familiar female voice says from the chair before she pushes it around, revealing herself to everyone to none other than Harley Quinn. "But I do have a Ph.D." she proudly declares as she casually blows a bubble gum from her mouth. She lets out a happy grin as she sees two of her closest friends.

"Dinah! Dinah's hubby!" The pigtailed woman excitedly exclaims before rushing to hug Dinah, which the latter gracious hugs back. "You sure came a long way..."

"A world away. But the change of scenery is nice." The Emerald Archer awkwardly quips. Even though he's from another Earth dimension, Green Arrow is still surprised at the friendship shared between Harley and Dinah.

With the warm greeting out of the way, Black Canary turns her curious attention to one of Brother Eye's creators. "I was surprised you guys called, Bruce. Things seem to be going well. How Henry's been doing?"

"Henry's fine. He's busy handling something for me outside of Gotham." Bruce easily replies in regards to his son.

"What kind of busy?" Green Arrow couldn't help but ask.

Eric soon comes in to answer. "The kind that involves close surveillance." The married couple was skeptical of that reply but accepted before shifting to the other matter.

"Oh, then what's the problem?" Dinah asks the reason for their sudden arrival.

Bruce comes in to brief them on their current situation. "Dismantling the Regime created gaps in global security. We're covering them where we can. But we're still stretched thin. Vulnerable." He explains to the heroic couple before turning over to Eric and Harley. "Eric, Harleen, show them what you both found."

"Right-o, Bats." The pigtailed woman casually says.

With that, and thanks to his connection to Brother Eye, Eric wastes no time bringing up a holo screen, showing everyone what he and Harley had found.

Eric's screen displays an entire map of Africa before it zooms in on a specific area. That area just so happens to be Gorilla City. And one suspicious Gorilla comes up on screen. "The low knockoff of the eighth Wonder himself, Gorilla Grodd." The technopath genius introduces their anomaly before bringing up several other villains. "He's been busy secretly gathering stooges to fight for his cause. He calls it 'The Society'."

From there, Bruce takes this time to further their information to Dinah and Oliver. "My moles in Gorilla City say Grodd's planning something big. But what, where, when, we don't know."

"But there's one thing we do know." Harley chimes in to say her part to the others. "Scarecrow's gonna ship Grodd a butt load of fear gas from a hideout in Slaughter Swamp." She then makes a swatting gesture. "Very mosquito-y.

From that, Green Arrow smirks smirks before turning to his wife. "Good thing I packed my bug spray."

That joke makes Black Canary let out a small chuckle before Bruce comes in again. "I need you three to stop that gas before it gets to Grodd."

Now Dinah is left confused when Bruce says three of them are going. "You two aren't joining us for the party?" she asks, looking at both Bruce and Eric.

The billionaire frowns. "Unfortunately, we can't leave Gotham and Metropolis without worrying the public."

The new S.T.A.R Lab director soon comes in to say. "Yeah, and speaking of which, I need to head back before they notice I'm gone." That and the event is about to start soon, and he does not want to be late. Because he needs to be there for his reasons.

Dinah understood their reasons. But there was one other person she couldn't help but ask about. "And what about Aaron? Will he be joining us?"

"As much as he wants to be, Aaron also needs to be in the public to assure their concerns," Bruce explains the Gardian's current plans for today.

This slightly disappoints Dinah. It's been a while since she last met the young Gardian after their last team-up against Ra's, so she was slightly hoping to meet him for this one.

"Oh, Don't worry, Bats." Harley positively assures the Billionaire as she wraps an arm around Black Canary, who similarly wraps her arm around Harley before they begin happily departing. "With this crew on the job, what could go wrong?"

Eric chuckles at that before turning to the other men of the group. "Oh yeah, with those two together, you can expect something horrible to go wrong for Grodd and his whole society," he tells them.

Green Arrow was about to leave as well. But hearing the S.T.A.R Lab director's remark about Harley made him halt his movement before bringing it up to Bruce and Eric. "OK, I know I'm the new guy on the team. But do you guys really trust Harley?" Green Arrow can agree that his wife alone would bring real pain to anyone who messes with her. But with Harley, even if she isn't the Harley from his dimension, it is still concerning.

"She's a different person since Joker died," Bruce confidently assures his Robin Hood theme friend before he leaves. But only to pause for a moment to say this. "Mostly."

Oliver is left still unsure as he stands there awkwardly before glancing at the two departing females. He then sees a smirking Eric give him a pat on his shoulder.

"Yeah, I bet ya good luck. You're gonna need it to handle those two." The technopath jokingly states before he leaves as well.

This makes it much more awkward for the archer.

It's like he's in some other dimension. Oh wait, he is in another dimension. Just another strange day for Oliver Queen. Right.

(-Inner Sanctum Same Time-)

"Come on, you stupid piece of…" Aaron growls out as he continues struggling against his most challenging adversary. The one that the Gardian finds to be more difficult than fighting Superman and his regime altogether.

"Do you require assistance, my king?"

"No, I can do this." Aaron stubbornly says, denying the aid from the small humanoid-like robot, that continues to hover around him.

"It appears you do not, Your Highness." The robot states obviously, much to it's king's irritation.

The young Gardian king lets out a frustrated grunt as he tries again to fight this strong opponent. He's almost got it, just one move and he's won.

"Yes! Finally!" Aaron proudly exclaims as he finally has done it. He won against his utmost adversary.

"My King,"

"Yeah?" The said king answers to the robot's calling. And the floating robot simply points at the problem.

Looking down in the direction, Aaron sees what the problem is. And he just lets out a defeated sigh. Once again, his opponent has won. And this time, three of his fingers were bound to the bowtie. Now he has to untangle himself and try again.

"May I?" The floating robot once again offers its aid to the frustrated Gardian before he lets out another deep sigh.

"Fine…" Aaron finally concedes, allowing the robot to tie his bowtie for him. But only because he's running a bit late. It had nothing with his recent failure.

Receiving its approval, the robot hovers in front of the young Gardian. It uses its robotic humanoid hands to untie the knot, freeing the king's finger. And soon, within only a second, it successfully ties the black fabric around Aaron's neck.

"There we go. Now was that so hard, my king?" The humanoid robot queries Aaron, who only grumbles in annoyance as he looks at his reflection in the mirror.

To most people, they would call Aaron handsome in the outfit he's wearing right now. A well-made black suit with matching pants and dress shoes would do the trick for someone like the Gardian. But unfortunately, the thing he cared more about was the tight restrictions it had on him.

Doing one last look at himself in the mirror, Aaron lets out an approving grunt before turning to the service robot. "Thanks, that'll be all for today,"

With its service no longer required, the humanoid robot does an acknowledged bow before it departs from its Gardian king's room. But only for another individual to appear behind him.

"You dressed well, son." A familiar voice compliments Aaron on his outfit.

"Considering the standards they expect at this event, I doubt they expect something to happen, Father," Aaron replies to the person he called Father, Soran. Or at least the spiritual remains of his father's memories and will, Aaron can call father.

"Then you'll be pleased to know that your other suit is packed and ready to go should that circumstance arrive." The projector of Soran informs his son.

Aaron nods in appreciation for that. "You know, in truth, I hope nothing bad happens over there." He openly displays his concerns regarding the people of Metropolis. After what's happened in the past two years, they need a break from all that unnecessary excitement.

"I feel the same you do as well, my son." Soran projectively agrees before offering some helpful advice to his son. "But you know, even in times of peace, there's always an unexpected force that will seek to destroy it."

That's how he has managed to prevail in his previous home. Aaron always knew to be ready at all times and expect the unexpected.

"I know that." The younger Gardian acknowledges his father's wisdom before one person comes to his mind, which makes Aaron get dead serious. "I'll always be ready for anything. One day, Superman will break out, and I'll be ready to take him down before he has a chance to threaten Earth again." He firmly declares before he makes a leave to Metropolis.

Soran slightly frowns after his son mentions the imprisoned Kryptonian. It was a true shame that the peace made between Gardia and Krypton centuries ago didn't pass on to this world. And seeing his son continue to hold his grudge toward the Kryptonian is not a sight a father should see.

It will make a mistake that he'll regret for the rest of his life. And the holographic image of Gardia's previous king knows what that burden's like. And he needs to protect his son from that feeling.

"Aaron," the older Gardian suddenly calls out for his son, halting his steps to depart from the room before he turns to his father.

"Yeah, Dad?"

The older Gardian makes a gesture to his son to sit down on the nearby bed. "Sit down for a minute, son." Soran gently instructs him.

Though confused by his Father's motion, Aaron complies with it and sits on the bed. "Is something wrong?" He can't sense his father's emotions on the count of not being technically alive. But the young Gardian can tell that something is bothering him.

Soran lets out a sigh as he looks at Aaron with contemplation. He ponders for a few seconds on how to start it, to bring out the right words so his son can understand them. And so he decides to tell Aaron the truth of what happened on that day.

"There's something you need to know…"

To be continued

Chapter Complete!

Well, it looks like things have slightly calmed down in the past two years now that the regime has been fully dismantled. But now it appears that a new threat will be emerging soon once Batman's team infiltrates Slaughter Swamp. All while Aaron, Batman, and other publicly known heroes are to stay behind to watch the people. Despite the threat on the horizon, everything seems to be calm for the moment.

Now onto other things.

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. As I have stated in the previous chapter, I read the Injustice 2 comics, and I'll be putting in the references. But also, I'll be putting in some changes of my own into the story from other references.

Like the Camazotz from the Monsterverse/Legendary but with a little plot tweaking. I always wanted to use this kaiju in a story ever since I read The Kong Kingdom comic. To me, it felt right.

And there will be more changes to make this story have a camaraderie with the comic.

So with no delay, I'm signing off!

Also, I do not own ANYTHING related to DC and their Characters. The only things I own are just the OC, nothing more.

Goodbye, for now.