Dick Grayson reclined on the cozy couch, enveloped by the warmth of Kori's embrace. Together, they exuded an aura of contentment, their laughter filling the room as they enjoyed each other's company. The atmosphere was light, brimming with the kind of affectionate intimacy that two people deeply in love share. Their playfulness escalated, and their lips met in a passionate kiss, their connection intensifying with each passing moment.
The quiet was shattered by Raven's deadpan comment as she strolled past with a bowl of popcorn in hand. "Ugh… Get a room, you two."
Kori and Dick exchanged amused glances before Raven's dark humor caused a subtle smile to tug at her lips. Unfazed, Raven occupied a seat, her focus shifting to the TV remote which floated toward her, drawn by her black energy. Her search for entertainment led her to a familiar frustration. "There's nothing here worth watching, not even the news. Well, guess I'll settle for the news; at least something interesting's happening there."
The news broadcast alerted them, its content setting an alarming tone. LexCorp's acquisition of majority shares in prominent corporations was ominous, hinting at a sinister power play. However, the situation escalated when the headlines shifted to the declaration of the Justice League as criminals by the President of the United States.
Raven's question resonated through the room. "Are you guys seeing this?" Their attention was drawn to the TV, where the unfolding events were nothing short of shocking. A secret meeting between the President and Lex Luthor turned chaotic as the League members burst in, only to be labeled as enemies of the state. The disarray and confusion were palpable, casting a dark cloud over the League's reputation.
As the gravity of the situation settled in, Dick's urgency took over. He gently moved Kori aside and sprung to his feet. His fingers danced across his phone's keypad as he dialed a familiar number. Alfred's voice on the other end indicated Dick's desperation to understand the chaos that had unfolded.
Raven's empathic senses didn't fail her; the sensation of imminent danger grew stronger. "We're being ambushed," she warned, her words a chilling reminder of the approaching threat. Tear gas inundated their haven, an attempt to disorient and neutralize them. Instinctively, Dick's command echoed through the room. "Get down!"
Agents descended upon them, their entrance marked by shattering glass. The relentless sound of gunfire filled the room as they fought back, their teamwork and combat skills on full display.
…
[Meanwhile]
As Kara stepped into the store, a familiar voice greeted her with a cheeky comment. "Hey, blondie, it's been a while." Jake's words earned a playful eye roll from her, an unspoken reminder that she preferred not to be called "blondie."
"Jake, didn't I tell you not to call me blondie?" She retorted, her baby blue eyes locked on him as she walked past the counter. His feigned innocence prompted a chuckle from her, a brief moment of camaraderie amidst the unfolding chaos.
Her attention shifted to the display of headphones, and she selected two before making her way back to the counter. As she approached, the background noise caught her ear—the news report mentioning the Justice League. She glanced up at the TV, her curiosity piqued by the footage unfolding.
On the screen, a private meeting between the President and Lex Luthor turned into a scene of chaos as the League members stormed in. The abrupt intrusion led to pandemonium, the camera capturing snippets of confusion as the League clashed with the President's security detail.
Superman's swift movement caught her attention, but the camera's limited view obscured crucial details. A sudden release of gas disrupted the scene, causing Superman to falter, and Flash appeared restrained, his mobility compromised. The President's response was both swift and condemning—the League was declared enemies of the state and the world.
Kara's shock was palpable, her jaw dropping in disbelief. Jake's casual remark reflected the distorted news narrative. "Yeah, I heard they went rogue and tried to kidnap the president." His nonchalant demeanor contrasted starkly with the gravity of the situation.
Curiosity gave voice to an elderly woman behind her, a voice of reason amid the turmoil. Kara turned to face her, her expression a mix of confusion and concern. The shop manager's perspective lent a glimmer of hope, a belief in the League's integrity despite the damning news.
Yet, skepticism lingered. A middle-aged man's cynicism painted a darker scenario, one where power had corrupted even the noblest intentions. Kara's sense of disbelief deepened as more information surfaced—bounties on the League members' heads, a twisted testament to their fall from grace.
The figures glared at her from the screen, a cruel reminder of the world's sudden betrayal. The escalating bounties spoke of desperation and chaos, a stark contrast to the unity and trust the League had once embodied.
Kara's uncertainty hung heavy, leaving her at a crossroads. She exited the store, the weight of the situation heavy on her mind, her thoughts swirling in a storm of confusion. A message lit up her smartphone, a beacon of hope in the form of a meeting invitation. Dick Grayson's words beckoned her to the Watchtower, the symbol of their unity and strength.
"Hey there, Jake. Long time no see," Kara greeted with a playful grin as she stepped into the store.
Jake leaned against the counter, a smirk playing on his lips. "Hey blondie, it's been a while."
Kara rolled her eyes, her baby blue gaze locking onto his mischievous expression. "Jake, I've told you a hundred times, don't call me 'blondie.'"
He feigned innocence, a casual shrug accompanying his reply. "I'm not sure, must've slipped my mind."
A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she continued past the counter. Kara's attention was drawn to the array of headphones displayed. She selected two, carrying them with her as she approached the counter again. However, her intention was disrupted by the TV's murmurs in the background.
Curiosity piqued, Kara's gaze drifted upwards to the screen. The news broadcast unfolded, revealing a shocking turn of events involving the Justice League. Her brows furrowed as she absorbed the unfolding chaos.
The footage displayed a private meeting between the President and Lex Luthor, their negotiations captured by the press. Abruptly, the League burst onto the scene, walls crumbling around them. Pandemonium erupted, the camera capturing fragmented glimpses of the ensuing chaos.
Superman's swift movement caught her eye, only to be obscured by the camera's limitations. Grenade gas dispersed, Superman's strength faltering as Flash became ensnared, a perplexing web ensnaring him.
Kara's shock mirrored in her dropped jaw as the broadcast continued. The President's declaration branding the League as enemies of the state resonated. Swift action followed; Flash and Superman were taken into custody, their destinies altered by the sudden betrayal.
As Kara processed the overwhelming information, Jake's voice brought her back to the present. "Yeah, I heard they went rogue and tried to kidnap the President."
An elderly woman's voice echoed a sentiment Kara shared. The disbelief in her eyes was mirrored by the doubt expressed by others in the store, including the shop manager. Their debate simmered with uncertainty, leaving Kara torn between loyalty and doubt.
The realization that other heroes might still remain unscathed brought a glimmer of hope. Yet, darker theories surfaced. "Maybe they've given up on protecting us and seeking power instead," a middle-aged man mused, voicing the unsettling possibility that lingered in the air.
Kara accepted her purchase and glanced back at the TV. The news headlines solidified her concerns, bounties placed on heroes' heads, turning them into hunted prey. Each figure's worth was displayed with chilling precision, an unsettling reminder of the world's descent into chaos.
Wonderwoman: $20,000,000
Green Lantern: $30,000,000
Martian Manhunter: $45,000,000
Batman: $50,000,000
Then the figure with the highest bounty was Ace, having a bounty of $65,000,000 because he was a complete mystery and he was to be treated as a major threat to the world since he was refused to confirm he was a hero or a villain when the military tried to reach him. Every other masked hero was worth a bounty of $10,000,000. Meaning not even the Young Justice could operate publicly anymore.
With a mind in turmoil, Kara stepped out of the store. Uncertainty swirled within her as she contemplated her next move, the fate of her comrades weighing heavily on her mind.
Beep!!!
She reached for her pocket and pulled out her smartphone, the lit up screen of her phone displayed a message. 'Meeting, tonight at the Watchtower,' The sender was Dick Grayson and there was a chance of the missing League members being there also. It was only logical to set up a meeting there because the Titan Tower and the Hall of Justice must have been compromised by the military force, so she levitated off her feet and flew off into the sky.
…
[Lex Luthor's POV]
*Hahahahhahhaha!!!*
The office reverberated with Lex Luthor's maniacal laughter, an echo of his twisted satisfaction reverberating against the polished walls.
Mercy, ever the composed assistant, couldn't help but inquire, "Why the sudden outburst, sir?"
A cryptic smirk played on his lips as he accepted the steaming cup of coffee she placed on his desk. "Because only I possess the intellect to orchestrate such an intricate scheme."
Mercy took a seat in the plush black leather chair, her gaze steady as she regarded her enigmatic employer. "You prepared a backup plan, anticipating potential failure. It seems you were well-prepared for any outcome."
His fingers curled around the coffee cup, his eyes dancing with a malevolent glint. "Indeed, my dear. I recognized the slim chance of the League's triumph against my meticulously designed ploy. Hence, I devised a contingency that unfolded exactly as foreseen."
Lex leaned back, his contemplative expression betraying the depth of his strategy. "I harnessed the potent influence of my newest puppet, the President of the United States. I orchestrated a meeting, with press in tow, a seemingly innocent deal between the State and LexCorp. Yet, the cameras captured a moment of orchestrated chaos—the League appearing as rogue agents."
Mercy's observation was astute, her voice level. "So, you masterminded them into a trap, then manipulating the footage to frame the League."
His agreement was swift, his tone dripping with satisfaction. "Precisely. But this is merely the opening act. Superman, and Flash have all been secured, primed to join my ranks as mindless puppets."
As his laughter resumed, tinged with madness, Mercy's gaze never wavered. "And what is your grand ambition once you have these mindless puppets and the world is plunged into chaos without its heroes?"
Lex's response was calculated, his eyes alight with a sinister fire. "I shall lead the world into a dark abyss. The Justice League's Watchtower, a symbol of their unity, shall be my instrument. A world-scale transmission will persuade the masses that LexCorp salvaged humanity from its darkest hour. In return, I shall ascend to the pinnacle of power, reigning as the world's supreme ruler."
Observing him closely, Mercy discerned a glint in his eyes, a hunger for dominion that exceeded the ambitions of ordinary men. Lex's insatiable thirst for supremacy fueled his audacious dreams, no matter how implausible they may seem.
The Watchtower's hallowed halls hummed with urgency as members of Young Justice and allied heroes convened in response to Batman's call. The somber air hung heavy as Batman addressed the gathering, his gravitas carrying the weight of their precarious situation.
"In the wake of recent events," Batman's voice was steady, betraying no hint of the mounting turmoil. "The Justice League has been falsely accused, branded as criminals by Lex Luthor's machinations. The world's trust has wavered, and it's not just us; other masked heroes have bounties on their heads and arrest warrants has been issued for all heroes. Our world is descending into chaos, crime rates spiraling out of control."
Around the table, Martian Manhunter's eyes held a glint of determination, Wonder Woman's resolve was unwavering, Green Lantern's ring exuded a palpable readiness, and Cyborg's stoic facade masked a fiery drive. The League's core members had managed to escape the meticulously orchestrated ambush Luthor had sprung, but at a grievous cost—Flash and Superman were now captive.
"Lex Luthor's influence and power surge unchecked," Batman continued, his gaze firm as he locked eyes with each hero present. "His ability to manipulate minds has granted him a stranglehold on our world. We must act swiftly to stop him before his grasp tightens further."
Frustration rippled through the room as a collective realization set in. They were the world's last bastion against Luthor's malevolent ascent. But even as darkness loomed, a glimmer of hope sparked as Batman rallied them.
"We must lay low for now," Batman's words were measured, his voice a beacon of guidance. "Operate as vigilantes, but exercise caution. Our task is to bide our time, gather information, and plan. Together, we will unravel Luthor's web of deceit and set the record straight. The world must know the truth and Luthor must pay for what he has done."
Amidst nods of agreement and grim determination, Green Lantern interjected, a touch of wryness in his tone. "And where's Constantine when you need him?"
A rueful smile tugged at Batman's lips, fleeting but genuine. "I don't know. Last I heard, he was vacationing in hell, trying to acclimate to his future accommodations. Seems he wanted to familiarize himself with the place before it becomes his eternal residence."
"Yup, sounds like him alright." Green Lantern replied.
"But how are we supposed to operate as vigilantes when the police are treating us like criminals?" Kid Flash asked Batman as he gestured around the room to imply everyone there.
"Oh, first time?" Green Arrow asked as he gave a sarcastic wink. "Back when I started up, I never wanted to be considered a hero so I started up as a vigilante which they called 'The Hood' and was chased around by the police even though I saved countless lives on multiple occasions, it still didn't matter. I just kept on doing what I believed was right, and that was clearing my city of the parasites that was plaguing and rottenning my city."
"But how can we operate as vigilantes when the police are treating us like criminals?" Kid Flash inquired, his frustration apparent as he swept a hand around the room, encompassing his fellow heroes.
Green Arrow's smirk was evident in his voice as he responded, his words laced with sarcasm. "Ah, a first-timer, huh? When I started out, I wasn't exactly their favorite hero either. Went by 'The Hood,' they did everything but roll out the welcome mat for me. Saved countless lives, didn't matter. I just stuck to my convictions, cleaned up my city one arrow at a time."
Blue Beetle leaned in, curiosity shining in his eyes, as he asked for guidance. "Now you're the guardian angel of Star City and a key member of the League. Any advice for those of us who haven't been on the wrong side of the law?"
Oliver's response was cut short by Batman, the Dark Knight taking a step forward to address the young heroes. "We're dwelling too much on this. Change into darker costumes if you're not already wearing them, remove any recognizable symbols or emblems. Go stealth."
Martian Manhunter's calm voice resonated as he added his support. "I concur. This is our most prudent course of action at the moment."
Starfire's fiery determination burned bright as she clenched her fist. "If they want rogue heroes, that's what they'll get."
Supergirl's conflicted gaze held a plea as she raised her concerns. "The fact that they captured Superman, and even The Flash... What's our plan for them?"
A comforting hand landed on Supergirl's shoulder, Superboy offering silent reassurance. "We'll find out where they're held. Just lay low, stay safe, and avoid capture. We'll let you know if we need your help to rescue them."
With Batman's curt words, the meeting concluded, heroes scattering to their respective bases, bracing for the storm that had descended upon them.
…
"That was quite a brilliant move. Luthor's truly a damn genius," I remarked, my left palm covering my face as a short burst of laughter escaped me.
Confusion clouded Jason's face as he questioned, "What do you mean? The heroes aren't criminals, and the surge in crimes will be overwhelming for the police to handle."
Since I've been here, it's been non-stop chaos out there. The young man's frustration and disbelief were evident.
"Who would've thought the day would come when heroes would be labeled criminals and hunted by the police? I should probably give Mick a call and ask him to stir things up in Central City, given Flash is captured," Leo contemplated aloud. He paused, realization dawning on him. "Superman's caught too. Metropolis is wide open, without the Man of Steel to protect it, it's prime pickings."
Leo's mind was racing. "You could send a few of your crew members to Central City, manage operations from here, much like I used to. Eventually, they'll make their way to Metropolis."
The young adult, visibly tense and concerned, interjected with a heartfelt plea. "Can't you guys see the world's falling apart? Why aren't you taking this seriously?"
As the tension built, Jason chimed in, seeking clarity. "And what were you talking about with Luthor?"
An exasperated sigh escaped me as I smacked my forehead, weariness evident. "Seriously, more questions? Alright, here's the deal. Since you went all 'Ghost' and transformed into Red Hood, you've missed quite a bit. In a nutshell, Luthor found a way to amplify Gorilla Grodd's psychic power, allowing him to manipulate people's minds on a grand scale. He's controlling military leaders, politicians—essentially anyone with power."
Jason's response was a mix of acknowledgement and surprise. "Damn, didn't see that one coming, but it's Luthor after all."
Leo inquired further, delving into the mechanics of Luthor's control. "So, he just needs to be in proximity to control someone?"
My irritation surfaced as I poked Leo to scoot over, seeking my own space on the couch. Sharing it with these guys wasn't part of the plan. "No, not proximity. He implants thoughts, making them unwitting puppets obeying his will."
"Why hasn't he mind-controlled the public yet?" Leo's inquiry persisted.
More questions. I could feel my patience waning. "Again? Alright, look, Luthor's cautious. Maybe he needs something specific to expand his reach. A massive satellite with enough power to control a whole city. But that's just a hypothetical, right? Such a thing doesn't exist."
"Um..." Jason's contemplative hum hinted at a revelation, and I dreaded his response.
"Please don't say what I think you're about to say," I muttered, knowing it would complicate things further if Luthor had control over not only individuals but a populace, with HD possibly steering them into a cult-like following, proclaiming himself a messiah despite being the architect of their turmoil.
"It does exist, actually. The Justice League Watchtower could function as such a device if manipulated right."
"Ugh... you just had to mention it, didn't you?"
"Wait, the Justice League has a base in space?" Leo's disbelief echoed.
"Yeah, Batman came up with the idea," Jason clarified.
"Interesting." My quip couldn't be contained. The notion of a space house, overseeing Earth like a god, held its appeal—a haven away from everyone's bullshit.
RING RING!!!*
My thoughts were shattered by my ringing phone. Seeing Rae's name on the caller ID, I answered with a laid back tone. "Hey, babe, are you alright?" I murmured, slipping out of the sitting room, fully aware of the curious, playful expressions exchanged between Jason and Leo. Suppressing an impending laugh, a test of willpower, became my sole focus.
"I'm fine, babe. Any chance we could meet up soon? I'm sure you've seen the news," Rae's voice flowed through the phone, tinged with relief.
"Yeah, I did. I was worried you might get tangled up in this mess, but I trust you to hold your own," I reassured, my worry concealed beneath a veneer of certainty but I was absolutely sure that she would be fine.
Her laughter rippled through the line, soothing my concerns. However, her mirth vanished as swiftly as it came. "Tom, help," she uttered, her voice waning, overshadowed by a thudding sound that echoed from her end.
"Rae, Rae!!! What's going on?" I barked into the phone, my urgency laid bare on my tone.
The line remained silent, her response withheld. The soundscape transformed, infiltrated by echoing footfalls and the crisp crackle of a walkie-talkie. "Raven has been secured. Moving on to the next target. Roger."
A veil of uncertainty shrouded me—was the military the driving force behind this or not? Nevertheless, I pledged that they would pay a steep price for their actions, a price measured in lives. If even a hint of harm befell Raven, I would ensure they'd rue the day they set their sights on her.
Want more chapters? Kindly visit my to read ahead./Maverick_DaSupreme