The sleek, imposing silhouette of LexCorp Tower looms over Metropolis, its sharp lines and gleaming glass exterior a testament to the power and influence of its owner, Lex Luthor. Inside the building, the atmosphere is one of quiet, controlled power, with security measures more advanced than most militaries. Jotaro, Red Hood, and Batgirl move through the lavish corridors with a clear purpose, their expressions set as they approach a pair of grand doors leading to Lex Luthor's office.
RedHood: "I'm still unclear on why we needhis help of all people."
Batgirl: "Lex has joined forces with Grodd more than once, and they've all gone south in some way. If there's anyone who'd be willing to give Grodd up, it's him."
Jotaro: "I'll take the lead. I have my ways of setting the scene."
The doors swing open with a whisper of well-oiled hinges, revealing the luxurious, modern office of Lex Luthor. The man himself sits behind a massive, polished desk, exuding an air of confidence and superiority. His steely eyes flick up from the papers in front of him, taking in the trio with a calm, calculated gaze. He's dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, and his bald head shines under the overhead lights. Lex's demeanor is one of quiet menace, the kind that comes from a man who is used to being in control.
Jotaro is the first to step forward, his presence as imposing as ever. Star Platinum hovers just behind him, invisible to the naked eye but ready to strike at a moment's notice. Red Hood stands beside him, his hands resting lightly on his holstered guns, while Batgirl lingers just behind them, her eyes scanning the room for any potential threats.
Lex Luthor (smug, with a hint of amusement): "Well, well. Jotaro Kujo, the Red Hood, and Batgirl. Not the usual group I'd expect to see walking through my doors. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Jotaro (directly, with no patience for games): "We need information, Luthor. Joker's involved in something bigger than usual, and it ties back to you."
Lex raises an eyebrow, his lips curling into a slight smirk. He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he regards them with cool interest.
Lex Luthor (calmly, almost patronizing): "Ah, the Joker. Such a chaotic little creature, isn't he? But I assure you, I have no direct dealings with that lunatic. What makes you think I'd have any relevant information for you?"
Red Hood steps forward, his tone laced with barely restrained anger.
Red Hood (coldly): "Cut the crap, Luthor. We know Grodd is involved, and there's no way he's working without your knowledge. You have the intel we need—either give it up, or we'll find another way to get it."
Lex's smirk doesn't falter, but there's a glint of something more dangerous in his eyes now. He rises from his chair, casually walking around the desk to face the trio directly.
Lex Luthor (slyly): "You're assuming a lot, Jason. But you're not wrong to suspect me. Grodd and I… have had our interactions. Let's just say he's been rather ambitious lately, seeking out alliances that could help him achieve his goals. But Joker? He's merely a pawn in a much larger game."
Batgirl narrows her eyes, stepping closer to Lex with a sharp gaze.
Batgirl (firmly): "What's Grodd planning, Lex? And what does it have to do with Joker's chaos in Gotham?"
Lex pauses for a moment, as if considering whether or not to share what he knows. Finally, he lets out a small sigh, as though he's doing them a great favor.
Lex Luthor (carefully): "Grodd is after something much bigger than Gotham. He's after control—of minds, of cities, of nations. Joker's chaos is just a distraction, a way to keep the world's eyes on Gotham while Grodd works in the shadows. As for what he wants with Batman… let's just say he sees the Dark Knight as a key piece in his plan. And Grodd's plans often involve bringing his targets under his mental control."
Jotaro's fists clench at the implication, Star Platinum's aura flaring up slightly as his frustration grows. He steps closer to Lex, his eyes locking onto the billionaire's with a cold intensity.
Jotaro (menacingly): "Where is Grodd now? And what's his next move?"
Lex meets Jotaro's gaze without flinching, though the tension in the room is palpable. After a long moment, he finally speaks, his tone low and serious.
Lex Luthor (gravely): "Grodd is moving towards Gotham's outskirts, setting up operations in an old, abandoned facility—one that's off the grid, where he can work without interference. His next move… well, he's planning to unleash something that will put all of Gotham under his control, starting with its greatest hero. If you want to stop him, you'll need to act fast."
Red Hood takes a step back, his expression darkening as he processes the information.
Red Hood (grimly): "Mind control… Grodd's planning to turn Batman into his puppet, isn't he?"
Lex Luthor (nodding slightly): "Precisely. And once he has Batman, the rest of Gotham will follow. But if you're going to stop him, you'll need more than just brute force. Grodd is clever, and he's surrounded himself with some of the deadliest mercenaries and villains he could find. You'll need to be smarter."
Batgirl looks at Jotaro and Red Hood, then back at Lex with a determined expression.
Batgirl (resolutely): "We'll stop him, Lex. But if you're lying to us, or if this is some kind of trap…"
Lex Luthor (smirking again): "I assure you, Barbara, I'm as invested in stopping Grodd as you are. Chaos is bad for business, after all. Consider this a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Jotaro watches Lex for a moment longer, then finally steps back, his expression hardening with resolve. He turns to Red Hood and Batgirl, nodding slightly.
Jotaro (calmly, with determination): "We know where to go. Let's roll out."
Red Hood gives Lex one last glare before turning to follow Jotaro. Batgirl lingers for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she watches Lex return to his desk, already dismissing them from his mind.
Batgirl (warningly): "We'll be watching you, Lex. Don't think you're off the hook."
Lex doesn't even look up as he responds, his voice smooth and untroubled.
Lex Luthor (dismissively): "Of course, Batgirl. Good luck."
With that, the trio leaves LexCorp Tower, their minds focused on the task ahead. Grodd has made his move, and now it's their turn to strike back before it's too late.
