Chapter 140: CHAPTER 138
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.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone