DCU Justice League #10 The World's Hope

"Today… was a day of earth. A day that proved we, as humans, are not fragile creatures in a world of gods in red capes and dark knights who hunt injustice from the shadows. A day that showed us, that humans are willing to fight for everything and everyone they love."

 

 

The television broadcast cut to the streets of Metropolis, Lex Luthor standing in the camera feed. He donned his green power armor, blasting energy lasers at the invaders. Steel was behind him, slamming his hammer into the aliens that would've taken the bald man by his blindspot. Above them flew a man in a golden helmet, a blue suit, and a golden cape. The ankh of fate appeared behind him as golden chains began to wrap around the alien invaders.

 

 

The broadcast changed, showing Gotham City. A woman with bright red hair and black suit was in hand-to-hand combat with the aliens, a boy in red, green, and yellow fighting beside her. A flash of white light blinded them as the aliens all turned to bunnies. The camera panned up to see a woman in a top hat, who winked before flying back to the action. Across the street was a purple clad man adorning wings on his back, shooting his gun at the invaders. He was swiftly thrown through a nearby window.

 

 

The broadcast cut again, Central City. Streaks of lightning passed the screen, both gold, one with a red and blue motion blur, the other with white. Shadow monsters ripped cars and debris apart, allowing citizens to flee. The camera panned over to Captain Cold, freezing one of the aliens while standing next to a blond man laughing as he sprayed acid from his gun.

 

 

Coast City appeared next, pillars of metal slamming into the invaders as they flew through the sky. Shadowy hands of Obsidian began to tear through the hoards, his sister Jade flying close by as his support. In the street, the Tattooed Man conjured multiple animals, as Goldface swiped the ground, causing those in front of him to turn solid.

 

 

New York City's broadcast saw the Elongated Man wrap his arms around multiple aliens, flinging them around like rag dolls. The Blue Beetle rolled onto the scene, blasting the invaders with his gun. Metamorpho flew from the skyline, taking down the enemies that were airborne. Across the street saw a black sedan slamming into multiple aliens, a glimpse of the man inside showed he had no face.

 

 

The next city appeared, Dakota. Black Lightning was seen flying in the air, frying the various aliens as they attempted their attack. His sidekick flew passed on a silver disk, picking up cars and trash cans along the way, whipping them at the creatures. After that showed Faucet City, Shazam soaring through the air taking on dozens of the invaders at a time.

 

 

The television then cut to Washington D.C, replaying the footage at the Lincoln Memorial. The 11 heroes all fought against the invasion, stopping it from ending earth as they knew it.

 

 

The television cut one last time, focusing on the president and ten heroes standing together on a stage. The president cleared his throat and continued to speak. "Humanity is strong. But our strength was not the only factor. Mera, Aquaman, Green Lanterns, The Flash, Superman-, I'm sorry we didn't quite get your name sir."

 

 

J'onn paused for a moment before looking to Barry and smiling. "The Martian Manhunter." Barry smiled back, electing a pat on the back from Hal.

 

 

"The Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, and Black Canary. We'd also like to formally thank The Batman, as he sadly could not make it today."

 

 

Clark smirked, spotting Bruce on a rooftop a ways away. It was very Bruce of him.

 

 

"These eleven men and women fought for us. Fought so that we could be safe today, and for that, we thank them all."

 

 

A round of applause sounded off from the crowd. "I can get used to this, pretty bird. What about you." Spoke Oliver in a hushed tone. He received a light smack to the arm.

 

 

"Like anyone is gonna recognize you for something again." Dinah retorted back, a small smile on her face.

 

 

Barry and Hal were chatting up a storm, John enduring it all as Arthur and Mera shared a loving kiss. Diana smiled to herself, knowing her goal would be completed. If she could stop an invasion, then the apocalypse would be the next step up. J'onn stared out into the crowd, spotting a woman who looked back at him. There was a familiar presence with the woman… it was M'gann, she did make it to earth. He would need to buy more chocos… she just had to try them.

 

 

-~-~-

 

 

The group of eleven stood outside of the building. It was large, white in color with blue windows encompassing the front. The top of the building had a curve to it, with two pillars on either side standing tall. In front of the building was a large fountain, a golden iceberg-like statue extruding from the middle.

 

 

"So, Bats, you gonna tell us what this is?" Asked Oliver, running his hand over the building's wall.

 

 

"I, too, am curious. The structure almost reminds me of Atlantis." Added Arthur.

 

 

Bruce took a moment, before opening the door and walking inside. The group outside looked at each other with confused expressions, before stepping inside. The inside of the building set them all into a state of awe.

 

 

Golden statues lined the walls, all eleven of the heroes present. Oliver made a remark on the statue of Dinah's proportions, electing him to be slapped on the back of the head by the woman in question. Barry and Hal both discussed which of theirs looked more like them, causing John to sigh at their childness. Diana made a comment on them reminding her of Olympus, Arthur and Mera agreeing based on what they knew. J'onn silently admired his own before turning his head to the group of people around him. He truly did find what he was looking for after all these years.

 

 

Clark walked up to Bruce, nudging him in the side. "So, Bruce… you gonna tell me how you were able to pull this off so quickly? I mean, when I asked you about it, I was expecting at least a few months."

 

 

"I've had this facility made for a long time, Clark," stated Bruce, turning his head to Kryptonian. "Ever since I met you, actually." Clark looked surprised, but let his friend continue. "The statues are just a benefit of being Bruce Wayne."

 

 

Clark laughed as the rest of the heroes all turned their attention back to Bruce. "So," asked Barry. "What's all this for? You building a museum?" Bruce simply nodded his head, a gesture for 'follow me.'

 

 

Bruce led them through the facility, passing bedrooms, a gym, and even a cafeteria. The group finally arrived at a door. It was large and silver, a small button next to it. Pressing the button on the wall, the door slid open. Inside the room was a tablecloth, covering what looked like a table. "You're… gonna prepare us lunch?" Asked Hal, a confused grin on his face.

 

 

Bruce turned from the table, looking at the group. He then turned to Clark, who nodded stepping forward next to Bruce.

 

 

"Once upon a time, Superman was born. He was a hero that was meant to inspire hope. To be an unbeatable force, that was more capable than anyone else in the world." Clark looked to Bruce, then back to the group. "That all changed thirteen years ago, when I met Batman." Clark took note at the reactions, most in shock Batman had been around that long. "We were both brought into a crisis that required cooperation and teamwork to survive it."

 

 

"Since that day," Bruce began, "I knew the world was destined to change."

 

 

"Together, Batman and I defeated the threat," Clark closed his eyes, thinking of his family. "Together, like we did against the White Martian invasion." Clark looked out at the group, seeing the smiles on everyone. "It's why we're here today. We have a proposition."

 

 

"He has a proposition." Spoke Bruce, getting a few chuckles from the group.

 

 

"In 1945, a group of superpowered individuals formed a team. It was called the Justice Society of America." Clark watched J'onn, Barry, and John perk up at the mention. He also witnessed Oliver place a hand on Dinah's shoulder, comforting her. "They were a team that defended the innocent and brought justice to those who threatened it."

 

 

Clark turned towards the clothed table, grabbing the fabric. "I used to think I could save the world alone… but that changed. Today, I propose that we become the new generation of heroes that defend the peace. The generation of heroes that will uphold justice and protect the world." He suddenly ripped the cloth off the table, exposing the content underneath.

 

 

The table was a platinum color, a gold trim running along the edge. The center of the table was a golden shield, the letters JLA written on it in red, white, and blue. Chairs wrapped around the table, eleven to be exact. Each one was the same platinum color, with a golden symbol on the back of each.

 

 

An S, a bat, a double W, a lightning bolt, two lanterns, two Atlantean A's, an arrowhead, a bird, and a star over the center of an x.

 

 

"Today, marks the start of the Justice League of America… and I want all of you to join us." Clark looked at the group of heroes. Each of them were admiring their custom made chairs and the table.

 

 

"So," asked Oliver. "What if we said no?"

 

 

Clark chuckles. "Then we'd have to find another arrow guy." Dinah lightly snickers at the comment, receiving a glare from Oliver.

 

 

"I will happily join." The room turned to J'onn, who had been quiet the whole time since they arrived. "For so long, I have been… alone. My family taken from me, kinship lost through hatred. I have felt so… lost… but not today. Fighting alongside you all… hearing you laugh and seeing you smile. It gave me… gave me a sense of family once again." J'onn looked up from his clenched hand. "It gave me hope that there is always a chance to start anew."

 

 

J'onn's words hit every single person there.

 

 

"Guy is gonna be so jealous, it's a yes from me."

 

 

"Of course that's why you agree… no doubt about joining."

 

 

"Definitely count me in."

 

 

"What are the benefits? Because- Ow…"

 

 

"We are both in."

 

 

"A bridge of two worlds."

 

 

"A bridge we are very happy to create.

 

 

"I would be honored to continue fighting by your sides."

 

 

"It's settled then," proclaimed Clark as he opened a cooler that was under the table. A lone bottle of champagne sat inside. He pulled out cups and poured the drink into each. "To the Justice League of America." He raised his glass to the others in the room. Everyone followed suit.

 

 

"To the Justice League of America!"

 

 

-~-~-

 

 

The bank vault door ripped from its hinges, metal flying off of the wall. A few screams from bystanders could be heard as the man floated into the vault. His purple and black armor shined in the dark vault, the few lights reflecting off of it. The safety deposit boxes rip from the walls, locking into a single giant box of metal as the blue glow commands it to.

 

 

Dr. Polaris floated out of the vault, the safety deposit boxes being carried by his magnetic powers. As he entered the main lobby of the bank, Green Lantern stood in front of him, Aquaman by his side. "Neal…" Spoke John Stewart, an authoritative tone in his voice.

 

 

Dr. Polaris looked at the duo, surprised to see Aquaman. He quickly turned to make an exit through the back door. Suddenly another hero appeared, phasing through the ground to stand directly in front of him. "I would advise you to surrender," spoke Martian Manhunter

 

 

Neal jumped at the sudden appearance, throwing the deposit boxes at the Lantern, the Atlantean, and the Martian, flying into the sky. When he exited through the skylight, the Man of Steel floated alongside Green Arrow and Black Canary, who stood on the rooftop. "Y'know, super villains just don't know how to rob banks anymore." Quipped Oliver, Superman nodding his head in agreement.

 

 

"You'd think he'd at least wait until night time," noted Clark, looking at the villain.

 

 

Polaris was sweating now, changing his flight path to the main road. Upon landing on the street, he was cut off by the Amazon Warrior, Wonder Woman, who was standing with her arms folded next to Queen Mera of Atlantis. Hal Jordan and The Flash stood on the opposite end of the road. "Hey Plug Boi," called out Hal. "You really should just give up.

 

 

"Wh-what? That's not my- never mind…" shouted Polaris, making a b-line for the alleyway.

 

 

Flash nudged Hal on the shoulder. "Hey, you tried to warn him." Both began to laugh at what was waiting for him in the alley.

 

 

Polaris was dashing through the dark alley, constantly looking over his shoulder to see if the heroes were following. Suddenly he hit something hard, falling into his back. Looking up, he saw a silhouette of a tall man with bat ears protruding from his head. His white lensed eyes glowed brightly in the dark.

 

 

"You've gotta be kidding-" Polaris stopped mid sentence with a sight. "Just knock me out already…"

Done