"No matter what, I still think running away from home is the worst idea ever. Jenna, you should reconsider."
Courtney shrugged as she spoke, her tone firm but not unkind.
"This isn't running away, Courtney, this is…" Jenna paused, struggling to put her thoughts into words. "I just want some peace and quiet. I don't even know if Adrian is doing the right thing anymore. I've been stuck between doubt and confusion."
Courtney frowned. "It still sounds like avoiding the problem. Maybe we can talk to Adrian. Or we rebuild the Justice Society ourselves. If he wants his version, fine, we'll call his group the Injustice Society."
There was a sharp edge in her voice. Ever since Adrian took control of the Justice Society, it had bothered her more than she cared to admit.
That team was supposed to be her father's legacy.
And if she could reclaim the Cosmic Staff, everything would feel right again.
"Ahem."
Jenna cleared her throat, slightly uneasy. "Pat said your biological father wasn't exactly a good guy. Apparently, he tried to take the staff from you the first time you met him."
"He's not my father," Courtney snapped immediately.
The irritation in her voice made the room tense for a moment.
"Okay, okay, that's just what I heard," Jenna said quickly, dropping the subject.
Before she could continue, hurried footsteps echoed from downstairs, followed by a door slamming open.
Both girls turned toward the doorway just as Mike rushed in, breathing heavily.
"You… you guys need to come downstairs. Now!"
"What is it?" Courtney asked.
Mike pointed toward the living room. "We're being invaded. Again. Aliens!"
"Aliens?"
Courtney and Jenna exchanged a doubtful glance, then rushed downstairs.
The television confirmed everything.
Above the skyline of Metropolis, swarms of grotesque creatures filled the sky, diving toward civilians in chaotic waves. Explosions lit up the streets, while the news anchor struggled to keep composure.
Panic was everywhere.
Courtney stood frozen for a moment, trying to process what she was seeing.
Then her phone rang.
She checked the caller ID.
Wildcat.
"Hey, Courtney, you're seeing this, right? Those things in Metropolis, they're everywhere!"
"I know," Courtney replied, eyes fixed on the screen.
"Good. Then it's time we move. Justice Society doesn't sit this one out. Get Hourman and Doctor Mid-Nite too."
"Got it."
She hung up and glanced at Jenna.
"Looks like we're not staying out of this."
Mike stepped forward eagerly. "If you're going, take me with you."
"No," Courtney said instantly. "It's too dangerous. You stay here, same as before."
Mike's expression fell. "Figures."
He turned away, frustrated, but his mind was already made up.
He wasn't staying behind this time.
---
At the Kent Farm in Smallville, Rachel sat on her bed, holding the enchanted book that contained the Fairytale Queen.
Her thoughts were scattered.
Adrian had sent her home and ordered her to stay put for three days. Even though nothing disastrous had happened in Central City, his identity had been exposed to Sophia.
That alone weighed heavily on her.
"Do you know which cigarettes taste the best?"
The Fairytale Queen's voice broke the silence.
Rachel blinked. "Not really. Maybe Camel?"
"That's terrible taste," the Queen scoffed. "Camel tastes like dried leaves. Lucky Strike is far better. Subtle, refined. Men just don't understand that."
Rachel barely reacted, still lost in thought.
"You weren't paying attention earlier when I was teaching you," the Queen noted. "You're young. Why carry so much on your mind?"
Rachel lowered her gaze. "I just want my brother to stop being angry."
"That's not a simple concern," the Queen replied, her tone shifting slightly. "Your attachment to him is… unusual."
Rachel frowned. "I don't understand."
"You will."
The voice faded.
Silence returned.
---
Outside the farm, Amanda Waller and her team had already surrounded the perimeter.
She had come under Adrian's direct orders to relocate Martha and Rachel.
The sky above was darkening, heavy with tension.
She already knew about the invasion.
Over time, she had rebuilt her metahuman task force, refining it into something far more efficient than her previous failed attempts. This was her chance to prove its worth.
Just as she prepared to move in, two figures approached.
Mera, Queen of Atlantis, and the Ice Queen.
Mera's sharp gaze landed on Amanda. "What are you doing here?"
"Following orders," Amanda replied flatly. "I'm here to relocate Martha Kent and Rachel."
"You can leave that to me," Mera said without hesitation.
Amanda's eyes narrowed. "No. Orders are not negotiable."
Mera stepped forward slightly. "Then you're not leaving?"
"I'm not."
The tension between them tightened instantly.
Before it could escalate, the farmhouse door opened.
Martha Kent stepped outside.
Her presence alone eased the situation.
After a brief discussion, she agreed to let Mera stay and protect the farm. Amanda, though clearly displeased, withdrew to assist in the broader conflict.
Rachel came downstairs moments later.
"Sister Mera, what's happening?"
Mera explained the situation in Metropolis.
Rachel's expression hardened.
"I'm going," she said immediately. "I'm not staying here while Adrian is fighting."
---
In Gotham City, Selina Kyle moved across rooftops with precision.
The city burned beneath her.
She launched her grappling line and swung upward, landing atop a building just as a Parademon lunged at her.
She twisted midair, dodging cleanly, and fired.
The shot hit.
The creature shrieked and fell.
Selina didn't slow down.
More enemies closed in.
She fired again, each shot controlled and lethal.
Then her ammo ran dry.
As she swung through the air, a Parademon charged straight at her.
She raised her arm instinctively, bracing for impact.
Before it could strike, a figure crashed into it.
Boom.
The creature was obliterated.
A cyborg stood where it had been.
Moments later, Nightwing, Black Canary, and Deathstroke joined the fight.
"Still alive?" Deathstroke called up.
Selina landed lightly. "Better than you."
Nightwing stepped forward. "Superman is heading to Metropolis. As for Adrian, he's already in the middle of it."
Selina's expression tightened.
---
Back in Metropolis, Adrian stood before Lex.
"I didn't mean to hide anything," Lex said. "I just needed time."
Adrian's gaze remained cold. "So your condition is gone?"
"Yes."
"I didn't save you for gratitude," Adrian replied. "You're useful. That's all."
Before Lex could respond, the air shattered with a violent shockwave.
A Boom Tube opened above the city.
From it emerged a massive figure.
A New God.
Kalibak.
"Destroy them," Kalibak ordered, his voice filled with contempt. "Wipe out this planet."
Adrian didn't hesitate.
He moved instantly.
In a blur of speed, he struck Kalibak, sending the massive figure crashing across the street.
Before Kalibak could recover, Adrian followed, striking again and again, each blow precise and overwhelming.
Kalibak roared, attempting to counter.
It wasn't enough.
Adrian's knee connected with his chin, sending him crashing into the ground.
The street cracked beneath the impact.
Adrian grabbed him, lifted him, and slammed him down again.
The ground trembled.
Kalibak struggled, furious and humiliated, finally managing to land a strike.
Adrian blocked it effortlessly.
Another hit.
Kalibak crashed down once more.
Adrian stepped forward, his eyes glowing faintly red.
"I know exactly who you are," he said coldly. "And I know where you come from."
He tightened his grip.
"But you made one mistake."
"You came here."
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