Dawn of Justice

Author Notes: sorry for the long wait, but I've been a bit busy – some with other stories and others with personal life. I hope everyone enjoys the chapter.

Chapter 14: Shadows of the Future

July 31th, 2019

Batman enters the Watch Tower conference room where the rest of the Leaguers were present.

"I trust everyone had a good night sleep," said Batman.

No one answered; they knew it was a rhetorical question. The attack by Klarion left a lot of unanswered questions. Now a new one has popped up; a new person appeared with abilities that scared the living crap out of both Klarion and Doctor Fate.

"I know this is not how we want to start our day, but before any of our civilian lives get in the way, it's best we get this out of the way while the rest of the world is distracted," said Superman.

"What do we know of this attack?" asks Aquaman.

"Klarion the Witch-Boy along with several other Sorcerer's on our watch list; created the two dimensional that split the world into two parts; one for adults and one for children," said Batman.

"That's not the worse part," said Superman.

"No, it's not. This person with powerful mystic abilities has appeared and easily overpowered Klarion with ease. While he has appeared as an ally, that could easily change given the situation," said Batman.

Batman was well known for expecting the worse in people and assume when dealing with an unknown person they could be an enemy.

"I doubt he would go over to the other side," said Doctor Fate.

"How can you be sure?" asks Batman.

"Because he's a Guardian," said Doctor Fate.

"What? You mean like the Guardians of Oa?" said Green Lantern aka Hal Jordan.

"No, he is a Guardian, one of the first heroes and warriors in the Universe. As he said, he is the one in between Order and Chaos. He is Balance. The Guardians disappeared nearly half a million years," said Doctor Fate.

"Sounds like there is a story there," said Batman.

Doctor Fate was silent as a statue, but he finally turns and floats towards the window looking out to the stars.

"It is a story long before I was created and born," said Doctor Fate slowly. "Before Order and Chaos existed, there was only – the Nightmare. The Nightmare went from planet to planet, system to system, and devour everyone and everything in its path. Until one day, a single person manages to escape the Nightmare. Avoid it and manage to survive, when no other civilization could. He saw something as the Nightmare consume his world and system, and he wasn't the first, but what he saw he would pass on would create the myth of the Guardians. This is their symbol," said Doctor Fate as he turns around and raises his hands. A golden triangle appears in front of him with lines inside of it.

"I don't understand, it's just a triangle with lines in it," said Green Arrow.

"Haven seen and study this symbol for thousands of years, I can understand how a first-timer doesn't see it, then let me show you," said Doctor Fate as the images inside the triangle began to glow.

"Now I see it," said Batman.

"See what?" said Captain Thunder baffled at the symbol.

"There are there symbols within the Triangle, each represents the Guardians, and it's aspects," said Doctor Fate as a line that was moving from up to down moves forward and appears in front of the League. "What does that look like to you?" asks Doctor Fate.

"A stick," said Captain Thunder with a laugh.

Doctor Fate looks at him.

"Though Captain Thunder may have sounded disrespected, he does raise a point; it does just look like a stick," said Black Canary.

"Let's try this again," said Doctor Fate. This time one of Green Arrows rose up from one of his quivers and appeared inside the line. "What does this look like to you?"

"An arrow," said Wonder Woman.

"Indeed," said Doctor Fate. "The Hunters of the Guardians; they are the unseen who have never missed their marks, and no prey has ever eluded them. A way to think them is like Batman and Green Arrow as one as well as the villains Deadshot and Deathstroke all combined in one package."

Batman looks at Doctor Fate. He was a master martial artist and a skilled marksman with unparallel stealth skills. Even Superman couldn't hear him all the time when he wanted to. Green Arrow was the best marksman in the League who can hit any target perfectly. Batman knew this combination would be dangerous to even.

"This, what do you see here?" asks Fate as the circle moves forward as the line disappears.

"A circle," said Hawkwoman.

"A shield," said Wonder Woman.

"Indeed, the Titans of the Guardians; the Unstoppables and the Unbreakables. They can take punishment like no other, and give out their own. They also have incredible strength, more strength then Wonder Woman and Superman have combined; their punch alone – can level an entire city like Metropolis," said Doctor Fate.

"No way," said Superman in shocked.

"Yes, the Titans can easily overpower you in a fist fight. You won't win against one. The reason they earned the shield, is because they're generally used for defensives purpose as well to keep the enemies attention on them," said Doctor Fate.

"What's the triangle?" asks Batman as this was already sounding bad.

"The last one, the triangle is what our friend was last night. A Sorcerer of the Guardians," said Doctor Fate.

"You mean he uses magic," said Captain Thunder bewildered.

"Yes, but magic far more advanced and a million times more powerful than what you have or what I can produce," said Doctor Fate. "that is why Klarion the Witch-Boy fled as quickly as he did. Klarion didn't stand a chance, and he knew it. A Guardian Sorcerer; is someone not even I want to fight and would much rather let them do what they please than risk invoking their wraith."

"Do they have any weaknesses?" asks Batman at once.

Doctor Fate turns to look at him. "Only personality or habits, nothing that can directly hurt them in a way Kryptonite does with Superman."

Batman stares at Doctor Fate and couldn't but feel a sense of dread feel inside of him.

"What can you tell me about the Guardians?" asks Batman.

Doctor Fate looked up and was in deep thought.

"Not much, their existence is a mystery in of itself. All I know is the First One; was known only as 'The Light,' and many who heard of he considered his power; legendary. He vanished as did his guardians and the universe plunge into chaos once more, until the Guardians of Oa emerge to keep the balance and the peace. Even the Order of Fate is no match for a Guardian," said Doctor Fate.

"Are they that powerful?" asks Superman bewildered. He was always considered to the strongest hero of Earth and by many; in the Universe.

"Afraid so," said Doctor Fate. "You are considered to be the greatest hero on the planet; Guardians have the power of the cosmos in the palm of their hand. Some would say their power is greater than that of God himself. The raw magical power I sense from him, was like I was standing before a supernova itself while being turning into a crisp; and I was nothing before him."

Batman frowns at these words. If he needed to create a countermeasure against his soon to be son-in-law, then this was going to be harder than he initially thought.

"Well, I'm glad to see you all getting along," said Saber. Wearing the Guardian Warlock outfit, a pure blackout with purple lines and runes on the shirt made everyone turn to him. He floats down and stands before the rest of the League. Several looks at Sygian and quickly took a defensive posture.

"How did you get in here?" asks Superman.

"I've been here the whole time," said Saber. "As for how I enter the Watchtower, I teleported myself inside; before I hacked into your systems to allow me passages. Speaking of which, your security system sucks."

Batman made no physical motion, but he just merely glares at Saber the same as he would glare at the rest of the League for when they were at out of line.

"That easy?" said Wonder Woman.

Fate seemed a bit uncomfortable, but he stares at Saber carefully.

"I should have expected Fate to reveal I was a Guardian. Klarion is going to be spilling the beans as well," said Saber.

"What do you want?" asks Batman.

"I can do whatever I please; I can conqueror the planet. Rule as a beloved dictator, or even retire on some planet and relax. My goal is quiet, to bring balance. I'm not a boy scout like the rest of you who have this rule in no killing; at the same time – I cannot stand by and let evil do its might. That means in some cases, I will kill my opponents," said Saber.

"I can't be allowed that," said Superman.

"Is it because in your eyes everyone deserves a second chance?" said Saber.

"I believe in second chances, and for those who seek should try to learn what they can do with their second chances," said Superman.

"Even Lex Luthor?" said Saber.

Superman's eyes widen as he clutches his fists in frustration. Superman was the perfect boy scout, but even he had a hard time accepting and forgiving Lex Luthor. Harry didn't understand the reason why but he knew there was bad blood between the two men.

"You have no problem with killing?" said Red Tornado.

"Not pointless killing, not like a serial killer. You have to understand this one simple philosophy; violence can be used for good," said Saber.

"What are you talking about?" said Flash. "We go in, kick the bad-guys ass and save the day. The people love us!" as he kicks back his feet and enters his layback mode.

"That is your biggest failure," said Saber. Flash looked bewildered at this as he sits upright and looks at Saber. Every League member sudden listens and pays attention to what Saber was now saying. "You're not making much effect as you think, and you all need to change your approach before it's too late."

"What are you talking about?" said Superman.

"One of my abilities and powers – is to look forward or past in time. I can see events unfold, of possible outcomes; this" said Saber as the room suddenly changed as they all stood up in a world with white ash on the ground and in the air. Every metropolitan city was in ruins with no sign of the human race. "is your future."

"What happen?" said Captain Thunder in horror.

"Looks like a nuclear war," said Green Lantern aka John Steward.

Superman bends down and picks up the ash in his hands.

"It's real," said Superman in surprise.

"How?" said Wonder Woman.

"He merely traveled you all forward in time," said a new female voice. They all turn to see a dark grey skin girl wearing a black custom made amazon battle armor with a lasso around her waist. She had long black hair with red eyes.

"Grail!" shouted Wonder Woman in anger.

"Hello punching bag, it's been many years since I've seen you," said Grail with a smile.

"Punching bag?" said Batman in confusion; this was a very unusual nickname for Wonder Woman.

"Don't bother trying to fight me, you know what will happen anyways," said Grail.

"Yeah, but this time I got the entire League at my side," said Wonder Woman.

"The results will remain the same," said Grail.

"She's right, even if you fight together – the results of the fight will not change," said Saber.

"What happens here?" asks Flash.

"The war happened," said Grail. "The war you lost – because of your inability to kill your enemies."

"What war?" said Hawkwoman.

"The war that is already upon you," said Grail. "The Light is moving, and they are going to strike hard. There are few humans left, and they are in hiding, the roaches now control the planet. No one comes here anymore, Earth is officially dead, and Vandal Savage is in hiding somewhere – not sure what he is planning."

"I'm right there," said Vandal Savage in a deep voice.

Everyone turns to face him.

"Well, now I can kill you with my omega beams," said Grail as her eyes began to glow red.

"I am more than aware that you can kill me in an instant," said Savage. "I have waited for this moment for a hundred years since the war came to an end."

"The war you caused," said Grail as she floated above them and looked prepare to obliviate him where he stood. Her red eyes began to glow hinting she was about to unleash her omega beams.

"Yes, yes I did," said Savage not even bothering to deny his crimes. "I did what I thought was right. Survival of the fitness is what I believed in; I have lived for over fifty thousand years; I have watched and lived cultures and empires rise and fall. I thought the Justice League was in the wrong, so I created the Light – now I am it's last official member – unless you count Klarion whose disappeared into the realm of Chaos once more."

"So why are you here?" said Superman.

"To help you, to save the past and alter the future," said Savage.

"Why would you do that?" demanded Wonder Woman in a loud voice.

"As much as I am responsible for this atmosphere, I an unable to fix it and that is a problem. My entire life is problematic for me, and I cannot enter the past – Grail can exist outside the flow of time and can return to the past at will, but she has been hunting me ever since the Apocalypse I created, so I haven't been able to ask her for help. You Justice League might be my one help in altering the future. Saber is right – you must kill and if you can – please kill my past self. I have finally learned, that I am truly insane and have no right to carry out my plans. Even if you stop my plans – I will make more and more and keep fighting. There is only one way you can win – you must kill my past self," said Savage.

"Why can't we just throw your past self in prison?" said Superman.

"I am immortal," said Savage. "Throwing me in prison is pointless – not only will I be able to break out, but even if you keep me in – I can easily control it. Not to mention I control every prison in the world by the time you return. Here," said Savage as he tosses Saber a small USB fit plus; Saber catches it in his hands. "I manage to preserve that after the world was destroyed – it contains all of the Light's intelligence or at least the events that led to this moment, the League will never be able to kill me, but you will."

"What happens to you?" asks Superman.

"Don't worry about me," said Savage. "I have lived enough lifetimes to know that in truth while I fear death, I truly wish to embrace it now. My past self won't understand, but I do understand now. I was never meant to rule the world – merely preserve its history. Stop me, no matter what it takes."

"Wait," said Batman. Everyone looks at Batman. "What did the Light steal from S.T.A.R. labs during Klarion's diversion?"

"That's where you're at?" said Savage in surprise. "Then it's not too late. What we stole was a large alien starfish from Atlantis; the one Black Manta was sent to retrieve. We learn this starfish had a remarkable ability to control any living host it could attach itself upon. Its name is Starro, and the creature is very dangerous – best for it not to wake up. They love to latch themselves onto any living being and person. They're only goal and desire is to control anyone and anything they came across. Professor Ivo, the Brain, and Klarion worked on it endlessly to create what we called Starro-Tech."

"Is that bad?" said Flash.

"Starro-Tech took you all down without any of you giving a fight. The moment that will happen, I learned – everything about each of you. I acquired all your memories, your every secret and your every move as well as all possible outcomes in the battles to come – which caused this," said Savage as he looks around and sees the world.

"Is there a way to counter Starro-Tech?" asks Batman.

"Yes, the Team called it cure-tech," said Savage. "You will come across it eventually, how they manage I do not know, but they will succeed. Time is against you and the longer you remain here, the harder it will be to return."

"One last question," said Batman.

"If you are wondering who the mole is within the Justice League; all I can tell you is this – it's not someone who is standing here at this moment," said Savage.

"Mole!" almost everyone shouted in response.

The scene changed, and they were back in their conference room.

"Is there something you want to tell us?" said Aquaman as he looks at Batman.

"Don't blame Batman on this," said Saber. "I was the one who came forward and revealed to him that there was a mole in the League."

"You what?" said Green Arrow.

"The only ones who knew besides me, was Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman," said Saber.

"And you didn't think to tell us?" said Black Canary in anger.

"Someone was reporting to the Light about the League's movements," said Batman. "this wasn't about trust – it was about secrecy. Every League was investigated thoroughly since this information was brought to me," said Batman.

"The fact you had to ask means you haven't figured it out," said Green Arrow.

"Not yet, but we do know this – no one in this room is the mole," said Wonder Woman.

"Then who?" said Red Tornado.

"Most likely they came from Cadmus. Cadmus has already proven the capability of cloning Superman," said Saber. Superman turns his head away in both frustration and anger at the results of 'Superboy.' "I'm willing to bet whoever is the mole is a Cadmus clone."

"Could it be Superboy?" said Martian Manhunter.

"Possibly," said Doctor Fate. "He could be the mole and never know it himself."

"I don't think so," said Saber.

"What you mean?" asks Black Canary.

"The information and intelligence suggest this mole existed before Superboy was even born," said Saber.

"Meaning it's someone under us and someone who we trust but least expect," said Batman.

Saber puts his hand under his chin and thinks carefully.

"I think I know who it is," said Helena in Saber's earpiece.

"Who?" said Saber. The League turns to look at him.

"There is one person who is not affiliated with the Justice League and the Team and is running solo, but he operates under both and comes and goes as he pleases," said Helena.

"Red Arrow," said Saber in response.

"Hold on, Roy?!" said Green Arrow as he stands up from his chair in response. "You're accusing my protégé?!"

"Oliver," said Batman as Green Arrow grudgingly sits down. Batman turns to look at Saber. "explain yourself."

"Huntress, get up here," said Saber.

The zeta tube light could be seen from the hallway.

"Alert, an unknown individual has arrived. Intruder alert" said the computer.

"League override; Seven-Alpha-One-One," said the female.

"Confirmed," said the computer.

Huntress walks in the room wearing a fully armored suit with a helm where you see her body whatsoever. The eyes had reinforced lens so they couldn't see her eyes, but they knew she could see them. Her outfit was pure black with hints of dark purple. Batman stood there knowing who had just arrived.

"Alright, explain why you suspect it's Red Arrow," said Superman.

"Ever since he has been denied to join the League he has been rash and reckless. He's working on his own and every time he talks to the League he demands a membership. Every time he is denied, he gets more and angrier, and it's getting hard to say that he's just frustrated, isn't he? What if he has a Cadmus Programming that he is following subconsciously to get accepted into the League. Red Arrow has access to both the Justice League and the Team's files, and he's not affiliated with either. The rule should be simple, if you're not a member of the Team or the League – then you shouldn't have access to information," said Huntress.

Green Arrow sat there looking frustrated and angry.

"I hate to say it, but she does make a valid point," said Martian Manhunter. "If Red Arrow is indeed the mole, then his behavior would explain why he's so irrationally. He does have access to our systems and information. He could easily pass information to the Light without us knowing. It would also explain why he's been so hard to discover because he is unaware of what he is doing."

"Then we need to find him and found out what he knows," said Hawkwoman.

"Does anyone know where Red Arrow currently is?" said Batman.

No one had an answer.

"I don't think that's wise," said Saber.

"What you mean?" asks Superman.

"Even if we suspect him, then it would alert the Light. We could use him to be our spy as well. First, we got to make sure our suspicions are dead on; this means we need to find out exactly how the Light is controlling him, but we have to do this discreetly," said Saber.

"I agree, stealth and patience is the key here," said Batman.

"Then how do we capture him?" asks Hawkwoman.

"We set a simple trap," said Huntress. "He wants to enter the WatchTower right, invite him here under the premise of a mission. The moment he arrives confined him. You can use this if you want to make it easy for him." Huntress pulls out a small bottom and places it on the table.

"What's that?" said Green Arrow.

"It's a truth serum," said Batman as he looks at it. "Very powerful, this isn't even on the market let alone on any file."

"I hope we are wrong, but it's better to be safe – then sorry," said Huntress.

Batman grabs the bottle and looks at the pair.

"There is something else, isn't there," said Batman.

"Yes," said Saber. "I want to make a new team. One that is not officially affiliated with the League, but is willing to cooperate with the League. I have already found a base for this team. Savage is right when we change one path; another will emerge."

"I'll talk to you more in details about this team," said Batman after he stares at Saber a bit.

"I'll leave you to it," said Saber as he and Huntress disappear into a wisp of smoke.

The Justice League stood there unsure of what just happened.

"Who is this guy?!" said Flash in a loud voice.

"Don't bother going after him," said Doctor Fate. "He'll do what he always does, and that is what he wants, and no one can stop him."

"So we have to do what he says?" said Martian Manhunter.

"It would be wise," said Doctor Fate. "If we wish to understand him truly, we have to follow the path he has given us."

Batman said nothing as he stood there glaring at the League.

Saber and Huntress emerge back in their cave as Saber holds the flash drive that future Savage gave them.

"Do you trust what Savage gave us?" said Helena as her headgear retracts back showing her face and letting her hair become free.

"I couldn't sense any lie Savage said to us," said Harry as his helmet was retractable. Harry's outfit begins to retract itself allowing Harry to step out of his armor. "Still, I have reasons to be worried. Savage may be an immortal with goals of world conquest, but he's also insane."

"At least he acknowledges that fact," said Helena.

"True," said Harry.

"What's on your mind?" asks Helena.

"I'm carrying too much weight, and it's making me uncomfortable," said Harry. "I prefer moving lightly and quickly without any armor."

"You know as well as I do, that you need armor," said Helena. "all it takes is a stray bullet to take you out."

"I know," said Harry. "I need something that is reinforced and capable of stopping a knife; yet is light to the touch."

"We could try this new Bio-Weave Kevlar that Wayne Industries produce," said Helena.

"Carbon fiber," said Harry slowly.

"What about it?" asks Helena.

"My new suit," said Harry. "Silk with carbon fiber dragon plates overlapping each other. That could work."

"You could add additional protection," said Helena. "an electrical, magnetic pulse. Fox has developed an interesting tech he calls the Gyro. I'm thinking of adding it to my suit for additional protection."

"Never made it to production," said Harry.

"Nope," said Helena. "not on any records either. We could modify it to out suits. It won't make us invincible, but it should help with building a nearly indestructible suit. Would protect us from firearms and assault rifles with armor piercing rounds. Sniper shots, that's going to be tricky. We might survive, but we will be taken out of action."

"Let's talk to Mr. Fox," said Harry as the two change into their casual clothes.

An hour later, they were being driven to Wayne Tower, the center of Gotham and headquarters of Wayne Industries.

Harry and Helena walk inside and enters the private elevator towards the executive floor.

"Mr. Potter, Ms. Wayne," said Lucius Fox as they walk into his office. "What can I do for you?"

"There are some projects we need to see," said Helena.

"Something wrong?" asks Lucius.

"I want to see what my family company is about, and the direction we're going in," said Helena wisely.

Lucius nods his head.

"I can understand that," said Lucius. "This is, after all, one day going to be yours. I got something to show you."

The trio walks around the Wayne Tower looking at all the technology, medical and anything that Wayne Enterprise was responsible in the making.

"We have multibillion of dollars in our products," said Lucius as he shows the young pair a new phone Wayne tech was developing. The couple looks at it and could see it was indeed high tech.

"Non-Military," said Harry.

"Non-Government," said Helena.

"That's right," said Lucius. "One corporation we're currently partnered with STAR Labs, who is a government corporation that works with the civilian sector. Our technology is meant for civilian life; STAR Labs turns our technology into a more military aspect. We're also one of STAR Lab's primary funders. Give to STAR Labs to further fund their research. Though we have strict guidelines about how our technology should be used, our relationship has been good."

"Well we wouldn't want to disrupt our business partners now would we Mr. Fox," said Harry.

"Well, Mr. Wayne object is mostly to improve technology as a whole," said Lucius. "we have many cities and cooperative contractions with other companies, technology, medical, everything that is needed for the general public." They walk into the Applied Science Division where it was empty with only automated drones floating around.

"I see not everything my dad has isn't here," said Helena.

"Afraid not," Lucis said with a smile. "though his tumbler is very interesting, there are some ideas that I have for Mr. Wayne, though he gives his approval before I start on any project."

"I have some ideas myself," said Helena as she presents a USB Flash drive to Mr. Fox. Mr. Fox takes it and looks at them.

"No eyes on anything," said Helena. "some of our projects are best left in the dark."

"I understand," said Mr. Fox.

"Also," said Harry as he hands Mr. Fox a cube, "I think Mr. Wayne deserves a better suit."

"I'll get to work," said Mr. Fox.