I was training with Jor-El and Superman as Superman was in the middle of telling me that today he wouldn't let me sneak away without a quick tour of my house. I had tried my best to explain to him that it had just slipped my mind before and that I would for sure show him my place today. Just after saying so, the flash was heard on the coms. "Flash to Superman and King Moonlight, we have a situation. Please meet the rest of us at the watchtower".
Looking at the clearly irritated Superman, I laughed and shrugged my shoulders. "Looks like we might have to do it another day". I then grabbed Supermans arm and teleported to the watchtower. Upon arrival we were met with a surprise. Two Martians. Ours, and another that looked just like him. Quite obviously one of the Justice Lords, only I was the only one that was aware of who he was and his current schemes.
Superman had been expecting we would be dealing with Luthor because the league had said they would call us if they needed help with him, but it appeared to have been taken care of considering Luthor was nowhere to be seen. He would not have expected a second Martian Manhunter.
When the Justice Lord Martian saw our arrival, I caught a glimpse of surprise on his face when he saw me. The only other person that seemed to catch it was Batman and possibly our Martian John Jones. I knew the Justice Lords were the next Villains I was likely to encounter, but I hadn't really anticipated it to happen so soon. It seems that when they viewed this world, they hadn't seen me, I was probably an unexpected surprise to them.
The Martian explained to everyone that their dimension was collapsing on the other universes and it's cause was likely his own universe. As he was requesting our help, I could overhear Batman asking our Martian a question because I was close to him. "Have you read his mind yet"
"Like I told King Moonlight before, Martians do not invade the minds of their friends and we especially do not read the minds of fellow Martians".
"Can't or won't?" Asked Batman.
"Both" replied John Jones
Suddenly Superman spoke as they were done discussing the details. "So it's agreed then? We go?"
Everyone agreed straight away, eager to help the other world and it's people in need, even Batman surprisingly gave a nod. I was the only one that had not said yes yet.
Superman looked at me "Moonlight aren't you coming?"
I shook my head. "No, I will be staying. Someone needs to be here to watch over things on our Earth". I could have easily slipped away and made a clone to send it with them and stayed behind without the Justice Lords being aware, but I did not want my duplication ability to be exposed to anyone quite yet.
Batman eyed me with suspicion growing in his heart. "Perhaps I should stay as well?"
"No, these overpowered fools will need your intelligence I am sure, if both brains stayed behind they could run into trouble". I replied. I wouldn't dare suggest that I was a level 8 intellect like Batman or anywhere close to that, nor was I even as smart as the other heroes. They all of course did not lack in intelligence, but intelligence came in many forms and was more than just being able to do complex math quickly.
Superman had an amazing brain that didn't lose to his strength if he ever flexed it, The Flash could process things at the speed of light, Green Lantern could consult the database of his ring which held almost unlimited information, etc, but when you are idealistic and somewhat naive, sometimes even smart people act dumb. That's why it was important to have a Batman on the team. Someone who didn't trust others easily, someone who was constantly paranoid of things, and someone who could deduce problems with a calm mind, because he did not let situations or his emotions overwhelm him.
Batman was also powerless, so unlike the other heroes he didn't over rely on powers to solve each problem. When you get into the habit of breaking each lock you come across instead of picking it, you start to think with your power instead of your brain over time.
"You make a good point" replied Batman.
"Hey, We are standing right here..." Said Flash as they all started to walk into the portal with the Justice Lord Martian leading them into the trap on the other side. As I stood in the watchtower all alone, I thought about the events that were to come, Id need help. I couldn't do this alone.
Making my way to earth I grabbed up everyone I thought would be of help that was currently available and then teleported them to my house one by one without much explanation. Inside my house aside from my disciples, were a number of other Heroes including Cosmic Starlight, Booster Gold, Captain Marvel, Static, Supergirl, Lobo's daughter Crush, Amazo, and the three Phaelosians currently staying at my place.
Looking at the group in front of me as I sat down in my throne, I still wasn't all that satisfied. "Cosmic Starlight and Kryl, Do you plan to stay in Moonlight City and continue to try and protect it's citizens under my banner?" I had long been aware that the three Phaelosian refugees that I had taken in had been doing Hero work from the shadows, but I had acted as if I hadn't been aware until now.
Old man Kryl spoke first. "I do plan to stay in this city and I will always help those that I see needing help. As for being under your banner? I guess I do not mind. You have treated my grand children and myself well".
Cosmic Starlight seemed a bit conflicted with something, but after hearing Kryl speak, she seemed to make up her mind. "Yes, I wish to work beside you and help the best I can within this city".
"Nobody is going to ask why he brought us here?" Asked Supergirl.
Hearing her words I addressed them. "I will get to that in a second Supergirl, please be patient. Cosmic Starlight and Kryl, can I bestow a power unto you?"
A Phaelosian was already plenty powerful and had similar powers as a Kryptonian or a Daxamite, but I liked Kryl and I wanted to see him shine brighter than your average Phaelosian. The old man had endured so much as he raised his two grandkids on Warworld and he was now helping me here and there in my city.
Both were aware of how my disciples had gotten their powers and so they both agreed. Seeing their approval, I spoke. "Both of you, come here"
Hearing my voice, the two walked to the front of me as I stood up from my throne and they bowed before me. It was obvious at this point that it was something the perk willed on its own. Placing my hand on Kryl's forehead, I transferred the power into him. I tried my best as I wished for his power to be similar to a green lanterns. Shortly after I saw five orange rings appear on his right hand. Seeing this I spoke. "We can talk about your new power later, go back with the rest of the Heroes for a second".
I would need to make Kryl a costume before we fought so he could have two identities later if he wanted. Looking down at the still kneeling Cosmic Starlight I placed my index finger on her forehead and started another power transfer. I was not able to transfer any other powers after this one unless I stripped them from someone I had already given them to first, so I hoped they would be useful powers. As I was transferring power, I wished for the power to be connected to the speed force while having the image of a shooting star in my mind.
Not long after, transparent orange stars began to float around her, twinkling in an out of existence. Not wanting her to speak about her new power in front of so many others right now, I looked over to Kryl. "Both of you go to the holodeck and practice your new powers once I am done talking to everyone here".
I then looked at the group of heroes I had just gathered and spoke to them. "Earth will be facing a new threat very shortly and I would like to ask for your help".
Static/Virgil was the first to speak up. "Why don't you ask the rest of the league for help? Where are they?"
"Good question, unfortunately they are not currently in this dimension and in fact their not so good doppelgangers with the same powers from another dimension have replaced them and they have no problem with killing anyone they deem to be in their way. I have called you all here today to help me fight this new threat and another I refer to as Doomsday which is currently on a trajectory to earth right now even as we speak and could be here any minute".
I could tell by looking at the small group in front of me that my words had been heard and understood. This was a chance for many of them to stand out and show their worth, but a couple of them were still a little scared. They wouldn't only be going against an unknown alien threat, but also Justice League Doppelgangers with the originals power.