While Arias waited for the events he set in motion to reach a tipping point, the Justice League, now recognizing him as a major threat, began making their own moves. Inside the Hall of Justice, the founding members of the League gathered in the large central hall, with Batman standing at the forefront.
The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Superman, and Batman were present, though Aquaman was still absent. Superman, having quickly recovered by bathing in direct sunlight outside Earth's atmosphere, stood alongside the others. Of all of them, he and Batman wore the most serious expressions.
"I mentioned before that after Superman's recovery, the League would need to undergo some serious changes," Batman began, his voice echoing as the others listened in silence. "First and foremost, we need a new headquarters."
He gestured to their surroundings. "There's nothing inherently wrong with this place, but it's far too exposed and easily… compromised. Superman, J'onn, and I have already discussed the construction of a better-equipped headquarters, which should be ready in the coming months. For now, we'll continue to operate here. Any questions?"
The only one to raise a hand was Flash, who asked, "Will there be, like, a lounge area for, y'know, lounging when we don't need to be saving the world?"
Flash's question was met with a hard gaze from Batman, prompting him to lower his hand. "Fine, forget I asked," Flash muttered.
Batman ignored the interruption and continued, "Moving on. The next issue is recruitment. The world's problems are becoming more erratic by the day—too much for a small group like ours to handle. That's why I felt the need to bring in like-minded individuals capable of helping."
At this, Batman looked toward the door of a nearby room, which soon opened to reveal several individuals. They came to stand beside him as he made the introductions.
"I've already taken the liberty of recruiting some of these individuals. They're here because they either agree with our mission or have goals that align with ours. These new members are: Doctor Fate, Green Arrow, Hawkgirl, Hawkman, and Black Canary."
Dr. Fate stood tall in his golden helmet, his long, high-collared cape fastened with large buttons. Beneath it, he wore a blue shirt with a golden oval on the chest, a large golden belt, and deep blue pants with golden boots. He remained silent, exuding an air of mystery.
Green Arrow looked more approachable. Dressed in a dark green shirt with a hood, a light green vest, black pants, and green boots, he carried a quiver of arrows on his back. His long gloves, black mask, and green belt completed the look of a classic archer.
Hawkman's imposing figure was hard to miss, with giant wings sprouting from his back and his heavy armor shining. His black cuirass bore a hawk logo, and his golden belt, spaulders, and greaves added to his warrior-like appearance. His golden helmet had a beak-like front and wings extending upward.
Beside him, Hawkgirl's attire was similar but more streamlined. She wore a golden breastplate and a black skirt with dark red plating, her arms wrapped in cloth for added protection. Her helmet was simpler, with wings that allowed her fiery red hair to flow freely.
Finally, Black Canary was a striking figure with long blonde hair and a slender yet toned build. Her signature costume featured a black leotard under a blue jacket, gray stockings, and calf-length boots. She wore fingerless gloves that extended past her elbows and a black choker around her neck.
Not knowing how to properly welcome the new members, Flash awkwardly began clapping before quickly stopping when he realized he was the only one doing so.
Superman broke the silence. "The world is in a dangerous state right now. We appreciate your help." His tone was serious, and the new members responded with solemn nods.
Batman nodded as well and moved on to the next topic. "That brings us to another point. With the increasing global threats, the future will undoubtedly need people like us. That's where they come in."
Batman turned, and five younger figures stepped forward. Before anyone could ask questions, he introduced them.
"Robin, Kid Flash, Artemis, Zatanna, Miss Martian, and Aqualad are all protégés of League members. They'll form what we can consider the League's secondary team, handling less taxing missions and allowing us to focus on bigger threats, all while training to become future League members."
Kid Flash, the apprentice of Flash, resembled his mentor with his spiky red hair and yellow suit, which had red accents and a lightning bolt symbol. Miss Martian, Martian Manhunter's protégé, had green skin and amber eyes, with shoulder-length red hair. She wore a white top with a red "X," a blue skirt, cape, gloves, and boots.
Aqualad, Aquaman's apprentice, was an Atlantean with light blond hair, brown skin, and pale green eyes. Black eel-like tattoos ran across his back and arms. He wore a skintight, full-body red-and-blue swimsuit with small dorsal fins on his calves.
Artemis, Green Arrow's protégé, was a slender girl with long blonde hair tied in a ponytail and dark gray eyes. She wore a midriff-baring costume in various shades of green, with a utility belt and pouch for her tools. Her quiver and bow completed her archer look.
Lastly, Zatanna, a powerful magician and Dr. Fate's assistant, had medium-length black hair and cyan eyes. She wore a white shirt with a tie under a black jacket and a black skirt.
Batman paused to see if there were any objections. Green Lantern was the first to raise his hand. "They're just kids. Even 'less taxing' missions aren't exactly easy."
Batman nodded at the valid point, but Superman stepped in. "I've studied their profiles. They're capable. Most of them were fighting crime before becoming protégés. With proper training, they'll be the future of the League. I support the formation of this secondary team."
With Superman's endorsement, Batman asked if anyone else had objections. When none were raised, he continued. "Black Canary has volunteered to act as their matron. She'll oversee their training and assign them missions."
As Black Canary led the junior team out of the hall, the first to complain was Kid Flash. "Aw, man! I was so sure we'd become full League members."
Robin elbowed him to stop his rant, while Artemis remained silent, though visibly frustrated.
Miss Martian, however, was beaming with excitement. "Technically, we *are* members—just junior members. But wow, it's really you guys! I can't believe I'm standing in front of Robin and Kid Flash!"
Zatanna, still adjusting to the situation, asked, "What do you think the League is discussing right now?"
Robin, in a low tone, answered, "Probably remnants of the alien invasion. Or Arias Markovic."
Kid Flash chimed in. "The rich guy who built that awesome school for meta-humans before going rogue? Man, I wanted to go to that place."
Black Canary, overhearing, cut in. "From what Batman's told us, he didn't exactly go rogue. But if I were you, I'd steer clear of that academy."
Leading them to the training area, she removed her jacket, revealing her toned physique. "Let's see what this junior team is made of. Who's first?"
Kid Flash shot his hand up and rushed forward eagerly. A few seconds later, he found himself lying on the mat, staring up at the ceiling in confusion. "What just happened?"