CHAPTER 117

[Lex Luthor's POV] 

Every progress report that reached Luthor's hands about the psychic amplifier brought a wicked smile to his face. As a man accustomed to triumph and getting his way, the initial thrill of victory had become a familiar companion. Only when he conquered the League, and ultimately, the entire world, would that euphoria be sustained for an extended period of time.

With a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, Lex strode into one of his state-of-the-art labs, accompanied by his loyal assistant, Mercy. They entered the section dedicated to constructing the advanced technology, where the hum of machinery filled the air.

"Give me the latest update on the project." Lex inquired, his voice filled with an air of authority, as he ascended the staircase to oversee the lab from above.

"Everything is progressing smoothly, sir. However, we have encountered a slight setback," the head scientist replied, a wavering undertone betraying his unease as he approached the sensitive issue.

"A setback?" Lex's brow furrowed. "Enlighten me. What seems to be the problem?"

"Sir, in order to make this concept work, we need to create two devices. One will enhance Gorilla Grodd's powers, granting him formidable psychic abilities, while the other will shield you from his mind control and any form of psychic attack. Additionally, it will act as a receiver, enabling you to channel and manipulate his powers at will, essentially granting you control over people's minds, just as Grodd possesses."

Lex listened attentively, his gaze fixed on the scientist. "And what, may I ask, is the issue?"

The scientist's voice quivered slightly as he continued, "Sir, our current challenge lies in developing a renewable power source capable of sustaining the devices indefinitely, without depletion."

A subtle smirk played across Lex's lips as he turned to face the scientist directly. "Nothing is insurmountable for LexCorp. Find a solution. Make it work. Time is of the essence."

"Yes, sir. We will expedite our efforts to identify a viable solution as swiftly as possible," the scientist responded earnestly.

"Good. Now, return to your work," Lex commanded, his sly grin growing wider as he observed the scientist descending back to the bustling main lab.

Mercy watched her employer with a mix of admiration and caution. "You see, Mercy, soon I will seize control of the Justice League, heroes and villains alike. The ultimate power—control—lies within my grasp," Lex boasted, his voice tinged with a hint of madness. He then erupted into a maniacal laughter that reverberated throughout the chamber, fueled by his audacious ambitions.

… 

[Joker's POV] 

I relished the chaos that follows in my wake. The streets of Gotham trembled beneath the weight of my mischief, and tonight is no different. Surrounded by my loyal, deranged followers, I revel in their laughter and the anticipation of the pandemonium we shall unleash.

As we roam the darkened alleys, leaving trails of mayhem in our wake, I gathered my men around me. Their eyes gleam with a mixture of fear and adoration, eager to bask in my twisted glory. 

"Gentlemen, gather round," I beckoned, my voice a symphony of lunacy. "Tonight, we dance to a different tune. Our dear Batman, you see, is not himself. He's broken, shattered by the weight of his loses. And I intend to exploit that vulnerability."

A wicked grin stretches across my painted face as I continued, relishing in the effect my words have on my minions. "If he were to lay eyes on me, truly see my face, he would be reminded of the day I snuffed out his precious Robin. The trauma would ignite his gears, leaving him vulnerable, unable to stop me."

Laughter echoes through the night, a cacophony of madness that sends shivers down the spines of any sane soul unfortunate enough to witness our twisted carnival.

With a flourish of my hand, chaos erupted around us. Buildings set ablaze, cars careening off course, and the screams of terror filled the air like a sweet symphony. We danced amidst the flames, orchestrating destruction with a balletic grace that only the truly unhinged possessed.

The police, those hapless guardians of order, dared to stand in our way. But they were mere pawns in my game tonight. Bullets flew, but they could not touch me. I was untouchable, for I am the Joker, crown prince of crime.

As we make our escape, the blaring sirens faded into the distance, I stood atop a crumbling rooftop. My gaze swept over the city that was mine for the taking. Gotham, my beloved playground, once again lies at my feet.

"I hereby declare my reign over this mad city," I announced to the night, my voice dripping with malice. "I, the prince of crime, shall lead the mad criminals of Gotham in a symphony of madness, where chaos reigns supreme."

Laughter spilled forth from my lips, infectious and maddening. It echoed through the empty streets, a siren song that lured the lost souls to my side. The Joker has returned, and Gotham shall tremble in its wake.

… 

[Tom Hendricks POV] 

I lounged on my sofa, savoring the rich aroma of the steaming cup of coffee in my hand. It was just another morning, and I decided to switch on the news to catch up on the latest happenings in the city. Little did I know, I was about to witness a dark and tragic chapter unfold before my eyes.

As the screen flickered to life, a breaking news headline flashed across the screen, accompanied by images of devastation. The Joker, that enigmatic force of madness, had struck again. The previous night, he had led a rampage of unprecedented scale, claiming the lives of over a hundred and fifty innocent civilians. The police, valiant as they were, were unable to apprehend the clown-faced menace.

I took a sip of my coffee, my expression calm and composed. The news was shocking, no doubt, but it was not entirely unexpected. Joker was a ticking time bomb, a force of pure chaos that would stop at nothing to sow discord and destruction. His malevolence knew no bounds.

"Ah, the Joker," I mused aloud, my voice filled with a mix of indifference and annoyance. "Always pushing the boundaries of madness, isn't he?"

I shook my head, a tinge of disappointment coloring my thoughts. He never learns. The situation could have been avoided, or at least mitigated, if Batman had only done what was necessary. The Dark Knight, with all his brooding and noble principles, often hesitated when it came to dealing with the Joker. But sometimes, decisive action was required.

"This could have been prevented," I muttered, my tone tinged with frustration. "If only Batman had taken the necessary steps to end the reign of that maniac once and for all. Lives could have been saved."

I stared at the screen, the images playing out like a grim reminder of the consequences of inaction. The city mourned, its citizens left reeling from the senseless violence. It was a stark reminder that evil thrived in the shadows, always waiting for its moment to strike.

Taking another sip of my coffee, I pondered the twisted dance between the Bat and the Clown. Their eternal struggle was a testament to the duality of heroism and villainy, each playing their part in the twisted tapestry of Gotham City.

But as I watched the news, a thought to take matters into my own hands and restore order in the face of chaos came to mind. Joker may have his day, but I think it's time to close the curtains on that clown. The time for decisive action had come, and I would make sure the streets of this city were no longer stained with the blood of the Joker's victims. He had no problem torturing and killing kids, in fact it gives him some kind of twisted sense of pleasure. 

The next headline was about a new vigilante who wore a red mask and uses guns to hunt down his victims who were mainly criminals. A smirk played on my lips as I muttered the words, "Welcome back to the world of the living Jason, or should I say… Red Hood, this would be fun."

=========

Please kindly visit my patreon to read ahead. 👇

patre*on.com/Maverick_DaSupreme