BLACKMAIL & MEETING

Lex Luthor stood in the dimly lit lab, his eyes scanning the various screens and machinery scattered around. The room hummed with the sound of high-tech equipment at work. Luthor's presence was imposing, his sharp gaze settling on one of the lead scientists, who was hunched over a console.Luthor: Is the war suit ready?The scientist, startled by Luthor's sudden approach, quickly straightened up and turned to face him. There was a mix of nervousness and determination in his eyes as he responded.Scientist: It's almost ready, sir. We're just finalizing the integration of the AI systems and running the last diagnostics.Luthor's expression remained cold and calculating as he stepped closer, his voice low and measured.Luthor: Almost isn't good enough. I need it operational as soon as possible. We're on a tight schedule.The scientist swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Luthor's demand.Scientist: Understood, sir. We're working as fast as we can. It'll be ready shortly.Luthor held the scientist's gaze for a moment longer, his impatience barely concealed, before turning away.Luthor: See that it is. Time is something we can't afford to waste.With that, Luthor walked out of the lab, leaving the scientist to his task, the pressure of the looming deadline pressing down like a storm on the horizon.-2 Months 1 Week Later-Alexander walked cautiously down the dark alley, the faint echoes of his footsteps the only sound in the oppressive silence. The dim light from a distant streetlamp barely illuminated his path, casting long, eerie shadows that danced on the walls.Alexander: Hello? Is anybody there?His voice echoed off the walls, but there was no response. The air felt thick, almost suffocating, as he continued deeper into the alley. Suddenly, his eyes caught sight of something ahead. There, standing in the shadows, was a figure himself, or at least a version of himself.The figure was clad in a suit, but it was unlike anything Alexander had ever worn. The armor was sleek, modern, with a matte grey finish that seemed to absorb the light. A chrome mask covered the figure's face, and a green hooded cape draped over its shoulders. Alexander's heart raced as he stared at the apparition.Alexander: What...?Before he could process what he was seeing, he felt a cold touch on his shoulder. He spun around, and his breath caught in his throat as he saw a man standing there, wearing a strange, menacing helmet.Man: Die.The word was a command, laced with malice. Alexander jolted awake, his heart pounding in his chest. He sat up in bed, breathing heavily, the remnants of the nightmare still clinging to his mind. Beside him, Selina stirred, waking up as she sensed his distress. She reached out, gently touching his arm.Selina: Are you okay? What happened?Alexander took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He turned to her, forcing a reassuring smile.Alexander: Don't worry. It was just a dream.Selina studied his face, her concern evident in her eyes.Selina: You sure?Alexander nodded, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.Alexander: Yes, I'm sure. I'm fine now.With that, he got out of bed and began to dress, trying to shake off the lingering unease from the nightmare. Selina watched him for a moment, still worried, but she didn't press further.Alexander finished buttoning up his shirt, the morning light filtering through the curtains as he adjusted his collar. He turned to look at Selina, who was still lying in bed, the sheets partially draped over her. She remained blissfully undisturbed, her eyes half-open as she watched him.Alexander: Not gonna dress up?Selina smirked lazily, stretching slightly but making no move to get up.Selina: No, not now, Alex. I think I'll sleep a bit longer.She rolled over, pulling the covers back up as she settled into the pillows. Alexander chuckled softly, shaking his head as he reached for his jacket. Just as he was about to leave the room, a soft chime sounded, and Jarvis's voice echoed in his ear.Jarvis: Sir, there seems to be trouble again.Alexander sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly as he pinched the bridge of his nose.Alexander: Which one?Jarvis: The League of Assassins, sir.Alexander let out a groan, his earlier calm replaced with a mix of frustration and resignation.Alexander: Again? Really?He cast one last glance at Selina, who was already drifting back to sleep, before heading out of the room.Alexander: Jarvis, initiate deployment of Mark IV, the Iconic Armor.The A.I's response was immediate, its voice calm and efficient.Jarvis: Roger, sir. Activating deployment sequence for Mark IV now.-Location: Unknown-The room was sparsely furnished, its only other feature a large, ornate table covered in a dark cloth. The air was thick with anticipation, and Thalia's expression was one of patience mixed with a hint of amusement.The silence was suddenly broken by a faint whirring sound, growing louder by the second. Thalia's eyes narrowed as she looked up, her lips curling into a smile. With a powerful gust of air, The Invincible Iron Man descended from above, landing gracefully in front of her.The armored figure straightened, the suit's mechanical joints whirring softly as it settled.Thalia: (smiling) I've been waiting for you, darling.Iron Man: (flatly) Shut up. What do you want from me this time?Thalia's smile widened as she gestured towards the chair in the center of the room.Thalia: Please, have a seat.Iron Man: (raising an eyebrow) Sit? Why would IBefore he could finish his question, Thalia's gaze remained steady, her demeanor as commanding as ever. She didn't need to elaborate; the authority in her tone was enough.Iron Man hesitated, the suit's servos making a soft hum as he adjusted his stance. With a reluctant sigh, he stepped over to the chair and sat down, the suit's internal systems adapting to the position.Iron Man: (curiously) Alright, I'm sitting. Now what?Thalia approached him with a graceful stride, her eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and purpose.Thalia: (calmly) Now we talk. There are matters to discuss, and I prefer to have them face-to-face.Iron Man looked up at her, the glowing eyes of his helmet reflecting his skepticism.Iron Man: (dryly) Wonderful. I'm all ears.Thalia al Ghul's demeanor was calm and composed as she began to speak, but without warning, she drew a gleaming sword from beneath her cloak. The blade caught the dim light, reflecting a deadly shimmer as she swung it toward Iron Man with precision.Iron Man's sensors blared a warning, and with a swift motion, he activated his repulsor beam, intercepting the blade with a burst of energy. The sword shattered into fragments, the pieces scattering across the floor. Iron Man's suit hummed with power as he extended his arm, repulsor glowing menacingly.Iron Man: (demanding) Now speak before i blast your head i want to know what do you want from me, anyway!Thalia's expression remained serene, though a glint of satisfaction flickered in her eyes. She took a step closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.Thalia: (calmly) I want your baby seed.Iron Man's helmet tilted slightly in confusion, processing her words as he continued to hold his repulsor at the ready.Iron Man: (confused) My what now?Talia: I want your legacy, Iron Man. Your bloodline. Your seed.Thalia smirked, sensing the impact of her revelation. With a dramatic pause, she leaned in closer, her voice a low murmur.Thalia: (revealing) I know your true name under the mask. You are Alexander Stark.Iron Man's eyes widened in shock, the revelation hitting him like a jolt. He staggered slightly, his suit's internal systems recalibrating as he processed the unexpected information.Iron Man: (stammering) How... how do you know that?Thalia's smile widened, clearly enjoying his reaction. She straightened, her posture exuding confidence.Thalia: (mockingly) The world is smaller than you think, Alexander. Secrets have a way of coming to light.Iron Man: (recovering) This doesn't make any sense. Why would you want anything from me?Thalia: (seriously) There are things only you can provide, and the legacy of the Stark name is one of them. The future demands certain sacrifices.Iron Man's mind raced, trying to reconcile the personal revelation with the immediate threat. He maintained his stance, his repulsors still at the ready, but his gaze was now filled with a mix of anger and confusion.Iron Man: (determined) You've got a lot of explaining to do, Thalia. And you're not leaving until I get answers.Talia: I know many things, Alexander. And soon, the world will know the truth. But first, I require your cooperation.Iron Man's mind raced with possibilities, his heart pounding with uncertainty. How had Talia uncovered his deepest secret? And what did she plan to do with this newfound knowledge and put down his repulsor?Iron Man: You'll get nothing from me, Talia. I won't let you use my identity for your own twisted schemes.Thalia: (coldly) If you refuse to comply, I will ensure that the entire world knows your true identity. The secret of Iron Man will be exposed for everyone to see.Iron Man's eyes widened behind his helmet, the weight of her threat sinking in. He took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure.Iron Man: (grimly) You wouldn't dare.Thalia's smile was unyielding, her confidence unwavering.Thalia: (mockingly) Oh, but I would. The power of my influence extends far beyond this room. The world would know Alexander Stark as Iron Man, and the consequences for you and those you care about would be dire.Iron Man's mind raced, grappling with the choice between his privacy and the safety of those around him. He clenched his fists, the repulsor energy flickering slightly with his agitation. Finally, he exhaled sharply, his voice laced with reluctant resignation.Iron Man: (defeated) Fine. You'll get what you want. But not my semen. You can have my blood DNA only.Thalia's smile widened, clearly pleased with the outcome.Thalia: (satisfied) That's a sensible decision. It will suffice for what I need.Iron Man's shoulders slumped slightly as he turned his gaze away, feeling the weight of his decision. Thalia moved with an air of satisfaction, knowing she had achieved her goal.Thalia: (commandingly) Now, let's proceed with the arrangements. I'm sure you understand the importance of following through.Iron Man nodded, his expression hidden behind the mask but his frustration and defeat evident in his posture.-Hours Later-The trees below, once majestic and tall, were now being shattered by powerful repulsor blasts. The air was filled with the sound of cracking wood and the dull thud of fallen trunks. Iron Man's rage was palpable, his thrusters flaring as he unleashed a relentless assault on the forest.Iron Man: (swearing) Damn it! Damn that bitch! I'll make her pay for this!His voice was muffled by the helmet, but the fury in his words was unmistakable. He continued to fire at the trees, each blast more destructive than the last. The forest floor was littered with debris, the once serene environment now a scene of chaos.Jarvis's voice crackled over the suit's comm system, attempting to penetrate the storm of Iron Man's anger.Jarvis: Sir, please, you need to calm down. This is not helping your situation.Iron Man: (frustrated) Calm down? How the hell am I supposed to calm down? She's blackmailing me, Jarvis! And I'm supposed to just sit here and take it?Jarvis: (soothingly) I understand your frustration, but this destructive behavior won't solve the problem. You need to focus on your next steps.Iron Man's repulsor blasts slowed, his breathing heavy within the suit as he struggled to control his emotions. The forest was now a mess of splintered wood and scorched earth. He hovered above the wreckage, his suit glowing brightly as he fought to regain composure.Iron Man: (angrily) I'm going to take that infant away from her. That's the only way I can make this right.Jarvis: (calmly) We need to plan carefully. Acting out of anger could jeopardize your mission and put innocent lives at risk. We must approach this with strategy.Iron Man took a deep breath, the suit's internal systems calming as he fought to steady himself. The forest below was now a landscape of destruction, a physical manifestation of his internal turmoil.Iron Man: (sighing) Alright, Jarvis. You're right. We need a plan. I'll stop this madness and figure out how to handle this situation properly...Iron Man: (muttering) Alright, calm down. I need to focus. This is just blackmail, I can handle this...But as he tried to rein in his anger, it flared up once more. His frustration surged, and he slammed his fist against the suit's control panel, the impact causing a sharp clang.Iron Man: (swearing) How the fuck am I supposed to handle this blackmail? This is insane!Jarvis's voice cut through the tumult, attempting to offer a suggestion.Jarvis: Sir, perhaps you should consider speaking with Miss Bryce Wayne. She may be able to provide some assistance in dealing with this situation.Iron Man: (confused) Bryce really? What are you talking about this time?Jarvis: (calmly) I meant Miss Bryce Wayne. She has experience with complex situations and might offer valuable advice on how to handle the blackmail without further escalation.Iron Man's eyes narrowed behind his helmet, his frustration morphing into a grim thought.Iron Man: Or maybe I should just kill her instead.Jarvis's voice took on a firm, unyielding tone.Jarvis: Sir, Batwoman adheres to a no-kill rule. Such actions are not an option.Iron Man's suit glowed brightly as his anger flared once more, but the realization hit him like a jolt.Iron Man: (angrily) Dang it. You're right. I can't go down that path.He took a deep breath, trying to refocus as he considered Jarvis's suggestion. Despite his frustration, he knew that extreme measures were not the solution.Iron Man: (sighing) Alright, fine. I'll talk to Bryce Wayne. Maybe she can help me figure out a way to handle this without making things worse.-Minutes Later in Gotham CIty-Iron Man descended smoothly onto the grounds of Wayne Manor, his suit's repulsors gently easing him down in a controlled landing. The imposing facade of the manor loomed behind him as he touched down. As he began to deactivate his thrusters, a small figure dashed toward him with a burst of enthusiasm.Kid Richard John Grayson aka Dick Grayson, full of youthful energy, skidded to a halt in front of Iron Man, his eyes wide with excitement.Dick: (excitedly) Uncle Alex, you're here!!Iron Man's head tilted slightly in confusion as he looked down at Dick, the voice modulator in his suit amplifying his surprise.Iron Man: (curiously) Wait, I'm an uncle now?Dick's face turned a bit red as he glanced down, realizing his mistake.Dick: (apologetically) Sorry for calling you that, Iron Man. I didn't mean to—Iron Man chuckled softly, brushing off the awkwardness with a wave of his hand.Iron Man: (reassuringly) It's alright, kid. You can call me Uncle if you want.Dick's face brightened up with a big smile, clearly pleased by the acceptance.Dick: (happily) Really? Thanks!Iron Man's internal thoughts were filled with a warm, protective sentiment.Iron Man (internal): Too cute. Gotta protect this kid.Iron Man knelt down to Dick's level, his voice gentle yet full of curiosity.Iron Man: So, Dick, where's your mother?Dick's smile faded a bit as he answered.Dick: She's at the heroes' meeting with the Justice League.Iron Man: (disappointed) Man, I missed my shot to see her.As Iron Man prepared to take off, he heard Dick's voice calling out to him, tinged with a hint of disappointment.Dick: Are you leaving again? You promised to see my room!Iron Man halted mid-launch, smacking his own helmet in frustration.Iron Man: (annoyed with himself) Dang it, I forgot about that part. It's been two months since our first meeting, kid.Iron Man stood up, turning back to Dick with a renewed sense of purpose.Iron Man: (cheerfully) Alright, alright. How about we hang out for a bit? Wanna play something?Dick's face lit up with renewed excitement, clearly thrilled by the offer.Dick: (enthusiastically) Really? Yeah, let's play!Dick's face lit up with excitement once more as he grabbed Iron Man's hand, leading him toward the manor's entrance.-Somewhere in Space outside of earth-In the Justice League's high-tech conference room, tensions had reached a boiling point as the heroes debated the controversial topic of adding The Invincible Iron Man to their ranks. The room, normally filled with unity and purpose, was now charged with heated opinions.Wonder Woman, her eyes blazing with frustration, squared off against Batwoman.Wonder Woman: (indignantly) So, you're telling me, Batwoman, that we need The Invincible Iron Man on our team?Batwoman: (firmly) Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. He has the resources and skills that could be crucial for us.Aquaman, leaning casually against the wall, chimed in with skepticism.Aquaman: (sarcastically) Are you really sure we need him here? I mean, he's just a tin can.Before Batwoman could retort, a pointed "ahem" echoed through the room. Aquaman turned to see Red Tornado giving him a disapproving look.Aquaman: (apologetically) No offense, Red Tornado.Red Tornado simply nodded, his expression neutral, though the room could feel the underlying tension.Superman, sensing the need to bring order to the chaos, stepped forward and raised his hand.Superman: (calmly) Alright, everyone, let's settle this. Raise your hand if you want Iron Man on the team.The room filled with a mix of hands going up. Batwoman and a few others were in favor, while Aquaman, Wonder Woman, and several others remained with their hands firmly down.Superman: (observing) It's fifty-fifty. We're at a tie.Before Superman could say more, The Flash zipped to the center of the room, his usual playful demeanor tinged with seriousness.Flash: (quickly) We need one more vote to break the tie. Someone who hasn't voted yet.Superman paused, deep in thought, before a sudden idea struck him.Superman: (decisively) I know who to ask.He pulled out his phone and quickly dialed a number. After a brief pause, he spoke into the receiver.Superman: (serious) Supergirl, quick question: Do you want Iron Man on the team?Supergirl's voice came through the speaker, clear and resolute.Supergirl: (over the phone) Yes, I do why??Superman immediately hung up, a small smile playing on his lips as he turned back to the room.Superman: (announcing) It seems Iron Man is on the team now.Wonder Woman's eyes flashed with disbelief as she stepped forward, her voice rising in exasperation.Wonder Woman: (angrily) Really? A decision made over the phone, Superman? Most of us here hate Iron Man!Superman raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced.Superman: (challenging) Alright then, let's see. Raise your hand if you hate Iron Man.Almost immediately, several female heroes raised their hands: Hawkgirl, Black Canary, Vixen, Wonder Woman, Power Girl, Huntress, Ice, and Fire all except Batwoman.Superman glanced around the room, clearly taken aback.Superman: (surprised) Well, I'll be damned.Superman: (calmly) As I was saying, the tie has been broken. Due to the vote, The Invincible Iron Man is joining our ranks in the Justice League.There was a murmur of mixed reactions from the heroes, some nodding in agreement while others remained visibly displeased. Green Lantern, leaning back in his chair with a casual grin, decided to lighten the mood.Green Lantern: (smirking) I wonder what type of lady he likes?The room fell silent, and every female hero, including Batwoman, turned to look at Green Lantern with expressions ranging from disbelief to outright disgust.Green Lantern: (defensive) What?-Back to Mc-Alexander: (encouragingly) Alright, Dick, now watch closely. This is how you make a basic paper airplane.Dick watched with a mixture of fascination and amusement as Alexander demonstrated the folding technique, his expression a mix of concentration and bemusement.Dick: (teasingly) You're weird, you know that?Alexander's face twitched involuntarily at Dick's comment, a hint of bemusement crossing his features before he composed himself.Alexander: (smirking) Weird? Maybe a little. But I prefer to think of it as embracing my inner child.Dick laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he attempted to replicate Alexander's folding technique, his fingers fumbling with the paper.Dick: (grinning) Well, in that case, teach away, oh wise and weird one.Alexander chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he watched Dick's efforts.Alexander: (playfully) Wise and weird, huh? I'll take that as a compliment.Alexander glanced down at Dick, a playful idea forming in his mind. He slowed his pace, turning to the boy with a mischievous smile beneath his helmet.Alexander: (teasingly) So, Dick, what if I told you I was thinking about marrying your mother, Bryce? What would you do about that?Dick stopped in his tracks, his wide eyes reflecting both surprise and contemplation. He looked up at Alexander, his expression shifting from shock to a thoughtful frown.Dick: (seriously) If you marry Mom... I'd have to make sure you're really good to her. Like, super good.Alexander couldn't help but chuckle at the boy's sincerity. He knelt down to be at eye level with Dick, his helmet retracting so his face was visible, showing a genuine smile.Alexander: (softly) And what if I promised to always take care of her and you? Would that be good enough?Dick studied Alexander's face, his own expression becoming more serious as he considered the question.Dick: (determined) I'd have to make sure you keep that promise, Uncle Alex. Mom deserves the best. And... I guess if you make her happy, then I'd be happy too.Alexander's heart warmed at Dick's response. He reached out, gently ruffling the boy's hair.Alexander: (affectionately) You're a good kid, Dick. You've got a big heart. I'd be lucky to have you as part of the family.Dick beamed up at Alexander, the earlier seriousness giving way to a bright, genuine smile.Dick: (enthusiastically) Then I guess we'd be family for real! That'd be awesome!Alexander: (Thinking) Too cute im about to die so soon.Alfred Pennyworth moved with practiced stealth, his years of service making him nearly invisible in the vast estate. As he approached the grand hallway where Alexander and young Dick were having their heartfelt conversation, he paused, leaning slightly around the corner to observe.Alfred watched as Alexander knelt down to speak with Dick, a fond smile tugging at the corners of the butler's mouth. The sight of Alexander, with his helmet retracted, and the genuine exchange between the two brought a warmth to Alfred's heart.Carefully, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his smartphone. With the precision of a seasoned spy, he quietly snapped a photo of the tender moment, capturing Alexander's affectionate ruffling of Dick's hair.Alfred: (softly to himself, with a sly smile) I believe Mistress Bryce will find this rather interesting.He quickly tapped away on his phone, attaching the photo to a message. As he sent it off to Bryce Wayne, he couldn't help but chuckle quietly to himself, imagining her reaction.Alfred: (muttering with a hint of mischief) A little heads-up never hurt anyone.

To Be Continue...