The Judge (2/5)

A/N: Oh hey! I didn't see you there or anywhere! It's me the most responsible and most handsome author around! I've been gone for a while with being busy with work and doing a lot of research on DC to somehow help my story.

I have typically everything planned out, but it's just getting to that point that was difficult. Anyways I'll just let you get back into the story.

I will start slowly and do at least two chapters per week and if I do more then that means I had more free time.

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Slade couldn't believe what he was hearing right now!

The kid wanted him to work...for free?!

Impossible!

He would never do something so utterly stupid and insane for someone he didn't know.

"I think that's enough jokes kid." He scowled as veins popped out on his forehead. "I'll give you to the count of three to get out of my way."

"See...that doesn't really work for me," Ethan scratched the back of his head and stepped closer with a knowing smile present on his face.

"How about we just have a nice sit-down and talk. No need to get so angry or are you...pressed for time?" He asked.

Slade immediately froze after hearing that question and soon after his face started to make an ugly expression.

Does he know?

Is that why he is making such a ridiculous demand?

'This bastard...'

Slade gritted his teeth hard and glared at Ethan with the intensity reserved for someone he wanted to kill...without payment. He so badly wanted to wipe that smile off Ethan's face before tearing him limb from limb and throwing the pieces into the darkest pit to rot for eternity.

Even with that in mind he still somehow wouldn't be satisfied which showed how angry he was at that moment.

"By the way. How are your two sons and ex-wife? They aren't caught up anywhere are they?" Ethan asked with a raised eyebrow. It was pretty obvious that something was being dangled over the mercenary's head to make forgo his safety. Of course, he wasn't quite sure at first but judging from Slade's expression he was sure he hit the bullseye.

"Don't say another word," Slade muttered while clenching his fist. "Or we are about to have a problem."

"A problem?" Ethan chuckled at the mention of the word. " I didn't know we had one. Well...what are you going to do to solve it?"

Slade was aware of Ethan's strength, but it seems like the effects of the demonic energy weren't completely gone as he acted without thinking, charging at Ethan at his fastest speed possible.

However, Slade was nothing but a slightly enhanced human now, he was nothing in front of a dragon.

The mercenary only managed a distance of several inches before he felt a hand tighten around his throat, robbing his ability to breathe properly.

"Guh!!" Slade could only watch while he was lifted off the ground with minimal effort, showing the disparity in strength.

"I have no more time left to deal with you," Ethan said while letting out a predatory grow, releasing even more of his killing intent.

*Crack...Snap!* Objects in the room started to crack or break into pieces underneath as an invisible pressure crushed down on them.

"I saved your life because I felt like it, but it doesn't mean you're getting off easy. You came after my wife and I'm not stupid enough to just let someone like you go." He scowled, gripping Slade's neck harder as his nails started to morph into claws that started to dig into his flesh.

"Either become my subordinate or I'll burn you alive still there's nothing left! I won't even let your ashes stay behind!" If it wasn't obvious already, Ethan was furious but still, he kept it in check as much as possible because he knew if he got too angry then there might be one less hotel in Gotham.

In Slade's mind, he still wanted to disagree, but now he was beginning to see that his only choice of survival was to agree to Ethan's demands.

Life was truly unfair for the weak...

He always believed himself to be strong, strong enough to do whatever he wanted and whatever he wished.

But this was it for him...

No more Deathstroke...

No more mercenary for hire...

'I'll have to bow my head..to this kid?.. Damn...why can't I ever...but if I don't they'll die...ugh..' Slade's thoughts started to slow as the lack of air was getting to him.

His road has been officially blocked by an immovable mountain that he should have stayed away from.

'Damn it...'

Eventually, Slade slowly nods his head before hanging his head down in defeat without even doing anything. Soon after, Ethan tosses the mercenary to the ground, allowing him to catch his breath.

"Now...was that so hard? I got something I want you to do now."

>>>><<<<

Just like the others he caught, Ethan contracted Slade to make sure he doesn't betray him. One day he'll cancel all of them, but for now, that's how he's operate when dealing with people he can't completely trust.

During the entire process, Slade didn't look like a war veteran turn badass mercenary anymore. He looked like a defeated man who had no reason to keep on living through this hell called Earth.

"Your family...where are they being held?" Ethan suddenly asked.

"Huh?" Slade's eyes widen as a bit of life returned to his face.

"Your f-a-m-i-l-y. I know you're old, but you're not deaf." Ethan frowned. "I understand that I have no reason to stick my neck out for you, but whoever told you to do this job is the main culprit. I plan on settling things with them and I might as well make a few stops."

Slade didn't know how or when, but he started to feel like this kid in front of him could get his family back with no problem.

The contract made him somewhat aware of Ethan's strength and he was severely wrong about him being a mountain.

He was the sky!

He was something that no one could ever hope to touch.

'No...it's impossible..' He shook his head. 'But...I have no choice..I'll have to swallow. my pride...for them.'

"...Alright. I'll tell you."

For the next hour or so, Slade started to give Ethan information about the Light.

Of course, he knew a lot of it because of the knowledge of the original world, but there were some things he didn't know due to the fact he didn't remember it all. However, their relationship with Trigon is something completely new that could spell trouble if they aren't careful.

'Vandal Savage...Ra's Al Ghul...Trigon... Queen Bee...Lex Luthor... Those are just the names I recognize...' Ethan mused. 'No matter...one way or the other the organization will disappear because they touched the wrong person...'

"We'll first get your family out. You'll follow us for the time being. Where are they being held?"

Slade frowned, "Somewhere in Downtown Gotham. I don't know the exact location, but I'll be able to find out given time."

"Fine. Make it fast or there's no telling what they'll do..." Ethan sighed, shaking his head. "Find out where they are stashing them then report back to me as soon as you can."

"Understood."

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After talking for a bit more, Slade left for the apartment he uses in Gotham to replenish the gear that he lost.

He didn't want to go searching without any weapons on him.

Ethan on the other hand made his way back to the room where the others were staying.

'But why did they have to so far as to kidnap his family? Is there more to this situation?' He thought while stroking his chin. "Also our money problem...I need to obtain a lot more for the future...I think I need to find Selina again...'

While lost in his thoughts, Ethan opened the door to the room unaware of a certain blond that made a beeline to him

"Finally, you're done!" Harley shouted, wrapping her arms around his waist and squeezing with all the strength she could muster.

He'd look down to see the affectionate blond rubbing her face against his chest like a common kitten showing its appreciation or when it wanted something.

And in this case, it was someone.

A sigh would leave his lips before he smiled at his wife while running his fingers through her soft hair. "Sorry about that Harley. Forgive me?"

Harley grinned at this, showing off her beautiful pearly whites as she looked directly into his eyes, "Nu-uh! You're going to have to make it up to me first and then I'll forgive ya."

"Yes, yes. I'll do whatever it takes." Ethan chuckled before pressing his lips against her own. A simple passionate kiss, but the little minx ruined it by trying to gain entrance to his mouth with her tongue.

She wanted more...

Unfortunately for her, Pamela acted fast as if she had been waiting for this specific moment her entire life. She quickly separated the two with her hand, rendering the blonde unable to trigger her husband's lust that he can obviously not control.

"Hey! What's your problem!" Harley growled, upset at the fact she was suddenly separated from her beloved.

"Calm down. I'm just making sure you don't go too far. I'm sure there's a better time for that." Pamela smirked, but it wasn't a normal smirk.

Ethan could tell that the redhead was up to something, but he had the faintest of clues.

"Besides I'm sure hubby has some things to discuss with us. Don't you?" She said while playfully squeezing his chin.

"Grr...Y-" Harley was about to launch herself at the woman, but she was stopped when she heard Ethan's voice inside her head.

["Just let it go this time. We'll have our alone time later. Just you and me alright?"] Ethan said to the blonde, flashing a warm smile. [And we'll need to talk...]

A complicated expression showed on Harley's face as she was happy about the alone time but the talking?

She wasn't so sure about that because she was afraid of what he might ask.

'I don't think I'm ready to open up...please let it be something else...please!'

Eventually, Harley nodded her head to show that she understood and quickly retreated to the floor to watch tv alongside Cassandra and Miya.

'Ugh...soap operas...someone fucking kill me now...' Harley groaned with disgust, but she watched on anyways to hopefully drown out her worries. 'Oh my god! She did what to who?!'

"So, what is our next step? Oh, great and fearless leader." Pamela said as she wrapped her arms around Ethan's neck.

["Now what are you up to?"] He asked.

["What? Me up to something? I would never~ Do you not trust your own wife?"] Pamela replied.

["Am I going to suffer?"]

["I told you I'm not up to anything."]

["And I know you're lying."]

Pamela simply laughed and kissed him on the cheek, ignoring the burning gaze that he hoped would make her crack.

'You'll see Ethan. You'll see~' She smiled seeing her man frown and showered him with more kisses to appease him.

Soon after, Sandra walked into the room with a yawn, and suddenly she was hugged by someone.

It was like deja vu.

Sandra looked down to see Cassandra, holding on to her like a toddler would when they didn't want to separate from their parents.

Although the 18-year-old didn't make a fuss about it, she was still scared of being alone with people that were basically strangers. However, the same could be said about her mother, but for some reason, she just felt safer with her around.

Sandra was a bit surprised by the action, but it managed to bring a smile to her face and she didn't hesitate to hug her daughter back, squeezing her tightly.

It was but a brief moment, but a moment that sparked Sandra's will to do better for her daughter and for the man that made it happen.

>>>><<<<

It's been a few hours since Slade left the hotel, and Ethan had the time to go over what was happening.

At first, they were surprised by the fact he enlisted the deadly mercenary for their cause and even more so when he promised to help him recover his family.

Sandra wasn't bothered by it as she trusted Ethan wholeheartedly and that was the case for all of his wives.

Ethan looked at every single one of his wives and they all shared the same sentiment, causing him to feel like he owes them a great debt.

'I'll do everything I can to show you all that I'm worth that trust...I won't let any of you suffer while I still breathe.' He solemnly swore to himself.

As they continued to talk, Mera who was absent for a while came into the room. Her eyes were a bit red which suggested she had been crying, but she carried herself as would any strong woman would when trying to keep their emotions in check.

The princess had always been distant and confused at what she was doing, but now it seemed like she had a new purpose, one that she found by herself.

Her eyes locked onto Ethan who was currently sitting down and quickly approached him without a word.

Harley was about to say something, but Pamela managed to move faster and covered her mouth with a hand.

"....I am leaving. I believe I have stayed far too long." Mera said, stuttering slightly as if unsure of herself.

A certain blonde was extremely happy after hearing those words and even thought about having a huge celebration for the occasion.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, "Leaving? Well, I do suppose I dragged you without your permission. This world is probably too strange for you. You'd probably want to go back where things are at least normal."

"Yes, indeed...normal...." Mera frowned, biting a bit of her bottom lip. A small part of her was hoping that he would react a bit differently to her decision. 'But this is reality...why should it be any different?...this is what I want...right?'

"I'll-"

"Hold on."

"Hmm?.." Mera seemed to perk up a little as Ethan stood up from his seat. The princess has seen many handsome men, but not quite like Ethan. She didn't want to admit it, but she was attracted to him, however, the man has several women which made her conflicted.

'Well, it doesn't matter...I'm already engaged..what am I getting so worked up for-' Her thoughts were cut off short as she noticed Ethan's face was quite close to her own.

Mera tried to step back, but she was stopped by an arm that snaked its way around her waist.

"St-" Immediately after she felt another arm around her as she was brought into a tight embrace.

Her first thought was to scream and push him away, but then whether she wanted to or not, tears started to form in her eyes as the effects of listening to her mother's parting message weren't completely gone.

"You don't have to go. You can stay." Ethan whispered to her as he gently wiped away her tears. "You can stay by my side..."

Those words...was he serious?

Mera gazed into his crimson eyes to see if she could discern the truth, and she was shocked to find that she could not find any falsehood.

'You'd want me to stay by your side?..' Her heart started to flutter at the mere thought of staying by this man's side. It was impossible and quite stupid, but she was beginning to truly fall in love with him.

The feeling grew so much in that moment that she was unaware of her face inching toward his own. Mera could feel her gut telling her it was a bad idea, but her heart came out on top and became the victor.

Soon her lips pressed into his, and immediately her mind went crazy with thousands of thoughts and feelings that threatened to break her world.

Mera had seen the act several times but never expected it to feel so...good. It was an electrifying sensation that caused her body to act in ways she didn't think possible.

The taste of Mera's lips was unlike anything he tasted before, a pleasantly sharp flavor with a sweet aftertaste that had him coming for more.

Seeing this happen made Ethan's wives remember their first kiss with him, and they all agreed that it was magical. However, instead of surrendering herself to him, Mera does something quite unexpected.

She ran away.

Leaving a perplexed Ethan to stare blankly at the door she broke down while bolting out of the room.

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Ethan wasn't the only one confused, a familiar blonde woman in Metropolis had a bewildered look on her face as she organized her paperwork.

The woman was Kara otherwise known as Power Girl.

Recently, things were starting to look up for the Kryptonian as her company started to take off in a big way which in turn resulted in her becoming quite busy.

A decision had been made, and their company was going to move their company to New York where it will stay permanently.

It has been quite a tough road for Kara, but with the help of her cousin and other Justice League members, she managed to adjust to human life.

However, even with all the work keeping her occupied she still thought of a certain someone and it started to affect her mood.

'Ethan Vanders...Why do I still find myself thinking about you often?' Kara sighed while she finished up her paperwork.

The thought of him came and went like a simple breeze, but whenever a man tried to earn her favor she always looked at them with slight disgust while comparing them to the man that stole her first kiss.

The Kryptonian convinced herself she wasn't looking for a significant other, but her mind was plagued with so many what-ifs.

'He's handsome, strong, and I suppose he's somewhat caring. But he's married to multiple women?!!' Kara suddenly slams her fist on her metal desk, making a small dent in it.

"Whoops...we'll just throw this out during the move..." Kara groaned before laying her head down on the desk. "I'm a mess...why can't I just forget..."

A strange warmth came over her body as she remembered the searing hot kiss on her lips. The taste, smell, and feel, she remembered it all which brought about a certain ache from within her core.

Her hand slowly stretched to the origin and before she could touch it, a beeping noise came from her pocket, ruining the moment.

Kara then pulled out a communicator used for the Justice League.

"Batman." She said while looking at the caped hero with his signature stoic face.

"I want you to overlook a small team that's starting out in New York. I also need you to do a bit of digging for me once you transfer over to the city. Do you think you're up for it?"

"How can I say no to one of our biggest investors. I'll see what I can do." Kara answered.

"I'll send the specifics to your comm. Batman out."

>>>><<<<

"Truly, it has been quite some time since I've been out. So much has changed in my absence...I don't like it. It's time to show Gotham who's really in control around here..."