Chapter 59: Complications

The Next Day - Mount Justice

In the heart of Mount Justice, the atmosphere was somber. The gathering of the League members reflected the gravity of the situation. Dinah Lance (Black Canary), Martian Manhunter, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman stood together, facing the younger heroes who had also been part of the battle. The images of the ruined cities—Salem and Beverly—flickered on the large screen behind them, a reminder of the chaos that had nearly consumed them all.

Batman, ever the strategist, was the first to speak. His voice was calm but carried an edge that demanded attention. "Klarion's attack on Salem and Beverly wasn't just a battle—it was a lesson. The damage he inflicted wasn't just physical. Entire landscapes were warped, and countless lives were altered in ways we may never fully understand."

Martian Manhunter nodded, his deep voice resonating in the chamber. "Toneri's intervention helped repair much of the damage, but not everything could be restored. The chaos energy twisted reality, and while most of the damage has been undone, and both cities have recovered, the same cannot be said for the people."

Dinah added, "The number of lives lost... it's in the thousands. Many were warped beyond recognition, and while Toneri was able to restore some of them, the loss is still immeasurable."

The younger heroes—Aqualad, Superboy, Wally, Artemis, and Miss Martian—listened in silence. Each of them had witnessed Toneri's power firsthand, and the memory of it lingered in their minds. Aqualad, who had fought alongside Toneri before, had seen his capabilities, but even he was shocked by the extent of his reality-altering abilities. Superboy and Wally shared a look, both equally awed and uneasy. But it was Artemis who felt the most stunned—having joined the team later, she had never seen Toneri wield such power before. Her mind raced with thoughts of how someone could possess such abilities, and the implications of what it meant to have such power on their side.

Superman stepped forward, his expression filled with a quiet determination. "Even though the damage has been undone by Toneri and most of the people restored, we have to be very careful and ensure it never happens again. The city of Salem is starting to recover, thanks to all of your efforts. But this is just the beginning. We need to help the people rebuild, both physically and emotionally."

Wonder Woman glanced at Toneri, then addressed the room. "Toneri's actions were pivotal in saving what could be

saved. Without him, the damage would have spread far beyond Salem and Beverly. But this fight reminded us all of the dangers we face, and the importance of being prepared for anything."

Batman's gaze swept across the room. "We need to be ready. Klarion was a wake-up call. We have to assume that the next threat could be just as unpredictable, just as devastating."

Dinah spoke up again, her voice carrying both resolve and compassion. "This isn't just about rebuilding the cities—it's about healing. For those who survived, and for those who fought to protect them. We'll need all of you in the days to come. Whether it's helping with the reconstruction or providing support to those affected, every bit counts."

Martian Manhunter added, "We must also prepare for any potential fallout. Chaos energy is unpredictable, and we don't know if there could be lingering effects. We'll need to monitor both Salem and Beverly closely."

Toneri finally spoke up, his voice calm and assured. "The energy is one of the most fundamental parts of the universe. The lingering effects... I couldn't completely erase them, but it is lower than normal, and the rest have been dealt with by my chakra."

Superman nodded, looking around at the assembled heroes. "We stand together in this. What happened was a tragedy, but it's also a chance for us to show the world that we'll always be there to protect them—no matter what."

Wonder Woman finished with a firm yet encouraging tone. "We've faced gods, monsters, and everything in between. This isn't the end of the story—it's just another chapter. And together, we'll make sure that the next one is filled with hope and strength."

The room was silent for a moment as the weight of their words settled in. The team knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but they were ready.

————-

In the dimly lit chamber deep beneath the Earth, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Vandal Savage stood at the head of the table, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the room. Around him, the holographic projections of the other members of the Light flickered into view: Lex Luthor, Ra's al Ghul, Queen Bee, Ocean Master, and Brain. The usual calm deliberation that marked their meetings was replaced with a sense of urgency.

Vandal's eyes scanned the faces of his fellow conspirators, his expression unreadable. "Klarion is gone."

The declaration hung in the air, drawing the attention of every member present. Vandal's voice, always commanding, now carried an edge of frustration that was rare for him. He pressed a button on the control panel, and a holographic image of Lunaris appeared in the center of the room. The young, enigmatic figure stood tall, his green aura flickering like wildfire.

Ra's al Ghul was the first to speak, his voice calm yet tinged with curiosity. "This... Lunaris, as he calls himself, managed to banish Klarion from the mortal plane. No small feat."

Lex Luthor leaned forward, his sharp features illuminated by the light of the projection. "Indeed. This complicates matters. The Witch Boy was a key player in our plans, particularly in his ability to destabilize the League's efforts. And now... this new player has removed him from the board."

Ocean Master, usually indifferent to matters of the surface, couldn't hide his concern. "Klarion's chaos was unpredictable, but it was also useful. Without him, our ability to sow discord, especially in Atlantis, will be significantly hampered."

Queen Bee's eyes narrowed as she studied the image of Lunaris. "His power is remarkable. Strong enough to defeat Klarion in direct combat, and then to banish him... We need to understand more about him. Where did he come from? What is his connection to the League?"

Brain's mechanical voice cut through the conversation. "It is possible that Lunaris is not entirely of this world. His energy signatures are unlike any known metahuman or magical being on record. Further analysis is required."

Vandal Savage remained silent for a moment, allowing the weight of the discussion to settle. Then, with a grim expression, he activated another hologram. This time, it was footage of the battle between Toneri and Klarion, recorded by hidden surveillance devices scattered throughout the city and satellite images. The members of the Light watched as the landscape warped and twisted, reality itself bending under the immense power of the two combatants.

The final moments of the battle played out on the screen—the climactic clash that ended with Klarion's banishment. The room was silent as the last echoes of the fight faded away.

Lex Luthor broke the silence, his voice laced with cynicism. "So, it seems the League has gained an extra god. First Superman, now this. Our plans just became a lot more complicated."

Ra's al Ghul, ever the strategist, folded his arms as he considered their options. "Klarion's loss is a significant setback. His unpredictability was both a strength and a liability, but his presence was integral to our larger strategy. Without him, we must adjust our approach."

Queen Bee's tone was sharp. "Adjust? Our entire plan was built around his ability to disrupt and distract the League. Without that chaos, we are vulnerable."

Vandal Savage's expression remained stoic as he addressed their concerns. "Klarion will return."

Ocean Master frowned. "How can you be sure?"

Vandal's gaze shifted to the holographic image of Lunaris holding an orange cat with black markings and red eyes. "Klarion is bound to this world through his anchor. While Lunaris may have severed his current connection, the Witch Boy will find a new anchor in time. He always does. And when he does, he will return—more vengeful and unpredictable than ever."

Lex Luthor's calculating mind began to churn with possibilities. "But how long will that take? Days? Months? Years? We can't afford to wait for Klarion to find his way back."

Vandal nodded. "True. Which is why we must proceed as if he will not return in time to aid us. We continue with our plans, adapting them as necessary. But make no mistake—Klarion will be back. We must be ready for that eventuality."

Brain's voice hummed with agreement. "In the meantime, we must gather intelligence on Lunaris. His capabilities, his weaknesses. If he can defeat Klarion, he is a threat we cannot afford to ignore."

Ra's al Ghul added, "And we must be prepared for the possibility that Lunaris is not alone. If he is part of a larger group, or if others of his kind exist, then we are dealing with an entirely new level of power."

Queen Bee's gaze hardened. "We need to know if he has any connections to the League. If he is working with them, our window for action is closing rapidly."

Vandal Savage stepped forward, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of experience. "Lunaris is a wild card, but he is not invincible. Every being has a weakness—gods included. We will find his, and when we do, we will turn it to our advantage."

The members of the Light exchanged glances, their expressions grim but determined. The loss of Klarion was a blow, but they were far from defeated. Their plans would adapt, their strategies evolve. And in the end, they would emerge victorious.

Vandal Savage deactivated the holograms, plunging the room back into darkness. "Prepare your operatives. Ensure that Cadmus continues its work without interference. And above all, stay vigilant. This game is far from over."

As the holographic images of the Light's members faded, the chamber was left in silence, save for the faint hum of the machinery that powered the hidden base. Vandal Savage stood alone in the dark, his mind already working on the next steps. Klarion may have been vanquished, but the Light's plans would endure. And soon enough, they would bring Lunaris—and the League—to their knees.