Vanessa returned after the team changed, smiling at the young heroes before her.
The four sidekicks all stood idly by completely gear up in their uniform.
Arthur was standing with Duke as they both practice punching each other palms. Annie was hovering cross-legged will on her phone. Bruce was playing on his gaming table.
Their uniforms, though sharing the same sleek design, were given different features exclusive to each person.
They wore a form-fitting black spandex with golden circuit-like patterns running along their limbs.
Arthur had his signature trench coat draped over it.
Duke's version was sleeveless, his massive arms wrapped in white combat tape.
Annie's suit hugged her lithe frame perfectly, no alterations needed.
Bruce stood out with his flowing black cape.
Vanessa watched them with a critical eye before nodding, "Remember—Don's not the type to fight fair. If he's waiting for us, he's got a plan so talk through thoughts for easier communication. I will be watching your vital signs and if I noticed you guys are in danger. I will come and take over."
Cassie came by with Vanessa tea in hand, "Master Vanessa, I believe it's time for them to deport."
All four of them heard the signal and look completely ready.
Arthur place his hand on Duke shoulder, Duke does the same for Annie, and Annie held Bruce hand, "Let's move." Bruce said before teleporting out of the room.
---
Stonewall Island's abandoned resort was eerily silent. Moonlight filtered through broken windows, casting jagged shadows across the ruined lobby.
"Okay guys, communication through our thoughts should be good to go." Said Annie.
They all looked around of the resort, "I remember this was the most talk about place in city. Now look at it." Said Duke.
"They did a number on this place. Any ideas where we should start looking." Said Arthur.
Annie smiled smugly, "This is where I come in-" but then they immediately heard someone approaching the lobby entrance."
Immediately Annie used her psychic to lift everyone to the ceiling towards the dark corners of the room and placing them on a ledge.
"Give me a second." Annie closed her eyes, her psychic aura flaring green as she reached into the guards memories.
Rewind through different days until she found a pattern that Don always in his study, "Don's must be in his study, I'm sending it your way Bruce" she whispered.
After receiving the location, Bruce teleport outside of the study, Annie noticed a guard cover in web and attached to the ceiling, "Red Widow." She looks through the memories of the guards hears the argument between her and Don.
"There seems to be a disagreement between the two. The first discussion was Arthur being released."
Arthur smirked, "Look at that, I'm famous."
"Not in her eyes. She wanted to kill you for switching sides, but Don wanted you to join his crime family." Annie replied.
"What was the second reason?" Asked Bruce.
"The split share of the Silex cores . She wanted a bigger haul but Don refused which lead to her storming out of the study. Seconds later this guy vision went dark." Annie replied
"At the moment, we don't know where she is." Said Duke
"Think about it, bad deal, professional thief. She will most likely go and steal the stuff herself." Replied Arthur.
Bruce took of his glasses and put them away, "Which means, he isn't protected but I we don't know whether-"
Without warning Arthur and Duke charge the door and simultaneously kick it off the hinges, "Let's not waste anymore time." Said Arthur as everyone walked inside.
Don's study scream luxury. Leather-bound books lined mahogany shelves, a chandelier dripping crystal shards above a polished oak desk.
And there he sat, swirling a glass of red wine, completely unfazed by their sudden arrival.
"Ah," Don said, his black eye glinting. "The Keepers. Was wondering when you'd show up."
Bruce spoke to him directly, "Don, we can avoid a fight if you surrender peaceful."
Don chuckled, setting his glass down, "Now why would I abandoned all this work to go live the rest of my life in a s*** show." He leaned back.
"Tell me—can you answer me this question. Answer right and I might turn myself in." Said Don
What is it?" Asked Annie.
Don stare at them with his roll back with a grinned, "Have you fought a man who has nothing left to lose!?!"
Then Arthur realised that his trigger wasn't disable.
Don's grin widened. He flicked his finger.
The room including the building exploded.
---
At the last second, Bruce was able to teleport everyone outside where they watch the smoke and debris filled the air.
The study was gone—reduced to smoldering wreckage, "That psycho." Said Annie but they all turned there attention to uncontrollable laughing towards the study.
Don stood there above the wreckage, untouched, his black suit pristine, explosions dancing around his palms.
"So many heroes have tried their best to stop my empire," he said, stepping forward.
"I built this family from the ground up and I won't allow any of you destroy what I work on." Mini explosion set off on his palms.
Then—two new figures emerged from the smoke.
- The first man's skin hardened into diamond, refracting the moonlight into blinding shards.
- The second was shrouded in smoke, his form shifting like a living shadow.
Don spread his arms, "Met my left and right hand."
Arthur's right eye pulsed sapphire glow, "Galahad."
The spectral knight materialized, sword blazing.
The real fight had just begun.