Batman stepped toward the group of young heroes, his cape shifting slightly in the dim light. "Cadmus will be investigated," he announced, his tone leaving no room for argument. "All fifty-two levels. But let's make one thing absolutely clear—"
The Flash couldn't resist cutting in, arms crossed and eyebrows raised. "You should've called."
Batman's gaze didn't waver. "End results aside, we're not pleased. You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed direct orders, and endangered innocent lives. This—" he gestured toward the team "—will not happen again."
Aqualad took a slow, deliberate step forward. "I am sorry, but we will," he said firmly.
Aquaman's voice boomed from behind him. "Aqualad, stand down!"
"Apologies, my king," Aqualad replied, bowing his head slightly before straightening up again. "But we did good work tonight—work that reflects everything you trained us for. We acted together, as one. We built something real… something important."
The Flash jumped in with a pointed tone. "If this is about your treatment at the Hall, the three of you—"
"It's the six of us," Kid Flash interrupted sharply. "And it's not about that."
Raven arched an eyebrow at Leon, who simply shrugged and stepped up beside the others. She followed, folding her arms. "They're right, Bats. Keep pushing them down and you'll stunt what they're becoming. And let's be honest—you never had anyone ordering you around either."
Batman's eyes narrowed at that, the lines of his jaw tightening.
Robin stepped forward, his expression resolved. "Batman, we're ready to use what you taught us. Or why teach us at all "
Superboy raises his voice abit " Why let others decide what we do? It's simple—get on board… or get out of the way."
For a moment, silence filled the Hall. The six young heroes stood shoulder to shoulder, their eyes locked with the legendary figures before them. A quiet tension hung heavy in the air—the kind born when conviction meets authority.
***
### Later – Mount Justice
The roar of the waterfall outside echoed faintly through the cavern. Batman stood before the team, the dim glow of the cave revealing old stone, ancient tech, and long-abandoned consoles.
"This cave was the original secret sanctuary of the Justice League," he began. "We're reinstating it for your use. Since you six insist on staying together and fighting the good fight, you'll do so—but on League terms." His piercing gaze swept across their faces. "Red Tornado will reside here as your supervisor. Black Canary will oversee your training. I'll handle your mission assignments."
Robin's eyes lit up with hope. "Real missions?"
Batman gave a curt nod. "Yes—but covert operations only."
The Flash nods, "The League will still handle the big, flashy stuff. There's a reason we wear these giant targets on our chests." Pointing towards the symbol on his chest.
Aquaman added gravely, "Cadmus showed us something—the enemies are adapting. That's why Batman needs a team that can move unseen on the sly. "
Batman looked over the group. "Then it's settled. The seven of you will form that team."
Robin frowned slightly. "Wait—seven?"
As everyone turned to look behind them, two green-skinned figures stepped softly out of the shadows of the Hall. The air seemed to shift as they approached.
"This," Batman said, "is the Martian Manhunter's niece—Miss Martian."
The young woman smiled brightly, lifting a hand in a cheerful wave. "Hi!"
Robin and Kid Flash exchanged glances, both grinning like they'd just won something. Kid Flash whispered, his grin widening, "I'm liking this gig more by the minute."
Leon crossed his arms with a quiet sigh, muttering under his breath, "Here comes trouble."
*******