The woman set the documents aside, her gaze drifting over Black Canary's outfit as she tilted her head slightly.
"But I have to admit, that outfit of yours is quite eye-catching."
Black Canary's patience wore thin at the irrelevant remark.
"Are you here to talk about what I'm wearing?"
"Of course not."
The woman stepped off the building with ease, followed closely by the young man beside her. As they landed, Black Canary finally got a clear look at them.
The woman wore a light yellow uniform, her short hair framing a composed but curious expression. The man beside her looked ordinary at first glance, his modern hairstyle giving him a casual appearance.
They looked far too young.
By all appearances, they were not even adults.
The two standing before her were the Wonder Twins, Zan and Jenna. They had been tasked by Adrian and Rika with apprehending individuals listed by Batman.
"Our boss wants to speak with you, Ms. Black Canary," Jenna said directly.
Black Canary frowned. "Who exactly is your boss?"
"Adrian," Jenna replied without hesitation.
At the name, Black Canary's expression sharpened.
"You work for his government?"
"Yes. That is not unusual," Jenna said calmly. "There is no rule saying minors cannot be employed."
A faint, guarded look crossed Black Canary's eyes.
"I have no business with your government, and I have no intention of dealing with Adrian."
She turned to leave.
"Sorry, Ms. Black Canary," Zan said as he stepped forward, blocking her path. "Our orders are to bring you to Metropolis."
Her eyes turned cold. "So you plan to take me by force?"
"If necessary," Zan replied. His tone carried a trace of impatience. He wanted this mission done quickly.
Black Canary did not hesitate.
"Then show me what you can do."
She struck first, her fist driving toward Zan with sharp precision.
Zan reacted instantly. Ice formed over his arm, creating a solid barrier just in time.
Her punch landed with force, but the impact against the ice sent a sharp pain through her hand.
At the same moment, Jenna moved.
She circled behind Black Canary, her hands shifting into clawed, beast-like forms. With swift, predatory movements, she launched a series of attacks.
Black Canary managed to react, but only barely. Jenna's strikes connected, forcing her back before a final blow sent her crashing to the ground.
Jenna, now in a humanoid leopard form, looked down at her opponent with a hint of reluctance.
"Sorry. You attacked first."
Black Canary said nothing, frustration clear in her expression.
---
Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C.
Inside a modest home, Jefferson Pierce leaned over his desk, focused on his work. Papers were spread out before him as he wrote and sketched.
Once a teacher in Los Angeles, he was now taking time off, keeping a low profile.
But he was better known by another name.
Black Lightning.
As a metahuman, he possessed the ability to generate and control electricity.
A knock at the door broke his concentration.
His expression tightened. He stood and walked toward the door, cautious. His past conflicts with gangs made him wary of unexpected visitors.
Looking through the peephole, he saw a young woman.
He opened the door slightly.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Jenna," she said with a polite smile. "I am a commissioner with the Government Metahuman Affairs Council."
She handed him a business card.
Jefferson glanced at it, his confusion evident.
"I do not believe I have any dealings with your organization. I am currently working with the Department of Housing, helping relocate displaced families."
"We need your assistance with an investigation," Jenna said evenly. "We would like you to come with us to Metropolis."
"And if I refuse?"
Her smile faded slightly.
"Then I will have to use less cooperative methods."
A faint green glow pulsed from the ring on her finger.
Electricity flickered subtly in Jefferson's eyes.
---
At the same time, Adrian stood outside a training room, watching quietly.
Inside, Diana Prince was instructing Rachel in swordsmanship.
For reasons even Adrian did not fully understand, Rachel had taken a sudden interest in learning the blade after seeing Diana's weapon.
Rachel wore loose training clothes, her long hair tied back. In her hands was a steel practice sword, which she swung with force and intensity.
Each strike cut through the air with sharp precision.
Even from a distance, the strength behind her movements was clear.
"Too many unnecessary movements, Rachel," Diana said firmly.
"You need to strike the opponent's weak points as quickly as possible."
Rachel paused, listening.
"Put on your protective gear. We will spar."
Rachel's eyes lit up.
"Really? I have been practicing a lot. I think I have already gotten most of it down."
Diana gave a small nod. "Then show me."
Rachel took her stance, feet offset, body leaning slightly forward. She gripped the sword with both hands, ready to strike.
Diana stood calmly, her posture relaxed, her blade held low but ready.
"I am coming," Rachel said.
She moved first.
Her blade came straight down the centerline.
Diana responded smoothly, meeting the attack head-on.
Their swords clashed with a sharp metallic sound.
Rachel felt a surge of confidence. She had control of the centerline.
She pressed forward, guiding her blade in a curved motion as she aimed for Diana's hand. At the same time, she applied pressure to limit Diana's movement.
It was a decisive move.
Diana did not panic.
With a subtle shift of her wrist, she redirected the pressure and slid her blade along Rachel's.
Her counter was direct.
Rachel barely had time to react before the tip of Diana's sword tapped against her helmet.
The match was over.
Rachel froze.
"How did I lose?"
Frustration crept into her voice.
"I had control…"
Diana removed her helmet, her expression calm.
"Rachel, do you understand why you lost?"
Rachel hesitated.
"Maybe I was too slow. Or I should have pressed harder and not left you any room to react."
Diana shook her head.
"You had control. That part was correct. But once you gain control, you must act directly."
Rachel listened closely.
"You chose a complex movement. It looked impressive, but it wasted time."
Rachel frowned slightly.
"If you had simply thrust forward and struck my face, the match would have ended in your favor," Diana continued.
"Swordsmanship is not about style. It is about efficiency. The fastest, simplest action wins."
Rachel nodded slowly.
"So I made it too complicated."
"Yes."
Rachel exhaled, absorbing the lesson.
Diana then glanced toward the doorway, her eyes landing on Adrian.
A faint, thoughtful expression crossed her face.
If this were purely a contest of swordsmanship, she wondered, she might not necessarily lose to him.