NOVEL NEXT Chapter 132: 128
I wasn't surprised when reports about terrorist attacks on Thanagarian embassies and holdings on earth began to surface. Although I was certain that the Justice League had absolutely nothing to do with this which is why I wasn't surprised to find Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Martin Manhunter here at my home. I knew that they would suspect me immediately as I had made no effort to disguise my feelings on Xeno interference. In fact because I have been so vocal in my rhetoric that I was banned from Thanagarian embassies around the world excluding exceptional circumstances.
Batman: We need to talk
"You say "talk" but I think you mean interrogate as judging by your attitude your not here for a friendly discussion"
Superman: Considering what is going on I think you can understand why we're here
"Fine but the xeno...*Deep breath*... Martian Manhunter better not try to enter my mind or I will burn him down to his soul!"
Batman: Is that a threat
"It's a promise I can't stand xenos I watched slaughter and burn worlds the fact that I haven't tried to kill him on sight is a testament to my self control"
Wonder Woman: Batman he is right. He is a soldier suffering from PTSD and having someone who reminds him of the conflict is incredibly stressful
Super Man: Then does my presence offend you?
"Not as much I view you more like a abhuman"
Although he didn't fully understand the meaning he could tell what I meant from the general context. Batman didn't seem like it either way even considering that Wonder Woman made a valid point he didn't trust me but he didn't really trust anyone. They asked general questions about the information and wether I shared such information and with whom. Martian Manhunter was obviously a bit unnerved by the exact way I said I would kill him and remained quiet not daring to enter my mind.
I told them that yes I did share this information Shield and others but refused to mention who the others were. What they finally left Cortana appeared with a bunch of bugs likely planted by Batman in hard light box.
Cortana: The one designated as Batman planted these bugs whenever your attention shifted. More insulting than that was the crudely designed AI that he was using to try and hack into my systems. Not to mention the others attempt to infiltrate using Batman as beacon. He really thought that just because he was inside this house that he crack my fire walls that is beyond insulting!
"Calm down Cortana I'm sure you digitally laid down the law with their subpar AI"
Cortana: Of course I did, that was never in question I just find their attempts insulting at least Shuri gave me a little challenge even if was while I was stretched thin while using less powerful hardware!
"Yes, yes you are a very scary AI Cortana and I appreciate all your efforts but I am just saying don't let it get to you and I'll take the hint and do something about our current computers"
....
Due to the recent visit of the Justice League I couldn't make any noticeable movements for the time being. Left with little option at the moment I decided to get know my city a bit better. What I didn't expect was to run into the Joker of all people but Joker only glanced at me a look of indifference on his face. Even Punchline his new sidekick seemed shocked by his lack of interest.
"I have heard many things about the Clown Prince of Crime, so I was expecting a lot but indifference wasn't it"
Joker: That is because unlike everyone else who is still trying to figure you out I'm not. I know you. I know what you are which is why I don't play with you.
"So out of everyone on the earth including psychics you are saying you know me?"
Joker: I may not know the specifics but that's just like looking at a painting too up close, you completely miss the picture looking at the details. You are a hollow thing that barely knows how to feel so you just pretend and don't know how to stop. You constantly look for things to fill this bottomless void to feel something even for a moment. The only reason a thing like you would fear death would be because you aren't certain your real.
It was in that moment I felt like something clicked. The Joker didn't seem to know or care about how what he said affected me as just continued on his way. The only detail he had wrong was my fear of death I was certain I was real I was just greedy for more life.