Third Person POV
After Omni left the room, silence clung to the Watchtower like a heavy fog. No one wanted to be the first to speak. Finally, Shazam broke it.
"Okay… I'm gonna say it—" he leaned back in his chair, "—but that was crazy cool."
"Shazam." Batman's voice was low, warning.
"What? He walked outta here like a boss," Shazam said with a shrug.
"This isn't funny," Captain Atom snapped. "We're just going to let a kid with that much power walk free?"
"What do you expect us to do? Lock him up?" Black Canary shot back.
"Maybe. Or hell, I don't know, something. But that Omnitrix has to come off him."
"Yeah, not happening," Mr. Terrific said. "The device itself made it clear it can't be hacked."
Cyborg raised a hand. "And for the record? I did try hacking it while we were all busy. It just kept spamming my systems with… uh, let's call them graphic distractions until I gave up."
Shazam burst out laughing. "Wait, you're telling me it sent you dick pics?"
"Pretty much." Cyborg rubbed his temples.
Shazam nearly fell out of his chair laughing. "Okay, I love that watch."
"This isn't a joke," Captain Atom said, his voice like steel.
"Yes, it's a problem," Aquaman rumbled, folding his arms. "But Omni was clear, he won't be a threat unless we make him one. We need to focus on the real issue first." His gaze swept across the table. "Batman."
Every head turned.
Batman's jaw tightened. "I thought I was doing the right thing. With all that power in play, contingencies are necessary. If Omni became a threat, or if any of you did—"
"You mean if we went rogue," The Flash cut in, shaking his head. "Bruce, come on. You just chased away a kid who could've been one of our strongest allies."
"We all agreed to wait, to let him choose when to explain his power. To maybe give us his identity down the line. You went behind our backs." Wonder Woman's voice was cold as steel. "You didn't just defy the League, you betrayed our trust."
"They were never meant to kill," Batman said evenly. "Only to neutralize. If one of you was mind-controlled—"
"Or if someone else got those plans?" Mr. Terrific cut in. "They'd only need to tweak them to turn them lethal."
"My systems are nearly unhackable."
"Keyword: nearly," Cyborg said flatly. "And Omni just proved it. What happens when someone worse than him tries?"
Batman's eyes narrowed. "Then I upgrade my systems. Make them stronger."
Superman slammed his hand on the table, the sound echoing through the chamber. "That's not the point, Bruce, and you know it! We are a team. Allies. Friends. And you made plans to take each of us down like we were enemies." His voice cracked with hurt. "Do you know what that feels like? To know your friend, the man I trusted to be my best man, the godfather of my son, has a file on how to kill me?"
The room went still again. For once, Batman had no answer.
Mr. Terrific broke the silence first."Why didn't you ever tell us about those plans, Batman? Secrecy isn't enough of a reason."
Batman's voice was calm but firm."The plans had to remain secret. If any villain ever forced them out of you, all of you would have been compromised. The fewer who knew, the safer you were."
Hawkman leaned forward, glaring."You've got contingencies for all of us. What about you? Who stops you if you turn evil? Don't say it can't happen."
Batman didn't hesitate."I already designed a plan to stop myself. You have to understand, each of us is dangerous. Together, we're catastrophic. I prepare for the worst-case scenario. I pray those plans never need to be used. But imagine one of us, just one, went rogue. How many would die before anyone figured out how to stop them?"
The room went silent at that.
Batman's voice softened, just slightly."I do consider you my allies. My friends. But I can't ignore the danger we represent. I regret some of my choices, especially the fallout with Omni, but you must understand: my actions were meant to protect the Earth."
Wonder Woman's eyes narrowed."Be that as it may, Bruce, you should have told us. We might have understood why you had those plans. Instead, you went against League rulings, and worse, you didn't trust us enough to share them."
Batman's expression hardened again."Now you know. So what happens now?"
Superman stood, voice heavy."We vote."
The chamber stiffened. Superman's gaze swept across his teammates."Does Batman face suspension from the League… or do we let him stay?"
One by one, votes were cast.
For Suspension: Superman. Wonder Woman. Flash. John Stewart. Hawkgirl. Black Canary. Green Arrow.
Against Suspension: Hal Jordan. Hawkman. Shazam. Cyborg. Aquaman. Martian Manhunter. Dr. Fate. Captain Atom. Red Tornado. The Atom. Mr. Terrific.
Superman finally lowered his head."Seven to ten. Batman stays."
Relief flickered across Bruce's face for an instant, but the room's tension didn't fade.
Superman straightened."But this isn't finished. Batman remains, but trust has been broken. And we still have another problem to address: Omni."
Captain Atom crossed his arms."I still say we should try to take that Omnitrix off him."
"No," Black Canary cut in sharply. "We can't. And we won't. Trying would only turn him into an enemy. The smart move is to rebuild trust."
"Agreed," Red Tornado said. "A being with that much power should be an ally, not an adversary."
Captain Atom scoffed. "You've known him for a day, Canary. A day. And you're ready to defend him this much?"
"Yes," Canary snapped back. "Because I saw who he is. He's motivated. He's reckless at times, but he's a hero. He saved the Multiverse. You don't make enemies of someone like that. Trust me, you wouldn't stand a chance."
Captain Atom shot up, furious. "You did not just—"
"Enough." Superman's voice cut through the argument like a blade.
Silence fell.
Superman's eyes burned with conviction."Batman made a mistake. We won't repeat it. From here on, we work to restore trust with Omni. We make him an ally again. That's the end of it."
Franklin POV
An hour later, I was finally back where I belonged, lying in bed with Yolanda and Ava, both of them curled against me. After everything that went down, the Multiverse, the Justice League, Batman, I told them everything. And surprisingly, they believed me without hesitation. Their reasoning? "Why would you lie about saving the Multiverse?" I swear, sometimes I forget how well they know me.
Ava tilted her head against my chest. "Are you still upset?"
I sighed. "A little bit, yeah."
Yolanda's hand found mine. "Franklin, I know you're mad, but you can't judge the entire Justice League because of one stubborn member."
"So… you think I overreacted by saying I'll never join them?" I asked.
"No," Ava said firmly. "You were valid. But… they're still good people. Allies worth keeping. I wouldn't call them enemies."
I sat up a little, looking between them. "I made it clear, I don't want them as enemies. I just won't ever join them, that's all."
Yolanda smiled softly. "Then you did the right thing."
Warmth spread through me. "Thank you. For having my back."
"Always," they said together.
I couldn't help but grin. I swear, I am the luckiest guy alive to have both of them.
Ava raised an eyebrow and smirked. "So now that you're feeling better… you wanna make out?"
I laughed. "Hell yeah."
And just like that, the tension melted away. We didn't even hesitate, the next hour was nothing but us, tangled up in each other, reminding me exactly why no matter what multiversal insanity happens out there… this is what I fight for.
A couple of days later.
Movie night. All my friends were crammed into my apartment, popcorn bowls everywhere, pillows on the floor, and the usual debates flying around.
"Okay," I said, standing in front of the TV like some kind of judge. "We voted. It's down to two: Star Wars Episode III or Nightmare on Elm Street 3."
"Oh, I love that one," Beth said. "The Dream Warriors."
"Noted. But the tiebreaker's up to Courtney since she's the only one who hasn't voted yet."
"I voted for a documentary," MJ muttered from the couch.
"Yes, MJ, and it got exactly one vote, yours. Thank you for your contribution," I said with mock seriousness. "Now, Courtney. Space wizards with lightsabers… or kids who fight monsters in their dreams?"
Courtney hesitated. Cindy M squeezed her hand, calming her nerves. "I've already seen all the Star Wars movies with my brother," she admitted, "but I've never seen Nightmare on Elm Street. So… that one."
I pointed dramatically. "Then it's decided. Tonight we face Freddy Krueger. And for the record, I'm not sleeping alone after this."
"You're gonna milk the 'two girlfriends' thing every chance you get, aren't you?" Cindy M rolled her eyes.
"Every. Single. Time," I said, grinning.
I dropped onto the couch between Yolanda and Ava, both instantly cuddling up, and hit play. For a while, life was perfect. Just teens watching a scary movie, laughing at the cheesy effects and jumping at the jump scares. The dream warriors were just about to kick Freddy's ass when—
Click. Darkness swallowed the whole room.
"…The fuck? I paid the light bill!" I said.
I got up, groping my way toward the kitchen counter.
"Franklin, stop. Chair in front of you, go around it," Beth warned.
I patted the air. Yep. Chair. "How can you see? It's pitch black."
"Good eyesight," she said casually.
"Show-off," I muttered, sidestepping.
"To your left," Yolanda added. "The basket's right there."
I reached left. Nothing.
"She means her left," Beth corrected.
"Oh. Right." I moved the other way and, bingo. Found the phone basket. I grabbed one, flicked on the flashlight, and headed back.
"Everyone grab your phones," I said, handing Yolanda hers. Soon the room lit up with scattered flashlights. I went to the window and peeked outside. "Well… it's not just me. Whole neighborhood's out."
"Seriously? A blackout now?"
Betty scrolled her phone. "This isn't a normal power outage. Daily Bugle says Electro's on a rampage, absorbing every bit of power he can find."
The room went silent.
Then, in perfect unison, me, Cindy B, and Peter said:
"…I need to use the bathroom."
All of you at once? Quite the coincidence," Beth said, narrowing her eyes.
"It is," I shrugged. "Unfortunately, this apartment only has one bathroom. So, here's the deal, Cindy can take the bathroom. I'll head outside. Peter, you do the same, but wait a few seconds."
"Why does he have to wait?" MJ2 asked.
"Because it'd be weird if we walked out together. I don't wanna see his dick," I said flatly.
"But you don't have to pee next to each oth—" MJ2 started.
"Just let it go, MJ," Cindy B cut in with a smirk. "He's probably embarrassed someone will notice how small it is."
"Excuse me?! I'll have you know my—"
"Don't finish that sentence," Ava snapped.
"But—"
"No buts. Just go," Yolanda added.
I groaned. "Fine. But I am not letting this insult go!"
I slipped out of the apartment, darted into the nearest alley, and slammed down the Omnitrix.
"XLR8!"
Blue energy wrapped around me, and in a blur of lightning speed I shot off. Tracking Electro was easy, my visor pinged the massive energy spike from across the city.
Seconds later, I found him. He was glowing bright blue, arcs of electricity tearing through every power line, every transformer. He looked juiced up and insane.
"Hey, Sparky," I called out. "That's enough."
He froze, glaring at me. "I was hoping for Spider-Man… but you'll do for a warm-up, freak."
"Oh, that's cute. You think you can hurt me?" I twisted the dial and slammed down again.
"Feedback!"
Electric energy coursed through my new form. The moment he blasted me with a storm of lightning, I raised my tentacles and drank it all in. The look on his face was priceless.
"You serious? That's it? Disappointing, Sparky, I expected more."
"Don't… call me that." He said it quietly.
"What was that? Didn't hear you."
"I said that's NOT MY NAME!" He screamed, "I'M ELECTRO!" Lightning exploded from him in a tidal wave.
I stood tall, both arms out, drinking it all in. Every spark, every bolt, every shred of his power went into me until he hit the ground, drained, panting. I walked toward him slowly, each step heavy.
"No… stay back," Electro stammered, firing weaker bolts. "No, no, no!"
"What's wrong?" I said calmly. "Not used to someone on your level? Or maybe above it?"
"Shut up!"
"You have all this power, and this is how you waste it? Robbing banks, frying cops, throwing tantrums at Spider-Man? Pathetic."
"I'm not wasting it! I'm using it!"
"Wrong. You're wasting it. There are a million ways you could've changed the world with this gift. But you chose to terrorize people. That's not strength—it's weakness."
He collapsed back into his human form, breathing hard. The glow was gone.
I stood over him. "What made you like this? Huh? What broke you so badly that this is who you became?"
He didn't answer.
I shook my head. "Doesn't matter. Your life, your choices. And you wasted both."
My fist cracked across his jaw, and Electro dropped like a stone. Knocked out cold.
The city lights flickered back on almost instantly. Power restored.
"Show's over," I muttered, waiting for the cops to arrive.
I was waiting for the police to show when I heard the roar of jets behind me. Turning, I saw Spider-Man, Silk, and… Iron Man.
"Well, well. Look who's late to the party," I said.
They landed in front of me, Spider-Man looking frazzled.
"You would not believe how hard it is to swing in the dark," he groaned.
"My suit runs on power," Iron Man added. "Had to switch to a backup Arc Reactor just to get out of the house. But looks like you didn't need my help anyway."
"Yeah, this guy was lightweight," I said with a smirk. "Villain of the week material."
"Villain of the week?!" Spidey sputtered. "Last time we fought him, he nearly killed us and blew up half a block. Man, I wish I had your powers."
Iron Man eyed me. "So what'd you use? What alien did the trick?"
"This one's called Feedback. Absorbs energy like it's nothing. Electro basically juiced me up."
Iron Man blinked. "An alien that eats electricity. Okay. Yeah, I've seen everything now." He pointed at me. "How about you come by Avengers Tower sometime? I'd love to talk shop. That armor of yours, if that's the source of your powers—looks very interesting."
"Yeah, sorry. Just finished teaming up with another superhero team. Burnt out."
"Wait, you teamed up with a team? Which one?" Spider-Man asked.
"The Justice League."
Both Spider-Man and Silk stared. Iron Man froze, then snorted. "Oh, let me guess. Batman."
I frowned. "How could you possibly know that?"
"Because I've met Batman. And I know how much of a pain in the ass he is. Trust me—I'm nothing like that guy."
"Be that as it may, I'm done with teams for a while. Gonna do my own thing. Might even build my own."
Iron Man groaned in his armor. "Every damn time, it's always Batman ruining things for the rest of us."
"Well, while you're here, Stark, you can keep an eye on Sparky. I was in the middle of something."
"Same here," Spidey said.
"Ditto," Silk added.
"Whoa, hold up, I'm not a babysitter," Tony protested.
I tapped the Omnitrix and grinned. "XLR8. You are tonight."
In a flash, I was gone, sprinting across the city, back to the alley I'd left earlier. A quick shift back to my regular form, a system hack to make myself invisible to cameras, and I slipped upstairs to my apartment.
The second I opened the door, Beth shot up and ran to me, wrapping her arms tight around my chest.
"Franklin! You're okay!" she said, voice tight with worry.
I hugged her back, blinking. "Uh… yeah? Why wouldn't I be?"
"You were gone so long. Even when the power came back, you didn't return. Same with Peter. I wanted to check on you both, but everyone said you'd be fine. I still worried. Even Cindy didn't come out of the bathroom yet."
"Well, I'm fine. Everything's okay. I'm sure Peter's on his way back. Maybe he had to pee for a long time too."
"Yeah, he does," Ned muttered strangely.
"Super weird," Kamala added, just as oddly.
That's when I noticed it, Betty and MJ2 rubbing their heads, Kamala and Ned sweating. Wait… do they know Peter and Cindy are heroes?
A sound behind me. I turned. Peter stumbled in, a little out of breath.
"See?" I said quickly. "Told you he'd be back."
And right on cue, Cindy stepped out of the bathroom, hair messy, looking like she'd just fought a war.