After the events in Atlantis, a heavy, expectant silence lingered over the Navy ship as the Justice League regrouped. The shimmering lights of the city still glowed far behind them, but here, only the low hum of ship engines and the aftershocks of battle kept the world moving forward.
Lucian could be seen steadily making his way across the deck, each step deliberate, almost predatory, until he drew close behind Batman. At that moment, Batman, who had been engaged in a quietly intense conversation with Superman, abruptly paused. He didn't turn—he never needed to. His brooding, ever-watchful gaze stayed fixed on the horizon, but his attention shifted. It was as if Batman could sense Lucian's presence like a chill at his back.
Lucian scoffed, the sound half amusement, half challenge. "You got eyes in the back of your head now, Bats?"
Unperturbed, Batman finally turned, his expression as unreadable and severe as always. He studied Lucian for a moment, then spoke in that low, gravelly tone. "You made quite a gamble back there. Bold bluff."
The comment drew the attention of the other League members nearby, their conversations stalling as heads turned towards the two. The air crackled with unspoken tension. Lucian's cocky demeanor slipped for just an instant, replaced by something sharper, more guarded. He squared his shoulders, lifting his chin.
"I did what was necessary," Lucian said, his voice calm and clipped. "But don't think for a second you can use me the way you did today. This was a one-time deal, Batman."
A faint, flickering smirk ghosted across Batman's lips. He stepped past Lucian, but not before replying under his breath, just loud enough for him to hear. "I don't have to call. I know you'll show up when it counts."
Batman didn't look back. Lucian stood rooted to the spot, watching the shadowy figure disappear into the maze of the ship's superstructure. His jaw tightened, a storm brewing behind his eyes. *Should I just blast this smug bastard…?*
Before Lucian could finish that thought, the other League members approached. The tension bled away as they gathered around, gratitude and relief on their faces.
Hal Jordan, the Green Lantern, was the first to speak, clapping Lucian on the shoulder with a wide grin. "You know, for a second there, I thought you were crazy. That whole bluff—was it for real, or were you just winging it?"
Lucian shrugged, a lazy smile playing at his lips. "If I had that much firepower, Darkseid wouldn't have lasted five minutes, let alone caused us all this trouble."
Hal blinked, reevaluating the younger man, and then let out a low whistle. "Well, guess we all learned something today. Never bet on a bluff unless you're prepared for… whatever that was."
He tried to lighten the mood with a joke, "Still, impressive how you managed to show up so fast after Bats here told you Wonder Woman was in trouble. What'd you do, teleport? Or are you just secretly obsessed with Diana?"
As he teased, a sudden spark shot out, poking Hal squarely in the backside. He yelped, hopping and rubbing the offended spot. The League burst into laughter as Hal whipped around, eyes narrowing—but Lucian stood there innocently, one hand behind his back, the other finger pointed discretely, a trace of mischief in his expression.
Hal muttered, "Kids these days, can't even take a joke…"
The laughter mellowed the tension, and for a moment, it felt like the world and its threats could wait. Diana stepped forward, regal and warm, her presence commanding yet gentle. She smiled at Lucian, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes.
"Thank you for your help, Lucian," she said sincerely, her voice soft but carrying. "The storybooks held true the Prince charming always arrives to save the day."
Lucian's self-assured front cracked; he winced noticeably at the nickname. Diana saw and tipped her head, laughter in her voice. "Relax. One day, I'll repay the debt."
He grinned back, shaking off his embarrassment, and replied, "Why wait for one day? Today's as good as any, don't you think?" He paused, holding her gaze. "If you're free… how about dinner?"
Diana smiled, genuine and bright, her earlier composure shifting to something more tender. "I would love that."
Around them, the sky faded into dusk and the battered heroes stood together, not just as teammates, but as friends—sharing laughter, gratitude, and the fragile peace that followed chaos. The moment lingered, sweet and rare among warriors, before the world called them to its duties once more.