Chapter 709: The Good Life
A Visit to Mars
The Justice League Hall fell silent when Luke appeared at the door. Everyone froze, as if witnessing something unbelievable.
"What's wrong? Do I look that surprising?"
"Luke!"
Linda shouted excitedly, rushing over and giving him a huge hug. Diana subtly pursed her lips and looked away.
Luke hugged her, spun her around twice, and set her down.
Clark walked up. "When did you wake up?"
"Just now. I ate and came right over. Where is J'onn?"
"In the medical bay."
Luke nodded and turned to walk toward the second floor. The others quickly followed. They had all been worried about J'onn, who showed no signs of waking up yet.
Barry Allen whispered,
"His brain waves have been very weak. Is there something seriously wrong?"
"Don't worry. All he needs is a catalyst."
Barry looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"You'll see in a moment."
Luke didn't elaborate. The Soul Crystal was a treasure of the world, and there was no need to tell them about it. The more he said, the greater the risk.
The medical center was on the east side of the second floor. When they found J'onn, he was lying in a therapy pod, undergoing his daily physical maintenance. Luke opened the hatch, placed his hand on J'onn's brow, and connected their minds. The world changed instantly.
The light vanished. Everything was pitch black, with only a faint, almost imperceptible light at the distant end.
Luke walked toward the source of light. After what felt like a long time, a slightly simple, two-story house appeared. The house was bathed in light, standing out starkly against the surrounding darkness.
"Mister, who are you looking for?"
A green-skinned little girl appeared beside him, studying Luke with her clear, watery eyes.
Luke smiled. "I'm looking for J'onn J'onzz. Do you know where he is?"
The girl pointed upstairs.
"Daddy is in the study. Are you his friend?"
"Yes, we are comrades-in-arms. What's your name, little beauty?"
"K'ym. Daddy named me."
"That's a beautiful name."
Luke raised his hand, and a music box appeared in his palm. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves danced on the lid, accompanied by a graceful, moving melody.
"This is for you."
"Thank you."
The girl's eyes lit up. She took the box, examining it excitedly.
Luke ruffled her hair and turned to walk toward the house.
In the downstairs living room, a green-skinned woman who bore a strong resemblance to K'ym was sorting clothes. Seeing the visitor, she walked up warmly.
"You must be Luke. It's nice to finally meet you. I'm M'yria, J'onn's wife."
Luke was momentarily stunned. He couldn't help but ask, "Did J'onn tell you about me?"
The woman smiled and nodded.
"He told me so many things about all of you: Clark Kent, Linda Danvers, Diana, Barry Allen, and you. He said you're a famous con-artist in relationships, juggling three women, and very good at charming them. He warned me to stay far away from you if I ever met you."
She covered her mouth, giggling.
Luke rubbed his nose, highly embarrassed.
"You should go up. J'onn is upstairs. He's been waiting for you."
Luke said nothing more, giving the woman a deep look, and walked up the stairs. The moment he stepped onto the second floor, everything around him dissolved into nothingness. Darkness enveloped the surroundings, with only one window emitting a faint glow.
J'onn stood by the window, seemingly observing something.
Luke walked over and followed his gaze. The little girl, K'ym, was chasing and playing with her mother. Their laughter carried through the air, giving a profound sense of satisfaction.
Luke sincerely sighed,
"Daughters are the best."
"Boys are the same."
"I don't have children, so I can't experience that feeling."
"You should try it. It's quite wonderful."
"Yes, it must be, or you wouldn't linger here, refusing to wake up."
"How long have I been unconscious?"
"Nearly two months."
"It's been that long!"
A look of confusion flashed in J'onn's eyes, then he gave a wry smile, "I thought it was only a day."
Luke fell silent, unsure what to say. The situation was clear: J'onn had already woken up. The reason he wouldn't open his eyes was simply to enjoy this brief moment of happiness.
His wife, his daughter—the best things he had ever owned.
"I guess I came at a bad time."
"Farewell. Don't make us wait too long."
Luke's body began to burn, transforming into starlight, and disappeared.
Meeting the Cheetah
In the medical center, Luke opened his eyes and said to the others,
"He's fine. He just doesn't want to wake up."
Barry grabbed his hair, utterly confused. "You mean, J'onn is already awake?"
Luke didn't say anything more. He left the medical center and went to the underground prison. Barbara was in Cell One, cradling her head, muttering something.
Seeing her friend's state, Diana felt a wave of sadness. In decades, this was her only close friend, and now she had met this fate.
"Luke, she..."
Luke raised his hand. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." He paused, then added, "You all wait outside. I need to speak with her alone."
Though they were confused, no one argued. They all left the cell area.
Luke commanded Ava to cut the surveillance feed, then set up a barrier around the area before opening the cell door and walking inside.
"Do you remember me, Miss Minerva?"
Barbara looked up, her bloodshot eyes holding a hint of confusion.
"It seems you've forgotten. No matter. Let me introduce myself again. My name is Luke Shaw, Diana's boyfriend. If you remember, please respond."
"I know you. You're that world's richest man."
"Just call me Luke. 'World's richest man' is too vulgar."
"Due to certain reasons, I had to leave Earth for a while. I just got back. Diana told me everything about you. She wants me to cure you..."
A flash of subtle malice flickered in Barbara's eyes. Though fleeting, the sensorily acute Luke caught it.
"However, I'm unwilling to do that. I want to hear your opinion first."
Barbara laughed self-deprecatingly.
"My opinion? What opinion could I possibly have?"
Luke shrugged. "You are a criminal and a patient. My current role is that of a doctor. A doctor must know the patient's thoughts. If you don't wish to give up your hard-won body, there's nothing I can say."
The atmosphere became strange.
Barbara slowly stood up, leaning against the wall. She first surveyed the surroundings, then fixed her gaze on the young man before her.
"You turned off the cameras."
"Good eyesight!"
Barbara bared her mouth, revealing four fangs. "Aren't you afraid I'll eat you?"
"I don't like felines. However, given how good your figure is, I can grudgingly give you a chance."
Barbara chuckled, extending her silver claws. She stared intensely at Luke but hesitated to attack.
Among the six superheroes, Superman and Flash were the most famous. Diana and Linda rarely showed up but had a large number of supporters. J'onn was a constant topic of discussion. The only one no one could figure out was The Red Ghost.
That person never appeared, and no one knew what he looked like. They only knew he could emit a red light and teleport instantly.
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