The plan to have children was still in progress. It was obvious it wouldn't happen immediately.
Axel knew what Grail feared: her father. And, to be honest, Axel wasn't sure he could defeat him either. From what his brother had told him, that guy was tougher than Thanos.
A few days later…
The Martian night was silent.
Not empty—never empty—but vast. Red horizons stretched endlessly beneath twin moons that cast a faint glow over the growing structures of Axel's domain. Terraformers moved like tireless ants across the surface, transforming a dead world into something that would one day rival Earth.
Inside a crystalline tower overlooking the largest terraforming zone, two brothers stood facing each other.
Daniel crossed his arms.
"Nice place."
"Thanks. This is the area I've developed the most," Axel said arrogantly.
"You know, I don't understand how they still haven't noticed the changes on Mars. You're lucky the Justice League hasn't been formed yet," Daniel said, rubbing his forehead in frustration.
"Whatever. Even if they find out, it doesn't matter. As long as I don't have to deal with that guy wearing his underwear on the outside, I'm fine. Unlike certain people, I'm not afraid of a normal human in a bat costume," Axel mocked.
"It's not fear, it's just that he… you know what, forget it. Is this really decided?" Daniel asked calmly. "You're not going to interfere on Earth? I get that you don't want to be a hero, but I don't know… become a billionaire, build companies, mansions, fight for hegemony or something like that."
Axel leaned back in his chair, boots resting on the edge of a polished metal table.
"Everything I know about DC, I know because of you," he replied indifferently, rolling his eyes. "I bet there are things you didn't tell me—because you thought they were unnecessary or because they're for the future. Doesn't matter. From what I understand, the farther I stay from Earth, the better."
Daniel's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You know… I think you're right. If I were you, I'd do the same. Too bad I already have a family and a life here on Earth. I can't just abandon it."
Axel chuckled.
"Relax. I'm not interested in taking care of humanity. Earth is your playground."
Daniel walked toward the panoramic window. From there, the Martian atmosphere was slowly gaining vitality thanks to Rob's gift.
"I'm jealous of you. Technically, you have a planet all to yourself," Daniel said.
Axel's smile sharpened.
"Of course. And maybe there'll be more in the future."
Daniel turned back to him.
"I've decided. If I'm going to do this, I'll do it properly. Not like some mediocre team that collapses the first time Darkseid sneezes in their direction."
Axel raised an eyebrow, knowing exactly what he meant.
"So you're really going to create it."
"Yes."
"The Avengers— ahem, I mean, the Justice League," Axel said, savoring the name with amusement. "You? Leading Earth's greatest heroes? I bet it's just so they can do the work for you."
Daniel shrugged.
"I need someone to keep the world safe so I can enjoy it. Doing it all myself is exhausting. It's better to have people who can handle it for me."
Axel studied him for a long moment before joking:
"And you think they'll follow you? From what you told me, most of them aren't easy to deal with—especially that Batman who, by your description, sounds like a mix of Tony Stark and Nick Fury."
Daniel smiled faintly.
"They'll follow strength. I know them well. I know how to handle it."
Axel laughed softly.
"Good luck. I'll support you mentally while I enjoy myself here on Mars with my girls."
Daniel ignored the jab.
"I won't step onto Mars unless it's absolutely necessary," he said firmly. "Help me."
"Brother, you're my brother. Like they say, family matters. But going to help you play hero isn't my thing. Still, I give you my word—if you need me, I'll go."
"You also need to keep Earth safe. After all, you still have a base there."
"You…?" Axel looked at his brother in disbelief, wondering how he knew. He had never told him he still had a base on Earth—on Dinosaur Island.
"You know I'm not stupid. Even if Rob gave you a lot of gifts, I doubt he gave you resources. You have to get them from somewhere, and I bet it's Earth. I can think of several places where you might be located," Daniel paused. "Besides, I know you'll help. After all, you're an Earthling too, right, brother?"
"Fine," Axel said at last. "Build your League. Unite your heroes. Play the symbol of hope."
"And you?"
Axel's gaze drifted toward the red horizon.
"I'll conquer the universe."
"And?"
"I'll visit Earth from time to time. Just visits."
Daniel smiled, knowing that despite his harsh words, he had already agreed.
Several days later…
The terraformers were accelerating production. Skartaris was stabilizing under his control. The Green Martian situation would be resolved soon. When the time came… his lips curved slightly… Mars would no longer need Earth.
"You're building an empire," Grail said beside Axel. She was no longer the blank slate she had once been.
"I'm building our future," Axel corrected, wrapping an arm around her waist. "A silent one. Self-sufficient. Strong enough that no Kryptonian tantrum or New God war will spill over here."
"And what if Earth falls?" Daniel suddenly asked, having arrived without warning.
Axel's expression didn't change, though inwardly he regretted giving him the location of his Earth base.
"I thought you had left. But if that happens… then you'll call me. And maybe—just maybe—I'll help."
A long pause followed.
"Is she your girlfriend? She's pretty and well-mannered," Daniel asked teasingly, fully aware of who she was.
Daniel's words made Grail blush, while Axel ignored him.
"Anyway, I just came to say I'm ready to get in touch with your brother-in-law," Daniel said as he walked away.
Axel looked in the direction he was leaving and rolled his eyes when he realized the "brother-in-law" comment was about Kara.
"Creating the Justice League…" he murmured. "A League created by my brother… that sounds interesting."