Young Justice: Kage

Chapter 18: Agendas

Unknown Location

A beautiful woman enters in a wide chamber fit to house a king. Each step she takes is calculated and doesn't make a single sound. There is a slight sway in her hips meant to entice the eyes of men and women alike. Upon reaching her destination, she kneels down in respect. "Father, I have received information regarding the Justice League. It would seem tomorrow that the League will be holding a vote to invite new members to join the League."

"You have done well, Talia."

Ra stands up. He walks over to his daughter with a pleased smile. A simple nod of the head frees her to rise. She does so obediently. He heads out of the room with her following as a proper soldier. "Do you think the League will promote it?" asks Talia.

"We have done all that we can at this point to get it the recognition needed to be a member of the League. Unfortunately, this part is out of our control." It is obvious that the fact Ra has to admit that he is unable to influence an outcome in his favor bothers him a great deal. "Any word from our agents?" asks Ra.

Talia gains a hint of anger in her eyes. "No, Deathstroke and Copperhead have failed to find Uzumaki Naruto." The boy's name is spoken in venom.

Upon reaching a balcony that overlooks the entire compound, Ra turns to face his daughter. He reaches up gently caressing her cheek. She leans into his touch affectionately. "Lose the anger, my daughter. I have plans for that child. The power that he possesses it could help us change the world," smiles Ra.

"He will not join us willingly."

"A minor problem."

"What about the Light? I know that all of them want the child dead."

A chuckle of amusement escapes the immortal. "My associates need not be concerned with my private matters." Ra turns around to stare out over the compound. Hundreds upon hundreds of assassins are training in order to serve his every command.

"I require a strong heir to take over. Uzumaki Naruto possesses the power to lead the League of Shadows into the future. I used to believe that the detective would be the one to take over, but I was wrong. I will have the child and he will accept his destiny," smirks Ra.

Talia remains silent. It is not her place to disagree with her father. At least not out in the open.

Watchtower - November 25

Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman stare out the large window watching as the sun rises. It is a magnificent sight that view ever gets the pleasure to see. The three stand in complete silence. There is no need for them to speak. Each of them knows the importance of this day.

"It is time." All three turn around to see Aquaman. "Everyone is ready."

Aquaman leads the way to the main conference room. Every single member of the Justice League is waiting inside the room. The Watchtower goes into complete lockdown. "Our agent is clear. What is at stake should not be underestimated," states Aquaman.

"The decisions we make today will reverberate for the years to come," continues Superman.

"And will influence how the world will continue to see us," adds Wonder Woman.

"Please take a seat, we have work to do," finishes Batman.

One by one the members take a seat at the table. A miniature holographic screen pops up in front of them. Once everyone is seated, Martian Manhunter speaks. "Another expansion of the league could increase hostilities by our enemies. No one wants another Injustice League."

"That is true, but the option remains to vote no on all candidates. So, I nominated Icon for League membership," smiles Superman. An image of a tall, muscular dark-skinned man appears in the middle of the table.