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Chapter 14 - Chapter 14: First Signs of Betrayal

Trust was a thin thing.

I had stretched the Justice League to their breaking point, making them confront vulnerabilities they never even thought about. Some of them welcomed it. Others endured it.

But at least one of them?

They resented it.

I just didn't know who yet.

---

The Watchtower observation deck was silent, the endlessness of space stretching out endlessly beyond the blast resistant glass. I was there, lost in thought, when I heard the footsteps approaching.

Heavy footfalls. Steady breathing.

Batman.

I didn't turn to face him. "You typically don't come in quiet unless you want to be heard."

There was silence.

Then, in that low, unreadable voice of his: "Someone doesn't trust you.

I faced him. "Just one?" 

His gaze didn't waver. "For now." 

I crossed my arms. "Who?" 

"If I knew for sure, I wouldn't be here." 

That was the problem with Batman. He rarely spoke in absolutes. 

"So you have a suspect," I guessed. 

He didn't confirm or deny. Instead, he stepped closer, just enough to lower his voice.

"You changed too much, too fast," he said. "You came out of nowhere, stronger than Superman, smarter than me, with abilities we don't fully understand. And now, you're training us?" 

I exhaled. "It was necessary." 

"That doesn't mean everyone will accept it." 

I already knew that. But hearing it from him? 

That meant it was serious. 

I frowned. "Have they said something?"

Batman's eyes narrowed. "No. But actions speak louder than words." 

--- 

The first real clue came during a sparring session. 

I was facing Flash. 

Not at full speed just a controlled fight. A test of reaction time, adaptability. Normally, he was smooth, precise, an artist in motion. 

But today? 

He was hesitant.

A fraction slower. His attacks weren't just testing my reflexes; they were measuring me. 

I dodged another strike, then stepped in fast grabbing his wrist. 

"Something on your mind, Barry?" 

He tensed. "I don't" 

I tightened my grip just slightly. "Don't lie to me." 

His jaw clenched. Then, barely above a whisper: 

"Not everyone thinks we should trust you."

I let him go. "Who?" 

He hesitated. "I shouldn't" 

"Barry." 

His eyes flickered with uncertainty. Then he sighed. 

"…J'onn." 

Martian Manhunter. 

That surprised me. 

I had expected Green Lantern. Maybe even Aquaman. But J'onn? 

I frowned. "Why?"

Flash shifted uncomfortably. "He won't say it outright, but… he's been watching you. More than usual. And he never uses telepathy around you anymore." 

That last part hit me harder than it should have. 

Martian Manhunter could read anyone's mind in an instant. The fact that he chose not to meant one thing: 

He was afraid of what he might find. 

---

Later that night, I found him in the Watchtower's meditation chamber. 

He didn't turn when I entered. 

"You already know why I'm here," I said. 

J'onn's deep, calm voice filled the room. "Yes." 

I waited, but he didn't elaborate. 

So I stepped forward. "You don't trust me." 

A pause. 

Then: "No." 

Blunt. Honest. Final.

I clenched my jaw. "Why?" 

This time, he did turn. His red eyes met mine, unreadable. "Because I cannot read you." 

I exhaled. "You're worried I'm hiding something." 

"I know you are." 

I said nothing. 

Because he wasn't wrong. 

--- 

**End of Chapter 14**

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