Across the crimson desert and ruins, two tiny green figures were sprinting. Both their bald heads reflected the sunlight, like beacons guiding the monsters behind them.
Prompted by J'onn, Luthor's forgotten memories returned as well. Though he kept running, his heart fell into turmoil once more.
The truth was too horrifying. Could his hatred for aliens have all been an illusion? No, absolutely not. That was the rational conclusion.
J'onn twisted his neck to look back. More and more monsters were closing in. They had to leave.
"Lex, you're my friend. You're not the kind of person you think you are! Come with me. Let's save this world!"
At those words, Luthor snapped out of his memories. He fired several shots behind him, forcing the monsters back.
"No, J'onn. I am saving the world, in my own way!"
Ahead of them, a pentagram-shaped Teleportation Portal appeared out of thin air, as though the red horizon had suddenly been split apart.
M'gann had finally found J'onn's location, and Starman's passage directly to Earth had opened as well. Through the pentagram-shaped opening, he could see his Justice League companions waiting on the other side. Green Lantern and Hawkgirl were both prepared to receive him.
"Come with me, Lex."
"No!"
As Luthor spoke, he pulled the Door Handle of Destruction from his armor. A beam of red light shot forth, forming a red ring of light ahead of him. On the other side was the Fortress of Eternity, where the Legion of Doom stood in orderly formation. The proud figure at their head was none other than Brainiac.
Luthor then glanced at J'onn before diving into the red Teleportation Portal. It closed instantly.
J'onn did not even have time to sigh. With Luthor gone, even though his abilities had returned, the plan had