When the leash holds the body, but not the tongue.
Location: Watchtower Cafeteria – Day 22, 8 Days Left
Elias struts in, dressed in a hoodie that says:
"I survived Darkseid and all I got was this lousy suppression protocol."
Everyone turns.
Aquaman groans, "Oh gods, he's back."
Elias (grinning):
"Miss me, Fishsticks? Or were you too busy writing poetry about your trident again?"
Aquaman: "Don't start."
Elias (sitting beside him, loud whisper):
"I bet you call it 'Tridy' when no one's around."
Aquaman: "I swear—"
Elias: "Don't swear, Fishman. Save that rage for seafood buffets."
Wonder Woman walks in, elegantly armored.
Elias (sipping coffee loudly):
"Oh look, it's Warrior Barbie. Still mad I called your lasso a glorified jump rope?"
Diana: "I will break your jaw."
Elias (mock gasp):
"With all that grace? Don't trip on your own righteousness."
Training Room – Sparring Observation
Flash is training two new recruits.
Elias watches from above.
Elias (shouting):
"Careful there, Barry! You're moving so fast, I almost thought you were trying to be useful!"
Flash ignores him.
Elias:
"Still haven't figured out how to outrun relevance, huh?"
The recruits snicker.
Elias (nodding to them):
"You two laugh now, but wait till they give you capes and ask you to fight alien gods with no dental plan."
Elevator Scene – Elias, Batman, and Martian Manhunter
It's a silent ride.
Tension like a loaded shotgun.
Elias (clears throat):
"So… do you two just communicate with grunts and brooding, or do you sometimes talk about your feelings over decaf?"
No reply.
Elias:
"Right. One's a telepath. The other sleeps upside down and punches clowns."
Batman's eye twitches.
Elias (leaning in to whisper):
"You know, Bruce, it's not really a secret identity if everyone's too scared to say it."
J'onn (softly): "Your mouth is dangerous."
Elias (smirking):
"Good. Means I'm still a threat, even while babysat."
Justice League Medical Bay – Later That Day
Elias gets a checkup.
The medic sighs, "You have three cracked ribs again."
Elias (laughing):
"Call that progress. Last week it was four."
He hops off the bed.
Elias:
"If sarcasm was a healing factor, I'd be Wolverine with a vendetta."
League Council Meeting – Uninvited Guest
They're deep in discussion about a potential breach from Apokolips.
Elias bursts in with popcorn.
Superman (sighs): "Elias. Leave."
Elias (sits at the table):
"Don't mind me. Just here to witness the gods of Earth panic in a circle."
Batman: "Out. Now."
Elias:
"Look, Bats, I know you miss your cave. But unless your utility belt has a mute button for me—good luck."
Green Lantern: "You know, you really don't bring anything to the table."
Elias (nodding):
"Except chaos, charm, and an intimate knowledge of which of you searched 'how to beat a guy without powers' last night."
Dead silence.
Elias (grinning):
"Yeah. Thought so."
System Internal Whisper Mode – Hidden Trait Update
[New Passive Trait: "Mouth of Madness" Unlocked]
Effect: +300% Psychological Disruption
Bonus: Allies experience irritation, enemies experience distraction, threats overthink.
Result: Ego fractures begin. League unity weakening.
Cutaway – Internal Reactions (Private Logs)
Flash Log Entry:
"I can't tell if I want to punch him or hug him. Probably both."
Wonder Woman's Meditation Notes:
"This boy dances on the edge of the blade. Mockery is his defense and weapon."
Batman Internal Protocol Alert:
"[Priority 2 Risk] – Elias verbal volatility may trigger factional discord."
Final Scene – Elias in His Quarters
He looks into the mirror. Bloodied lip. Bruised knuckles.
Still smirking.
He records a new message in his private system log.
"They think they've tamed me."
"They think making me powerless will make me obedient."
"But when my mouth shakes their peace more than their villains ever did…"
He leans in, eyes gleaming.
"That's how you know I already won."
"Let's keep talking, shall we?"
He throws a middle finger up to the League camera.
"Eight more days, babies."