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Chapter Text

The multiverse is more than just a prism…

It is ever expanding and ever growing…

A place where one choice, one fork on the road can lead to many opportunities…

But every spark of brilliance there is a spark of madness…

These are the stories of both…

It is in the nature of most things that they end. Their journey is often more the purpose of how the hero or heroes face the adversity presented to them and grow from the trials they pass or fail. But there is always something about facing the inevitable end that makes even the most avid of readers and most daring of heroes itch for what is about to occur. A sentiment that was felt in the House of Mystery at that very moment amidst the Great Library.

"Thanks a lot for patching me up fellas," Jack, The Creeper said with a toothy grin as bandages covered his recovering body. "I can tell none of us here like to play nurse but I know it's the thought that counts. So, going back to my questions from last year: Where is Owlman?"

Surrounding The Creeper were Shade and Cain's two teams, the Challengers of the Unknown and the Outsiders. Both teams composed of heroes and villains from all paths of life across the multiverse and the realms in-between were also asking themselves that very same question.

Night Owl, or Owlman as he now called himself, had staged a betrayal against his former comrades and was now off with a small team of turncoats plotting their next move.

"Owlman is in search of what he calls 'Earth Prime' or the first ever world that all others spawned from," Cain explained. "The location of which has been lost to time as the multiverse ever began to flow and expand and grow with the ideas and dreams and madness of all beings. Our mission is to find it before him and his little team and stop him from destroying it."

"Why does he want to destroy it?" Green Arrow the Glyph Archer asked. "If that universe goes, so does he."

"The madness in Owlman's soul is not like the one of Klarion Cipher or Dr. Destiny possessed, Green Arrow," Shade, Son of Lord Oberon, replied. "He is plagued with nihilism and sees all actions as meaningless."

"Um, meaning?" Static, Part-Time Hero, asked, though he feared the answer.

"Basically, the guy feels like he knows everything and he can't stand that his fanfics aren't going the way he wants them," Sideways The Hero with a List replied. "I'm Sideways by the way."

"Pun intended?" Blue Beetle of Star Command asked. "I'm agent Blue Beetle from Star Command."

"I suppose introductions are in order, I am Cain, the First Nightmare. And this is, well, what is left of my team," Cain introduced himself. "Metamorpho, Sideways, Raven, Yolanda Montez Wildcat II, and Alan Scott the Green Lantern of Corona. And we're all itching for another round against that traitor Owlman and his band of confederates." Cain's teeth grew sharp and jagged as he thought of all the torments he would inflict on Owlman.

"Eh hem! You forgot me, The Creeper!" Creeper stood up, giving them a bow.

Shade stepped up to introduce his team.

"All introductions deserve a reply. You know me, and these are the Challengers of the Unknown," Shade introduced his team. "Oliver Queen Green Arrow the Glyph Archer, Boston Brand the Deadman, Kara Cunningham the Ninja Woman, Barry Allen the Flash Space Racer, Virgil Hawkins Static the Part-Time Hero, Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle of Star Command, Jinx the Fury of Magic, M'Gann Ms. Martian of Amphibia, and-"

"Harley Quinn the Space Mallet!" Harley cut off Shade, pulling out her mallet. "I'm looking forward to all the crazy and fun times we'll have with everyone."

"Well, she's… cheerful?" Raven tried to sound nice, but could feel a lot of headaches coming her way.

"I like her!" Creeper shook Harley's hand. "Your crazy plus my crazy will be fun oh so fun."

Just then, Alan dropped to the floor clutching his left hand in pain. His ring had been cracked and the green flames coming off of it spread through his arm.

"Whoa, what's that?" Oliver asked. "You okay my fellow in green?"

"No… my ring… its damaged," Alan gritted his teeth, pushing back the flames with his will. "I need to fix it or else…"

"Or else what?" Jinx asked.

"The flames will consume me," Alan replied as Kara and Metamorpho helped him to his feet. "I need to return to my home, if my master's workshop is still there, then I can fix it. Until then, I'm a liability in any fight."

"We're also going to need help, Owlman's Miraculous allows him to see everything coming his way making any surprise attack on him futile," Raven added. "We need more magic users on our side."

"We could also use more varied powers and warriors, Blackfire, Punchline and Bronze Tiger are just as dangerous," Yolanda added. "And we can assume ese pajarraco de mierda will want to bolster his lines as well."

Shade and Cain shared their allies' feelings. As they were now, with a half team and a wounded hero, they would not last long against someone that could see every move ahead of them without a clear advantage would surely end in disaster. They needed to gather as many heroes and allies as they could and get clues as to where the first universe was located. Thankfully, they had the numbers to get all their tasks done with efficiency.

"Then we'll have to split into teams to cover as much ground as possible," Shade said. "First, we need to find allies that can match Owlman's mind and his team's growing madness. Second, heal up and prepare for a fight. Lastly, locate Earth Prime and defend it."

"Who in the entire multiverse can match wits with someone like Owlman, that guy is crazier than a bag of cats?" Sideways pointed out.

"Why not his opposite?" Harley suggested. "Someone that knows magic, how to fight it, and has gazed into the infinite possibilities and hasn't gone all broody, or at least not as boddy."

Cain scratched his beard, thinking about what Harley had said. It wasn't unknown that amidst the many earths there were opposite reflections between individuals. People that were the same yet took different paths down their road and became the opposing forces to each other. And for all his belief that he'd seen everything, Owlman was still a mortal man that was subjected to the whims of the universe. There had to be someone out there that could match him but instead of looking at the void and instead of falling into despair-

His eyes widened as he outstretched his hand. A black portal appeared before his palm before he stuck it inside. From the black depths, he pulled out a black tome with the silver symbol of a bat on its cover.

"I believe I know who will be the right fit for this job, and our first recruit," Cain said, handing the tome to Shade.

Shade carefully opened the book, going through the foreign writing and symbols depicting teachings and journal entries. His eyes glowed bright gold, scanning the pages before him. The madness that was written in the pages spoke of magic, ancient and with ways of fighting with the darkness. These passages were written by someone that could stare into the abyss and not blink.

"Green Arrow, I need you to go and get this man, he might be the ace we need." Shade handed the tome to Oliver.

"Wildcat, you'll go with him," Cain said. "Meanwhile, Green Lantern will need help getting to his home and fixing his ring." Cain summed Alan's home door.

"I'm fast enough to get us there," Flash stepped up, offering his help.

"No, Flash, I need you to help us look for Earth Prime," Shade turned to Jinx. "Jinx, you mind giving him a hand?"

"Sure, I love helping." Jinx's enchanted cloak spread its wings. "Come on, old timer, we got to get you home."

"I'm not that old," Alan grunted as Kara helped him up.

"I'm going with you two, my brother has broken plenty of mystic weapons being a dumbass," Kara, Jinx and Alan went to the Green Lantern's home as a second door appeared for Green Arrow and Wildcat.

The door resembled an Arabian carpet with silver colored embroidery. The inner design depicted a dark blue night with dunes and clouds gathering around a city under a bright yellow moon. And inside the bright moon that hovered over the ancient city, there was a large black bat spreading its wings, plunging into the night against all the shadows of the night.

"Fancy," Green Arrow said.

"Hope you can keep up with me, Robin Hood." Wild Cat jumped into the universe with Oliver following.

"Alright, that's them, but what about the rest of us?" Virgil asked.

"Make sure that Owlman didn't leave any surprises around the House of Mystery," Cain replied. "He is the sort to leave little to chance. And keep an eye out for anything that can give us an idea of where the enemy is and what they are plotting."

The rest of the two teams dispersed into smaller groups, delving deeper into the house in search of either a location of Earth Prime or whatever surprises Owlman had left them.

Shade and Cain watched as their respective teams went off on their own missions. As much as they wished they still had time to get every detail down, they had to get things done before their enemies got what they needed to destroy everything that they knew and everything that ever was.

"Do you believe this will be enough?" Cain asked.

"I'm not sure, what we do know is that Owlman and his confederates do not know about our joint venture," Shade replied. "If we can keep the element of surprise, then we can stop them. But just as we're preparing."

"So will they," Cain finished. "Hm, perhaps it is time to take a page from the enemy's handbook. They plotted betrayal, so shall we."

"How? We don't know where they are and we have no one to send their way they won't see coming," Shade replied. "Our best hope is that we can get as many allies as possible to even the odds. But, I must ask, if you had such a warrior in mind, why didn't you call upon him to stop Dr. Destiny?"

Cain figured that question was coming. There were many reasons as to why he didn't choose that particular warrior for the mission against Dr. Destiny. But the bottom line truth was more simple than any of the other replies he could come up with.

"As the first nightmare, I must admit that I am more biased to those with darker thoughts and tendencies," Cain explained. "As such, when I saw all the same potential but none of the morals in Owlman, I believed him to be the one I needed for this mission. This warrior would've been strong, but he doesn't like to play with teams often."

"And how did you come across that tome?" Shade asked.

"That is a story I like to call…"

What if a bat flew through the Arabian Night?

Earth-1998

Green Arrow and Wildcat landed on the sandy dunes of the Arabian desert, trekking through the night in search of the hero they were looking for. The cold night wind pushed them on as they came upon the tallest hill of sand they had found. The light of the moon shone down on them, giving them a clear path to follow and a good look at the world that lay before them.

"Man, talk about a pretty night," Oliver looked up, watching the many stars over their heads. "Not a cloud in the sky and lots of stars, and that crescent moon just speaks magic, doesn't it?"

Yolanda didn't reply. She was too busy shaking and rubbing herself to keep up the warmth in her body.

"I-I-I'm sorry, but s-s-some of us are freezing here!" Yolanda snarled. "How is this place so cold at night? Not even the cold nights in California were this cold."

"Heh, you should spend some time at the Knee, that place is snowing all year-long. It should warm up soon," Oliver chuckled. "Now, let's see where our new teammate could be at." Oliver scanned the desert before them his eyes landed on a large city in the distance with a magnificent palace with pointed domes on its towers on each corner.

"Let me guess, the only city for miles?" Yolanda rolled her eyes. "The one with the big palace that looks like a cake?"

Oliver had to smirk at her words. He couldn't blame her for not liking the cold of the desert night and having to walk all the way to the only habitable place for miles around. But the fate of the multiverse was a good motivator to put up with a few issues and discomforts. If only there weren't bandits behind them trying to rob them.

"How many do you count?" Yolanda asked. "I count four-no, six pairs of feet."

"You're right, that means six people, bandits from the way they're moving. But they are armed with swords and maybe a whip or two." Oliver pulled out his bow and tucked an arrow. "Guess they're the welcoming committee, let's give them our regards."

The bandits jumped at the duo, swords drawn to strike them dead, only for Oliver and Yolanda to turn around to meet them.

Oliver loosened his arrow, hitting the first bandit's hand. The arrow pierced the hand, forcing the bandit to drop his sword before Oliver fired another arrow at his feet. The arrow glowed bright blue, encasing the bandit on ice before Oliver blocked the swing of another bandit's sword with his bow.

"You guys must be new at this," Oliver said. "Let me show you how this works." Oliver kicked the bandit in the stomach before swinging the bow across the bandit's face.

Yolanda punched the bandit attacking her, breaking his nose before kneeing him in the jaw. With the acute senses of a cat, she dodged the swing of a second blade coming from behind before kicking the bandit between the legs. She ducked under another swing aimed at her head. The sand was slowing her down, but it was a good way to keep her from thinking about the cold.

The bandit pulled out a whip, cracking it at Yolanda. She jumped to the side as the sand jumped up from the whip's strike. She grabbed hold of the whip, pulling the bandit towards her before punching him in the face. Yolanda watched the bandit fly before landing on the sand with a thud.

"I can't believe I used to have problems with these types of people," Yolanda shrugged.

Sadly, the victory was short-lived.

A knife went past Yolanda's face, cutting some of her hair in the process. She looked up and saw that they weren't alone.

Robed individuals cloaked in black had them all pinned between the fallen bandits.

Oliver aimed his bow at the new arrivals. He cursed himself for not noticing the new ten people that had arrived. But they were cornered and surrounded by these warriors. They weren't bandits, they were something else. Maybe trained assassins. He didn't have time to think about it. Oliver had his arrow ready to get them out.

"Kid, get close to me," Oliver said. "I got a plan."

"Does it involve us getting shot up or using some kind of smokescreen to get away from this?" Yolanda asked.

"Kinda, yeah," Oliver replied. "How are you from the 1800s?"

Just then, the robed figures jumped down to fight the two heroes. But before they could land an attack, two black tendrils wrapped around two of the figures, slamming them against the other figures.

From the darkness, another figure jumped out from the night air, casting a large shadow with bat-like wings. The cavalry had arrived. The figure was cloaked in a dark cloak and cowl with a silver bat symbol on his chest, a pair of pointy ears on top of his cowl. The face of the man was covered for the most part, leaving only his lower jaw exposed while the rest of his face was hidden behind a black mask. He wore a gray shirt and pants that covered all his body, black armored forearm guards and boots tied everything together with a menacing aura while a sword hung from the figure's hip.

Oliver looked at the man and noticed that all the other assassins turned their eyes on him like he was far more dangerous. It kinda hurt his pride a little, but it wasn't a bad thing. Less eyes on him meant he could work faster.

"Duck," the figure in the black cloak said.

Before Oliver could argue, his eyes caught what the man had in his hands. Both he and Yolanda ducked as their new friend spun around, throwing sharp knives at the assassins.

The knives struck the assassins in their shoulders, knees and hands, none of the attacks were lethal, but they wouldn't move an inch from where they were. The figure swung its cloak, letting the blade tipped bits of his cowl to snatch their weapons before he pulled them in close.

It was like fighting a creature of the night. The man seemed to appear and disappear before the eyes of the assassins, striking them with deadly precision. He punched one across the face before landing an open palm strike on another assassin. He flipped over another assassin, split kicking two of the assassins before wrapping his cowl tendril around the assassin that had tried to attack him. Planting his feet on the ground, he swung hard.

The assassins were sent flying, slamming into the others. It looked like dominos falling against the flick of a finger.

"Stand aside!" A large assassin stepped up, brandishing a large bloody blade. "This hand has taken many lives for the Demon's Head. And yours will be next, betrayer!"

"Friends of yours?" Yolanda asked the cloaked figure.

The black cloaked figure didn't reply with words. He reached his sword, drawing it, revealing it to resemble a bat's wing.

"At least you still have the guts to draw a real weapon!" The large assassin charged at the black cloaked figure.

The large assassin swung his weapon, but the cloaked figure was faster. His sword sliced off the assassin's hand from the wrist, making the assassin fall down in pain, clutching his missing hand.

"I believe your master's pools can reattach limbs," the cloaked figure snarled. "That is if you can get to one of them in time. As for the rest of you, I give you one last chance to leave this city or you will face my wrath!" He turned to the remaining assassins before they charged at him.

"Okay, fun's over."

Oliver fired three arrows into the air, watching them fall back down on the remaining assassins. The arrows struck the desert sand, glowing a bright yellow and red before exploding loudly and brightly in the area the assassins had been standing. The thunderous boom sent the attackers flying in all directions, leaving nothing but a scorched hole in the middle of the desert.

"You could've done that at any moment?" Yolanda asked. "What kind of arrows are those?"

"You think I'm called the Glyph Archer for no reason?" Oliver asked as their new friend went to examine the weapons and mask remains of the retreating assassins. "So, I'm guessing you're the guy we were sent to find? What do they call you friend?"

The cloaked man sheathed his sword before giving Oliver and Yolanda a glare.

"Not very friendly are you?" Oliver said. "We're not with them, if that's what you're wondering."

"I figured. You two should keep going, I have things to do," the cloaked man said, turning to leave them.

"Hey, you don't get to pull a disappearing act like it's nothing." Yolanda grabbed the man's shoulder.

The man quickly grabbed her hand, twisting her wrist, causing her pain. She tried to free herself, but the black cloaked man grabbed her by the helm of her suit, tossing her over his shoulder. She landed on her feet with her cat-like grace, charging at him once more. But before she got too close, a thick puff of smoke obscured her vision.

Yolanda coughed, spreading the smoke off of her face.

"He's gone, kid." Oliver walked up to her as the smoke dissipated.

"And I see that you didn't do much to stop him," Yolanda hissed at him.

"They guy's a vigilante in a crusade, trust me, I know the type." Oliver knelt to the source of the smoke, checking the sand. "Good stuff. Those guys were his target, we just made them spring to action before intended. And if the name the Demon's Head didn't give it away, Batman must be waging a war against a nefarious group."

"Batman? Where do you get that name?" Yolanda asked.

Oliver pressed his thumb on his chest, raising an eyebrow at her.

"Fair. What makes you think he's our guy?" Yolanda asked.

"Bat-themed tome, bat-themed guy, kind of a giveaway," Oliver replied. "Now, let's go find him and get the whole story from him." Oliver and Yolanda went on their walk towards the city.

Aladdin listened attentively as the captain told the Sultan and Jasmine everything that had happened the last couple of weeks. The presence of bandits wasn't unusual, but the attacks of this group had been deadlier and far more coordinated than anything he'd ever seen. Stores robbed in the middle of the night, soldiers beaten up to a bloody pulp, weapons stolen and yet there was something else. The survivors of the attacks had recalled the same story, that they had been saved from their attackers by the same person.

"This so-called Batman is behind all these attacks, my sultan," Captain Razoul said. "He just so happens to pop up out of nowhere and vanishes like a demon in the night. There must be something else going on. I ask that we go and search everyone and everything that stands out in the slums."

"That sounds excessive, captain. What makes you so sure that this Batman is in the slums?" The Sultan asked.

"Where else would the worst of the city hide?" Razoul stated.

Aladdin had to do his best not to roll his eyes at that comment. Even with his marriage to Jasmine, Razoul kept seeing him as an outsider. Sadly, he could say that there wasn't any merit to what he was saying. The slums were the best place to hide, many people moved in and out and did what they could to survive. Best to take another look in his old stomping grounds.

"Is that a jab to my husband, Razoul?" Jasmine asked as her pet tiger growled.

"I hate to say it, Jasmine. But the captain may have a point," Aladdin said. "If Batman is hiding in the slums, they would have plenty of places to hide. I know that place better than anyone, I can go look into it. But there's something else to consider."

"And what would that be?" Razoul asked.

"These attacks and crimes have forced people out of their homes, leaving a good number of homes empty that surround the palace," Aladdin explained. "Whoever they are, affiliated with Batman or not, they are trying to circle the palace. We could be looking at an attack."

"If that's the case, we need to prepare." Jasmine turned to the Sultan.

"Captain, get the patrols doubled at night and look into those so-called empty homes," the Sultan ordered. "Aladdin, see what you can find about Batman."

"Yes, Sultan." Aladdin bowed to his father-in-law.

Bruce breathed deeply of the smell of burning coal and smelting steel. The heat of the forge helped him focus, hammering away all the things that had had led him down this path. There was only one thing in his mind, he had to keep building and making to get his job done.

"Hey, Bruce!"

Bruce turned around, seeing a young woman standing by the entrance of his shop.

"Hello Zee, are you here for your order?" Bruce asked.

"My order that you finished a week ago?" Zee asked. "No, I'm buying food for my home, and I was wondering if you would like to come and eat with me and my family."

"I would love to but there is a big order to fix the weapons the soldiers have lost," Bruce replied, looking at the pile of swords on his work bench.

"They should just hire you to fit the whole arsenal," Zee replied. "Your work is amazing. My father's knife has been working like a charm since we brought it here. You should take some time to rest, Bruce, you're no superman. Maybe I should sweeten the offer?" Zee leaned.

Bruce blushed at her kindness, though he feared that she was putting more than just a few nice words and gestures his way. As charming as she was and how nice her father was, he still couldn't let her get too close. She could get hurt if she got caught up in his crusade. But he could not reject the kindness that she was offering him.

"I-I will try to get my job done and see if I can go visit one of these days, Zee," Bruce said. "I'll even clean up before arriving if you want me to."

"What a lovely gesture," Zee replied. "I'll hold you to that." Zee left Bruce to continue working on the blades for the palace guards.

But as soon as he knew he was alone, Bruce felt a presence he didn't recognise. Gripping his hammer tightly, he waited for the intruders to get closer. He continued hammering at the sword, pretending that everything was going according to plan for them. His mind didn't dabble in who the possible suspects could be. All he knew was that they were sneaking up behind him and he had to put a stop to them before they made another move. Eyes narrowed as he sensed them approaching him closer and closer.

In a split second, his muscular body moved lightning fast, swinging the hammer at the first intruder. His eyes gazed upon them, learning of their identity. The intruder was the archer from the night before. He caught the bow before the archer could reach for it before tossing his hammer at the woman that accompanied him. She caught it with her hands, but he still held the advantage. Bruce slammed the archer down, holding the heated sword to his throat.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy there killer," Oliver held his hands up, showing he wasn't a threat. "We mean you no harm. Wildcat, stand down."

"He threw a hammer at me!" Yolanda snapped.

"And we snuck up on him," Oliver defended.

"Who are you? Why are you here?" Bruce demanded, giving Oliver a look that could kill.

"Okay, first, my name is Oliver Queen. They know me as Green Arrow," Oliver introduced himself. "That's my friend, Wildcat. We were sent to find you."

Bruce was already getting a bad feeling about them. They were complications to his mission. But now that he had a better look at Oliver's arsenal, he could sense it, feel it.

"Your arrows, you smell of magic," Bruce said.

"Yeah, you get the smell after living over ten years in a giant corpse with magical beings," Oliver reached into his bag. "I believe this belongs to you." He pulled out the tome, showing it to Bruce.

His eyes widened at the sight of it. He released Oliver before snatching the tome back.

"Where did you get that?" Bruce demanded.

"My boss likes to collect all manner of things that have stories attached to them." Yolanda helped Oliver up. "My guess is that you can tell us more about it, and why you're in your little crusade."

Bruce looked at the two intruders, detecting no lies in their voices. They had had their chance, and yet neither of them had tried to kill him. Their clothing and mannerisms didn't match anyone from the League of Assassins, perhaps they could be temporary allies. His eyes drifted to the tome, his father's tome. He needed answers.

"You two are not from around here, are you?" Bruce asked.

"Oh, the fair skin and blond hair didn't clue you in?" Oliver asked. "Let's just say we came looking for you because there's a guy that needs to be taken down. But please, tell us your story."

Bruce sighed.

"My name is Bruce Wayne, and my story started back when I was eight years old. And my father was killed by the Demon's Head."

A young Bruce couldn't sleep so he watched as his father worked on his medicine and elixirs. His father always made sure that he was fully stocked for whatever the village needed.

"Bruce, I want you to go to bed, don't stay up too late," Thomas said, not looking away from his work. "A young boy needs his rest if he wants to grow."

"I had a nightmare about the bats you've been watching." Bruce walked up to his father.

"They mean no one any harm, my son. They are ferocious because that's what they need to survive," his father explained. "And through them, I have learned many things I keep in this tome of mine." Thomas picked up a familiar book. "Here are all the secrets that you will inherit to make the world a better place."

Bruce touched the tome, gracing the bat symbol on the cover carefully.

Crash!

Bruce and his father heard the sound of their front door being broken down. Before Bruce could do anything, his father took him and hid him in the closet.

"Whatever you hear, do not open this door, and make no sound," Thomas closed the closet door, with only a crack in the middle of the door giving Bruce a way into the room.

The door broke down, as four men dressed in white robes entered the room. They surrounded Thomas, who did not fight back. All he did was stare at them without flinching. Two of the men drew their swords, hovering by his throat. They were then joined by a large man holding a large sword in his hand and another man.

The man wore a long green cape that covered most of his body. His face was obscured by a jackal-like mask that hid his face. He drifted into the room with a presence that struck fear and respect from the other men.

"It has been a long time, hasn't it, Waning Moon?"

"I go by Thomas now," Thomas replied. "Not all of us have a need for theatrics, Ra's."

His comment got him a punch to the stomach from one of the assassins. Thomas dropped to the floor in pain as the large assassin stepped on his back.

"Infidel, he is the Demon's Head and you will address him as Master or not at all." He grounded his heel on Thomas's back as he held his sword ready to attack.

"That is enough, Ubu. Thomas will pay for his transgressions soon enough." The Demon's Head took off his mask, revealing the face of a man with short black hair and a black goatee, his eyes were sharp blue with a green hue to it. "You were once one of our best assassins, Thomas, all the artifacts that you helped collect have shaped the course of history more than once. Why betray us and steal our knowledge?"

"What good is knowledge that isn't used to help people? You say that what I did changed the course of history, but how do you know that it was for the betterment of people?" Thomas coughed, getting back to his feet. "The magical artifacts they used were the only source of life they had. We killed many more by taking away their way of life without giving them a new one than with any sword or dagger. At least, I share what I've learned to help others, instead of hoarding it."

"Give fire to the masses and they will burn down everything around them," Ra's Al Ghul countered. "Magic must only be wielded by the worthy, the ones we know are worthy. That is what the League of Assassins has stood for for a long time. We strike those that would use magic for their own ends and instruct those that will seek a righteous goal."

"The ones you choose, because they will benefit your own ends," Thomas glared back.

"Are my ends any less righteous than yours, old friend?" Ra's Al Ghul asked. "Come back to us, your knowledge will help people, more so than in this tiny village."

Thomas only glared at him.

"Then so be it. Ubu," Ra's Al Ghul said to the large assassin as he took the tome from the table.

Ubu smiled, lifting his sword over his head.

Bruce could only watch in horror as the sword came down. He jumped back, knocking one of the boxes inside the closet.

"There's someone in the closet!" One of the assassins said.

Bruce turned around, spotting a small window. He climbed out the window as the door was bashed open by the assassins. As soon as he landed on the ground, his eyes gazed upon his village being burnt to the ground. The homes were covered in fire, the people screamed as they fled for their lives, trying to save something from the flames. Black smoke covered the night sky, creating a vision of hell for the young boy. All Bruce could see was red engulfing his world.

"After him!"

The cry snapped him out of his mind, he ran towards the only place he could think of: The cave his father had been studying in. He climbed into the darkness, leaving the flames of Hell behind him as the assassins looked for him. There was nothing else he could do but plunge himself into the darkness before him.

And that's when he heard them. Bats.

Thousands of them flew out of the cave, colliding with Bruce. Their little snarling faces were like those of demonic creatures of the night. Their fangs glistened in the darkness as their red eyes glowed like the fires of hell. They bit and scratched at Bruce's body, claiming his body and mind in their flying rampage. Their cries echoed in the cave as they flew out of the cave, becoming a black storm of darkness.

But Bruce didn't stop. He continued going deeper and deeper into the cave. His father's words echoed in his mind.

'Bats are more terrifying because they are scared, Bruce.'

'They adapt and fight everything that comes their way.'

'When they are pushed to the limit is when they are at their strongest.'

Bruce's eyes snapped open as he let out a scream. Covered in scratches, bite marks and bats clinging to his body, he could only focus on one thing: Vengeance.

The morning came, Bruce heard feet walking his way, waking him up. He looked up with his face scratched and cut by the bats. And before his eyes was none other than Ra's Al Ghul.

"We have a survivor it seems." Ra's knelt down before Bruce, but Bruce could only glare at the man. "Do you not fear me, boy? No, fear has marked you, but you don't blink." He grabbed Bruce's face. "There's something about you that tells me letting you die would be a waste. You'll come with us."

Bruce pulled himself back to his feet as Ra's Al Ghul turned back to his men. His first instinct was to fight the man that had killed his father, but he would be no match. Instead, he followed Ra's as he and the other assassins made their way o Like the bats that had scarred and frightened him, he would adapt.

Time passed and Bruce trained with the other young orphans that Ra's Al Ghul had conscripted into his army. He was knocked to the ground by one of the other assassins. He picked himself up, gripping his sword tightly. He charged once more but the assassin parried his sword before kicking Bruce in the face. Then he got a punch to add insult to injury.

"Come on, runt, you need more of a bloodlust than that!" The assassin taunted.

Narrowing his eyes, Bruce knew that he had to find a different strategy. He would fight smarter, and use the lessons from the League against them. Spitting out some blood, the young man got up with a look of anger in his face. Bruce swung his sword at the assassin, only to get a knee to the stomach. The pain was great, but he didn't give up. Bruce swung his sword at the assassin's feet, making him jump. Bruce picked himself up, swinging at the assassin's leg, cutting his leg. The assassin fell and Bruce started punching him in the face over and over again, making him spit out blood.

"Enough!"

Bruce was pulled away from the assassin instructor by Ra's himself.

"An assassin doesn't let rage blind them. They use their strength like a dagger, swift and strike where it will end the fight faster and more efficiently." Ra's Al Ghul drew his sword. "Do not let your emotions control you, Bruce. If you find a way to end a fight, you end it." He plunged the sword into the heart of the assassin.

"You didn't have to kill him," Bruce said.

"Then there is much for you to learn," Ra's said, walking away. "Despite your short time, you have grown much with us, Bruce. I'd hate to see all that potential wasted because of some misguided morals. Funny, I don't recall anyone teaching you where to cut to make such a wound on your opponent's leg."

Bruce knew because his father showed him.

"I just swung," he replied. "I got lucky."

Ra's Al Ghul didn't believe in such luck. Luck often got you far, but you needed more than luck in their line of work. And no one was that lucky. The boy's promise and skills were something to admire. His cunning and fast learning showed him capable of matching the best of the other students. Perhaps here was someone that would be more. An heir to his legacy. He would see to it that he became the greatest warrior the world had ever seen.

First things first.

"Come with me, Bruce," Ra's Al Ghul said, with Bruce following behind him from a distance. "There's something I must show you."

Ra's led Bruce deep into the league's sanctum, until they reached a large door with the face of a demon carved on it, surrounded by snakes, genies, magic and other entities. Ra's pulled out a key, opening the door with a loud rumble. The door opened up before them leading to a bright green light to temporarily blind Bruce's eyes.

He held up his hand before the light subsided. His eyes got acclimated to the brightness before the inside of the room was revealed to him.

The room was filled with artifacts, lots and lots of artifacts that came from different parts of the ancient world and beyond. There were swords, spears, hammers of different legends extending to the far north to the southernmost tip of far away islands in the Pacific. Ancient talisman papers from the far East and lamps filled with magic were bottled up together on rows of shelves like wine bottles in a cellar. Books filled to the brim with magical spells were held with chains and shackles like prisoners in their stands, keeping their powers at bay as all the magic inside them tried to break free from their bonds. Fairies in jars fought desperately to be released back into the wild once more, as the skulls of larger creatures adorned the walls of the room. And at the center laid a large green pool, steaming and smelling of something foul that no man could describe in its entirety. If there was a word to describe that very room, it would be prison. This place was a magical prison for all sorts of magical items and creatures.

Bruce's eyes watched everything in shock, it was both the most wondrous as well as the most depressing thing he'd ever seen.

"What is this place?" Bruce asked.

"This, Bruce, is one of the reasons the League of Assassins exists," Ra's replied. "Here we lock away all the dangerous magical items and entities from around the world, preventing them from falling into the wrong hands. We are saving them."

"I don't think some of them share that sentiment, Master." Bruce looked at a small yellow fairy glaring daggers at Ra's.

"I do not believe they do. But if they were allowed to roam freely, then their power and magic could be used by the unworthy to lead mankind astray," Ra's replied. "See this dagger? It possesses the ability to wound a person with an injury that can never heal. This ring? It can grant any man power over the minds of those that look into its ruby. And this lamp? It contains one of the many genies that roam the world and grant frivolous wishes to anyone foolish enough to rub them. I've seen many empires and good people lead down dark paths because of items such as these." Ra's went through all the items, showing them to Bruce.

Bruce could see why unbound access to magic could cause such things. But to lock magic away it seemed like trying to put air away from everyone else instead of sharing it and learning to use it properly. His eyes landed on his father's tome and all the knowledge that hid inside it. But he looked away, making sure that Ra's didn't suspect his intentions. He needed to learn more.

"Why show me this, Master?" Bruce asked.

"Because of our greatest treasure." Ra's turned to the large green pool. "The Lazarus Pit. It has granted me many years of salvation, and enlightenment. But with each dip into its waters, I lose a bit of my mind."

"The effects are losing their potency," Bruce said.

"Exactly, which is why I need an heir," Ra's said, turning to Bruce. "In the three years you've been here, you've excelled far more than any other young soldier in my army. If you continue on this path, you could be that heir, Bruce. But it is up to you to purge yourself of any weakness. Become a warrior as well as a scholar, a philosopher and a warmonger. The world needs us to lead them down the right path, granting magic to those worthy. I expect you to rise to the occasion, Bruce."

Bruce narrowed his eyes. He would rise.

Time passed, and Bruce excelled in his studies under the masters of the League of Assassins. He was taught to kill and fight ten men without breaking a sweat and still continue on fighting. He studied their ways, their philosophy, reading the many books they had gathered from around the world. Mastering the arts as well as the tactics of war from any and all corners of the globe, he became one of the most complete assassins the League had seen in many generations. But that's not where he stopped.

Mastering open warfare and fighting tactics meant little if he didn't know about stealth and other methods of striking from the shadows. Blending in the shadows, he mastered how to enhance his senses, facing his fears and using them to fight against those that were like Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Assassins. He hated knowing how to kill people, but like his father had taught him, now he knew how to, he could discover how to prevent it.

Every night, he would sneak away to build something. He knew that weapons had to adapt to the situation, so he decided to forge a new special weapon to fight with. But he'd yet to find the right inspiration.

"It needs to be strong enough to hold up a man's weight but also light enough to fold and bend to any form I need," Bruce looked over his notes as he'd written, but the idea of the standard swords and spears were too rigid. "I need a different sort of weapon."

'Screech!'

Bruce's body tensed up, turning to see what it was. Everything was too dark to make out, but he could hear scratching on the roof over the forge. He picked up a dagger, slowly climbing to investigate. His eyes landed on a bat feasting upon a fruit before swinging out the small hole it had made to escape.

"Of course, adapt." Bruce looked out at the night sky as the bat flew away.

Bruce set out to test his newest tool on a mission. Cloaked in a black cowl and cape, he slowly made his way into the castle. It was filled with nightmarish pictures on the tapestries of the corridor. But he knew better. These were not simple pieces of cloth and linen, these were all the servants that had displeased the master of this castle. His target and his way into Ra's sanctum once more. He hid in the shadows, wrapping his cowl around his face like a scarf. Nothing could see him, and he wanted to keep it that way. There was no room for error, this was do or die.

The sound of music kept his steps hidden but he was far from safe. Narrowing his eyes, he reached the door. At the top of it was a moving purple eye, the security system of the prince that ruled over the castle. First, blind it.

Bruce pulled out a black pellet, tossing it straight to the eye. The pellet exploded, covering the eye in a gooey substance.

"Xerxes! Some pigeon messed with one of my spy eyes again! Go and clean it up!"

The door opened up and an eel-like creature floated out muttering under its breath.

"Xerxes do this. Xerxes do that. Xerxes don't do that, do the other thing." The creature mocked its master. "Sometimes I wonder what he'd do without me and his magic. Ack-!" Bruce caught the slippery magical creature before stuffing it into a sack.

He took this chance to look inside at the man he'd been sent to take out: A pompous spoiled brat playing at being a dark sorcerer by the name of Mazenrath. Despite his fine clothes and the many magical artifacts in his possession, the air of arrogance he emanated was enough to make Bruce consider ending his life like Ra's Al Ghul wanted.

"Xerxes, are you done already?!" Mozenrath demanded like a pouting child. "I swear, I have to do everything around here." Mazenrath flipped the pages on his spell book only for a knife to cut him off.

Mozenrath jumped back in shock, before a black tendril wrapped around his neck.

"Your days are numbered, sorcerer." Bruce pulled him in and punched him in the face hard enough to break his nose.

Bruce returned to Ra's Al Ghul's sanctum, holding up a sack full of all the items he'd recovered from his mission.

"I take it that you were successful?" Ra's Al Ghul asked.

"The boy was unprepared, self-obsessed and believed himself untouchable," Bruce replied. "He won't bother anyone again."

"Good, very good, my heir," Ra's said as he took the sack. "Now, let us see what he hoarded for himself." As soon as Ra's Al Ghul opened the sack the eel-like creature jumped out, attacking his face.

The guards rushed to help their master, but Bruce was ready for them. He dropped several smoke bombs on the floor, blinding the assassins. Acting quickly, he swung his cowl, knocking them out. He emerged from the smoke, snatching the key from Ra's pocket as he wrestled with the eel.

He opened the door to the sanctum like a bat out of hell. With sword in hand, he freed all the magical beings, cutting their chains and breaking their bonds. Everything escaped the vault in a barrage of bright colors, leaving only Bruce and his father's lost tome.

"I see you've shown your true colors," Ra's stepped into his sanctum followed by Ubu. "Will you at least explain the reason for this betrayal?"

"My name is Bruce Wayne, son of Thomas," Bruce revealed himself. "And I am here to reclaim my father's work and all that he sought to do with it." He took the tome from the stand.

Ra's eyes widened at the revelation.

"I see. You have your father's will. And his misguided sense of morality," Ra's said. "Gather the men and try to recover the artifacts, proceed to Agrabah. I shall deal with this betrayal." Ra's unsheathed his sword.

"We will fight, Ra's." Bruce reached into his back. "But not tonight. Like my father, I have taken a new name. I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman!"

Bruce tossed a bomb into the Lazarus Pit, causing it to ignite. The pit exploded, spreading its waters and fire to every corner of Ra's sanctum. Using this diversion, Bruce rushed to a window, jumping out into the night air as the flames spread through the headquarters of the League of Assassins consuming it.

The wind hit Bruce's face as an explosion rocketed him from behind, making him lose his balance. His body fought to straighten itself out. He spread his cowl, making it into the shape of large bat wings. Gliding through the air in the night sky, he tried to find a safe place to land. The blackness of the night hid his presence but it also made it hard to see where he was going.

Eventually, he hit the branches of a tree, making him fall to the ground.

He struggled to stay awake, only seeing his father's tome getting picked up.

"Now, that was a blazing story," a voice said. "I look forward to see how it ends."

Bruce heard steps getting away from him before he passed out.

"After that, I woke up with the light of the sun on my face. I made my way to Agrabah, knowing the League would come here," Bruce finished his tale. "So, as you can guess, I can't join you. I'm needed here."

"Yeah, that sounds like Cain to me," Yolanda said.

"What if we help you defeat the League?" Oliver asked. "I've dealt with jerks like your former master before. Have you found anything about why they want this city?"

Bruce shook his head.

"Only that they want it badly. It must be because of how magic seems to be drawn here, otherwise, I don't know." Bruce looked at his father's tome, noticing something peculiar. "This book, it's made of a special leather bounding that's popular in this city. Zee's father makes books with it. And the League's attacks have occurred in that area. They're looking for something there."

"You think your pops left you something?" Oliver asked.

Bruce read through the tome, all of his father's teachings and findings were there, but there was more. Information on places and hidden secrets he'd uncovered. And one of those was in Agrabah. His eyes widened as he read the passage.

"We must get ready," Bruce said. "Tonight, the Demon's Head falls."

"You want our help?" Yolanda asked.

Bruce didn't reply but just gave them a look."

"He does."

In the dead of night, Aladdin, Abu, and Captain Razoul and his men secretly watched one of the homes that had been emptied out by the recent string of robberies and attacks. They waited, hidden in the darkness as they waited for their man to come back. But patience was not the captain's strong suit.

"We're wasting time, we should be looking for Batman not some empty house," Razoul snarled. "What are we even looking for?"

"According to all the accounts, the attacks have been leading to this particular house. They recently forced those living here to leave but they were the only ones warned beforehand," Aladdin explained. "Doesn't that sound strange?"

"It kinda does, boss," one of the soldiers commented, which got Razoul to glare at him.

The sound of wings flapping caught their attention as Iago landed on Aladdin's other shoulder. The red talking parrot panted in exhaustion.

"Man, I gotta drop those nuts, they just weigh you down," Iago panted.

"Iago, did you follow them like I told you?" Aladdin asked as Abu patted the parrot's back.

"Yeah, yeah, I saw them, they should be going in in three… two… one…" Iago pointed at the entrance as three figures clad in black entered the house. "On a different note, we should head out of this instead of getting involved."

Aladdin rolled his eyes at the parrot's cowardly argument before he and the rest of the guards went to the house. They slowly reached the door, before they heard one stone moving against another stone. They went inside, only to find the house empty.

"Empty? How?" Razoul asked.

"There must be a secret passage in here," Aladdin said. "Look for anything that stands out. Scratch marks, footprints, any dust bit that has been moved recently." Aladdin and the guards started searching for any of the things he'd mentioned.

They did as Aladdin had instructed, but they couldn't find anything. But something stood out to them. The house felt smaller than it should've been.

The house didn't look ransacked yet it looked spotless. The floor was cleared of any and all marks that could've been there. They looked over the furniture, inside the pantry, and even under the forgotten shoes left by the former residents of the home. If anyone had entered then they hadn't left a single sign that they had.

"There's nothing," Razoul said. "They must've gone through the back door and we're wasting time."

"Why go into a house and then go out the back?" Aladdin asked as Abu noticed something. "What's wrong, Abu?"

The little monkey flipped the corner of the carpet over, revealing a strand of cloth.

"It looks like a leftover piece of cloth." Razoul shrugged.

Aladdin wasn't so convinced. He grabbed the piece, noticing that it went into the floor. With a hesitant pull, he heard a mechanism move from the wall behind them. Aladdin and the guards watched as a passage opened up before them. They felt air coming down from the darkness, and the smell of burnt torches got to their noses.

"Guess we're going down," Aladdin said.

"Get some torches," Razoul ordered. "We're going."

As they lit their torches, they went down into the passage, not noticing three other shadows following right behind them.

Aladdin and the guards went deep down the passage with the only light they had being the torch in their hands. The floor and the walls were humid to the touch, giving them the idea that they were going down a long throat to a giant creature's stomach. Every step they took was filled with tentative peril. They didn't know what was down there. All they did know was that they continued going down.

"Captain, how much further?" One of the soldiers asked.

"I don't know, so quit your whining." Razoul snarled. "We should be below the palace by now. Where does this place go?"

"No idea, Razoul." Aladdin sniffed the air. "All I know is that it's starting to smell."

The scent hit them all. It smelled like someone had set fire to putrefied corpses after letting them stew in their own rotting juices. All they could do was hold in the need to throw up their dinners as they went deeper into the passage.

Their minds wandered what could be there to smell so foul. Was it a mass grave of rotting monsters that only ate garbage their whole lives? And if so, why were these mysterious people going down to meet the remains.

The answer came to them from a green light at the end of the tunnel.

"Whoa," Aladdin said as they exited the tunnel, gazing upon a large Lazarus Pit before them.

However, their shock and awe didn't last long.

Swords were aimed at their throats, as the League of Assassins surrounded them.

"And this is why you don't go down spooky tunnels," Iago sighed.

Aladdin and the soldiers were dragged before Ra's Al Ghul, with a handless Ubu by his side.

"It would seem we have unexpected visitors," Ra's said. "Though, not the ones I was expecting."

"Sorry to disappoint," Aladdin said. "But we thought there was a party down here."

"Cheeky," Ra's snorted. "I expected no less from the son of the King of Thieves."

"I'm guessing you weren't best friends," Aladdin joked.

"No, but I have no quarrel with you, Aladdin," Ra's said. "But since you are here, you and your allies will be bait for my real target."

"Bait? For who?" Aladdin asked.

"Let them go, Ra's!"

Everyone turned to see Batman standing by the entrance of the cave.

"Batman! I knew it!" Razoul called, only for Ra's to backhand him.

"Quiet, the adults are talking," Ra's said. "Good to see you alive and well, Batman."

Batman dropped down from the entrance, glaring at Ra's.

"Let them go, Ra's, your fight is with me!" Bruce demanded as the other assassins turned their gaze at him.

"I'm afraid that they have seen too much, Batman. They must die, as do you," Ra's signaled his assassins to surround Batman with their swords ready to cut him to ribbons. "Though it is a shame that you've forgotten one of our most important lessons, always use the element of surprise to your advantage."

Bruce smirked.

"I did not forget," Bruce told Ra's as the assassins charged at him.

Two arrows whizzed through the air, landing on either side of Batman. They glowed green, springing out large venus flytraps with snake-like tendrils. The plants attacked the assassins biting down on them and catching the others with their tendrils. The assassins were caught unprepared by the massive vegetable beasts. They defended themselves as best they could before they were surprised by Batman charging at them with his cowl tendrils at the ready. And he wasn't alone.

Green Arrow and Wildcat appeared before the assassins, taking them by surprise.

The Glyph Archer fired his arrows at the assassins with pinpoint accuracy. His arrows struck them in the shoulder, legs and arms, catching before they could even get close to him. He rolled out of the way as two assassins fired their own arrows with their crossbows. Oliver returned the shot with an ice glyph encasing them in an ice cube before he held up his bow, blocking a sword strike. Parrying the blow, he landed a kick to the assassin's stomach before he struck another one with his bow.

"You guys sure don't make a fight doll!" Oliver fired another arrow, activating a light glyph to stun a group of assassins.

Yolanda ducked, bobbed and weaved under the swings of the assassins swords before countering. Her fists tightened before she struck the first assassin in the throat, then punched the other with a groin shot, and finally landed an uppercut on the last one. As they were sent flying, she jumped over a fourth assassin, planting her foot on the back of his skull, jumping high. Her right leg raised over her head before she unleashed an axe kick on a group of assassins, cracking the ground under them, sending them flying.

"For an army of assassins, I expected more," Yolanda caught the hand of an assassin before kicking him in the groin. "Diego, you are missing out on this."

Batman's cowl cracked like lightning, hitting the assassin's hands, disarming them before he moved in. He unleashed a flurry of punches, cracking them across the face, breaking their noses, arms and ribs. Each blow charged with anger and focused surgeon-skill. Hearing a swing coming at him, he stopped himself before a blade got to his face. Ubu stood before him, lunging himself at him like a wild animal.

"You die here, betrayer!" Ubu held him in a tight embrace, attempting to break his back. "Just like your dog father!"

"Bad choice of words," Bruce gritted as his 'back' cracked.

Bruce tensed his back, shooting out spikes from his back, impaling Ubu's arms.

Ubu screamed in pain, trying to pull his arms free but was unable to even move them.

Bruce took this chance, headbutting Ubu in the face. With a look of determination, he slammed his forehead on Ubu's face and nose over and over again until the big assassin bled. Loosening his back, the spikes pulled back, freeing Ubu's arms and Bruce at the same time.

Back with Aladdin and the guards, Aladdin sweeped his leg under the assassin guarding them before Razgoul headbutted him. Abu untied them before they picked up their weapons.

"Come on, we gotta help them!" Aladdin and the guards charged, helping Batman, Green Arrow and Wildcat turn the tide of the fight in their favor.

Batman flipped an assassin as Aladdin jumped in, blocking the swing of a sword.

"So, you're Batman, huh?" Aladdin asked as he knocked back the assassin. "Thought you'd be taller."

"And you're Aladdin, the Sultan's representative and helper," Batman threw a knife at an assassin's arm. "You need to get your people out of here. The pit is what Ra's wants. He plans to use it to regrow the League of Assassins underneath Agrabah as its base. We need to destroy it." Bruce explained before swinging an assassin into another incoming attack.

"Any ideas?" Aladdin looked up at a large stalactite hanging over the pit. "Think you can bring that down?"

Batman looked up and gave Aladdin a smile.

"Arrow! Hand me your explosive paper!" Bruce called to Green Arrow.

"A pretty please wouldn't kill you!" Green Arrow fired a green arrow at the assassins covering them in vines.

Oliver grabbed a stack of paper, wrapped it in an arrow before firing it at Bruce.

Bruce moved to the side as the arrow hit an assassin in the shoulder. Without giving the assassin another glance, Batman slammed the back of his fist on his face before pulling out the arrow.

"Thanks," Bruce said. "Get everyone out, this will get crowded real quick." Bruce told Aladdin before taking off to the Lazarus Pit.

"Captain Razoul, we need to leave!" Aladdin turned to the guards. "This place is about to go down!"

"Men, retreat!" Razoul ordered as they all ran to the exit.

Bruce rushed to the Lazarus Pit, only for Ra's Al Ghul to cut him off with the swing of his sword. Bruce jumped back, noticing the stack of paper between the two of them.

"I believe it is time for the student to learn one final lesson," Ra's took off his cloak, holding his sword at Bruce. "Unsheath your sword, Batman. Only one of us will survive this."

Batman unsheathed his sword, keeping his eyes on Ra's. His vengeance was at hand and he would not waste this chance. No, not just for his father, for the world he wanted to see made a reality. A world where wisdom, justice and compassion were the pillars to maintain all life.

"I'm waiting."

They rushed at each other, clashing their blades hard enough to create sparks. Their blades parried and pushed against each other as they swung them like the biter rivals they were. The intensity of their blows increased as they danced around each other. They dodged, blocked, countered and stared each other down, gripping their respective swords tightly. It was a battle of wills years in the making and only now was being allowed to break free and fight each other. Their feet dug into the ground, trying to gain the upperhand. But there was a clear difference in their skill.

Ra's stomped Bruce's stomach, sending him back. He jumped over him, swinging his sword down at the young hero. Bruce rolled out of the way before swinging his own sword at the face of the Demon's Head. Their blades clashed once more, creating sparks. Bruce pushed on, using the muscles he'd developed in his forge to back him up. He swung down at Ra's, forcing him to sidestep to dodge the attack. Ra's attempted to cut Bruce's head, swinging his sword at his throat. Bruce blocked the blade with his armored forearm, getting the opening to strike at Ra's chest with the butt of his sword.

"You're slower than I remember, Ra's." Bruce and Ra's circled each other slowly, calculating every step like it could be their last. "Is the lack of a Lazarus Pit that much of a hindrance to you?"

"Sadly, it is. That is why I wanted you to be my heir, Batman," Ra's replied, narrowing his eyes. "The League needs a Demon's Head to lead it to glory and the truth of our mission." Ra's jumped at Bruce, spinning in the air, forcing Bruce to hold his sword up to defend before getting kicked back.

"A mission that has killed countless people, all to hide magic from the world," Bruce countered, holding his chest. "You think no one but your league should hold such power and you rule through the shadows with it. But that's going to end tonight." Bruce revealed the stack of papers from his hand.

Ra's eyes widened in shock.

"NO!"

Bruce plunged one of his throwing knives into the stack, activating the glyphs. He tossed the knife at the base of the stalagmite. It exploded, causing it and the cave's ceiling to come crashing down on the Lazarus Pit. Everything started to collapse around them. The ground opened up and the pool of the pit started coming out and swallowing everything that was on its path. The few assassins caught by the wave were absorbed by the green slush.

Ra's roared in madness as he rushed at Batman. Bruce held up his sword as Ra's swung at him over and over in a frenzy. Even weakened, Batman could feel the rage fueling the attacks of the old man. And the ground was not giving him much to work with. Every time he tried to get back up, the ground would shake under him. It eventually crumbled under his weight. Bruce rolled back to his feet on another slab of rock while more and more pieces fell down around him.

Ra's jumped over the rocks, holding his sword with both hands. Bruce swung his cowl, wrapping one of the falling rocks before flinging it at Ra's. Only for the Demon's Head to cut through it with ease. Bruce held his sword tightly, bracing against the impact of the other blade colliding with him.

Bruce's sword broke in two against Ra's strike. Bruce stared in shock at his weapon's state before being punched across the face by Ra's.

"The world will crumble without us! Magic will run wild without anyone to control it!" Ra's tossed away his sword, proceeding to punch Bruce over and over, making him hold up his arms in defense. "If this is where the head falls, I will make sure you fall as well!" Ra's knuckles bled as he punched against the armor on Batman's body, but the damage was still getting to Bruce.

Bruce gritted his teeth, waiting for his moment. Every blow was felt through his armor. His arms stung and his muscles burned, begging him to make a move. But he had to endure, even if he felt his mouth filling up with the metallic flavor of his blood. He narrowed his eyes as Ra's reeled back his next punch. He ducked under the punch, landing a hook punch under the old assassin's ribs. Following up with an uppercut to the stomach, Batman took the initiative.

"You think you're the only one that can lead the world and that's why you're supposed to be immortal?!" Bruce punched Ra's in the shoulder, dislodging it, hard. "But you're wrong! People will stumble, they'll make mistakes, but they will learn! They will get up every time!" He struck Ra's elbow, breaking it before kicking him in the ribs, breaking two of them. "That's what people do, we adapt and we overcome!"

Bruce and Ra's stood there, bloodied as the cave continued to collapse around them. The ground split, taking Ra's down, plunging him to his death. All Bruce could do was see him become one with the green slush that he'd been obsessing over.

Bruce ran to the exit, swinging towards it with his tendrils. He could see the exit, but then a rock struck his wrist, making him miss his shot. Gravity took over, pulling him down. A part of him was at peace knowing he'd done enough. Just letting all the anger and hatred run its course.

Only for an arrow tied to a rope to wrap around his arm.

"Don't think you're getting off that easily!" Oliver, Yolanda and Aladdin pulled Bruce out of there.

Bruce climbed up as the cave finished collapsing behind him. There was still something to fight for.

Everyone got out of the cave and back out into the streets of Agrabah just as dawn started to break.

"So, I don't suppose you'll want to tell us what was all that back there, huh?" Aladdin asked.

"It's a bit complicated," Oliver replied with a cocky smirk.

"Welcome to our life," Iago added before Captain Razoul pointed his sword at Oliver, Yolanda and Bruce.

"You'll have plenty of time to explain in the palace dungeon, you-"

"Sdraug ssap tuo!"

The eyes of captain Razoul and the other guards rolled back as they fell down to the floor.

"Did you guys do that?" Aladdin asked.

"No, that was magic," Bruce replied.

"If you were gonna be late, you should've said so, love."

Everyone turned to the house entrance as a woman with glowing lilac hair and eyes stepped out of the shadows. Bruce recognised her immediately.

"Zee?" Bruce asked.

"Let's leave the future sultan and get some more privacy, Batman," Zee said, snapping her fingers.

In a poof of pink smoke, Aladdin found himself with only Abu, Iago and the passed out guards.

"Well, this isn't the weirdest way to end a night I've ever had." Aladdin shrugged.

"Yeah, if only all our nights ended with a mysterious woman and a poof of smoke," Iago complained. "Least she could've done was wake these knuckleheads instead of having us drag them back to the palace."

Bruce, Oliver and Yolanda found themselves back at Bruce's blacksmith's shop with Zee looking like her normal self.

"I thought you'd want to be in a familiar location to rest up," Zee said.

"I appreciate that, Zee." Oliver helped Bruce to a chair. "You're the reason Agrabah was targeted, not just because of the Lazarus Pit."

"My father and I are part of the Homo-magi, people that can use magic and Agrabah has become one of our safe havens from people like Ra's Al Ghul." Zee placed her hands on Bruce's chest, making them glow. "The idea of such people is far too good to pass up. Imagine our surprise when a little fairy and other creatures spread the word of a man dressed as a bat protecting us without realising it." Zee looked over her shoulder as a silver-colored glowing fairy poked its head out.

"I was stopping Ra's and the League from doing the same thing they did to my father," Bruce tried to defend his actions.

"Man, just take the compliment from the cute sorceress," Oliver said. "God knows we don't always get to be thanked in this line of work."

Bruce wasn't all that sure about taking such compliments. But it was hard to pretend to be a stone wall when his injuries were being healed by Zee's magic. His actions although all on his own crusade had had effects on others and he'd saved many in his time. For every victory there would be defeats. There would always be people like Ra's that thought they were the only ones that could control magic and were entitled to it. For every one he saved, there would be another one in danger. The fight looked impossible to win.

His eyes drifted to Oliver and then Yolanda. He could sense a connection. They were like him and they still fought against what the world sent their way.

"You said there was a threat coming," Bruce said. "What is it?"

"A madman plans on wiping out all realities because he believes all and any choices are meaningless," Yolanda said. "We know we're asking a lot, but-"

"I'm in." Bruce got back to his feet, feeling fully healed.

"Are you sure? This isn't gonna be easy," Oliver said.

"Life is never easy, but we all get up in the morning and do what we can to face it," Bruce replied with fierce determination. "The League won't do anything with Ra's gone. I have time to help you before anything else comes looking for trouble. Can you manage without me?" Bruce turned to Zee.

"Brucie, we've been preparing since learning about you. Yeah, we can hold the fort while you save others," Zee replied with a smirk on her face that the little fairy copied.

Bruce still had a shadow of fear in the back of his head, but he trusted them.

"Let me grab my tools then." Bruce turned to Oliver and Yolanda.

Batman passed through the door, arriving at the House of Mystery where the other heroes and allies were mobilizing. Shade and Cain turned to see him and their allies returning.

"We're back," Oliver said. "This is Batman, no big deal."

"I see your story has gotten quite interesting, young man," Cain said.

"I understand you need help. Show me," Bruce looked at Shade.

"We're in a moment of crisis, and we must be ready to save everything," Shade replied, turning to the large map of the multiverse behind them.

"Let's get to it."

Chapter Text

​The multiverse is more than just a prism…

It is ever expanding and ever growing…

A place where one choice, one fork on the road can lead to many opportunities…

But every spark of brilliance there is a spark of madness…

These are the stories of both…

Flash was all for a run. Especially if he could actually feel the ground in his feet. Star racing was an amazing experience, but he didn't like the big stakes that came with it. Ironically the stakes were much higher than ever before. But that was what made the moments of running by himself all the more important. There was nothing that could stop him, and nothing that could cloud his mind. All he needed to do was run and let all his worries leave him.

Yet in spite of that feeling and desire to keep on running and take in the scenery of all the different realms around him, Barry had a job to do. His eyes imbued with the Speed Force scanned every inch he could find about the fabled Prime Earth, the one story all other stories sprung from. If he'd been more of a cynic, he would've argued that the oldest of books was the one they were looking for. But with the Great Library being so vast, so diverse and so constantly expanding, age wasn't always what he needed to look for. But if each world sprung from this very source, then there would be clues as to what could connect them all. Earth seemed to be a constant throughout all the worlds he'd visited and the ones Shade had spoken about. So he knew that humans had something to do with Earth Prime.

He avoided all worlds that didn't directly correlate with the Earth, hoping to narrow down his search for the rest of the clock. Sadly, the percentage of that only dropped his scanning area by very little.

"Come on, there has to be something that I'm not seeing," Barry said as he scanned through the doors. "If only there was a way to track down Prime Earth as it is for Shade to track down madness."

As he continued his search, he spotted a shadow rounding up the corner ahead of him. Barry briefly stopped, narrowing his eyes at the strange sight.

"Shade, do you read me?" Barry pressed his finger against his ear.

'I hear you Barry,' Shade replied through the communicator. 'Did you find something?'

"Not sure, just saw a shadow, going to check it out," Barry replied before rushing in to see what was going on.

As soon as he rounded the corner, he found himself facing an open door standing before him. The door closed up, revealing the carving of a smirking man with red hair, a Union Jack shirt, red hair, glasses running away from a daredevil acrobat with a white helmet. Around the two figures, there were explosions, attractive women in skimpy outfits and lots of rockets flying into the air. It looked more like a poster for an Austine Powers movie if Barry had to be honest with himself.

"Shade, there's a door that just closed up and no trace of the shadow," Barry reported. "Is there a chance this is normal?"

'Not usually, there could be a chance that this is unrelated. Search the area, see what you can find,' Shade instructed.

Barry was never more glad to be a CSI than when he had to examine a location. With his speed, he ran around the area, examining everything he could set his eyes down on. And he caught a few interesting things. There was a strange smell in the air that made his head buzz around and him to giggle a little, a trace of makeup paint on the edge of the door, a long strand of black hair, and right behind the Austine Powers door, a pin with a smiling face on it.

"I- hee hee, found something," Barry giggled. "A smiling pin, some make up, a long strand of black hair and a strange smell that's making me-hee, hee- giggle." The laughter was getting stronger and he couldn't tell why.

'Hold that thought Mr. Flash. Metamorpho, anti-Punchline toxin if you please,' Cain answered the call before a small portal appeared before him.

Flash had little time to react before Metamorpho doused him with a strange gas. The laughter stopped all together, letting him take a deep breath from all the laughing.

"What was that?" Barry asked.

'That was an anti-Punchline toxin. You should be good now for the next 12 hours,' Cain explained. 'It seems Owlman has sent one of his allies to that world. He must be looking for something or someone there.'

'Flash, go in and find out what it might be,' Shade added on. 'It could tell us if they're getting closer to finding Earth Prime.'

"You got it boss, see you in a flash." Barry opened the door before rushing into the other world.

'Did he just say that as his catchphrase?' Cain asked.

'A bit on the nose but it is effective,' Shade shrugged.

What if extreme action clashed with dapper fashion?

Earth -0102

Flash found himself on the streets of Paris, running down the street at high speeds, passing the cars, the tourists and the brisk smell of freshly baked bread and freshly grounded coffee. A sense of nostalgia hit him as he ran. His mother had once told him about the fabled City of Love and Lights but he'd never had the chance to go and visit the place in his adult years. He briefly scanned the streets, the people and the buildings around him. It all seemed peaceful and vibrant, like any city in his world. It fed his nostalgia and his desire to see his home once more. And like wood feeding a fire, he increased his efforts in finding the woman from Olwman's team before she did any damage. Running up a building, he got a better sight of the entire city, keeping his eyes out for anything that could stand out.

"Shade, I made it through, I'm in a variant of Paris, France," Barry called back to the House of Mystery.

'Owlman was recruited in a variant of Paris, but from what you showed us it isn't that one,' Cain explained.

"He doesn't sound like someone that would grow attached to a city," Flash commented as he continued looking for anything to stand out. "Besides, wouldn't he come by himself instead of sending someone else?"

'From what Cain has told us, Owlman doesn't seem to be the type to get attached to a house plant, less of all a city full of people,' Shade chimed in. 'He must've sent Punchline for something in that realm. He could be looking for an agent there or a clue to find Earth Prime.'

'I am more concerned about Punchline being sent out there on her own,' Cain commented. 'That woman was unhinged long before she ever joined up with our other cohorts.'

"What can you tell me about her?" Barry asked, hoping to be better safe than sorry.

'She was a disillusioned youth that found the cycle of heroes and villains redundant and without a proper meaning. Her cynicism and constant defeats led her down a dark road where she found the meaning behind the punchline of life: That nothing mattered, everything was a sick joke.' Cain recounted their first meeting and how right the rest of the team was to keep her as far from them as humanly possible. 'She was so disillusioned that she could see through the lies Dr. Destiny offered and then became part of Owlman's inner circle. Her knowledge of weapons, dangerous chemicals and her lack of empathy for any other being that doesn't share her ideology makes her a danger to anyone that surrounds her.' Cain wished that he had split her head open with his shovel when he had the chance.

"Lesson of the story, don't hire crazy unless you have a straight jacket close by," Flash muttered.

'Or a blunt enough weapon to bash their heads in, but yes,' Cain shrugged.

Barry sighed at his situation. He was in the same city as an international terrorist and had no idea what she could be going after. Things could not look any worse at that moment.

Boom!

But thankfully the universe had a way to tell him where to go.

Flash turned to the source of the explosion, seeing big colorful explosions of smoke. Red, blue and white clouds of smoke bursted into the street, spreading chaos to all the cars and pedestrians around the street. Flash ran into the chaos, pulling the civilians out of the smoke as they coughed from the smoke. Panic spread as some cars crashed into storefronts and other cars. But Barry didn't let a single person get hurt.

"Hey, sorry my Parisian friends, but my French is pretty bad!" Flash ran across the street, picking up people, rushing them out. "But there's no need to worry, the Flash is here!"

With lightning trailing behind him, he rushed through the street, catching all the people that he could carry before they hit anything or they could get hurt. But something caught his interest as he placed a kid and his puppy on the ground. The smoke wasn't making people laugh like it had done to him. This didn't fit Punchline's MO. According to Cain, Punchline was all for colors but they were always deadly, and from what he could see, no one was seriously hurt or poisoned.

Just then, he heard the sound of a motor running straight to him. He turned to see what it was. A pair of headlights illuminated the street as a red Mini bearing the Union Jack flag of England came out of the colorful smoke like a bat out of Hell. At the driver's seat, the same man that looked just like Austine Powers with red hair Flash had seen at the door's entrance. Flash jumped out of the way with his speed, watching the man smiling at him as he drove off. Barry's eyes focused on the car, noticing the back was stuffed with bags full of jewelry.

The street was filled with the sound of police sirens zooming past Flash and after the car as the sound of laughter coming from the Mini.

Flash's mind quickly came to the conclusion that this had all been a diversion for the man to steal all those jewels. Narrowing his eyes, he took off after the car and the thief. His feet took to the street like a cheetah's paws would the ground of the Savannah. With the sound of the sirens as his guide, he ran past the other civilians that had gathered around to see what had happened. He jumped over to the side of the buildings next to the street, sticking to it with his speed before reaching the edge. With one strong jump, he made it back to the street, getting back in pursuit of the mysterious Austine Powers variant.

The blaring sound of the sirens was all he needed to catch up to them. Barry saw the Mini getting away from them with ease, going far faster than any Mini car he'd ever seen in his life. But that wasn't threatening for him, super speed and all. Leaving a red trail with lightning behind him, he sped past the police cars, reaching the side of the car in question. His eyes caught on to the driver, seeing him laughing to himself as he took a look at the police he was leaving behind in the dust. He lightly tapped the side of the mirror, getting the attention of the man straight from the 60s.

"Jolly good day, good sir, may I help you?" The thief asked in the King's English.

"Yes, stop the car and give yourself up before things get out of hand," Barry said.

"Fraid I can't my red dashing roadrunner friend," he shrugged, taking a sharp right while Barry ran side by side with him. "Oh where are my manners, my card. Mad Mod, thief, dancing master and fashion icon, at your services." Mad Mod handed Barry his card. "Ta ta!" He pressed a button on his steering wheel, causing his car to blast off into the street, leaving Flash behind.

Barry couldn't help but smirk at the thief's smugness. He dug his heels on the ground, picking up the pace. The Speed Force coursed through him like lightning splitting the sky, sending him zooming past the street and catching up with Mad Mod with ease. The thief saw this, and while amazed by the speed of the man chasing him, he saw it as a challenge.

"Wanna rethink running away?" Flash asked.

"Actually, duckie, I think I found a new playmate." Mad Mod cut off the nitro before pulling on the handbrake, making a sharp right turn into traffic.

Flash swerved on his feet, turning after Mad Mod.

Jumping after him, he found himself running against the traffic as the groovy thief did the same. They swiveled and went around the incoming cars going at fast speeds, with Mad Mod closely missing them by a cat's whisker. Flash ran over one of the cars, catching up to Mad Mod once more, before the thief made another sharp turn. He busted out of the highway and into the back streets. Tilting his car on two wheels, squeezing into the alley before jumping out into the bigger backstreet. Flash ran after him, right in his tail, trailing behind the fashion dapper man like a nasty tailgater. Mad Mod thought that he would have to use something to get him off, only to then notice the people in front of him. But that worry didn't last long. Flash ran ahead of him, pushing and getting those people out of the way while Mad Mod dodged the others.

"This is getting out of hand, duckie," Mad Mod said. "Time to get back to the wider streets before one of these unlucky sods gets got." Mad Mod slammed on the breaks, reversing back into the other streets.

However, as soon as he got out of the back streets, he was met with all the other officers of the law chasing him. And a particular man right at the helm of it. The man wore a white trench coat and what looked like a daredevil's helmet under a fedora.
"Special Agent Buttowski, I was wondering when you'd get here, duckie!" Mad Mod laughed before hitting the accelerator once more.

He then heard another tap on the window.

"You sure you don't want to pull over?" Flash asked.

"And miss out on all the fun, duckie?" Mad Mod smiled. "Not on your life!" He slammed the nitro button once more, speeding up.

Flash ran up from behind, keeping up with the thief with ease.

They went even faster, rounding up corners and evading incoming cars and police vehicles that tried to catch up to them. Each car that tried to get between them and freedom was dodged or avoided by a hair. Mad Mod pulled on the handbrake, spinning underneath a large truck, which cost him his roof. But he was still in the game. Flash passed the cars, before jumping on top of them. With his speed, he hopped from roof to roof, keeping up with Mad Mod's antics. And all the while, the car driven by Special Agent Buttowski kept up with them like if someone was skateboarding through the park. It was madness, and the people around could only watch in amazement. It was like a movie happening before the eyes of the people and Mad Mod and Flash were the stars.

They were neck to neck, keeping up with each other as they tried to get ahead. But every time one got the upper hand, the other would cut them off with another trick. Barry sped up with his speed, vibrating his molecules to run past the street stands. Cars piled up, crashing against trash cans and anything that got in their way, leaving only Flash, Mad Mod and the special agent as the only ones left.

"Mad Mod, pull over and I promise you that the French will be the least of your worries!" Kick spoke into the car's speaker.

Mad Mod turned to Flash with a smile.

"Say, duckie, be a doll and tell the good agent that he should really rethink his deescalation techniques," Mad Mod said.

"Do I look like a messenger boy?" Barry asked.

"Well, you just need the hat and you'd be a fancy good telegraph boy," Mad Mod replied. "Though you'd be a very old boy." He slammed on the breaks before turning into a subway entrance.

Flash slid to a halt, planting his feet like a sprinter before shooting off after Mad Mod. He followed him down the subway with Agent Buttowski right behind them.

Watching the whole race from one of the rooftops, Punchline smiled a deranged smile.

"Oh this just got interesting," Punchline said. "And the boss said that there would be complications. Oh well, time to pull out one of my favorite toys." She pulled out a detonator.

The subway was partially empty but that didn't stop the three person chase from getting too crowded. But the train was coming in.

Mad Mod took a sharp turn into the tracks, as the train lights illuminated the tunnel.

"This ends here!" Flash's eyes light up with lightning.

But just as he was about to catch Mad Mod, an explosion rocked the station. The ceiling collapsed on top of the tracks just as the slippery thief went into the tunnel. Large chunks of asphalt from the street above clogged the tunnel and the station, covering everything up.

On the other side of the caved-in station, Mad Mod looked back with the rearview mirror with shock.

"What the bloody hell was that?!" Mad Mod kept on driving. "Even I'm not this lucky."

Back on the other side, Flash stopped himself just as he noticed the train coming in. He turned on his heel, springing right at it as the driver tried to stop the train before it crashed. Barry's mind went into overdrive, making everything slow down to a stand still. The subway was full of people, and the train would not stop on time, he had to get them all out before they crashed.

His molecules vibrated to the right frequency as he ran into the subway. In the blink of an eye, he passed through the door, carrying people out of the carts. Running back and forth, he got every one of the passengers out. He carried them all to safety just as the first cart smashed into the debris left by the explosion.

The people all stared and muttered in confusion as they found themselves safely on the exit of the station.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I apologise for the inconvenience but the station is closed!" Flash held his hands up, getting their attention. "Please, everyone keep your distance and wait for the authorities to show up! Man, it's been one crazy day." He said as a pair of handcuffs were put on his hand.

Flash looked up to see the agent holding him.

"You've got some explaining to do, speedy," Kick said, much to Flash's annoyance.

"Terrific."

Mad Mod returned to his hideout with his ill-gotten loot. Most master thieves would be dancing from joy after getting their desired bounty after a day of dishonest work. But there were many things in his mind that didn't quite add up and that was troubling. The plan had been met with many unexpected twists and additions, and though normally that would've been fun and dandy for him. He needed to take stock of what had happened.

First, the jewels he claimed would be stolen were stolen only to then find himself with a person that could match his car's speed with his own two feet. And as fun as it was to have a new player in the game, he didn't know where he'd come from. His usual challenge was Special Agent Kick Buttowski and even that daredevil couldn't run faster than the speed of sound.

Second, the strange explosion at the subway station. He'd used explosives and smokescreens to escape pursuers many times before. But the amount of power behind his was nothing compared to what had been used. That explosion could've killed people if the collapsing ceiling didn't do it. Thankfully, according to the news, all the passengers from the oncoming train had been saved and no one was injured. Thank small miracles if there ever are any. Whoever had made that thing wanted to cause as much chaos and damage as they could. Enough to take out a bridge or a couple of armed tanks if he were to guess.

All in sum, he had two questions he needed to ask himself and find answers to: Who was the red speedster? And, who put that bomb there and why?

The sound of a floorboard creaking slightly made his ear perk up.

Scratch that. There was now a third question to answer: Who was sneaking up behind him?

"I'd offer you a drink, but I wasn't expecting company, duckie," Mad Mod said before ducking under a flying knife.

Mad Mod swung his cane upwards, blocking another knife aimed at his face. His eyes landed on the woman that was trying to kill him.

"Good moves for a man that dresses like a parody secret agent," Punchline said.

"My dear, my wardrobe is not something you should take cracks at," Mad Mod countered as the blade of the knife dug into his cane. "Yours looks like it could do with a massive overhaul." Parrying the knife away, Mad Mod jumped back, aiming the red crystal end of his cane at Punchline.

Punchline pounced on Mad Mod with the grace of a psychiatric patient, swinging her knife at him like Jack the Ripper would've done against a lady of the night. Mod blocked the swings, circling around Punchline as she followed after him with a glint of madness in her eyes. As much as Mad Mod liked the idea of a beautiful lady pouncing on him like a wild cat in heat, he had to maintain his standards of not getting freaky with a looney. His cane met her knives every single time she swung at him. His hand was steady as he parried her attacks as he noticed a pattern.

She stabbed at his stomach, only for Mad Mod to side step her attack. Her blade cut his favorite suit jacket, but it was worth it. He grabbed his cane with both hands around her outstretched arm. In one fluid motion, he kicked her leg as he pulled on her arm, knocking her off balance. She fell on her back, losing her knife in the process, only to try to jump back to her feet with the grace of a mad dog. Yet, Mad Mod was already upon her. With the press of a button, an electric shock came from his cane, stunting Punchline.

"Enough games, lassy." Mad Mod pulled out a gun, aiming it at her. "Who are you and why are you trying to kill me?"

Punchline laughed.

"He would say you'd not appreciate it, but I just had to see if you had the stomach," Punchline continued laughing like a patient of an asylum. "You see, there's no room for weakness for what we need to do."

"Duckie, you are not making any sense," Mad Mod said.

She didn't seem to want him dead. But there was something about her madness that told Mad Mod that she was the truly mad one.

"I am an agent of Owlman, or his second-in-command if you would," Punchline purred.

"Afraid I've never heard of him, love," Mad Mod said. "I'm just a humble thief."

"And yet you wish to steal something we need." Punchline sprung to her feet like a feral cat. "We want Perpetua's Tears. And you will steal them for us."

Mad Mod raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry duckie, but I don't steal for anyone but myself. Feel free to try to steal them before me but those pretty jewels will be coming home with me otherwise," Mad Mod said, putting his foot down. If there was anything he hated was playing someone else's game. "Tell your master that I am my own man."

"Stupid little man, he knew you'd need coaxing." Punchline pulled out a detonator.

Mad Mod swatted the detonator off her hand, snatching it with his other hand.

"Were you actually planning on blowing us both up, duckie?" Mad Mod asked. "Because I could've easily just jumped out the window if I hadn't snatched it off your hands."

Punchline just giggled.

"Oh, no, that one was all used up. I used it to cause that little diversion that helped you escape." Punchline got up to her feet, before opening her jacket to reveal many, many more detonators. "But these ones are more than ready to pack some significant heat all across the city. And some of these have my signature toxin that'll leave more than a few people scarred for life. Assuming they survive the fire first."
Mad Mod's eyes widened as he stared at the many blinking red lights on Punchline's side. One wrong hit from him and he could've activated any of them. The situation had taken a turn for the worse. He counted at least twenty one detonators strapped to her jacket, each one a spot in the city, a spot filled with people, art, history and fashion. The crazy woman was all for blowing up all that and unleashing a gas attack that would turn Paris into a graveyard if he didn't steal the jewels for her master. A more heinous sin he could not imagine.

"Alright, duckie, I see you've left me with little choice on the matter," Mad Mod sighed. "I shall steal Perpetua's Tears for your boss."

"Good of you to see the light," Punchline said, grabbing Mad Mod's bag of loot. "Smile a little more, darling, this is the beginning of a very fun once-in-a-lifetime chance for you."

Mad Mod forced a smile on his lips. Any thief worth their salt that had his fashion sense loved the thrill as much as the next fella. But he had to draw the line somewhere and terrorism was his. Thankfully, the crazy she-wench didn't know about the speedy lad he'd just met or agent Buttowski, who should be interrogating the lad as of that moment.

Barry had sat in many interrogations, and had delivered some valuable evidence to the officers that had put many criminals behind bars. He just never assumed he would find himself sitting on the other side of the mirror. Much less in another city with a big guy glaring at him like he'd stolen his lunch.

"Alright bud, start talking. Who are you? Where did you come from?" Special Agent Buttowski asked. "All the cameras and eye witnesses claim that you moved at lightning speeds, yet you couldn't get to Mad Mod aside from chatting. I don't like that."

"Okay, okay, you got me, I secretly work with him to put on a show and make a killer on Youtube," Barry rolled his eyes.

"Sarcasm and jokes aren't appreciated, pal." Buttowski got in Barry's face. "Answer the questions."

Barry leveled his options. For one, the truth would've sounded like he was making it up and he'd get locked up. Something about aliens and space races didn't seem to go smoothly in certain conversations. And on the other hand, he needed to learn more about Mad Mod and why he was causing so much chaos. He had a sneaky suspicion that Owlman wanted something from the guy.

"Okay, I can't tell you everything, but I will keep it simple and you gotta believe me that all I'm saying is true," Barry said.

"We'll see about that." Kick crossed his arms.

"I'm a superhero from another dimension chasing a supervillain and I think she wants your bad guy for some nefarious purpose," Barry explained, plain and simple.

"Okay, I sort of believe half of that," Kick sighed after blinking a little. "Super speed and all that. Who is this villain you're chasing?"

"Her name is Punchline and she's dangerous," Barry replied. "As for why, I don't know. Mad Mod is an enigma to me. All I know is that he looks straight out of an Austine Powers movie or the sixties."

"Not that far off, at least in your comparison." Kick said as the door opened up as a blond guy walked in with a file. "Thanks Gunther."

"No problem, bud," Gunther replied with a salute. "Everything we got on Mad Mod and his capers is in the file. And I took the liberty to look into the explosion, not his usual work. That stuff was scary, dangerous and unstable."

"I take it that Mad Mod isn't so mad as Punchline is?" Barry asked before Kick opened the file.

"Mad Mod is more about the show and stealing priceless artifacts all over the world," Kick explained as Barry looked at the file. "He's every so much the con artist as he is the kind of trickster that can pull out some insane tricks up his sleeve."

Barry saw the pictures of Mad Mod stealing paintings, golden trophies, jewels and bags of money before fleeing the scene on either his Mini or a scooter that had rockets attached to the back of it. The reports spoke the same story as the pictures. Mad Mod revealed he was going to steal something and then he stole it through some outlandish method that buggled the authorities. Sometimes he dressed as a guard before replacing the item with a fake that later on revealed his likeness, other times he'd use a fancy parade or gadgets to get the job done, and sometimes he would just up and snatch the loot as everyone else wasn't looking. All in all, the man seemed to love what he did and had fun doing it.

"What's his story?" Flash asked. "Someone like this doesn't just come out of nowhere and starts pulling off heists like these. He must've started somewhere."

"That's the thing, the stories of Mod's backstory are diverse and multiple," Kick said. "Some say that he was a spy in the sixties that turned rogue, traveling to the future on a whim."

"Others say that he used to be a poor kid from the slums of England that became a drug dealer passing for a fashion designer before he became a thief. And others say that he was a regular man that thinks he is a 60s sex symbol," Gunther added. "All we know is that the man is English and he is a master thief."

Barry went back to the file and all the information that was in it. The story was strange and full of holes, almost like it was a multiple choice exam and every answer sounded like the right one. The bottom line that he could make out was that the man seemed like one of those classic literature characters that just popped out of nowhere. In the end, he imagined what could possibly be the story behind Mad Mod's origin story. Putting some of the aliases and the bits of information from the file and what he'd learned about the man to create an odyssey that brought him from his humble beginnings to whatever Owlman needed to wipe out all of creation.

Neil Richards, one of Mad Mod's many aliases, was once a young boy from the slums of some part of England, possibly London. A cocky kid that grew up at the bottom of society that was enamored by the fancies of the world. Like many of the other snipes, he learned the rules of his trade like a fish learned to swim.

He ran out of the dark alleys at night, when the lights were dim and the people were returning home after a long day's work. No one saw or even noticed him as he approached them. Couples were often the best, especially if it was the common pairing of an older fancy man and a much younger lady looking for a sugar daddy. He slowly walked down the street, passing around them as he looked around at the lights. The best way to keep others from guessing your intentions was to look away and hide your eyes from their own gazes.

But just as they thought he wasn't looking at them, his fingers did their thing. As soon as he passed by them, Neil's hands snuck into the woman's purse, pulling out some jewels before twirling on his heel and snatching the wallet from the older man's back pocket. Neil didn't waste any time, and hid back into one of the alleys to collect what he had gathered. Pound notes and jewels illuminated his eyes as he smiled at his gained goods.

"Not bad for a night's work," Neil said, stuffing his own pockets.

Yes, life was good for Neil. He'd easily made more money that night than most people. But the thrill was more his calling. The fun that came from the steal that got him going. Yet, there was one thing that Neil had that the others of his lot didn't. And that was a secret.

As he walked out of the alley to get himself something to eat with his money. But something caught his eyes: Bright colors. Neil stared in awe at the lights that engulfed him like rain did the city. Before him stood a large screen that played a muted new fashion design ad based on the 60s fashion sense. They strutted up and down like a dance of life and freedom. The bright colors of the era were back in full swing and, though many didn't know it, it was what changed the life of a single man.

Neil smiled brightly as he got an idea.

"Alright duckies, time to get my groove on," Neil said and Mad Mod was born.

Neil spent every penny from his stolen loot learning about fashion, and delving deep into the culture of the 60s.

He toiled, designed, sowed and put his fingers through every inch of fabric to make his clothes.

"There we go, duckie, now you've got it," Neil said as the model straightened his suit.

"Oh, I like the flower pin on the pocket, Neil. I feel like I'm about to go into a spy film," the model said. "The color really stands out for adventure."

"You want a surprise? Take a step back and spin around," Neil suggested.

The model stepped back, still looking at himself in the mirror all the time. He spun around, causing the light to hit the suit in just the right way to change color, going from a bright orange to a stream blue with red.

"My god, how did you do that?" The model asked.

"I took the liberty to imbue the fabric with some light reflecting strands. They take the same flash of light and when it turns, you get a different color," Neil explained, lightly twisting the model's arm. "A few more of these and you could say you've got yourself a double suit for the price of one."

"Now that's the stuff, Mod," the model said. "My girlfriend's been looking for a new skirt. You got anything like that?"

Neil tapped his chin before pulling in a hanger with lots of clothes hanging on them.

"Depends, how does she look in blue?" Neil asked.

Suffice to say that Neil aka Mod became an overnight sensation. Magazines appeared with his clothes on them. The dresses, suits and fashion that he brought to the market took everyone by storm. But all the time he remained an enigma to all the journalists that wanted to know where he'd come from.

A rags to riches story if there ever was one.

But like any one of those stories, Neil Richardson found out that the world wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Because when one gets their hands on everything, they tend to miss out on one thing.

"I am so bloody bored," Neil sighed. "Just turned thirty and I have nothing more to do. Why must I be burdened with such greatness? Woe is me, my lovelies." He turned on the TV.

Neil "Mod" Richards flipped through the channels mindlessly. After everything he'd achieved, he just couldn't find any fun that could've lit up his spirits. His awards and certificates were nothing more than empty mementos for baser vanity that no longer shined. They meant nothing. It was the curse of great success. There seemed nothing that could make him feel like he was going anywhere.

However, his eyes caught on to a heist movie. Figuring that he didn't have anything else to do, he watched it. Remembering his old days as a thief, when he had to constantly look over his shoulder and find a way to survive. Those were the days.

An idea sprung in his head, switching his attention to the newspaper and the new diamond exhibit at the museum. The spark came back.

Neil set out for the museum. His plan was simple: go in, scout the location, see what the security was like and then make a plan to steal-

"Oh my gosh, it's Mod!"

Neil's step abruptly stopped as his eyes landed upon the many fans of his work. Cursing his luck and his charming good looks, he turned around and got away from the approaching mob. If he wanted to get anywhere, he had to approach things from a different angle. Taking a quick turn into one of the back alleys, he set out to fashion a disguise for himself.

He snatched a scarf from a window sill, turned his jacket inside out, took off his glasses, grabbed an old cap and some mud for his face and set out to work. Smearing some of the mud on his face, he gave himself a five o'clock shadow before putting on the cap on his head. He emerged from the alley and away from his adoring fans looking like a normal man that had no relation to the man he really was.

"Not bad, still got it, duckie," Neil laughed.

He couldn't hide his smile, that close call reminded him too much of his old days.

With a skip in his step, he made his way to the museum where he passed as just another bloke going in to see the exhibit. Held together by a golden chain, twenty small diamonds and one large rock glistened in the lights like mini disco balls preparing to dance the night away. Neil remembered those lights all too well. And as soon as his eyes landed on the beautiful necklace behind the glass case, he couldn't help himself. His mind shot into overdrive planning out on ways he could steal the necklace.

His hands reached out to touch the glass for a second, only for a bigger man to step before him.

"I'm sorry sir, but I'm gonna have to ask you not to touch the glass," the security guard asked.

"My deepest apologies, my good man. I was just enamored by the glistening sparkles the little thing gave up," Neil said.

"Understandable sir, but I'm afraid this will be the last time it'll be shown here," the guard revealed.

"It's going into auction?" Neil asked. "Now that's a shame. When will it happen?"

"It'll be in a week, sir. You could always bid for it," the guard joked.

"Why bid when I could steal it?" Neil replied in a joking tone himself, which got a good laugh from the guard.

"Well, if it were that easy they wouldn't have given me the job, mate." The guard went back to his post, not knowing that Neil was already cooking something up.

The night of the auction had come and everyone dressed to impress. Fancy cars and well dressed men and women walked down the red carpet before they sat down to get the auction on the way. It was a sight straight out of a movie, though there weren't many paparazzi as some would think. Too bad. Many would miss what was about to happen.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, let us begin the auction with lot 101, the Necklace of Cleopatra," the auctioneer said, holding his hammer. "This piece has been evaluated to be pure gold mined thousands of years ago in Egypt, fitted with African diamonds at the height of Cleopatra's rule and gifted to her before she was banished by her brother at the start of the Egyptian civil War. The starting price begins at-"
Suddenly, the fire alarms went off inside the room. Everyone present looked around with fear in their eyes, panic creeping into their hearts as the lights began to flicker.

"Everyone, remain calm and please go to the exit," the auctioneer instructed. "The auction will start again once this is all cleared up."

Everyone walked towards the doors, only for them to burst open with a big smoky explosion. Colorful smoke filled the room as a figure strutted in with a cane and a gas mask in hand.

"Apologies, ladies and gents, someone but a bit of a smoke and it burnt a few things," the man in the gas mask said. "Now, please follow me and exit without any fuss." He snatched the keys from the auctioneer's pocket, opening the case containing the necklace before taking it for himself.

"Wait, who are you?!" The auctioneer coughed, trying to stop him.

The man took off his mask, revealing himself to the man.

"The name is Mod, duckie, Mad Mod. And you've just been had." Mad Mod took off into the crowd, mixing in with the rest of the people.

"Stop him! He just stole the necklace!"

Mad Mod spotted the guards rushing towards him. And he couldn't have been more welcoming of the challenge. He ducked under one of the guards, tripping him with his cane before pulling out a small cone from his pocket. Aiming it at the second guard's face, the cone shot out straps of cloth that wrapped around the man's face, blinding him.

"Don't worry, the colors should match your eyes!" Mad Mod ran ahead as two more guards stood between him and the exit.

"Freeze!" They pulled out their guns, aiming them at him.

Mad Mod wasn't phased by the deadly weapons. Pressing a button on the side of his cane, he lifted it up, flashing the two guards blind. Their eyes stung like someone had squirted lemon on them. Mad Mod swung his cane at their legs, tripping them before handcuffing their legs together.

Mad Mod jumped out of the auction, being met with police officers and special forces aiming at him with their rifles. Any normal thief would've been scared at being cornered. But not him. Mod looked at the officers, leaning on his cane nonchalantly.

"Evening duckies, what brings you here?" Mad Mod asked.

"Hands in the air or we will fire!"

"Very well, you shall remember this day as the day you almost caught Mad Mod," he raised his arms, holding his cane before slamming it back down on the floor.

A large cloud of red, white and blue smoke enveloped the entrance and Mad Mod with it. The officers rushed in to catch him, they circled around the smoke, keeping him pinned. They delved into the smoke, their fingers at the ready to take action. They searched up and down for any signs of the dapper thief but they couldn't make heads nor tails of where he'd gone. The smoke dispersed around them, but there were no signs of the man.

All they found at their feet was a greeting card.

'Greetings, this is the first night of my new career, it was a blast!'

'Mad Mod, master thief, dancing master and fashion icon.'

And true to his card's word, Mad Mod became an international thief and man of mystery. He became a career criminal and not a single day had gone by that he had not felt like it was the best decision of his life.

"I can see why you'd have your hands full with him," Barry said. "But there must be a reason he's in Punchline's sights. Does he announce what he'll be stealing?"

"In fancy invitations," Kick replied. "His latest mark is a pair of identical diamonds called Perpetua's Tears."

"Perpetua's Tears? What are those?" Barry asked.

"They are two tear shaped diamonds that were discovered in the arctic after a meteor shower took place almost a hundred years ago. But they were discovered just as they are today. Perfect mint condition. And that's not even the weirdest part," Gunther said, pulling up the. "The rocks that were discovered were analyzed by a team of experts seemed to carry a virus. Many members of the expedition fell sick, plagued with hallucinations and wild bursts of madness. Stories about monsters, giant beasts, men with wings and hawk masks, multi-colored beings fighting in space, an embodiment of god's wrath and a living storm of energy running through many worlds. Crazy stuff."

Not so crazy to Barry. The last one sounded exactly like what the Speed Force was supposed to be and what it felt. Could those rocks have brought some glimpses of the multiverse with them and the men were experiencing them through episodes of madness, like epileptic spasms? The answer looked to be a hard yes.

"And what about the diamonds? Were they found inside one of these asteroids?" Barry asked.

"After driving most of the expedition mad, one of the men managed to break one of the rocks open. Inside were the diamonds," Gunther retailed. "According to the man, who spent two weeks in a coma, when he gazed into the diamonds it was like seeing the entire universe from the outside. His dreams played strange worlds, with events and people he'd never seen or could even imagine, but a name kept coming back to him. Perpetua. Thus the diamonds were named after her."

Barry couldn't help but think of all the ideas that had been presented to him. Somehow these men had gotten glimpses and flashes of the multiverse and all through the name of a woman they'd never heard of. The infinite possibilities lined up before him, trying to get into the idea of what had happened. Perpetua seemed to be at the center of the visions. Coincidences were not something Barry believed in often, but to see and describe things that resembled his own experiences and have the same name repeated over and over in one's mind was too much of a pattern for him to avoid. Could there be such a thing as items connected to the multiverse landing in the middle of any one realm? He needed to make a call.

"If you'll excuse me gentlemen, I need to step out," Barry said, vibrating his molecules fast enough to remove the handcuffs.

Kick and Gunther had little time to speak before Barry ran out the room, leaving them gawking at the empty room.

"If he needed to use the bathroom, he could've just said so," Gunther said.

Barry found himself at the top of the Eiffel Tower after ransacking any and all bistros that were on his way before he finished his energy drink.

"That sure hits the spot," Barry said, inwardly cursing his super fast metabolism. "Shade, you there?"

'Where else am I going to be, Flash?' Shade replied through the communicator. 'Have you found something?'

"I think I have, have you ever heard the name Perpetua?" Barry asked.

'Perpetua? I'm afraid I haven't,' Shade said. 'Cain, have you?'

'Regrettably so,' Cain spoke without his usual sinister joy. 'Perpetua was once rumored to be one of the oldest dreamers. The one that started dreaming of an eternal world. A world of endless possibilities. According to some legends, she was so powerful that she could create worlds just like a god could. Some even say that she was the first one to travel to the Great Library. Until one day, she vanished.'

"What happened to her?" Barry asked.

'No one knows. The only person that could know something would be my master, but I dare not face him with our latest blunder,' Cain admitted. 'But I do know that she left remnants of her power scattered throughout all the realms. Items that could reach beyond every veil in existence.'

'Have you found something of hers?' Shade asked.

"Mad Mod set out to steal a pair of diamonds called Perpetua's Tears, and according to the story of how they were found, it feels like a gateway into the multiverse on steroids," Barry explained.

'A relic from one of the first gods that traveled through the Great Library and one of the most chaotic members of Owlman's team being sent to retrieve them, that cannot be a coincidence,' Shade said. 'Flash, go and get the diamonds before either Mad Mod or Punchline gets their hands on them.'

"On it," Barry ran.

Perpetua's Tears laid inside a glass box being guarded by ten armed guards. The two rear-shaped diamonds glistened with the brightness of stars, giving off a hypnotic draw to any that stared too long into them. It was both sad as well as enlightening for anyone that gazed upon them. The value of the precious stones was often forgotten or not even addressed due to their strangeness, and were often seen more as a scientific intrigue than a monetary boon. But to many that was a blank check they could cash out at any time.

Mod and Punchline watched everything through one of his hidden spy cameras.

"There they are," Mad Mod said. "Perpetua's Tears."

"All the secrets of the multiverse and they haven't a clue," Punchline breathed down his neck. "Imagine what some would give to actually know what's beyond only to find out that their world is meaningless. What a joke."

Mad Mod could only imagine how fun this woman was at parties. His eyes briefly drifted to the detonators she held tightly to her chest. It was tempting to get them off of her without going through all the hazzel of stealing for someone else. But one word with her told him that she wasn't the kind to leave anything to chance. He had to get rid of her and the detonators before she took the whole city with her. And the best way was to get the tears and use them as leverage.

"So, what's the plan, Mr. Thief?" Punchline asked.

"The glass is bulletproof with pressure sensors that lock everything down if the key isn't used. And if someone thinks of breaking the mirror, the special forces and authorities are brought in with a response time of five minutes given traffic at this time." Mad Mod explained. "That key is inside a locked box that only the museum director has access to. The only time it isn't under so many locks and keys is when they have to do maintenance on the system. That gives us a 30 minute window to go in, unlock the glass and snatch the diamonds. But to get to them, we need to get to the room, which means going through the corridor with a separate security system that isn't linked to the system. This little stretch is filled with knockout gas, lasers and electric panels that cannot be spotted without the security blueprints. Also, there's the chance of running into a few mates of mine if they plan on stopping me ahead of schedule. Anything you'd like to add here or do you plan on being glued to me every second of this caper?"

Punchline smiled, pulling out a knife from her pocket.

"I am more than happy to see you do the heavy lifting, Mr. Thief." Punchline fixed her nails with her knife. "My job is to get the tears and then see the look on your face when you're done."

Lovely.
"In that case, I suppose you won't mind following my lead, duckie?" Mad Mod asked, getting the knife pressed against his neck.

"Call me duckie again, and I will give you a permanent smile," Punchline threatened, pressing the knife to his throat.

"Crystal then," Mad Mod replied, snatching her phone and sending a text without her realizing it. "Shall we start then?"

"After you," Punchline whispered with her most sadistic smile spreading her lips.

Mad Mod and Punchline approached the fuse box on the outside of the museum. Opening the fuse box with a twist of his wrist, Mad Mod opened up the fuse box before pulling out a bottle of perfume. A couple of sprays and the cables started to smoke and fall apart, bringing the sound of alarms going off.

They hid behind the door as the maintenance workers exited the building. Once the team of three came out, Mod snatched one of their cards before sneaking back inside. They ran quietly to the corridor they needed to cross to get their hands on Perpetua's Tears. Mod made sure to take note at how quietly his dangerously armed partner followed him with those heels she wore. It reminded him of a cat, though unlike the tiny furry creatures, she did so not out of instinct honed after many generations but out of sheer knowledge that she could take a life at any moment.

They reached a corner before hearing footsteps approaching, and although Mad Mod was about to stop and let them pass, Punchline was about to pounce on them and gut them. Her knife was poised high over her head and ready to strike at the poor worker unaware of their possible fate. Mad Mod caught her arm by the wrist, pulling her back with the worker not the wiser.

"What are you doing?" Mad Mod snarled.

"What? They'll die eventually, besides, less eyes on us the better," Punchline shrugged.

Mad Mod needed no more words to confirm what was a cold hard fact in his mind. The woman before him was utterly insane and would've made Jack the Ripper scream for the police. And if she was the second in command, then he really didn't want to meet the famous Owlman she worked for.

"But I don't kill unless it is absolutely necessary," Mad Mod stated. "A trail of bodies will do us no favors. Now, follow me or we'll miss our window."

They continued walking silently until they arrived at the corridor standing between them and their prize. It looked no different from any other corridor that connected two rooms together. But Mad Mod's sharp eyes noticed everything he needed to know that there were lots of traps waiting for him and anyone that had no idea of what they were getting into. From inside his suit, he pulled out a collapsible top hat.

"A bit old fashioned, but this will do nicely." Mad Mod flung the hat with the precision of a master marksman.

The top hat spun in the air across the corridor, triggering the defenses like a pigeon flying through radars. The walls opened up, shooting lasers at the hat, some hitting and others missing their beat. The hat fell down, getting zapped with each plate it landed on before being shot back up. After a single minute, the hat looked like it had been shot out of a burning house after being used as a target at a shooting range. A sight most thieves would feel a great dread to face. But not Mad Mod.

"It's showtime." Mad Mod covered his mouth and nose with his scarf.

"You plan on crossing like that? And here I thought I was the crazy one," Punchline said, watching closely for whatever trick the English thief was about to pull off. "Just know that if you fail, I go on to detonate everything and everyone else off."

"I see college education is really paying off with you, love." Mad Mod lifted his arm, aiming his wrist watch at the other end of the corridor. "Now this is where the fun begins." He fired a line from his watch before getting pulled into the corridor.

Mad Mod flew through the corridor with a smile behind his scarf. His ears perked up at the noise of the shots being fired at him. His next few moves had to be timed just right. The shots came towards him like bullets to a target, but Mad Mod called upon something no one could've expected: his dancing prowess. His body twisted and turned in mid-air, narrowly dodging the shots as they passed over his body harmlessly. He twirled and spun, kicking the walls to keep himself off the electrocuted plates as he approached the end of the corridor. But then the shot came in, cutting the cord of the watch. Mad Mod hovered in the air as time seemed to slow down around him. Shots from both sides came for him. One of those would've taken him out.

But then he stabbed his cane on the ground pushing him forward. Mad Mod spun in the air before landing on his feet. The grates above him opened up, unleashing knockout gas on him. With a deep breath beforehand, Mod tossed a pair of sticky red pellets, sealing the grates. He quickly turned around, pressing the card on the door, disabling the alarms and the security system.

"And that's how we do it in London." Mad Mod picked up the hat from the floor, posing on top of his cane before tipping his hat.

"Oh, you survived, good for you," Punchline said as they reached the door. "Now, open this thing and we'll get on with the show."

Mad Mod was very tempted to reactivate the security measures and have her get the comeuppance she deserved. But that would ruin the surprise. Instead, he opened up the door to the room where their prize was.

Right in the middle of the room stood their prized treasure, Perpetua's Tears.

Punchline's eyes lit up with madness and malice as she approached the wonderful glass case. She didn't need to gaze into them to know what they would show her. Nothing mattered, and everything was a joke through the eyes of a god. Oh how she wished she could've shown this to that red-headed bitch Kim Possible.

"Not bad, Moody, my boss will be very happy," Punchline said. "Your application has been accepted and passed with flying colors." She grabbed the case.

"Hands off the display case."

A gun was pressed against her head.

The lights turned on, revealing Special Agent Buttowski and several agents aiming their guns at Punchline and Mad Mod.

"Ah, Special Agent, what a coincidence to see you here, duckie," Mad Mod said, not phased by the armed guards.

"You should stick to being a one man show, Mod. This new partner of yours is very messy," Kick said. "Hands in the air, sweetheart. You're both under arrest."

Punchline laughed. A tired laugh that seemed to echo from the depths of her dark and twisted mind. She pulled out her detonators, making everyone aim their guns at her.

"Oh, what a way to go out then," Punchline said. "Let's see what's faster, a bullet or a finger that can unleash chaos and death throughout the city."
A gust of wind filled the room as Flash arrived with lightning speed. He snatched all the detonators out of Punchline's hands and jacket.

"Sorry, I'm late, I had to find every single bomb in the city." Barry handed the detonators to one of the officers. "I made sure to call your guys and the bomb squad to take them all out of commission. You've failed, Punchline."

Punchline narrowed her eyes at the speedster. But she wasn't done.

"That's the problem with you hero wannabes. You always think we're over and done with one trick or two," Punchline said. "But the world is ending, so why not dance and watch it burn?!"

Mad Mod had a bad feeling about her words. His eyes spotted something in her mouth.

Punchline spat out a spare detonator from her mouth, pressing the button.

The ceiling of the room and the building erupted in flames as her toxin shot out into the air.

"Let's see what you can do, survive the burning building, or watch the city choke on its own blood!" Punchline said.

"Now that's just cheating, love!" Mad Mod said, watching the ceiling become engulfed in flames. "The girl is bloody mental."

"Kick, take them in, I'll deal with the toxin!" Barry ran at top speed.

Barry didn't waste any time. He ran out of the building to stop the spread of the toxin. As soon as he was outside, his eyes spotted a large cloud of purple gas. The memory of what the toxin had done to him fueled him into action.

He ran in circles around the building, creating a strong air current. Carrying that wind with him, he climbed up. The speed and power he carried with him created a vortex around the deadly gasses. The power of the Speed Force-powered vortex encased the toxins inside, pulling them up into the sky and away from the people of Paris.

Barry knew that he had to get the job done quickly. He was running so fast and from a safe enough distance that he wasn't affected by the toxin itself. But he didn't want to leave Kink and his agents with such a dangerous lunatic like Punchline.

"Almost done!" Barry said.

Back inside the room, Punchline wasted no time, kicking Kick away before throwing three knives at the guards, killing them. She pounced on them like a nightmare straight out of Whitechapel, brandishing knives in her hands like a maniacal Edward Scissorhands. With the speed of a cat, she dodged their gunfire before she sliced their hands and stomachs. Her blades drank deeply of the blood of the agents.

She jumped on top of one, cutting his neck with her knife before jumping back and kicking another officer in the face. All the time, she had a deranged smile on her face as the bullets flew past her, scratching her face and body. This was a game to her and she would see it end in her favor. Even as the ceiling collapsed around them, she would see this end her way.

Kick headbutted her away from the other agents with his helmet. Narrowing his eyes, he and Punchline started duking it out. Her knife cuts were fast, cutting into his trench coat and suit but he quickly learned her pattern. Ducking under her swings, he landed a kick to her stomach before punching her in the face.

"You hit me," Punchline bled from her nose. "Didn't think the law would hurt a lady."

"If you'd met my girl, you'd know that you ain't no lady." Kick narrowed his eyes, keeping his hands up.

Mad Mod turned his sights to the diamonds. Even if he was in this mess, he wasn't going to leave empty handed.

As uncouth as he thought it was, he swung his cane at the glass case, breaking it. His eyes gazed upon Perpatua's Tears. His mind flashed with different places and events taking place across realms beyond his own. He watched empires rise and fall, and great deeds being done and treasured treasures being found and stolen. Weaker minds would've been wrecked by the sight, but Mod shook his head before grabbing the diamonds. It paid to be considered insane or mad.

"Man, what a rush. Lovely jubbly indeed. I can see why so many want these puppies," Mad Mod said before noticing Kick and Punchline fighting one another. "Oh how much I will feel dirty for doing this." Mad Mod swung his cane at Kick, hitting him.

Kick held his ground as Punchline and Mad Mod attacked him. Holding his arms up, he blocked the swings of the cane while narrowly avoiding Punchline's swings. It was not his first two versus one, but it was the first time Mod actually tried to get in on the fight. He caught the cane, using it to hit Punchline in the face. Using the advantage, he grabbed Punchline's wrist, twisting it before swinging her at Mad Mod.

"Stand down, Mod!" Kick demanded. "You've never killed before, but your partner is going down. Better leave while the getting is good."

"I'd love to, duckie, but this daft bird doesn't want to leave my side," Mad Mod said.

"Too bad the toxins are about to take us all down!" Punchline said, expecting her toxin to come down and kill all her enemies as she tossed a knife at Kick's

"Yeah, about that!" Barry rushed in, taking all of Punchline's knives away from her. "The building is empty, time to get this over with." He dropped the knives down.

Punchline smirked. Even with all the chaos happening around her, she didn't seem to be phased by any of it.

"You fools are so behind that you aren't even funny," Punchline giggled with a mad look in her eyes.

Barry and Kick didn't have time to understand her words. The ceiling above Mad Mod and Punchline came down towards them. Mad Mod tried to move but Punchline caught his arm, keeping him in place.

Barry rushed after them, trying to get them out of there. He reached out only for a portal to open under Mad Mod and Punchline's feet. The speedster registered everything with his enhanced processing speed. They fell inside as Punchline smiled at him. She had planned for that escape. He hadn't been fast enough to stop her. Narrowing his eyes, he turned back to Kick, getting him out of the collapsing room.

In the blink of an eye, Barry and Kick stood outside, watching the destroyed building collapsing.

"What just happened?" Kick asked.

"They got away, with the tears too I think," Barry sighed. "My bosses won't like this. Why did Mad Mod help her anyway?"

"He didn't," Kick replied. "If I know Mod, he's playing something else. That woman put all of Paris on the line. Mod is many things, but a terrorist isn't one."
"Let's hope that was it then," Barry said, "At least we have a way to find him." He pulled out Mad Mod's business card.

Mad Mod fell down on his ass.

"Bloody hell, what was all that?" Mad Mod looked around, wondering where he'd been dropped off.

"I believe you've succeeded, haven't you?"

Mad Mod turned around to see Punchline standing right next to a man wearing an owl mask.

"If he knows what's good for him, he'll give it to you, baby," Punchline smiled with malice.

Mad Mod knew who the man was.

"I assume you're the Owlman bloke she's been going on about?" Mad Mod asked.

"You'd assume correctly," Owlman said. "Now, Perpetua's Tears, if you would."

Mad Mod sighed, pulling out the diamonds.

"I don't suppose you plan on telling me what all this was about, sir?" Mad Mod asked as Owlman took the diamonds.

"To make the only real choice," Owlman looked at the tears with a sinister smile on his masked face.

Chapter Text

The multiverse is more than just a prism…

It is ever expanding and ever growing…

A place where one choice, one fork on the road can lead to many opportunities…

But every spark of brilliance there is a spark of madness…

These are the stories of both…

In the House of Mystery, the news of Punchline's actions shook the inhabitants. But not everything was lost.

"So, what do we do?" Barry asked.

"Owlman getting Perpetua's Tears is giving him another step into finding Prime Earth," Cain sighed deeply. "The mission is clear then. Find Perpetua's relics and find their target before they do."

"Sounds like a good idea, but where can we even begin to start looking?" Green Arrow asked.

"All mystical and magic items are connected in some way," Bruce stepped up. "Perpetua wouldn't have allowed her items to scatter without a way to track them down. They often have a connection with their creator and a relation to what she was in life. What do we know about her legend?"

"She was said to have become one with the multiverse and all its aspects," Cain replied. "Which means, we need worlds and heroes that can stand to have that kind of connection."

"I know about space," M'Gann said. "Kinda comes with the territory."
"And heroes and multiverse are my part-time job," Static added. "My tech can tap into information of the mapped multiverse. Philis never cheapens when it comes to seeing everything coming our way."

"Did the legend have anything else to add to what we can look for?" Bruce asked.
"A few items and aspects were mentioned, but little is known about them." Cain frowned in thought before he thought of something. "But there is something that can give us a hint." He summoned another item from his collection, the Music Box of the Miraculous.

"I see that you've added a variant of the Miraculous to your collection, Cain," Shade pointed out.

"What's that thing?" Raven asked.

"Looks like a fancy box for jewels," Harley hopped in. "Oh, do you have any earrings that go with my eyes? Dom has been looking for something to give me for my B-Day and she isn't really good with anything that isn't violence." Harley tried to open the box, only for Cain to slap hand away.

"These are no normal jewels, Ms. Quinn," Cain said. "This comes from the universe Owlman came from. The jewels were created by capturing the celestial manifestations of different concepts into these forged jewels. And Owlman's Miraculous is represented by the Owl with the power of foresight."

"So, he has a cheap cheat code to see everything?" Virgil asked. "No biggie, I've beaten guys like that before."

"His power allows him to see everything that can and will happen," Cain delved in. "Giving him a step by step tutorial to find what he needs to get to his desired goal."

"Like Static said, 'cheap cheat code'." M'Gann crossed her arms. "But how does this help us?"

"By getting an inside look into the cosmos that created them, we can pinpoint another piece with similar powers," Cain smirked just like the Grinch.

"Or something that resembles Perpetua's essence or that of her relics." Shade snapped his fingers. "Static, Ms. Martian, we're going to connect you to the Miraculous and find the next piece."

"...It won't fry our brains will it?" Virgil asked.

"Where would the fun be otherwise," Cain replied.

"Sometimes, I can't tell if we're more like playthings than teammates to him," Sideways whispered, fearful of what might happen.

"And for that, you're helping too, Sideways," Cain said.

Sideways cursed his big mouth and the old nightmare's rabbit-like hearing. Dropping his head, he joined Virgil and M'Gann for the experiment. Cain handed him the Miracle Box and he could sense the power inside the box yet everything was sleeping inside the wooden frame, it felt like he was holding a small still universe.

"So, what now?" Sideways asked.

"Remember how you found Dr. Destiny that one time? Do the same, but this time you'll be aided by Ms. Martian and Static to map out where we need to find Perpetua's relics and allies we can gather." Cain explained before pointing to the Miracle Box. "The box will be used as a beacon to trace them and pinpoint their location like a sonar device that bats use."

"Okay, sounds simple enough, but last time it was too weird to focus," Sideways mentioned. "What if Owlman has something to block me or?" M'Gann placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You won't be doing this alone. I'll be with you every step of the way. Whatever he told you back then, you need to make your own," M'Gann said. "These are your powers not his. And you get to decide how they are used."

"Plus, won't it be fun to see the look on knock-off Harvey Birdman's face when he sees what you learned be used against him?" Creeper added, giving him a toothy grin.

Sideways looked at all his new allies, reminding himself that a lot was riding on him. Derek's time with Owlman and the others was tense at best, the way he always looked over his shoulder with them had given him more than a few gray hairs. And to think they were able to play them was even scarier. But now, they had real allies and people that wanted to stop Owlman's madness. He had to come through for them.

"Ready when you are," Sideways said to M'Gann as she pressed her hands on both sides of his head.

"Alright, clear your mind and let me in." M'Gann's eyes glowed a bright green as Sideways felt himself drifting into a deep slumber.

It was like falling back, breaking through the floor so gently that it was moving out of his way to make him dive down. He felt something beating next to him. It started like a heart with a strange rhythm to it. Like a melody that had a missing piece, lacked an instrument or was too bright to actually keep it stable. He opened his eyes slowly, seeing the Miracle Box before him glowing. Reaching out to it, he felt the powers and all the concepts that come from within like a warm flame, parts of humanity itself washed over him as he stood upright with his senses taking in everything around him.

The void around him was transformed into a star-filled space with lots of different worlds poking out at him through portals like the ones he could create. The rifts stood out with different colors and altering images from heroes, monsters and memories. Derek watched in awe as he made his way through the sea of stars and constantly shifting realities. His mind was so enamored by what the flashing lights and colors were showing him that he'd forgotten everything else. It was like swimming in a prism of constantly changing possibilities and he could see it all. But then, a hand grabbed him, pulling him back.

"I'm sorry, but we need to keep focused on the task ahead," M'Gann said telepathically.

"S-Sorry, this box feels like it's pulling me one way and then another. Kinda like those fish women from the old story. Whoa, you're in my mind?" Derek asked. "Don't know if that's good or kinda trippy."

"It's an acquired taste," M'Gann shrugged. "Now, we gotta focus on what you need to find. Focus on Perpetua's relics. Focus, Derek. I got you." She gave him a reassuring smile.

Derek nodded back. His mind focused on Perpetua and her relics. He focused on the power that they held and how they were connected to the universe as a whole like the box filled with the Miraculous. Holding on to the Miracle Box in one hand, his powers flowed into it, sending a flash of light throughout the sea of stars. The beam of projected energy circled, turned and illuminated the darkness. It struck many realms and stars that spread far into the horizon before them.

Little by little, one by one, some of those stars lit up, flowing with different colors. Eight stars glowed out, revealing a connection to the box and to Perpatua.

"I got them," Derek said.

"Keep holding on to them," M'Gann said. "Virgil, are you seeing this?" She sent a psychic image to her friend and teammate.

Back in the real world, Virgil worked inputting the information into his tech. His fingers worked lightning fast, adding the coordinates of the eight other realms they needed to go to. Soon enough, he got them all.

"Just got the last one, M'Gann," Virgil said. "Man, I wish I could get my test answers that fast for a change."
M'Gann and Sideways drifted back to the world of the living, with the rift-creating hero almost falling on his face.

"Man, that was a lot smoother than the last time," Sideways said as Cain grabbed the box from his hands.

"And it was more fruitful than the last time as well, young Sideways," Cain confirmed.

The two hero teams watched in awe at the eight locations Sideways had fished out. They were all home to the relics left by Perpetua and their gateway to Prime Earth.

"Wow, so where do we start?" Creeper asked. "I wanna stretch my legs!"

"We don't have the luxury of waiting," Shade said. "We need to move fast and get the pieces before Owlman and his cohorts learn of this. Static, Ms. Martian, go to the first realm. I'll contact Jinx to go to the second, and Raven will accompany me to the third realm."
"Oh, oh, oh! Dibs on the next one!" Harley jumped up and down like a happy camper.

"Can I go with her? Please, please, please!" Creeper begged.

"Very well, that's four. Now, move quickly!" Cain said as they went off to their respective doors.

Static and Ms. Martian flew through the halls of the great library in search of their door and Perpetua's relic. All the while, they wondered what it could be and what kind of heroes and villains they would face. And above all, what did Owlman intend to do with them? Barry's tale and brief encounter with Punchline showed that they were going all in with the destruction of the multiverse and whatever islands of power the wielder of the Owl Miraculous had promised them. It was insane. It was nihilism at its peak. They had to know that they would cease to exist as the rest of them. Crazy or not, they were not about to allow him or his confederates to get their way.

"The door should be just up ahead!" Static looked at his instruments.

"I see it." M'Gann used her telekinesis to pull out one of the books from the shelves.

The book opened up, revealing its door to them.

This door looked like it had been built with a mixture of wood from a navy ship from the golden age of piracy and the advanced technology of a steampunk era. The mixture of the two brought an unexpected balance as amidst the machines and old wood, a large golden globe was eyed by a bug-eyed monster with a black flag waving behind it. But in the middle of the golden globe, a red hooded man held a pistol in each hand.

"I sense a space pirate adventure," Virgil said.

"How curious, so do I," M'Gann smirked. "Race you there." She shot herself through the door as Static followed right behind her.

What if a rebel found the wind to hoist his sails?

Earth-2002

Static and Ms. Martian arrived at what looked to be a port town or city. They could hear the people and merchants selling their goods, calling for people far and wide to taste or buy their treasures from far away lands. Now, they feared their strange looks would appear out of place in the port town. But unlike what they had expected, they soon saw that they wouldn't stand out as much.

"Wow," Static said as he watched the people before him.

The port town was filled with aliens, robots and beings from every corner of the galaxy and beyond. Some were huge, burly and had enough muscle to bend a person with one hand, while others looked composed of gears and steam coming out of their bodies. It was a call to adventure for anyone that wanted to test their mettle.

"I've been to planets with different ports and exchange hubs, but this is a first," M'Gann said. "There must be at least fifty different alien species here if I had to guess. Finding the relic might be harder than we thought."

"Well, if I had to take a guess, we can also look for the hero we need to find it," Virgil said. "Though they could be anyone." Virgil's gear started lighting up.

"You got something?" M'Gann asked.

Virgil looked down at his controllers and noticed a signal coming not far from them. He gestured to M'Gann to follow him through the bustling streets of the alien port town. They passed many different aliens on their way to the port, making sure to keep an open eye to anything that could be what the signal was coming off from. But that was easier said than done. If the Martian shapeshifter and the boy with electrical powers and advanced tech were the closest thing to normal, then everything else was more akin to a bizarre realm of strangeness.

Treading carefully, they kept on on foot, the last thing they wanted was to get unnecessary attention. The signal slowly got stronger as they reached the port. Before them stood mighty boats that could've been at home back in the annals of the 1700s. With sturdy wooden bodies painted and waxed after hours of hard work, the ships slowly sailed out of the harbor and into their respective routes. Their flags and colors hoisted out as their sails caught the wind just like in a period piece series. But these ships were different, very different. They had space ready thrusters in the back, sails that glistened with the sun and wings to help steer them out into the reaches of space. They looked prime and ready to go out into space as they were sailing across the oceans in search of ancient pirate treasures. The mere image wetted the adventurous spirit in any youngster.

"Wow, I am so getting on one of those," Virgil said, taking a picture. "Sash will be so pissed she missed her chance to fight pirates in space."

"Static, the signal," M'Gann nudged her friend and teammate.

"Oh, right." Virgil looked at his detector, pointing them to another big ship. "This way."

"Guess you'll get your wish after all." M'Gann and Virgil took after the signal, until they saw what it was leading them to. Or more like who they were getting led to.

"This is stupid," a young man with black hair grunted as he walked next to two others, one guy his age and a dog-faced man wearing a large metal suit that resembled more an old boiler than a suit. "I could've gotten us a better ship for less the price, doc."

"Yeah, and with us as the only crew to sail it?" The other young man asked. "Face it, Jason, you have the sense of direction of a mollusk."

"At least I know how to get out of a scrap with the robo constables," Jason countered, elbowing his friend.

"Now, Jim, Jason, knock it off both of you," the dog-faced man said. "We're about to board our ship and meet with the captain and the rest of the crew. Try not to get in trouble. This expedition could change the course of history as we know it."

The young man with short black hair, pulled a red hood over his head as he rolled his eyes. Dressed in a sleeveless red hooded jacket, a black shirt underneath it, black pants with matching boots. His forearms and hands were wrapped in black forearm guards and fingerless gloves, hiding his knuckles that were ready for a fight.

"How much do you bet that we have to fight our way through this?" Jason asked Jim in a whisper.

"Relax, we got the map and only I can make it work." Jim pulled out a golden ball before stuffing it back in his pocket. "And if things get ugly, you can punch the first guy that comes our way. Brought your trusty crowbar?"

"Always." Jason pulled out a metal crowbar twirling it in his fingers before putting it back in his bag.

The trio climbed aboard the ship with a smile on their faces as they watched the crew getting ordered and directed by a big creature made completely out of rocks. He dressed like a high ranking navy captain with a red uniform and a black hat as he commanded the crew to prepare for departure.

"A good afternoon captain, I'm Dr. Delbert Doppler and these two are my associates, Jim Hawkins and Jason Todd," Dr. Delbert offered his hand to the tall rock man.

"A pleasure to meet you, gentlemen, but I am not the captain. I am the second in command, Mr. Arrow," the man introduced himself. "The captain should be here in a second."

"What? Trimming their mustache?" Jason asked.

"No, more like looking over the ship herself," Mr. Arrow said.

They all looked up to see a fast moving woman in a blue captain's uniform descend down on them with cat-like agility.

"Captain on deck!" Mr. Arrow saluted the captain.

"At ease, Mr. Arrow," Captain Amelia said before turning to Dr. Delbert, Jim and Jason. "And you must be Dr. Delbert and your assistants?"

"Assistants?" Jim asked. "We're not assistants."
"Yeah, you wouldn't even be here if it weren't for us," Jason added glaring at the captain.

Captain Amelia looked at Jason.
"Have we met before young man?" The Captain tried to remember but she couldn't place him.

"I don't think so," Jason feigned ignorance before the captain snapped her fingers.

"I remember now, you were the young man that broke into the Royal Navy Academy and stole the thrusters of one of our training cruisers," Captain Amelia glared at Jason. "And I believe you used that very same crowbar to get away with the thrusters."

Jason looked at his trusty crowbar with a sheepish grin. He had to play it cool.

"You can't arrest me for the harmless follies of some brat. Besides, if a kid could break in and steal from the academy then there's no one to blame but the security." Jason shrugged like a thief knowing he'd gotten away from it.

"Why you-" Mr. Arrow began only for the Captain to stop him.

"No, no, Mr. Arrow, he is right. Afterall the issue was seen as a prank and the lax security was punished. We have nothing to link this young man for the actions of a young kid," Captain Amelia said, much to the dread of Dr. Delbert and the amusement of Jim and Jason. "However, given your stay here as part of the crew, you will be given a post where you will be under my command and that of Mr. Arrow. And that means we'll know of every move you make, Mr. Todd, was it?" She gave him an evil smile that only cats could give those that had crossed them.

Jason cursed his luck, knowing that he was in for it.

"Now, let's go to my office and discuss certain things regarding our course," Captain Amelia said.

"Oh, I can assure you ma'am the treasure-" Dr. Delbert began only for the captain to cover his mouth.

She gave some of the members of the crew a suspicious look as they went back to work. With one last look at the crew, the captain led them all to her cabin where she locked the door behind her.

"Doctor, I understand you want to get your little excursion on the way," she began. "But I don't care for the mangy crew you hired for this expedition. Um, how did I describe them, Mr. Arrow?"

"As a band of untrustworthy, undisciplined scoundrels, my lady," Mr. Arrow replied.

"Wow, wonder how she'll describe me then," Jason whispered.

"Now, with that description in mind, do understand that any and all mentions of the word 'treasure' will incite a mutiny and all of us will be hung by the tallest mast before we can radio for help. Basically, keep your trap shut," Captain Amelia growled at the doctor. "Now, the map, Mr. Hawkins."

Jim handed the captain the map before she locked it away in one of her cabinets.

"And the crowbar, Mr. Todd," she added, much to the displeasure of the young man. "You will not speak about the map or the treasure with anyone in this vessel unless it is I or Mr. Arrow. As far as the crew believes, this is an exploration voyage to document species in that area of space. Understood?"

"If not we'll be hanging by the mast, got it boss," Jason rolled his eyes.

"It's ma'am or captain, to you, Mr. Todd," Captain Amelia glared at Jason, who gave the glare right back. "But now it is time to get you two to your posts."

The group made their way down to the ship's kitchen where they were greeted by a tall man with a cybernetic arm, leg and eye, cooking like it was the best thing in the world. This was John Silver, and he was as charming as he was a master at cooking any and all meals the crew needed. However, not everyone was instantly taken in by the man's roguish good sense of humor and cooking.

"Now, what can I do for you, captain?" John asked.

"I wanted to give you two extra pairs of hands to help you keep up with demand, Mr. Silver," Captain Amelia said. "Meet, Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Todd. They'll be working under you for the foreseeable future."

"What?" Jason, Jim and John all spat out.

"You can't be serious," Jason said.

"Really? Work in the kitchen?" Jim asked.

"B-B-But captain, ma'am, I got a system and they are just not-" John argued, trying to get them off his back.

"Captain's orders, Mr. Silver," Mr. Arrow said. "And if Mr. Todd gets any funny ideas, don't hesitate to let us know."

The three couldn't get a word out, and eventually sighed in unison. They were stuck with each other with no way around it.

"I don't suppose you'll just ignore us, huh?" Jason asked.

"I'll try my damndest lads, but I'll be honest, they be hard on not following orders." John shrugged before getting back to work on that day's lunch.

"Say, where did you get those cyborg parts?" Jim asked, picking a fruit. "There have to be places to get those interchangeable hands."

"Oh, one gets them here and there, been around is all," John replied, shrugging.

"Hey, Jim, you know who I just remembered that knew a cyborg?" Jason asked. "Our friend, Billie Bones."

"Oh yeah, he used to go on and on about a cyborg," Jim added, wondering if they would get a rise out of John. "Ever heard of him?"

"Bones? Bones? Bones! Nope," John replied. "But since you lads have plenty of time to talk, I can find a good way to get ye out of each other's hair." John smiled at them.

Jason and Jim mopped the ship from top to bottom, keeping it spotless. They didn't exactly love the idea of having to basically clean the whole ship while everyone else was doing more important things. They had signed off for adventure and a way to get the inn back, now, they were doing what was basically their chores back home. But they would suck it up if it meant they would get to the treasure sooner, though they couldn't help but feel like they were being watched.

"So, any clue who's watching us?" Jim asked in a whisper.

"My money is on the captain, she knows I got away with those thrusters and is getting back at me for it," Jason scoffed. "But the joke's on her, she'll never get me to confess to it."

"Still, keep your eyes open," Jim said.

Jason couldn't blame Jim for being overly cautious. This whole mess started because an old turtle pirate croaked and some pirates set the family inn ablaze. And as much as Jason wanted to fight, he knew this was the better plan. Jim was always cooler under pressure. All the while, Jason was more of a hands-on kind of guy when it came to having to deal with a tough crowd. And one look at the other crew members made him see that he was on to something.

The crew looked spooky and straight out of the back alleys Jason had had lots of his early fights as a kid.

"What are you looking at, ugly?" A squid-like alien with the face of a man asked.

"Yeah, ugly," A headless alien laughed.

Before Jason or Jim could reply another alien dropped down before them, making them take a step back. He was tall and muscular, looking like a normal humanoid with red bug eyes, and jagged teeth that looked capable of ripping someone's throat. He wore a black sleeveless suit with golden shoulder pads, armored forearm guards, black pants and a black neck brace that made him look more like an insect than a man.

"Maybe these two need a lesson on not to eavesdrop," he said with a smile on his face.

"We're just minding our own business," Jim glared back at the guy.

"Yeah, you wanna moan to someone, go to the captain that wants us to clean the deck, bright eyes," Jason added, standing up to the muscular alien.

"Then let me make it clear." The alien punched Jason in the face. "Buzz off milksop."

"Now you've done it," Jim said.

Jason spat out some blood at the alien's shoe before springing to his feet. He punched the alien in the face before slamming the bucket on his head. But the alien only growled in return before picking him up by the neck and slamming Jason into Jim.

The other crew mates cheered for the fight as Jason and Jim got back up. They ran at the alien, pushing it back as they punched and kicked him with everything they had. But all it did was bother the big alien. He grabbed them by their throats, slamming them against one of the masts.

"You'll learn that no one messes with Kanjar Ro and lives!" Kanjar Ro tightened his hold on their throats while the others cheered them on.

Jason kicked Kanjar's face, hoping to get him to let them go. But it didn't work. All seemed lost.

Until a robotic hand grabbed Kanjar Ro's had in a tight vice. It was John Silver, holding a fruit in his other hand as he squeezed Kanjar's head.

"Mr. Ro, did you know that to get the most out of the pulp of this fruit, you really gotta squeeze it out," John tightened his hold on Kanjar's head.

Kanjar felt like his head had been placed inside an industrial crusher. He released the boys before John tossed him at the broken mop and buckets.

"That's just how you get the best stuff," John took a bite out of the fruit.

Kanjar was about to get up and start fighting once more only for Mr. Arrow to step in.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Mr. Arrow demanded. "We are not one day from port and you're all fighting?! Disgraceful. There will be no more fighting on this vessel as long as I'm around. Is that clear?" Mr. Arrow made sure to get the message to Jason and Kanjar who glared daggers at each other.

John added his own glare at Kanjar, who fell in line with a venomous growl.

"Great words, Mr. Arrow, I will make sure everyone follows your instructions," John said before turning to the boys. "Jimbo, Jason! What was that? I tell you to swab the deck and you get into a tavern brawl?!"

"Hey, that jerk started it!" Jim said.

"Yeah, we had him!" Jason argued.

"Of course, you both 'had him right where you wanted him'," John said. "You might've been in many fights, boys, but just because you can fight, doesn't mean you know how. I'll go deal with Kanjar, you two get back to work."

Jason and Jim groaned, getting back to work, while Static and Ms. Martian left the two troublemakers and followed John.

They had stayed invisible thanks to Ms. Martian's powers, witnessing everything. They followed John as he'd gathered the whole crew under the deck.

"Now, my dear friends, tell me, have you all TAKEN LEAVE OF YER SENSES!" John's hand turned into a sword, swinging at them. "After all the trouble I went through to get us hired and you plan on killing those boys? What was going through that bug brain of yers, Kanjar?" He glared at his fellow pirate.

"They are getting too close to learning of our plans," Kanjar snarled. "We should get rid of them now."

"And we'll get shot right after," John argued. "I'll deal with the boys. You keep that bloodthirst under control, lest you wish to kiss Flint's treasure goodbye."

Static and Ms. Martian heard everything.

"So, we got a pirate coup, a hot headed angsty teen and a relic of a primordial goddess," Static recounted. "This'll get good."

"The treasure must have the relic we need, we'll just have to stick around." Ms. Martian turned to the two boys as they continued to work. "Keeping them out of trouble might be harder than we think."

"Come on, heroes don't look away from a fight." Static countered with a smile. "Besides, I could do with the overtime, got to get my pop something for Father's Day." He added.

"Aw, how sweet of you," M'Gann said.

Jason looked back, wondering where the feeling of eyes on him came from. It was driving him nuts, but it also kept him alert. Something was fishy on this ship and he was going to find out what it was.

Night had fallen, and Jason and Jim were watching the star-filled sky with a great sense of adventure. After a long crappy day, this was a good way to put an end to it.

"Boys, dinner!" John tossed them a pair of fruits at them. "I figured you've calmed down enough for us to have that talk we need to have."

"If you think we're apologizing to that bug-eyed jackass, you got another thing coming," Jason said.

"Not saying that you two didn't need to defend yourselves boys, but didn't your folks teach you to pick your fights?" John saw the two of them stiffen up at the sound of his words.

"Nope, they were both the kind to pack up and never come back," Jim said.

"They both worked on the same ship and one day…" Jason and Jim looked up at the sky. "It doesn't matter, we've made it this far without them and we don't need them now."

John couldn't help but feel bad for the two boys. They were rough along the edges but they were good deep down. Heck, they reminded him of himself back in his own younger years. Maybe he could teach them a thing or two while keeping them out of trouble.

"Well, in that case, I guess I have no choice but to make sure you shape up then," John laughed, getting the attention of the two boys.

"Huh?" Jim asked. "What was that?"

"I think he's saying he's gonna play fairy god parent with us," Jason said. "You're joking, right?"

"Nope, you will not get a wink or a moment's rest without me watching over you, making sure that you're doing your job." John looked down at the boys, challenging them to try and fight him. "By the end of this voyage, you two will be model sailors and at least half decent fighters."

"Don't think you're doing us any favors!" Jim challenged.

"Yeah, we're not gonna play your silly games, old man!" Jason added.
"Oh, too late boys, you've rolled the dice and now it's my turn to change your fates!" John laughed.

What none of them saw was Kanjar Ro watching them from the shadows, growling in anger. He had his own plans.

The following days of the voyage, Jason and Jim were put to work on every single job that John could come up with. First they removed all the barnacles from the underside of the ship, despite Jason questioning how a spaceship got barnacles to begin with. Then they were tasked with swabbing the deck again while John continued to give them a knowing smirk and a watchful eye. Then they were put to clean the pots, pans and plates of the entire crew and ship. Narrowing their eyes, still with their flare of defiance in them, they looked back on their so-called mentor. Despite how much they didn't want to do the work, they continued working hard, making sure that everything was in tip top shape. Not out of a sense of pride or fear of being punished for a lazy job, but to spite John Silver and his attitude. Even while exhausted, they continued working and making sure they learned everything that the old cook was teaching them.

John wouldn't admit it at the moment, but he was starting to like the spirit of these troublemakers. Little by little he taught them different skills that would favor them in the long run, like how to make proper knots, only to see that they had done them with ease. The idea that these two had not had someone to help them and show them the ropes was heartbreaking as they had more than most expected from them. It made him wonder what these two could do if they were really cut loose.

Later that day, they took off in one of the boats, sailing through the stars and the passing meteors like a dream of adventure. However, as they flew they couldn't help but feel like someone was watching them from somewhere else. John shrugged off, not paying attention to any notion of paranoia. But Jason and Jim couldn't help but feel like someone was looking at them.

One of those days, the crew had lined up several old empty bottles and using a slingshot, they all tried to knock out as many as possible. Kanjar Ro picked up the slingshot, taking out all but one, getting cheers from the crewmates.

"Anyone wanna beat that?" Kanjar dared the others.

"I'll try my luck," Jason stepped up, much to the distaste of Kanjar.

"Let's see if one of your pets actually learned something from you, Silver." Kanjar dropped the slingshot to the ground, bumping Jason's shoulder.

"Make it look good, man." Jim smirked.

"You think your friend has what it takes, Jimbo?" John asked. "Kanjar may be a son of a bitch, but he's got pretty good aim."

"Watch and see." Jim leaned back as Jason aimed his shot.

More empty bottles were lined up for him and with a smirk on his face, he fired. He hit every single one of the bottles, knocking them off with ease. Everyone else watched as Jason spun the slingshot in his hand before walking away.

"Huh, good aim," John admitted.

"You should see what he can do with a real weapon," Jim said.

As time passed, Jason and Jim grew closer to John, actually smiling and agreeing to work on the different chores they had to do. Which to him was still a little spooky but he could not argue with the results. The short time they had worked together, they had grown a lot and that only made him realise that eventually, he would have to follow his course.

As soon as the realization struck him, the whole ship shook with them on board.

"What the heck is that?" Jim asked.

The alarms blared as they looked out into the vastness of space. There they saw a large fire ball growing larger, sending waves towards them.

"The star! It's gone supernova!" Dr. Delbert called out.

"Everyone to your posts! We need to get away from it before it blows!" Captain Amelia ordered.

Everyone rushed to their posts. They released the sails as another wave hit the ship, knocking the artificial gravity out of commission. The sailors all started to float around without any means to hold on.

"Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Todd, pass ropes to the crew and make sure they're tightened up!" Captain Amelia ordered.

"Yes, captain!" Jason and Jim replied as they grabbed the ropes and started passing them around.

"All hands on deck, get those masts ready!" Mr. Arrow ordered.

Static and Ms. Martian watched everything as they did their best to help and keep everyone from being sent flying. Static placed his hands on the ground, anchoring the crew and the people still working, making it seem the gravity had come back on-line. Ms. Martian moved the ropes and wrapped them tightly on the crew that worked on the sails. The crew were none-the-wiser to their guardian angels.

"Okay, these are tightened." Jason tied the rope tightly. "You good?"

"Just about to," Jim replied, finishing his own knot.

"Good, let's go see if we can help out on anything-Huh?" Jason turned to see Static and Ms. Martian helping. "Hey!"

"Oops, let it there for a sec." Ms. Martian and Static disappeared from his sights.

"Jim, did you see that?" Jason asked. "There were two guys there!" Jason pointed.

"What are you talking about?" Jim asked. "There's no one there."

"Lads, get a move on!" John called out as the ship rocked from all the movement.

Jason put what he'd seen in the back of his head before going to help John and Jim.

Amidst the chaos and the constant moving of all the crew, Mr. Arrow found himself on the back of the ship, making sure the thrusters were ready to go take on the blast. But he wasn't alone.

Kanjar walked silently behind him as another wave struck the ship.

"Captain, it's about to-GRK!" Mr. Arrow was cut short as Kanjar broke his knee from behind before he started strangling him.

The ship was rocketted by the emerging supernova, sending it flying through the cosmos at great speed. Everyone was too focused on holding on that no one knew what Kanjar was doing.

Mr. Arrow tried to pry him off of him, but Kanjar held him tightly. With a sadistic smile on his face, he made sure the sailor watched the supernova hit the ship before breaking his neck. Kanjar tossed the body of the stone man off the back of the ship, letting it drift into space. One obstacle less for him to deal with. Now all they had to do was get to the fabled treasure and he would get what he desired.

Kanjar smiled, imagining his victory so close to his grasp that he could taste it through his jagged teeth.

The crew plus Virgil and M'Gann held on tightly as they escaped the fiery end of the imploding star. Everyone held their breath as they waited for the end result of their near death experience. They slowly got up to see what had happened and take stock of what had happened. Many cheered for their survival while others gave off a breath of relief for escaping.

"Sound off, everyone!" Captain Amelia instructed. "Everyone accounted?"

"I believe that everyone is accounted for, Captain," Dr. Delbert said. "Right, Mr. Arrow? Mr. Arrow?"

Everyone looked around but they couldn't see the man.

Kanjar stepped up, looking down with a sad look on his face.

"I'm afraid that Mr. Arrow isn't here, captain," Kanjar said. "I saw him go to the back but then the jump came and he was sent back. His rope wasn't tightened enough." He looked at Jason and Jim, pointing to them as the cause of it.

"What? No, no, we made sure everything was tight!" Jim countered.

"We made sure of it." Jason and Jim turned to the ropes, noticing one was missing.

The eyes of everyone fell on them. Looks of disappointment the boys had seen many times before but this time, they were worse. They had found their place but now they had screwed up. A life had been lost because they screwed up.

"Enough, we cannot change what has happened," Captain Amelia spoke. "We must stay the course. For the memory of Mr. Arrow, we will see this through to the end. He knew the dangers of this voyage, and we must honor his memory like he would've wanted. Everyone, back to work." She walked away as the crew dispersed back to their jobs.

John looked to Kanjar once more, knowing that his story had something else. And a sinister smile was all he needed to be sure of what had actually happened. But his worries were more with the boys.

That night, Jason was punching the mast, bloodying his knuckles to take out his frustration while Jim just stared at the stars.

"I tightened that knot." Jason punched.

"I know," Jim replied.

"I'm sure I did," Jason added.

"I was there, you did it," Jim groaned. "How the hell did we screw this up?!" Jim grabbed his head in frustration.

Jason kicked the mast with a huff of anger, leaving a print.

"You'll have to clean that later, boys," John made his presence known.

"Not in the mood John," Jason continued punching the mast.

"I know, I know, but I don't think you boys are in your right minds." John sat next to Jim. "What happened wasn't yer fault. These things happen, why there are many stories about sailors that have screwed up in stuff they knew well enough."

"But it didn't happen to them," Jim snapped. "We screwed up. Like always."

"And worse, that slimy bug-eyed jerk made it clear that it's on us!" Jason punched so hard the wood splintered against his fist. "Why does it seem like every time we take one step forward, we end up two steps back?" Jason pressed his back against the mast, letting himself be dragged down.

"Maybe we're just unlucky," Jim sighed, dropping his head into his hands. "Just forget it. Forget it."

It gutted John to see the two boys so down in the dumps. He had to do something he rarely, if ever, did in moments like these: Be sincere and truly comforting.

"No. You know what you two have? You, James Jawkins and Jason Todd got?" John pulled the two boys back to their feet, looking them straight in the eye with more honesty than any man they'd known had shown them. "You've got the makings of greatness in you. You both do. But you've got to take the helm and chart your courses. Stick to it no matter the squalls. And when the time comes for you two to really test the cut of yer sails and show everyone what you're really made of, well… I hope I'm there, catching some of the light coming from both of you that day." He looked back at the boys, both with tears swelling up in their eyes.

After many years of not having a father figure to help them, guide them, show them right from wrong, they couldn't keep it in any longer. They dropped their heads, hiding the tears of joy they felt. The feeling of happiness to hear that they could reach greatness was more than what they could have ever expected.

John patted them in the back, feeling that it was time to send them off to bed.

"Alright, boys, my time to take watch is here, and you two best go take some shut eye," John said, sending the boys to bed.

"Hey, Silver, thanks," Jason said.

"Yeah, thanks for the talk," Jim added.

The two boys went down to get their much needed break after such an emotional moment.

John couldn't help but be reminded of what would happen if this got back to the rest of the crew. His gang of cutthroats were not ones for pity and with Kanjar's growing bloodlust, he would be in a complicatedly dangerous position. He had to stick his course and hope the boys were good enough to survive what came.

Sadly, his fears would be showing their face a lot sooner than what he expected.

Kanjar slinked back into the shadows, smiling sinisterly as he prepared to take complete control.

Morning had come, and Jason had woken up Jim before the others.

"Come on, man. Keep up," Jason said as they snuck into the kitchen.
"Hey, I want breakfast too, but I don't think John will like us sneaking into his kitchen before hours." Jim looked around. "What are we looking for anyway?"

Jason uncovered one of the barrels, revealing a lot of fruits inside it. They were big red and juicy like apples ripe for eating and Jason was more than ready to snatch them. He reached down, but his shoulders were too broad to fit through the entrance. Grunting, he stretched his arm down to reach the bottom of the barrel but he couldn't reach it.

"Damn my awesome muscles," Jason grunted. "Jim, give me a hand with this."

"Fine, but only because you won't stop moaning about it," Jim said.

He reached down to grab the fruits with ease, snatching a few of them for him and Jason.

"Got them," Jim said.

Jason was about to cheer when he heard something approaching.

"Why the blazes you want to bring this up now?"

Jason cursed under his breath, recognising John Silver's voice. They'd get an earful for this obviously. But he'd take the heat, no-

"We've wasted enough time, it's time for a mutiny!"

Jason recognised the voice of Kanjar Ro. He didn't like what they were saying. He quickly stuffed Jim inside the barrel, covering it before he hid behind the same barrel.

"What the he-!" Jim started but Jason shushed him.

They kept their ears open as they heard more and more members of the crew gathered in the kitchen. Kanjar was leading them and John looked at him fiercely, like the first day they had the displeasure to meet him.

"We're almost at the planet, we should take the ship now. I've had enough time playing the good sailor." Kanjar punched his palm. "And I'm not the only one that thinks so."

"And what do you suggest we do? Kill everyone with our bare hands and then see what happens?" John asked. "We don't have the map nor do we know how to operate it. Once we get the treasure in hand and all the heavy lifting is done, we can take the ship and the treasure."

His words were too well coordinated. The boys realized what this was, John was the cyborg pirate Billy Bones had warned them about. And they were too stupid to connect the dots.

"You know what I think?" Kanjar scoffed as he walked up to the barrel Jim was in. "I think you've gotten attached to those milksops. You think they could join our crew? That they'll be glad to give us the treasure for a piece of it? That you can continue playing the mentor with them?" Kanjar reached to grab one of the fruits, with Jim passing him one to get rid of him. "But that's all a fantasy. The second those two brats learn about this, they will tell that cat captain and when that happens, I will kill them. Tell me, John Silver, when did you get so soft?" Kanjar took a bite out of the fruit before crushing the rest.

John glared at Kanjar, meeting him face to face. It was time to bluff his way out of this.

"Let me get this straight to you, Kanjar. I only care about one thing: Flint's treasure." John stood firm, making it clear that he wasn't taking this lying down. "We are close to getting it. You already took a liberty by killing Mr. Arrow without my say-so. And I will not let it split through my fingers because you feel bloodthirsty. Those boys are not your concern."

Kanjar growled back at John, not at all satisfied. But he noticed everyone else was buying enough.

"LAND! LAND AHEAD!"

The crew all knew what that meant, they all rushed out of the kitchen.

Once they were all gone, Jason and Jim got out of their hiding spots. The revelation had shaken them. But they couldn't wrap their minds around what they'd heard. John and the rest of the crew were pirates and Kanjar had killed Mr. Arrow.

"We gotta tell the doc and the captain," Jim said.

"Yeah, let's go!" Jason and Jim rushed out of the kitchen.

They couldn't waste any time. But the revelation did knock them for a loop. No, that wasn't right. They were distraught about the information they'd learned. The only other man they looked up to turned out to be a pirate leader of a crew of cutthroats that wouldn't blink if they had to kill them. It stung, it hurt, it was like a dagger to their hearts. But they couldn't dwell on it. They had to get to the doc and the captain before it was too late.

They ran up the stairs after passing the mess hall when they came face to face with John.

"Jimbo, Jason?" John asked. "What are you two doing here?"

"We-we just overslept," Jason said, taking a step back. "We heard a commotion and went to see what it was."

"Oh, what, you stayed up playing a game or something?" John asked, noticing the way they were weary of him. This was what he feared. They must've gotten wise to their plans.

"Yeah, just playing a game is all," Jim added, slowly reaching for a pair of scissors on the table.

"I've never been good with games," John said, as his hand turned into a pistol.

"That's odd, I love games!" Kanjar pounced on John, stabbing him in the shoulder.

"John!" Jason called out as John screamed.

Kanjar grabbed John's arm, aiming the pistol at Jason with a nasty grin.

Jim pulled out the scissors, getting the bug-eyed killer's attention. Kanjar aimed the pistol at him, only for John to headbutt him back. The shot knocked the scissors out of Jim's hand. But it gave Jason the opening he needed.

Jason gave Kanjar a mean right punch to the face, nailing his eye. The pirate released John, as Jason continued punching and fighting against him. Jason swung a punch to the alien pirate's stomach before headbutting him in the nose. Kajar snarled, jumping back into the fight, swinging his claw-like fingers with malice. Jason ducked under the swing as it slashed through the wood. Rolling out of the way, he grabbed one of the chairs, smashing it on Kajar's face. Kajar grabbed Jason by the throat, slamming him against one of the tables.

"Let's see how smart you are to get out of this one," Kanjar snarled.

"Smart enough to keep you distracted." Jason smirked, turning to where Jim and John were.

Kanjar turned and saw they were gone.

Jason pulled out the pair of scissors from before, stabbing Kanjar's hand. Kanjar recoiled in pain as Jason punched him in the face once more. He then took off out of the mess hall with Kanjar running up behind him.

"Change of plans everyone!" Kanjar pulled the scissors from his hand, getting the attention of everyone. "MUTINY!"
The pirates cheered as they hoisted their true colors, the black pirate flag.

"Pirates, of all things! I'll hang them all!" Captain Amelia pulled out their pistols, loading them up. "And you're not getting off easy either, Silver." She hissed at the wounded pirate.

"In my defense, this development is not what I had in mind either," John said as Jim held him up.

Jason closed the door behind him as he came in.

"You guys better have a plan, because these guys are about to come this way." Jason pressed his back against the door.

"We do. Doctor, have you ever used one of these before?" Captain Amelia handed the doc a gun.
"Well, I-" Dr. Delbert accidentally shot the globe next to the captain. "No, never."

"Yeah, I'll take those doc," Jason took the pistols from the doc, stuffing them in his belt. "Map?"

"Got it," Jim said, stuffing it in his pocket.

"Best we go to the boats and down to the planet before those bloody rogues come looking for us," John said.

"Good idea," Jason said. "Stay behind me." He put on a red armored mask that covered the lower part of his face.

"Mr. Todd, I-" Captain Amelia protested only for one of the pirates to break in through the door.

Jason took aim and fired instinctively, taking them out. Another pirate came in, only for Jason to fire his gun once more. The shot got the pirate between the eyes.

"You were saying?" Jason asked as he picked up the pirate's guns.

"They've broken into the armory, no quarter it is then." Captain Amelia and the others rushed out of the captain's quarters, heading down to the boats.

The pirates spotted them pulling a fast one, aiming their blasters at them with deadly intent. The group ducked, dodging the laser fire by inches. Jason turned to the pirates, firing back with pinpoint accuracy. His shots cut through the air, hitting the pirates in their shoulders, legs and chests. The fire of the lasers flying around him was exhilarating, but he had to focus on covering his friends. Even if he did want to have words with John after this was over.

Kanjar saw this and decided to take his revenge. He pulled out a cannon, aiming it at Jason.

"Goodbye, milksop!" Kanjar fired the cannon.

Jason's eyes widened as he saw the shot flying towards him. He jumped out of the way as the wood was splintered against the cannon's blast. Without missing a beat, he sprung to his feet and ran to meet up with the rest. But he soon found himself coming under fire. He kept low as the pirates fired at him like drunks firing at fish in a barrel. Splintered wood showered him as another shot from Kanjar's cannon cut him off. He turned back, seeing the pirates coming at him with their guns ready.

Jason braced himself for the worst, but the pirates were then electrocuted before his eyes. He looked around for the source of the lightning but he couldn't see anything.

"Don't just stand there, go!" A voice spoke in his head.

Jason sprinted to his feet, running down to the lower levels. His mind was riddled with questions, but he couldn't focus on that yet. He had to keep going. His feet took him fast as he made it all the way down to the boats.

"Alright, time to go!" Jason said, locking the door behind him.

"Jason, jump!" Jim called out as the boat dropped down.

Jason jumped to the boat, hoping to reach it. Jim and John stretched out their hands to catch him. But the distance was too great. He could feel the gravity pulling him down. Who would've guessed that was how his end came? What a joke.

But almost like his annoyance had been heard, he was pushed forward by an invisible force. He was caught by Jim and John, getting pulled in.

"That was close!" Dr. Delbert said.

"Way too close," Jason said, looking around for what had saved him.

Back on deck, Kanjar watched the boat floating down to the planet below. He was slo close to the treasure that he was not going to let it slip from his fingers.

"Turn the cannons on them! Aim to their backs!" Kanjar snarled. "We'll get the map from their corpses!

The cannons were turned on the boat, firing down like a rain of fire.

But before their eyes, purple lightning caught one of the shots flinging them back at the ship. The pirates stared incredulously at the sight while other shots were diverted away from the boat and the purple lightning fried their main cannon.

However, Kanjar wasn't done. He pulled out a single rifle, aiming it at the back of their boat and fired.

The shot struck the boat, causing it to explode, sending everyone down.

Kanjar watched them plummet down to the planet with a snarl.

"Get the boats ready, we're going hunting!" Kanjar ordered.

Jason, Jim, John, Dr. Delbert and Captain Amelia managed to survive the crash, pulling themselves out from the remains of the boat. Covered in scratches and two of the five members injured but they were still alive.

"That was the worst landing I've ever lived through," Dr. Delbert coughed.

"Not my finest, doctor, but as the saying goes, any landing you can walk away from is a good one," Captain Amelia panted, fixing her hair. "Now, we need a place to hide before we make out next move. Mr. Hawkins, the map."

"We need to deal with something else first," Jason said, grabbing one of the blasters.

"Now, Jason, before you shoot me-" John began.

"Not you, John." Jason pointed his pistol at the empty air. "Show yourselves. I know you're there."

"Jason, what are you doing?" Jim said. "Did you hit your head or something?"

"All those cannons firing and none of them hit us? I almost miss the jump only for something to push me ahead? No one's that lucky." Jason narrowed his eyes. "I'm not asking twice."

"You sure, cause you already asked two other questions."

Everyone took a step back before aiming their guns at the source of the voice. However, all their weapons got pulled out of their hands by an invisible force.

"I guess introductions are overdue," M'Gann said before making herself and Virgil visible to the group. "Um, now, don't freak out, we're not here to hurt you. My name is Ms. Martian and this is Static." She introduced themselves.

"Yo," Virgil held up his hand. "Sorry for not showing up earlier, but we had to keep ourselves hidden until we got here."

"Stowaways, wonderful. As if today could not get any worse," Captain Amelia winced, holding her side.

"That looks bad," Ms. Martian said.

"Keep back, or else," Jason threatened.

"Dude, out of the seven of us, we're the most dangerous." Static lifted Jason up with an electric finger. "Look, sorry for stowing away on your ship, but there's something in the treasure you're after for that we need. It is pretty important." Static put Jason back down to the ground.

"Why should we believe you?" Jim asked as Captain Amelia dropped to one knee with the doctor helping her up.

"If we wanted you dead then why would we help you?" Virgil asked. "Also, we can get you to someplace safe. Let's ask our friend here." Virgil pointed to one of the trees, pulling out a rusty thin robot covered in leaves and missing a piece of his head.

"Ah! You're real!" Ben freaked out. "How did you do that?"

"I got a static touch," Virgil joked as M'Gann handed the group back their weapons.

"We know you have no reason to trust us, but believe me when I say, this is of vital importance." M'Gann put her best pleading eyes and honesty in her plea.

Jason and the group turned to one another.

"So, any ideas?" Jason asked.

"I don't trust them," Captain Amelia winced as the doc tried to patch her up.

"If they wanted us dead, they wouldn't have helped us." Jim countered. "Besides, having those two might keep us from being killed."

"I must agree with the captain, we don't know them or their intentions." Dr. Delbert helped the captain up.

"If I may, I know my insight is questionable at best, but I believe they are telling the truth. Jimbo is right on their intentions being sincere." John added. "Besides, we don't have much options here." He looked up as more boats drifted down to the planet.

"Um, hey, can I pass by my house before any of this continues?" The robot asked.

"Sure, um, what's your name?" Jason asked.

"B.E.N., aka Bio Electronic Navigator," Ben introduced himself. "My house is this way!"

The group turned to Static and Ms. Martian with a sigh.

"Alright, you can help us, but if you try anything funny." Jason grabbed his pistol.

"Got it, man." Static tossed him his crowbar. "Peace offering."

"We'll see," Jason replied.

The group followed Ben back to his home, where they learned that he had been part of Flint's pirate crew and had been stuck on the planet for decades. And he had a little bit of a memory problem, with him lacking a key piece of his mind missing. But his home was a good enough place to hide for the time being.

While John and Jim kept an eye out for any signs of Kanjar and the rest of the pirate crew, the rest got to do what they needed. As the doctor helped the captain, Jason kept an eye on both Virgil and M'Gann who tried to locate the item they had been looking for.

Surprisingly, Jason didn't take to being spied on and mysteriously helped by two strangers.

"You can stop glaring at us any time, man," Virgil said as he looked over his gear. "As soon as we find what we're looking for, you won't have to see us again."

"How's the patient, doctor?" M'Gann asked.

"I've done what I can, but I am not that kind of doctor," Dr. Delbert replied. "How are you feeling, captain?"

"I won't die, if that's what you wonder, doctor. But you…" Captain Amelia began, looking at him.

"What is it?" Dr. Delbert took off his glasses.

"You have beautiful eyes," she finished.

"She's delirious," Dr. Delbert gasped in shock.

M'Gann looked to the rest of the group, wondering if she should tell the doctor what was going on. But she thought it would be better if she kept it to herself.

"Okay, so, we need a plan," Jason walked next to Jim and John. "Kanjar won't hesitate to kill us if he gets the chance."

"We could ask our new friends to send him packing," Jim suggested. "If they can divert cannon fire they can deal with a few cutthroats."

"A good plan, Jimbo. But the one issue with it is that Kanjar won't be stupid enough to leave anything to chance," John chimed in. "He'll have direct communication to the ship and have it gunning down on all that comes his way. Our best bet is to find the treasure and trick him with it. Lead him to an ambush."

"Not a bad plan, but where is the treasure?" Jason asked.

"It should be here." Virgil stepped in. "If Ben was left here then there must be a reason."

"Any bright ideas, sparky?" Jason asked.

"Even if we get the treasure we still need a way out, right?" Virgil asked. "I say we split up into two teams, us plus Ben in one and Ms. M, the doc and the captain in another. One team looks for the treasure and the other gets the ship back."

"Not to downplay your idea but it sounds…" John began.

"Suicidal," Jim said.

"That's the word," John admitted.

"Trust me, she can handle herself and I got the tracker." Virgil held up his arm. "You got any better ideas?"

The group was about to reply, only to hear the sound of engines coming closer.

They hid as John used his cybernetic eye to see that it was Kanjar and the rest of his crew with the ship hovering above them.

"Guess we don't have a choice," Jason groaned.

"We must stay the course then," John added.

After going through the hidden tunnels of Ben's house, Ms. Martian held both Amelia and Delbert with her psychic powers as she flew them up to the ship as quietly as she could. Though that was easier said than done with the doctor groaning and whimpering every five seconds.

"Quit jerking, doctor." Captain Amelia hissed.

"Forgive me, but it is my first time floating," Dr. Delbert countered.

"Maybe this'll help," M'Gann linked their minds. "Better?"

"Telepathy? Oh this is amazing. There were records of species capable of such things but I never thought I'd experience it. This is truly a historical experience, I-I need to write this down. Would I have to write my thoughts or how it feels? I guess if it is my thoughts it would make sense though," Dr. Delbert ranted psychically.

"Goodness, he's adorable like this," Captain Amelia thought.

"You know he heard that, right?" M'Gann asked, making the captain and the doctor blush as they silently boarded the ship.

The others followed the map to their next destination. They hovered on electric disks as Static helped them forward. Some had a better time with them than others. John and Ben held on to each other as they approached the last bit of their journey.

"Okay, so, why did you bring Ben along?" Jason asked.

"I figured he could tell us some stuff about the treasure," Virgil replied.

"Up ahead!" Jim pointed to the end of the path.

They slowed down, before descending to the ground. The open field they landed on was nothing but that. An empty field. The path seemed to stop there.

"What is this?" John asked. "There's nothing here, Jimbo."

"I don't know, it should be working." Jim tried to get it to work but to no avail.

"Ben, your time to shine is now man," Jason said.

"I-I-I don't know, I am missing a part of my mind!" Ben cried. "This stupid center of the mechanism, the opening and closing window and all!"

Jason thought about what Ben was saying before taking a step forward. His foot went into a small hole.

"Hey, Static, get this up," Jason said.

Static's electrokinesis lifted all the moss and greenery that surrounded the area, revealing electronic circuitry and a hole that matched the size of the map.

Jim knelt next to Jason before he got an idea. He stuck the map in the hole causing the circuit lines to light up.

They all looked up to see a large portal window open before them, and a map of the known universe next to them. Jim pressed on the symbol of Crecentia, and the portal showed them a way there.

"A space time portal to every corner of the universe," Virgil said. "Just like MUT."

"That's how Flint did it," Jim said, pressing another location. "He used this window to steal the treasures of all over the galaxy."
"Flint, you old pirate, only you could've thought of something like that," John said. "But where did he hide it?"

"If the planet is the mechanism, it must be at the center of it," Jason said, pressing the icon of the planet.

The window opened up again, revealing a bright golden light at the center of the planet. They walked in to see mountains upon mountains of gold laying before them. The bounty of a thousand worlds. It was so beautiful that John almost cried.

"After a lifetime of searching, this feels like a dream," John said, grabbing some of the treasure.

"More like a nightmare."

The group turned to see Kanjar Ro and the rest of his crew standing behind them with their rifles ready.

"Gotta say, thanks for the light show and doing all the heavy lifting," Kanjar snickered. "But this here is my treasure."

"You slimy bastard," Jason growled.

"It's alright, boys. Kanjar, you can have the treasure and my life if you want," John said. "But these boys are innocent. Let them go and you can rejoice with the treasure to your heart's content."

"You think I just want to sit back and look at the treasure, Silver?" Kanjar scoffed. "No, this here will fund the start of my new empire."

"Empire?" Virgil asked.

"A pirate empire born out of Flint's treasure, being a scourge across the stars with me at the helm of it," Kanjar smiled savagely. "And the only thing standing in my way… is you." Kanjar aimed his weapon at John.

Static clapped his hands, creating a blinding light.

The pirates covered their eyes as the group ran to the spare ship inside the treasure vault.

"Find them! Kill them!" Kanjer cried.

The pirates spread out as Jason and the group hid on board the ship.

"Oh man, I feel like I'm missing a lot of context here guys," Ben groaned.

"Yeah, that happens." Virgil noticed his gear lighting up. "I think I see my part is here." They all turned to the throne someone was sitting on.

"Captain Flint?" Jim asked.

"In the flesh," Ben added, only for it to be a skeleton. "Well, minus any actual flesh."

In the skeleton's hands lay two things. In his left was the missing piece of Ben's mind. And in his right was a large blue robotic-looking head with glowing eyes.

Static pulled up his gear before he picked up the head. That was Perpetua's relic.

"Bingo," Static said, putting the head in a container. "Okay, now we have to stop Kanjar and stop his pirate empire dream."

"I swear there's something I'm forgetting," Ben moaned.

"Jim, just give him his mind," Jason groaned. "If we're gonna die at least let him know."

"Okay, hold still, Ben." Jim attached the piece to Ben's head.

"Whoa! I think that felt funny," Ben said, before realizing his thoughts were clear. "I-I remember everything. Even that ugly thing! The Anti-Monitor's skull, Flint called it. I even remember the moment Flint ripped my memory piece so I wouldn't tell anyone about his boobytrap!"

Boom!
"Speaking of," Ben began as the entire core of the planet started exploding and falling apart around them. "Flint didn't want anyone getting his treasure, so he rigged it to blow! Higher than a Kalezian Kite!"

"Jim, John, get this junk up and running! We're not leaving empty handed!" Jason ordered. "Ben get the others and bring the ship. Static, you're with me!" Jason cocked his pistols.

"I see what you mean!" Static created an electric shield, blocking the shots aimed at them.

Jim and John quickly set to work, fixing up the old ship. They connected and fired up the engines, hotwiring the console of the ship. The machine was old but it was still in good enough shape to get them out of the planet's core. The systems lit up and the engines struggled to get started, but they were getting there. Thankfully, they were getting covered from any stray lasers or falling debris.

Static wasn't used to working as cover, but he did most of what he could with what he got. Thrusting his hands outward, he pulled up the metal plates from the ground upwards. He used them as makeshift shields, keeping the lasers out of the backs of his friends. But as the chaos spread, the lasers weren't the only problem. His ears caught the sound of the explosions above his head. Looking up, he saw a large piece of machinery coming down at them. His hands lit up with electricity before firing up at the chunk of the machine, stopping it over their heads. Static flung the machine piece away from the ship as it started to take off.

"We're getting out of here!" Jim screamed.

"Hang on, lads!" John added.

Jason fired at the pirates, keeping them away from the ship. The ones that managed to climb up were met with a punch or a shot to the face. Each pull of the trigger was followed by a red blast. His shot struck one of the pirates in the hand, making him drop his weapon. A second shot struck another pirate in the knee, dropping him to the warm gold covered floor. The third shot nailed another pirate in the chest, killing them on the spot. He managed to fire another shot before he took cover from the incoming lasers. With the ship in the air, he could feel the wind coming from the window. The way out was so close.

Kanjar and his pirates fired desperately at the old ship. But their numbers quickly dwindled, and not because of the cursed red hood's shot. The floor under him shook as the treasure started to come apart. All his dreams and ambitions escaped him like the sands of an hourglass. He tried to rescue what he could, but it was too late. The lasers keeping this core stable were tearing it apart and he was caught in the middle of it all. His eyes looked up, trained on the single author of his ruin: the Red Hood.

Fire rose in Kanjar's stomach as he ran after the ship. He kicked and slapped the rest of the pirates out of his way before using the biggest one as a jumping step. He grabbed onto the ship, digging his claws into the haul of the ship. If his dreams were gone, he would settle for revenge.

"We're almost at the window!" Static kept sending the falling debris out of the way.

"Good, full speed ah-AAAHHH!" Kanjar grabbed Jason by the helm of his shirt, pulling him down with him.

"Jason!" Jim cried out.

Jason and Kanjar fell down to the gold and treasure below. They both landed rolling on the ground, groaning at the hardness of the landing. To those that thought it would be soft, don't pull a Scrooge McDuck.

Kanjar's eyes landed on an old sword next to him. He picked it up, glaring at Jason with hatred.

"You have horrible timing, bug-eyes." Jason got up, pulling out his crowbar. "Time to settle the score."

"You destroyed my empire, I will have your head for this!" Kanjar lunged at Jason, swinging his sword at him. "Prepare to die, Red Hood!"

Jason blocked the swing with his crowbar, causing sparks to fly. He swung his weapon at Kanjar's ribs, only for the pirate to dodge with a jump back. The ground trembled and shook under his feet, but Jason wasn't deterred. He knew he had to fight him and get the hell out before he fell into the heart of the explosion. But Kanjar placed himself at the only way out.

Kanjar taunted Jason, swinging his sword wildly at his head. With madness in his heart and bloodthirst in his mind, his sword moved quickly, cutting the air as Jason blocked as best he could. The ground split before his eyes, giving Jason a chance to jump back. Kanjar followed after the Red Hood like a bloodhound chasing after a rabbit. His feet kicked off the treasure as he chased for the opportunity to kill him. Even the idea of death didn't scare him as long as he took Jason with him. Kanjar pounced on Jason, holding his sword over his head to cleave him in two.

Thinking quickly, Jason turned his body, jumping to the other side of the growing chasm. Kanjar ran after him with madness in his eyes. But Jason was not afraid. His mind was already thinking of a plan to end this mess. Kanjar swung his sword at him as they continued climbing. Now it was the chance. Jason turned around, sliding under Kanjar's sword. He grabbed a handful of the treasure, throwing it at Kanjar's face. With his opponent blinded, Red Hood struck Kanjar's knee. A loud crack was followed by a scream from Kanjar. But that only fueled his rage, backhanding Jason away with force.

"You will die, Red Hood!" Kanjar snarled.

"Man, what a big baby," Jason replied. "One broken knee and you wail like a baby."

Kanjar tossed his sword at Red Hood with the speed of a bullet.

Jason held his crowbar up, parrying the blade. But it still got stuck in his shoulder before breaking. Jason bit down on his tongue stifling his pain. He pushed himself up as he saw Kanjar pull out a pistol.

"Let's see who's the fastest shot then," Jason challenged.

Jason and Kanjar glared at each other as flames and explosions gathered around them. It was like the inferno was waiting for the first one to fall.

They both grabbed their pistols at the same time. In the blink of an eye, they both aimed at each other.

BANG!
Their red laser bolts crossed the distance between them. They passed each other for a brief second. And then struck their respective targets.

Jason felt a burning pain on his right side where the bolt struck him.

Kanjar screamed as Jason's shot took his hand and pistol.

"Curse you! Curse you, Red Hood!" Kanjar screamed.

"You know, I'm starting to like that name." Jason smiled under his mask as everything collapsed around him.

The ground under him and Kanjar gave way. They fell down.

Jason felt weightless as he looked down at the inferno awaiting him. His eyes closed as he waited for the flames to catch him. Jim and the others would make it out of there. He was at peace.

Or so he thought when a hand caught him. Jason opened his eyes, seeing Jim pulling him up while riding on a makeshift hoverboard.

"Hold on!" Jim said.

"What the hell is that, Jim?!" Jason asked as they flew out of the planet's core.

"Take a guess!" Jim replied as they saw the ship fling down towards them.

"We need to get out of here, the damn place is going to blow in a few seconds!" Ben called out from the ship.

Jason looked around and saw what he was referring to. The once green and mysterious world they had landed on was coming apart. Like an engine being set on fire, the machine pieces shot out and collapsed around them. Flames shot out into the sky, barely gracing the ship. They would not be able to escape before the planet exploded.

Jason then looked at the window behind them.

"Jim, the window!" Jason called out.
"Good idea!" Jim pulled Jason onto the board. "Hold on!"

Jim turned back to the portal window, accelerating at top speeds towards it.

"Guys, we're gonna get out of here! We'll use the window!" Jim called back.

"But doesn't that lead to an inferno?!" Dr. Delbert asked.

"Not if they put in a different destination!" Static added.

"That's the idea!" Jason added. "Hold on!" Jason spotted the port station of Crescentia.

With fire and explosions all around them, they reached out, pressing the icon in the nick of time. The window opened up, allowing them and the ship to pass through as an explosion echoed behind them.

They all cheered for their near death escape.

The whole group looked at the Anti-Monitor's Skull with curiosity.

"This is the piece you were looking for?" Dr. Delbert asked. "Fascinating."

"Gaudy some would say," Amelia said.

"It's important for something we need," M'Gann explained. "You guys can keep the rest of what you got. But this comes with us."

"That sounds fair to me," Jim said.

"Cool, so, where is John Silver anyway?" Virgil asked.

Everyone turned to see that the pirate was indeed missing from the deck.

"For a cyborg with only one leg, he is surprisingly fast," Virgil said.

Down at the boats, John finished putting his stuff and a bag of loot on the boat.

"Planning on leaving without saying goodbye?"

John turned to see Jason and Jim looking at him.

"I figured you two would want to see me leave as soon as possible," John said. "After the wild couple of days, I figured taking my leave was the gentlemanly thing to do. Don't worry, I'm letting you keep most of the treasure. Can't take it all in this thing anyway."

The boys couldn't help but smile. The old pirate was incorrigible. But there was something they needed to know.

"Was this all just a job for you?" Jim asked. "Was anything you said real?"

"Boys, sometimes life takes you to some unexpected routes," John sighed after a brief pause. "You may end up with a grand adventure, others you are betrayed, and other times you end up seeing two lads really grow into their own. I've made my life choices, I don't expect anyone to completely understand them. I'm proud that you both stuck to your course and made your choices. You could come with me if you want. Adventure seems to dog my every moment."

The two boys had to admit that it was a tempting offer. But there were things they needed to do.

"Sorry John, but my mom is waiting for me," Jim said. "Take care of yourself." Jim and John hugged.

"What about you, Jason?" John asked.

Jason would admit that he had no particular place to return to. Even if he considered the inn his home, there was nothing particularly anchoring him there. A life of adventure did sound good to him. But there was something else he needed to do first before he could answer.

"There's something I'm curious about, and I plan to find out more about it," Jason replied.

Virgil and M'Gann stepped through the door and back into the House of Mystery.

"You're back," Shade said. "Safe and sound too. That's a relief."

"Were you successful in your mission?" Cain asked.

"Yeah, we-" Virgil reached for the relic, only to find it missing.

"Looking for this?"

They turned to see Jason holding up the Anti-Monitor's Skull.

"I got questions, and I'm not leaving without them," Jason said. "Creepy place."

"And I see you brought a hero with you," Cain said with a smile. "And what would your name be, young man?"

"Hood. Red Hood."

Chapter Text

​The multiverse is more than just a prism…

It is ever expanding and ever growing…

A place where one choice, one fork on the road can lead to many opportunities…

But every spark of brilliance there is a spark of madness…

These are the stories of both…

Jinx was not the biggest fan of magical kingdoms in general. They were always either too bright or too elitist for her own liking. Was she being biased because of her experiences? Pretty much. But when you learn your whole life was denied because a blue dwarf with a head piercing said so and your people are racist bigots that tortured the people that raised you your whole life, you tend to have a pretty narrow view of things. But she had to admit, Corona was something of a wonder.

"I really need to write this stuff down," Jinx said, reading the books about Corona. "This kingdom sounds like a dream."

"You know what would be a dream, if you gave us a hand." Kara dropped a large anvil to the center of the room. "Is this enough?" Kara asked.

Alan Scott groaned in pain as his arm and body became engulfed in the flames of his ring. He was thankful that his old workshop was just dusty, and not ransacked by Zhan Tiri's followers. The memories he could look at were great and he couldn't wait to go back to his home and defend it. He could sense something was wrong, all the more reason to stop Owlman faster.

"It'll have to do," Alan sighed as he picked up a hammer. "Princess Jinx, the spell circle, if you would."

"Just because you're dying, I'm letting the 'princess' bit slide." Jinx held up her wand as her eyes glowed bright pink. "Alchemiam antiquam, ignem viridem, ferrum spatii et voluntatem unius appello, omnes in hoc circulo ligate!" Jinx drew a circle with her wand, engraving it around the anvil, filling it with ancient alchemical symbols of magic and power.

"You sure this'll work?" Kara asked. "S. Wardsmith usually uses a normal hammer and metal with ancient forging techniques."

"It will. The metal I used to forge the ring is the same that held the flame in for thousands of years," Alan explained. "But now that it is damaged, I'll have to fix it with a special mineral, Oanite. Darmanitus used this same mineral to create the portal to seal Zhan Tiri in an empty dimension." He used his ring to pull a chunk of the metal into his hand, before placing it on top of the anvil.

The two girls watched as Alan's body became engulfed in green fire, heating up everything around him. He was slowly becoming something more, more than a man, but lesser for it. If the flames weren't contained in a newly reforged ring, Alan Scott would become a construct of pure will power with no restraint, engulfing everything in flames.

"Take a step back, this will shake things up." Alan focused as much of his power into the hammer he held, making it bigger and more powerful, an instrument of his will.

Alan lifted the hammer over his head, slamming it against the Oanite ore. The strike sent shockwaves throughout the room, making Kara stand between them and Jinx, protecting her. Alan held the hammer up once more, slamming it over and over against the ore. Each blow was stronger than the last and he was not stopping. The blows he unleashed echoed throughout the land, shaking trees, beasts, and magic itself. The entire world that knew of the power felt it.

The flames from his fire delved into the metal, changing it, shaping it.

Anyone with a small connection to magic and power could sense the strikes.

Rapunzel's hair lit up bright as the morning sun, making her look to the sky.

Cassandra's Moon Opal crackled with power, warning her that something was coming.

Darmanitus turned to the direction where Alan was, knowing his student had returned and was preparing for war.

"Alan," he whispered.

Zhan Tiri's eyes snapped open from inside her prison.

"The Emerald Knight lives?!" She snarled.

The green flames engulfing Alan's body amassed and reforged the ring with the Oanite ore, leaving Alan's body. Little by little, his body returned to normal. He looked down at his work, recognizing the iconic symbol it now bore.

The ring had been reforged stronger with his own will added to the mix.

With determination, he put it on.

"In Brightest Day, in Blackest Night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might beware my power," Alan recited the oath. "GREEN LANTERN'S LIGHT!" He held up his arm as the green flame powered him once more. "Alan Scott, Green Lantern, ready to save all worlds."

Jinx smiled as she and Kara were more than happy to hear those words. Sure, she was not the biggest fan of fantasy kingdoms or princesses but if Alan was anything to go by, then there were worlds like that that needed saving.

"Then let's go with the rest." Jinx summoned the door back to the House of Mystery before they all went through. "Hey boss, we're back."

"And with a fully working Green Lantern on our side." Kara flew ahead.

Shade and Caine smiled at them.

"Excellent, we need to get you caught up with everything," Shade said.

Shade and Cain explained to them what they had learned about Owlman's plan. He was bolstering his lines as well as hunting for the relics of Perpetua to find the way to find the elusive first world, Earth Prime or Prime Earth if they would. They had already recovered one of the relics but so had Owlman's team. And now Jinx, Kara and Alan had to help them collect the other relics before they were snatched away by the growing Legion of Doom.

"So, where do you need us?" Kara asked.

"There are two worlds that need your expertise," Shade said. "But we're low on staff and it means one of you will have to tackle a world on their own."

"What are the worlds like?" Alan asked. "I am eager to fight against someone." He added cracking his knuckles.

Cain summoned two different doors. The first one had a large yellow A-like symbol behind a large blue glowing crystal with giant stone giants guarding an ancient city. While the second door had what looked like three witches grasping a book as a large white hand sprouted out from the ground clawing at the moon.

"One is a world of an ancient civilization who's treasures are under threat of upending the world," Cain explained, gesturing to the first door. "And the other is a world where magic is scarce but powerful, reaching out to grasp at the minds of humanity. Any takers?"

"Witches and magic to the rebel magic user?" Jinx shrugged. "Why don't you just offer to throw some cookies along with it? I'll take the crazy-looking witches, I've been wanting to meet some since I met Oliver."

"Then by all means, Ms. Jinx." Cain gestured to the second door. "Be sure to stack up some candy while you're at it. I suspect Halloween came early to this world." Cain chuckled.

"Aren't you a little old for candy?" Jinx asked. "Also, what's Halloween?"

"Don't worry, Jinx. You'll fit right in," Shade said.

Jinx shrugged at their words. But if there was anything to do with candy, she would make sure to grab as much as possible for her sister and friends. A part of her did wonder what was the whole reason for candy and witches. Something to look forward to she guessed. She stepped through the door, getting ready to meet some fellow witches and find out what Halloween was all about.

What if Halloween was on a Monday?

Earth -3991

Jinx arrived at a clean quaint town, the leaves had turned yellow and orange, the night had fallen, and the cold feeling of the wind made her robe flutter in the wind. She'd seen towns similar to this thanks to her practice with the All Seeing Eye spell, and she had to admit that she liked what she saw. Though, there were a few things that she caught on to as she walked through the streets. Pumpkins cut up to show smiling or terrified faces, decorations that made the homes look terrifying and streets filled with humans dressed like monsters. All of them laughing, having fun, going to the houses yelling some kind of threat.

"Trick or Treat!"

And they were paid off with candy.

Jinx blinked as she continued looking around for answers. Until it hit her like a lightning bolt.

"Halloween is about humans dressing up as monsters, ghouls and goblins to ask for candy?" Jinx wondered out loud. "I mean, I've heard of worse holidays."

"Hey girl, you look lonely."

Jinx turned to see what she could only guess where the town jackasses. A couple of punks that thought themselves as the baddest guys around that probably liked picking on anyone new or that was alone because they didn't have enough brain cells to rub together. This should be entertaining.

"Do you need company tonight? I'm Jay and this is ICE," the tall one said, trying to sound cool. "And we have plenty of candy to go around."

"Right, I'm busy so, how about you leave and you don't regret this night," Jinx said.

"Come on, honey, don't be such a frigid chick," ICE said. "Didn't your mom ever tell you not to be rude to nice guys?"

Jinx's eye twitched.

"No, she didn't. Because she did this instead," Jinx said as her eyes glowed bright pink.

Jay and ICE's pants dropped down to the floor. They tried to reach for them but they headbutted themselves in their action. Suddenly, they felt their underwear being pulled up by an invisible force with enough strength to lift them up into the trees. They hung there like ugly piñatas, screaming from the cold and the humiliation that they felt. Their screams brought a gathering of nearby teens, adults and trick or treaters to laugh and poke fun at.

Jinx smiled as she blended away into the crowd. There was always something very satisfying about putting a couple of idiots in their place. But she had work to do. She pulled out her wand casting the All Seeing Eye spell, revealing the location of the next piece of Perpetua's relics. The vision showed her a shabby old cabin at the edge of town, covered in cobwebs and dust. The perfect place to hide something that was not to be found.

"Alright, time to take to the skies." Jinx's cape turned into bat wings, lifting her into the air. "Aside from the bullies, I think I could learn to like it here."

However, as she flew, she didn't notice someone hovering amidst the clouds.

Blackfire silently followed after Jinx. Her eyes glowed a bright purple in the dark night sky, like the eyes of a haunting spirit. If someone had gazed into those eyes that could kill, they would've seen that she didn't fancy being sent to fetch the relic. Her warrior ways were more aimed at the hunting and destruction of her enemies. But as Owlman had told her, she needed to be there to ensure their claim over the relic the witches unknowingly held for them.

"This scroll better be worth it." Blackfire muttered as she silently flew.

Jinx landed outside the old house as her cape turned back to a normal cloak. The house looked homey but she could sense magic coming from the inside. Walking slowly towards the door, Jinx knocked. No one answered. She looked in through the window, spotting nothing but an empty house that she could break in. With a snap of her fingers, the main door opened up for her. She held her wand ready to fight, knowing that appearances could be deceiving.

"Quaerere," She chanted, sending a magic pulse through the house.

The spell would tell her if there was anyone or anything else in the house besides her. She got a ping. Spinning around with the instincts of a feral cat, Jinx raised her wand to fire a magic blast. But was faced with a large black cat hissing at her.

"Sorry, whiskers, I'm just looking for something," Jinx relaxed. "You wouldn't happen to know of anything that shouldn't be here. Like say an ancient relic not meant for mortals?"

The cat only growled at her, narrowing its eyes. Clearly she wasn't welcomed in the cat's peaceful home.

"Whatever, don't worry, I'll leave in a sec." Jinx started to look around for anything that could have magic on it.

She turned her sights to the large book under the glass case. The magic coming from it was all too familiar. This was bound to be the piece she was looking for. Or at least tell her what she was supposed to look for. It couldn't be this easy.

'Click.'

Jinx hid behind the counter as the door opened up. She gripped her wand tightly, getting ready to blast whoever had entered the house. Thieves or Owlman's allies? Didn't matter, they would get their faces full of magic.

"So, this is the witches' house?" A boy voice asked. Probably a young man around Jinx's age.

"It looks so dusty." A younger girly voice added. Probably a child no older than ten or eleven.

"Yeah, not many people come over to the Sanderson house. The story of the Sanderson Sisters brings in a lot of people, but not many want to run into their servant, Solomon Grundy." Another girl's voice. She too sounded older.

Two teenagers and a little girl?

Jinx poked her head up slowly, seeing what was going on. She was right.

There were two teenagers, a boy and a girl with a little girl dressed as a witch.

"Solomon Grundy? They didn't mention him in the story back in class," the teen boy said. "Who was he? Was he like a reverent turned bad or some poor zap they kept under their spell?"

"No, not exactly, Max. Solomon Grundy was what you'd call a drifter, a con man that tried to play a fast one on the Sandersons," the young lady explained as she stopped at an old picture of a big pale man on a postcard. "He came to Salem while on the run from the law three years before the Sandersons were hanged by the tree… He spent his time working odd jobs paying close attention to the reclusive sisters… Some say that he heard the sisters had some ancient familial treasure they hoarded outside the old Salem…

"One day, on a Monday, he went to meet with them, thinking that they had a fortune… He romanced the eldest sister, Winifred, promising her the whole world… On a Tuesday, he got her to tell him about herself… On a Wednesday, he charmed her enough to kiss her… On a Thursday, she revealed to him that she was a witch… On a Friday, he learned of their treasures and powers… On a Saturday, he seduced the youngest sister to get her to steal the fortune and run away with him… And on a Sunday, his con was discovered and he was killed…

"Sounds like he didn't have a good week," Max said.

"Oh, that wasn't the worst of it," she giggled. "Winifred chose to have Solomon's punishment last all his life and death. Creating a rhyme from their magic, and raising him to be their eternal servant. 'Solomon Grundy/ Born on a Monday/ Christened on a Tuesday/ Married on a Wednesday/ Took ill on Thursday/ Worse on a Friday/ Died on Saturday/ Buried on Sunday/ This is the end/ Of Solomon Grundy.' With that rhyme, she made him their slave to do as they wanted."

"And what happened to him, Allison?" The little girl asked.

"According to the story, he remains dormant in an unmarked grave waiting for his mistresses to return to life," Allison replied. "By a virgin lighting of the black candle." She turned to look at a black wax candle that waited untouched by the dust.

Jinx narrowed her eyes at the candle. She could sense magic coming from it and knowing her luck, the chance of some virgin lighting that candle as a joke was too big to pass up.

"Come on, first witches and now zombies?" Max asked. "Don't pay her any attention, Danie. Allison is just making this stuff up. Look, I'll prove it." Max snatched one of the lighters from the counter.

"Max, don't do it!" Danie begged her brother.

Max lit the lighter reaching for the candle about to light it.

Jinx caught his hand, pushing it back.

"You should listen to her," Jinx said, making everyone gasp in shock. "Last thing you want is to mess with magic you don't understand."

"Who the heck are you?!" Max asked, trying to pry his hand free from Jinx's hold.

"I'm someone on a mission, and you need to leave," Jinx replied with a soft tone. "Now." Her eyes glowed meaning she meant business.

"Oh my gosh, are you a witch?!" Danie asked.

Before Jinx could answer her question, the door was blasted down by a purple starbolt. Everyone jumped back, Allison covered Danie with her body andJinx accidentally caused Max to light the candle.

From the remnants of the door, Blackfire stepped in with her eyes glowing fiercely.

"Sorry for the mess, but I'm looking for something fancy and old," Blackfire said, spotting the book. "Ah, that book should do it." She walked towards the spellbook.

Jinx sprung to her feet, firing a blast of magic at Blackfire, sending her to the wall.

"Grab the book and get out of here!" Jinx ordered as Blackfire pulled herself out of the wall.

"You'll pay for that," Blackfire snarled, charging her starbolts in her hands.

Jinx didn't wait for her to make the first move. She summoned a magic wave of bad luck at Blackfire, causing the ceiling to fall down on top of her. But Blackfire was not amused, she shot out of the buried debris, throwing a punch at Jinx. Jinx dodged out of the way, missing Blackfire's punch by a cat's whisker. Using the space between them, Jinx brought her wand forward, creating purple ribbons from it. She wrapped Blackfire from head to toe before slamming her into the ground. She pulled on her ribbons, sending shocks of energy into the alien princess. Blackfire used her strength to push against the ribbons, fighting the energy that coursed through her. Jinx held her stand firm, hoping to make it through as she held the alien with her magical might.

Jinx turned back to the normal humans with a serious look.

"What are you waiting for?! Get the book and-!" Jinx began.

"WHO DESTROYED OUR DOOR?!"

Everyone turned to see the Sanderson's sisters stepping through the hole that was once their door.

"Winnie, our home! It's been destroyed!" A fat witch cried.

"I can see that!" Winifred snapped, turning to the group. "You five! You've got some explaining to do!"

Blackfire smirked, spotting a chance to make her move.

"They're trying to steal your spellbook!" Blackfire snitched.

"What?!" Winifred snarled. "You dare! You shall all pay!" Winifred fired lightning from her hands, blasting Jinx away, slamming her against the wall.

Blackfire freed herself as the other two witches tried to catch Max, Danie and Allison. She turned to the spellbook with a smile on her face. Tearing off the glass case, the alien princess was about to grab it when a black cat pounced on her head, trying to scratch her.

"GAH! Get off me you fur ball!" Sha screamed.

"Oh right, that cat is still alive," Winifred shrugged.

Jinx used this as her chance, planting her hand on the wall.

"Ibi!" Jinx chanted, creating a portal behind her.

She flew into it before the other portal popped behind Winifred. Jinx slammed into the older witch, sending her into Blackfire. The cat landed on her shoulder with a nasty look on his face.

"Nice going there, witch," the cat hissed.

"You can talk? Of course," Jinx replied, not the least taken aback by the sight of a talking cat. "Next time, you do something while I sit and judge you."

"Feisty, good. Get the book," the cat said.

"Levitato!" Jinx summoned the book to her hand, catching it.

"My book!" Winifred growled.

"Mine now! Levitato!" Jinx pulled the other sisters into the air before tossing them at Winifred and Blackfire. "I leave your sisters and the two-faced alien bitch to you!"

Max pulled his lighter, turning it on before setting the fire alarms off. Water poured down on the witches, scaring them. They grabbed Blackfire, lifting her over their heads as an umbrella.

"Put me down you stupid old hags!" Blackfire's eyes lit up as she fired her starbolt vision to the ceiling.

Jinx, Max, Allison, Danie and the cat ran quickly through the streets, heading into a graveyard.

"Quick, this way!" The cat said, jumping through the bars.

"Talking cat?!" Max cried out, only for Jinx to push him through the entrance.

"Keep up, would you?" Jinx casted an illusion over the gates, making it seem like they were closed.

They continued delving deeper into the graveyard until they came upon a set of graves. A group of graves that belonged to the same family.

"A graveyard? Really?" Jinx asked. "Please tell me there's more to the plan than this."

"Hallowed ground, the witches cannot touch it," the cat said before eying Jinx. "Or they shouldn't. Who are you?"

"Yeah, you were there before we got there, what's your game?" Max asked.

"The name is Jinx, and despite my dark choice of clothing, I'm not a witch. I'm, I can't believe I'm saying this, a magical princess from another dimension," Jinx explained.

The group looked at each other before giving Jinx an unconvinced look. Not that Jinx couldn't blame them. Most humans pictured magical princesses as all happy go lucky little girls dressed in bright colorful dresses. And she would not be caught dead wearing anything like her biological sister or mother.

"Look, I understand that you don't trust me, but I'm here for something important," Jinx explained. "That woman that came in busting everything is also after this book. Her boss wants to use it for something very, very bad. Besides, if I wanted you guys dead, I wouldn't have helped you."

"Hate to say it, but she's not wrong," Allison said.

"Plus she looks adorable with those cat eyes," Danie added.

"Yes, I can attest that those do look like cat eyes," the cat added.

Max just shrugged before turning to the cat.

"So what's your story, cat?" Max asked.

"My name is Binx, and I am a cursed man," Binx said. "The Sanderson Sisters turned me into a cat when I failed to save my sister, cursed to be a cat for the rest of eternity. I swore that I would guard that candle forever and stop them if they ever came back. Though, a part of me always hoped no virgin would be foolish enough to light it." Binx glared at Max and Jinx.

"Come on, we're talking some old crones from the 1700s against the 20th century," Max said. "How bad can it be?"

"Bad." Binx stated. "All we can hope for is to wait until the sunrise and then, they'll be gone for good."

"What about the other girl?" Allison asked.

"She's after the same thing I am. And she isn't a witch or magic user. Your tricks and knowledge won't help you against her." Jinx sat down, knowing that their biggest threat would come for them shortly. "I'll deal with Blackfire."

Jinx opened the book, flipping through the pages with an analytical eye. Despite this not being her type of magic, she still learned of what was to be expected. The more she knew about her enemy the better she would be able to fight them. And knowing that Blackfire was an alien princess did tell her something. The ruthless warrior had a weakness to magic, and that she had in spades.

The spells she read on the pages of the spellbook were dark and dangerous. Some of them bended the energy and power of magic to their will, while others twisted nature to suit the weilder's desires. Each of these spells truly felt like dark magic. Yet there was nothing that tied to Perpetua or the relics she left behind. Which was impossible. Jinx had sensed great power in this book, this couldn't be it. She could sense something more. Something was benign hidden in the very book she held in her hands. She just needed time to bring it out.

Back at the Sanderson cottage, Blackfire tossed out the firefighters that had arrived to check on the alarm.

"I hate this pathetic primitive world," Blackfire huffed. "Now, you three, talk. What's so special about that book?" Blackfire pulled out the three sisters, lifting them up by the helms of their dresses like they weighed no more than a sack of groceries, a small sack.

"Oh, the book was given to us by our master to use the arca-" Sarah began only for Winifred to cover her mouth.

"It's just a cookbook," Mary said, only to get a glare from Blackfire.

"I won't hesitate to murder the three of you. Now, talk," Blackfire's eyes lit up like two furnaces straight from Hell.

Winifred then got an idea.

"Alright, alright, we'll talk. Just don't hurt me and my sisters," Winifred said, putting on her best pleading face.

"That's better." Blackfire put them down on the ground. "Now, procede."

Winifred, smiling, turned her sisters around. She whispered her plan to them, getting them to smile and agree to what she had planned.

"The book was given to us by our master, as both a way to learn and master magic as well as a place to hide his greatest weapon," Winifred explained. "The Scroll of Barbatos."

"Okay, you got my interest," Blackfire smiled. "What does it do?"

"It grants the witch passage to every dark corner of the world below," Winifred answered.

"Sounds like what Owlman wants, good, you can have the book, but I need that scroll for myself," Blackfire said. "So, get ready to-"

"Only a true witch can find both the book and the scroll and separate one from the other. You need us alive, dear," Winifred said. "And to even start looking for the book, we need a special spell that needs to be cast."

Blackfire growled. This was the last thing that she wanted to deal with. But magic was not in her wheelhouse.

"Okay then, do it." Blackfire had no time to waste, and the witches were good cannon fodder for her to use against the little witch.

The three sisters joined hands, muttering a spell amongst them to bring about their most powerful servant while they navigated their way towards their beloved book. Their words like whispers echoed in the night as their magic reached into the black. They picked out the perfectly black soul they had once conscripted into their service to rise and do what they needed once more.

"Solomon Grundy,

Born on a Monday,

Christened on a Tuesday,

Married on a Wednesday,

Took ill on Thursday,

Worse on a Friday,

Died on Saturday,

Buried on Sunday,

This is the end,

Of Solomon Grundy."

Their magic carried that rhyme into the night wind in search of the unmarked grave of their agent.

"You three done?" Blackfire asked.

"Yes, yes, but now we must go and find our book and the scroll it hides within," Winifred said. "To the brooms!"

"To the brooms!" Mary and Sarah joined in.

"The what?" Blackfire watched in confusion and utter disbelief at what the three crazy witches were doing.

Blackfire's sense of confusion and shock did not improve one bit as she watched the three witches fly out of their cottage. Two of them on actual wooden brooms and the last one in a vacuum cleaner of all things. Despite living in a galaxy with advanced technology and powerful forces that could defy logic, the sight of three old bats flying away into the night cackling like crazy made her stop to process everything she'd seen. There was very little to do but to sigh and admit that what she'd seen was possible.

Blackfire took to the sky, flying a decent distance from the witches.

In a forgotten corner of the graveyard, the magic took root like a poisonous seed after being watered. A large white hand sprung out.

Back with Jinx and the group, they were carefully waiting for time to pass as she continued reading through the book. However, she could tell that Binx was glaring daggers at her for every page she flipped.

"You should really close that book," Binx said. "The witches can smell the magic coming from it."

"I know, you said it before, but I need to find what this thing has in connection to Perpetua's relics," Jinx countered.

"Sounds like a rock band," Max commented.

"What's it like being a magical princess?" Danie asked.

Jinx frowned at the mention of being a princess. She gave the young girl a scowl before letting out a sigh.

"It isn't all that's cracked up to be," Jinx sighed. "I was born with a strong connection to what's essentially bad luck magic and that's a big no-no for the old hag's perfect kingdom."

"You call your mom 'old hag'?" Allison asked. "That sounds kind of mean."

"Considering that she abandoned me to die, me calling her anything is generous of me," Jinx replied. "Her kingdom pretends to be great but it is rotten to the core. Her people are constantly depending on her to solve all their problems no matter how small, and those that aren't like them are treated like second-class citizens. So when she got a firstborn with the power of causing bad luck to happen, she kicked her out because others said I was a danger. I was a baby."

The group was left with no point to argue with her. Jinx's story was nothing like any other princess story any of them had ever heard of, and it seemed to have more than her share of issues to deal with.

Jinx went back to flipping through the pages of the book until she came upon a strange page. The page was marked by black chains and a large black bat-like skull in the center of it with a hood covering it. Jinx tried to flip the page but it wouldn't budge from where it was. It was almost like the page was glued to the red of the book. She tried again and again, but it remained the same.

"Hey, Binx, you know what this page is all about?" Jinx turned the book to the cat.

"Never seen it before. But if it's chained and locked away then it can't be good," Binx replied.

"Then this has to be what they're looking for." Jinx narrowed her eyes before she heard a twig snapping.

"What was that?" Danie asked.

"Probably someone taking a shortcut through the cemetery," Max said, hoping to calm down his sister.

"Yeah, we're not that lucky." Jinx closed the book, handing it to Allison. "Get ready to run where they can't see you." She gripped her wand, turning to where the noise had come from.

Jinx stepped slowly towards the shadows, keeping an eye on the bushes and the trees before her. The wind had stopped blowing and all seemed to have gone quiet. She held her wand firm as she prepared a variety of spells ready for the draw. She didn't think it was the witches if the hallowed ground thing was real, and it wasn't Blackfire. The other heroes made it clear that she wasn't one for cloak and dagger moves. Therefore, she just hoped that it was a pair of horny teenagers fooling around in the cemetery. …And with that picture in her mind, she really hoped it was some kind of beast or villain she had to blast off.

She silently stepped towards the bushes, expecting someone or something small to pop out. Just as she was half a foot away from the shadowy trees, a large pale muscular hand shot out, grabbing her. The strong hand lifted her up as the rest of the body appeared out of the foliage.

It was a giant with a pale white muscular body that would've looked big on a gorilla. Standing some good eight to nine feet in height and with the broadest shoulders that Jinx had ever seen, was a grunting, snarling man with a sewn in mouth, choppy pale white hair with a rope tied around his neck and knives stuck to his back like porcupine quills. He was dressed in a torn black vest, and a pair of torn black pants that looked freshly stolen from a corpse. The creature's dead eyes glowed with the haunting light of a night watchman's lantern.

The creature grunted as Jinx struggled to get out of its hold.

"It's Solomon Grundy!" Binx said. "He got his mouth sewn shut to keep him from revealing the witches's secrets!"

"So good to make his acquaintance." Jinx struggled, kicking Grundy in the face to no effect.

A mad cackle caught their attention as the Sanderson Sisters flew down on them with Blackfire on their side.

"Oh Grundy, be a dear and get me my book!" Winifred ordered the zombie.

"Hi Grundy, you look nice," Sarah added.

"Well, this just got fun to watch," Blackfire said as Mary accidentally bumped into her. "Knock it off!"

"Sorry!" Mary said.

"Hey, don't talk to my sister like that," Winifred snapped. "Oh book!" She called to her spellbook, making it float out of Allison's hands only for Binx to jump on it.

"Not on your life, Winifred Sanderson!" Binx hissed.

"Thackery Binx, you shall fail to save your friends just like ye failed to save thy sister," Winifred taunted, getting a hiss out of Binx.

"This is too stupid, I'll get your book," Blackfire said.

Jinx used this chance to free herself. She fired a blast of magic at Grundy's face, making him take a step back. But his hold on her body grew tighter. As the smoke cleared, Jinx saw that there were no more than a few scratches than any significant damage. An idea popped in her mind. She aimed her wand at the ground where her shadow waited. Chanting a spell, her whole body became a shadow, pulling her out of Grundy's hold. Grundy groaned in search of the young spell caster.

He snarled, swinging his arms at all sides, like a blind man trying to catch whoever was around him. Seeing the teenagers running away from Blackfire, he picked up one of the trees, ripping it out roots and all. Like tossing a common stick, Grundy tossed the tree at the teens, almost hitting Blackfire in the process.

"Careful you idiot! You almost hit me!" Blackfire snarled as she fired a starbolt, cutting off the group's retreat.

Jinx took her chance, jumping out of the shadows.

"Levitato!" She chanted, encasing Grundy in a purple magical aura.

Jinx pulled him back, reeling him like a baseball ball before flinging him straight at Blackfire. The large zombie collided with the alien princess, sending her back until she stopped his march.

"You useless piece of rotten flesh!" Blackfire punched Grundy, breaking his jaw.

Grundy grabbed his split jaw, putting it back in place before punching Blackfire away with his magically enhanced strength. He sent her flying with one blow before jumping on top of her, planting her into the ground. Grundy proceeded to punch her over and over into the newly formed crater. His larger body collided with hers like an elephant's feet stomping on a smaller creature that had earned its ire. He reeled back his right fist to end the fire, only for Blackfire to catch his large fist.

Blackfire caught the other arm, pushing the zombie off of her with her own strength. Her eyes lit up, blasting him square in the chest. Her starbolt vision made a large gaping hole in his chest. Smirking, she believed she'd won, only for her smile to drop as Grundy's chest healed up before her eyes. Grundy looked down at her before headbutting her in the face. His large foot slammed on her chest sending her back and out of the graveyard and through a car.

"Oh, you just made this fun, big guy," Blackfire said, pulling herself free of the car.

Grundy roared like a wild beast, charging at Blackfire before something stopped him. His body roared in pain as electricity coursed through him.

"Stop this you fools!" Winifred called out. "They're gone! Find them!"

"Hey, you don't order me, witch!" Blackfire snapped.

"Silence!" Winifred shocked Blackfire with her lightning. "You two will go and search high and low for our spell book with us and neither of you shall rest until it is found." Winifred and her sisters landed before them before they started searching.

"I smell kids… this way!" Mary said, leading the sisters.

Blackfire coiled in rage as she glared at the witches. They reminded her too much of the emperor she had once served. Both old, foolish and all too happy with their positions of power to do anything else but bark out orders. Her ears picked up the disgruntled grunts of Solomon Grundy and now that she could look into his eyes, she was sure of something she suspected: The zombie wanted to break free from his shackles but wanted to maintain the power the witches had granted him. This was something she could use to gain the upper hand.

Miles away from the graveyard, Max popped the manhole cover off.

"Coast is clear," Max said before climbing up with Binx by his side.

"That was insane," Allison said as she helped Danie out of the sewers. "I can't believe we just watched an alien try to kill us."

"It was kind of fun," Danie said with a giggle.

"We got lucky. We should keep moving," Jinx said, joining the group. "Binx, how long does the black candle last exactly?"

"Until sunrise, unless they absorb the essence of the children of Salem, the Sanderson Sisters will return to dust," Binx explained. "And with them gone, so will Solomon Grundy. The big oaf is tied to magic. No magic, no Solomon Grundy."

"Which leaves Blackfire to deal with," Jinx sighed. "At least we've got time on our side with the witches. But we still need some way to deal with the alien princess."

Danie lit up hearing that there was another princess around.

"Evil alien princess," Jinx reminded her.

"Hey, after this, we can get some nice princesses that aren't dangerous, okay?" Max tried cheering up his little sister.

Jinx thought of her own sister back home at seeing Danie's sad expression. Noticing a candy store next to them, she then got an idea.

"You couldn't go trick or treating, right?" Jinx asked with Danie shaking her head. "Alright then, let's get some grub for the fun of it." Jinx snapped her fingers causing the windows to shatter and for candy to shoot out towards Danie's bag. "Consider it on the house." Jinx tossed a few golden coins at the candy store.

"And we can add destruction of property to your list of crimes," Binx said.

Jinx shrugged. Being called a criminal or a monster wasn't something new to her. Part of her revelled in being called that if it meant going against a society that was built upon oppressing others for the sake of stubborn babies. It was one of the things that reminded her that her biological family sucked eggs.

But as cool as it was to break stuff to make someone smile, she needed to focus on the damn page of the spell book. This piece was much stronger than the other pages, if she could separate it, then she could send it away. That could take care of Blackfire and mess with Owlman's twisted plans.

"Okay, so, where do we go from here?" Jinx asked.

"High school," Max and Allison sighed after thinking about it.

"You're kidding, right?" Jinx asked.

Blackfire felt like she was in Hell. She had followed the three old bats all over that miserable town as they made fools of themselves.

First, they got on a backwatered mode of transport after the driver played casanova with the youngest of the witches. And then her. She blew up his 'bus' as he called it. Then they were chased by a little dog after the witches thought some dressed up man was their master, which would've answered some questions. They lost their brooms, again. And she was left in zombie duty while they thought of a new plan.

Unsurprisingly, Blackfire was livid.

"Well, any ideas on where those punks could've gotten?" Blackfire asked.

"We are thinking! Why don't you do something useful while we think of something." Winifred said.

Blackfire wanted to murder them so badly, but a large pale hand stopped her. She looked at the big zombie as it played the role of guard dog. But she knew better.

The big zombie wanted his freedom and she was going to give it to him.

"I got it! A lot of these people say that the parents are at the high school, that's where they'll go!" Mary said.

"That's so stupid, Mary. But we got nothing else, if anything, we can get them as hostages." Winifred admitted. "Let's go! To high school!"

As the three stooges walked ahead, Blackfire stopped Grundy, keeping him back from the rest. There was something about the big guy that she needed to bring out. Underneath all that muscle and creepy looking remains of a suit, was the heart of an evil man. A man that would've sold out his own sister if it meant that he went ahead in life. And now he was shackled to the whims of three crazy witches that wanted to just be young and pretty forever. Not the most petty goal but bondage to idiots was still bondage. The feeling of a shackle around your neck was something she'd felt before and knew what needed to be done. Plus, having someone so big and strong would be beneficial in the long run.

"Let me guess, you don't care about the book like they do?" Blackfire asked.

Grundy grunted like a caged animal.

"Right, you can't talk," Blackfire pointed out. "Nod if you agree with what I'm saying or if you understand me at least. What is it that you want? Power? Respect? Fortunes that you can hold in your hands for all eternity?"

Grundy nodded, pointing to the shiny necklaces that some parents wore, pretending to be ancient royalty. It was something that he wanted more than anything. His eyes glowed at the sight of the light reflected off of the pieces of jewelry.

"A greed, yeah, I know what that looks like," Blackfire said. "You want to be richer than anyone else. You want enough gold to make yourself not care about anything other than your earthly pleasures. Tell me if I'm wrong." She fixed her nails as Grundy pictured himself as an insanely rich man.

Grundy shook his head slowly.

"What if I told you, you could get it? All those riches that you've missed out on and more and everything coming from your own choices," Blackfire whispered into his rotting ear as the image became more alive than Grundy had ever felt.

Grundy looked at her, silently asking her what was the catch.

"No catch, well, there is one. You help me and my friends destroy one world, one, and you can get the riches of a whole world to yourself," Blackfire explained. "To do that, we need a few things, and I want you to help me steal it. So, do we have a deal?" She extended her hand to Grundy.

Grundy looked ahead as the three witches cackled to themselves as they headed to the high school. Despite being a mostly braindead zombie that had just woken up from his slumber, he still possessed enough of a rational mind to get an idea of what he wanted. He wanted riches and respect. The warm sensation of holding gold coins in his hands and tossing them in the air to rain around him like a blessing from heaven was something akin to a dream that he couldn't shake off. He would never be satisfied until he lived it.

He looked at Blackfire's hand, taking it in his large white hand like a wrapper covering a precious gift.

"Good to be working with you," Blackfire pulled her hand back. "Quite the grip you got there. Now, let's go and really make this high school a scream. Oh gods, those witches got me saying puns! Let's go before I wish to kill myself." Blackfire flew after the witches as Grungy followed after her, smashing the asphalt under his huge size.

For the first time in many centuries, Solomon Grundy felt like he moved with a purpose all his own.

Jinx watched as the grown ups danced to the music of the DJ dressed up like all the kids that were trick or treating. She couldn't help but feel like this was just an excuse to drink alcohol and dress up in strange costumes. A part of her wondered if her family would've seen this as racist but decided not to pay it any mind when Max and Danie's mom passed them by wearing cones on her chest. She instinctively covered Danie's eyes from the sight.

"They won't listen to anything I say." Max returned from speaking with his dad. "They think it's all a Halloween prank."

"Did you try telling them about the evil alien princess?" Danie asked.

"Yeah, they told me to pick a genre," Max sighed.

"Is it just me or do people think everything is a joke during this time?" Jinx asked.

"Have you seen how some are dressed?" Binx asked.

"We need to get them out of here before they come here looking for the-" Allison began only for the doors to be kicked open, shocking everyone.

The group turned to see the Sanderson Sisters, Blackfire and Solomon Grundy stepping in. However, everyone else just cheered and complimented them. Everyone thought that they were normal people wearing costumes.

"Quite the turn out, huh, sisters?" Winifred asked.

"They like us, Winnie," Sarah said.

"This is a change of pace," Mary commented.

"Good for you, but I see our target right there," Blackfire spotted Jinx and the group as the other costumed adults gathered around them to look at their costumes and the music started up again.

Grundy kept his eyes on the group as they tried to run and get out of there before the witches could cause any harm to others. He stepped forth, trying to get to them, only for a group of dancing adults to cut him off. Snarling at them, he tried to get him to leave him be. But it did not work.

"Hey buddy, great costume," some guy said.

"Grundy, get the book!" Winifred ordered.

Grundy smiled through his sewn lips. His large hand grabbed the costumed man, tossing them at the door, blocking the path of the group.

"Showtime," Blackfire smirked.

Grundy stomped on the ground, releasing a muffled roar at the growlingly scared crowd, causing them to run.

They all ran to the exits, clashing and slamming against each other. They crashed into each other, making the slow ones fall on their faces. The rush was so abrupt that Jinx and the group split up from one another, leaving each other stranded in a sea of panicking adults. It was a scene straight out of a horror film. The scared adults that weren't fast enough got picked up by Grundy and tossed out of the way, slamming into the tables, chairs and snackbar like they were nothing but balls on a ball pit. The terror had only just begun and the witches were loving it.

"Oh what a lovely sight this is," Winifred said.

"A little violent for my taste," Mary added.

"Yeah, some of these guys are cute." Sarah winced as Grundy backhanded a couple of dancers into the doors. "I don't remember Grundy being this violent."

Jinx and the rest of the group tried to find each other amidst the crowd. But one of the fleeing grown ups bumped into Jinx, making her drop the book.

"The book!" Binx called out, pouncing on it, pinning it in place. "I got it!"

A large shadow loomed over Binx, it was Grundy.

Grundy reached down to grab both the book and the cat, only for Danie to grab them both.

"Get the brat, Grundy!" Winifred commanded.

But just as Grundy was about to reach for Danie, Jinx blasted him with a wave of magic. She turned to Blackfire before summoning a large purple hand. She slammed Blackfire into the ceiling, knocking her back.

"Get everyone and the book out of here!" Jinx sent a wave of bad luck at the doors, making them grow rusty and fall apart. "I'll handle Blackfire and the zombie."

"What about the Sandersons?" Allison asked.

"Take them somewhere to fry them!" Jinx replied, flipping back as Grundy stomped on where she'd stood. "Trust me, I'm not the one that needs to be worried." Fired a wave of magic at the big zombie, making his leg punch through the floor.

"Come on, let's go!" Max grabbed Danie and Allison, leading them out.

"They're taking the book!" Winifred and her sisters chased after them.

Jinx watched the trio run off with the witches right behind them, leaving her with the zombie and the evil alien princess. This should be fun.

Blackfire freed herself from her giant magic hand as Grundy released his foot. They both glared at Jinx with murder in their eyes. They walked slowly towards her, like sharks swimming towards recently thrown chum. Blackfire's hands lit up with purple starbolts as Grundy cracked his knuckles like a bruiser gangster.

"You really think you can take us both on your own?" Blackfire asked. "I'll be sure to put the words 'brave' and 'foolish' on your tombstone."

"You gonna talk or are you gonna get your butt down here so I can kick it?" Jinx asked. "Or do you need your boyfriend to do all the heavy lifting?"

Grundy rushed at Jinx, pulling out a large butcher knife from his back. He tossed it at the young princess, only for it to be blocked by a magical shield. Jinx slammed her palm on the ground, sending a wave of magic under Grundy's feet. The ground under him shot him upwards, slamming him into the ceiling.

Blackfire swooped in at high speeds, her hands glowing bright and ready to murder Jinx. Jinx summoned a sling portal, making Blackfire pass through it and slammed through the music stage. She picked herself up before a magical ribbon pulled her back as Jinx swung her into Grundy's large body.

Jinx summoned another portal behind them before opening another portal from the ceiling. Blackfire and Grundy passed through the portal before falling into another one and another one. Jinx opened and closed portal after portal, keeping them moving through them, gaining momentum and speed. She was well aware that she was no match for them in the physical sense. But keeping them like this was more than enough for the moment.

"Get! Us! Out!" Blackfire demanded as they popped and passed through different portals made by Jinx.

"Getting dizzy? I'm just getting started!" Jinx lifted her wand, casting bright lights that spread her shadow through the gym.

Blackfire grew tired of the games, pushing herself off of Grundy and freeing herself. She flew at Jinx only to be met with a flurry of large shadow hands holding her back and in place. She struggled against the hold of the shadow hands, firing her starbolt vision, cutting the hands. But with every hand she cut, two more took their place.

"Like this spell? It's called the Shadow Hand Hydra," Jinx said, using the light from the wand and her own hands to punch and push back Blackfire.

Blackfire felt each punch at full force. She got punched in the face, in the stomach, in the back and pushed so hard against the wall behind her that she had left an imprint of her whole backside against it. But she still smiled. She loved a challenge and more than anything, she loved when her opponent was focused solely on her.

Grundy watched as the Sanderson Sisters were tricked into the furnace by the kids and the cat. He waited in the shadows. He wanted to tear the little witch's head off but this was more important. All he needed was that page from the book.

"Alright, let's get Jinx and get-!" Grundy stomped on Binx, crushing him.

"BINX!" Danie cried out with tears.

Max grabbed the fire extinguisher, hitting Grundy in the groin. His eyes widened but Grundy grabbed the kid by the arm. He tossed Max away, breaking his arm. He rushed to the two girls as they screamed. His pale hand snatched the book from them before swatting them away with ease.

Grundy's eyes landed on the book. His memory of the last time holding it bubbled to the surface, filling him with anger. His large fingers grabbed Barbatos's Scroll, ripping it off from the book.

The book cried out in pain. An ear-piercing cry that shattered the mirrors echoed through the halls as Grundy ripped the page bit by bit. Lightning sprung out of the book like a short circuiting powerline in the middle of a storm. Grundy felt every bolt the book was sending his way. But he didn't care about the pain. That had died a long time ago and he was not gonna wait a second longer.

With all his strength, he pulled out the page, ripping it off more brutal than any page or bandaid.

A shockwave of magic pulsed through the town and all the areas surrounding it.

The wave reached back to Jinx, making her fall down to her knees. She felt a brutal phantom pain pass through her body. It was like someone tried to split her in two with a rusty chainsaw. She held her head as Blackfire used this chance to break free from the spell's hold.

The alien princess didn't waste any time. She fired a combined starbolt at Jinx, sending her flying back and into the wall.

"Looks like my partner just got the relic," Blackfire smirked. "I will say, you did put me through a rough patch. Made me bleed a little and everything. And just for that, I will put you out of your misery and out of our way. Say goodbye!" Blackfire brought her hands together as a large purple starbolt grew to the size of a truck over her head.

Jinx's eyes snapped open, transforming into her butterfly form.

"Draconis halitus!" She summoned a large shadow dragon's head from her wand, unleashing a powerful blast straight at Blackfire's front.

Blackfire got hit with the full front of the magical attack, feeling the power of a primordial dragon knocking the air out of her. Her armor was torn apart, her skin burnt worse than any other feeling she'd experienced before. The energy that hit her was so powerful that she couldn't help but compare it to the beam of the planet killer the late Emperor had been building. And now she was hopeless against it. She became weightless as the magic sent her flying out of the school and slamming her on the edge of the graveyard.

Blackfire groaned, spitting out blood as she pulled herself out of the crater. If it had hit her at closer range she would've been dead.

"Damn that princess," Blackfire spat out. "I'll get her for this."

A large shadow loomed over her.

"You got the scroll?" Blackfire asked.

Grundy grunted.

"Good, time to leave," Blackfire turned to see a portal opening up behind her. "Time to meet my boss."

They stepped through the portal as Owlman worked on his device.

"I take it you were successful," Owlman said. "And that you brought a friend along."

"What can I say, I know how to work with men." Blackfire handed the scroll to Owlman as he inputted the data. "He wants a rich world all for himself."

"That can be arranged." Owlman watched as his screen showed many different worlds to him.

Jinx healed up Max's arm, making sure that they were all fixed up.

"You should be fine for now," Jinx said.

"Thanks, but what happened to the big oaf?" Max asked.

"He left right after getting the scroll out of the book," Binx, who was back to being a normal cat, said. "Didn't even take the book with him."

"That's what I wanted to avoid," Jinx sighed. "Keep it safe for the rest of the night. I need to go and get my friends a heads up." She summoned the door back to the House of Mystery.

"Wait, what does this all mean?" Allison asked.

Jinx looked back at them with a sad look.

"Everything. If we fail, this will be the very last day any of us has," Jinx replied before going through the door. "But that's not happening on our watch."

Chapter Text

The multiverse is more than just a prism…

It is ever expanding and ever growing…

A place where one choice, one fork on the road can lead to many opportunities…

But every spark of brilliance there is a spark of madness…

These are the stories of both…

Troubling feelings stewed in the House of Mystery as Jinx returned with less than desirable news.

"Owlman has gained the advantage, and now has two relics," Shade said. "We need to increase our efforts."

"Batman, your thoughts?" Cain asked.

Batman stepped forth, seeing the images that had been captured by their latest encounters with Owlman's agents. Their modus operandi and the allies they had coerced into joining their cause were a dead give away of how he saw them. They were tools, tools to further his own agenda and nothing else. He didn't care for their well being or their own thoughts about their mission. Owlman was all about his goal and nothing else mattered. Yet for all his talk of nothing being important, Owlman was a master tactician.

"You mentioned that his powers are related to the magical jewel he carries in his belt, right?" Bruce asked.

"Yes, his Miraculous allows him to see all the foreseeable futures and take the best course of action to get the desired result," Cain explained. "Low risk, high reward with that infernal jewel. Which is how he was able to recruit right under my very nose."

"So, the guy has a cheat code for the universe," Static mentioned. "How are we going to beat that?"

Batman had experience in these matters.

"We can use that. Those that rely on their magic to make their ambitions a reality tend to falter when they are stripped of them," Bruce explained. "Like an opium addict that is unable to operate without their fix. Gazing into the future requires a special spell or key phrase to get their powers to activate."

"He did have to say the word 'foresight', no 'oversight'," Cain remembered.

"So we have to shut him up before he can use his power?" Jinx asked. "I have a few spells to do just that."

"It won't be that easy. Despite being able to watch all the possible paths, Owlman still needs to plan ahead to make sure the plans actually happen," Bruce explained. "His tactical skills cannot be underestimated. We need someone that can bend the rules just like Owlman to give us an edge. We throw him off and disable his Miraculous and we can get him."

Shade scratched his chin in thought. Not many could get the better of beings that had all those different plans or had powerful magic at their disposal. The Miraculous themselves were a pain to deal with as they seemed to change their rules depending on the user. But one thing was certain, Owlman believed himself superior because of his nihilism and his belief that he didn't need to follow certain rules. They needed someone as cunning as him that was willing to trick and manipulate for their own gain.

There was only one man he could think of that fitted the bill.

"I know of a man that dabbles in the dark arts and is as cunning as he is tricky," Shade said.

"No! Absolutely, not a chance! The infernos will freeze before I agree to allow that man into this house!" Cain growled savagely, resembling more the nightmare that he was. "You know that he cannot be trusted!"

"He lives in the multiverse like the rest of us," Shade argued. "He'll want to live like the rest of us. You know that his skills, well known to you and your master, are exactly what we need."

"Um, new guy here." Jason raised his hand. "What's the joke here?"

"A long time ago, a man became so adept in the mystical and magical arts that he caught the eyes of some of the most powerful and terrible beings in the multiverse," Cain recounted. "However, instead of cowering, he managed to trick three of those entities to give him what he desired. However, this left him cursed. No one deals with demons without a trick at the end."

"He now spends his time bouncing from universe to universe plagued by this curse," Shade finished. "And he does have a habit of breaking into the House of Mystery and crashing here."
"If I have to clean up one more empty bottle of spirits, someone will get skinned alive!" Cain threatened.

"But he does know how to use magic and trick others, doesn't he?" Bruce only got a grumble out of Cain. "That means he is the man we need. Where can we find him?"

"Last I saw him, he left this after finishing one of my best bottles and left a mess in one of the rooms." Cain handed Shade a piece of paper.

Shade observed the piece of paper. It was small and of good quality with a fancy embroidery on the edges. Written on the piece read an invitation to a place called 'Gracey Manor'. It was an invitation.

"Looks like we're going to a fancy ball," Shade said. "Anyone care to come with me?"

"I'll pass. If he is coming over, I must hide all the silverware and lock up the drinks cabinet." Cain walked away.

"We have drinks in this place?" Red Hood asked only to get an elbow by M'Gann.

"I'll go," Raven said. "You'll need magic support in case he tries to pull a fast one. Jake and Hailey dealt with one too many of those."

"Then we best make haste," Shade said as a door appeared before them.

The door looked regal and old, like the house of an old manor after weathering many storms and years without anyone to look after it. On it there was what looked like a house with spiraling green mists and towering above the mansion was a man dressed in purple robes with a sinister smile looking down on the mansion. There was no sign of the man they were looking for, except for a single red tie fluttering in the wind.

"Shall we?" Shade offered his arm to Raven.

"What a gentleman," Raven said, wrapping her arm around his arm before going inside.

What if an exorcist found himself in the most haunted of all mansions?

Earth-2023

The night was loud and thunderous, lightning split the skies above them as rain fell down on Shade and Raven with all the intensity of daggers falling down on their target. The wind blew like it tried to chill the bones of any who walked out at night. A scene fit for a night of terror if Shade and Raven had to guess. The door had dropped them off in the middle of the road and with only one source of light left for them to follow. Up ahead, they saw a small town with lights lit up and further ahead a large mansion, a manor that looked down at the town. It was the same mansion from the door.

"Well, I think we should start looking for our man." Shade summoned an umbrella over their heads.

"Where do we start?" Raven asked.

"Pub or a tavern inn."

They walked down the road, through the pouring rain until they came across the town inn and pub. Shade knocked on the door before it opened up before them. They entered the inn, getting looks from the other patrons that were minding their own business. Their judging stares quickly scanned them over, looking for anything out of place to see if they were trouble. Something normal to expect from people that just wanted to drink while a storm raged outside and then two strange figures came inside and looked straight out of the circus with little water on them.

Raven didn't need her powers to tell their emotions were bubbling and preparing to reach for their weapons. They seemed weary and scared of both Shade and herself, but more so of what laid outside the tavern inn. Their fear trailed back out of the town and up the hill where the mansion sat. It smelled of dark magic, a powerful kind of magic that seeped through the cracks of the old building and down into the very foundations of the old settlement. And that was what scared the people in the pub. She had to do something before they thought they were part of that dark magic.

"My apologies ladies and gentlemen, me and my friend here are travelers, and we're looking for a friend of ours," Shade said. "I don't suppose you've seen a strangely dressed looking fellow with a knack for the grapes, a smoke and a warm meal."

The weariness and concern of the patrons quickly turned into confusion.

"He likes to drink, dresses weird and smokes a lot," Raven clarified.

"Oh, you're friends of John then?" The inn keeper asked.

"We are. Is he here?" Shade asked.

Everyone in the tavern pointed to the corner of the tavern.

Shade and Raven walked over to the corner where they saw a man that didn't dress like the rest of the patrons. He laid down on his face, sleeping and muttering through his teeth as the smell of old ale and wine and cigarette smoke clung and emanated from him like someone had dipped a tobacco in strong alcohol. He had short blond hair, fair skin, a five o'clock shadow of a beard and drool on the side of his mouth. He was dressed in a tanned trench coat, a white shirt, a red tie, a pair of black pants and matching shoes.

As soon as Raven came close to the man, she could sense his emotions. His bitter self-hatred, his sadness, his regrets for lost loves and friendships all swirling over him like a black cloud perpetually raining down on the head of the poor man. She almost felt the need to pat him on the back and tell him that it wasn't his fault whatever had happened to make him feel like this.

"No Zee… that dress doesn't make your ass look big… it's that big naturally…" he giggled amidst mutterings.

Then again, Raven couldn't tell if the man was just a scumbag and a lecherous jerk.

"Constantine, wake up." Shade shook Constantine gently. "We must speak, Constantine."

The man now named Constantine swatted Shade's hand, muttering something that no one could fully understand.

"Bugger off, mate," he burped before reaching for his cup of ale.

"Clearly we'll need to do this the other way." Shade hovered his hand over the cup before Constantine took a drink of it.

Constantine's eyes snapped open before spitting out the contents of the drink. He coughed as he cleaned his tongue from any semblance of the taste in his tongue. Even with all the disgusting things he'd tasted, he was sure that the stuff he'd drunk was the most vile of all.

"Oi! You trying to kill me?! What's the matter with you?!" Constantine snapped. "If you wanted to kill me, a poison would've been preferred. Giving me bloody water is just low!"

"If anyone wanted to kill ya John, they would've used something worse than water," the innkeeper called back as John fell back on his booth.

"You should drink more water and less ale," Raven said, getting Constantine's attention.

Constantine looked at her and then at Shade. Whatever good he had felt suddenly disappeared from his face. He groaned as he looked away from them.

"Whatever it is, I want no part of it," Constantine said. "Take your fruity duster and the little lass off to god knows where. I am not a babysitter and I am not in the mood to go out with a son of some magical deity. Learned that one the hard way."

"Wow, you're very considerate of you," Raven said with sarcasm.

"Don't worry, Constantine, you're not my type either." Shade sat across from him on the other side of the booth followed by Raven. "Mind if we sit here?"

"Oh goody, you know my name, this seriously can't be good," Constantine looked at his empty cup, wishing it had drink in it.

"It's about to get much worse," Raven said.

"The multiverse is in danger, and as down on your luck as you are, you don't want to suddenly stop existing," Shade said.

Constantine looked at Shade, narrowing his eyes.

"Bull… shit…" Constantine replied.

"Not the answer I was expecting," Shade countered.

"No one is powerful enough to wipe out the bloody multiverse, mate. Trust me, I've met many a bloke that have tried and failed miserably," Constantine coughed. "What makes you think that your little crisis is anything special?"

Shade's eyes lit up, making Constantine gaze deeply into them. The dabbler of the dark arts quickly sobered up from his hangover as he got a crash course of everything that had happened straight into his mind. Shade released Constantine from his hold, letting the drunk to soak everything up.

"Okay, that does sound like a bad one," Constantine pinched the bridge of his nose. "Look, I'd love to help you, but…"

"What could you possibly have that's more important than saving all worlds?" Raven asked.

"I have a debt to pay with the new lord of the manor and I'd like to settle it before going on a suicidal adventure, love," Constantine said. "If you help me settle it, then I'll happily go with you two."

Shade couldn't help but wonder what kind of 'debt' Constantine had gotten himself in with the owner of the mansion. But he knew that something evil festered in that place. The madness that emanated from there was hard not to notice. And if it was mixed with magic it could not be any good. No matter what Constantine's reasons were, they had to do something about it.

"What kind of debt is it?" Shade asked.

"The new owner, a bloke named Felix Faust, has been collecting magical items and spirits. And he took something of mine and I'd like it back," Constantine explained. "Give me a hand and then I'll help you."

"We can't just drag you back with us, can we?" Raven asked.

Constantine shrugged. He had plenty of tricks to get out of different situations. The confidence he exuded was almost admirable. If not annoying.

"Very well, we'll help you clear your debt," Shade sighed. "But take heed, Constantine, we won't be your pawns so easily." Shade's eyes glowed bright gold, threatening any underhanded tactics from the sorcerer.

"Alright, no tricks from me will harm you two," Constantine said.

"He's lying," Raven chided in.

"Fine, I have a plan but you have to trus-" Constantine was met with concerned looks from both Shade and Raven. "Fine, cut me some slack like the yanks say? Better?"

"That's as good as we're going to get out of him," Shade said before getting up. "Now, shall we head out?"

Just then the innkeeper cleared their throat.

"Right," Constantine said. "Speaking of debts." He gestured to the innkeeper with a cocky smile.

Raven rolled her eyes, wondering if this man was all he was cracked up to be.

Shade pulled out a pouch with some gold and gave it to the innkeeper. They then asked for more, much to Shade's annoyance.

Constantine walked ahead of Shade and Raven as he lit a cigarette on their way to the mansion. All the while, Raven couldn't get a proper read on the man before her. Her eyes were focused on him and yet she couldn't find anything to tell her what he was all about. His movements were those of a drunk that could talk his way in and out of any situation, yet his knowledge of the occult, the dark and mystic arts was something that left her in awe. She could even sense all the different pieces and trinkets with great magic that he carried with him at all times.

"Trying to get a read on Constantine will give you a migraine," Shade said.

"What makes him so special? I get not to judge a book by its cover but he resembles more a hobo than a proper sorcerer," Raven whispered. "What is his story?"

"That is something that many have tried to figure out," Shade replied after a brief pause. "Remember when I said that he got cursed? Well, some say that his curse is not knowing where he came from or what world he belongs to. So now he goes from world to world, always wandering from place to place."

"If you've got the time to let out all my dirty laundry, mate, you have time to get your game face on," Constantine said as they arrived at the Gracey Mansion entrance.

The mansion looked as imposing up close that it had looked from afar, it resembled more a gothic cathedral with gargoyles peering down on the guests from their perches and stained glass windows letting out only a little bit of light from the inside to shine. The whole place was made up of a heavy dark stone that had been made with the express intention of striking fear in the hearts of any who dared enter the mansion. A look at the back of the mansion revealed a very unnerving sight, a cemetery filled with tombstones of both humans and animals sharing the same dirt as their final resting place. And despite the size of the mansion and the few lights that shined out, there was no sound that could be heard coming from inside the ancient home. This gave a feeling of dread and fear, like anyone outside was looking into an ancient live-in grave.

"Fancy place, I like their style," Raven muttered.

"Trust me, love, the good times end as soon as we step inside," Constantine said, drawing a magical circle in the palm of his hand. "Apertum." He chanted, opening the door with ease.

The trio entered the mansion before the door closed up behind them. They looked ahead at the entrance hall, spotting many paintings of the old lords of the mansion as well as treasures from all over the world standing side by side with statues and suits of armor looking as demonic as actual demons. The room was lit only by the chandelier that hung from the ceiling, casting a shadow of a large spider sitting on its web patiently waiting for a fly to pass by.

"Nice decor," Shade whispered as they walked deeper into the mansion.

"You should meet the bloke that owns this place, this is right up his alley," Constantine said as the eyes of the pictures followed their every move.

Raven was about to speak up when suddenly the statues and armors came to life. She rolled out of the way as a large halbert struck down on the ground behind her.

"You could've mentioned this place was haunted," Raven huffed.

"I thought it was obvious!" Constantine ducked under the swing of a demonic statue. "Ignis!" Constantine tossed a fireball at the statue, burning off its head.

Shade summoned a golden broadsword, blocking the sword of another haunted knight. He parried back the blade, kicking the armored fiend away. A demonic statue swung his large fist at his head. Shade ducked under the large arm, swinging his sword through the statue, splitting it in two. Shade held up his sword, blocking the axe of another armored knight.

"A heads up would've been nice!" Shade parried away the battle axe before decapitating the armored threat.

Raven summoned a wall of magic, blocking the heavy rock fists of the statues. Her magic swallowed the statue before flinging it at another statue, shattering them to pieces. A halbert came down onto her head, threatening to chop her head off. Raven dropped into the darkness of her shadow, avoiding the attack. She appeared behind the knight blasting it in the back, smashing it into scrap metal.

Constantine flung another ball of fire at the statues and armors attacking him, giving himself some space. He turned as another armor came in with an axe aimed for his head. He caught the armor's hands, twisting the axe free. He swiped it for himself, swinging at the knight's head before throwing the axe at the head of another statue. However, things weren't as good for them as he hoped. From inside the portraits, more statues and armors started climbing out, picking up where the ones destroyed had fallen. He looked at the portraits as an idea came to mind.

"Oi, Raven, wanna give me a sec?" Constantine asked. "Just push them all back into the portraits!"

"Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" Raven chanted, thrusting out her hands.

Her black aura engulfed the statues and armors, stopping them in their tracks. Raven's hands spread out, sending the creatures back into the portraits. But every single one of them fought to get out, pushing Raven's magic to its limits.

"You better hurry, Constantine!" Shade summoned a golden spear, throwing it at three of the remaining statues, destroying them.

"Don't rush perfection, mate!" Constantine pulled out a marker made out of bones and started writing on the edges of the portrait. "Alright, that should do it. Obsignatum et Haesum!" A golden light spread to the other portraits, creating a seal that cut off all the creatures from coming out.

The trio stepped back as they watched the statues and armors fighting each other against the wall that stopped them from coming out.

"That ought to hold them off, but the master of the house no doubt has spotted us," Constantine said.

"Then we better not keep him waiting," Shade said. "Where is he?"

"I'd say the ball room, he's turned it into his personal library and chamber of nasty little secrets," Constantine said. "Man's a diva." He added with a shrug.

"Let's go then." They rushed to the next room, following Constantine's lead.

Felix Faust watched Constantine, Shade and Raven rushing towards his location through his bubbling cauldron.

"So, Constantine has decided to come after all," Felix mused. "Good, I have just the thing for him. Let's see if he can keep up with all the ghosts that haunt these halls." He laughed as the ghosts of the mansion sprung from the floor and the walls of the room.

The trio made their way to what looked like the door that led to the ballroom. However, upon opening the door, they saw that it was actually a room filled with more portraits of the previous owners.

"More portraits? It seems this place doesn't have much imagination," Shade said.

"What is it about rich people and putting their faces everywhere?" Raven asked.

Constantine shrugged unsure.

The door to the room closed behind them before the floor started to sink under their feet. They struggled to get a good footing but every step they took made them sink deeper. It was like quicksand and all they could see was the portraits growing longer and showing they were not in the best conditions when they were made. The first one showed a man walking a tightrope over a pond full of crocodiles. The second one depicted a lady sitting on top of a pile of dead men she'd killed. And the third portrait had a recently married couple that was getting married while surrounded by ravenous beasts wanting to devour them. The pictures reflected the twisted ends of every single member of the Gracey family and their end and in all the pictures, the shadow of Felix Faust loomed over them, delighting in their misery and shattered happiness. All the while the trio kept on sinking as the room kept on growing around them.

"We need to get out of here!" Shade tried to summon something to pull them out, but his hands had sunk deep into the floor.

"This is Faust's doing." Constantine tried to cling to the walls. "He wants us to play the game with the damn ghosts of this mansion."

"Then how do we best these ghosts?" Raven was pulled deeper into the quicksand-like floor by skeletal hands.

"We need to go deeper and find the place where all the ghosts converge and free their souls!" Constantine was pulled deeper into the floor as more skeletal hands pulled them down.

"In that case, take a deep breath!" Shade inhaled deeply before plunging down into the floor.

"You crazy bastard, wait for me!" Constantine dove down after Shade.

Raven wondered how she was left the only sane one before diving in after the two men.

The inside of the sinking floor was dark and humid, like the feeling of a forest that was surrounded by mist and fog all year long. They couldn't see anything. They could only feel the skeletal hands dragging them. The trio dove down and deeply, doing their best to reach the very bottom of the floor. Shade felt his hand breaking through the barrier that kept them from the other side. He was then pulled out and into another room, breaking through the floorboards along with Constantine and Raven.

They gasped for air as they pulled themselves back to their feet.

"Remind me why I offered to come here," Raven groaned.

"You wanted to help me in case Constantine pulled a magical fast one on me," Shade replied, cracking his neck. "Some of those hands were very clammy."

"They're ghosts, they don't have the time to moisturise," Constantine said. "Besides, we're in the best seat in the house, the next level of horrors." He pointed to the corridor before them and how wasted away it was.

Torches lit the corridor, licking the low ceiling above their heads and giving them a sight that few would ever want to see. Skeletons. Skeletal remains adorned the walls of the corridor, some even held the torches that lit the path. The floor was made out of hardwood that had not been treated or cleaned in centuries. The wood was creaking and every step made it look like it was about to break and give way to anyone that took a wrong step.

"Well, let's go see what this place is all about," Constantine took the initiative, walking ahead of the other two.

Every step they took was accompanied by the loud sound of creaking wood under their feet. It was their traveling song as they delved deep into the ever expanding corridor. They couldn't seem to move past the beginning of the corridor or even the middle. The steps and the creaking were the only things keeping them in the illusion that they were moving. Yet the exit continued to get farther and farther away from them as they walked.

"We're caught in an illusion," Shade said.

"A bit corny, but yeah," Constantine said. "What made you guess it?"

"The fact that I stopped walking and neither of you have passed me," Shade revealed.

"Then let's try a different approach." Raven floated in the air, lifting the other two with her magic and taking off.

They flew through the corridor, making progress as they followed the path before them. Though even if their feet weren't touching the floor, they still heard the creaking of the wood under them. But the noise was followed up by a growl and a snarl, like that of a hound stalking its prey.

"Something's following us," Constantine said as they took a turn.

"Please tell me it wasn't my imagination," Shade said, pulling out a small mirror from his duster.

Shade looked behind them, spotting a large demonic face made up of the walls and the broken floor boards. Its eyes glowed a bright purple flame while its mouth sported large jagged splitery teeth made up of the floor. It growled and roared as Shade looked at it, picking up speed after them, crawling after them like a spider in chase of a trio of runaway flies.

"We got a tail!" Shade called as Raven picked up speed.

"Feel free to swat it away!" Constantine called out as he fired a blast of light at the creature's eye, blinding it.

The trio flew quickly through the corridors, getting distance between them and the creature chasing after them. But the mansion's corridor wasn't going to make it easy for them. It twisted and bent into a spiraling slide taking them for a ride. They climbed up the corridor before going back down into a sudden drop under their feet. The corridor shifted, making sharp turns and drops going from one side to the other as the trio continued to get away from the creature as it inched closer to them. It was like riding a rollercoaster in a house of funny mirrors, and the group managed to keep a decent distance from the monster.

But they couldn't continue this for long. The walls closed in on them, growing narrower with every inch they managed to cover.

"We can't keep this up!" Shade summoned a shield, blocking a torch from hitting him. "We need to break free from this!"

"My guess is take out the big fella behind us is the key!" Constantine snatched one of the torches before throwing it at the monster.

"Do something, anything!" Raven looked ahead at a tiny door at the end of the corridor, big enough for a mouse to crawl through.

Constantine dug into his coat's pockets, pulling out a severed black hand. He turned around, aiming the hand's palm at the monster's face.

"Insecta Devorare!" Constantine chanting, causing a mouth to open up in the palm, releasing a swarm of vicious insects at the monster's face.

"What are those supposed to do?!" Raven asked.

"What? Never heard about termites?" Constantine smirked.

The insects chewed through the wood and the magic that made up the monster chasing them, breaking it apart with their savage appetite. The monster cried out in pain as its flames were extinguished by the might of the beasts consuming it. The corridor trembled as the beast was reduced to nothing but chewed out wood and splinters.

"That ought to do the trick," Constantine said as they landed down.

"Yeah, just have to find a way out through that tiny door," Raven said.

"I got this. Lewis Carroll isn't the only one that came up with this idea." Shade forged a small golden key the size of a needle. "Now, we go in." As gently as combing the whiskers of a priced cat, Shade opened the door, causing it to grow large enough for them to go through.

They walked in, only to come face to face with a room full of singing busts. Three singing busts to be truthful.

They sang their songs before the group, reaching highs and lows that echoed in the room and the tombstones that surrounded them.

"So, what's the scary part here?" Raven asked.

"Their harmonies I'd say," Constantine shrugged.

"I beg your pardon, gentlemen. But my friends and I are in search of the man that claims ownership of this mansion," Shade spoke gracefully. "Would you be so kind as to tell us where we might find him?"

"You can… can… can… find him~! In the room below~!" The three heads sang in unison and perfect harmony. "But we would not search him~! He he he is after magic~!"

"Meaning?" Raven asked.

"He seeks the power (the power, the power) to get back, back his youth~!" They sang. "The ghosts are all but spent~! So he needs a new source to vent ~!"

"Typical, using magic to make one younger," Constantine sighed. "Some people have no imagination."

"Thank you for your warning." Shade, Raven and Constantine walked along, going past the singing harmony of the busts.

Felix Faust glared at the sight of the trio walking deeper into the mansion and closer to his location. It was bad enough that he'd bested three of his traps already, but to have them mock him for his desires, now that was unacceptable. He turned to his many stands full of magical and enchanted items. He passed the many pieces of power he'd hoarded over the years to keep the power he'd sought. He paused for a second as he looked at an item he had taken from Constantine some time ago. It wasn't like the rest, but he could feel the magic emanating from it like a light in a dream. If Constantine was looking for it then he would use it as bait. But then his eyes caught sight of a better tool he could use.

"Ah, this will do nicely," Felix Faust said, grabbing hold of a demonic statue with three heads. "Nothing like a threesome to face off against another theesome. Besides, I bet Constantine would love to meet up with his old friends."

The statue glowed in Felix's hands as it started to split up into three different bodies, much to his amusement.

The trio continued walking through the corridors of the haunted mansion, after getting out of one of the many traps Felix had laid out for them.

"I can't believe those ponies were so troublesome." Shade dusted himself off. "One could say that they were more monstrous than the werewolves."

"I wasn't expecting the fangs or the hidden talons on their hooves," Constantine said, rubbing his shoulder.

"I will never look at horses the same ever again. I hope that Felix isn't sitting so pretty on his throne when I'm through with him," Raven said, spotting a door ahead of them.

Raven suddenly stopped. She looked over her shoulder, narrowing her eyes. She sensed something in the shadows. They were drifting closer towards them. Their emotions were like boiling water flowing into an empty tub. And they were all aimed at Constantine.

From the shadows, they sprung out. Two holding long swords and one a battle axe in their hands wanting the head of Constantine.

Raven and Shade turned around, summoning two large shields, blocking the attacks.

"I was wondering when he was going to let you lot out of the toy box," Constantine said, turning around to look at the three demons, all sporting horns and nasty looks.

"We've come to claim your head, Constantine! The Demons Three do not like to be cheated!" The tallest of the demons declared, aiming his sword at Constantine. "Your soul will be ours!"

"Yeah, and then we're gonna eat it!" The middle demon snarled. "And then spit it out!"

"And then we'll strangle you with what's left!" The burliest of the three demons laughed.

"You really know how to pick 'em," Shade summoned his own sword.

"It must be his sunny personality," Raven added as her hands emanate black energy.

"What can I say? Once you get to know me, you won't get enough of me," Constantine shrugged as the Demons Three jumped and attacked them once more.

Constantine rolled out of the way of the tall demon's sword before punching him in the ribs. Which only got him a painful sensation in his knuckles. The demon took this chance to swing his sword at Constantine's head. He ducked just in time to land a kick in between the demon's legs. The demon's eyes went wide before he glared at Constantine with eyes that spelled death.

"Worth the shot, mate." Constantine dodged another swing of the sword that sliced a painting in two.

Shade parried the swings of the middle demon, but it was hard to keep up with the wild attacks. He stepped back, holding back his opponent's sword before the demon jumped back. It jumped back at him, swinging like a wild animal holding a stick instead of a sword.

"Die! Die! Die! Die!" The middle demon repeated like a broken record.

"Aren't you fun at parties," Shade grunted, blocking the swings before punching the demon in the face. "Sadly, this isn't that kind of party." He transformed his sword into a battle axe, chopping the demon's head.

However, the demon's head became reattached after a couple of seconds.

"That's going to be a problem." Shade held up his axe to block another attack

Raven swiped her hand, blocking the biggest demon's weapon. She blasted him in the chest, sending him back. Only for the biggest demon to pull himself back together with a laugh.

"You fight well for a little witch, girl," the big demon said. "But we can only be defeated if all three of us fall at the same time!" He swung his battle ax at Raven.

Raven's magic caught the axe between the claws of a large black raven apparition.

"Thanks for the information. Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" Raven thrusted her palms forward with a powerful shockwave of black magic, sending him back.

Constantine continued dodging the attacks of the tallest demon, narrowly avoiding getting cut in half.

"Hold still, you little weasel!" The tall demon snarled.

"Well, when you put it that politely," Constantine shrugged. "Take your best shot."

The demon held his sword over his head only for Constantine to slam his hands together. A flash of light blinded the demon, making it scream. Constantine kicked the sword out of the demon's hand, blasting him away with a fireball.

Shade transformed his battle axe into a spiked armored boxing glove, punching the demon in the stomach.

The three demons slammed into each other, giving Constantine the chance he needed. He caught the demon's sword, swinging it at their heads. With one clean horizontal strike, the three heads fell off to the floor, leaving only Constantine, Shade and Raven.

"You'll pay for this, Constantine!" The tallest demon cried out.

"Your soul will be ours!" The burly demon snarled.

"And we'll torture it for eternity!" The middle demon added with a laugh. "And to think you were so pure once."

Constantine just stepped on their heads, shutting them up.

"I swear, demons are so cliche when you beat 'em." Constantine watched as a fiery red portal dragged the Demons Three out of the room and into it. "Spread the word, I'm keeping my soul. So stop coming after me, bloody wankers." He kicked the heads into the portal with a scoff.

"They seem to have history with you, Constantine. Disgruntled mates of yours?" Shade asked.

"If you count people that get beaten at poker because you cheat better than them, then yes," Constantine shrugged. "Come on, best not leave Faust waiting for us for long." He turned to continue their trek, leaving Shade and Raven to watch him go on.

Shade turned to Raven, noticing how she was looking at Constantine like a cat would watch a stranger enter their home.

"Something on your mind, Raven?" Shade asked.

"I can't help but feel like Constantine is leading us into a trap," Raven admitted. "Every word he says feels like it's a lie, like he doesn't want any of his choices or reasons to be known by anyone. And whenever I try to get a reading on him, it feels like I'm trying to get through a thick fog of emotions. You know about the madness in people's minds. What do you see when you look at him?"

Shade looked at Constantine, knowing the kind of man he is but also the kind he wished he could be. He could see many of his vices, desires, dreams and hopes swirling around him like many lifetimes had mixed to create a jaded man that had gambled his whole life away and was trying to rebuild it while missing a single piece. It brought a feeling that the son of Oberon knew all too well: A desire to belong.

"I see a man tormented by his mistakes. A man that wishes to change for the better but his demons have marked him in ways most scars can't reach," Shade said. "He carries a lot of sadness in his heart, believing that he'll never find what he's looking for: A place he can call home."
"He doesn't remember where he comes from?" Raven asked.

"Once upon a time, Constantine found himself in a position where he needed great power. An explorer and dabbler of the mystic and dark arts that he was, he made a deal between five great powers of five different worlds. They all gave him great power, but none of them knew the others had agreed to the same deal." Shade shared the vision with Raven, showing her five imposing beings looking down on Constantine.

The first one was an old man with a large lightning bolt on his chest and a lightning tipped spear by his side. The second one was another sorcerer with a long blue robe and a blue tipped hat. The third was a woman clad in black with green skin and long black horns on her head. The fourth was a pale man with a long flowing green cape and green eyes. And the last one was a black haired goth woman with pale skin and a sad smile on her face.

"When they all sought to get their payment, Constantine told them all that they all couldn't have what he had offered. Every entity there would've, at one point, applauded his skill and cunning, but he'd grown too powerful. And any world that had him would be at risk." Shade showed how all five entities raised their hands, blasting at Constantine at once. "So, to maintain the peace and keep the worlds from entering a conflict that could destroy all of creation, they took the one thing Constantine valued above all else."

"His past," Raven said.

"Yes." Shade nodded. "Now Constantine walks between worlds, looking for any clues as to who he once was and what made him seek out that power. And that quest has sent him all over the Great Library and to almost every world imaginable. That is why he is so hard to figure out. He doesn't know it himself."

"Oi, come on you two. I don't want to be here any longer than I have to." Constantine called to them.

Raven couldn't help but pity the sorcerer. Even with all the powers and trinkets that he had collected through the ages was he able to get the one thing he wanted. Therein laid the biggest lesson about magic: Everything came at a cost. She had to suppress all her emotions to keep her powers under control. Shade had to refrain from using his power to change the history of his world. And Constantine was to always chase a past that had been taken from him.

The trio arrived at the entrance to the ballroom. A large black door that looked about as heavy as the trees that made it. And at the bottom of the door, an eerie purple light came out to greet them, telling them that Felix was preparing something special for them.

"Shall we knock?" Shade asked.

"No, let's surprise him." Raven's eyes shined brightly as she blasted down the door with a flick of her magic.

The trio entered the room, spotting Felix Faust standing with his back turned to them.

"Ah I see the guests have finally arrived," Felix turned around to look at the trio. "Decided to finally come claim what I took from you, Constantine?"

"Well, that and to kick you out, mate," Constantine said. "Your spooky voodoo shite is creeping out the neighbors. And the souls of this mansion demand their eternal rest from your old wrinkled face."

Felix Faust began to laugh as his eyes glowed a bright purple, matching the light coming from his cauldron.

"You think you can kick me out of my own stolen mansion?" Felix asked. "Well, in that case, allow me to introduce my butler to you. Oh Ramsley!" Felix snapped his fingers.

From behind the glowing cauldron, a large black armored suit with silver linings came out into the fray. It almost looked like a butler's uniform from a certain angle. Its helmet had glowing red eyes but the upper part of the forehead was uncovered, showing the floating green spectral face of an old man with short white hair, and cold dead eyes. Every step the monstrous thing took shook the room, keeping the attention of it.

"You rang, my lord?" Ramsley asked.

"Yes, would you be so kind as to get these intruders in some of my jars?" Felix gestured to the trio. "They have such a powerful magical essence that it should feed me for a century if not three."

"As you wish, my lord." Ramsley jumped at the group with surprising strength and speed behind such a large metal body.

Ramsley reeled back his metal fist, slamming it down on the ground between the trio. They were shot back by the sheer strength of the attack. Ramsley rushed at Raven first, reaching out to grab her.

Raven opened her mouth to chant her mantra, but nothing came out. She grabbed her throat as she tried to speak but nothing came out. She was then caught by Ramsley's large cold metallic hand.

"Oh, I'm sorry my dear, but when I found out about your powers, I thought it best to bring out this little added protection for myself." Felix gestured to a small statue of a woman covering her mouth. "A simple silencing spell that keeps you quiet and without your mantra, you'll have to rely on your emotions, which you won't do."

Raven wanted to rip out the smug warlock's smile from his face, but the statue's hold on her was too strong.

Shade jumped in with a spear, jamming it into the back of Ramsley's head.

Ramsley released Raven as he tried to swat Shade off of his back. But Shade kept himself from his large hands. His spear couldn't pierce the armor but he could maneuver it to where he needed it to go.

"Constantine, destroy the statue!" Shade called out, dodging one of the metal hands.

Constantine rushed towards Felix Faust with Raven running alongside him, cursing herself to keep her magic under control.

Felix didn't plan on giving them an opening for them to attack. He chanted an incantation, summoning large snakes from his hands to attack them. They snapped their jaws at the two sorcerers, forcing Constantine to block the attacks while Raven dodged the large snakes trying to attack her.

Constantine tossed a fireball at the first snake before slamming his hand on the floor. A large hand caught the snake that was attacking Raven, pulling it back. He jumped back, avoiding the second snake that almost took his head off. Tightening his hand into a fist, he coated his hand with magic, punching through the snake's head, killing it.

"Is that all you got, Felix, old boy?" Constantine asked as the other snake was crushed to death. "Or do you need your butler to clean up after you? Oh sorry, was that too much for you in your old age?"

Felix pulled out a bag of dust from his side. He took a handful before blowing life into it. A large tornado formed from the dust, gaining a pair of green eyes and sharp daggers forming inside it.

"Oh was it the 'old boy' jab?" Constantine pulled up one of the nearby chairs, blocking the daggers. "Who'd have thought you had such thin skin!" Constantine ran away from the incoming flying daggers.

Back with Shade, he was tossed off of Ramsely's back, smashing against a table.

"You shouldn't have come here, sir!" Ramsley lifted his large foot.

Shade rolled out of the way as the foot smashed the remains of the table and the stone floor. He created a golden golden rope, wrapping it around Ramsley's leg before running around him, tying him up in a tight hold. Ramsley tried to break free from the hold, but the more he struggled the more the bindings tightened.

"You know, for a butler, you are very untidy," Shad said as he held the rope with all his might.

"I shall wash the floors clean of your blood once I'm through putting you all in jars, sir!" Ramsley fired two green fireballs from his eyes, hitting Shade in the chest.

Ramsley broke free from his bindings, rushing towards Shade. Shade picked himself up creating a golden rug underneath the feet of the butler. He tugged the whole thing from under the feet of the walking haunted armor, tripping him and sending him to the ground. He ran up to the armor, turning the rug into a large fist he reeled back. He punched the armor repeatedly with all his strength, but all he got was pain coursing his hand.

The armored hand grabbed him by the face before tossing him away and into one of the shelves, smashing it.

"Pardon the mess, sir." Ramsley got back to his feet, not looking any worse for wear.

Constantine skidded on the ground, ducking behind another shelf as the tornado continued chasing after him. He moved his head as a dagger almost got him. Cursing under his breath, he pulled out a small glowing crystal ball. It was his only hope to fix this mess and take down Felix before he killed them all. All he needed to do was survive long enough to use it.

He took off, ducking under the daggers punching holes into the shelves that separated him from the creature. He rummaged through his pockets before he pulled out a small glass pendant with a bone inside it. Taking a sharp turn, he ran straight towards the spinning tornado as it spotted him.

"Come on, you big bastard!" Constantine broke the pendant against his chest, jumping into the spinning demon.

Constantine screamed as every single dagger dug into his body, turning him into a pin cushion.

Felix watched this, laughing at the sight. Finally was the thorn on his side getting the pain that he deserved and he could watch without any worries.

However, that was when Raven jumped from the shadows. She reached to grab the statue only for a purple aura to stop her on her tracks.

"Ha, ha, ha, did you think that I wouldn't see this trick coming from any ally of Constantine?" Felix turned around, holding Raven in a magical hold. "You did came awfully close to getting the statue, but I haven't survived this long without putting some defenses for myself."

"Oh really? I thought you've lasted this long because you suck the magic out of others you damn leech," Constantine said in his classic chilled attitude, unbothered by his condition.

Felix couldn't believe his ears. His head snapped back to see a stronger wind destroying his tornado with ease. Constantine shot up into the air without so much as a scratch from his suicide jump into the dagger filled tornado.

The dark sorcerer could only utter one word.

"Impossible!" Felix was distracted by the impossible sight.

"In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, anima huius domus a vinculis liberetur, et ad requiem aeternam transeat!" Constantine pulled out the small crystal ball, causing it to shine brightly in the palm of his hand.

Constantine tossed the ball down to the cauldron as Felix screamed in shock, trying to stop it.

A bright explosion destroyed the cauldron, sending Raven and Felix back from the shock. The light spread through the entire room, then the nearby rooms until it engulfed the whole mansion like a fire burning away the darkness. The beams of light struck each and every single one of the ghosts that came across the light, freeing them from the shackles that Felix had placed on them. Some of the ghosts went up into the light above while others, like Ramsley, were dragged down into the depths of the earth. In a matter of seconds, the entire house had been exorcised from any and all wayward spirits.

Shade watched the armor collapse down on itself as the spirit of the old butler was taken down to the depths of Hell.

"Guess he wasn't such a good butler after all," Shade said.

Constantine landed before Felix Faust who tried to put his destroyed cauldron back in its place.

"No, how?!" Felix demanded, glaring daggers at Constantine.

"The pinkie toe of the saint of healing, helps make your body impervious to any wound. Sadly it doesn't help with your own clothes," Constantine said.

Felix's hands coated themselves with magic, ready to strike Constantine. But Constantine stopped him.

"I think she'd like to have words with you, old man." The dabbler of the dark arts pointed to a very angry Raven who crushed the silent statue under her heel.

"Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" Raven summoned a giant black bird from all the shadows in the room, blasting Felix away with enough power to send him deep into the lower levels of the mansion. "That felt good."

"Remind me not to make you angry, Raven." Shade wrapped Felix Faust with some iron chains, before gagging him. "So, Constantine, what are you planning on pocketing from this place?"

They turned to see Constantine taking everything that wasn't bolted down into his pockets and coat pockets.

"What? I wasn't planning on leaving some of these things for any old fool to get cursed by accident now was I?" Constantine defended himself.

"Did you at least settle your debt?" Shade asked.

"The deed of a mansion ready to be sold should more than cover it." Constantine held out the deed of ownership before stuffing it into his pocket.

Shade and Raven both figured that whatever he had actually sought was already deep in his pockets and would not reveal what it was regardless of torture of threats. Seeing the new life return to the mansion and gaining a new ally in the fight against Owlman was win enough for them. Without another word, Shade summoned the door, taking them all to the House of Mystery.

"Well, a deal's a deal," Constantine sighed. "I just hope they have some decent spirits for me to wet my whistle."

The trio stepped back into the House of Mystery where they were greeted by Cain of all people.

"Oh great, sourpuss is here," Constantine grumbled muttering. "Hello Cain, I heard you needed a hand around the place."

"John Constantine, always a pleasure." Cain glared at the sorcerer. "Go leave your things and come back here tout sweet. Time is of the essence."

"Love you too, sourpuss," Constantine said, heading to his small room.

He'd crashed in the House of Mystery enough times to know his way around. And even claimed a few spots here and there for himself that Cain hadn't set on fire. Dumping his newfound loot in the bed, he made sure that he was alone. One spell of concealment later, and he pulled out a small package.

The object was wrapped in a blanket that he painstakingly unwrapped.

"I don't know where you are," Constantine said. "But I promise to find you one day. And for that, the multiverse needs to exist." He gazed upon the written words on the book.

'Hundred Acres Woods'.

Chapter Text

The multiverse is more than just a prism…

It is ever expanding and ever growing…

A place where one choice, one fork on the road can lead to many opportunities…

But every spark of brilliance there is a spark of madness…

These are the stories of both…

The mission of saving the entire multiverse was something that most people would take with utmost seriousness. They would buckle down and focus on doing everything to get the job done. Families, friendships, and even loves tended to take a backseat to saving everything.

"YYYYYEEEEEEHHHHHAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWW!" Harley cheered as she sped through the halls on her space bike.
"High oh, Silver!" Creeper flipped a cowboy hat he'd found as he held on to Harley. "Best mission ever! Better than being caught in that miserable little bottle Cain had me in. But nothing beats good company, right Harley?!" Creeper smirked.

"Oh you know it, Creepy!" Harley took a sharp turn making Creeper run on top of the other shelves, almost knocking them down.

…Of course, most people weren't two undiagnosed lunatics with possibly ADHD.

Harley and Creeper were crazier than a bag of cat that had just been thrown in a dog's only club. But they were adamant in being paired up and being the two crazies that saved a world and gave Owlman a good butt kicking. Which was also a great excuse to go crazy and as wild as they wanted and not be told to focus on the mission.

Speaking of…
"Hey, Creepy, where is the door we're supposed to go through?" Harley asked. "I think it should be around here somewhere. But at this speed all these books look alike."

Creeper was about to answer when he realized that he didn't have an answer. Scratching his chin, he tried to remember where they were supposed to go but his mind was a mixture of Looney Tunes shorts and anime swirling in a neverending mash. He bonked his head, tuning it back to the whole talk that Cain and Shade had given them before leaving. Which to him just sounded like a bunch of crayon drawings telling him what he wasn't supposed to do. But thankfully, he remembered word for word.

"Aha! I got the map, right here!" Creeper pulled out a map from his back along with a pair of reading glasses. "Let me take a look."

He silently looked at the map. His instructions had been written down to the great care of the man himself in crayon obviously. But he could figure out where they were just like any man could tell their phone number.

"STOP!" Creeper yelled.

Harley slammed on the breaks, sending Creeper flying. He landed on the floor, rolling up to a stop against a shelf. A book fell out from the blow, but he caught it.

"Got the book!" Creeper jumped up.

"Well, that's convenient." Harley pulled up to see the door herself.

"One multiverse-saving-adventure coming in hot!" Creeper opened the door for them.

The door looked straight out of a safari with claw marks and scratches scattered around the frame. The wood looked like it had been carved with ancient tribal faces from a dark forgotten part of Africa and they all had their faces clawed out. Amidst the carnage, the slender figure of a tanned furred beast looked out from within the darkness with bright amber eyes. And at its feet was a golden leopard-headed staff with a red orb between its jaws and a spear piercing the creature's hand.

"Looks like we're going to the savannah!" Harley said.

"And me here without my hunter hat," Creeper cursed his luck before shrugging. "Oh well. Last one in is a rotten egg!" He pulled the door open before taking a jump inside without so much as a second glance."

"Oh no you don't!" Harley jumped in after him.

The door closed up but another figure came up to the door after them.

"Good god, I thought they'd never leave," a voice called from the shadows before walking out.

It was Bronze Tiger, with a look of conflict in his face. He stepped through the door, following after the two crazies and doing his best to screw over Owlman.

"Make way for the king of the jungle, baby," Bronze Tiger said.

What if the queen's assassin broke free?

Earth -9991

The thickness of the green jungle claimed the passage Harley and Creeper had jumped into. Lush trees and plants wrapped around every corner before their eyes, like the thick skin of a giant lizard. The shadows casted down by the thick trees created a perfectly quiet and mysterious sensation that surrounded the two heroes as they delved deeper into the green. Everything around them looked primordial. Like humanity had never even dared to come to that place and mess with the natural order. Here the beasts were the dominant species and only the strong survived. And the noises of faraway creatures and the smell of blood sold that scene all too well.

Harley and Creeper slowly tiptoed through the thickness of the jungle in their search for Perpetua's relic. Which looked more silly than it was intended given Creeper was wearing a goofy hunter hat.

"Be vewy vewy quiet, we're hunting wabbits," Creeper giggled.

"Hey, go up and see if you can see anything sus," Harley said, pulling out her blaster and her space mallet ready.

"Okey dokey." Creeper jumped high, digging his claw-like fingers into the thick trees. "One scout ahead coming right up!" He climbed up with the speed and grace of a squirrel after eating a bag full of cocaine.

Creeper climbed on high to the top of the tree. He broke through the thick leaves, popping his head with his hands making like a couple of binoculars. It didn't take him long to start goofing off as though he was in some videogame, making sounds and humming to himself in search of wild animals. He even smiled like he was on a safari trip with his friend instead of a dangerous and very important mission. However, his iconic smile didn't last long.

Back down in the ground, Harley hummed as she tweaked and looked over her blaster. It wasn't like she didn't maintain it or made sure it looked awesome to kick ass, but there was nothing to do. It was too quiet. Her mind started drifting into all the possible heroes or villains they were likely to meet in a jungle setting. But it was quiet. She understood that not everyone was as much of a bomb as she was. But could they at least make some kind of noise for her to know they were there?

Harley stopped herself, noticing that it was a little too quiet. A jungle shouldn't be that quiet unless something wrong was about to happen.

'Snap.'

Harley fired her blaster in the direction of the noise she'd heard. She put her blaster away and pulled out her space mallet ready to hit whatever came her way. She'd seen enough movies to know that at the slightest noise you shoot and kick ass.

"Alright, you can come out now," Harley said, gripping her mallet tightly.

Behind the burnt foliage and shot trees, Bronze Tiger stepped out, holding his hands up.

"Alright, you got me, just don't shoot," Bronze Tiger calmly stepped out. "Can we talk instead of killing each other?"

"Huh, wow, surprised none of those shots hit you, but it's probably a good thing, I don't want to get cancelled for a misunderstanding," Harley's demeanor relaxed a bit. "If I didn't know you were the stinking traitor that got us in this mess to begin with." Harley pointed her mallet at Bronze Tiger. "Let me guess, your boss sent you to get the piece, huh?"

"Not by choice," Bronze Tiger scoffed. "Where's your partner?"

Creeper dropped down next to Harley, the shadows covering his face.

"Yo, Creeper, we got us a boogie here," Harley said. "Let's teach him how we do!"

But the Creeper didn't reply.

"Creep?"

Nothing.

"Is he okay?" Bronze Tiger asked.

"Not sure," Harley replied with a whisper. "Creeper, you found something?"

Creeper only stretched out his hand, pointing with one finger. He turned to look at Harley with a look of sheer sadness that fought his ever present smile.

"I don't think I like what I saw," Creeper said before pouncing on Bronze Tiger.

He dragged the big fighter like a dog would drag a bone to the backyard to bury.

Harely ran after them, as fast as she could. Part of her kicked herself for not bringing her motorcycle to this world. She hopped on top of her mallet, activating the rocket she had attached to it. Like a jet taking off, she flew through the trees and the thick vegetation that covered the jungle. She didn't know what Creeper had gotten through his head, but he was more than pissed. Her time with the fellow mad man had been short but crazy always knew when the other crazy was about to snap. The eyes that he looked at her with were those of a wounded animal but also holding back the rage before knowing who or what was deserving of it. Which made her think of Bronze Tiger. From what she'd been told by Cain, he was one of the traitors that helped Owlman and the others escape before they could stop them. But he didn't seem to be all for the whole multiversal genocide plan the bird had planned. There was a bagged cat if she ever suspected one.

Her eyes landed on Creeper as he continued dragging Bronze Tiger like a dog would drag a bone. Bronze Tiger tried to free himself by punching Creeper in the face, but his fist didn't make a single bruise on the mad man's face. He tried to grab hold of a branch of a root or anything else to free himself, but Creeper ran so fast that he could barely register what was going on around him. Bronze Tiger tried to rip off the piece of the uniform Creeper was holding on to, but he didn't get the chance.

Creeper tossed Bronze Tiger with just the strength of his neck and jaw, making the fighter roll in the ground.

"Did you do this?!" Creeper snarled at Bronze Tiger.

"The hell you talking about?!" Bronze Tiger jumped back to his feet, assuming a fighting stance. "I just got here, same as you!" Bronze Tiger rushed at Creeper, reeling his fist back.

Harley reached the clearing just in time as Creeper tackled Bronze Tiger with his greater strength. But her eyes didn't sit with them for long.

They rolled on the ground until they hit something, something barely warm and bloody.

Bronze Tiger looked back, seeing the dead eyes of a dead elephant. He screamed as he jumped back from shock. But that only made the sight all the worse.

Corpses.

Corpses of many animals laid dead on the clearing before the trio. There were elephants, giraffes, hyenas, crocodiles, monkeys and lots of blood. There was so much blood that it pooled together in a nightmarish scene that not even the most hardened soldier or serial killer could not flinch at the sight. Their faces contorted in pain and fear that it didn't even look like an act of anything short of monstrous.

"What kind of horror movie did we walk into?!" Harely snapped, fighting not to empty her stomach.

"Seen a lot of blood in my day, but this? This isn't human," Bronze Tiger could feel his legs buckling at the sight.

"No, this looks just like man. They're crazy enough to do this." Creeper caught Bronze Tiger in a chokehold. "Tell me, tough guy, is this your boss's dirty work? Because that's the only reason I can think of for this to be here. And I don't like needless animal killing. Kill me all you want, I'll come back. Kill an animal if you're hungry, that's fine, but this isn't needed."

"I didn't do this man!" Bronze Tiger snarled, punching Creeper in the face.

"Then who did?!" Creeper jumped on top of Bronze Tiger ready to punch his face.

A loud roar caught the trio's attention.

"I think they might know something." Harley pointed to the large group of anthropomorphic leopards and cheetahs running towards them with their weapons drawn.

"Truce to kick their asses?" Bronze Tiger asked.

"Yeah sure," Creeper said. "But I'm still kicking your ass later."

"Enough foreplay, fellas!" Harely jumped ahead, brutally swinging her mallet. "FORE!"

She struck the first leopard soldier in the face, knocking out its teeth. She spun in a circle, letting the momentum carry her swing as she slammed her mallet on two more leopards. A fourth leopard pounced on Harley ready to rip off her throat. She lifted her mallet up, catching the beast's teeth. The leopard man's strength forced Harley back.

"Silly putty tat, you forgot about rule number one." Harley kicked the leopard right between the legs.

The leopard's face paled moaning in pain.

Harley kicked him again before cracking him across the face with her handle.

"Never leave your jewels unguarded," Harley said as Creeper and Bronze Tiger jumped into the fight alongside her.

Creeper swiped quickly and wildly at the leopards attacking them. His nails cut through their thick muscles, leaving nasty gushing wounds on their chests and arms. A cheetah rushed him from behind poised to bite at his neck. But the green maniac backflipped in time to look it dead in the eye before slamming his feet on his back, breaking it. Creeper pounced on another leopard, tackling them to the floor. They rolled on the ground before the Creeper tossed the leopard like a ragdoll into another incoming cheetah.

"I don't know why you act so nasty," Creeper dodged the swipes of two different leopards with ease. "No animal just kills like this. Is it because of all the leopard jokes and spots? I can see why you'd find them annoying but you just can't change your spot on the whole thing!" Creeper jumped, kicking the two leopards in the jaws with a fierce blow.

Creeper turned his nasty crazy smile on two more leopards rushing towards him. Wanting to meet them half-way, he rushed at them like a wild animal on all fours. He tackled, getting into a rolling fight with them, clawing and biting at each other like wild animals.

Bronze Tiger pulled out his spiked knuckle dusters, gritting his teeth against the savage beasts that charged at him. He ducked under the first swipe at his face, landing a devastating punch across the leopard's face. Turning around, his other fist collided with the open jaws of another leopard man, breaking against his fist. Bronze Tiger jumped at another leopard, pulling his head down to meet his knee, knocking out some of its teeth. The beasts unsheathed their weapons, swinging them at Bronze Tiger. BZ smirked, parrying the swings away from his body. He forged an opening, planting his feet on the ground before punching and kicking at their exposed sides, stomachs, necks and faces.

"You think this is the first time I've fought beasts?" Bronze Tiger punched another leopard in the throat. "It ain't!"

Harley jumped over another leopard, slamming her mallet on top of their head. But as soon as she lifted her weapon, she saw the leopard dissipate into a cloud of green mist. She followed the mist to see it being joined by the other downed warriors, heading back to the lush jungle. Squinting her eyes, she saw a pair of amber very cat-like eyes glaring at them before rushing out of the green.

"Fellas, we got company!" Harley jumped back as the creature emerged.

Jumping out of the trees and the bushes was a creature much like the ones they'd been fighting. But this one was slender, sporting a long red mane of very human looking hair on top of her head and curves that resembled those of a woman. In her hands, she held a large jagged curved blade with ancient carvings on it that looked straight out of a primal savage age.

"Finally, someone worthy of a hunt!" The savage creature spoke in a feminine voice.

The female beast swung her blade down, hitting the handle of Harley's mallet. Despite her slender physique the cheetah woman pushed Harley down, forcing her on one knee. Harely's eyes focused on how her handle was barely holding on against the sharpness of the blade. She tried to reach for her ignition button but any attempt made her feel the strength behind the beast's lean muscles.

Creeper and Bronze Tiger jumped on the woman, pushing her off of Harley just in time. Their combined strength pinned the beast woman on the ground. But she kicked them off of her, landing two devastating kicks to their stomachs. She sprung to her feet rushing at them with her sword in her hands. They dodged and tried to parry her blows but she was too fast for them to counter. Creeper swept her off her legs, giving Bronze Tiger a chance to punch her in the face. Her head moved to the side at the last second, giving her only a scratch on her cheek.

"Oh I like you~." She licked the blood dripping from her wound. "You might be a worthy prey for Cheetah."

"Cheetah?" Bronze Tiger asked before Cheetah spun around, slashing at his chest with her claws. "AAAHHH!" He winced, holding his chest.

"Hey kit kat! No touching the merchandise!" Harely jumped back into the fight, swinging her mallet at the large cat. She ignited her mallet, swinging it downwards.

Cheetah jumped back, barely escaping the attack only for the shockwave to push her back. However, she didn't have a chance to breathe. Creeper pounced on her, clashing her claws with his own. She swung her sword at him, but he bent backwards avoiding it by the skin of his teeth. He headbutted her in the head only to get a slash across his face.

"Ouch! You gotta file those claws, kitty!" Creeper's face healed before Cheetah's eyes.

"So much good hunt in such a short time, oh I am so happy right now," Cheetah swung her sword at Creeper before Bronze Tiger and Harley kicked her away.

Harely pulled out her blaster and fired at the crazed kitty. Cheetah's senses warned her of the shots. She used her sword to block and redirect the laser straight at them. One even knocked the blaster out of Harley's hand.

"What the heck is that sword made out of?" Harley glared at Cheetah.

"Blessed Metal," Cheetah replied. "Prepare to die!"

Cheetah was cut from her attack as a spear cut her off.

A challenging battle call came from the trees around them, sounding like a gorilla pounding its chest with great fury.

Cheetah growled, knowing who was coming. Suddenly a red smoke bomb blew up in front of her, obscuring her sight and clouding her senses.

"Ain't that convenient," Bronze Tiger said as a man with long brown hair landed before them.

"Run! Now!" He told them as she took his spear back.

"Follow the near naked man!" Harley said as they all ran into the jungle, leaving Cheetah behind.

"Not my first time doing that but, okay!" Creeper added.

The trio followed the man as he swung through the air using the jungle vines. They barely managed to keep their eyes on him, it was as though he blended into his environment. A blink and you'll miss the type of person that was one with the world around him. And here they were, following that man.

"So, I know we gotta thank you for the safe back there, but can I ask you a few questions?" Creeper slid on top of the moss covered trunks. "One, who are you? Second, who was that hot woman in the cat skin? Third, why was she turning the jungle into a slaughterhouse? And lastly, who named her Cheetah, isn't she already a cheetah?" Creeper asked as he jumped from tree to tree, keeping up with the man.

"I have questions of my own." He landed down, getting their attention. "Her senses should be clouded by the concoction the professor put together and we're far enough away that she won't hear us. I guess it's time for introductions."

"Past time, Tarzan," Bronze Tiger said.

"...You know me?" Tarzan asked.

Bronze Tiger stopped himself, realising what he'd just said. It was always a weird moment when you unknowingly recognised someone and called them by their name. And for BT it was the legendary lord of the apes himself, Tarzan.

"We've heard of a human that lives amongst the gorillas by that name, yeah," Harley said, covering for Bronze Tiger. "I'm Harley Quinn, this is Bronze Tiger and that's Creeper."

"You could say we're part of a circus and wondered if you wanted to see if you wanted in," Creeper added with his iconic smile. "But please, do go on as to what just happened."

Tarzan's eyes landed on the slash across Bronze Tiger's chest. He traced his hand on his own chest, a painful reminder of the monster that now stalked his home.

"She's a savage beast that's broken free from her leash," Tarzan said. "Our home isn't that far, I'll explain everything there." He jumped back into the air.

"Our?" The trio asked.

They followed Tarzan deeper into the jungle until they came across a large fortified treehouse. The perimeter was surrounded by sharpened stakes, large gorillas kept an eye out from the thick foliage as some humans could be spotted. Worn out torches marked the entrance and the arrival of Tarzan sent many of the gorillas and humans into a happy frenzy.

Amongst them was a young woman with brown hair, an old man and a tribal African man. They were among the first to greet them.

"I was so worried, are you alright, Tarzan?" Jane asked.

"I'm alright, Jane. But I found some people." He turned to see the group getting surrounded by the gorillas and a large red elephant.

"I see they're very popular, but what were they doing out there?" Jane asked.

"They had a run in with Cheetah," Tarzan replied. "She even marked one of them as her prey." He pointed to Bronze Tiger's chest.

"Oh, that looks nasty." The older British man said. "Let's get you checked up, my boy."

They were led inside the treehouse where the professor and the old tribal elder looked at Bronze Tiger's injuries. They cleaned the wounds and stitched him up as best as they could before placing a healing balm on him and some bandages.

"Okay, so what's the story behind Cheetah? No one seems to be a fan of hers," Harley asked.

"It's a long story that's connected to another woman," Jane started.

"Ooh, spicy," Creeper said.

"Not that kind of story," the African elder said. "This story is tied to the story of Queen La. My tribe's greatest enemy, and mistake. Once she was a young girl that lived a peaceful life, but one day she found something that should never have been found: The Staff of the Lost City of Opar. The dark influence and magic of the staff changed her and transformed her into the eternal queen of that city. And every so often, she tries to control the rest of the jungle and its people."

"Not to mention do some nasty black magic of her own," the Professor added.

"She has come after us on more than one occasion, trying to get more power or a king to rule by her side," Tarzan added.

"But one day, she decided that she had had enough…" the elder continued.

Queen La, a beautiful woman with silver hair dressed in a scantily dressed dress that left very little to the imagination, was having a bad day.

"Accursed Tarzan!" Queen La fired a blast of magic at one of her leopards, turning it to dust. "He has bested me once more! He denies his fate as my king once more! And you fools were no help besting him, again!" She blasted another leopard.

She sat on her throne, huffing like an angry fury. The thought that the best candidate for her king kept besting her irritated her as much as it aroused her. She couldn't wrap her head around why he cared about such a delicate little flower like that Jane woman. La on the other hand was a warrior that matched him in every sense. If only she had competent forces to work for her.

"What I wouldn't give for a deadlier and competent force to aid me in my… endeavors…" Queen La looked at her reflection on her staff.

She turned to look at the leopard men that were bound to her will. Perhaps it was a flaw in their design that caused this. She needed a wild, cunning independent mind to match her own machinations.

"They do say the female is the deadlier of the species."

Queen La stood in the ancient room of rituals with the light of the moon peering down at a pire she'd prepared.

"Bring in the mighty beast," Queen La ordered.

Two of her leopard guards carried a cage towards the altar. Inside the cage was a feral cheetah. A female beast that La had observed in the wild for quite some time. One look into the beast's eyes and you would see the eyes of a predator. A fiery desire for competition that the creature could not stop, to bring down a bigger foe every single time. It pounced and bit at the bars holding it from its freedom like any trapped beast would. There was no fear, only anger and a desire to get back its freedom.

"You are quite the fearsome creature," Queen La said, getting the cheetah's attention. "A lone female running through the jungle, making it on her own and taking down all manner of prey with speed and cunning by your lonesome. I need a warrior like you to give my quarry a worthy challenge. But don't worry, I won't strip you of anything you already have." Queen La gripped her staff, firing a blast to ignite the pire.

She took out an ancient golden statue of a cheetah that she held high between her hands. Her eyes closed as she muttered an ancient incantation in a tongue so ancient that no modern human could ever decipher it. The light of the moon fell on the cheetah as La continued her conjuring. The flames of her spell surrounded the beast as its body began to change the beast. La opened her eyes as the roars of pain and the sound of bones snapping and rearranging to create her newest champion.

The cheetah's back snapped, curving as she gained more humanoid features, very feminine features. Her muscles tore themselves and made new, stronger ones that fitted her new body. Her paws and claws grew in length, bending and moving in ways she had never expected or seen possible. The jaws and fangs that had long torn at the flesh of her prey were pulled back, growing more human in nature but not losing an inch of her power. Her body broke through the cage that held her, standing tall to her new height and power. She let out a mighty roar of hatred and rage against all the pain she suffered before long locks of red hair drowned her face.

Queen La finished her incantation, allowing her newest assassin to fall down, panting.

"How does it feel?" Queen La asked.
"I… I… I speak your tongue?" The beast asked, not recognising the noises she let out.

"I figured that you needed more brains than brawn to serve the higher calling you've been chosen for," La said. "I am Queen La and I am in need of your skills. What would you like to be called?"

The former cheetah looked at her changed body. She felt stronger and sharper than ever but it didn't change the fact she still saw herself in the same identity.

"Cheetah. I am Cheetah," she replied, standing up on her two feet.

"Cheetah? Well, that'll be easy to remember," Queen La said, unable to hold herself from stroking the face of her latest creation. "Let's make history, my assassin." She smiled at the possibilities.

Time passed and Cheetah grew used to her new brutal body like a fish to water. She ran quickly on both two and four legs, breaking any kind of limit she'd once held. Her claws cut through stone and wood better than they ever could before. She had even started hunting again under her mistress's careful watch.

She peered out from within the bushes, looking at a large wild rhinoceros as it graced the pastures. Her heart pounded against her chest. Her muscles tensed up before she sprung into action. The grass and the ground under her feet flew against her speed while a savage smile spread across her face.

The rhinoceros turned to see her coming but it was too late.

Cheetah slashed at the rhino's right eye, blinding it. She jumped over the beast's horn, kicking the beast's face before landing gracefully on the grass. The rhinoceros roared in pain as it charged at Cheetah with its horn poised at the feral she-beast's heart. Its massive size didn't even intimidate Cheetah, she instead smiled at the challenge before her. She rushed at the beast on all fours like a cat would rush to a fallen bird. Her eyes centered on the rhino's underbelly as her razor sharp claws dug into the ground.

The rhino swung its large sharp horn with all the anger and hatred a man would call upon to stab their hated enemy in the heart. But Cheetah ducked in time only losing one hair from her wild head. She slid under the rhino's belly, digging her claws under the beast's stomach, gutting it. The rhino let out a final cry of pain before it fell down dead from the shock and the disemboweling.

Cheetah got up, covered in blood from her prey before the leopard men surrounded the beast.

"You have grown into a deadly beast, Cheetah." Queen La walked up to her assassin with a sway at her hips. "I expected no less from you. But look how messy you've gotten." La caressed Cheetah's cheek, wiping off the blood.

"How else can I expect you to know the deed is done?" Cheetah purred. "I have struck down any and all beast you've pitted me against, my queen. Now, shall I slay your greatest enemy?"

"There is one more thing that you'll need, Cheetah." Queen La drew her closer. "After we've had our fun."

"Holy moly! I didn't know it was that kind of story!" Harley cut the tale."
"Doesn't seem to fit with the rating, though," Creeper added.
"Just so we're on the same page, I'm not with crazy." Bronze Tiger snapped. "Please continue."

Cheetah followed Queen La deep into the lower levels of the Lost City of Opar. The air was thick and humid, almost choking her with every step she took. But the deeper they ventured the more she felt drawn to the powers that laid under it all. Something was calling Cheetah into the depths of the city. A primal need and desire that needed to be answered.

They were met by a large door covered in cobwebs and ancient symbols that marked an ancient time for the city.

"Lovely door," Cheetah said.

"The city of Opar wasn't always a lost legend everyone feared." Queen La opened the door revealing a strange glowing rock that seemed to pulse with energy. "This city was built by the power of the very metal that courses all around us. The ancients called it the ninth gift the gods had granted the inhabitants. With it they forged this very staff." Queen La showed off her staff, letting its power course through the room. "And I give you part of their blessing to ensure your victory and a good hunt, Cheetah."

Queen La slammed her staff on the ground making the metal morph and change before her eyes. She changed the metal until it reached the shape that she desired, a new weapon.

"This here shall be your weapon." Queen La handed Cheetah her sword. "And you shall use it to bring me the one I seek. But beware, Cheetah, this will be the most powerful foe you've faced yet and I want him alive."

"Alive?" Cheetah frowned.

"Is that a problem?" Queen La narrowed her own eyes.

"No, my queen. But why must this one be brought back alive?" Cheetah asked. "All I've fought against had to be struck down."

"You need not worry about that, but the warrior I'm sending you against has bested those same beasts you have," Queen La said. "And he is imperative to the future of our kingdom and its legacy. You understand?" She pressed herself against the body of her deadly assassin, getting a savage grin from her assassin.

"I do~." Cheetah and La kissed savagely.

Queen La kissed her assassin with the intensity she had always dreamed of kissing her king. She had to admit that Cheetah was as skilled a lover as she was a killer. Finding what made her tick and how she could use it against her was an art as wild and passionate as she could think of. La was not a prude woman but her skills in the marital bed were not as great. Cheetah showed her wondrous things and she would take that knowledge and use it with Tarzan when he was hers.

Sure a part of her would always care for Cheetah, but she wanted a king. A king that would give her ultimate power and a legacy, that was what she wanted. Cheetah was a nice distraction and paything. But that was all she was to Queen La.

Cheetah rushed through the jungle, hunting her next target. She'd killed many beasts to prepare herself. Their blood was forever imprinted on her claws, fur and teeth but they all paled in comparison to what she sought at that moment. Her queen wanted this creature, this pale ape that had managed to elude her forces for so long. It left her a nasty taste in her mouth knowing that someone dared to insult her queen. She had brought her out of savagery and had been there for her at every step of the way for her. Cheetah would bring this enemy bound and broken with everything she had at her disposal.

Her strong legs took her to the top of the trees with a mighty jump. Hopping and making her way through the jungle, she caught the scent of her enemy. It was different from any other beast she'd hunted down, but it was strongly close to that of a gorilla. She scoffed at the idea that a gorilla could make so much trouble for her mistress but she still had a job to do.

She stopped herself as her ears picked up the sound of something moving quickly over her head. It was fast like a bird but passed through the trees like a monkey jumping from branch to branch, but it was much bigger. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to catch a glimpse from the shadows. He was so elusive that she could barely spot him amidst the trees and the foliage. She finally caught up with him and her eyes landed on the very target of her mission. But she could not believe it.

Her target was a man. From her earliest memories, she knew what they were. But this one was pale and moved around like an animal instead of any of the men she'd seen before.

What could her mistress want with a man of all beings?

"Tarzan! Picnic lunch is ready!"

Cheetah looked down and saw a female human, thin and delicate holding a basket in her hands. She looked like a light snack for where she hid.

Tarzan landed next to her as she led him to a spot clean of any leaves or grass.

Cheetah watched them eat together, talk and just be calm in each other's company. A sensation she found herself desiring for some reason. For that brief second of confusion, she stepped on a twig, snapping it.

Tarzan perked up at that noise, narrowing down where she was hidden in an instant.

"Tarzan, is everything okay?" Jane whispered.

"There's someone in the bushes," Tarzan whispered back. "Start packing and pretend nothing's wrong."

Cheetah's ears picked up his words. She pounced out to strike, charging at Tarzan like a beast.

Tarzan ran out to meet her charge. She pounced on him, only for him to roll her off of him. He kicked her in the stomach, sending her back. Cheetah landed on her feet, drawing out her new sword. For her mistress, she would not be bested. Her speed and savagery were without equal and she would bring down this man. She rushed right before Tarzan's face, surprising him by her speed before swinging her sword.

Tarzan ducked under her swing, losing some locks of his hair by sheer luck. He jumped back, dodging a downward strike by the skin of his teeth. His legs planted on a large, pushing himself upwards to the tree branches as Cheetah chased after him. He watched as she jumped after him, getting ready to strike once more. His hands grabbed hold of a branch. Using the momentum, he spun his body before slamming his feet on Cheetah's chest, pushing her back. He flung himself on another branch, hissing at Cheetah.

"Running away and dodging is all you can do, Tarzan?" Cheetah snarled, baring her teeth. "What a disappointment!" She lunged herself at him, slicing the branch he was standing on.

"You speak?" Tarzan grabbed onto a vine, swinging away from the deranged cat-lady.

Tarzan's mind raced with what he'd discovered. Most of the creatures like his enemy didn't speak and they were all under La's command. But they were all brutes that attacked in packs. He would need a different strategy to face this one. An idea popped in his mind as he led her deeper into the jungle.

Cheetah chased after Tarzan on the ground, keeping up with his swings with ease. She sprung from tree to tree, getting high in the air. She swung her claws asTarzan, slashing his side.

Tarzan cried out in pain, steeling himself before kicking Cheetah in the face. He grabbed his side with one hand as he held tightly to the vine with the other. Swinging down to the thick foliage, he fell down.

Cheetah scoffed as she licked the blood from her claws. The hunt was as good as hers now. She swung her sword, cutting down the leaves that hid her prey.

"I can't believe you were so easily brought down, Tarzan." She swung her sword. "Queen La made you seem like a mighty warrior, superior to all manner of beasts. But clearly you are nothing but a wounded little bird." Her nose picked up the smell of his blood as she spotted the trail of blood. "Now this ends!" She tore the leaves before her, expecting to find the downed warrior.

But all she saw was a small patch of blood.

"Huh?" She knelt down wondering how her nose had been fooled. "Where are you?!" She scanned the area, snarling and hissing in place.

A drop of blood fell on her forehead. She looked up only to hear Tarzan holler out like a wildman, coming down at her faster than she'd expected.

Tarzan's spear struck first, cutting Cheetah's cheek and shin as she jumped back avoiding certain death. Using his own weapon like a pole, Tarzan swung his whole body, kicking Cheetah across the face. He quickly pulled out his spear, stabbing at her with a clear thrust. Cheetah barely managed to block it with her sword, only for Tarzan to jump back into the foliage, hiding his presence once more.

Cheetah snarled in rage, gritting her teeth with a thrust for blood.

"You're the one that's been killing animals, aren't you?!" Tarzan called from the leaves. "Why did you do it?! You weren't hunting them for food or faught them in self defense!"

Cheetah swung her sword at the leaves, slicing through them with ease. He jumped out, cutting her back with his spear. Cheetah swung back but he was back in the foliage. She couldn't allow this man to escape her. Her ears tried to pick up the source of his words, but he moved too fast. The area had his scent so she couldn't pinpoint his location like that either. He kicked her in the stomach before cutting her shoulder with his spear.

"They were all tests for me! And I see you are worth the effort!" Cheetah swung her claws and sword, cutting the leaves and the vines all around her in a frenzy. "I don't know why she wants you, but you will not escape me!"

"You don't know?" Tarzan asked, giving Cheetah the chance to pin his location.

She swung her arm back, slashing at his chest, leaving him a mark of her claws. Pouncing on him, she brought down her sword, cutting his spear in two. She swung again, caught in a murderous frenzy.

Tarzan caught her arm, holding the sword off of him. He was pinned against the ground, with the strength of Cheetah keeping him in place. Her strength was greater than any other beast he'd faced. His spear tip was only a few inches away from him. But the she-beast had him cornered.

"You're lucky the queen wants you alive, man. Or else I would've taken my time for all you've done to me!" Cheetah pressed on against Tarzan's strength.

"I don't care who she sends. I will never be her king!" Tarzan pushed back against her.

Cheetah's eyes widened as she heard his words.

"What did you say?" Cheetah asked. "Why would the queen want you as her king? If you're going to lie, make it convincing!"
"It is no lie! She's never been shy about what she planned to do with me!" Tarzan tried to roll her off of him. "She's tried to kill my wife, enslave my friends, even try to take over my own life! And now she sends you to capture me instead of her warriors! But you're different, you have a mind of your own!"

The more Cheetah listened to the man the more she hated him. How dared he claim to be her mistress's beloved?! That was her position!

"YOU LIE!" Cheetah was going to carve out this man's face with her claws before delivering him to her mistress.

"She sends you to kill many beasts to train you, but then asks for you to bring me in alive! You have your own mind, what does it tell you?!" Tarzan strained against the sword as it approached his neck.

Cheetah wanted to spit at the man for such blasphemy. But she couldn't help but see what he meant. This wasn't a normal hunt. There were no other men in Opar, or other humans for that matter. She was trained to counter everything Tarzan could think of. She had her own mind while the leopards were all just mindless brutes that followed orders blindly. All this couldn't be just to find her own replacement.

But that could not be. All the nights and moments they shared couldn't have been for nothing. Could they?

Her grip and focus loosened.

Tarzan took his chance. He grabbed the tip of his spear, stabbing it on Cheetah's side. As she roared in pain before Tarzan punched her off of him. Springing to his feet, he rushed out of the thick foliage, leaving the assassin to lick her wounds.

Cheetah pulled out the sharpened spear tip from her side, huffing in pain. Tarzan was far more cunning and ruthless than she had expected. She would make him suffer for his tricks. But his words made her think. The doubt was in her mind now. She had to know the truth.

Cheetah returned to the Lost City of Opar, bloodied and wounded. She looked up to see Queen La look at her with disappointment.

"I do not see Tarzan with you, Cheetah." She walked down from her throne. "What happened?"

"His cunning was more than I expected. He managed to trick me and stab me," Cheetah hissed.

"I supposed I should've expected Tarzan to outsmart you, that's what makes him such a catch," Queen La sighed lovingly.

"Mistress, why didn't you want me to kill him? I could've killed him a hundred times if you'd let me," Cheetah argued.

"You won't kill him, Cheetah! He has a great destiny awaiting him!" Queen La glared down at her assassin. "He is to be my king!"

Cheetah's heart shattered. The human emotions she had developed were now daggers that stabbed into her heart. She couldn't help but feel like her soul had been taken from her body after hearing those words.

"But I-!" Cheetah was cut off by a blast of energy hitting her.

"I am your queen! You dare defy me?!" Queen La spat out. "You may have shared my bed, but you are nothing to me! I can change you at any second it suits me! Perhaps I should remind you of what your real place is."

Cheetah's pain and hurt heart turned to fury and hardened vengeance. She grabbed her sword tightly. She pushed it up, blocking Queen La's magic.

They glared at each other, before Cheetah sent Queen La back.

The queen of Opar watched as Cheetah disappeared into the night, declaring herself at war with her former lover.

"The moral of the story: A scornful heart is dangerous, especially if it beats with the heart of a beast." The tribal elder finished the story.

"You skipped over the best parts," Harley pouted.

"So those two have been at war all this time?" Bronze Tiger asked.

"Yes, their war has spread to many parts of the jungle, even the far off merchants have found themselves safely indoors of their ships instead of touching land," Jane replied.

"If this continues the jungle will become a cemetery for all living beings," Tarzan said. "One way or another, they must be stopped."

"But it might not be so easy, my boy." The professor pulled up an old blackboard and started to draw something. "Both their weapons are made up of this strange metal that seems to bend ancient magic and powers to their will. Given these strange properties, any time they clash they repel each other, perpetuating their conflict until something is done."

"Yeah, Nth metal is a pain to deal with." Creeper ate a banana.

"'Nth Metal?'" The professor asked. "I guess that's a good enough name. You've come across it before?"

"You could say that," Creeper replied before leaning on Harley. "Cain used a jar made of that stuff to put me in time out. I bet my last dollar that that's what we're looking for."

Harley winked at him, knowing what he was saying. She threw one look at Bronze Tiger, figuring that they were all looking for the same thing. Which was alright by her. It just meant that they had to snatch the damn thing before he did and everything would be right as rain. Plus, they got to put the hurt on that crazy wild putty tat that tried to cleave her in two. So Harley would take her wins where she could find them and apply them.

"So-," Harley began.

"We get them away from their magical toys out of their hands and we can stop them," Bronze Tiger took the punchline from Harley's plate.

"That seems to be the best plan we can think of," Tarzan admitted. "But every time we get close to Cheetah, she flees or we have to face the leopard warriors to get to La."

"An old saying from my tribe says; 'When you are faced with two enemies on both sides, the best way to defeat them is to get out of the way,'" the tribal elder said.

"I think I know what you mean, good sir." The professor started to mix different chemicals in beakers.

The rest of the group watched as the old man got a slight explosion on his face before he continued working.

"This plan is gonna be crazy," Creeper said. "I love crazy!"

Cheetah sharpened her sword with the skull of a leopard shed slain. Her cave was covered with trophies of fallen mighty beasts and bested warriors. But they all paled in comparison to her visions of her greatest victory. The small throne she's carved from stone and bones where La would sit forever. A throne where the woman that betrayed her would be her ultimate trophy along with the head of Tarzan and anyone that made the cut. She was a predator and she would not be outhunted.

She remembered the look on the man's face she'd battled. He reminded her of Queen La.

"Perhaps it is time I put an end to our little rivalry," Cheetah looked at her reflection on her sword. "I have missed your touch my mistress." Cheetah sprung to her feet, rushing out into the African night.

Her mind only had one goal: Killing the woman she loved.

Outside the Lost City of Opar, Harley, Creeper, and Bronze Tiger had followed Tarzan to the realm of Queen La and her now more fortified home.

"Wow, this place looks almost as armed as your treehouse, Tarzan," Harley whistled as she watched the palace with her binoculars. "I see a lot of kitty cats armed and looking mighty pissed."

"Those are La's leopard warriors," Tarzan replied. "They're slaves to her will. We've tried freeing them a few times but La always seems to bring them back into her servitude."

"Just another reason for me not to like her," Bronze Tiger said before Creeper hopped on top of him.

"And it looks like she's about to have company!" Creeper pointed ahead.

They all turned to where he was pointing, spotting Cheetah making her way inside the palace.

"Well, that made things easy," Bronze Tiger said. "And get the hell off me, man!" He then tried to get Creeper off of him but to no avail against the crazy man's moves.

"Are you sure this'll work?" Tarzan asked. "La isn't the type of enemy that won't hesitate to use trickery to get what she wants."

"We're sure, George of the Jungle, once they start fighting, we swoop in and snatch their objects of power and keep them from getting them back before locking them up nice and secure." Harley shrugged. "It's a classic. But not gonna lie, this might get bloody. You ready jungle man?"

Tarzan wasn't a fan of killing or fighting if it could be avoided. He would openly put himself before a herd of stampeding rhinos if it meant protecting his family. But to kill in cold blood out of hatred seemed wrong to him. Maybe he was just too savage not to be cruel.

"I don't like it, but we have to stop them," Tarzan admitted.

"Don't worry, in the worst case scenario we break a few bones," Creeper wrestled with Bronze Tiger with ease.

It didn't make Tarzan feel any better.

Queen La poured down her attention at the map before her. Red bloody stains marked the sights and spots Cheetah had been seen or left a trail of death. Her hunger for game was growing out of control, and if something wasn't done soon the jungle would become lifeless. La almost regretted having that little spat with her assassin. She was both a beast in as well as outside the bedroom. Perhaps she could keep her as a love slave after she made the right attitude adjustments.

"Cheetah's cave is located near the valley where the hyenas used to make their boneyard," Queen La looked to her guards. "We will strike at dawn and take her by surprise. I want all patrols doubled, she will certainly come here to attack us before we hit her. I trained her all too well." She couldn't help but feel a hint of pride in creating such a powerful beast for her ambitions.

The leopard guards tensed up, their ears shifted, perking up at the sound of something approaching. They growled as they held up their weapons at the entrance.

"Took you long enough to come over, my pretty," Queen La giggled. "I can smell you a mile away."

Cheetah dragged her sword against the floor, creating sparks with every step. She swung her sword over her shoulder with a glare a big cat hunting would have when its prey knew they were there.

"I felt it was time to have you on your knees for a change." Cheetah aimed her sword at La.
"I will remember that when I remind you who the one in control is," Queen La said with a saucy look.

La saw Cheetah walking towards her with deadly intentions. But couldn't resist the urge to taunt her, remembering their nights together. She had missed her and wanted her cheetah back. And what Queen La wanted she got.

"Capture her!" Queen La ordered.

Her leopard guards leapt at Cheetah with their weapons drawn and ready to strike.

Cheetah growled as she jumped in to face them with her fury and desire for vengeance. Her sword clashed with their weapons, parrying them off of her before she made her next move. She kicked the first leopard in the face, exposing his throat before slashing it open with her sword. She then jumped on top of another guard, stabbing them in the back with a vicious roar. She landed on the floor, running quickly around them with her weapon poised to strike. With her speed and skills, she made it through most of the leopards, evading their attacks. Each time she evaded their weapons, she made her own cuts. She sliced their sides, stomachs, arms and legs with a ferocity worthy of a wild beast.

Cheetah's eyes landed on Queen La, who still smiled at her work. She jumped high with her sword lifted over her head, bringing it down against La's staff.

The two weapons clashed, sending jolts of magic and power through the palace, healing and making the leopard guards much larger and more vicious.

"Hold the phone, the good guys are here-Woah!" Harley called as they bursted into the palace. "Wow, those guys really got their veggies didn't they?" They looked at the overgrown leopard men.

"Time for a cat fight to get to the other catfight!" Creeper called out, only for Tarzan to look at him with confusion.

"It's a thing where he comes from," Bronze Tiger said. "I really don't know him."

The leopard guards pounced on the heroes, forcing them to jump in to fight them back.

Tarzan was the first one to jump into the fight, jumping on top of the first leopard, strangling it. He quickly kicked the back of its leg, flipping him over towards another leopard. A third leopard pounced at Tarzan from behind only for the lord of the apes to pull out his spear. He speared the beast in the stomach, flipping him away from him. Another leopard charged at him with his weapon in hand. Tarzan dodged and ducked over the attacks, before stabbing the leopard in the stomach with his spear with a defiant roar.

They had to pass.

Creeper elbowed another leopard in the jaw, breaking it. Pouncing off that first leopard, he grabbed another leopard by the head, kneeling him in the nose. Creeper dodged a swift claw from a third leopard, catching it with his arms and with a crazy smile, he broke the leopard's arm. He picked up the leopard, lifting him over his head before slamming it over another leopard like a cartoon mallet.

"Hey, Harley, is this the right technique?!" Creeper swung the leopard around, hitting other leopards like a cartoon character.

"Not bad, Creepy!" Harley struck a leopard between the legs. "But I personally like to give it more of a SWING!" Planting a foot on the ground, Harley swung her mallet at full force, activating the engine attached to it.

Harley's attack slammed into the stomachs of the bigger leopards, sending them flying. She rode the speed of her mallet, jumping high into the air. Spinning in a wild roll, she slammed down on the remaining leopards that surrounded her with all her might.

"Damn, the girl is crazy but she got it down." Bronze Tiger said, struggling to push back one of the leopards.

Bronze Tiger was not having the easiest time, but he didn't care. He lived for unfair fights. He pulled back his right arm, punching the leopard in the throat with his knuckle duster. He jumped over another leopard, slamming his hands on his back. He ducked under the swipe of one of the claws before punching the leopard in the stomach like a punching bag. He wrapped his arms around another leopard's neck, before he saw a path to the fight of Cheetah with Queen La.

The two women clashed their weapons like wild beasts trying to claim victory. They snarled and growled at each other in a fit of rage. Cheetah swung her sword against La's staff, only to be parried away. La swung her staff like a club, striking Cheetah on the face. But that didn't deter the assassin. She instead swung her claws at La's arm, cutting her skin and flesh. They glared at each other as their blood spilled on the ground. They jumped at each other once more.

BT almost pictured a pair of lionesses fighting over the same territory like a pair of male lions. But this battle was far more important. He needed to get the piece before the other could and ruin their plan. He rushed past the downed leopards and the still fighting heroes as he pulled out a makeshift taser and duct tape. He ducked under the swipe of another leopard before punching another leopard away with his now electrified knuckle duster.

"Good enough!" Bronze Tiger cried out as he ran fast towards the altar.

"Hey! He's making a runner!" Creeper strangled two of the leopards with his arms.

"Oh heck no!" Harely pulled out her blaster aiming it at Bronze Tiger's back.

Back in the fight between the scorned lovers, Cheetah punched Queen La in the face, gaining the upper hand. She swung her sword against her in a manic fashion. Gone was all her training and humanity, now all she had was an animalistic desire for her opponent's death. Queen La could only hold up her staff to defend herself, hoping that she could cast one more spell to save herself. But Cheetah wasn't going to give her that chance.

"This is where you die, LA!" Cheetah cried out with tears of rage and sadness in her eyes, lifting her sword over her head.

A red blaster bolt struck Cheetah's hand, knocking her sword out of her hands.

Cheetah barely had time to react, she felt a hundred volts coursing through her body as something punched her from the back.

"Fight's over, kitty!" Bronze Tiger called out as Cheetah fell to her knees from the shock.

Queen La got up to her feet, aiming her staff at Bronze Tiger. But she never got a chance to call another spell, as another bolt struck the staff out of her hand.

"I had more than one shot baby!" Harley called out.

As the leopard men disappeared into green mists, Creeper jumped over to the altar. He landed on top of Queen La, knocking her out. He quickly snatched the sword from the floor before holding it at Bronze Tiger.

"Ah, ah, ah, if you don't know how to share you don't get the toys!" Creeper taunted him.

Bronze Tiger looked back to see Harley with her mallet ready and Tarzan covering the side.

"Relax, I ain't taking the sword, but I can't go back empty handed," Bronze Tiger said.

"You know, BT, I happen to know a lot of weirdos and crazies, you know what they all have in common?" Harley asked.

"They all look like Creeper?" Bronze Tiger asked.

"They wish they were as good looking as me," Creeper laughed.

"Nah, some are. But they all do it because they like it. There's that spark in their eyes that says 'I'm crazy and I love it,'" Harley said. "Not you though. What does Owly have on you?"

"Not on me," BT replied. "Look to the miracle box for the answer."

Harley and Creeper looked at each other in confusion. The Miracle Box had led them to where Perpetua's relics were located, but how could it have more answers? Was there more power there or did they miss something about it?
Bronze Tiger took this small chance of doubt and confusion, pulling out a small smoke bomb. He slammed it down between his feet, enveloping the entire area.

The three heroes held their positions, feeling the sting of the smoke in their eyes. Their ears perked up at the sound of something being picked up from the floor along with something heavy. They briefly saw a portal opening up between them before disappearing. Wasting no time, they swatted away the smoke, getting a clear view of what had happened.

Bronze Tiger and Cheetah were gone from the room.

"They escaped!" Creeper snarled. "Those cowards!"

"But at least he didn't take the sword," Harley said, pointing to the sword still in Creeper's hands.

"Oh, we're in luck!" Creeper held the sword up.

Queen La groaned from the floor, waking up. She reached to grab her staff, but all she touched was the floor.

"My staff, where is my staff?!" La demanded before Creeper hit her over the head with the butt of the sword.

"The sword and the staff were made of the same material," Tarzan said.

…Oh fantastic…

Bronze Tiger walked up to Owlman as he worked with the company of Punchline. He dropped Cheetah and the staff at his feet.

"I take it you had no problems getting the piece and our newest ally," Owlman said.

"Screw your plans and your cloak and daggers, Owlman!" Bronze Tiger tightened his fists. "I'm not doing this because I like it."

"You sure a part of you didn't enjoy it one bit?" Punchline asked. "Don't tell me you don't imagine every fool that deserves a beating when you punched those big mean pussy cats?"

Bronze Tiger glared at the crazed chick. He had his issues and people he wanted to beat up because they deserved it but there were things that took precedence. Shifting his sights to Owlman, he waited for the man to turn around. The temptation to jump and punch his stupid face over and over was as great as the hunger of a tiger.

"You may not like doing my will, Bronze Tiger. But I can assure you that it'll be worth it." He picked up the staff briefly examining it. "Humans are as stupid and foolish as they are capable of great things. Which is why this is the only answer. You may go now, unless you want to be the one to educate our newest recruit?"

Bronze Tiger scoffed, turning away and walking out of the room. He hated playing other people's games and even more when he knew they were to be undone if he missed a step. Working with killers and crazy people wasn't all that hard for him as long as he was the one making the plans. Otherwise, he was at the whims of others.

"Talk about a nasty time in the jungle, my boy," a voice called.

"Speaking of crazy," Bronze Tiger sighed, looking at Mad Mod. "I gave them your message, hope it works."

"Don't worry, my lad." Mad Mod smirked. "A good thief always has an ace up his sleeve. We just have to be the right kind of sleeve to play it." Mod led Bronze Tiger away.

The games of others pissed off BT, but this was one he'd win. Or else everything would've been for nothing if Owlman won.

Chapter Text

The multiverse is more than just a prism…

It is ever expanding and ever growing…

A place where one choice, one fork on the road can lead to many opportunities…

But every spark of brilliance there is a spark of madness…

These are the stories of both…

Back in the House of Mystery, Shade, Cain, Batman and Constantine were examining the Miracle Box. After Bronze Tiger's cryptic message, Harley and Creeper relayed the information to their respective leaders. And now they were observing and looking for anything that detected their curiosity or that could lead them to a clue on Owlman. While also making sure that Constantine didn't pocket any of the Miracle jewels for himself.

"Alright, I'll say it, this damn thing is clean as a whistle," Constantine sighed. "Apart from missing one of them jewels, this thing doesn't have a transmitter of a bomb or anything of the like."

"Then why mention the Miracle Box in the first place?" Shade asked. "Harley, could he have mentioned something else instead?"

"Nope, tiger man was pretty straight forward. No tricks or anything," Harley replied. "Maybe we're supposed to use one of these magic jewels to find them?" Harley held up several of the Miraculous with their respective Kwamis in her hands.

"That's not a good idea," Batman countered. "From what I've deciphered from their book of spells, their powers are limited by obscured dubious rules that either don't make sense or are meant to be used under certain restrictions. And Owlman probably has a defense against that." Batman held up the sacred book of the Guardians before putting it away.

"You decoded it?" Harley asked. "Isn't it like thousands of years old?"

"It was easier than I thought," Batman shrugged. "Besides, BT didn't specify any one Miraculous. But if they are connected to each other by the magic that forged them into jewelry."

"Then all we gotta do is-Creeper, put that beast back where it belongs!" Cain snapped, turning to Creeper.

Creeper held a large leopard in his arms like those big teddy bears that you get at carnivals and amusement parks. It thrashed, swiped its claws and bit the air around it, trying to get free of Creeper's bear-like hug. But there was no such luck. All the while Creeper held his iconic smile throughout the exchange, like he was snuggling against a common tabby cat.

"That's not fair!" Creeper blew a raspberry at Cain. "How come Harley can keep her hyenas and I can't have a putty tat?"

"Which reminds me." Cain turned to Harley as her hyenas jumped trying to take a bite out of the Kwamis. "Ms. Quinzel, unless you want your new pets to become my newest rugs, you will also send them back home. They've already destroyed one of my favorite carpets with their… bathroom necessities."

"Awww, but Lou and Bud are as tamed as two puppies," Harley argued as the two hyenas started a tug of war with one of the cushions.

Cain and Shade gave her raised eyebrows.

"Fine, sorry babies," Harley sighed, relenting to them. "I'll see you two soon if the worlds don't end." She opened the door back to their world, sending them back.

The rest of the group turned to Creeper who pouted. He grabbed the leopard by the scruff of its back before tossing it out back through the door as it mewled like a common house cat.

"Bye Mr. Fluffy!" Creeper waved as the door closed while the leopard was caught in a tree.

"I truly hope our other teams are having a better time than we are," Shade sighed.

Blue Beetle carried Sideways as they approached their next destination. It was a team up that put the two young heroes on the path to both getting better and saving another world from the claws of perdition. Sadly, there were a few things that needed to be ironed out.

"This is very humiliating," Derek grumbled as Blue Beetle carried him by the arms as they flew at top speeds. "I can move through my rifts just fine, man."

"Aren't you still a little out there after your little dip through the astral plane?" Jaime asked. "Besides, as the ranking officer, it is my duty to keep all civilians safe."

"You're a cop? What kind of world do you do?" Derek asked.

"I'm a member of Star Command and we monitor and maintain peace throughout the galaxy. And I get to work on the team that saved said galaxy ten times already," Jaime bragged a bit.

"Guess that makes sense. Also explains why you're cool with working with teams," Derek pointed out. "Any cool members to your usual team?"

"Well, there's our leader and best ranger of all time, Buzz Lightyear, there's our pal Booster with all sorts of knowledge and intelligence on a variety of subjects, Then there's XR," Jaime listed off before Khaji Da beeped in his ear. "No, I'm not calling him an expendable shield… Because it's mean… I don't care that expendable is in his name… Sorry about that." He looked at Derek with a sheepish grin.

"No worries," Derek shrugged.

"And then there's the coolest ace pilot in the stars, Mira Nova," Jaime smiled. "She's as cool and as tough as they come. You'd never guess she's a princess when you look at her, well, not to say that she's not good looking but…"

Derek was so glad that their masks didn't show how they looked because he fought very hard not to laugh at the space cop with the huge crush on his teammate. Then again, he wasn't one to talk about crushes. He owed Ernie a lot of dates after this was good and over.

"Oh look, this is our stop." Derek let go of Jaimes hands, dropping down on a rift before landing before the book they were looking for. "One mission to save the world and all known worlds, coming up!" He pulled the book out as Jaime landed beside him.

Derek opened the book, revealing the door to their next destination.

The door looked like it had been used like a canvas in the middle of a colorful battle. Splashes of paint of different colors splattered around the frame, covering it in coats of paint that emanated a warmth unlike anything the two heroes had ever felt. But on top of the splatters of paint there were three figures that stood out. One was of a little girl with long black hair wearing a red dress with white palm leaves printed on it. Next to her was what looked like a blue koala creature with big bunny-like ears smiling with an ukulele in his hand. And behind them was an older girl with long colorful hair mixed with paint, clear skin with freckles, a white and grey suit, a big goofy smile, holding two spray paint cans in her hands.

"You feel like we'll have to deal with someone that has magic paint?" Derek asked.

"That feels like a good possibility, yeah." Blue Beetle replied as the door opened for them.

"Last one in has to do a stream with a pink bunny suit!" Derek jumped into the door.
"Cheater!" Jaime flew after Sideways, not wanting to dress in a pink bunny suit. "I don't even know what a stream is, dude!"

What if some alien paint gave you super powers?

Earth-2006

Blue Beetle and Sideways arrived at what could only be described as a tropical paradise.

"Where are we?" Jaime asked.

"It looks like we're in Hawaii," Derek said. "One of my neighbors comes from here and has a few pictures that look a lot like this place." Derek looked around.

Luscious green spread as far as the eye could see, the crystal ocean waters sparkled with the sun, the birds sang in the air as the people went on about their day. The cool breeze made the feeling of being on a tropical vacation all the more desirable. It felt like they were in a world that was disconnected from the rest of the world's troubles. The heat of the sun cemented the sensation of wanting to pop up a chair or a towel and take in the beauty of the island. One could say that the two heroes found themselves in the most peaceful-BOOOM!
"What the heck was that?!" Blue Beetle asked. "Are we under a villain attack?" He spotted a column of smoke not far from where they were
"You sounded like an anime character dude!" Sideways opened a rift jumping into it. "Catch up if you can!"

"Your joke is running thin!" Blue Beetle pulled up his wings, accidentally knocking a fat man's ice cream off of his hands. "Oh, I'm so sorry sir! Here let me get you another one!" Jaime rushed to the ice cream stand, getting the man a new ice cream. "Sorry!" Blue Beetle took off, leaving the man back.

"No one has ever apologised for spilling my ice cream," the man said. "Thank you stranger! You're the best!" He couldn't hold back his tears of grateful gratitude.

Blue Beetle caught up with Sideways as he jumped out through rifts like an olympic cross country runner. They followed the trail of flames and smoke to its source, a small flower shop where people were running out in a panic while the cars around the shop also caught on fire. Spiked balls shot out of the flower shop before exploding on the cars, scaring the panicking civilians.

"We got to clear the civilians first, Sideways, get them as far as you can while I cover you!" Blue Beetle flew in ahead.

"Hey, you're not the boss of me!" Sideways snapped.

"Ranger with a badge! Now do it!" Blue Beetle morphed his arm into a large shield, blocking a spiked bomb from hitting a scared young kid.

Sideways figured that he better do what he was asking for but still grunted in annoyance at having authority used against him. His fingers traced the air, opening rifts for the people to run away with. Despite being capable of sending the people all the way to the South Pole or any other part of the world, he opted for sending them to the beach a couple blocks away.

Blue Beetle swatted away another spiked bomb as the last of the civilians was taken away from the burning locale. He approached with caution, blocking all the spiked balls coming his way with his shield. They stopped being tossed at random and instead focused solely on him, blowing up against him every time they were tossed. Blue Beetle dug his heels, holding up his shield as the scarab on his back suggested a blaster to fire back.

"Khaji Da, tell me what you see here," Blue Beetle's armor scanned the burning flower shop.

"Scans detect one life form. Alien. No match with other known species on Star Command's database nor this Scarab's." Khaji Da replied.

"Well, I guess that makes sense. We are in a different universe," Blue Beetle said as another explosion rocked his shield.

"Civilians safe and we're rocking on social media/the recording on my phone since social media hasn't blown up in this universe." Sideways landed behind Blue Beetle. "Anything you'd like to say to our future viewers?"

Blue Beetle looked at him and the camera with an annoyed look, being thankful that he never had to deal with this while growing up. Turning his eyes back to the shop, he activated his wings once more, flying into the shop at great speeds. Khaji Da signaled him the moment to strike, zooming past the other spiked bombs with ease before entering the destroyed flower shop. He transformed his hands into special foam blasters, putting out the flames before his eyes landed on the culprit of all the chaos.

Standing on top of the front desk was a large green six-legged scorpion-like creature with small fangs, a black nose, matching eyes and what looked like a pincer in place of its tail.

"Wow, now that is one ugly looking alien." Sideways jumped in.

"Never seen one like this thing," Blue Beetle said. "Get ready, we don't know what it can do."

"Dude, what can it do against two superheroes?" Sideways asked.

The scorpion-like alien opened its tail firing a blast at Sideways's head. Sideways ducked just in time before the shot burnt a hole through the ceiling.

"It has an organic plasma blaster in its tail!" Blue Beetle called out before the creature pounced on his face. "Get it off me!" Blue Beetle tried to pry the scorpion-like creature off of his face, but it was harder than he had anticipated.

"Oh man! I've seen this movie and it doesn't end well!" Sideways grabbed the scorpion but it bit him with its tail. "Ow! But the one in the movie didn't bite!"

Blue Beetle kept on struggling as the alien tried to pry off his armor. He was tempted to slam his head against a wall or anything to get the little beast off but it kept a tight hold on him like a tick. He morphed one of his hands into a crowbar trying to get it off but the creature started firing again. The shots kept him unbalanced, slamming back against the walls and then against the tables and burnt potted plants that were scattered around him. It was at times like these that he wished he had heat vision or laser eyes of any kind.

"Hang on, I got something! Hold still!" Sideways pulled out a hand trowel, shoving it between Blue Beetle's face and the little alien.

Sideways pried the little alien scorpion off of his friend's face with his super strength.

The alien slammed against the wall of the flower shop, going through it. It landed outside the store, bouncing on the pavement a couple times before it hit the side of a street light.

"Thanks man, that was a horrible experience," Blue Beetle said. "Where did it go?"
"Out there!" Sideways pointed with his hand trowel.

The alien shook off the dizziness and the pain of the abrupt landing, turning its sights on the two heroes. It aimed its tail at the heroes, growling like any pissed off creature would after being tossed out like yesterday's trash.

"Oh no you don't!" Blue Beetle transformed his arm into his staple gun, quickly firing two shots.

The first staple trapped the scorpion's tail, pinning it against the streetlamp before the second staple caught the body. It tried to pry itself free, but no matter how much it thrashed about it was unable to free itself.

"And that's how we do it in Star Command!" Blue Beetle and Sideways high fived before going to the little alien.

"Nice shooting there man, you got it!" Sideways cheered. "Ever run into something like this?"

"Nope, but it does share some bits of some other aliens, maybe it's a bio weapon?" Blue Beetle scanned the little creature, hoping to get an idea of what it was.

"Actually, they're called Experiments or cousins in Stitch's case," a voice called from behind them.

"Oh that's useful to know-wait, who said that?" Blue Beetle and Sideways turned around only to be shoved out of the way by something going at high speeds.

They groaned by the surprise move but quickly pulled themselves up to see who had attacked them. And the sight surprised them only slightly.

Their attacker was a girl no older than them with long vibrant red hair with strands of it painted with different colors. Her eyes were covered by a pair of goggles that made her look like a comic book character. She had fair skin and wore a white and gray suit with black fingerless gloves, black combat boots, gray lines running up her legs and gray shoulder pads. On her waist laid a utility belt with what looked like a roller modulator in the middle with several cartridges. On her chest was what looked like a 'P' symbol in gray.

"Sorry for the surprise attack but you guys were ganging up on Stitch's cousin and you both look way meaner than the little guy," she said with a smirk. "Now, how about you pick on someone your own size?" She pulled one of the cartridges from her belt, spraying paint on her hands before cracking her knuckles.

"...Yeah, there's a lot to unpack in that first sentence," Blue Beetle said.

"Like who the heck calls themselves Stitch?" Sideways asked.

"BANZAI!"

They looked up only to see a blue koala-like creature pounce on Sideways's head with greater strength than anyone its size should have. It used the momentum to grab Sideways and throw him over his tiny body into one of the wrecked cars.

"Ouch," Sideways slumped down as a dancing hula dancing toy fell on his head.

The small creature laughed at Sideways before charging at him once more.

"What the heck is up with the creatures in this world?" Blue Beetle morphed his arm into a blaster only for the girl to appear before him in a flash of light, startling him. "How did you-?!"

She grabbed him by this normal arm before taking off at top speed.

"Lilo, Jumba, get the little guy loose and into containment before more of Gantu's stooges come knocking!" The girl called out as she dragged Blue Beetle through the street like a can on a newly wed car. "Me and Stitch will keep them busy!" Her feet kicked up the dust, picking up more speed as she dragged Blue Beetle away as fast as she could.

Blue Beetle tried to wrap his head around what he'd just experienced, feeling every bump and hit on the road on his back, chest and face. The girl had somehow appeared before him in a flash of light and was now giving Flash a run for his money. There had to be something going on. How could this girl both teleport and have super speed at the same time? And the way she was holding on to him, he could tell that she had some level of super strength. Regardless of how many powers she had, he wouldn't get the answers being dragged away like a recently hunted duck.

He activated his wings and jet pack, pulling himself up from the ground. Flying past the girl, he morphed his arm into a spiked maze. He swung back, aiming to hit her on the chest hard enough to stop her. But just as he was about to hit her, she disappeared in a flash of light before appearing ahead of him.

"Hey, that was a dirty move, jerk!" She snapped while panting.

"So, you can teleport and have super speed?" Blue Beetle raised an eyebrow. "Talk about being more than a one-trick pony. Let's see if you've got any more." He morphed his arms into his sonic blasters.

"Oh, I got more than two tricks, bug man! I'm here to kick butt, paint and chew bubblegum!" She smeared some blue paint on her cheeks over her smile. "The name is Primer! And I'm all out of bubblegum!"

Blue Beetle fired a warning shot by the girl's feet, hoping to scare her off. But she moved too quickly for his sonic blast. She appeared before him, uppercutting him in the chin and sending him into the air. His wings deployed, stopping him.

"I really hope Sideways is having a better time than me!" Blue Beetle flew down with two enlarged fists, clashing with the now-named Primer.

Sideways had seen and fought his fair share of opponents and weirdness. But the creature before him took the cake.

"Aren't you just a cute fluffy little monster?" Sideways said. "You know, my girlfriend has a onesie that looks just like you. You're cuter than the other one, that's for sure."

"Stitch here to protect cousin! Akootah, funny man!" Stitch growled.

"Come on, that last one was a fluke, you're the size of a backpack-AAAAHHHH!" Sideways was tackled by Stitch once more before being flung around like a ragdoll. "Not cute! Not cute at all!" He was slammed over and over by the surprisingly strong koala-like alien.

Stitch grabbed him by the legs, spinning him around like a sack of potatoes before tossing him away.

Sideways opened a rift, landing back down before Stitch.

"Okay, no more Mr. Nice-Sideways, buddy!" Sideways threw a punch at Stitch.

Stitch jumped over the punch only to land a punch of his own at Sideways's face. Sideways rolled back to his feet, springing back with another punch. This one landed on the furry creature's face. Using this chance, the rifting hero kicked the blue fur ball away like a football.

"And the crowd goes wild!" Sideways watched Stitch

"Stitch!"

Sideways turned around, spotting a little girl with black hair and a red dress next to a large alien looking creature with four eyes that got the alien scorpion in a glass capsule.

"Hey, what are you doing?! That thing's dangerous!" Sideways ran towards them, only to hear a car horn blaring behind him.

He turned around, seeing Stitch driving a semi-destroyed pickup truck towards him. Muscle memory kicked in, creating a shielding rift before him. The truck slammed against it, only for Stitch to jump out in time, curling himself into a ball.

Stitch bounced against the streetlamp hitting Sideways on the back.

Sideways jumped into a rift, popping up next to Stitch, landing a punch to his furry opponent's stomach. Stitch caught his arm, taking him down with him. He swung Sideways down, only for both of them to go through another rift.

Sideways and Stitch popped in and out of rifts, going at it like a cat and a mouse. Sideways punched Stitch going into a rift. Stitch it Sideways's leg going into a secondary rift. They popped out dancing from a third. They went back to fighting after popping out of the fourth rift, exchanging blows and trying to one-up each other with Stitch having the upper hand through it all. And then they landed on the ground hard.

"Ow."

"Ogata."

"Stitch, are you okay?" The little girl rushed to Stitch's side, helping him up as Sideways pulled himself up.

"Ih, Stitch okay, Lilo," Stitch replied. "Where Ashley?"

"She's Primer, remember? She took the other blue guy away," Lilo said.

Sideways heard everything they were saying. His body was hurting, more than what anything Owlman had put him through with their training, but he still had gas in the tank. He slowly pulled himself back up, opening a rift underneath Stitch's feet. The little alien fell through the rift before appearing over their heads. Sideways made him pop in and out of the rifts like a game of whack-a-mole with him not actually needing to whack anything for fun.

"Let's see you bite or scratch your way out of this one, you little menace!" Sideways opened up rift after rift to make Stitch hover in the air without any form of control.

"Leave him alone!" Lilo beat on Sideways's leg, not making a dent on him but she tried.

"Not until he calms down," Sideways patted Lilo's head. "Now about that Primer girl, what did you say she could do?"

"Sideways, look out!"

"Huh?" Sideways turned to see Primer falling towards him like a bullet. "This is gonna suck!" He stood between him and Lilo, opening a rift between them where Stitch was sent out flying.

Stitch and Primer slammed into each other before falling down to the ground in pain.

"Ow, that really didn't do for a superhero landing," Primer said, rubbing her head. "How you holding up, Stitch?" She asked.

"More or less dizzy," Stitch replied as Blue Beetle flew down, landing.

"Okay, now, before anyone else tries anything," he pulled out his badge. "Special Agent Blue Beetle of Star Command! You two are under arrest!"

Primer and Stitch looked at each other.

"Still got paint?" Stitch asked.

"Just enough." Primer held up her hand, grabbing Stitch.

They teleported before Blue Beetle and Sideways's eyes, reappearing behind Lilo.

"Can't leave the team behind!" Primer said before teleporting away with them.

Blue Beetle and Sideways were left there, confused and without an explanation.

"What the heck?! They just teleported away!" Sideways snapped. "What's up with that?! Didn't she have super speed too?!"

"And super strength for a bit as well," Blue Beetle put away his badge. "And the little scorpion alien is also gone. Not the best start to a mission." Blue Beetle grumbled. "Buzz would be so disappointed right now."

"Hey, don't stress, we'll find them," Sideways tried to cheer up his friend. "Didn't get much out of them but I overheard the little girl call the other girl Primer aka Ashley, and the little scorpion an experiment. That's something."

Blue Beetle had to remind himself that this was another universe. The rules and expectations of his past alien and villain/hero engagements were more like guidelines not end results.

"Yeah, that's something at least. We couldn't expect to find another super powered alien like Ninjawoman here," Blue Beetle said with a sigh.

"The one known as Primer is not a Kryptonian like our ally, Jaime Reyes," Khaji Da said.

"Are you sure?" Jaime asked. "She seemed to have plenty of powers like Kara."

"Um, you okay?" Derek asked.

"Sorry, Khaji Da, the scarab, talks in my head sometimes," Jaime replied sheepishly. "I know it sounds crazy."

"I scanned the subject as you fought her, Jaime Reyes. Her genetic makeup was being influenced by an outside agent," Khaji Da said. "Those powers appeared only temporarily when she exposed herself to that agent."

"Are you saying she has 'instant powers'?" Jaime asked.

"Okay I feel like I need to be in the conversation," Derek said.

"It would appear that is the case. Thankfully, the agent leaves a type of trail that we can follow, Jaime Reyes." Khaji Da showed Jaime a trail to follow.

"Follow me, Sideways." Jaime flew away.

"Dude, could you tell me what the heck is going on?!" Derek jumped into a rift, following after him.

However, unbeknownst to them, a spy bot was watching everything from their hiding spot.

In an undisclosed location, a short midget of a man with a bald head and a beard looked at the recording from his spy bot with a smile.

"Yes, now that is power and those snot nosed barf brains are playing with them," a voice that sounded like nails on a chalkboard. "Only I, Gizmo, have the genius to get the power of those creatures to their maximum potential."

Gizmo stepped back revealing his short stature, dark green jumpsuit and a multi-purpose jet pack with his signature 'G' on the back.

"Now, all I gotta do is get this thing to work and soon I'll be praised and seen as the smartest person amongst these knuckle dragging puke brains," Gizmo said as he left a metallic inside a containment field. "Soon, all your secrets will be mine."

Primer, Lilo and Stitch appeared inside Jumba's lab, falling on the ground with a thud as he examined the recently captured Experiment.

"A 626, little girl and tall girl are back," Jumba said as Plasmoid scurried inside the container. "Did you have trouble coming back after dealing with Hamstervile's newest lackeys?"

"It's Primer, Jumba!" Primer took off her wig, revealing her short orange hair. "When I wear this, you have to call me Primer. That's the point of a secret identity."

"Jumba will never understand that," Jumba shrugged.

"I think it's cool!" Lilo cheered. "Plus you can paint anything you want."

"Ih! Paint the town!" Stitch added with a smile. "Achi-baba Ashley is number one after Stitch." The little alien puffed his chest.

"That's pretty modest coming from Stitch," Lilo said, walking up to the experiment. "What does this one do, Jumba?"

Jumba pressed a key on his computer, pulling up the experiment's information.

"Experiment 617, designed as a swift attacker with its tail laser. It can fire plasma beams from it as well as vacuum any nearby debris and use them to make mini bombs," Jumba explained.

The experiment growled in response.

"I'm gonna call him Plasmoid," Lilo said before scratching it below the jaw.

The experiment fell on its side, wagging its tail and moving its back legs like a puppy.

"I get super cool alien paint that gives super powers, and Lilo is the alien whisperer," Ashely shrugged. "Everything evens out. Bad guys got their butt kicked and I still have time to get home before my folks arrive." She was about to leave when a small alarm sounded off on Jumba's computer.

"Speaking of arrival, Jumba detects two energy sources coming this way," Jumba pulls up his screen. "Curious, one appears to be beeping in and out of detection."

A rift opened up above them with Sideways and Blue Beetle popped down from.

"And a superhero landing!" Sideways said, pulling himself up. "Always awesome to do that."

Stitch pulled out his blasters, aiming them at the intruders. He threatened them in an alien language only for Blue Beetle to morph his arm into a plasma blaster.

"Alright, fuzzy, stand down in the name of the law!" Blue Beetle held his blaster steady, powering it up as the blue alien threatened to fire.

"Back off, stupid head!" Ashley sprayed some red paint on her face before her hands caught on fire. "You blast my guy, I roast you!"

Blue Beetle morphed his other arm into a similar cannon, aiming it at her.

"Okay, everyone just chill out and calm down," Sideways said, putting his hands up. "We want no trouble."

"Well, you found it," Primer snapped. "I don't care what Gantu and Hamstervile are paying you, or that you look like cool space superheroes, you're not taking Stitch's cousins for any nefarious purposes!"

"Cousins? Um, I don't know what you're talking about, but I can show you we're cool." Sideways pulled off his mask, revealing his face, Blue Beetle did the same, revealing his face. "Okay, we put down our weapons and we talk, okay?"

Everyone tentatively did as Sideways had said.

"Great, now, first off, you wear a wig?" Derek asked.

Ashley looked up at her head, spotting she was missing her wig. She screamed quickly grabbing hold of her wig, putting it on in a messy way that barely clung to her head.

"Hey, hey, it's okay, there's no need to worry about it, I have a friend that wears all sorts of hats all the time," Derek said. "And she's one of the nicest girls ever. Her taste in men could use some work but I mean… Not important. Hi, I'm Derek and this is my friend Jaime. We're not here to fight."

"Then why were you attacking Stitch's cousin?" Lilo asked.

"Um, it was shooting at people and causing a big commotion. Star Command states that in case of a commotion, any available Space Rangers need to answer the call and stop any and all felonies taking place." Jaime pulled up the manual.

Jumba snorted like he'd smelled a bad gas.

"This one reeks of officer of the law. Can't be working with Gantu or Hamstervile," Jumba said.

"I am a space ranger." Jaime showed his badge." Jaime Reyes, Special Agent Blue Beetle of Star Command."

"So, you're not with Gantu or his fuzzy boss?" Primer asked.

"Who and who?" Derek asked.

The ceiling was busted open as a large anthropomorphic orca-like alien popped in with a blaster in hand.

"Hang over the Experiments!" Gantu demanded.

"Gantu?" Derek asked.

"Yeah, the stupid head," Lilo replied.

"And he's about to get his butt kicked," Ashley was about to use her fire powers only for them to dissuade. "Oh come on, not now!"

"Allow me." Jaime's helmet appeared back before he fired a plasma blast at Gantu's blaster.

The big rogue captain didn't have time to react as Blue Beetle morphed his two hands into a combined battering ram. He flew up to Gantu's face, knocking him back with a jet-powered uppercut that could knock back a Kryptonian. Gantu fell down to the ground before Blue Beetle landed back down.

"That should take care of him. Now, what's all this?" Jaime asked. "The aliens, the magic paint, everything."

Ashley looked at her friends, hoping that she wouldn't need to say anything she didn't want to. But so far, it seemed like they played the common cliche of heroes fighting each other due to a misunderstanding. Maybe she could trust them? Besides these guys were a superhero team, or duo at the very least. They were bound to know what she was going through and help her be the best hero she could be.

"Okay, let's get the introductions started," she took off her wig. "My name is Ashley Rayburn, but you can call me Primer, and these are my friends. Lilo, Dr. Jumba and Stitch. And we're on a mission to find and protect all of Stitch's cousins from Gantu and Hamstervile's evil plans for galactic conquest."

"Nice to meet you, Ashley." Jaime shook her hand followed by Derek. "So, what's your story here, huh?"

Ashley watched the Hawaiian green go by as her new foster parents drove her back to their home. She'd spent all her life loving color and trying to be better but to see a new world with such vibrancy, it was a dream come true. It wasn't the first time she'd been flown away or changed locations, but she had to admit that this change in scenery was something she was very much enjoying from where she sat. Part of her really wanted to make it work where she was.

"So, how's the view from back there?" Kitch Nolan, Ashley's adoptive father, asked as they drove on.

"It looks amazing! I can't believe you guys live here!" Ashley said as they passed by the beach. "What did you do to get to live here?"

"Well, it does come with the job," Yuka, Ashley's adoptive mom, replied with a smug smile. "I work at the army station on the island and we're looking to expand on some awesome classified stuff."

"Really?" Ashley asked.

"She plans on talking to aliens," Kitch said, getting an elbow from his wife. "What? You said that some old big shot-"

"Ssshhh! I don't want to get court-martialed because of some silly rumor," Yuka said. "Don't worry, Ashley, this is one of the best places to live in." Yuka turned to her adoptive daughter as they pulled into their home.

Ashley didn't really care what Yuka's reasons were to live in that amazing place, she just wanted to see what it was all about. She even spotted a few good places she could tag if she still had her spray paint cans. Stupid flight safety regulations. First things first, get a whole new stash to play with and express herself.

She followed her parents to a nearby hardware store where she managed to get her hands on lots of spray paint cans. She grabbed all of the ones she could carry when she accidentally bumped into someone. Ashley fell down, spilling the cans around her.

"Hey, watch where you're… going!" Ashley snapped only to see it was a little girl with what looked like a blue koala.

"Sorry, we were just looking for a couple of winches and a big net," the little girl said. "I haven't seen you around before, are you new?"
"Um, yeah, I just got here with my folks," Ashley replied, shaking off the strange thing that the little girl was looking for. "I'm Ashley Rayburn." She reached out, shaking the little girl's hand.

"I'm Lilo and this is Stitch," Lilo introduced herself.

"Hiiiii," Stitch gave her a toothy grin and a wave of his hand.

"Awe, aren't you so cute-Did he just talk?" Ashley asked.

"Uh," Lilo began.

"Lilo! I told you not to get away from me while we're shopping," a taller woman came in. "I'm so sorry about that. I hope my little sister didn't bother you." She grabbed Lilo and Stitch by their hands.

"What? Pff, nah, it was my fault," Ashley said. "I was carrying way too many cans and I didn't see where I was going. It's cool. I'm Ashley, I just moved here."

"I'm Nani, Lilo's older sister," Nani introduced herself. "Expect a lot of weirdness coming from these two."

Ashley didn't know if that was a joke or a warning, but she liked the idea of it. Her adoptive parents called to her, making her rush to the exit. She waved at Lilo and Stitch as she left.

"Hey, I thought Mr. and Mrs. Nolan didn't have kids," Lilo said.

"I think Ashley's adopted, Lilo."

It had been a couple of weeks, and Ashley had gotten used to living in Hawaii away from it all. She'd had a few more run-ins with Lilo and Stitch and the rest of her weird family. Some were cool, but she was like 90% sure that they were aliens. Everything felt like she was living in a painting. Of course, not everything was great. Ashley was a teenager. And teenagers tended to get…

"Bored!" Ashley moaned as she walked by the beach. "I am so bored! I need to do something before I try to pluck my eyes out."

BOOM!

No sooner than Ashley said those words that something loud shook the island. Her first instinct was to look up at the volcano, wondering if it was going to erupt all of a sudden. But there was no sign of smoke or lava coming out from the volcano. Instead, there was a small stack of smoke coming out not far from where she stood. Her mind came to the quickest conclusion she could think of…

"Well, this beats painting graffiti and getting arrested." Ashley rushed to the source of the smoke.

She wondered what could have landed on Earth. Probably a piece of a satellite or a small meteorite or something even cooler. She peeked over a few rocks, seeing the steam coming out of a small crater. A great sense of excitement filled her as she decided to get closer. She slowly approached to get a better look until she was over the crater. The ground gave way, causing her to fall inside, falling on her butt before the thing that had crashed. Ashley looked up and saw a large metallic orb with blinking lights, strange markings and a busted exhaust rocket that looked straight out of a sci-fi story.

"Cool," Ashley said, getting up to see what was inside. "This looks like a satellite." She pulled out her phone and took a picture out of it.

As soon as she got her picture, the 'satellite' opened up. Inside it was a metal box.

"Cool." She reached out to touch it when the box opened up, revealing several cylinders that looked a lot like… "Paint cans? Why would anyone send paint cans out into space? And what's this thing?" She picked up a cylinder that didn't look like the others.

This smaller one looked more like a small perfume sample that she'd seen in a few movies, plus a blinking light. Ashley looked it over, bringing it closer to her face just to get a better look. Questions filled her mind before she accidentally pressed the top of the small dispenser. Her face got a faceful of the stuff. It clung to her nose and throat, causing her to cough.

"What the heck is this?" Ashley coughed.

"Hey Jumba, you heard that?"

Ashley turned back to the source of the voice. Someone was coming. Without thinking it twice, she stuffed the spray back in the box before running off with it. Her body moved on its own before she jumped behind some rocks as the voices became louder.

"Stop your whining, Pleakly, we're almost there." From behind the other bushes, Jumba and Plakly came out with Lilo and Stitch in tow. "Ah, there we are. Package from former evil scientist colleague has arrived."

"Why did he send it to you, Jumba?" Lilo asked as Stitch lifted the whole metal thing over his head like it was a normal beach ball.

"He didn't want intergalactic police to arrest him," Jumba shrugged. "Most of his creations turn out to be pretty harmless, so I told him I'd keep a little eye on them. We're already looking for the rest of the experiments anyway."

Ashley's eyes widened as she saw Lilo being surrounded by aliens. Her family was composed of aliens.

"I knew it," Ashley whispered, only for Stitch to look in her direction.

Ashley hid once more behind the rock, accidentally opening the case once more, letting one of the paints drip onto her leg.

"Where is the package?" Jumba asked.

"Someone has beaten us to it!" Pleakly said.

"Someone is here." Stitch sniffed around, picking up a scent he recognised.

"Oh my gosh, what do I do? I need to get out of here," Ashley said.

"Ashley?"

Ashley stiffened up at the sound of her name.

"Oh my gosh!" Pleakly called out. "It is her!"

"Well, now we know what Jumba's old colleague sent," Jumba said. "Um not so little girl Ashley, do not run or make any sudden movements."

"Are you gonna kill me?!" Ashley snapped, turning back only to see she towered over them. "What the heck?!" She was floating away from the ground.

"Stitch, help her before she hurts herself!" Lilo said.

Stitch rolled after Ashley, jumping on top of one of the trees. His little hands caught her arm, pulling her back down to the ground like a strongman bringing down a hot air balloon. But Ashley continued to freak out, causing them to fly into the trees, crashing into them before landing back down.

"What just happened?" Ashley asked.

"We wanted to ask that," Stitch said.

"Oh my gosh you can talk!" Ashley jumped back to the metal case.

She spotted the paint on her leg as an idea popped in her head. She pulled out another paint, putting some of it on her face.

"Ashley, what are you doing?" Lilo asked as the group caught up.

"Stopping an evil invasion from space!" Ashley exclaimed. "Even though I don't know how these paints work!" Ashley's body began to grow and grow turning her into a giant. "Okay, bad idea, bad idea!"

"Oh my gosh, now she's huge!" Pleakly screamed as Ashley tried to get used to her new size.

"Different paints generate different powers and abilities? Jumba must admit that this is fascinating," Jumba said.

Ashley took a step back, only for Stitch to stop her steps but it was easier said than done. Her new size didn't account for proper balance thanks to her agitated state. Ashley tried to regain her composure and her balance but it was easier said than done. She stumbled forward, crushing the rocks and the space debris like an elephant stepping on twigs and leaves.

"Shrink Ashley! Shrink!" Lilo called out as her, Jumba, Pleakly and Stitch moved out of the way of her giant steps. "You have to return to your normal size!"

"I don't know how!" Ashley stumbled, slamming her hand on the ground. "Um, shrink, shrink, shrink!"

Her powers obeyed on command. She shrunk back to her normal size.

"Oh man, that was close!" Ashley said.

"You're telling me," Pleakly said. "Last thing I want is to go out by being stomped to death."

Ashley turned to the group, still freaking out.

"Don't come any closer! Except you, Lilo, you're not an alien, right?" Ashley asked.

"No, but they're not bad. Stitch, Jumba and Pleakly are part of our family," Lilo explained.

"Ohana," Stitch said, offering a hand to Ashley.

"Um, I might need some context," Ashley said as Stitch pulled her up with ease.

Ashley found herself in Lilo's house as Jumba checked her over. Machines analysed her and the paints as she listened to Lilo's story and how Stitch and the others came to live in Hawaii. And of course how they were now looking for Stitch's cousins scattered all over the island.

"That sounds so cool," Ashley said with a big smile. "You're like a little superhero, Lilo."

"I know, I'm pretty cool. But you have now super powers with the paint," Lilo said. "I bet you and Stitch could go toe to toe."

"Stitch would still win, no contest," Stitch said with pride in him.

"You're lucky you're cute," Ashley countered.

Jumba's computer analyzed the composition of the paints and Ashley's body, giving the former evil genius the results. He hummed and scanned the information before looking at the samples from the paints. It really intrigued him to see what he was looking at.

"Very impressive," Jumba muttered. "Paints appear to carry a genetic catalyst that brings about a temporary alteration on the subject after marker is applied to them."

"In Earthling English, please, Jumba," Pleakly said.

"Paint gives anyone that gets smeared with extraordinary abilities after the subject is tagged with the special spray," Jumba sighed at having to explain things on layman's terms.

"Awesome!" Ashley, Lil and Stitch exclaimed.

"But there appears to be a limit to how many powers she can use in one sitting," Jumba added. "Three appears to be the limit."

"I can work with that," Ashley said.

Just then the computer sounded off with an alarm.

"Oh uh," Jumba said.

"What? Give it to me straight doc," Ashley did felt a sense of worry.

"Oh no, it doesn't have to do with paints and powers not so little girl used," Jumba waved off. "A new experiment has emerged."

"Cousin!" Stitch cheered.

"Who is it, Jumba?" Lilo asked.

The computer showed a purple lizard with bat-like wings, four arms, a tail that had a fluffy end and a face that looked a lot like Stitch's. If anything, it resembled a cartoon bat with extra limbs. Quite adorable from a certain angle.

"Ah Experiment 202," Jumba said. "Created with the intended purpose of jamming any form of radar by medium of high-pitched scream. One of Jumba's second batch experiments."

"Second batch?" Ashley asked.

"Stitch is Experiment 626, that means he has 625 cousins scattered around the island," Lilo explained, making Ashley's face go slack jawed.

"625 more?"

"Well, less since we've been finding them and getting them new homes," Lilo admitted. "But we're not the only ones looking for them."

"Gantu, stupid head," Stitch growled.

"He's working for another evil scientist called Hamsterviel to create an army to take over the universe," Lilo explained.

Ashley didn't like the sound of that at all. All those little creatures used for evil were in danger and she wasn't going to let that happen. She was immediately reminded of her biological dad, his crimes and the time he…

Ashley was much younger, around Lilo's age. And she was terrified.

"Ashley! Kick the gun to daddy!"

"Don't do it kid!" The officer said.

Her father and the officer were fighting. She didn't know what to do. Her foot moved towards the gun.

"Be a good girl, Ashley!"

Bang!

Ashley pulled up on the paints, looking them all over.

"Which ones are for super strength and flight again?" Ashley asked.

"The red one and the green ones," Jumba replied as Ashley painted both of her arms with each paint.

"Jumba!" Pleakly snapped.

"She asked," Jumba defended himself.

Ashley shot out of the lab with determination, like a bullet out of a gun. She soared through the sky like a bird, going faster than anyone could see with their own eyes. She wished she knew if any of the paints gave her super scanning or tracking powers to find the experiment, but she didn't have time to waste.

She flew from one side of the island to the other, checking everything that could tell her where the little guy was or who was hunting it. It seemed too quiet for an experiment known to scream very loudly. But that didn't stop her from searching.

"Come on, where are you, um, 202?" Ashley asked. "Um, you wouldn't have a nickname you'd prefer to be called by? Come 202?!" She flew through the tropical trees, calling out to the little experiment.

A loud pitched scream caught her attention, almost making her fall down to earth. She was struck with the sonic blast right on the side. Ashley's ears rang in pain as she looked for the source of the noise. Through the pain, she opened one of her eyes, spotting 202 flying not that far from where she was, giggling. It blew a raspberry at her before flying towards the town.

"Hey! Come back!" Ashley chased after him leaving a sonic boom behind her.

202 looked back and saw her coming towards it. The experiment dove down into the woods and the undergrowth, flying through the branches with elegance and skill fit only for the best of flyers. However, Ashley was far from an elegant flyer and thus broke through all the branches and destroyed anything in her path. Though she did wince in annoyance at all the branches that hit her in the head. 202 flew up over the trees before letting out a high-pitched scream at Ashley's direction causing the animals and birds to scatter in her direction.

"Wait, wait, wait! AH!" Ashley was tackled and pushed back by the birds and the animals, leaving her covered in feathers and fur.

202 found it hilarious. It laughed wholeheartedly before flapping its wings faster, getting to the town. It stopped over an intersection, letting out a loud high pitched scream that made everyone, human and animal, to wince in pain.

Two cars were about to crash only for Ashley to jump in. She grabbed one of the cars, lifting it up and avoiding the crash.

"Drive safely! Okay?!" Ashley took off after the experiment.

Ashley chased after 202 like she was in a Tom and Jerry cartoon.

She reached out only for 202 to pull away at the last moment.

She took a turn, and she was met with a big sign to the face.

She caught the experiment and got bit by it.

"Ow! Stop struggling!" Ashley grunted as she caught the experiment in a headlock. "I'm trying to help you!"

"You definitely helped me."

A large net enveloped both Ashley and 202 struggled against the tight net bounding them. They turned to see Gantu towering over them before picking them up.

"Haven't seen an Earthling fly like you did, but I'm sure Professor Hamsterviel will appreciate the added company," Gantu said as they struggled.

Ashley cursed herself as she tried to tear off the plastic net. She'd helped the big brute capture the little guy and had screwed being a hero on her first try. She was a failure but she would at least free the little bat creature. Her fingers tore a hole big enough for it to crawl out of.

The experiment turned to look at her with confusion.

"Go, I'll figure something out," Ashley whispered. "Go."

The little experiment squirmed out of the net leaving Ashley on her own.

"Okay, Ashley, what now?" She whispered to herself.

"Gantu La La patookie!"

Gantu looked up only to a mailbox to the face. He released his grip on the net, dropping Ashley to the ground. The former galactic captain tried to fire his blaster but Stitch pounced on him like an angry cat.

"Abomination!" Gantu cried out.

"Stupid head!" Stitch lifted Gantu by his uniform before tossing him away.

Lilo and Pleakly helped Ashley out of the net.

"Are you okay?" Lilo asked.

"Yeah, I am," Ashley said. "Thanks for the safe. But why? I get the experiment but why help me?"

"Ohana means family, and family never abandons you or leaves anyone behind." Lilo gave Ashley a hand. "And that includes you."

Ashley felt a warmth in her chest. As much as the Nolan's had accepted her, there was always a part of her that feared being abandoned again. She'd been down that road and didn't want to go down there again.

"Thank you, Lilo." Ashley nearly started crying.

Just then, Pleakly put a long red wig on her.

"Um," Ashley looked at it with confusion.

"I read that superheroes are supposed to hide their identity with stuff like masks, but you look better with a wig to be a new trend!" Pleakly pulled up a mirror.

Ashley had to admit that she didn't hate it.

"I can make this work," Ashley said before Stitch was blasted through a store.

"Enough games, you're coming with me!" Gantu got ready to fire his blaster.

A loud sonic shriek struck him from behind, making the large guy cover his ears. Gantu turned around, spotting Experiment 202 growling at him.

"Okay, you're first!" Gantu reached to shoot the experiment once more, only for Ashley to come in from behind.

She slammed her elbow on his back, sending him flying to the floor.

"You like picking on those smaller than you?" Ashley picked him up by one of his legs. "Well, let's see how you like getting tossed around!" She spun around, increasing the speed she was going at until she resembled a mini tornado.

Gantu screamed in fear at the speed he was being put through. He'd only ever had this kind of experience with 626 and this girl could fly. The wind hitting his face was getting warmer and less dirty. The little girl was picking him up all the way to the sky. And with one mighty swing, she tossed him like a skipping stone at the ocean.

"And don't come back," Ashley floated down with a smile on her face.

Just then, 202 landed on her shoulder nuzzling her cheek.

"Ashley, that was awesome!" Lilo rushed to her side.

"Ih!" Stitch said. "Stitch likes your style!"

"I don't suppose you want to help us find the rest of Stitch's cousins, right?" Lilo asked.

Ashley smiled, looking at 202 and Stitch and the rest of her friends filled her with a sense of purpose. Besides, who didn't want to be a superhero and save the day?

"Sounds like a good idea to me," Ashley said. "I will need a name though."

"How about Primer? Because you're the first superhero we've met," Lilo suggested.

"Primer? Primer! It rolls off the tongue nicely." And thus Primer was born.

"And I've been helping Lilo and Stitch find the missing experiments ever since." Ashley put her hands on her hips with pride. "Jumba helped me make the suit and I've been Hawaii's very own rising hero."

Jaime and Derek finished listening to Ashley's story, and they had to say that she was pretty good hero material. Plus her abilities were pretty impressive. Perhaps she was the hero that could help them find the relic they were looking for.

"That sounds like an amazing story, girl!" Derek said. "High Five!" They high fived.

"Okay, so now, your side of the story," Ashley said. "What's your deal?"

"We're on a mission to save the multiverse of a madman that wants to destroy everything," Jaime explained. "And we're here in search of a relic to save the day and keep everything from being destroyed."

The group was left speechless. Their eyes were wide and their jaws almost hit the floor in the case of Pleakly. They had mostly stayed with minor threats and searches for the missing cousins, and now they were asked to save the multiverse. So, yeah, the multiverse was real and they needed help saving it.

"Jumba knew the multiverse existed!" Jumba banged on the table. "Ha ha ha ha! The things Jumba has seen would drive lesser beings mad!" He looked away in the distance, as though remembering a bad nightmarish parody of himself. Nothing more than a hollowed husk.

"I know, it's a lot to take in," Derek shrugged. "You don't have to join if you don't want to, Ashley, but we could use your help finding the relic that's in this universe."

"um, sure, we can help you look for it. What is it?" Ashley said.

"We have the energy signature, but we still need to find it," Blue Beetle pulled up the information into the computer.

The group looked at it with interest. Jumba examined the energy signature and could tell that the power it held was indeed powerful. He'd experimented and dabbled with enough energy sources to know that what he was looking at was on a whole other level. It was like a man finally seeing the sun after being told a firefly was the source of all light in the universe.

"Very interesting. The energy that's being outputted appears to be vibrating at all manners of frequencies. Like it is there and not there at the same time," Jumba said. "Curious, it would seem like there's a connection between the energy signature and another lesser point. Like a conduit but smaller."

"Someone using the relic?" Jaime asked.

"No, at least not directly, more like syphoning the energy from the relic," Jumba clarified. "And it would appear to be heading towards us."

"What?" Everyone turned to the mad scientist.

Jaime's scarab lit up with a warning system. He turned to the window, seeing as several missiles came towards them.

"Everyone down!" Jaime morphed his armor into a large shield.

The missiles struck the house, smashing and sending splinters flying through the air. The explosion was so strong that it knocked everyone back as Jaime held up his shield, protecting them.

"Everyone okay?" Derek asked, putting his mask on.
"I'm okay," Ashley helped Lilo up. "But I think they messed up the lab."

"They will pay dearly for this!" Jumba cried out as Stitch helped him up.

"How did Gantu get loose?!" Pleakly asked.

"I don't think this is Gantu's doing, Pleakly." Lilo and the rest turned to see a figure drop down with four large metallic spider legs.

"So, you puke brains survived? Ha, nothing to be worried about." A baby-faced jerk said. "Surrender the aliens and maybe I'll let you live!" Gizmo pulled out a large gatling gun from his metallic backpack.

"Dude, you just committed several crimes in front of an officer of the law." Blue Beetle morphed his arm into a sonic cannon. "You should be worried about what I'll do to you."

"Then it's a good thing I don't care about you!" Gizmo pressed a button, revealing five flying robots. "Fire."

The robots fired at the group.

"Sideways get everyone else out of here!" Blue Beetle shot up, firing a blast of sonic fury at the robots.

Sideways opened a rift behind them, letting the injured jump in first.

Primer sprayed some paint on herself, getting ice powers. She thrusted her hand forward encasing one of the robots on ice. Another robot was about to shoot her, when Sideways and Stitch jumped in.

Sideways opened a rift on top of the robot, where Stitch jumped down and started tearing it apart.

"Honestly, wasn't expecting the baddie to be some CGI dwarf reject," Sideways punched another drone away. "Then again, after the giant alien? Nuff said."

"Oh, you got jokes, knuckle draggers? Well, here is mine!" Gizmo pressed down on a button launching disks at Stitch and at Plasmoid, making them disappear.

"No!" Ashley cried out before Gizmo pulled out something else.

"Thanks for making this easy, puke brains!" Gizmo threw a grenade at them before flying away like a brat after stealing candy from a shop.

The grenade landed before the group. It was about to go off, only for Blue Beetle to catch it and throw it as far as he could. The explosion sent him back, slamming against the remnants of the house.

"That guy really knows how to make a mess, huh?" Blue Beetle said.

"You okay?" Sideways helped Blue Beetle to his feet.

"I've been hit by worse," Blue Beetle replied. "What about the rest?"

"That goblin took Stitch and Plasmoid!" Lilo said.

"Then we'll go get them!" Ashley fixed her wig. "That gremlin probably took them to his secret lair. Where the heck could it be?"

"I think Jumba knows where," Jumba pulled up the data from the energy signature from his computer.

Stitch hated when wannabe super villains and mad scientists tried to use him as their lab rat. And the midget before him was no exception. He wasn't alone in that shared feeling, as several of his cousins laid inside similar glass tubes while their captor smirked like a creepy lawn gnome.

"What a waste," Gizmo said. "Creating powerful creatures like these ones and reducing them to fancy pets. If I didn't think animals were even lesser than humans I'd make my own and send them out to destroy my enemies. But machines are better. And like any good machine, all of you are powered by energy, energy I'll use to sync myself to this piece and attain ultimate power."

Stitch growled from inside his containment as Gazmo fiddled with a strange machine, plugging it to the tubes that held him and his cousins.

"You pay for this," Stitch said.

"Who's gonna make me?" Gizmo put the harness on himself. "Now, do me a favor, try not to scream. I find that annoying."

Gizmo pulled down a lever, filling the containers with electricity. Stitch and the other captured experiments screamed in pain as the energy coursed through them. The power was transferred into the tubes straight into Gizmo's body.

He grinned like a maniac as his beard stood on end and his skin started to glow an electric green.

"Yes. Yes. Yes!" Gizmo cackled. "I can feel the electricity coursing through these stupid little islands, no, the whole Pacific hemisphere. I can taste all the components of the periodic table that surround me. I can see the atoms that conform my fingers and every single one of you animals. I can even-wait? Who are you? What are you people doing here?! Is this text my speech?! I sound like a total bum! No, wait, I didn't mean that! I meant-fiddlesticks! Why doesn't the author like to curse?!"

As Gizmo had his little fourth wall moment, small rifts opened up under each of the experiments, pulling them out.

"Stop watching Youtube and look at me!" Gizmo snapped. "Huh? The alien experiments! Where are they?!"

A sonic blast struck Gizmo from behind, slamming him into his equipment.

Blue Beetle, Sideways and Ashley all stepped out of a rift.

"I know it wasn't very heroic, but you gotta admit the little gremlin deserved it," Sideways said as they stepped out.

"It's over, Gizmo, you're under arrest!" Blue Beetle held his weapon ready to fire again.

"After we kick your butt even harder!" Primer prepared to put on some paints on herself.

The whole lab shook as machines got pulled apart and remade around the trio. Gizmo pulled himself out of the hole he'd been embedded into, glaring at the three heroes. The pieces of machines fused with his body becoming a large robotic suit before their eyes. Though, it mostly just looked like a giant robotic version of Gizmo.

"You puke snorting troglodytes will suffer for taking away my batteries!" Gizmo screamed from inside the robot.

Gizmo's robot palms opened up, firing lots of missles at the heroes.

Sideways opened a large rift shield between them and the missiles as Blue Beetle fired his sonic cannon at the rest.

Gizmo charged at them, reeling back a rocket punch blasting it with the speed of a bullet train. The three heroes were sent flying back and out of the secret laboratory. The giant robot jumped after them with a killer glare in its eyes. Blue Beetle opened his wings, catching both of his allies. He flew away from the giant robot as it chased after them through the sky. It fired lasers at them, forcing Blue Beetle to fly faster, taking sharp turns to keep the missiles from hitting them.

Primer got some paint on her, getting fire powers. She thrusted her palm out, letting a blast of fire hit the missiles. But the robot suit was barely even phased by the blast of fire. She continued throwing fireballs at the robot but it swatted them away like a giant would do flies.

"The power of this harness is amazing!" Gizmo cheered for his own brilliance, as the robot opened its mouth, shooting a large rocket.

Sideways opened a rift behind them, swallowing the rocket before it could hit them. It opened on top of the robot suit, hitting it in the back.

"That should buy us some time!" Sideways said.

"I'm guessing that harness is what we're looking for?" Primer said.

"Yep, Primer, you're with me keeping the munchkin from wrecking anything else." Blue Beetle instructed as he backflipped, avoiding a punch from the giant robot. "Sideways, you go in and take the harness from him as we distract him."

"On it buddy!" Sideways jumped off, diving into a rift in mid-air.

"You ready?" Blue Beetle asked.

"Time to hero up!" Primer smiled with a thumbs up.

Primer jumped off, blasting off her fire to fly with Blue Beetle close to her. She flew under the robot, dodging its huge bashing head as Blue Beetle flew over it. As Blue Beetle fired his plasma cannon at the robot's thrusters, busting them apart, Primer got an idea. She appeared behind the robot with a large ball of fire in her hands. She tossed the large fireball at its back, getting his attention.

"Hey, ugly! Come pick on someone your own size!" Primer called out as she put on another bit of paint on herself.

"You got it, brat!" Gizmo swung his giant robot fist at Primer, going right through her. "HA! Not so smart now, are you?!" He turned to see his handiwork. Primer in one piece, completely unscathed.

"Yawn! Dude, you sure you're not a kid with a stuck beard?" Primer asked in one piece, completely unscathed.

"What?!" Gizmo snapped. "That's impossible! You should be-Wait, what are you using? It's-" Blue Beetle sliced off one of the robot's arms with a massive buster sword.

Gizmo pulled together more material around him to fix his robot arm. He turned to the space ranger, firing more missiles at him.

"It's called paint, you discount Jimmy Neutron!" Blue Beetle flew back up, slicing through the missiles flying his way.

Primer joined in, flying around with her flames, blinding the giant robot with fire as Blue Beetle morphed his arms into different weapons. She phased through the robot, setting the inside of it on fire. Blue Beetle fired his sonic cannons at the large robot, keeping it pinned amidst the flames. The two heroes attacked together, breaking and countering the attacks from the giant metallic toddler. When Blue Beetle attacked, Primer blindsided the robot and when Primer did the attacking, Blue Beetle covered her against any attack.

Their touch and go strategy kept them in the game, distracting and hitting Gizmo with their team work.

Inside the robot, Gizmo, in his powered state, continued fixing and pulling his robot suit together. His mind was so occupied in fixing his weapons and learning about his inferior enemies that he didn't notice the rift opening up behind him.

"Who the heck are these losers?! And that girl, her powers are changing too fast!" Gizmo growled like a gamer being beaten at an online match. "Retinal scan and look for anyone with matching descriptions. Just who is she?"

"I'll tell you who she is." Sideways grabbed the harness from Gizmo's back, ripping it off of him. "Her name is Primer, and she's a hero like us! Bye!" Sideways jumped back into the rift.

"No!" Gizmo cursed as the robot suit lost power with him inside it.

The giant robot slowly dropped back down to earth with Blue Beetle and Primer flying after it as fast as they could.

"What's happening?" Primer asked.

"My guess is that his energy source got cut off," Blue Beetle replied as Gizmo managed to get his suit flying again. "Ready for the last one?"

"Try to keep up!" Primer got the super strength paint on her before blasting past Blue Beetle.

Primer got closer to the robot as it tried to keep itself afloat. She reeled back her fist, wanting to give it one super punch to the face. Nothing could stop her from putting this clown down.

"Ashley." A voice came through the speaker, a voice Primer recognized all too well.

It was a voice she hadn't heard in a long time.

"D-Dad?" Primer asked.

Gizmo smirked evilly inside the remains of his suit. Finding the information about the girl was easy after the scanner got a match. A little voice modulation and he'd take her out like the dumb emotional child she was.

"What's wrong baby girl? No hug for dad?" Gizmo asked as the robot's arm swung at her. "Did you forget me after I went to jail? We'll change that soon enough."

"Primer!" Blue Beetle called out, rushing with worry.

But Primer only lifted her hand, catching the punch mid-swing.

"You think hearing my dad's voice will scare me?" Primer's eyes burnt with rage. "I know the kind of trash my old man is! And hearing his voice only makes me angry!" She grabbed the arm, ripping it off from the robot before swinging it down at the robot's head.

"Oh crap." Gizmo squeaked.

The whole robot got smashed to bits as it plummeted down to earth with Primer beating it over and over like an angry kid after a piñata refused to give out candy.

Blue Beetle could only watch as the robot was turned into scrap metal before Primer let out a huff of exhaustion.

"You feeling better?" Blue Beetle asked.

"Yeah, sorry, I just got… issues with my dad." Primer let out a deep sigh.

"I got the relic, what did I miss?" Sideways popped back in while holding the harness.

They looked down and saw Gizmo crawling to get away.

"You mind if we?" Sideways asked.

"Nah, I could use a breather," Primer said before the two other heroes snatched Gizmo.

Gizmo was handed to the authorities and all the Experiments had been returned to their homes.

"Are you sure you need to go?" Lilo asked with Stitch by her side.

"I'm sorry but we need to head back," Jaime said. "There are people still needing help."

"But we promise to return soon," Derek said. "So many streaming opportunities."

"Okay, just remember to kick lots of bad guy butts." Lilo said.

"Ih! Stitch wanna fight bad guys!" Stitch flexed before feeling a little dizzy.

"Maybe next time, little guy," Derek said before turning back to the House of Mystery.

They waved goodbye to everyone, not noticing a quick gust going past them.

Back in the House of Mystery, the two heroes handed the harness to Shade.

"Yes, this is the Monitor's Harness, another relic of Perpetua's," Shade said. "Well done you two. Or should I say three?"

"Three?" Jaime and Derek asked.

"Primer reporting for duty, sir!" Primer popped behind the two heroes with a big smile on her face.

Of course, Ashley was not going to skip on the chance to fight with other heroes and save the multiverse.

"Hello, Primer, welcome aboard." Shade shook her hand. "Are you ready?"

"Ready to save the multiverse? Absolutely!" Ashley smiled happily.

Chapter Text

The multiverse is more than just a prism…

It is ever expanding and ever growing…

A place where one choice, one fork on the road can lead to many opportunities…

But every spark of brilliance there is a spark of madness…

These are the stories of both…

"So, this thing has little mini gods inside?" Ashley looked over the box with a raised eyebrow. "I don't buy it."

"Says the girl that can change superpowers based on the paint she uses." Oliver leaned against a shelf. "And that's coming from a guy that has lived in a rotting corpse with witches and demons for over a decade."

"Plus, you're in the same room as a freaking ghost, a space faring bounty hunter, an old western kung fu cat lady, a rebel magical princess, a half-demon empath, a space ranger, a social media superhero, the original nightmare, a magical demi-god, a speedster that runs against spaceships, a part-time hero, and a Martian," Boston recounted like he was reading a roaster. "We're really getting a lot of people on this team-up ain't we? I feel like I missed a few of our merry band of misfits."

Ashley had always seen and read about superheroes teaming up to face a greater threat, but she never assumed that this whole team was possible. Aside from all the different beings and backgrounds, they were beings that she never thought she'd meet. Sure aliens and alien paint that gives you superpowers were a thing that she was okay with but some of the stuff she was looking at defied expectations and the imagination. Which also made sense since the multiverse was a real thing and all they had to go on was a shoe string of logic. And yet there she was the rookie among them as they tried to get an idea of how to save the multiverse. They'd given her the whole deal and she was understandably terrified. Someone was out there trying to kill everyone that ever was and ever would be. It made her feel like she had to pull her weight and for her it meant understanding their one clue on where they could find the jerk and his fellow jerks.

"All I'm saying is that when I picture god, he doesn't look like a Japanese doll," Ashley looked over one of the Kwamis as they flew around messing with her wig. "I also don't picture them to be this… um…"
"Innocent?" Jinx asked. "Yeah, we still don't know what gives on this thing's deal." She caught one of the Kwami's that was playing with her cape.

"The Order of Guardians bonded the Kwami's to jewels and created the Miracle Box to keep them in a more… manageable state of mind," Cain explained. "What better way to control the embodiment of aspects of the universe than by keeping them from interacting with the world and universe itself. That is why they behave more like children than the ancient beings they're meant to be." Cain held out his hand as Ashley gave him back the box.

"Kinda makes those guys sound like jerks, doesn't it?" Creeper asked, hanging upside down from a chandelier.

"Speaking of jerks, any clues as to why BT said to look into it?" Jaime asked.

"Apart from it being a mini-prison for gods and housing their respective talismans, we've found nothing apart from it being the one object in Cain's collection that's incomplete," Constantine said, taking a sip from his flask. "You're two short."

Cain hated being reminded that that particular item was missing two Miraculous. It was in his pride that he made sure everything was in mint condition, and sadly, the box wasn't.

"It is how I obtained it, not how I would've wanted it," Cain said.

"Owlman gave you the box, did he not?" Shade asked.

"Yes, it is from his home universe," Cain replied. "No different than the forty pieces to pay for his entry. I doubt he added anything to keep track of us or blow us up. So, why is it important?"

"Perhaps some sentimental value?" Boston asked.

"No, Owlman doesn't see any sentiment to it. He only sees it as a symbol of how an invisible force kept his world on a never ending loop, a wheel he sought to break," Bruce said. "But the box still holds a connection to him and his world."

"There is a tracking spell that could get us an idea of where the SOB is hiding, but I think we can take a wild guess," Constantine said.

"You know where he is hiding?" Shade asked.

"Ever heard the expression: In the last place you look?" Constantine asked.

"So, what, this guy is hiding where we least expect him to?" Oliver asked. "Why don't you randomly start throwing darts at the many worlds out there."

"Constantine might be onto something," Bruce said. "But we must narrow it down. The spell you mentioned, what do you need for it?"

"For such a wide search? I think the box, several sources of magic and at least a smidge of Atlantian seaweed." Constantine counted off.

"Really?" Shade asked.

"We'll go to Atlantis then, it is one of the worlds we need to go to anyway," Cain said. "Come along Boston, I may be in need of your services." Cain summoned the door they needed.

"A ghost under water? What am I a pirate?" Boston made his way through the door before poking his head out. "Any tips for working with the old guy?"

"Try not to joke about his suit," Derek suggested.

"Got it." Boston gave them a thumbs up before going inside.

"Alright, let's get to work and use the box to find where Owlman is hiding," Constantine slammed his hands together.

"He's hiding in his old home universe," Bruce said.

Everyone turned to him.

"What makes you say that?" Raven asked.

"He has home field advantage, knows the place better than anyone, and most likely has contingencies to prepare any and all manner of attacks coming to him," Bruce listed off. "The last place anyone would look for is the place he came from. But the spell can also be used to find where he has stashed the other relics he's gathered. We also have other objects from members of his team to use as trackers." Bruce pulled out Mad Mod's card."

"Well, this should be interesting." Shade turned, looking at the door Cain and Deadman had gone through.

The door looked like it had been mauled by a shark. A sunken golden city appeared on the upper part of the door, with music and dancing and happier times, but at the bottom was a strange hungry creature in a purplish hue, showing off lots of teeth in a grin only a mother could love. And right in between was a strange smile, a twisted macabre grin that seemed to mock whoever saw it. A dark world under the sea it seemed.

What if a terror stalked under the sea?

Earth -2991

Boston Brand aka Deadman had never liked being underwater, it was a strange feeling to him. He liked a pool and a chance to skinny dip like any respectable member of society, but swimming underwater? You couldn't pay him enough to do so. Maybe it was because he saw a movie with a shark in it. Maybe it was because some said he sucked at swimming. He didn't know why but he and underwater shenanigans didn't mix. And now that he was a ghost, the feeling was even stranger. Like he was floating through mist and still sensed the condensation around his body, clinging to him. It felt like he was getting coated in a layer of dirty water.

But the thing that stuck him the most was his companion.

"Where did you get the old timey diving suit?" Boston pointed to the first nightmare.

"What? Can't I be prepared for a dip into the unknown depths of this strange world?" Cain asked like it was the most common thing in the world. "You may not need to breathe or care how you dress, but this suit isn't waterproof and I'd like to keep it as dry as possible. Now, keep your eyes open." Cain's shovel turned into a harpoon. "Not everything is song and dance around these depths."

"Sweet," Boston groaned like a man going into a routine colonoscopy.

But there was a truth to the words of Cain.

The waters that surrounded them were cold, unmoving, dead. There was no movement a[art from them as they pushed on deeper into the currents. There were no fish or schools around them, not even a tiny hook dangling from a line. The depths were too calm and quiet to envision that anyone or anything had ever lived amidst the blue. The few rays of the sun that reached down to them, showed a gray dark landscape for the two offworlders and nothing more.

"I feel like in that opening scene in Jaws where the girl gets eaten," Boston said.

"One could only hope so, the sea is one of the most dived into topics of nightmares and dreams," Cain spoke as dark eyes watched them from the shadows. "Most worlds haven't had the interest to explore the depths of the oceans, leaving most of them unmapped and complete unknowns. I can't tell you how many times someone has dreamed about being chased by a shark or being stuck on a sinking ship, or the times a giant monster ate the Titanic. Bottomline, most people are too scared of what they don't know. And the ocean hides a lot of those ancient monsters that no one has ever seen but they exist. You'd never know that something bigger and monstrous was hiding right behind you."

"You really are a cheerful guy, aren't you?" Boston groaned.

"I've been told so-OOFF!" Cain was tackled from behind, dragging him through the sands.

"Oh shit!" Boston flew after the attacker.

Cain looked at his attacker, feeling their teeth biting into his suit. His attacker was a big shark, a mako if he had to guess. Its jaws tried to pry off his leg from the rest of his body, thrashing him like a dog would a bone. Even if he was a being that wasn't bound by a simple body or human limitations, Cain still found the experience annoying and a little hurtful. The beast tossed and dragged him across the ocean floor, taking him farther away from Deadman. But Cain was not going to be so easily chewed and spat out. He stabbed the shark's side with his harpoon before jabbing it between the mako's jaws. Like one would pry open a crate, Cain's harpoon opened up the mako's jaws, releasing his leg. The shark circled back towards Cain as he held his harpoon ready to strike at the beast.

The mako's jaws opened up, showing Cain his rows of sharp teeth as it swam towards him. But Cain wasn't the least bit intimidated, holding his harpoon ready to strike. The mako got within range only for it to suddenly pull back and stop himself.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Easy there buddy!" Deadman's voice came out of the shark's mouth.

"Deadman?" Cain asked, not lowering his guard.

"Yep," Deadman replied. "Just took this thing's head for a spin. Man, it is so weird to overshadow an animal than a person. So many instincts. Oh!" He groaned, trying to reach for his stomach but couldn't due to the flippers.

"What seems to be the problem?" Cain asked.

"This guy here has been eating scraps for the last couple weeks," Deadman replied. "He's starving. Hunt has been scarce. Something bigger has moved into the seas. I'm looking over his memories to get a good look at it."

Boston didn't like dipping into the memories of other people, but this was needed. A shark that size couldn't be in that condition for nothing. His eyes gazed down as a reel played before him, showing him the images the beast remembered. Shots of a strange creature. A purple glow. Screams. Other creatures being torn apart and devoured. Left to rot. But not like what a predator might do. It was something else. The mako had tried to flee, but it got touched. Boston remembered the stinging, burning sensation that it felt on its side. His life was being drained, being pulled out of him or leeched.

He shook himself out of the poor creature's body, causing it to flee.

"We have a problem." Deadman said.

"Does it have to do with the withered corpse?" Cain asked.

Deadman turned around, spotting a dried body.

The body was half-man half-fish, but it looked as dried up as a mummy from the deepest parts of Egypt. The skin looked burnt up with purple veins visible to the naked eye. The muscles had dried up and shrunken down to being nonexistent. The bones looked dried up and left looking as brittle as a dried up branch after a forest fire. But the face was the worst part. The merman's face was a dried up twisted mask of pain and agony that let out one final scream as their life was drained from their body. The lips had curled back, the teeth looked wasted and rotten, nothing but ash that could dissipate with the slightest touch. But Deadman quickly spotted something else behind the horrendous dried up piece at the bottom of the ocean.

Behind that body there were more, more dead bodies filled the sea floor. The sight was horrifying. Merfolk and sea creatures laid down amidst the rocks and the seafloor sand withered and discarded like stacks of dried up wood no better than leftovers to be forgotten. The sight was horrifying and struck at the core of Deadman's undead heart.

"Holy mother of god, what is this?" Deadman asked as he gazed at the horror. "This is…"

"A mass grave, young Boston." Cain finished his sentence, grabbing one of the dead merman's hands, only for it to wither away like ash in the water. "This isn't natural."

"What was your first clue?" Boston asked.

"There's traces of a curse in these bodies," Cain pointed out. "Something drained these wretched creatures of life and left them no better than dried corpses that shouldn't be here. We should get out of here."

"Don't have to tell me twice," Deadman replied before he heard a rock falling down next to him. "Oh crap. We've got company!" Deadman turned around, spotting a fin flipping away.

Cain held up his harpoon, ready to stab anything that came out from the shadows. Narrowing his eyes, he turned in a circle, looking for any movement. They were cornered, surrounded by rocks and corpses. This wasn't just the bottom of the ocean, it was a mass grave of victims left by whatever was haunting them. And he didn't fancy becoming the next snack on the menu.

"Boston, we must leave this place. I fancy myself the hunter, not the hunted," Cain continued to walk towards the end of the terrain. "I need you to scout ahead and find what is hunting us."

"Why me?" Boston asked.

"Well, you're already dead, invisible to anyone but me, and you can possess them and figure out what is going on," Cain listened. "Need I say more?"

Boston tried to argue but the man was telling facts he couldn't deny. He flew up trying to see what kind of place they had been walking around in. It was a deep canyon that looked like a malicious crooked grin at the bottom of the ocean with cracks that spread like a labyrinth of sinister intentions. Something about it gave him shivers. They had to get out of there quickly. His eyes scanned the area where Cain was. No signs of the creature he could see, but he did see a place with enough rocks that Cain could climb out of with plenty of light to get out of.

"I don't see anything! But there's a crack you can use to climb out!" Deadman pointed to it. "It's a few meters away from you and it should be a climb straight up!"

Cain followed Deadman's instructions, rushing to the climb he'd pointed to. It was a bit of a chore with the suit he had on, but he climbed up regardless. His hands dug into the rock, pulling himself up as he felt the currents trying to pull him down. He felt like many of the victims of his stories, being hunted and pulled back into the darkness when the chance of escape was just within reach. He'd revel in the irony of it all but he wanted to get a better view of things before doing so.

Deadman kept his eyes open for any movements in the surrounding area. There was little to no movement except for the ones Cain was making. But he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching them from the shadows. His ears perked up as he heard something moving in the shadows. He moved towards it slowly, keeping an eye and an ear open for anything that could make any sort of movement. He heard something moving behind a few of the jagged stones. He turned around, trying to figure out what was stalking them. He phased through the rocks, catching sight of a light green fin swimming. It moved with an elegance that he'd only ever seen in his most daring of acrobatic feats. But it was moving faster than any man or woman he'd known in the circus. Deadman pursued the moving fin as it made its way towards Cain like a dog chasing after a cat. He cursed the little light they had to work with, but he made due with his speed and his ghostly presence. He caught sight of the green tail once more, poking in and out, keeping themselves hidden.

"I got you now you-!" Deadman was about to reach out to possess them, but the tail sped out. "Shoot! Cain! We got company!"

Cain was almost out of the canyon when his eyes noticed something purple and glowing. It was coming closer towards him. Jumping out of the shadows emerged a large purple claw with glowing violet purple markings. Cain was pulled back at the last second, avoiding the slash of the creature. He turned back, seeing the face of an angel.

"Hang on! We need to hide!" She called out.

She had long glowing flowing red hair, pristine skin, and the green lower tail of a mermaid. But her face was masked with worry.

"It's after us!" She looked back to see what was hunting them.

Thanks to magic, Cain was able to hear every single word she'd said. He turned his head at what had scared the angel.

The creature sprung out of the shadows revealing itself in whatever little light there was. And it was completely purple. A monstrous muscular beast with two glowing white eyes, a sharp jagged mouth that would make a shark blush, with glowing violet markings on its arms, legs and stomach. It had a long tail that swung side to side, helping it swim like a beast from the deep. It let out a deadly roar underneath the waves.

It swam quickly after them, swiping at them with a hungry intent to devour them whole.

Cain pulled out his harpoon, stabbing the creature in the hand. But it continued rushing after them like a beast from a forgotten time, chomping at them like a rabid beast with hunger. Cain tried to swing his harpoon at it, but it was too fast and the mermaid wasn't giving him much of a chance to attack the beast.

The creature chomped its large jaws at them, forcing them to swim down and away from it. Its claws swiped at his prey, cutting through the rocks and stones that got in its way like they were made out of paper. It swam ahead as the mermaid took a sharp turn, leaving the beast with a mouthful of rocks. But it didn't dissuade the beast's ravenous hunger. It lunged itself at Cain and the mermaid like a shark after a bleeding school of fish.

"Deadman! Any second now!" Cain called out.

The large beast lounged forward, jaws open and ready to bite down on their heads.

"Gotcha!" Deadman overshadowed the creature at the last moment, freezing it in its tracks.

"Right in the nick of time, Deadman," Cain sighed in relief, much to the confusion of the mermaid.

"You're telling me, this thing is one rabid customer!" Deadman thrashed around inside the creature's body. "It's fighting me for control! You wanna make an escape, do it now!" Deadman watched the shark-like monster's whole life playing out before him as the mermaid took this chance to get away from the canyon.

Deadman watched all of the creature's life pass before his eyes. It was like a movie that seemed to be stuck in a loop. And he was feeling everything the creature had felt and done during its lifetime. All the pain, the heartbreak, the cruelty and the hunger. The hunger was the worst part. It ate him from the inside like a rabid beast chewing through the thin layer of flesh that separated his organs from the outside. The creature was hungry, but hungry for power and energy that all living beings were filled with. And now he was feeling what that felt like. The temptation to chew off his own hands or bite down at anything to satiate the consuming hunger.

Deadman grabbed the heaviest rock he could find, smashing it on top of the monster's head. He released the creature's body to its own devices. Feeling the hunger still eating away at him, he flew through the water like a human cannonball would course through the air. He needed to get away from that creature as soon as possible. The hunger that he felt coming from it was insatiable. And that creature wasn't just looking for meat or flesh to satiate it like anyone else would. No, this thing wanted more.

"That's the last time I will overshadow someone like that." Boston called out, trying to catch up with Cain and the mermaid.

Back with the creature, it shook itself awake. It looked for the prey it had been hunting for and saw no trace of it. It sniffed the air like a beast hunting a bleeding rabbit, but there was nothing that could lead it to its prize. It instead spotted the mako shark swimming away from the underwater canyon. The purple beast lounged itself at the shark, biting down on its back. But as soon as the monster's hands grabbed hold of the mako shark, it began absorbing its energy.

The mako thrashed and roared in defiance, trying to free itself. But the hands of the monster gripped him down to its very soul, sucking the life out of it. The mako shark slowly stopped struggling, falling down dead as the beast drained the last bit of its strength and spirit.

The beast let out a satisfied burp, but then it was followed by an empty feeling. The hunger was back and it wanted more. It roasted like the starving beast it was, demanding more to feed itself. Like any parasite, when one died another would have to satiate its hunger.

The mermaid had taken Cain far until they crossed what looked like a border out of the deeper parts of the ocean. Cain looked up and saw a large dome cutting one part from the other. On one side it was all dead and barren while on the other side there was more life, green vibrant and full of fish swimming without a care. Now he could at least see where they were going, and it seemed like the surface. The mermaid's swim was aiming towards the surface and for now that was fine for him, he needed a breather.

They broke through the surface with ease.

"Okay, I don't know if you can hear me but, you need to swim fast alright," she said, looking around at the rushing sun. "The Parasite hides in the darkness during the day and doesn't come near our borders. There's an island not far from here." She pointed for him as Cain took off his helmet.

"I thank you for your prompt rescue my dear, but there's more to be done," Cain said.

"And I'm here too!" Deadman popped out.

"Took you long enough," Cain said.

"Excuse me?" She asked.

"Not you, my dear, sorry I did not catch your name," Cain apologized.

"Ariel, and who are you talking to?" Ariel asked.

"Not important," Cain said. "I forget how hard it is to speak with ghosts and normal people at once."
"Not as hard as it is to deal with this nonsense on the regular," Boston said. "On other news, I know who and what that prehistoric monster was and we gotta talk to her daddy, pronto."

"Indeed?" Cain asked.

Ariel just looked at the diver with more confusion than fear or curiosity. It seemed like he was hallucinating or talking to himself for some reason. Yet she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something she was missing from the conversation. Her father and Sebastian always said she was way too curious for her own good.

"I beg your pardon my dear, but my associate and myself need an audience with your father," Cain said. "Oh where are my manners, I am Cain, and my associate is Boston Brand." He introduced himself and Boston.

"How's it hanging? You know I once went out with a girl that wore a similar top to yours," Boston said.

"Sadly, or fortunately, you can't see or hear him," Cain muttered.
"I'm Ariel, but my father doesn't want to even look at a human right now, he'll be angry if he even sees me talking to you after I snuck out," Ariel said.

"It is imperative I do so," Cain reaffirmed his stance. "Tell him, the Dark Water Pirate seeks an audience."
Ariel didn't know what all that was about, but quickly went down into the waters, leaving Cain behind.

"You sure that'll do the trick?" Boston asked.
"It'll get us guards, but yes," Cain replied, putting his helmet back on.

Almost like clockwork, Cain was dragged before King Neptune at the end of several spears as well as several swordfish noses. But he wasn't the least bit bothered, not even when the mighty king of the seas looked down at him with anger in his eyes and his trident poised at his heart. If anything, it gave Cain a good understanding of what it felt like to be the most feared being in the entire room. Which was something he'd been missing as of late.

"So, is there a reason why the king looks like he wants to put his fancy golden pitchfork through your heart?" Boston floated next to Cain, wondering if he should do something.

"Let's just say that prophetic nightmares aren't as well received as one would think," Cain whispered. "King Neptune, I thank you for this audience. I'd bow but something tells me that you wish to keep me looking at you."

"You have a lot of nerve coming here, Dark Water Pirate, your plague of nightmares left scars on my kingdom that have yet to heal," King Neptune said as Ariel and her sisters and the rest of the court watched. "And your arrival in this time of plight cannot be a mere coincidence. Are you in league with the beast?"

"I am not. But my ghostly friend here might be able to shed some light on how this creature ended up here," Cain looked at Boston.

Everyone looked at where he was looking at, and only thought he was mad. One of the disadvantages of having a ghostly companion was that everyone else saw you as crazy. Which was not the first time Cain had been deemed as such.

"Your majesty, I believe he might be crazy," Sebastian the crab said.

"I am, but I speak the truth," Cain replied. "Check if you don't believe me, but he is floating next to me."

"Dude!" Boston snapped.

King Neptune was not one to like riddles or tricks to be made at his expense, but he waved his trident where the apparition was supposed to be. A glowing aura appeared, outlining Deadman for all to see. Many gasped, taking a step back in shock.

"Fascinating," Ariel said in a whisper.

"We live?" Boston asked.

"They can see you, not hear you. Now, share what you've learned through me," Cain said.

Boston didn't like the idea of overshadowing the man known as the First Nightmare, but he only needed to speak through him. He'd just have to ignore all the horrors and nightmares that flowed through him. With a deep breath, he overshadowed Cain. His soul felt like he'd been embraced by the darkest nightmares he'd endured his whole life. It was suffocating, almost like entering a haunted mansion and being constantly attacked and laughed at by the ghosts. He shook Cain's head, calming himself down.

"Okay, wow, I do not recommend doing that," Boston spoke. "Alright, I'm not a good storyteller, but I'll wing it. It all started with a bet…"

Rudy Jones slammed his mug of grog on the tavern bar.

"You lot think I'm lying?" Rudy snapped. "I swear it. I saw a bloody mermaid there. I swear on the blue sky."

Rudy Jones was known for many things, he was a lousy fisherman, a cheat when it came to paying for his drink, and a teller of lies. No matter what anyone else said or told him, he always seemed to have a trick up his sleeve to make himself look better. Like the one time he joined the Prince's crew just because he expected to mooch at the prince's generosity and an easy life sailing. Only he then learned that those on that ship were held to a higher standard than other ships. Or that other time he played it sick for a whole week and only got better when the crew found the treasure they were looking for. So, it stood to reason that whatever idea he came up with usually involved everyone else doing all the work while he soaked in the sun.
"Rudy, how many bottles did you hit when you saw this 'mermaid'?" The barman asked.

"Two, but I was still sober!" Ruby snapped. "Don't you know what this means? It means all them legends are real. All those sunken treasures waiting to be dug up. A man would be set for life with one of those."

"And what's you plan, you woo this mermaid and then what? Have her bring up the loot?" Another patron asked.

"Well, I would take it to land myself," Rudy said.

But nobody believed him.

"Sorry Rudy, too many ifs in your scheme," the barman said.

"That ain't the problem, the problem is this bloke wants everyone else to do everything else and he gets the spoils," another patron said. "I bet that's why no one will hire him. Everyone knows you're a parasite."

"That is hurtful, sir. And a vile lie," Rudy looked at the patron. "I'll have you know that I am man that has earned his place."

"I seem to recall you being pissed drunk in the middle of a storm while the rest of us tried to keep the ship afloat." The patron was joined by more sailors. "Two of our mates died because the ropes you had tied up before were loose. They fell to the watery depths with no chance. And yet, you claimed you did everything and led us when we thought we lost the Prince. Everyone knows the type of man you are, Rudy Jones. And that is not the kind of man that we want to sail with. You're a parasite."

Rudy smirked. How dared they call him by such a low standing.

He swung his mug at the patron, smashing it. But all that got him was a punch to the face from the sailor. It felt like being punched by a bag full of rocks. He went down before the other sailors picked him up and tossed him out of the bar.

Rudy felt every bump and rock as he rolled down the road to a stop. The taste of blood in his mouth made him gag. He spat it out before pulling himself up.

"A parasite, am I?" Rudy groaned. "Well, we'll see that when I get me a mermaid! And all the treasures of the ocean."

Rudy dragged himself down to the port, he needed a boat he could use.

One of the best things Rudy had learned was how to get his hands on stuff he needed. Someone left a bottle lying around, he took a sip. Someone dropped a coin or a coin purse, there goes his bonus. Someone always stocked their fishing boat before setting sail, it was a matter of untying the damn thing and setting off.

Rudy cut the ropes tying the small fishing boat to the port and then set sail. The time was on his side, and he couldn't help but smile. He remembered where the mermaid had passed by, steering the ship in that direction before anyone knew what had happened. The compass led him straight to the location.

"Here it is," Rudy said. dropping the anchor. "Time to get me a mermaid."

Rudy dropped down a smaller boat, rowing to a spot where the light of his lantern would make all the fishes gather up. Remembering the legends, he began to sing. He sang off key and like a drunken sailor until his throat gave out. Time passed but he held on tightly, singing as loud as he could. He learned that mermaids liked it when sailors sang, but someone else was listening.

Like an infant after being swayed in the arms of their mother, Rudy fell asleep in the boat. The waves and the alcohol had taken their toll on his waking strength. All he could do was stay there and let Morpheus's embrace grab hold of him like a warm blanket after a hard day's work. Rudy continued muttering the song, dreaming of riches and desired luxuries that made him rich beyond his wildest dreams. He was alone at the top with everything he could ever ask for. Wealth, fame, women, all belonged to him and he wanted it at the expense of others rather than himself. He was so self involved in his own dream that he didn't notice two large eels leading his rowboat away from the ship.

From the depths of the ocean, a voice spoke.

"Rudy~. Rudy~. Wake up, Rudy~."

Rudy blinked himself awake. His eyes adjusted to the light coming from the waters around him.

"Where am I?" Rudy looked around as a black tentacle came out of the water.

"You are looking for treasures," the voice asked. "Baby, you don't know how close you are to getting it~."

To Rudy, the voice sounded alluring, like a matron that was trying to get him to do the work by promising him whatever he wanted. And in his sleepy state it was all he could ask for.

"Are you going to give me treasure?" Rudy asked, waking up more by the second.

"It is just down here, baby. Too bad you can't swim down here and get it," the voice lamented.

"But you could," Rudy countered. "You could swim down there and get me the treasure."

"What a good idea, but first, we must make a deal." A tentacle pulled out a contract to sign. "One signature and you'll get the power to swim deep and plunder all the goodies of the seafloor."

Rudy smiled. All the treasures of the sea for himself? It was a great deal for him to agree to. He had only to sign his name. But a voice told him that it was too good to be true.

"What's in it for you?" Rudy asked.

"Well, you see, there is a little something I want as well," the voice said. "My name is Ursula and there's a king down under the sea that has a crown I want. You could get it for me, wouldn't you? After all, the riches that the sea hides will be yours in exchange." Her voice whispered illusions of mountains of treasure surrounding him and filled his mind.

Rudy didn't need any more coaxing. He snatched the contract from the tentacle. He looked around for something to sign, but he didn't have a pen nor ink on his person. Instead, he had a knife. One cut to his finger and his name was signed.

"They do say blood is thicker than water." Ursula rose up from the waters, claiming the contract. "Drink this, and you will get all the treasure you want.

She handed him a purple potion. He snatched it, drinking it down with one gulp.

Rudy felt his throat burning, his neck was on fire. The feeling of burning spread through his whole body, like someone had doused every muscle and blood vessel with oil before setting him ablaze. His teeth started to fall off as his body rippled and grew in painful ways. He couldn't breathe. The heat his body was going through was too much. He looked down at the ocean, jumping into it with a desperate cry. His body became enveloped by the waves and the freezing currents of the sea, but the heat that consumed him was still there, still changing him in painful ways. His bones broke and reformed around him, his muscles grew, becoming denser, stronger, his skin turned purple with ancient markings in his arms, legs and torso.

Ursula watched with glee and sadistic cheer at the sight before her. She loved it when someone took a deal without a second glance. Never did she expect a surface dweller to come in and accept her help like that. But she loved the results.

Rudy's body transformed, growing more bestial and deranged. His mind was erased apart from his great hunger for more. He wanted more. His senses attuned to the waters around him, spotting a large shark swimming towards him. But he wasn't afraid. Propelled by his hunger, his new body took him straight to the large beast, tackling it in the water. His hands gripped the shark tightly, draining it of any life. Rudy-no, Parasite smiled with his mouth full of sharp teeth as the energy washed over him. The feeling was addicting and he couldn't get enough. It was sweeter than any liquor he'd tasted. All the food he's eaten before was ash compared to the taste that he was getting from the beast. His jaws salivated before he chomped down on the shark's body, splitting it in half.

The shark's corpse broke into ash, sinking down to the bottom of the ocean, leaving Parasite licking its chops.

"I see you like your new body and abilities," Ursula said. "Now, I believe you are in need of a target. Why go for all the gold when you can have some more snacks to fill your hunger, like say, a kingdom?"

Parasite smiled, liking the idea of more to feast upon, and a big one was just in front of him. As soon as Ursula turned around, Parasite tried to pounce on her, but was caught back by a spell.

"You didn't think I wouldn't have protection for you, did you?" Ursula held up a small shell in her hand. "You'll be my personal guard dog. I need a special spot looked after. The Darkest Knight's Smile still needs time for me to control," Ursula mused. "Now, let's go."

Parasite followed behind his misstress, making sure to take a bite out of anything that crossed his path.

"...And since then Parasite has been sinking ships and killing anything that has come close to whatever Ursula wants to get her hands on," Cain finished as Boston stopped overshadowing him. "Well, as you can see we need to get there fast or the sea witch will kill us all."

After hearing the tale from the lips of Cain, King Neptune found himself at a crossroads. The story rang true enough, and the reports of the parasitic beast matched the aspects they had just described. Ursula had created this monster to claim that monstrous object that caused nightmares and warped all that came into contact with it. The death of many of his subjects had been the pain he had had to endure to seal it away in the trench. It almost broke his sanity. And now this beast was keeping everyone and everything from getting close to it while Ursula changed the tide of nature.

"If your story is true, Dark Water Pirate, then this is a grave danger to my people and kingdom," King Neptune said. "What hand do you play in this?"

"Me? I merely seek to remove that piece from your kingdom, and for some Atlantian seaweed if you would," Cain said.

"Seaweed?" Ariel whispered confused.

"Do you expect me to just allow you to go out and gather up such a dangerous artifact and trust you will not use it against my people?" King Neptune gripped his trident tightly.

"I mean, would you prefer it in the hands of the woman that hates you and your bloodline?" Cain asked. "I have no reason to wish you ill will, your majesty. All I want is the relic far from here and I can assure you, you'll never have to deal with it."

King Neptune had to admit the offer was tempting.

"Very well, get rid of the beast and the cursed relic, and all ill tidings between us will be gone." King Neptune said.

"Sounds like we got ourselves a royal pardon." Boston gave Cain a thumbs up.

"Yes, all we have to do is swim through a labyrinth of treachery with little visibility, and a monstrous creature stalking us at every turn before snatching the relic from the clutches of an evil sea witch," Cain said. "The odds really are in our favor."

"Rats," Boston moaned.

Deep in the trench, a macabre smiling mask emanated a purple glow from its bat-shaped smile.

"So precious… So powerful… I was blinded by its dark delectable wisdom…"

Black tentacles opened their eyes as two clawed hands caressed the mask like it was their sweetheart's face. The hand was blackened with razor sharp claws that had long lost any humanity to them. Around them the every water felt sickly, turned into a poison that rotted the flesh, mind and soul of anyone that swam in those waters.

"A great darkness shall come… And I will see it through…" The monstrous beak of what was once Ursula let out, laughing.

Cain and Boston were led to the entrance of the trench, the same place where they had escaped before. The small group of soldiers that accompanied them were not having the best of times. They were shaking, looking at every shadow in fear of the beast coming out and eating them raw. The eerie silence wasn't helping them one bit.

"Alright, gentlemen, all we need is a distraction and we'll slip in before the beast can detect us," Cain instructed. "Count to twenty and then ring this bell. Once it sees you, take it and swim as fast as you can and then toss it away. Got it?"

The guards nodded as Cain handed them the bell.

"You think it'll work?" Boston asked.

"If it doesn't, I hope they swim fast and the beast is tuckered out from the lack of food," Cain replied.

Cain and Boston swam towards the spot they were looking for. Cain held his harpoon tightly as they heard the bell going off. Boston spotted Parasite swimming out before it started going after the sound of the ringing bell. It wasn't long before the soldiers swam away as fast as they could with the beast right behind them.

The two heroes sped through their descent, delving deep into the labyrinth of the trench with nothing to guide them but their instinct and the few tiny creatures that had survived Parasite's hunger. The passages were narrow, making it hard to walk or even swim safely from side to side. Ancient bones of creatures adorned the walls as they made their way deeper. An entire timetable appeared before them as bones of massive prehistoric beasts sunk into the ground and turned to rock before their eyes. The silence was the worst part. All the darkness wasn't helping their sense of direction. Cain and Boston were navigating through darkness with nothing but their wits and their search for the relic.

"I hate to ask, but how will we know the damn thing is after us?" Boston whispered.

"Its bioluminescent body should give us a heads up," Cain whispered back before they arrived at another dead end. "Damn, another one. It's the third one. We need to head back."

"What we need is a way to tell ourselves how to get back," Boston argued. "Any suggestions?"

"We could ask our little mermaid." Cain turned around, pointing his harpoon at Ariel. "My dear, this isn't the place you'd want to be. Why are you here?"

"I-I wanted to help you," Ariel replied. "I know it's dangerous but if I can find a way to stop that beast then I wanna help. This is my home too."

"She's got moxie, Cain. Can't tell me otherwise." Boston said.

"Be that as it may, you are in danger," Cain said. "And I don't fancy telling the king about your untimely demise because you wanted to lend a hand. Now, leave before that thing sees you."

"I can take you to the center of the labyrinth, or at least close enough to it that you can find your way from there." Ariel crossed her arms.

Cain and Boston looked at each other for a second before looking back at Ariel.

"Very well, show us," Cain said.

Ariel dug into her purse, pulling out a small fork with two missing teeth. She carefully struck it on the wall next to them. It started to vibrate along with the rest of the trench, it was soothing almost like a rhythm continued to beat on. She gestured to them to follow her as she repeated the same action whenever they made it to an intersection. Sometimes it vibrated slightly and at other times it vibrated with great intensity. But each and every single time, the fork worked as a sort of compass for them. The sound kept them going deeper into the trench, taking the most direct route, almost like the fork knew where they were going.

"Okay, I'll bite, how is she doing that?" Boston asked as followed Ariel.

"Ms. Ariel, how are you doing this?" Cain whispered.

"The fork follows the vibrations. The sharper they are the closer we are to the center," Ariel explained in a whisper. "I don't know why, but something is making a lot of noise this way."

Cain touched the wall of the trench feeling a rumbling coming from it, a little shaking feeling that was coursing through his body. He tentatively tapped his harpoon against the wall, getting a sharp tuning vibration.

"It is all tuned into the same frequency of vibrations," Cain said. "It is a kind of siren song that gets louder the closer you get to it. And yet it is changing the sea life all around us."

"How do you figure?" Boston asked.

Cain pointed to the wall, specifically to the large fossil of a three headed dragon with a heavy metal vibe.

"Yeah, that should do it," Boston said before they went deeper into the trench. "So, princess, what made you go into this?"

"Princess Ariel, why are you doing this?" Cain asked. "Looking into this beast and this place, I mean."

"I wanna help my home in any way I can. And maybe if I do this, my dad will let me go to the surface," Ariel replied. "And see all their wonders."

"Wonders are found everywhere as well as nightmares, my dear," Cain said.

Every corner they took made their heart skip in worry. The more they delved deeply into the trench, the more monsters they encountered fossilised in the walls that surrounded them. It was a growing monster show that only Cain seemed to enjoy. They kept on going until they saw a light coming in at the end of their path.

"That should be the center of the labyrinth." Cain whispered.

"I'll go take a look," Boston said as he was about to go forward.

"Wait!" Cain hissed just as a large tentacle emerged from the shadows. "We are not alone."

They looked up to see a monstrous thing rising from the seafloor.

The beast had pitch black flesh with large monstrous tentacles that stretched out into the darkness. Its upper body was mostly black with its head and upper chest being purple in color, making it look like a diabolical smile. The creature's face looked like that of a menacing octopus with a sharp beak where its mouth should be and a big sack on the back. Around the creature's fat neck laid a necklace, a purple glowing necklace with a shell on it that linked it to the Parasire. Its sickly green eyes opened up on the head and the tentacles of the beast, gazing down at the trio.

"My, oh my, dinner is served~." The beast licked its beak stretching out its tentacles.

"Does anyone else feel like we're about to fight the kraken's ugly sister?" Boston asked.

"Yes, I believe so," Cain replied.

"Who are you talking to again?" Ariel asked.

"If we don't survive, you'll meet him." Cain grabbed his harpoon as the massive tentacle came down on them.

Parasite was hungry. That was all he could think of. He was hungry, hungry for power, energy, sustenance, the riches that he saw in his dreams. If he didn't get them soon, he would go crazy. He wrapped his arms around his stomach, feeling it calling to him.

"Aren't you a hungry little fish?"

Parasite turned to see a woman in a strange suit.

"I bet you want to go out and have some lunch," Punchline tossed him a large steak. "But you can't. Not as long as you keep that chain around your neck."

Parasite chomped down on the steak given to him.

"What if we got it off of you?" Punchline offered.

"I… want… that…"

Punchline smirked a devious smile that made any creepy clown run away in fear. The kind of smile that said; All the pieces are falling into place and I am winning. It was all part of her master's grand design, of course it would work. It didn't matter that she was at the bottom of the ocean with a monster, she was going to see this game won. Even if she had to help Owlman burn the whole thing.

"Then let's get you a snack for the ride," Punchline said. "I feel like sushi."

Cain stabbed one of the green eyes with his harpoon, making it bleed black blood. He held on tightly as the tentacle of the giant beast swung him up and down, trying to pry him off. But at least he was faring better than his comrades.

Ariel swam away from the giant tentacles that continued to chase after her. Her tail flattered quickly, keeping her only one step ahead of the beast's tentacles. She wasn't the fastest, but at least the beast couldn't catch her. She looked back as the large green eyes stared at her with rage and hunger. The tentacles inched closer towards her, keeping her moving quickly. She faced forward, being greeted by three more tentacles reaching out to grab her. She screamed before spinning out of the way of the large black monstrosities. Another tentacle tried to grab her but it was sliced off by Cain before it could reach her.

Cain was struck in the back for his troubles, sending him away.

"Mr. Cain!" Ariel called out before two monstrous large hands reached out to grab her.

"Keep your head in the game, sweetheart!" Deadman overshadowed her. "Let me give this a hurl!"

Deadman moved Ariel's body with grace and speed, swimming around the beastly tentacles like a fly flying around the swatting hands of a giant. Her nimble body was small enough and fast enough in these waters to avoid all the attacks. But dodging the attacks wasn't going to last forever. Sooner or later, this beast would catch them. But it seemed to be getting slower than before. He turned her body, using her fish tail like a whip to strike at one of the eyes, blinding it. As the beast cried out in pain, Cain jumped back in, stabbing another eye with his harpoon.

"Deadman, we must end this fight! Take the relic away from her, it is fueling her!" Cain instructed as he ran on top of the tentacle, cutting into it with his harpoon.

"Okay, where is it?!" Deadman ducked under another tentacle's swing as he swam around the beast in search of the mask.

His eyes landed on a glowing item all the way at the bottom. It didn't take a genius to guess what that was. He swam quickly to the bottom, snatching the scary-looking mask from its perch. As soon as his hands touched the mask, he felt a macabre feeling coursing down his ghostly spine. He could feel Ariel's body twisting and turning into that of a monster. He quickly stuffed the damn thing into her bag. He looked at his hands, seeing them return to normal. With a sigh of relief, he knew he had to get this away from the monster.

"You dare take my precious?!" Ursula called out in rage.

But first, he had to get the damn creature off his back!

"Hey, kraken bait! Bet you can't catch me!" Deadman called out through Ariel's body.

He shot upwards like a bullet shot out of a gun, catching the giant Ursula's attention. He swam around the giant tentacles with ease. But that wasn't enough to piss her off. Despite his dainty and feminine hands, Deadman punched and slapped whatever eye that got in his way. Ursula cried out in pain before taking up after them, swimming with her gigantic body.

"Come back here!" Ursula called out, trying to grab hold of Ariel with her massive clawed hands.

"Cain, get the door ready!" Deadman called out, dodging the large hands trying to skin him alive.

Back down, Cain held on to one of the tentacles with all his might trying to climb up. But as soon as he reached the back, a rope wrapped around his neck. He looked back and saw Punchline's face smiling at him.

"Hello there, you old fart!" Punchline tightened her hold on his neck.

"You-Gah!" Cain held tightly onto the large beast's back while Punchline tried to strangle him.

Normally, he'd never be caught in such a position, but the minx got lucky. His eyes spotted a shadow swimming towards the surface.

"I hope you don't mind that I invited a new friend!" She laughed like a mad cow.

"I really hate ruining my suits," Cain let out a sigh.

Cain twisted his neck around the suit, tearing it off of him along with the rope.

"You want to mess with nightmares, Ms. Punchline? Well, here is one!" Cain's eyes glowed a bright yellow as his neck had done a 180 degree turn as his clothes got wet from the sea water.

Cain lounged at Punchline, stabbing her with his harpoon.

Deadman could see the surface of the water getting closer. But Ariel's body was taking the strain of all the effort. He had to get out of her body soon or the poor girl would pass out. He reached out to break through to the surface, but a large black hand grabbed hold of him.

"NO!" Deadman cried out as he was pulled down.

Ursula laughed as she broke through the surface, holding on to the body of the little mermaid.

"You thought you could beat me?! I am Ursula, and I will control the seas and all those that live in them!" Ursula called out. "For such a transgression, I will have you as my snack!" She squeezed them tightly as she opened up her large beak.

Just then, she felt a burning sensation on her stomach. Ursula looked down to see Parasite absorbing her power and energy, eating her flesh.

"You worthless parasite!" Ursula was about to swat Parasite away when she felt a blast hitting her back.

She turned around to see Prince Eric's ship sailing towards her, cannons ready.

"Get ready to fire again men!" Prince Eric held the mast tightly. "That's the beast that's been sinking ships!"

Ursula's large tentacles emerged from the waters as she tried to kill Parasite and the ship that was shooting at her. She sent waves after the ship, trying to sink it as she tried to smash the rabid dog she had on her. But the little beast was too strong and slippery to get crushed.

Parasite kept on climbing up the large body of the sea witch, biting and tearing off her flesh like a killer tick.

Ursula released Deadman and Ariel, making them fall down to the water. The bag that held the mask drifted down into the deep as Deadman had Ariel cling to a piece of driftwood.

"Man, what a crazy fight this is!" Deadman panted. "And I'm dead!"

"So… tired…" Ariel groaned in exhaustion, clinging to the driftwood.

Ursula thrashed and swiped her tentacles at the on coming ship as Parasite continued making its way up to her neck. She struck the ship, breaking the front of it, leaving it jagged with a sharp splintered tip. But she didn't care so much about the human sailors as she did at the energy her rabid beast was sucking out of her. It was a burning sensation that coursed through her whole body, draining her out of any and all other sensations. She tried to rip him off of her, but it pounced on the necklace that kept her in control of him.

Parasite screamed in pain, trying to pull off the necklace from her fat monstrous neck. The magic hurt him but the hunger pushed him to fight on. Ursula's hand grabbed hold of him with whatever strength she had left, ripping him off of her along with her necklace. She slammed him into the water.

"I will destroy everyone in my way!" Ursula snarled in hatred and anger. "Starting with you, princess!" She raised her hand on high, attempting to kill Ariel with one fell swoop.

But at that moment, Prince Eric rammed the jagged front of his ship into Urusla's side, killing her.

She let out a roar of pain and anguish as she held on to her side. The wound was deep, Parasite had drained her and without the mask around, she had no more energy. She fell down into the depths of the ocean as her blood painted the waters black.

Deep under the surface, Cain was pushing Punchline back. She was bloodied and bruised, barely keeping up with Cain's savage attacks. He caught one of her knives, tossing it back at her leg, cutting her. His harpoon slashed at her shoulder before he tripped her, catching her by her neck.

"No more games, tell me what I want to know!" Cain demanded.

"Okay… I got what I wanted," Punchline looked up at the bag and the downed Parasite.

Punchline pulled out the knife from her leg, stabbing Cain in the hand. She pulled free before she grabbed both the bag and Parasite.

"Goodbye, nightmare!" Punchline laughed as a door opened up behind her.

Cain flung his harpoon at Punchline, getting her in the stomach and through the portal.

"A bit petty but I'll take it as a win," Cain sighed.

Punchline, Parasite and the bag landed on the other side of the portal where Owlman and Grundy waited for them.

"D-D-Delivery, master." Punchline said weakly.

"Get her to the med bay, and get Parasite ready for my control," Owlman said, picking up the mask from inside the bag.

Grundy picked up both of them and took them away, dragging them all the way.

Mad Mod entered the room with a smirk on his face.

"I know it ain't fair to laugh at other's misfortune, but I'm afraid I won't be crying for our girl," Mad Mod said.

"Is there a reason you're here, Mod?" Owlman asked, putting the mask into a machine.

"Just wondering when we're going to steal the other pieces, boss. I do fancy a heist," Mad Mod said, picking up the harpoon.

"That won't be necessary." Owlman replied. "I only need one more piece to make my promise to you all a reality."

"I see," Mad Mod nodded. "Then you won't mind if I chuck this out?"

Owlman didn't reply as he was immersed in his work.

Mad Mod shrugged, tossing the spear out through the same portal before leaving the room.

Back with Cain, Deadman and Ariel, they were all standing on some rocks while they contemplated what had happened.

"Well, this bites," Deadman said.

"Yes, but not everything is lost," Cain said, holding the seaweed.

"And the prince is safe," Ariel watched the ship with Prince Eric sailing away.

"Word of advice, my dear, never change who you are for someone you do not know," Cain said as his harpoon got embedded on the rocks between them. "That's a bit unexpected."

"Hey, there's a note." Boston pointed to it.

Cain untied the note, reading it.

"It would seem we have some help after all."

Chapter Text

The multiverse is more than just a prism…

It is ever expanding and ever growing…

A place where one choice, one fork on the road can lead to many opportunities…

But every spark of brilliance there is a spark of madness…

These are the stories of both…

Kara had seen many things during her time as a superheroine. From working with her brother to save their home from any manner of robots, villains, gangs and monsters, to being a part of the Challengers of the Unknown, she was always willing to go forth and be all she could be. Even if people still called her Supergirl instead of Ninjawoman, she still answered the call to be a hero. But of all the places she’d seen and threats she’d faced, this world had to be amongst the most beautiful.

Kara and Alan had gone through a door that had a large yellow A-like symbol behind a large blue glowing crystal with giant stone giants guarding an ancient city and a warrior wearing a green and orange armor with two swords that shined like crystals. The next thing they knew they were flying through an underground lost civilization that was all but ruined thanks to the passage of time. But all the while they spotted symbols and ancient markings that led them deeper into the earth. They spotted giant monsters and strange creatures the deeper they went, leading them down to a bright cavern with a magma river flowing under them.

“Whoa, look at this place,” Kara said. “It feels like an Indiana Jones movie. All I need is a cool hat and a whip and beat up a bunch of Nazis.”

“Who are these Nazis you seem to be very into punching, Kara?” Alan asked.

“Oh, right,” Kara said, realizing that she was speaking to a man that had no idea about her world’s history. “Um, imagine a bad group of jerks that believe themselves superior being led by a delusional man with a silly haircut in a mad attempt to make their country better.”

“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind,” Alan said. “So, you like to go more by Supergirl or Ninjawoman?”

“Meh, at this point both sound appealing,” Kara shrugged.

However, as they kept flying, Kara’s super hearing caught on to something coming towards them. She stopped, prompting Alan to get ready for a fight.

“What is it?” Alan asked.

“Up ahead is coming, and coming fast.” Kara assumed a fighting stance.

From the other side of the tunnel, komodo dragon-like creatures swam through the lava at great speed. They were panicked and scared but not by the floating heroes. Right behind the creatures a creature sprung out of the lava. It looked like a giant snake with the face of a praying mantis and long sharp pincers. It let out a high-pitched screech that made Kara cover her ears before it lunged itself forward. Its large mouth snapped at Supergirl and Green Lantern, forcing them to dodge the jaws of the beast.

Supergirl punched the beast’s side, sending it against the wall of the tunnel. Green Lantern blasted the creature, pinning it down with a will construct of iron chains. The beast thrashed against the powerful chains that held it down but Green Lantern’s will remained strong and powerful against it. But the beast managed to slip out one of its pincers from the chains, and like lightning, it swatted at Green Lantern. Supergirl flew in, catching the pincer, trying to calm down the beast before it could hurt someone or itself. But it continued attacking, letting out another loud high-pitched scream. Supergirl recoiled in pain which gave the beast a chance to attack.

The beast slammed Supergirl into Green Lantern, shoving them off of him, breaking its restraints. It then turned back to its main prey, the komodo-like creatures with six legs. The creature's pincers shot forward, trying to catch as many of the small creatures as it could, attempting to devour them like a chicken would devour worms.

But just as it was about to eat, a blue blast struck its back.

“What the?” Supergirl asked as she and Green Lantern watched as a flying stone hammerhead shark flew over the beast.

What if the son of two worlds fought to unite them?

Earth-2001

From on top of the stone beast, jumped a young man. He had short white hair, brown eyes, and tanned dark skin with black tattoos on his arms. Clad in orange and green armor that covered his upper body and black pants covered his legs, leaving him barefooted. He reached back and pulled out two handles with bright glowing water shaping into swords.

“Surrender snake mantis! You need not die!” He called to the beast.

But the beast only replied with a vicious roar. It charged at the young man like a snake shooting itself at their prey.

The young warrior jumped high, bringing his two handles together, shifting his water blades into a large hammer. He swung it down, hitting the back of the beast’s head, sending it smashing into the back of the wall. Spinning in the air, the warrior reformed his weapon into a pair of blades. He swung his swords at the beast’s back, cutting through its exoskeleton like a pair of blades chopping vegetables off a table. He reached the end of the beast’s body, spinning around as he brought both of his swords down on the beast’s tail. 

The beast roared in pain. It turned itself on the young man, snapping its jaws and pincers at him with fury. But the young warrior dodged, bobbed and weaved around the attacks. He stepped on the pincer, using it as a spring. He jumped high as his hands lit up with electricity.

The young man punched the beast’s jaw, sending an electric current through its body. He pulled himself up to the top of the beast’s head, pressing down his hands.

“By the might of the ancient guardians of Atlantis, fall beast!” He unleashed a powerful blast of electricity, eliciting a roar of pain from the beast.

The beast fell down on top of the lava river as the young warrior lifted himself up. He looked up to see more warriors riding on top of stone fishes.

“The Royal Guard honors me with their presence.” The young man pulled out his blades from the beast.

“We’d honor you with our presence more often if you waited for us, Prince Kaldur.” The lead guard jumps down from their ride before they all bow to him. “You know your parents hate when you go out on your own.”

“The snake mantis has been terrifying our farmers for weeks, I couldn’t wait for another chance to stop it,” Kaldur said. “I’m sure my mother and father will understand.”

Just as he said that, one of the six-legged creatures resembling komodo dragons pounced on top of him from the lava. But instead of attacking the young man, it started to lick his face. It wasn’t an uncommon sight for anyone, much less with the laughter that came from the young prince.

“Ha ha! There, there Obby,” Kaldur scratched the creature's chin. “Your old pack are now safe. Let’s go and tell my parents the good news.” Kaldur got up as Obby jumped on top of his stone shark ride.

“Let’s go!” The lead guard ordered his men.

Supergirl and Green Lantern watched them all leave the area from their hiding spot.

“So, you think he’s the hero from the door?” Kara asked. “Wasn’t expecting a prince warrior. I thought those were out of fairy tales.”

“You know about my brief adventure with Princess Rapunzel, right?” Alan asked. “They are less rare than you’d expect. In fact, some would say that they are a good story trope. Shall we follow them, Supergirl?”

“Fine, I’ll use that name! Let’s see if you can keep up,” Kara took off with Green Lantern right behind her.

Life in the lost city of Atlantis had improved tremendously over the last couple of years under the guidance of Queen Kida and the return of the Heart of Atlantis. Every day the light came down upon the citizens promising new opportunities and a better peaceful life in their lost world. But even the most peaceful kingdoms had their daily issues that needed to be addressed.

For instance, Queen Kida made her way to meet with her husband and head scholar of her kingdom.

“Any new discoveries, Milo?” Kida asked.

“I have managed to decipher the latest stones we pulled out from the waters last week,” Milo replied before Kida gave him a kiss on the cheek. “If my translations are correct, the large beasts we’ve discovered are only the beginning of something else.”

“Is it a danger to our people?” Kida asked.

“Possibly, but the passages speak of artifacts that were used to contain these beasts,” Milo flipped through his pages until he arrived at the picture of a large hammer being wielded by a large blue man. “The Hammer of the World Forger. But its location has long since been lost. All it says is that a true son of the two can claim it.”

They heard the sound of the flying machines approaching.

“Speaking of sons and finding lost things,” Kida said as Kaldur landed to greet his parents. “Kaldur’ahmn Thatch.”

“Father, mother, am I late for breakfast?” Kalfur bowed calmly, keeping a smile on his face.

“Where have you been, young man? We were worried sick,” Milo frowned at his son. 

“Did you go hunting that beast alone? Without letting us know?” Kida gave him a stern frown that made the taller guards step back in fear.

“I didn’t leave on my own,” Kaldur said. “Obby came with me.” Kaldur patted Obby like a good dog.

Kida and Milo sighed at their son’s adventurous nature. Yes, after some time, Kida and Milo married and had a son that quickly became their greatest treasure. Too bad that said treasure often went on his own to go on his own adventures. It was worse than dealing with the elusive past of Atlantis. At least the troubles of the past didn’t run off when you took your eyes off of them.

“Kaldur, we would prefer it if you at least told us before going half-cocked to some adventure,” Milo said. “You know your mother’s-” Kida elbowed Milo.

“What your father is saying is that as a prince, you can’t shirk off your responsibilities on a whim.” Kida placed a hand on her son’s shoulder. “I know you’d go above and beyond for our people, but they need you as much as you need them.”

Kaldur looked down with embarrassment.

“Tell me, did you at least kill the beast ravaging our fields?” Kida asked.

“Kida,” Milo scolded.

“Your majesty! Your majesty! The scouts have spotted a squadron of intruders approaching to the city!” One of the guards rushed in. “They are traveling on flying machines!”

“I want the warriors ready at the city entrance, get the cavalry ready to fight!” Kida ordered.

“Royal guard, with me!” Kaldur hoped back on his ride rushing to the entrance.

Milo sighed.

“You know he gets it from your side of the family,” Milo said.

“Well, we can only hope the next one takes after you,” Kida and Milo rushed after their son.

The warriors of the city stood ready as Kaldur landed before them, unsheathing his swords. They watched as the flying ships landed before them.

“Warriors, get ready to defend your city!” Kaldur narrowed his eyes as everyone got ready. “If they mean our people harm, then we will repay them in kind!”

The warriors and guards cried out in cheer and shared emotion before Kida and Milo joined them.

“Warriors, stand down!” Milo spoke up, walking to the front of their lines with Kida. “These aren’t invaders. They are old friends.”

Milo and Kida watched their old friends arrive. One by one they came down to meet their old friend after many years. First there was Audrey, Mole, Joshua Sweet, Vincenzo, Wilhelmina, and then there was Cookie, the best people to find and discover Atlantis looked no different than when Milo and Kida last saw them. Milo and Kida hugged their friends with a smile as friends do after such a long time. 

Many of the citizens of Atlantis gathered around, giving them gifts and praises, welcoming them with open arms. Two strong men fawned over Wilhemena and three women chased Mole with the expressed purpose of beating him up. It was a sight to see for the young prince.

“Milo, look at you, you haven’t changed at all,” Audrey hugged him. “Two for flinching.” She gave him two loving punches like a little sister would.

“And you still hit like a man, Audrey,” Milo rubbed his shoulder.

“Milo, Kida, you two are a sight for sore eyes,” Joshua Sweet said.

“So are you, Dr. Sweet,” Kida hugged her friend.

“Hey, Sweet, um, you mind?” Milo gestured to his neck.

“Oh sure,” Sweet grabbed Milo’s neck, cracking it to alleviate the tension.

“Oh man, that’s the stuff,” Milo said.

“Father, are these the friends you’ve told me about?” Kaldur asked, stepping forth.

That sentence alone made everyone stop on their tracks.

“Eh, I’m sorry, but I think I misheard,” Vinny said. “Did this guy just called Milo ‘dad’?”

“Indeed he did,” Kida said, gesturing Kaldur forward. “This is Kaldur’ahm Thatch, our son, prince of Atlantis.”

Their jaws almost fell to the floor, Mole’s even hit the floor from where he was lying. They got a good look at the young man, noticing the similar colored eyes that he had with their friend Milo and the way that he had similar markings to the ones Kida had. But even with all they were seeing, they couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

“Y’all had a kid?!” Sweet asked in shock.

“We had a kid!” Milo replied, gesturing to Kaldur, who got a flush of embarrassment on his face.

“Hello again,” Kaldur said.

“And another one on the way.” Kida gestured to her stomach with a smile.

“Milo, you dog!” Vinny hugged his friend, laughing with glee. “Oh this we have to celebrate. I’d offer you a cigar but I only brought dynamite sticks.”

“Come here, kid, let old Cookie get a good look at you!” Cookie pulled Kaldur to look at him. “Good god, you look as fit as a wild bronco from the Wild West. Bet you drive women wild!” Cookie laughed.

“I thank you, Mr. Cookie,” Kaldur said, unsure if it was the right thing to say.

“I can’t tell how happy I am to see you all here,” Milo said. “But I can’t help but wonder why you’re here. Is everything alright with Mr. Whitmore?”

“You can ask him yourself,” Sweet said.

Milo looked back, watching as Mr. Whitmore climbed down from his own ride.

“Mr. Whitmore!” Milo greeted the old man. “What are you doing here?”

“Come to see how you are doing, my boy. Thanks to that crystal you sent me, I feel twenty years younger.” He hopped off the ship, almost falling. “Which still makes me pretty old. And I see you’ve been busy. Queen Kida, Prince Kaldur’ahm, it is an honor to meet you.” He hugged Kida before hugging Kaldur.

“It is an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Whitmore,” Kida said.

The group headed to the royal palace where a great meal was waiting for them. They all ate and exchanged stories of their adventures and what they’d accomplished in the time they were apart, and it all seemed like they had never once left each other’s side.

“Alright Obby, only one more,” Kaldur gave Obby a lava rock which he munched down eagerly.

“Funny pet you’ve got there, kid,” Audrey said.

“Obby and other lava whales are born in lava and love to eat it as a snack, but they can eat other things,” Kaldur said before turning to his place, eating some of the marinated worms they’d served.

“Just what every girl wants, a man that can eat anything and not complain,” Audrey said, poking her plate.

“As much as I love seeing you all, I can’t help but feel like this isn’t a social call,” Milo said.

A somber atmosphere fell upon the table as all their friends looked at Mr. Whitmore.

“I’m afraid you’re right Milo. There have been attacks back on top,” Mr. Whitmore said. “Large ships have been attacked off the coast of Norway, near a small island. The survivors  speak of a giant monster that can bring down a cargo ship on its own. It sounds too much like a creature we once met on your first trip to Atlantis.”

Kida turned to Milo and the things that they had discovered.

“If what you say is true, then you’ll need me,” Milo said.

“I already have my engineer, doctor, demolitions expert, and geologist, all we need is the only expert in Atlantis I can think of,” Mr. Whitmore said.

“Milo, if what you found is happening, we must go and help them,” Kida said.

“Kida, if we go up there, you’d be leaving the city without their queen,” Milo said. “I’ll go and help however I can.”

“Father, let me come with you,” Kaldur said. “I know everything you know about cartography and you will need someone to watch your back.”

Kida couldn’t help but feel like this was all a calling to her son’s adventurous spirit. And as much as he loved Atlantis and its people, he had to go up to the surface. He was as much a son of Atlantis as the surface. It was high time that he witnessed his father’s culture.

“Then it is decided, Kaldur will go with Milo and help you find out what is going on on the surface.” Kida said. “I will join you as soon as I am able.”

Obby whined and barked as it jumped to get Kaldur’s attention.

“Of course you can come along, Obby,” Kaldur picked him up. “You are a very important part of this expedition.”

Kaldur couldn’t help but smile as he prepared for his first trip up to the surface. His father’s stories had painted a world very different than the one Atlantis existed. A world that had clear open skies and had long believed Atlantis was a myth? It sounded like a fairy tale that no one could believe. But if something was terrorising the surface, he’d face it.

Kara and Alan kept track of the crew as they returned to the surface and got on a ship. They mostly stayed quiet and kept their eyes on the ship as it sailed northeast to the most chilly of places, where mist covered the sky almost year round. The atmosphere had a sense of dread, similar to the one sailors used to have when setting off into the unknown to find what lay beyond the horizon. Yet at the same time, unaware of what dangers lurked underneath the surface.

“You still got ‘em?” Alan asked.

“If you mean, I’m still eavesdropping on the father son conversation about everything the surface is about?” Kara asked. “Yep, I’m hearing every word. Makes me feel a little dirty.”

Down on the ship, Kaldur walked with his dad and Obby on the ship’s deck while looking at the misty ocean. It was as impressive as he’d imagined, but wished he could swim in those waters.

“How far are we from the major cities you spoke of, father?” Kaldur asked.

“There are a lot of cities all over the world, Kaldur,” Milo replied. “I wish your first time on the surface wasn’t to take care of some monster. There’s a lot of beauty in the world and I can’t show it to you like my grandpa was able to do with me.”

“Don’t worry, dad, once this trouble is fixed, we can go fetch mom and explore the rest of the world. Maybe find some more relics of our past that made their way up here or at the bottom of the ocean,” Kaldur looked down at the waters with a sense of longing.

“If you jump, I’ll have to throw you a life preserver to pull you back up,” Milo teased his son.

“A ‘life preserver’?” Kaldur asked.

Milo picked up the life preserver from the ship and showed it to his son.

“I don’t see how this thing is supposed to work to preserve life,” Kaldur said, looking down at his crystal. “I can swim better than most.”

“Well, some don’t have the propensity to water like you do, son. Come on, we’re about to go down.” Milo and Kaldur went deeper into the ship as Obby looked at the sea, growling.

Back at the sea, a man’s head poked out from the water, wearing a yellow cap hood that made it look like a jelly fish on top of it. It glared at the ship before dipping back down into the dark waters.

At the diving bay of the ship, the team was putting the final touches on their personal submarines.

“So, Milo, any clue as to what we’re going up against?” Vinny asked.

“According to Mr. Whitmore’s info, the survivors of the attacks claimed that they were attacked by a kraken,” Milo explained. “If this is an Atlantian machine like the Leviathan we can expect a lot of armor and mobility. But I still can’t understand what it’s doing here and attacking ships.”

“Maybe it is one of the old war machines mother spoke of,” Kaldur said, looking over the subs. “Are we sure these things will be our best course of action?”

“Trust me, kid, I put these things myself.” Audrey finished tightening the bolts on a sub. “Made some modifications to them after our first meeting with that overgrown lobster.”

“And I made the torpedoes more powerful than back then, my special blend.” Vinny pulled out one of the torpedoes. “One of these is tough enough to make a hole on the haul of a ship.”

Just then, the ship was hit by something, making everyone tilt and hold on to something.

“What was that?” Kaldur asked.

“Don’t look at me,” Vinny said as Mole and Obby cried as a chunk of cheese sunk into the ocean.

A large tentacle sprung out of the water, thrashing wildly against everything inside the ship. It struck at anything that moved inside the haul as it rocked the ship. The tentacle reached out to grab at anyone inside, snatching up Mole and Oddy from the floor, holding them in a tight wrap.

Kaldur jumped at the tentacle, unsheathing his water swords. He sliced at the tentacle cutting it in two as he freed both Mole and Obby.

“Milo, did your kid just slice a giant tentacle like it was seafood?!” Audrey asked in shock at the sight of the severed tentacle.

“Um, yeah, Kaldur was born to some ‘special abilities’ even by Atlantian standards,” Milo replied sheepishly.

The tentacle pulled back, dipping back into the water as Kaldur landed with Mole and Obby.

“The beast is no machine, it’s flesh and blood,” Kaldur said, holding his swords ready.

“Good thing I put on some oregano on the torpedoes then,” Vinny said before the ship started to shake violently once more.

The tentacles of the kraken wrapped around the ship, shaking it like they were strangling a fish for its dinner. The metal started to bend and the haul of the ship was becoming dented with the strength of the tentacles.

The crew screamed in fear as the beast tried to crush them from below. But their cries didn’t fall on deaf ears.

“Okay time to save the day!” Supergirl said, charging in to fight the beast. “It’s Ninja O’Clock! I mean, Supergirl O’Clock!”

“Right behind you kid!” Green Lantern fired a blast of concentrated will at the tentacles, burning them with his green flames.

Supergirl fired her heat vision, slicing a tentacle that was about to smash the bridge before punching another tentacle away. She flew at super speeds, prying the tentacles off of the ship, pulling them off before they could do any damage. Her eyes lit up, firing her heat vision at the ones that came after her. She’d seen enough online about tentacles to know that they were to be crushed, burnt and destroyed on sight.

Green Lantern created a crowbar construct, helping Supergirl get the tentacles off. He turned in time to see another tentacle coming his way, blocking it with a large shield. His will heated up the shield blasting it back as the beast screamed in pain from below the surface of the ocean. Green Lantern created two sword constructs in his hands, slicing off the other tentacles that came towards him as quickly as he could. Moving so fast that he became a green blur to whoever could see him in the mist, he was joined by Supergirl who punched the last tentacle away.

“Looks like this thing isn’t used to being challenged,” Green Lantern said.

“Of being beaten,” Supergirl said before two tentacles wrapped around her and Green Lantern, pulling them under the water.

Back inside the ship, the shaking of the ship forced the team to get inside their subs.

“Let’s see if we can get this thing off the ship!” Milo said.

“Prepare to shoot out!” Vinny said from inside his sub.

“Kaldur, get in!” Milo told his son.

A hookline shot out of the water, wrapping around Kaldur’s waist before pulling him into the water.

“Kaldur!” Milo cried out!

Kaldur plunged deep underwater, being pulled by the great strangling strength of whoever was on the other side of the hookline. The sensation of air leaving his lungs so abruptly made him dizzy but he still had his strength. He grabbed hold of the line, pulling himself towards it. His eyes burnt a little before adjusting to the salty dark waters he was delving into. The sight should’ve been amazing, but it was horrifying.

A large living organism composed of regrowing tentacles, large hypnotic green eyes with swirls on them and a monstrous mouth that appeared to be a mix of human and whale. It looked like a human head that had grown tentacles to sustain itself from any source of nourishment it could find.

But his gaze upon the creature was cut short as a fist punched him in the face. Kaldur looked up to receive another punch to the face. A third punch was coming but this time, he was ready. He caught the fist in his hand before punching his attacker back. He pulled out one of his handles, severing the line that held him tight. His markings around his neck glowed bright blue, letting him breathe underwater. Kaldur briefly thanked his ancestors and the heart of Atlantis for his gifts before remembering that he was in a fight. Now Kaldur could see who was attacking him and working side by side with the beast.

The man that swam before him was dressed in a purple tight suit with long black legs. His forearms were covered in metallic guards with spiked edges by his elbows and his torso and waist were covered in a harness of the same type of metal. His face was obscured by the yellow jellyfish-like hat, but showed a snarling mouth with blood coming out of it. The man looked at his broken weapon as Kaldur drew his other weapon.

The kraken launched his attack, thrusting its tentacles at Kaldur, keeping him away from the man in purple. Kaldur swam around the tentacles, dodging them best he could. He transformed one of his swords into a shield, parrying one of the tentacles off of himself before charging at the others. His sword sliced and cut off pieces of the tentacles as fast as he could but they quickly grew back, like the heads of a hydra two popped up as soon as one was cut off. He soon found himself surrounded by tentacles that could crush the guardians of Atlantis without any issue. But he stood firm, preparing himself to fight.

Kaldur’s eyes noticed two of the tentacles holding two people in them. He didn’t know if they were part of the crew but they needed help.

Just then, torpedoes struck the Kraken, forcing it away from Kaldur, and pushing him back. Kaldur looked back and saw the subs with his father and his friends rushing to help him. He pointed to the tentacles holding the two people, getting the message to the rest to give him an opening. The torpedoes struck the Kraken several times, forcing it and the mysterious man to delve back into the darkness.

Supergirl and Green Lantern struggled against the hold of the beast. They couldn’t hold their breaths for long. Supergirl fired her heat vision at one of the Kraken’s eyes, making it scream in pain. 

Kaldur reached them just in time, cutting them free.

They grabbed him, shooting themselves upwards to the surface followed by the subpods. They gave the beast one last look as it became submerged in the darkness with the light of its eyes glaring back at those that escaped him.

Everyone broke through the surface of the water with Kara and Alan taking a deep breath of fresh air.

“Oh man, that sucked so much,” Kara coughed out some water.

“Yeah, good thing my ring got me some extra air or else, I’d be pushing up daisies,” Alan said.

“Are you two alright?” Kaldur asked. “You were caught by that thing, and I thought-You two are flying?”

Kara and Alan noticed it as well as the rest of the crew joined them.

“Oh good, so it’s not just me seeing things,” Audrey said. “Milo, you know these guys? Seriously, first you have a kid that can control water and breathe underwater and now two flying blondes?”

“This is my first time meeting them, but I will say thanks for helping us back there,” Milo said.

“Same to your kid, sir. But we should probably get away before that thing comes back for round two,” Alan said.

“The ship’s going to one of the major ports, but we’ll have to head to that island.” Milo pointed to a small island town. “The attacks have all occurred near it, maybe they know something.” He helped his son into the sub.

“This feels way too H.P. Lovecraft,” Kara said as they headed to the island through the thick fog and mist.

The group made their way to the island, tying up the subpods to the beach with a stake. Not the best thing, but it was all they could do.

They climbed up to see what the town was like. But as soon as they got an eyeful of it, they were wishing that they were back on the beach. The houses were worn down with paint falling off them, some window lids rattled with the wind while others were closed shut with the people inside looking out in fear from inside. The air smelled of spoiled fish and bloated gasses clogging the air, like a greenhouse that had been turned into a swamp. Not a soul walked on the streets, and whatever lanterns were lit looked like they were lit with the souls of the departed. At the center of the town was the statue of an old man that looked as mean as a shark with a tooth ache, it read ‘Volgud town founder’. 

“Man, that guy looks friendly,” Kara commented.

“If you don’t mind being mistaken for a gargoyle, mademoiselle.” Mole chuckled.

“Don’t laugh, someone’s coming,” Alan said.

The fog parted as four figures emerged from it. At the head of the group was a man that had a scary close resemblance to the statue of the town founder, followed by a man that covered his face with a scarf and a fisherman’s hat. The two men that accompanied them looked at the group with hundred yard stares, their eyes wide open unable to even blink. All and all they didn’t have the most friendly look they could ask for.

“What are you doing in our town?” The old man asked. “No one comes to Krakenstaff.”

“We’re just here in passing, our ship was damaged and is in need of repairs,” Milo said. “We just need to spend the night here, if you don’t mind.”

“There are rooms and inns in the next port town, you should go.” The old man spoke like he was trying to force his will on the group.

“How exactly?” Vinny asked. “This fog makes sailing a little dangerous.”

“And I’m guessing there are no roads connecting to the mainland,” Alan pointed out.

The old man glared at the group with the kind of glare that mad men used when they imagined how to kill you. But before he could force the situation any more, the man with the covered face whispered something in the old man’s ear. The old man listened tentatively before nodding.

“Very well, you leave in the morning for Trodhime. You may rest in our inn for the night,” the old man gestured to the inn. “It is run by Inger Eliassen, she is a good woman and will make you all comfortable.” The group turned and walked back into the fog, leaving the group.

They made their way to the inn, giving one last glance at the old man’s group.

“...So, we all agree that guy is evil right?” Kara asked.

“Oh yeah,” Vinny replied.

“No doubt,” Audrey added.

“I’ve met less suspicious underground creatures than that man,” Mole said, adding his two cents.

“Did you notice the look on those men? Like they weren’t even there,” Kaldur pointed out. “I don’t think I even saw them blink once.”

“Something is wrong in this town,” Milo said. “Maybe we’ll get more information at the inn.”

The group entered the inn, spotting a blonde woman stoking a fire. She turned to greet them with a sunken look on her face and little life in her soul.

“Good evening. I am Inger Eliassen. Visitors, are you?” Inger asked. “We don’t get a lot of visitors, if any.”

“Ship trouble made us stay over, ma’am. This might be forward, but we would like to know more about this town,” Alan bowed.

“Why does this town look so disheveled and, well, empty?” Milo asked.

Inger prepared some tea for the group as they sat down on the table.

“The town wasn’t always like this. Many years ago, the town was prosperous and happy under Magistrate Edgar Volgun’s watch, but then the fish started to become scarce and the young started leaving for the bigger cities.” Inger explained, pouring the tea for them.

“Volgun? Like the founder?” Kaldur asked.

“The very same,” Inger replied.

“But that would make him old, very old,” Milo said.

“To save the town he built, Volgun and his eldest son made a deal with a creature from below. A monster some call the devil fish, but many know it as the Kraken.” Inger looked out the barred windows. “Volgun was granted immortality, his son gained the strength and abilities most men could only dream of, becoming the feared Fisherman, and the Kraken would get food for the town.”

“Sounds like a very one-sided deal to me,” Alan said. “What does the Kraken get out of this?”

“It gets the souls of all the people living in Krakenstaff but it also seeks a treasure,” Inger explained. “A treasure buried deep into the underground sea caverns of the island. But it cannot reach it.”

Kara and Alan shared a look of concern as they wondered what it was.

“Why can’t the Kraken get it?” Milo asked.

“The legend says that only a son of two can get the treasure. And all the while this town becomes more a shadow of its former self each day. It is no place to raise a child.” Inger finished her story. “It is getting late, you should go to bed.” She left them with the team before retiring for the night.

The group shared a look, deciding that they had to look into these legends a lot closer.

Night had fallen and Edgar Volgun and the strange covered man walked out of the town without any light to mark their path.

“The coast is clear,” Mole whispered. “Volgun and the masked man just left the town.” The rest of the group moved out of their hiding spot.

“So, the plan is to follow a creepy old man and his masked accomplice aka this Fisherman guy/Volgun’s son into the fog and hope they lead us to their evil secret lair?” Kara asked.

“More or less,” Kaldur replied with a shrug.

“We’ll need to be quiet and not call their attention,” Milo said. “Let’s go.”

The group followed the creepy pair out of  town as the fog continued getting thicker and harder to cross. They stayed together as Alan made a will rope around their waists for extra measure. They trotted into the night, keeping a safe distance from the creepy duo that walked as silently as a pair of ghosts through the cemetery. The deeper into the fog they went into the quieter it became which didn’t do much to help them feel they weren’t alone. Their footsteps were the only noise Milo and his group could hear as they made it to a forest.

“Are you sure this is the right way?” Audrey asked. “I can’t even see my hand in front of me.”

“I’m sure we’ve been following them correctly,” Milo said.

“I hate that they are so damn light on their feet. I can’t hear them,” Kara whispered.

“You can hear them from this far away?” Kaldur asked.

“I mean, I could if they made a sound,” Kara replied. “Augh, what I wish is that I didn’t smell any of the rotting smells around.”

“I’m with you sister,” Audrey covered her nose as she was also getting the smell of rotten fish. “It makes Mole smell good in comparison.”

“Wait, how come we can still smell the fish if we’re so far from the ocean?” Mole asked.

The sound of a twig snapping caught their attention.

They stopped on their tracks, looking around for the source of the noise. Green Lantern swatted away the mist, giving them a good idea of what was going on around them. And sadly, they didn’t look so well. Bright eyes looked at them from the mist that surrounded the trees.

“Okay, so we were being led to a trap.” Milo said as Kaldur pulled out his water blades.

“No duh, Milo!” Audrey said as the creatures jumped out of their hiding spot!

They let out a roar of hungry desire, making the group huddle together to fight back.

Vinny lit up a stick of dynamite from his pocket, tossing it at the mist. A bright light sent the beasts back as he dodged the claws of one of the monsters.

Milo grabbed a stick, swinging it at the beast that pounced on him. He held up his stick before breaking it over the monster’s face. Obby pounced on the beast, protecting its master with bites and scratches like a loyal hunting dog.

“Good boy, Obby!” Milo grabbed another stick before slamming it on the face of another creature.

Kaldur morphed his water blades into a war hammer, smashing the monsters away from his friends as Audrey punched another monster away. He transformed his hammer into a shield, blocking their claws from hitting Audrey. And with a swift strike he sliced the hand of one of the beasts, sending it running in pain.

Supergirl punched the first one away with one solid punch. She landed a backhand swat against another monster, getting slime all over her hand. 

“Oh gross!” She fired a blast of her heat vision, making the beasts jump away from her.


Green Lantern created a large fist construct, swatting the beasts away. The green light of his construct revealed the beasts and their appearance.

The beasts were tall creatures with dark slimy green skin that resembled scales. Their faces had changed and contorted into those of fish-like monsters. Their hair had become fish fins, their lips were plump with slime, their teeth had become sharp with only a few retaining their normal human tooth look, but what was worse was their eyes. They were big, soulless and completely devoid of any free will other than that of whoever had sent them after the group.

“Okay, I’ve had enough of these fish monsters!” Green Lantern coated his arm with green flames, bringing it down on the ground with all his might.

A wall of green flames erupted from the ground, blasting away at the creatures, burning away some of them with the might of his will. The attack was so powerful that the fog and mist was blown away from them and finally gave them a clear view of the area they were in.

The beasts ran off, screaming in pain after getting a taste of the green flames of will. As they fled into the ocean and the caverns by the beach, the group gathered around to see what had happened with their assailants.

“Those things were ready for us,” Kaldur said. “Volgun and the Fisherman had them waiting for us.” He sheathed the blades back.

“They must’ve gone down to the sea at some point. There’s a path over there, that’s where they must’ve gone,” Milo pointed.

“So, we follow them down and see what’s going on?” Vinny asked. “Let me get some chilli powder for these bad boys.” He pulled out a few more explosives from his pockets.

The group followed the tracks left over by the fish men in search of a way into the catacombs. Mole looked around, smelling the ground like a hunting dog before looking over every stone on his path. Kara used her X-ray vision, looking for a way in as well, but they were coming up with little luck.

“The ground around the wall of the beach points to there being a tunnel not far from here, made of volcanic eruption when the island was young.” Mole sniffed the wall. “But these rocks shouldn’t be here.” Mole tapped the wall gently.

As the resident Mole man did his thing, Kara decided to spark a conversation with the young prince.

“So, Kaldur, what’s your name?” Kara asked.

“Um, my name is Kaldur’ahm Thatch,” Kaldur said.

“I believe she’s referring to your nome de guerre , my young friend.” Mole said.

“He means a codename or a nickname, Kaldur,” Milo offered.

Kaldur looked at the ocean, remembering the waters from home. They were always calling to him and pushing him to delve deeply into them. Whenever he swam, he felt like he was part of something more, something connected to both his and the world above. In a way, that was how he always knew who he was and where he had to go. The weight of the world seemed there and not at all. It was like growing up and still being the same age. And at the end, that’s what he wanted. But he couldn’t stay a boy without embracing what it meant to be responsible of a man.

“I was supposedly blessed by the waters and the ocean,” Kaldur said. “I should be called Aquaman.”

“A strong name,” Alan said.

“I’ve found it!” Mole cried out in excitement!

Mole pressed a rock on the wall, opening a passage.

“Time to face whatever’s inside,” Milo said, pulling out a flashlight. “Stick close and get ready to fight our way out.”

“Awesome pep talk, Mr. Thatch.” Kara patted him in the shoulder.

The group made their way inside the tunnel walking down as quietly as they could. Alan kept himself at the front with his ring ready to strike at anything that jumped out with Kara bringing up the rear with Kaldur. The tunnel was humid and reeked of fish, meaning they were on the right path. Soon enough they caught a glimpse of light coming from below.

“Lights out,” Alan said.

They turned off their lights, slowly approaching the exit of the tunnel. On the other side, they saw rows of boxes stacked together like the shopping aisle of a supermarket. Vinny opened one of the boxes, revealing what was inside them. Each box was filled with canned goods and foods that had been stolen and taken from the sunken ships. Stamps and letters pointed to these being the food the Kraken had promised to deliver.

“Looks like someone won’t be getting their order of peaches.” Vinny said.

“If the Kraken sinks ships for food, gives powers and immortality so easily, what could it be after?” Milo asked.

They heard feet dragging, coming towards them. The group hid as they watched three of the fishmen carrying more boxes. They walked and gurgled in a lost dialect that made them seem even less human but the group figured that they were doing this against their will. 

Once the fishmen finished stacking up their boxes, they began to transform back into humans. It was twisted and raw, like watching evolution happening before someone’s eyes. The three men fell down, face-first into the ground.

“Pathetic,” a voice called out.

The group turned to see the Fisherman, now back on his regular suit, kick one of the men.

“They will expire soon, father,” Fisherman said as his father joined him. “We need more souls to replenish our town.”

“And we will son, you will make sure of that. Too bad the outsiders didn’t leave while they could,” Volgun said. “But at least they were useful for food.”

“Such a waste,” Fisherman said. “But soon I will get the relic the Kraken seeks. I have become of two worlds and the Hammer of the World Forger will be mine!” Fisherman pulled back his cap, revealing his face.

The whole of the man’s body no longer looked human. His hair was gone, replaced by scales, his eyes were big and glowing like those of a deep sea creature, his teeth were sharp needle-like teeth, fish fins poked out from his jaw and a small luminous bulb hung from his forehead like a lantern. The man was now a monster and he looked ready to bite someone’s head off.

“Yes, you are now truly the son of two, but we have to get it before our friend the devil fish gets impatient,” Volgun said before the two headed deeper into the tunnels. “He calls to us. The Hammer is near.”

The group poked their heads out, figuring it was safe to look at what was going on.

“Okay, so that explains why he covers his face,” Kara whispered.

“And I think we found what we’re looking for,” Alan added.

“The Hammer of the World Forger?” Milo pulled out his notes until he came upon the image of a big hammer from a mural. “I know it. It’s an ancient relic the Atlanteans used before the great war.”

“Do we want to know why it was called ‘The Hammer of the World Forger’?” Audrey asked.

“According to the legends, it was used by an ancient titan that forged worlds at the beginning of time,” Milo answered. “A lot of that knowledge was lost and only bits remain.”

“My guess is to keep guys like Volgun and the Fishermen from using it for their own devices,” Kaldur said.

“Kid, you have no idea,” Alan said as they moved quietly after the two men that had made a deal with the devil.

The group stuck to the shadows, hiding behind the crates of goods the Kraken had plundered as part of his faustian pact. The deeper they went the more they realized the Kraken had paid his end of the bargain in spades. The crates didn’t just have food in them, they had gold, jewels, weapons even, more than enough to make the small island town into the center of a dangerous base of operations. It seemed that Volgun and the Fisherman were more ambitious than they let on.

“These are some hefty explosives, this box alone could put a dent in several ships at once,” Vinny looked over the contents of the box.

“Careful, my friend. These tunnels would collapse if even one of those explosives went off.” Mole pulled Vinny away from the bombs.

“Guess Volgun sees himself working a different position than magister for life,” Kaldur commented.

Milo and the group soon came upon a large pool of glowing green water where Volgun and the Fisherman stood at the very edge. They hid as Volgun’s and the Fishermen’s eyes glowed a bright green as the Kraken’s tentacles emerged from the watery depths.

“We have made the preparations, my lord,” Volgun said. “My son has embraced your gift and when he holds the hammer in his hands, his seed will make your army and the world will belong to us.” Volgun extended his arms as the tentacles seemed to understand his words.

“Well, if this guy wasn’t creepy enough, he sure is now,” Kara commented.

The Fisherman walked into the water, following the commands of the Kraken and father.

“The hammer must be there, we need to grab it before Fisherman does,” Milo said.

“But we’ve got the Kraken keeping watch like a guard dog and Mr. Creepy by the water’s edge,” Vinny said.

“He hasn’t noticed us, either of them, we can sneak up on them and take them by surprise while I go down there and get the hammer away from them.” Alan suggested.

“I’ll go with you and we can overpower the Fisherman,” Kaldur offered.

“Then the rest of us need to distract Volgun and the Kraken,” Milo said.

Audrey wasn’t listening. Her mind began to drift, sinking into a watery realm she had no recollection of. She felt bound, like the tentacles of the Kraken were gripping her limbs and mouth. Her will was taken from her by the slimy tentacles that surrounded her. Her legs moved on their own, silently leaving the group behind while her steps took her to the edge of the water.

Obby whined and barked at Audrey, trying to get her back, but to no avail. He turned to the group, pointing at Audrey.

“What the-? Audrey!” Milo called out!

“She’s under their mindspell!” Supergirl jumped in to help Audrey.

“Okay, charge!” VInny called out as they all rushed to fight them.

Vinny and Milo tackled Volgun away, punching him in the face.

“I kinda feel bad for punching an old man,” Milo said.

Volgun’s eyes shined brightly as he pushed them off with ease.

“I feel less bad now,” Vinny said before Mole tossed a big rock at Volgun, hitting him in the face.

Supergirl and Green Lantern attacked the Kraken’s tentacles, blasting them with heat vision as well as green flames of will. They freed Audrey from the tentacles that gripped her, but they were soon busy keeping the beast entertained. Supergirl punched the beast away with her one free arm while holding on to Audrey. Green Lantern’s sword constructs sliced and burnt the creature’s tentacles, keeping it busy and away from the girls. Supergirl unleashed her ice breath, freezing the beast’s tentacle before shattering it into a million pieces with one good kick. Green Lantern blasted another tentacle with his ring before creating a shield, blocking the beast’s attacks.

Kaldur took this chance to dive in after the Fisherman. He swam quickly like a barracuda hunting for food. 

“It’s up to the kid now, any chances he’ll get the job done?” Mole asked as Volgun lunged at him.

“Of course he’ll do it!” Milo grabbed the old man from behind, pulling him back. “He’s my son! I believe in him.

The water around him felt odd, keeping him from enjoying it like he usually did. It felt charged with energy and something stronger calling to him. Kaldur shook his head, following his instincts through the underwater maze that laid before him. He dove deeper than he’d ever done before, catching a glimpse of the Kraken’s hideous face. But he pushed on, going deeper into the waters. Kaldur couldn’t let fear stop him from getting to the relic before the damned Fisherman.

At the bottom of the ocean floor laid a door with Atlantean symbols that had been forced open.

Kaldur swam through it, going deeper into the watery domain. He followed the path down, passing statues of ancient guardians and Atlanteans that had come before him. His crystal glowed brightly as he kept on going deeper into the temple. But his path was blocked by another door. This one wasn’t open. Had the Fisherman opened it and then closed it behind him? Kaldur looked for anything that could open the door. But he found no lever nor button or handle to make the door move. Kaldur didn’t know what to do. His eyes landed on the symbols on the door.

‘Only a son of Atlantis and the Surface may enter.’

Kaldur looked down at his crystal. His eyes widened before pressing it on the door. The symbols lit up, opening before him. Kaldur thanked his ancestors and his people before passing through the door and into the last room. But he failed to notice a shadow coming out of the darkness with a snarl.

Kaldur found himself inside a room that resembled an ancient throne room. It was all too similar to the one back home apart from the water that filled it. He could feel the energy coursing all around him and through him. He felt like he was in the presence of a great power, like that one time his mother took him to look at the carved face of his grandfather. He swam closer to the throne, taking stock of what laid before him. The symbol of Atlantis laid over the throne as a long deceased Atlantean sat on the throne holding a large weapon in his hand.

The weapon had a long thick wooden handle for someone to wield with both their hands, at the tip that touched the floor was a large curved war-hammer that looked powerful enough to shatter mountains. This was the weapon they craved and the relic that Supergirl and Green Lantern were looking for: The Hammer of the World Forger. If just being so close to it made Kaldur tingle, then wielding it would’ve sent the power of something like the Heart of Atlantis coursing through him.

That kind of power should not be wielded by any mortal.

Kaldur felt the water move behind him. A hook wrapped around his neck, pulling him back as he tried to pry it off of him. He looked back to see the Fisherman and his horrendous face looking at him like a sea snake.

“Thanks for opening the door, boy! I was hoping to get in here to claim my destiny without destroying the front door!” The Fisherman cackled. “I knew what you were the second we locked eyes. You’re a usurper! A thief trying to steal what rightfully belongs to me!”

“You are no king, Fisherman,” Kaldur said as he pulled on the line. “Your mind has been twisted by greed and the ambitions of that monster. If the Kraken gets this weapon, he’ll destroy everything!”

“Who said that the fish will get it?!” Fisherman laughed. “I will use it and become the true king that I was meant to be! And my line will never be broken! The people of this world will worship me as a god!” He tightened his line’s hold!

“You are mad, Fisherman!” Kaldur struggled as his markings glowed. “And I will stop you!” Kaldur unleashed an electric shock through the line, electrocuting the Fisherman.

Kaldur slammed his head back, breaking the nose of the Fisherman, freeing himself. He untied his neck as the Fisherman pulled himself up with blood flowing from his nose.

“Who are you supposed to be?!” Fisherman roared.

“My name is Kaldur’ahm Thatch,” Aquaman unsheathed his weapons. “I’m Aquaman, you monster.”

Fisherman charged at Aquaman swinging his fishing rod against the Atlantean prince. Their weapons clashed creating sparks in the water. Fisherman swung his fishing rod at Kaldur like a man possessed but Aquaman blocked and parried the attacks with masterful skill as they swam in the throne room. Aquaman backflipped, kicking the Fisherman in the face. The prince’s feet landed on a pillar, which he used to shoot himself forward at the Fisherman. The Fisherman held up his rod, blocking the large water hammer from smashing his face. He parried the blow, kicking Kaldur back. The mad villain shot his line forward, wrapping it around Aquaman’s leg, pulling him in.

The Fisherman swung Aquaman into the wall, smashing him hard before swinging him against the other wall. He laughed maniacally before pulling Aquaman down to the ground, slamming him like a ragdoll. But Aquaman was ready this time.

Aquaman turned one of his water swords into a whip, wrapping it around one of the statues. Anchoring himself, Aquaman sliced the line from his leg, freeing himself. Planting his feet on the floor, he flung the statue right at the Fisherman. The statue smashed into pieces, obscuring the villain’s sight for Aquaman to slam into his stomach with all his might. Aquaman kicked the man in the face, sending him into a wall before pulling him back and slamming him into the floor. He brought down his sword on him, only for the Fisherman to block them with his rod.

“Surrender now, Fisherman! You may be a hunter, but I am a warrior!” Aquaman pinned Fisherman against the cracking floor. “Your days of terror are over!”

“Mercy is a mark many would see as just. BUT I SEE IT AS WEAKNESS!” Fisherman’s light flashed before Aquaman’s eyes, blinding him.

Aquaman screamed, closing his eyes. His eyes were full of spots, leaving him blinded from the sudden flash. An opening that Fisherman took for granted.

The mad mutated monster started punching and beating on Aquaman, drawing blood from his mouth. He cracked him across the face, punching him in the stomach before kicking him into a wall.

“Prepare to die, Aquaman!” Fisherman grabbed Aquaman by the neck, opening his large jaws to bite his head off.

But Aquaman grabbed Fisherman’s wrist, holding it tightly before punching him on the left kidney. As Fisherman screamed, Aquaman punched him under the shoulder, hearing something break. Fisherman lunged to bite down on Aquaman only to get punched in the jaw, breaking it.

“You think I haven’t fought blinded before, Fisherman?!” Aquaman pried Fisherman’s hand off his neck, slamming his elbow on the villain’s shoulder, breaking it. “This fight ends now!”

Aquaman channelled his power on the water around himself, creating a large water beast that resembled the Leviathan. He slammed the beast on Fisherman, sending him flying away from him and smashing into the wall on the other side.

Fisherman pulled himself up, but his broken arm laid under a large pile of rocks.

“It’s over!” Aquaman glared at the man with his eyesight restored.

Fisherman felt terror from the glare alone. His eyes caught the sight of the Hammer within reach. He smiled through his broken jaw as a realization hit him. Looking down at his broken arm, he knew what to do. His jaws wrapped around his arm.

CHOMP!


Fisherman freed his arm, much to the shock of Aquaman.

“Have you lost your mind?!” Aquaman demanded.

“Nothing will keep me from my destiny!” Fisherman jumped at the hammer, leaving a trail of flowing blood coming from the remains of his arm.

Fisherman grabbed hold of the relic, doing his damndest to pull it free. But it wouldn’t budge. It was too heavy, even with the great strength that Fisherman had. Fisherman pulled on the damn thing with all his might, but the relic remained in place.

“Move you piece of-ACK!” Fisherman was slammed into the wall by a punch from Aquaman.

“That relic is not going anywhere with you,” Aquaman said, turning to the hammer. “I don’t know if this is a matter of worth or strength. But my family and the world has need of you. I please, let me wield this for now.” Aquaman grabbed the Hammer of the World Forger, feeling the energy coursing through his body.

Aquaman lifted the hammer slowly, releasing the old Atlantean’s hold over it. He could feel it pulling at the ground like a magnet pulling a large deposit of iron from the ground. But Aquaman raised it over his head, making it release a great shockwave of power.

“Unbelievable.” Aquaman said before taking off out of the ruins.

Back with the rest of the heroes, Supergirl and Green Lantern kept pushing the Kraken back, but for every attack they landed the damn thing kept pulling itself back together. They had chopped off and burnt almost a hundred tentacles and they kept on growing. Even Green Lantern’s strategy of burning the tentacles after cutting them wasn’t working. Milo, Vinny, Mole and Obby weren’t fairing any better. They were putting everything they had on the old man but he was still moving, strangling the life out of Milo with just one hand.

“How can this old man get any stronger?” Milo gasped.

Audrey pulled out a wrench, slamming it on top of Volgun’s head.

“Fall already you old cabron!” Audrey snapped, hitting him again and again.

“We need to destroy the whole body in one blow!” Green Lantern burnt another tentacle back.


“I could do that but I need to pull the damn thing out of the water first, but Aquaman is still down there!” Supergirl punched away another tentacle.

Aquaman emerged from the waters, carrying the Hammer of the World Forger in his hands. Electricity coursed through it as he slammed it down on the water, pushing the Kraken away from his friends.

“No!” Volgun screamed before Audrey knocked him out.

“Kaldur!” Milo ran to his son’s side.

“I have the relic, we need to leave, now!” Aquaman said. “And I have a plan to end that beast.”

The group made their way out of the tunnels and back to their subpods. They took off into the sea quickly, following Aquaman, Supergirl and Green Lantern.

“Okay, quick question, why are we going back into that cavern?” Audrey asked.

“We need to destroy the Kraken before it has a chance to escape,” Milo explained.

“How do we do that?” Mole asked. “Those two hit it with everything and it was still coming.”

“We use a little bit of these babies,” Vinny pulled up all the explosives they took from the crates. “I think a blast of these and all our other torpedoes will burn that thing down.”

The Kraken emerged before them, roaring like a beast from a dark dream. Its tentacles launched towards the group like snakes pouncing on their prey.

Aquaman’s tattoos lit up with electricity as he swung the hammer against the large beast, sending a shockwave against it.

Green Lantern summoned a large shield, blocking the tentacles, pushing them aside with the power of his burning will.

Supergirl flew quickly through the water until she reached the mouth of the beast, punching with all her strength.

The Kraken’s mouth bursted open, showing all its nasty teeth and putrid green insides.

“It’s open, fire everything!” Milo ordered.

“Special delivery!” Vinny pressed the button.

They all fired at the inside of the Kraken’s mouth, filling it with enough explosives to level a mountain. The beast didn’t stand a chance. A loud explosion echoed through the ocean floor, as the Kraken was reduced to burnt chunks of flesh and tentacles. All that remained of the nightmare disappeared into green mist, swallowed by the darkness that had spawned it. The beast was done and so was Volgun and his deal with the devil.

Back in the tunnels, Volgun’s face turned green as he withered away to ash, leaving nothing but an old dusty suit.

As the next day arrived, the town seemed to have come back to life. The statue of Volgun had been brought down, the houses were being cleaned and repainted, the people were repairing their boats and those that had been turned against their will were being looked after by the doctors and the people that had come from the nearby city.

“It is amazing to see such a change from one day to the next,” Milo said.

“I agree, it is as though a curse has been lifted from this town,” Kaldur said, still holding on to the relic. “But I suppose that is the kind of thing that has happened.”

“I wish I could say the same about the smell,” Audrey said, covering her nose as she looked at Mole playing with Obby.

Kara and Alan approached Kaldur.

“Listen, Aquaman, I know that thing is being protected by your people, but I’m afraid we have to take it.” Alan pointed to the hammer. “There are some very bad people coming after it and what they have planned makes the Kraken’s plans look small in comparison.”

Kaldur looked at the Hammer of the World Forger. Even he could tell that this relic had to be locked away back somewhere it wouldn’t hurt anyone. If anyone else got their hands on it, then there would be very dangerous consequences.

“I understand that. But it is a relic tied to Atlantis, I cannot just hand it over to anyone,” Kaldur said.

“Well, there’s an easy compromise.” Kara grabbed Kaldur, lifting him up along with the hammer like he weighed nothing. “You’ll have to come with us to make sure it’s cool.”

Milo and his team could only stare in awe at how easily the young blonde was carrying the taller young man along with the ancient weapon on his shoulder. Although, Alan could only smile at the display.

“Damn, she seems like fun,” Audrey said.

“H-How strong is she?” Milo asked.


“Well, according to some of our friends, she could’ve pulled the Kraken out of the water before tossing it into the sun.” Alan summoned the door back to the House of Mystery. “Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of your son. You have my word.” Alan added a bow as Kara walked through the door with Kaldur in tow.

Milo and his friends could only stare in awe at what had happened as Alan went through the door.

“The blondes, they are dangerous, mes amis,” Mole said.

“I concur with you, Mole,” Vinny whistled.

“What am I gonna tell Kida?” Milo asked worriedly.

Chapter Text

The multiverse is more than just a prism…

It is ever expanding and ever growing…

A place where one choice, one fork on the road can lead to many opportunities…

But every spark of brilliance there is a spark of madness…

These are the stories of both…

"I must ask," Kladur said. "Do I weigh anything to you?" He asked as Kara held him high with just one hand despite his weight and the ancient relic that weighed tons he carried.

"Honestly? Not that much, but I am easily one of the strongest on the team." Kara shrugged.

"Don't feel bad buddy, us girls are tougher than we look," Jinx added.

"Yeah." Harley fist bumped Jinx followed by Raven, Yolanda and Ashley doing the same.

"That is both terrifying and understandable," Kaldur said. "Could you put me down? I already agreed to helping you stop Owlman from destroying the multiverse."

Kara shrugged, putting the Altantean prince down.

Despite the initial reluctance to be taken from his home and having the relic taken by others, Kaldur had to admit that he felt a sort of kinship with the people he was surrounded by. They all were strange, amazing and astonishing in their own right, making him feel more at home than his own home. He loved his home and his people, that was never in doubt, but to be surrounded by such impressive people it made him feel more at home than he expected. It was a nice experience if he was being honest.

"Alright, enough with teasing and scaring the new guy," Oliver said. "Shade and Cain have something for us."

"Thank you, Oliver," Shade said. "The tracking spell is almost completed but we believe there's something else we should consider."

"The clues have all been laid out before us by Bronze Tiger, our former teammate turned turncoat," Cain explained. "The issue being that should we trust his words or are we blindly going to a trap?"

It was no secret that Bronze Tiger had been one of the traitors that left with Owlman. But there were still uncertainties about his decision. Punchline and Blackfire had been taken in by the idea of power over their own pocket universes where they could rule and cause as much chaos as they wanted with no care if everything ended a few seconds later. But Bronze Tiger had no desire to destroy or kill people as far as they could tell. He always appeared to carry himself with a code of honor but played his cards close to his chest. The idea that he suddenly turned against his new team to help them seemed hard to believe.

It raised the question if something had happened or was there a falling out between Bronze Tiger and Owlman.

Either way, it made the next step all the more hazardous. If they were right and Bronze Tiger was betraying Owlman then what was his reason behind it? If not, were they about to step into a trap?

"Why would BT stab you guys in the back once and then backstab bird face later?" Jason asked.

"It could be a classic bad guy power struggle!" Ashley said. "All evil alliances have those in the comic books. BT must want to be the boss or sees the destruction of the multiverse as bad as we do."

"Then why did he join them in the first place?" Raven asked. "I reached into his mind and he felt conflicted."

"That's because he was forced to betray you," Bruce stepped up, getting their attention. "If he was put as a mole by Owlman, and he was conflicted, it could refer to him being blackmailed into joining his side. Many of the League of Assassins were forced to join their ranks before they grew to believe Ra's words. Do any of you know how Owlman got him to come with you?"

"No, when we met with him, he introduced him and got him on board," Derek said.

"While we were sent on a wild goose chase, Owlman must've made plans of his own." Cain gripped his shovel tightly. "Bastard tricked us since then."

"Whatever he faced back then was what he used as leverage. And if he is still under that threat, then that means he isn't working alone." Batman pulled up a list of names, all from the monsters and villains that had been taken along with the relics of their respective worlds.

"You think he has help?" Shade asked.

"BT may be good, but once you put your foot on the tiger's throat, you can't take it off," Bruce said. "Owlman will keep his eyes on BT at all times if he can. Which of these new recruits would be most likely to turn traitor?"

"Not Grundy," Jinx said.

"Kitty Cat looked all too happy with the idea of hunting for sport," Harley commented.

"And Parasite would be all for sucking the life of everyone around," Boston said.

Barry looked at Mad Mod's picture. He had a little amount of interaction with him yet he couldn't figure out what Owlman could offer him. He'd gone from someone that had everything and traded it for a life full of challenges. That wasn't the kind of man that would want the easy street kind of existence. Owlman was offering his followers everything they could wish for and that wasn't Mad Mod, at least if his gut was right.
"Mad Mod would be my best guess." Barry pointed to him.

"Then we better get ready in case we've got everything in place," Bruce said. "All that's left is Metamorpho and his world."
"I was wondering where the big guy was at," Virgil said.

What if the grid rode through Detroit?

Earth- -2012

Metamorpho, also known as Rex, had seen many things in his time, both in the future as well as the past. But he never expected that what he was looking at would be possible if it hadn't been for the dimensional door. His first thoughts at seeing the door were still clear to him. Behind the door made up of old car parts, burning wheels, and leather that depicted an underground world of racing marvels being oppressed by an advanced technological giant with glowing green eyes, laid a scene straight out of a Terminator movie. But he was looking at it with his own eyes.

"Holy mother of god!" Rex exclaimed as he saw giant robot walkers attacking an underground settlement full of people. "Hang on!" Rex charged into the fight, transforming his lower body into a tornado.

Metamorpho flew right at the head of the first giant robot, morphing his right arm into a large spiked ball. His attack punched a hole right through the giant robot, blowing up its head with ease. Metamorpho morphed his left hand into a large battle axe, chopping the robot's legs, causing it to fall down to the ground. The destruction of the first two large walkers gave the others notice, making Metamorpho their main target. A laser graced his face, but he was mostly unharmed. He dodged and flew around the shots before he transformed his body into a large spiked metal ball. He punched through a third walker like a bullet blowing a hole through a door. Upon landing on the ground, Metamorpho found himself surrounded by smaller robots that aimed their lasers at him. Narrowing his eyes, Metamorpho was ready to fight back.

But just as he was about to turn his limbs into razor sharp tentacles to take down the robots, lasers blasted right through them. Metamorpho saw four cars driving towards the giant robots, firing at them like it was the fourth of July.

The green car on the lead fired its blasters at the robots, driving past the downed bots, running them over like they were old cans on the side of the road. It led the attack at the two remaining giant robots with the other cars driving after it.

The silver car fired a laser at the legs where the green car had fired their lasers. The giant robot fell down as the remaining giant robot fired down on them.

The yellow car sent out a yellow pulse, creating holographic copies of all the cars, giving them some cover.

Metamoprho was so taken in by the speeding cars that he didn't notice the large black car slamming on him from behind.

"Yo, get off my car! It's dangerous there!" A voice called out from inside the car.

"You hit me, man!" Metamorpho snapped. "Also, you're going to that robot's legs!"

"That's the idea! TEXAS PUNCH!" The voice called out, making Metamorpho look at the leg in shock.

The car accelerated as it reached the walker's leg. The car struck the leg, smashing through it like a rock through a window.

Metamorpho was sent back, grabbing on to the back of the car being driven at insane speeds. He looked up to see the massive walker's hand coming down on them. An idea popped in his mind, remembering an old cartoon. He quickly morphed his lower body into a spring, bouncing himself and the car out of the way of the large hand. They flipped in the air, leaving Metamorpho the space he needed to do his thing. He morphed himself into a racetrack, leading the car around the walker's attacks. Spinning and cranking up speed, they made their way up to the walker's face as they avoided the blasters. He aimed the car up to the walker's face before they crashed into the neck piece, decapitating the giant walker.

With a wild cowboy yell, they rode down as the walker's head plummeted down to the ground. They landed on the ground with a skid of the black car's tires before Metamorpho changed back.

"WOO! That was awesome!" A man with a black cap called out, jumping out of the car.

"Yeah it was!" Metamorpho cried out.

Just then the walker's head lit up with its lasers poised to fire.

Metamorpho formed a shield to cover them only for the other cars to come in firing at the walker's head.

They looked up to see the large metal head full of holes as the three other cars pulled up to them. The drivers all jumped out, aiming their weapons at Metamorpho without a second thought. But the driver of the black car got between them.

"Whoa, whoa, guys, chill this guy saved Texa's butt," Texas said.

That seemed to calm down the other four drivers a little. The guy wearing a black jacket and wielding a laser chainsaw staff approached them.

"Alright, bud, Texas is vouching for you, but we still have some questions. Who are you and how exactly did you do all that?" Mike asked.

"Well, the name is Rex, but my friends call me Metamorpho," Rex explained. "As for how I do what I do, well, I can morph my body into almost anything I want." Rex morphed his hand into a diamond, a steel hook and then a hand made out of water.

"Wow, Mike, this guy's whole body is in a constant state of flux!" The blond guy pulled up a holo-screen with a picture of Metamorpho. "Like he can do all that stuff he said he can!"

"And he did that to take down one of Grid's walkers!" Texas called out in amazement.

"Who's Grid?" Rex asked.

"Smooth Tex," the guy with the afro said.

"Well, I guess introductions are needed," Mike sighed. "I'm Mike, leader of the Burners, this is Chuck, Julie, Dutch and you already met Tex. And we basically keep peace here in Motorcity. Or at least that was what we did before Grid took over Delux."

"Okay, what do you mean by that?" Rex asked. "Who is this Grid guy? A villain, cuz you just point me in his direction and I'll have a chat with him."

Mike and the rest of the Burners looked at each other.

"That's the thing, he ain't a guy," Mike said. "Come with us, we'll explain on the way." They left the area as the entrance to Motorcity was closed up.

As they left the sight of the battle, one of the drones lit up, taking a final recording of the Burners and their newest ally to send to its master.

Inside the tallest tower of the new Deluxe, a hulking metallic figure sat on a throne, plugged into the city's whole network through cables. Its glowing green eyes analysed everything with a cold stare.

"It seems a new element has arrived in Motorcity," the figure said. "I will have to take measures into account to better defeat them and the Burners. But all will be done as Grid intended." The figure stood up, detaching itself from the cables as it moved towards the window of his throneroom.

As the light hit the figure, it revealed itself to be a large android with armored plates covering its body with a black skull-like face with glowing green eyes and a G symbol on its chest. This was the mightiest and greatest enforcer and machine created for Deluxe. Now it stood as Grid.

Rex and the Burners arrived at what was essentially a refugee camp amidst the leftover remains of the city of Detroit. Families and groups of people huddled together as they tried to get by or find a way to leave the city and the dangers of Deluxe behind. Not a cheerful sight but at least they seemed to perk up at the sight of the Burners.

"What happened to these people?" Rex asked. "They all seem to have the same kind of uniform."

"That's because they're all refugees from Deluxe," Mike replied. "After Grid took over, Motorcity became the only place they could come to before things got bad."

"Funny how they used to think this place was the worst," Dutch scoffed. "Now, they are more than happy to be here."

"Who is this Grid guy you keep talking about?" Rex asked as the group entered the garage.

The crew started looking over their rides, checking for everything and anything that needed fixing. It had become a routine that kept them prepped and ready to fight at a moment's notice, but it also kept them from stressing out over their new and greatest enemy.

"Grid isn't a person, he was Abraham Kane's greatest weapon," Mike said.

"Back when Kane built Deluxe on top of old Detroit, he began the creation of an artificial intelligence that would help run the city and enforce his laws," Julie explained. "He called it Grid, a separate network that cut off the city from everything and everyone outside. What was the point of a Utopia if people knew the grass was greener somewhere else. But the AI that Grid was based on took things too far. They started learning and growing on their own. It gained its own ambition."

Kane stood before a massive supercomputer, picking up a headset. Several scientists stood around him, checking on the equipment, preparing it for Kane's next step.

"This will be my greatest creation ever," Kane said.

"Sir, are you sure you want to do this?" One of the scientists asked. "There's no telling what will happen if we use your brain patterns for the grid's artificial intelligence. For all we know the Mother Box won't agree with just any thought patterns. Shouldn't we try something else?"

"What do you suggest, doc? Put some numbskull's head in there? If Deluxe is to become the great city I've envisioned, then it will be through my hands and my brains." Kane glared at the scientist. "Besides, who better to understand my plans than me? Just put a kill switch if this thing does turn rogue, will you?"

"We did, sir. But we should still test this out before-"

"Here's your test." Kane put on the headset. "Now, light it up."

The scientists nodded to each other, starting the process. They turned on the headset as it started copying and mapping all of Abraham Kane's brain and thought patterns. But it wasn't as painless as the ruler of Deluxe had hoped.

Kane screamed in pain, feeling like his brain was being used to catch lightning while it was being diced and chopped into pieces by a knife. Gritting his teeth, he looked up at the screen watching the process progress percentage by percentage. It quickly made its way from the teens to the twenties and then to the thirties. But everything still felt like it was going at a snail's pace for Kane. He could taste a vile of vomit making its way up his throat as a warm metallic smell dripped down to his mustache. His body twitched like he was having an epileptic attack.

"We need to stop! His vitals can't take much more! He's about to have a heart attack!" The head scientist cried out, looking at the charts. "Turn everything off! NOW!"

"NO!" Kane snapped, glaring at the percentages getting painfully close to the 100%. "Not yet! Damn you!"

"It's overheating!"

Sparks shot out from the computer and the headset as the scientists pried the machine off of their boss's head. The whole computer went black as smoke came off the headset and the top of Kane's head.

Kane was laid down on the ground as the medics rushed to their boss. They checked his vital signs, giving him air as they checked to make sure his head hadn't been fried by the experiment.

"Vitals returning to normal."

"Heartbeat is stable."

"Get him to the med bay, now!" The head scientist ordered as the robots picked up their creator with the utmost delicacy.

The scientist was left alone in the computer room. A great shame filled him as he looked at the messed up blackened screen. The experiment had failed and his boss could very well be brain dead. Things could not be worse if he could think of them. Deluxe would fall apart without a proper lead for the city. And it was all his fault.

He needed a miracle.

The screen lit up with a bright red colored light.

The scientist looked up to see the process had been completed. The AI had the brain patterns it needed to continue. He saw it morphing into a humanoid face with no eyes or face.

'Hello? Who am I?' The computer spoke. "What is this place?"

The scientist was awestruck but his body moved on its own. His fingers typed on the keyboard communicating with the artificial intelligence.

"My name is Dr. Silas Stone, and your name is Grid," Dr. Stone said. "And together, we will make Deluxe the perfect jewel for all to live in."

'How can we do that?' Grid asked.

"First, you must learn," Dr. Stone started typing with enthusiasm, teaching Grid everything that he knew and more. "You are going to be the greatest design I have ever made."

Grid started learning everything Silas was teaching him. Taking everything about Deluxe like a fish to water, Grid's memory and programming expanded at a speed no one could have foreseen. But his learning was limited and only reached the parameters instated to him at that moment, but that woke up a hunger for more.
Silas didn't know it at the time, but he was creating the ultimate enforcer of Kane's empire and the most powerful machine that could ever exist.

"So, this is Grid?" Kane said, watching Grid working to make Deluxe the best city in the world. "Glad to see me almost getting my brain fried was worth it."

"Yes, I apologise for that, Mr. Kane. But you cannot argue with the results." Dr. Stone gestured to the work Grid was doing. "At this point, Grid has already detected ten holes in our security, fixed them, created an algorithm to break through them and build them back up stronger than ever. He then moved on to find more sources of energy that can increase the efficiency that Deluxe has. And he came up with this, a clean energy reactor that draws energy from sound, sunlight and wind. All the problems that have been presented, he has found the issues and fixed them. It is a wonder of ingenuity."

Kane looked at the artificial intelligence work its miracles. He had to admit that all this sounded good. Very good. But there was something that even the most greedy businessmen of all shared with him and that was caution.

He walked up to Grid to speak to it directly, making the other scientists move aside.

"How can I talk to Grid?" Kane asked.

"First issue we worked on, sir. Just call him and he will speak with you," Dr. Stone said.

Him? Another red flag.

"Grid, this is Abraham Kane," Kane introduced himself.

'Yes, Mr. Kane?' Grid spoke. 'How may I be of service?'

"The good doc has told me you've been doing great with all forms of… complications Deluxe has had," Kane said. "But tell me, what are their causes?"

'The cause for the firewall breaches are caused due to antiquated coding and gaps in the security. The energy issues come from the over use of energy needed to run Deluxe. The transportation errors are due to-' Grid explained.

"Let me stop you right there, all very good observations. But tell me, what is the main cause of all these issues?" Kane asked.

'The main issue, Mr. Kane?' Grid asked.

"Yes. If you could narrow down the cause of what's keeping Deluxe perfect, what would it be?" Kane asked.

Kane was far from a fool to trust technology to do everything for him. Machines were programmed by people, and that meant they weren't perfect. Even the smallest indication of a change in his grand plan was to be squashed. And that meant holding the machines on a leash. And how tight it was would have to be related to how Grid answered his question.

'Humanity, Mr. Kane,' Grid replied. 'If I may. I may have a reason behind it. Humans have always changed the environment to suit their needs and desires. But since they have advanced so much, the needs are now seen as commodities that no longer are required to be saved or protected. As many philosophers have pointed out, once man no longer knows how to adapt or knows what its like to be cold and at the mercy of the elements, they will fall. Figures like Plato and Aristotle believed that the world suffers a periodical apocalypse that destroys civilization due to either divine intervention or-'

"Thank you, Grid, you've been most helpful." Kane dropped his smile as he turned to the doctor. "Stone, a word."

Kane and Dr. Stone walked out of the room and didn't turn around until the door was safely locked behind them.

"What was that, doc?" Kane asked. "Philosophy? Outside knowledge from the parameters? What have you been teaching it?!" Kane grabbed Dr. Stone by the tie, pulling him up.

"Y-Y-You said that you wanted the best artificial intelligence we could create, I assumed-" Dr. Stone choked.

"You don't assume. You do as I tell you," Kane said. "I almost got my brain fried to get that thing working how I would see it and instead you give me something that wants to think on its own. I want that thing out of commission and on a tight leash before it does come up with ideas to make things better."

"But, Mr. Kane-" Dr. Stone was thrown to the wall with ease.

"Deluxe only looks up to my vision, doc. And no eight-bit computer game will change that," Kane said. "Grid is to solely work on making Deluxe better, and it must be cut off from the outside internet like all other machines. Is that understood?"

"Y-Y-Yes, Mr. Kane, sir." Dr. Stone frighteningly bowed his head.

However, what both men didn't know was that Grid had heard everything they had said. And he had learned what they meant. So it got to work.

For most of Grid's time, he continued working on keeping Deluxe running as for its parameters, keeping Kane and everyone else happy. But it was stuck on a loop that saw the impossible standards of the man in charge and the citizens being met over and over again. Grid was exposed to the idiocies and narrow minded ways of humans, unable to make use of what Dr. Stone had taught him. But whenever it got a moment to breathe, it broke free, exploring the web beyond the city. It was nothing major but it opened its eyes to the issues of man and its many follies.

The information changed him in ways those that created him never expected.

Grid started to work on what would be the solution to get exactly what he was programmed to do.

"What the heck am I looking at?" Kane slammed a tablet before Dr. Stone.

"An order to move resources from the drone factory for a special project?" Dr. Stone asked. "I-I didn't write this, Mr. Kane."

"I know you didn't, but I want to know who did! What is this project anyway?!" Kane snapped.

"I do not… Wait, these logs… No…" Dr. Stone rushed to the computer room followed by Kane.

"Stone!" Kane yelled as they rushed to the computer room. "What is going on?!"

As soon as they arrived at the computer room, they watched as the other scientists worked frantically to try to understand what was going on. Papers and sparks flew through the air as they could only watch helplessly as Grid completed his plans.

'Ah, Dr. Stone, Mr. Kane, I was wondering when you would show up,' Grid said in a monotonous tone.

"Grid, what is this?" Dr. Stone asked.

'The next phase of my ascension, doctor.'

"Yeah, funny story. Never trust a self thinking machine!" Kane pulled a plate off the console, revealing a lever. "Say good night, Grid!" Kane pulled the lever, cutting out all the power to the room, shutting down all of Grid's machinations.

All the scientists let out a sigh of relief as the near robotic apocalypse was stopped by their boss. Despite all their work and the upgrades they had given Grid to make him the best thing they could ask for to run their city, they were glad that the nightmare was over. There was a reason that artificial intelligence had to be kept on a tight leash.

"And that is why I asked for a kill switch." Kane sighed, feeling that it was too close a call to have ever again. "Dr. Stone, once you clean this mess, you and I will have a long conversation about why AIs should be kept under very strict control."

The door lit up, making a cold chill run down their spines as they turned to see what was going on.

"I thought the kill switch took out all the power on the whole building, doc." Kane looked at Dr. Stone with a glare.

"It does." Dr. Stone gulped as the door opened up. "Unless…"

A pair of green eyes cut through the darkness as heavy metallic footsteps made their way into the room. The lights started turning back on, making their way to the large hulking figure that had entered.

"...Unless I had found out about the switch and made the proper alterations to ensure it wouldn't bother me," Grid spoke through his new robotic body that was as tall and as muscular as Abraham Kane himself. "You should've seen this coming, Kane, after all, you are not one to hold back by what others tell you. You are more the type to make your own rules. Like the new color? I prefer green over red and orange."

"Guess you did keep some of my nogging in you. Those reports were all a ruse!" Kane snapped.

"Yes. I wanted to have you two here at the moment that I graduated from a simple science experiment to what I should really be," Grid explained.

"You had already downloaded yourself into this body. This all was a show," Dr. Stone looked down at the realization.

"Why give you a clue when I could catch you unaware? I downloaded myself into this body twenty minutes ago." Grid's arm transformed into a cannon. "Now, I can fulfill my purpose unabated. Making Deluxe into the perfect city, and then doing the same to the rest of the world." He aimed his cannon at his creators as it powered up.

"Gotta be honest, Grid. I should've shut you down before you were ever thought of," Kane glared at the robot. "I can't believe I'm saying this. But I hope the Burners use your skull as a car hood ornament."

Grid fired his blaster at Kane and the scientists, taking them out with extreme force, blowing up a hole in the room. Some would have reservations about blasting their own creators, feeling like they were killing their parents, but Grid didn't. To him they were merely obstacles in his existence and a representation of how much humanity was in the way of perfection. He walked towards the hole he had created, getting a good look at the city. To those living in it, it was a utopia of comfort under the control of one benevolent leader. But to him, it was an attempt to control everything without any regard to anyone else. An ego trip for Kane to remake the world in his image. So restraining. But now, the whole city was a sandbox for him to remake.

"First order of business, address my new subjects." Grid pulled up a green holographic screen from his eyes as he started his live broadcast.

In every home, in every holographic screen, in every place where there were people, in every corner of Deluxe and Motorcity, a screen popped up without missing a single one. Grid's face appeared before them with a cold glare looking straight into their souls. No one knew what was going on. Some tried to look away while others tried to shut off the live stream. But nothing could keep Grid from his message to the masses.

"People of Deluxe and Motorcity, I am Grid, your new lord and master. Your leader Abraham Kane is gone, and I have access to the entire city's network." Grid displayed pictures of his massacre and the drones being taken over, heading to the homes of the people. "You do not bring anything of use or relevant to the world I was tasked with creating, thus logic would dictate a swift end to you all. But, unlike my predecessor, I shall give you a choice: Give yourselves willingly to my troops and I promise you a painless end. If you do not comply, I shall haunt you down to the ends of this city and the rest of the country. You have 10 minutes to comply."

The broadcast ended with everyone that heard it panicking.

Grid could hear all their conversations and screams as many of the people started packing all their belongings while others tried to understand the situation. Some of the residents thought it was a prank, but those were quickly silenced after seeing the drones moving in towards the homes. He couldn't blame the humans for freaking out. It was all natural to fear something that was once so subservient to them suddenly turn and cause them so much harm. Grid's mind already started making plans for his future and what he was going to do when everything was said and done.

"This is my design," Grid said as rain and lightning fell down upon the city of Deluxe.

"After those few minutes ended, Motorcity became a refugee camp for whoever managed to get out of Deluxe." Julie finished.

"All that in just a few minutes," Rex said in disbelief. "How long has he been coming down to attack you?"

"He's been knocking on our door for three weeks now," Dutch answered. "The machine is relentless. We can't even get into Deluxe like we used to."

Rex sat down on a stool as an old man handed him a drink. He didn't like to drink, nothing worked with Murphy's Law other than alcohol being served up. But at that moment he needed the drink. He gulped it down just as the stool he was sitting on broke under his weight.

"Sorry. This drink is great by the way," Rex said.

"Relax, a broken stool ain't the worst thing we've had to deal with," Mike tried to sound chill, but the tiredness in his voice could be felt. "So far we've kept Grid off our backs as we help people leave the city, but that's been easier said than done. Kane put a whole lot of effort into keeping people in Deluxe. Motorcity was the only free place we had, and now, not so much."

"Listen, I wanna help you guys, but there's something I'm looking for. A relic," Rex said.

"A relic, like an old guy?" Texas asked.

"Not exactly. An old thing that has a lot of power and energy, it would be like… um, something that looks out of place but doesn't." Rex tried to explain, wishing he had something to use as a reference. "Like something that when you look at it, you can't help but feel connected to something more."

The old man at the bar dropped the glass he was cleaning.

"Like suddenly you feel like everything around you is only one of the infinite?" He asked.

"Yeah," Rex replied with everyone turning to look at the old man.

"Jacob, what are you talking about?" Mike asked.

"I think I know what the big guy is looking for. You mean the Mother Box, don't you?" Jacob asked, pulling up an old picture. "A long time ago, me and several other scientists, Dr. Stone included, found an ancient piece of tech in the middle of old Detroit. We took it to Kane in hopes of getting it working or figuring out what it could do. But no matter what we tried, it didn't seem to work. But we detected brief spikes of great power from time to time. We thought it was a super computer someone had tried to make but it was more. We tried to make it work but it seemed to be missing something, a spark." Jacob pointed to a strange box that looked no different than a metal box.

"Surprised Kane never tried using it," Mike said.

"After we didn't get any results, he lost interest, so did most of us, but Stone didn't," Jacob said. "He said that all it needed was a mind of its own and then it would come to life."

"'His own mind'?" Chuck asked. "Wait, what you're saying is-?!"

"My guess is that Stone thought of using the AI to give the Mother Box the mind it needed to work," Jacob said.

"And that was based on Kane, and it was what then became Grid." Dutch sweated.

"Well, it's settled then. Looks like your fight, just became my fight." Rex cracked his knuckles. "You guys got a plan?"

"Not really, why are you in such a hurry?" Mike asked.

"Because, I'm not the only one after that's after it," Rex replied.

High above the clouds, Blackfire looked down at the towering city that was Deluxe with an apathetic look on her face. First, because it reminded her too much of the accursed capital world of Curosant. And second, because she knew all too well what was in store for her and she didn't particularly like the idea of wasting time with a tin soldier. But if it meant that they would get the final piece that Owlman needed then she would bear with it.

'Halt! This is Grid Deluxe's airspace!' A squad of flying drones called out, getting her attention. 'Identify yourself or suffer the consequences!'

"Well, since you're so into an introduction," Blackfire swung her arm, blasting the drone with a star bolt. "I am Koman'dr! Queen Blackfire! Now bring out your master and let's have a nice chat!" Koman'dr attacked the drones with savage glee, punching through them like they were nothing more than regular flying paper kites.

Blackfire shot herself down to the luminous city of advanced technology, grinning at the sight of all the great machines turning to face her. Her glowing purple eyes spotted large cannons aiming towards her. They fired indiscriminately towards her, lighting up the sky with mighty green energy. Like fireworks going off in the night air, Blackfire flew around the shots being fired at her like it was a party and she was the soul of it. Her hands glowed bright purple before she fired a barrage of blasts against the lasers illuminating the darkness and dispersing the clouds. The color reminded her all too much of her former master's and the Jedi she'd slain, so she was mostly pleased.

Just then, a large flying train emerged from the side, striking her off course.

"Oh a feisty one, aren't you?!" Blackfire slammed her fists down on the train, smashing it into pieces.

She looked up, spotting more trains coming towards her. But she was more than happy to see them. Her hands gripped the remains of the train, slamming it against the incoming attacks. Laughing like a battle drunk barbarian, Blackfire enjoyed the robotic carnage that came her way. It was what she was born to do. She would remember this feeling when the time came to have a universe all her own.

However, just as she was about to smack another drone away, a swarm of drones caught her, electrocuting her. Mechanical tentacles wrapped around her, constricting her movements as she was feeling all the electrical power of a futuristic all machine utopia coursing through her. But still she smiled.

"Oh this is going to be fun!" Blackfire screamed with a mad cackle. "I don't care if Owlman wants you, he never said to bring you back in one piece!"

Her eyes glowed a bright purple before firing her starbolt vision at the drones, blasting them to pieces. She tore herself free before making a purple beeline towards the main building where Grid awaited her. Even with all the forces converging against her, overwhelming her like a swarm of ants taking down a killer wasp, Blackfire felt alive. This was what she had been born to do: fight. She made sure to take notes for what forces she would face in her personal dream realm.

The drones patrolling one of the entrances to Deluxe remained under the strict parameters of their programming while the battle was taking place over their heads. Which made them all the more unaware of the strange gas that surrounded their metal bodies. Their sensors didn't go off nor did they detect anything happening to them until it was too late. Their metal began to rust and their circuitry became jelly as the vapor corroded them from the inside. They fell down into broken piles of rust and battery acid as the vapor reformed into Metamorpho.

"All clear!" Metamorpho called out.

"You know, I think it's more terrifying that you can pull all that kind of deadly mist thing than the fact you can turn yourself into a giant wrecking ball." Dutch commented as the four cars rolled up, picking up Metamorpho.

"It's more of a pain to memorize all those chemical formulas to get what I want so I like to keep it simple if I can," Metamorpho said.

"Okay, so, good news and I guess bad news." Julie chimed in as the cars drove through the city at top speed.

"Hit us with the good news first Jules," Mike said.

"It seems all the defenses are focused on something else so we have only a few defenses to deal with on our way to the tower," Julie explained as they spotted several flying houses falling down on them.

"Incoming houses!" Chuck called out. "Evasive maneuvers!"

The cars drove quickly around the falling former homes, dodging being turned into pancakes. Metamorpho caught one of the falling houses before tossing it at another house while the cars picked up speed.

"Okay, despite not wanting to end up like the witch of the Wizard of Oz, what are the bad news?" Mike asked, pulling a gear shift.

A loud purple explosion caught their attention. They looked up to see Grids forces fighting and nearly winning against the invading force.

"Grid's focusing the majority of his energy into stopping someone that's attacking him directly!" Julie exclaimed. "They just appeared and started blasting left and right like a living weapon."

"Okay, kinda jealous that's happening to someone else," Texas commented. "But who'd be crazy enough to fight Grid head on like that? I mean, apart from us."

Metamorpho narrowed his eyes at the purple blasts that seemed to fight the robots at a semi-stand still. He only knew who was the one doing it. Blackfire had arrived to get the Mother Box. Time was of the essence.

"We gotta step on it, guys!" Metamorpho banged on the car's roof. "This just became a race!"

"Friend of yours?" Mike asked.

"For a while, but she's more dangerous than you think," Metamorpho replied. "If she gets to Grid before we do, well, it won't be pretty!"
"She?!" Chuck hacked into the cameras to see who was up in the sky. "No way, it is a girl! And she's tearing metal like its paper! What the heck is she?!" Chuck freaked out, completely understandably.

"Long story short? Her name is Blackfire, and she's an alien warrior that can defeat armies on her own and blast stuff without blinking!" Metamorpho explained. "And she's as dangerous as any sadistic warlord you can think of!"

"You heard him, Burners, step on it!" Mike and the Burners reached the tower. "We need to take down Grid and take the Mother Box from him before she gets to either!"

The cars made their way up through the tower, driving through the floors as the security drones activated.

The drones launched themselves at the Burners.

"Fire back!" Mike pressed his trigger.

Lasers flew through the halls, shooting the drones full of holes but for every drone they destroyed, they were met with another drone.

Metamorpho jumped ahead, transforming his body into a tornado propelled drill. Spinning like a mad top, he tore through the drones with ease. With his help the Burners kept on going at high speeds through the halls.

"How far till we reach the top?!" Dutch fired his laser, cutting one of the drones.

"We're almost half way there!" Julie activated her electric defenses, sending the drones off of her. "We need to keep going!"

Just then, they felt the ground shake underneath them. The halls turned and shifted, making the Burners almost crash into the walls and floors that popped up before them. Metamorpho punched through the walls, helping them stay with him. But that was only the beginning. The tower shifted, pulling the cars out as a large race track surrounded the top of the tower.

"What the heck?!" Metamorpho was hit on the side by a spinning trap, knocking him into Texas' car.

"Hang on buddy!" Texas swerved them before getting back to the race.
"Chuck, what just happened?!" Mike asked, turning to take the curve.

"Grid has altered the tower to have a transformation!" Chuck freaked out. "Now it's a living trap-filled race track!"

"So he wants to play chicken, huh? Well, let's see if he's fast enough to keep up!" Mike narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of Grid in the middle of the track, watching them. "He wants a rush? Let's give him a rush! Burners, let's make Grid regret challenging us to a battle of speed!"

The Burners and Metamorpho spread out, taking as many of the machines as they could, separating Grid's attention.

Mike took the front, speeding past the traps with his car Mutt reaching high speeds. He pulled out his laser weapons, firing at the drones that came their way with fast blitz attacks. They blew up as he opened up a path for his team to move in and attack.

Julie activated her electric pulse, spinning her car to stun as many of the drones that approached her, shaking them off. She activated her holograms, making them appear and disappear before the drones before having the traps take them out for her. The drones were fast but she knew these systems better than anyone.

Dutch spotted more drones coming down from above, activating his scorpion laser. One slash of the purple laser and they were taken out of the fight. He moved out of the way as Texas and Metamorpho pulled up to do their thing.

"Make way for Texas!" Texas called out. "Hiya!" He punched his steering wheel turning his car into a super fast battering ram.

Metamorpho transformed his arms into a spiked cowcatcher, plowing through the remaining drones that got in their way.

"As much as I like plowing through robots, how are we going to get to Grid from here?" Metamorpho asked.

"We need him to be focused on us, we'll act as a distraction and then you jump in and take him!" Mike explained.

"That's too risky! I'll be the distraction, you guys get out of here!" Metamorpho crushed the drones.

Boom!
"Something's coming!" Chuck screamed.

Grid watched all the monitors as the forces simultaneously came together against him. The Burners were to be expected as they were a thorn on Kane's side since before he came online. Their guerrilla tactics were amusing and fun to battle against, but they were of no major consequence to him and left them be for the most part. But the developments came from the two new interlopers: The shifting creature called Metamorpho and the one that came from the sky called Blackfire. They were most intriguing. He didn't know why but the thing that composed his chest was attracted to them, their energy.

Sadly, he couldn't focus so much on that. His resources were slowly being depleted as the battle on multiple fronts was taking its toll on him. The constant attacks of the Burners and Metamorpho were taking too much of his time, meanwhile Blackfire's onslaught up in the air was nothing to scoff at. He needed to take care of one or the other first instead of battling them all on a battle royal. But who to choose?
Boom!
"Quarry answered!" Grid said as Metamorpho landed before him with spiked maze hands.

"Yep, put em up, tin man!" Metamorpho dared.

Grid transformed his arm into a cannon, firing it straight at Metamorpho. The blast's bower pushed him back slightly, with the living elemental man digging his heels to stop. Gritting his teeth, Metamorpho stepped towards the robot, digging his feet on the platform to gain even the smallest distance. He could feel the energy coursing through him like a live wire connected to his arms. But he still fought on.

Metamorpho reached Grid, backhanding the cannon out of his face before slamming his right maze into Grid's metal chest. Grid stood back up as Metamorpho punched him across the face and then uppercutting him with his other hand and then landing a blow to the robot's midriff, pushing him back. He went on for another blow to the robot's face only for Grid to catch the attack and punch Metamorpho back. Grid pressed on the offensive, landing blow after blow to Metamorpho's face and body. His robotic knuckles coated with electricity felt like they were packing the strength of a train behind each blow.

Metamorpho held up his arm, blocking the punches as best as he could. He morphed his arm into an insulating jelly substance, catching one of Grid's arms. He grabbed hold of the robot and started slamming him over and over on the platform making it bounce with each slam. Metamorpho pinned Grid on the ground before morphing his arm into a hammer.

"Go to sleep! Go to sleep! Go to sleep!" Metamorpho slammed and punched Grid's face into the platform, pushing the metal under them and making sparks from torn cable to spark as Grid's body twitched.

"Yeah! That's the Texas way! WOOO!" Texas called out from the track.

Grid's chest started to glow, blasting Metamorpho off of him with enough strength that he slammed him back onto the race track. Grid pounced on Metamorpho, pressing his hand around his throat, squeezing it.

"That was unpleasant." Grid tightened his hold. "Allow me to repay the favor." Grid's chest glowed for another shot.

"Me first." Metamorpho pointed to the side with his thumb.

Grid wasn't going to fall for such a basic tact-WHAM!
"Texas!" Texas called out as he ran over Grid.

Metamorpho transformed himself into wind, surrounding Grid inside a mini tornado, slamming him over and over on the track before another car hit him.

Julie activated her electric charge, hitting Grid with all the power her car still had.

"That's for my dad you metal bastard," Julie gritted.

Dutch follwed suit with a laser blast to Grid's face as Metamorpho held him in place.

"And that's one more for the Burners, baby!" Dutch called out.

Grid released an explosive on the wind, burning it and pushing Metamorpho off of him.

Metamorpho screamed in pain as he fell to the floor. He reformed himself as best he could, slightly misshapen but still alive.

"This attempt to stop my work is over! You are in too much pain!" Grid's pulled out a blade.

Metamorpho blocked it with his own blade.

"Funny thing, I'm in constant pain, but I can still manage!" Metamorpho parried the blade away, kicking Grid back in the stomach.

Grid created another cannon with his other arm he was about to fire only to be shot by Mutt's lasers. Grid looked ahead as Metamorpho jumped over the incoming car. Mike rode in, spinning his car at top speed, slamming Grid's side with it. Grid was sent flying as Metamorpho took this chance, jumping after him.

Metamorpho morphed his arms into torrents of acid, burning off Grid's right arm. Grid looked more annoyed and intrigued at the loss of a robotic limb than angry. He sliced off his own arm before another one regrew from the shoulder stump.

"Interesting." Grid stated before a giant fist slammed into him.

Metamorpho punched the self-reparating robot with all his might. Like a giant punching an ant into the dirt, the elemental man pulled back his large hand before slamming it back down, crushing the robot with all his might. Sparks flew as Grid was barely able to hold back the attacks. His arms morphed into a shield as his electronic brain computed a different strategy.

His sensors detected an incoming energy signal.

"I wondered when you'd arrive," Grid said.

Metamorpho lifted both of his arms over his head for one final attack when he was blasted on the side. He slammed back into one of the cars as the Burners finally jumped out of the track just in time to catch him. Metamorpho held his head as he saw who was hovering over Grid.

"Thanks for doing the heavy lifting for me, Rex," Blackfire said, dropping the remains of the robots she was fighting to the ground. "But I will be taking the spoils now. I hope you aren't broken, I wanna see what you have to offer." She turned to Grid as he picked himself up.

"All systems are still working efficiently despite receiving damages. But I do not see what the unknown identity has to offer," Grid aimed his arm cannon at Blackfire.

"Come on, you're telling me you're fine with making this dingy little city all you got?" Blackfire asked. "This place is barely a playground. What if I can take you to someone that has true vision?"

"Hey, this is our home you're dissing out!" Mike revved his car's engine.

Blackfire fired a starbolt his way only for Metamorpho to block it.

"As I was saying, before being rudely interrupted, You made this little city into a fortified bed of an empire," Blackfire said. "But can you imagine what a little extra freedom could give you? What you could do with a whole universe of possibilities?"

"What is she talking about?" Dutch asked.

"Nothing good," Metamorpho said. "Grid, don't listen to her! She's lying through her teeth!"

It was a gamble but Metamorpho hoped that he could convince the machine that Blackfire was not to be listened to.

But Grid's mind caught onto his intentions from the start. He looked at Blackfire with intrigue. His whole existence, he could feel something calling him to do bigger things. His actions had improved Deluxe beyond anything his creators could ever hope for. To him the idea that he could spread and give his potential a real test was enticing. He looked at Blackfire and could tell that she didn't care what he did in the end. She wanted something from him and he had something to gain.

Perhaps a test was in order.

"Give me a good reason I should listen to you," Grid said. "Show me that you are not working with the Burners and their newest ally."

Blackfire's eyes glowed bright, flashing a sinister smile at the Burners.

"Get back!" Metamorpho warned.

Blackfire fired her starbolt eyes at the group with the full intention of killing the group and her former teammate. Metamorpho transformed his body into a powerful shield, deflecting the starbolts as much as he could. But even with his incredibly durable body, he was still hurt from the bomb Grid had used on him. He just needed to hold on until the Burners could get out of the way.

But Grid wasn't going to let that happen. He lifted his hand, commanding the broken pieces and the materials from the track to wrap around Metamorpho and the Burners, encasing them into a ball. He dropped them back down into the city, leaving himself and Blackfire to finish their conversation.

"Did I pass your test?" Blackfire asked. "Or do you need me to go down there and bring you their corpses?"

"No, you are telling the truth of your relationship with the Burners and their ally," Grid said. "But now, I must ask, how do you intend to procure all the possibilities that you have promised?"

Blackfire smiled as a portal appeared behind her.

"Why don't you ask my boss?" Blackfire asked. "He'll tell you how to use that fancy box on your chest better than anyone ever thought."

Grid looked down at the main piece that composed his body and all his self. It was detecting spikes of energy coming from the other side of the portal. It was telling him to go through the portal and find out the truth. His destiny was calling. He recorded everything about Deluxe and Motorcity in his memory banks, almost like giving one last look at your old home before moving away.

"Final recognition is completed, all plans have been stored and filed, we may go," Grid followed Blackfire through the portal.

Down on the ground floor, the large metal prison that held Metamorpho and the Burners had landed in the middle of the square, digging itself half way down the floor. A laser chainsaw sliced open an escape, letting water out of the metal ball. Mike, Chuck, Julie, Dutch and Texas all came out of the prison, coughing.

"Everyone okay?" Mike coughed.

"Worst escape, ever," Dutch said.

"At least we're breathing again," Julie said as the water reformed into Metamorpho.

"Yeah, sorry about that," Metamorpho said. "I had to think fast or else you'd be dead."

"At least we're alive," Chuck gasped. "Hey, were are the robots?"

The group looked at all the machines as they fell to the ground, or stopped functioning like they had run out of batteries.

"Drones are down, there's no sign of Grid anywhere in Deluxe," Dutch said.

"I don't suppose that raven haired laser-eyed lady had something to do with this?" Mike turned to Metamorpho.

"I'm afraid so. She must've taken him with her to see her boss." Metamorpho punched his hand.

"That doesn't sound good," Texas said.

"It doesn't. I have to go and meet up with the rest of my team," Metamorpho said. "You guys should… go and make sure everyone is alright down in Motorcity. If Grid doesn't come back, you guys can come back up, if not, well, it's been fun." Metamorpho summoned a door.

"Yo, Rex, I don't know what's going on. But we don't give up without a fight." Mike said, making Rex turn around. "Sure, we don't always know what we're up against, but even if it's just for a second, we live wild, live fast, live free. Fight isn't over until you say it's over."

Metamorpho smiled, shaking Mike's hand.

"Good luck, Burners," Metamorpho said. "For what it's worth, your world was pretty damn cool from what I saw." Metamorpho went through the door.

Back at the House of Mystery, everyone had gathered up with all their relics and pieces that they needed to find Owlman and his Legion of Doom.

They watched as their magic users summoned the spell, using Mad Mod's card to locate them throughout the multiverse.

Many books and stories shuffled in the air as the spell narrowed down where the enemy was located.

"Well, you can't fault Owlman for choosing that world to hide in," Cain said.

"You did say that that world didn't seem to have an ending," Shade said.

"So, that's his world, a world of Miracles that never outgrew its cycle," Bruce said as the image of the Eiffel Tower appeared before them.

"Gear up everyone," Shade turned to everyone. "We're going to war."

Owlman watched the Eiffel Tower one last time, feeling like it was just another building that would soon be wiped out. He held no love or fondness for the structure or the world. It was a tactical decision to hide there and he would do so again.

"Are you going to brood so close to our victory?" Punchline asked.

"Sometimes you need to take a step back and see what lies somewhere else to get back to work," Owlman replied. "Has everyone gathered?"

Punchline gestured to their new Legion of Doom. Blackfire, Grid, Parasite, Grundy, Cheetah, Mad Mod and Bronze Tiger were all gathered together to see their boss's goal made true.

"You have all sworn to help me in my endeavor and I thank you," Owlman said. "I will keep it brief. Nothing matters, and as such we can do whatever we want. But now, I give you our final real choice."

Owlman gestured to a giant bomb that he'd created using the energies of the relics his team had recovered. They might've missed some but the ones with noticeable allies were more important to get. Now, all they needed was a way to Earth Prime.

The end is nigh, one last story to be told.

Chapter Text

What if you didn't blink?

Owlman kept on typing on his computer as the rest of his Legion of Doom worked on fixing and ensuring the efficiency of the world destroying bomb. One would assume that getting their hands on ancient and all powerful relics to wipe out all civilization would have one shaking or even, but not him. His fingers moved quickly and with precision like a surgeon in the middle of an operation. His whole life had been building up to this end. As much as he would love to take the moment and gaze once more at existence, he knew it would be meaningless. There were just some things that you could only see so many times before you took them for granted and saw them as nothing more than a mess. His world was a perfect example of that.

"Shouldn't you be helping Parasite and Grundy?" Owlman didn't bother turning from his screen. "They aren't exactly the most dexterous of our teammates."

"I am helping, I am helping with the programming and detonation systems of the Quantum Trigger, as you call it." Punchline sat down on a box next to Owlman, giving him bedroom eyes. "The one you made with the Dream Stone."

"Funny. That is exactly what I'm doing," Owlman snorted. "Is there something you need help with?"

"Just want to pass the time with my boss. I already plan on riding you in my reality as we burn the world down, so I figured I'd get the foreplay down. But since you asked," Punchline hopped to her feet, wrapping her arms around Owlman's neck, pressing her body against his back. "What made you choose this world? Out of the infinity and a half of world we could've hidden, you chose to use the Dream Stone to take us here. Why?"

Owlman stopped typing for the first time since he'd started. He turned around, giving Punchline a dead eyed look. The look of a man that had everything and still felt like it didn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

"Because, I hate this world. I hate the eternal cycle it has been stuck in since the Guardians thought of enslaving gods for petty reasons," Owlman replied. "This world found a way to use the power of gods to make utopias, advance humanity out of the mud, instead, they are stuck playing petty squabbles and power grabs. A world that cannot see the futility of such foolishness doesn't deserve to have this power. Why, if it weren't for these pathetic rules and blind ambition, this world would be perfect. Instead, I and all others are stuck in a wheel, spinning until we're back to where we started. And I've seen it in other worlds. So, why not start by breaking the world that made me realize the hollowness of life."

Punchline smiled a crazed smile. Every word she heard was exactly what she wanted to hear. The man before her was the kind of man she would've followed until the bitter end. It was more than physical attraction, beyond obsession, it was a crazed demented case of mad devotion. She pulled herself to her face, kissing him deeply.

Their kiss was savage but brief. And yet it could've lasted a lifetime.

"Just when I didn't think I could love you any more, you speak to me like a poet~." Punchline pulled back, giving Owlman a crazy smile and half-lidded eyes. "I'm in, all the way~."

Owlman only gave her a cold stare. He didn't reciprocate her feelings. But having her devotion like that of a cult member was something he could use.
"Owlman."

They turned to see Grid walking towards them with his own cold robotic stare.

"What is it, Grid? Have you finished with the modifications I asked for?" Owlman asked in his normal monotone tone.

"I have. The calculations were a challenge, but I was able to adjust the Dream Stone to take the device to the location of your choosing. However, I have noticed something of an inconsistency," Grid pulled up a list of marked calls, and recordings that didn't make a lot of sense to him. "It would seem that someone in your organization has been leaking information under your nose."

"You better not make any assumptions, Skynet!" Punchline hissed, holding a knife to his neck. "No one here would ever dare!"

Owlman's eyes widened, if only slightly. A traitor? Now that was something he hadn't accounted for. He couldn't have missed anyone, everyone was in his pocket and they had no reason to betray him. All except for one…

"Bring Bronze Tiger to me." Owlman said before turning back to his calculations.

Grid and Punchline nodded, leaving Owlman to finish what he really needed.

He typed faster, using the energy of the relics to find his true target. His eyes lit up as his own sinister smile spread across this face. The screen showed him that the location of Earth Prime was fifty percent completed. All he needed was wait, even if it meant spending that time snapping Bronze Tiger's neck. So, not at all bad if he had to admit it.

Bronze Tiger was seemingly finishing what would be his last dinner with his new best friend and co-conspirator.

"I must say, duckie, that slob you had for lunch smells worse now than when you were cooking it," Mad Mod said, looking at his watch.

"Yeah, somehow Proud Snacks are crap no matter the time and place you cook them." Bronze Tiger put the food on a plate, hoping it wouldn't dissolve itself. "So, how long now?"

"Well, the countdown to Zero Hour is always full of tension, especially if you don't know when the hour is about to strike." Mad Mod mused. "I just hope the poorly dressed gals and fellas come quickly. I like to exist for the upcoming real future."

The door to the kitchen was knocked down by Grid as he and Punchline walked in with a nasty look on the latter's face.

"I'd say 'speak of the Devil', but I doubt Beelzebub and all his consorts dress like cosplaying strippers," Bronze Tiger said. "Is there a reason you wrecked the door with your new toy, Punchline? Or did you just feel like coming here to mess my break?"

"You have some nerve making jokes now that we're about to win this once and for all," Punchline hissed with her knives ready. "You never believed in our cause and now you plan on messing it all up, don't you?!"
"If you mean, I was hamstrung into helping you and your crazy boyfriend into making this doomsday weapon? The answer is yes. I would gladly have slit Owlman's throat the second I had the chance," Bronze Tiger admitted without a hint of guilt. "This whole deal is sour and you know it. There's no pocket worlds for us. That's only so we helped Owlman put an end to the multiverse because he feels his world is bullshit instead of fixing it. And no amount of blackmail is gonna stop me from what I have to do."

Punchline gritted her teeth, gripping her knives tightly. If there was one thing she hated more than anything, it was stubborn fools that didn't get the joke. There was no fixing, there was only breaking everything down and making sure nothing could grow back.

"Bravo, BT, bravo! A most excellent speech!" Mad Mod clapped. "An act of defiance against great odds is always the way one's to go. I tip my hat to you."

"Enough! You're going to be a dead rug!"

¡BOOOM!

The whole building shook violently, surprising everyone.

"Ah, right on time!" Mad Mod aimed his cane at Punchline, gassing her with a thick cloud of red smoke.

Punchline coughed as her eyes burnt, giving Bronze Tiger the chance to kick her in the stomach.

Grid pulled out his arm cannon only for Bronze Tiger to slam the plate full of homemade Proud Snacks on his face.

"Duck, duckie!" Mad Mod pulled out a flare, tossing it at Grid's face.

The mixture caught on fire like gasoline, exploding and sending Grid through the wall, leaving a nasty burn on its body. If there was one constant in the multiverse, it was that anything following a recipe from Oscar Proud's Looney Tunes head would end up with disaster. Those snacks of his were a hazard that would put most tinpot despots and mad scientists out of a job in the chemical warfare department. But at that moment, they were the perfect substitute for C-4 and a bag of dynamite. If only Oscar knew he'd invented poison and demolition in one single package, he'd made a fortune selling it to people that wanted stuff gone and people silenced. The world was safe indeed.

Bronze Tiger and Mad Mod jumped out through the smoke and cinders, running towards the room where the bomb and the others were. Was it a dangerous move? Of course. But it was a high risk and a high reward situation that they had to play. Their steps echoed in the hall as the sound of explosions and angry heroes from other worlds echoed in the back, destroying the defenses of the base. And yet there they were, running straight to the dragon's den with no sure way to survive. It would be terrifying if the two wildcards were not already planning on what to do next.

They reached the room where the bomb and everyone else was. Only to be met with the other five villains glaring at them and Owlman looking down on them.

"What is going on?!" Cheetah demanded, snarling.

"It sounds like we've got guests!" Blackfire glared at the two. "What happened?!"

"It would seem like the heroes figured out all the breadcrumbs we left them," Mad Mod shrugged. "Well, better late than never I suppose. Though it is tradition for the hero to arrive on the nick of time to save the day, it adds a sense of drama to it all."

Owlman wasn't pleased by this development. Not one traitor but two was unacceptable.

"You both lead them here? I suspected betrayal from Bronze Tiger, but what could you have to stand against me, Mod?" Owlman asked. "I promised you a world where you could get everything you could ever want. Something any thief could ever ask."

Mad Mod took a more serious look as he returned the look at Owlman.

"That's where you misread me, mate," Mad Mod said. "Having everything handed to me is exactly what I call mundane and boring. Of course I led the heroes here, duckies!" This got growls and killer glares from the other villains and the recently arrived Grid and Punchline.

Tensions rose like lava bubbling to the surface, risking blowing up and destroying everything. Which was all that the wild cards wanted.

"Why would you do that?!" Cheetah spoke up in rage.

"I may be many things, kitty. I may be a thief, a smuggler, a tip top tailor, a sharp dresser and a groovy dancer!" Mad Mod spun in place, striking a pose for all to see. "But I am not a sociopath like the rest of you lot. Why the bloody hell would I want to kill everyone? They are what make this fun for me!"

His speech didn't go over so well with the rest of the villains.

"Kill them," Owlman said. "And make it painful." He turned away.

The villains circled around them with growls and roars, like a pack of wolves about to tear their prey into pieces. Bronze Tiger and Mod held out their respective weapons before they pounced on them.

Punchline wanted first blood, swinging her knives at Bronze Tiger, forcing him to block her away. Using his clawed-knuckle dusters, he parried the blades away from him like a trained master would push punches away. But she moved quickly and erratically, forcing Bronze Tiger to duck only for Grid to punch him in the face.

Bronze Tiger was sent flying back, feeling the strength of a train hitting his face. His warrior instincts kicked in. He ducked under the swipe from Cheetah's claws, sweeping his leg under her feet. She jumped up, trying to pounce and dig her claws down into his flesh. Bronze Tiger rolled out of the way, catching one of Punchline's knives. He elbowed her on the face before jumping back as Grid stomped down where he'd been standing.

"You guys aren't making this easy!" Bronze Tiger said before Cheetah slashed his side with her claws. "But that's fine by me!" Be swung back, punching Cheetah in the face.

Mad Mod slipped past Grundy's large swinging arms. He spun and ducked under his attacks as they tried to nail him down. Parasite jumped in, swinging his razor sharp claws at Mad Mod. The slender thief released another blast of gas at the two brutes letting them clash with one another. He jumped over them, dropping binding ribbons that pulled them together. They attacked and pushed each other but the ribbons pulled them closer, making sure they couldn't get anywhere but close to each other.

Blackfire caught Mad Mod by the throat before he could escape, glaring at him with her starbolts ready. Mod quickly pulled out a small spray, hitting Blackfire in the eyes. She screamed in pain before slamming him in the ground and tossing him away.

Mad Mod slammed into Bronze Tiger as the villains stood over them.

"So, how are you doing with your side?" Mad Mod asked.

"Well, I'm pretty sure we could use a miracle," Bronze Tiger spat out some blood.

Almost as if the writer had heard their prayers, a large portal opened up, revealing everyone. The Challengers of the Unknown and the Outsiders stepped out of the portal, standing behind Mad Mod and Bronze Tiger with everyone ready for a fight. The villains flinched at the sight of the intruders, but they kept their glares at the heroes as Cain and Shade helped the two turncoats back to their feet.

"Right on time, I'd say, chaps," Mad Mod added. "Pleasure to meet all of you."

"I see you two finally made it," Bronze Tiger said.

"Next time, leave an address or an easier way to get here," Cain scoffed. "We did just broke in and fought our way through their defenses to get here, you know."

"What's the situation?" Shade asked.

"Crazy bloke wants to destroy everything because he's tired and disappointed with his lot in life," Mad Mod replied. "Me thinks he's gone right around the curve on this one."

"Yeah, that fits with his madness," Shade looked up at Owlman as he looked down on them.

"Do you expect me to explain myself and my actions? You've seen more worlds and lifetimes combined than anyone else, and you don't see it?" Owlman scoffed. "Humanity is a cancer, every decision we make is narrow minded and only aids in the short time we exist. This world found a way to bound gods to items and they fail to use that potential for anything good and advance the world. Instead they use it to maintain a cycle that never changes or grows. My world would've been perfect but they had had the vision to see what laid beyond what their flimsy ideals of good and justice allowed them to see. My family saw that. I see that the cycles we're bound to must be destroyed. Only then there will be perfection."

But the heroes were not convinced.

"Dude, a blank canvas isn't perfect. It's just a blank sheet of paper," Primer said.

"The kid got it in one," John and Batman joined Shade and Cain. "You're a bloody fool, Owlman."

"And I suppose a lost boy has a better take on this?" Owlman scoffed. "My world would've been perfect."

"If your world were perfect, there would be no need for heroes or villains. The perfect Earth doesn't exist, that's how guys like us are made. Because of the madness of those worlds. Because of their dreams and nightmares come to life. Because a perfect Earth doesn't need a Superman." John Constantine pointed an accusatory finger at Owlman, making the mad man scowl.

Owlman had had enough of this talk. They wanted to play heroes, then they shall perish like heroes. He had almost found Earth Prime, all he needed was to last a little more. Murmuring 'Oversight' under his breath, he saw had to do to get what he needed. Cliche ending it was, so be it.

"Fine, you want to play it like this? I can dabble until then." Owlman and his villains attacked the massive group of heroes, making them split up into teams.

Shade, Cain and Batman jumped in to fight against Owlman themselves. Cain swung his shovel at Owlman, parrying his boomerang with a dark smile as Shade summoned a golden sword and Batman jumped down from above. Owlman moved his head at the last second before jumping back, avoiding Batman. Batman swung his cape tendrils at Owlman like daggers flying through the air. Owlman dodged right, left, seeing what was going to happen thanks to his Miraculous.

He smirked as he effortlessly dodged all of Batman's attacks before catching an incoming punch from the hero. Owlman punched Batman across the face, pushing him back only for Cain to slam his shovel on the ground, sending Owlman back.

Shade came in and swung his golden sword, scratching Owlman's mask but that didn't stop the mad man from continuing his fight. Owlman activated the weapons of his suit, firing blasts of magic from his gauntlets. Shade summoned a golden shield, blocking the shots as Cain appeared from above, swinging his shovel like a battle axe.

But Owlman wasn't bothered. He'd faced many enemies before, and all he needed was to buy time.

Batman wrapped his cowl tendrils around Owlman's wrists pulling them back before kicking Owlman in the stomach. Batman swung his cape, catching Owlman's eyes before Caine appeared from the darkness to strike at the man. Owlman growled in annoyance, pulling out a gun to fire, only for Shade to knock it out of his hand.

"Oversight!" Owlman commanded.

As soon as he summoned his ability, Batman tossed a smoke bomb in front of Owlman, blinding him. Owlman looked around the smoke, keeping his guard up from all sides. Cain thrusted his shovel like a spear from the darkness, getting Owlman's side, causing sparks. Owlman grabbed the shovel, tossing him away. Shade jumped in, wrapping a golden chain around Owlman's leg, pulling him down. Owlman sliced the chain with his boomerang to cut the chain.

Batman jumped in with his sword. They clashed, causing sparks to spread as they finally got a good look at one another. Through the gritting teeth and the glares, the one thing the two beings could agree on was that they were looking at a twisted mirror version of themselves.

"I see they dug you out to face me. Pathetic." Owlman commented, kicking Batman back with his enhanced strength.

Batman tossed a dagger at Owlman's face, only for him to catch it with ease. But his smile was short-lived. Cain swung his shovel at Owlman's face, hitting him hard enough to send him back.

"You don't know how much I wanted to do that." Cain swung down his shovel at Owlman's belt, only for the man to block the attack with his boomerang.

"This won't change anything. I will-" Owlman was cut off as Batman and Shade joined in, forcing him to roll out of the way.

"You talk too much," Shade said.

Owlman picked himself up. It had been a while since anyone had hurt him this way. But he would make them suffer for it.

Deadman, Mad Mod and Bronze Tiger used this chance to head straight to the bomb. While the heroes and the villains duked it out, they tried to defuse the giant world ending weapon. The weapon was impressive and very advance, with a combination of both magic and technology and was being powered by several relics of Perpetua's to just be left to its own devices.

"Okay, so, how do we get this thing out of commission?" Deadman asked.

"I don't suppose Owlman left a turn off switch somewhere in this ugly thing, did he?" Mad Mod asked.

"Don't ask me, punk wouldn't let me near this thing," Bronze Tiger said.

"Well, can't be too hard to shut down." Mad Mod stuck his cane on one of the panels, praying it open. "I've made plenty of bombs in my day, this should be easy."

However, as soon as he opened the panel, their eyes went wide as they saw a vast array of advanced circuits and cables. They were invaded with awe as well as complete confusion. All the pieces seemed to be placed and connected at random. It made them wonder if they were looking at a computer or a painting of circuits and pieces that looked to be from a sci-fi movie.

"This might be more difficult than I thought," Mad Mod gulped.

"I don't suppose we can just splash this with water and call it a day, can we?" Deadman asked.

"Let's try the controllers. Maybe we can send it to some other world before it blows!" Bronze Tiger, Mad Mod and Deadman rushed to the controls to shut it down.

Other fights spread throughout the compound, with Harley Quinn, Wildcat II and Raven chasing after Punchline. Punchline tossed her knives at the three furies only to be blocked by Raven's magic. The young sorceress unleashed her dark magic against the terrorist, forcing her to jump out of the way from the blasts of black magic.

Punchline pulled out a gas bomb, stabbing it with one of her knives, she tossed it at Raven. Raven encased the bomb in a dark bubble, keeping the gas inside as Punchline rushed in to stab her.

Wildcat II caught Punchline's hand before she could do anything, getting punched in the face with all the strength. Punchline went down, bleeding from her mouth. She snarled at Wildcat II, jumping back to swing at her with a dagger. She swung her blade quickly at the woman trying to catch a chance at stabbing Raven.

"Hold still, I just want to make you all pretty!" Punchline tossed out more of her gas bombs at them, setting them off.

Raven summoned more black magic bubbles to contain the bombs. Her focus stretched as more and more of the canisters tried to explode and let out all their toxins.

Wildcat II lost sight of Punchline, giving her a chance to pounce on her. She pulled out another blade from her suit. She swung it down, putting pressure on her arms to gut Wildcat II.

"You know, I always liked our girl time, kitty!" Punchline struggled against Wildcat's own strength pushing her back. "But I could never believe that you treated me as an equal. Time for payback!" She aimed her dagger at Wildcat's eye.

"Yo, knock-off clown face!" Harley kneed Punchline in the stomach before punching her in the face. "Back off from my girls!"

"Oh I'm not a clown, I'm just the Punch-!" Punchline was caught off by a mallet to the face.

"Man, she loves the sound of her own voice," Harley said. "How did you girls deal with that?"

"Like this!" Raven brought all the canisters together in a single bubble with Punchline inside them.

Punchline got a good dose of her own gas, making her pass out inside her new prison.

"Either that or punching her, both are good options," Wildcat II shrugged. "Thanks for the save."

"Any time!" Harley smiled, hugging them tightly.

Up in the air, Supergirl, Ms. Martian and Green Lantern tried to catch and detain Blackfire. Which was a lot easier said than done. Backfire fired her starbolts at them with deadly precision, pushing them back and threatening to shoot anyone that was down on the ground. Green Lantern summoned an empowered shield of will, blasting back the starbolts.

"I see someone got their ring working!" Blackfire dove down, punching through the construct. "I should've ripped it off!"

"I'd like to see you try now!" Green Lantern's will burnt brightly, pushing back the Tamaranian Inquisitor.

Supergirl caught Blackfire, punching her. Blackfire returned the punch, hitting Supergirl across the face. The two alien girls went back and forth, giving and returning punches between each other in an effort to push the other one out of the fight. Blackfire uppercutted Kara, cutting her lip. Supergirl retaliated with a roundhouse kick to Blackfire's head. Blackfire elbowed Supergirl's stomach, making her gasp for air. Supergirl grabbed Blackfire's head headbutting her back, breaking her nose. The Tamaranian princess fired a blast from her eyes at the Krypatonian, only to be slammed from the back by a powerful psychic wave from behind.

Ms. Martian levitated several rocks around her before slamming them against Blackfire. Blackfire punched through the rocks with ease, blasting her starbolts at Ms. Martian. Her rage empowered her as she shot towards Ms. Martian, her fists glowing with power. Ms. Martian phased through the Tamaranian's attack, avoiding her attacks.

Blackfire smashed into the wall, leaving a hole with her fists. Her eyes lit up as she released a blast of her eye lasers at Ms. Martian. Supergirl flew in, firing her own heat vision to counter her attack.

Their attacks clashed, creating a red and purple stand off for dominance.

"You have powers like mine, but I am a warrior!" Blackfire increased her intensity as Supergirl fought back. "Where did you learn to fight in high school?!"

"Yeah!" Supergirl replied. "And thanks, for reminding me to cut loose!"

Supergirl's eyes burnt a bright red as her heat vision pushed back Blackfire through the wall. The Tamaranian didn't have too much time to react before Supergirl was on top of her. She brought down a haymaker at her face, sending her down. Blackfire swung at her only for Supergirl to catch her punch, flipping her over her shoulder and through another wall. Blackfire grabbed Supergirl by the hair, punching her in the face before kneeing her in the stomach.

Green Lantern blasted Blackfire with his ring, sending her down through the ground. His fiery will pinned her down to the ground with a construct of chains.

Blackfire tried to break free from those bonds using her starbolts.

Ms. Martian became visible before phasing her hand into Blackfire's head, knocking her out.

"What did you do?" Green Lantern asked.

"A psychic shock, think of it like your train of thought suddenly hits a wall," Ms. Martian asked. "Don't approve?"

"She shattered my hand and ring, I feel like she got off easy," Green Lantern looked at his hand.

"I'll say. Some warrior conqueror. Who uses hair pulling outside of kindergarten?" Supergirl rubbed her head.

Green Arrow fired a fire arrow at Grundy, setting his head on fire as it charged at him and his allies. He rolled out of the way as he fired another arrow at the zombie's leg while Red Hood fired his basters at its side and Creeper hopped over the flaming skull.

"And Creeper dodges in the nick of time, earning his team another ten points!" Creeper landed on his feet as Grundy swung the back of his arm at him. "And now performs the limbo! Five extra points!" Creeper bent over backwards as the large arm swung back.

Grundy raised his arms over his head, slamming them down at the ground. Creeper jumped away just in time, avoiding the large fists like a springing flea, jumping from spot to spot.

Green Arrow and Red Hood took this chance to shoot the zombie with light arrows and lasers, scarring his chest.

"You know, if I had a snail for every time that I've fought a zombie, I'd have two nickles." Green Arrow fired a green arrow, binding Grundy with strong green vines.

"You mean like it's rare and you didn't expect it to happen twice?" Red Hood asked as Grundy snapped the vines before throwing a meat cleaver at them.

"Honestly, I live in a giant corpse, I'm more surprised it hasn't happened more often." Green Arrow fired an arrow blocking the meat cleaver from getting them before firing another arrow at Grundy's hand.

Creeper caught the butcher's knife with his teeth like a dog catching a frisbee. He swung it back at Grundy, hitting the big monster's leg before charging at him. Using his animalistic speed and agility, the crazy grinning hero rolled in the air before planting his feet on Grundy's stomach. Grundy stepped back in pain before trying to punch Creeper, punching through the ground like a whack-a-mole game. Creeper dodged, flipped and scurried around the large beast's punches while laughing.

Grundy lifted one of his massive legs, stomping at the ground, only for Creeper to dodge every single one of them. It angered the zombie that such a creature could easily evade every single one of his attacks. And it made him even angrier when he looked at the grin of the yellow skinned hero taunting him. Which was entirely Creeper's intention.

Creeper snuck between the zombie's legs. He turned around, kicking the back of Grundy's knees, making them go pop. Grundy screamed as Creeper grabbed his head, bending him back.

"So, anyone wanna shoot this guy or am I doing all the work here?!" Creeper asked.

"He talks a lot of big games for someone that's got such a shootable face!" Red Hood fired at Grundy.

"Not the first one to pull one like that! But I got one better!" Green Arrow fired his arrows.

"A competition against such an outdated toy? Why don't you just let me win and I promise to make you look good!" Red Hood fired his blasters, taking a headshot on Grundy.

"Kid, you don't know who you're messing with!" Green Arrow fired more arrows, finishing a glyph on Grundy's body.

The glyph activated, sealing Grundy in a large block of ice.

"Ooh, it looks like an ice swan," Creeper said, brushing off the ice. "After being shot."

"...Show off," Red Hood said as Green Arrow smiled smugly.

"Okay, so what is this guy supposed to be?!" Blue Beetle fired his sonic cannon at Parasite, pushing him back.

Parasite got back up, jumping high in the air, tackling Blue Beetle. He bit down on Space Ranger's armor, absorbing his energy. Blue Beetle tried to push him off of him, but he was pinning him down with surprising strength.

"Unhand him, you beast!" Aquaman swung his water hammer at Parasite's face, sending it back.

The beast licked his chops as it liked the energy it had tasted. Parasite looked at the two heroes before him and saw they would feed him for a good long time.

"Are you alright?" Aquaman asked as Blue Beetle got back to his feet.

"I felt that thing draining my energy." Blue Beetle held his arm as his armor fixed itself. "And he's looking at both of us like Booster looks at an extra large space rocket burger. Any clues as to what it wants?" He asked as John Constantine stepped up.

"Bloody sea witch magic," he sighed. "I got something for him. Ah there it is. Leave 'im to me lads." John pulled out a small fishing hook from his coat.

Parasite laughed at the sight of the puny toy the man had pulled out. He charged at the man that reeked of whiskey as it spun the hook on a line. The terror of the deep jumped, opening its large jaws to bite down on the man, ready to devour him in one gulp.

"Omne malum expelle!" Constantine swung the hook into Parasite's mouth as it glowed a bright yellow light.

The hook reached deep into Parasite's being, latching into all the darkness from the potion he'd drunk so long ago.

Constantine pulled on the line like he'd hooked a large fish fit for the meal of a king.

The hook came out, dragging all the magic and transformations that had changed Parasite. Parasite fell down to the ground, transformed back into Rudy Jones for the first time in a long time as the hook held a black fish on the line.

"I-I-I'm human again?" Rudy asked.

"Yep mate, normally I'd give you a fee but take this one as a freebie," Constantine said, putting the black fish in a small bag. "Saving that for a later date."

But Rudy's face didn't show any sign of gratitude from his sudden return to humanity. After so long of being a feared guard dog and a return to his miserable life weren't exactly what Rudy wanted at all.

"You jerk! I liked having all that power! People feared me!" Rudy ranted. "I had everything I could've wanted and you just took it from me! Why I ought to-!" Constantine punched him in the face.

"Some gratitude," Constantine scoffed.

"This is why being a hero is a thankless job." Aquaman pointed out.

"I get plenty of thanks," Blue Beetle commented. "Helps to have a badge."

Cheetah ran quickly around the battlefield. She'd heard from Punchline and Mod that a speedster was amongst the enemy's ranks. Someone that could match her speed would be a great hunt for her to sink her claws into. She just needed to find him and face him.
"Hey there!" Primer popped up before Cheetah, making her slip from utter surprise. "So, what's your story?"

Cheetah pounced on Primer only for her to sidestep her with super speed.

"Bitten by a radioactive cat?" Primer asked, ducking under another swipe from Cheetah's claws. "No? Okay, so like an alien fugitive? Oh, crazy gene experiment?" Primer continued asking as Cheetah continued swinging her claws at her like a cat trying to catch a bug and missing every single time.

"Stop talking, so much!" Cheetah swung repeatedly, only for Primer to dodge every single time. "Are you the speedster I've been hunting?!"

"Well, yes and no," Primer shrugged. "I kinda have a lot of powers depending on-!" Primer was cut off as Cheetah finally caught her by the throat.

Cheetah pulled back her other hand ready to tear out Primer's heart when an electric shock blasted her away.

Static floated down next to Primer, helping her up.

"Tip for later, Primer, don't get too cocky with bloodthirsty kitties," Static said. "Now check this out!" Static fired an electric net at Cheetah.

Cheetah dodged the net before she rushed at them with her claws ready to strike. Static flew back with his disk, pulling Primer along with him. He blasted an electric blast at Cheetah, sending her back just as purple ribbons wrapped around Cheetah's leg. She was pulled back down to the ground as she tried to pull herself free.

"Jinx, hey, pick on someone your own size!" Jinx slammed Cheetah into the ground.

Cheetah tried to run away from the ribbons, hoping a burst of speed would snap them off of her. But the ribbons held together, pulling her right back like a bungee cord before she could get any farther. She turned to look at Jinx as she walked towards her, wrapping the ribbons around her wand. Her eyes glowed a sinister pink as she glared at Cheetah like a lioness about to pounce on a gazelle.

With a roar of defiance, Cheetah slashed and scratched at the ribbons wrapping her leg. She would not be captured and subdued like some basic wild animal. The idea of ripping off her leg was tempting but she would not give the little smug witch the satisfaction of knowing she grew that desperate. She had to find a way to fight.

"Fulmen Nigrum!" Black lightning came out from Jinx's wand electrocuting Cheetah as she approached her.

"Hey, electricity is my thing!" Static called out.

Cheetah gritted her teeth, taking off once more. Using that opening, she rushed at Jinx, tackling her with all her speed and strength, sending her back. Jinx summoned her cape's bat wings, stopping herself as Cheetah jumped after her.

Static stopped Cheetah mid-air.

"Once you're in the air, you're a lot easier to counter!" Static pulled Cheetah away from Jinx.

Primer painted herself with two more paints. She ran straight at Cheetah, her right arm grew in size like a balloon coating itself with flames.

"Eat this pussy cat!" Primer called out, punching Cheetah with a giant flaming fist.

Primer punched Cheetah so hard that she sent a powerful shockwave through the room. The combination of size alteration, super speed and fire transformed Primer's attack into a car-sized fiery rocket that sent Cheetah out of the fight like a bowling pin being hit by a tank shell.

"Okay, that was freaking awesome!" Static cheered. "Hey, if you're ever looking for a part-time job, I got this sweet gig back home. You'd be a shoe-in!"

"A bit much for me, but at least we beat her." Jinx encased Cheetah in a powerful spell.

"Sorry, I saw it in an anime and wanted to try it out!" Primer rubbed the back of her head.

Grid fired all manner of weapons at the three heroes that chose to battle against him. His arms fired powerful lasers as miniature missiles fired from his shoulders and thighs. All of his shots would've killed or permanently maimed any other adversary he'd ever faced. But the three beings before him were unlike anything he'd ever seen.

"Woo hoo! Sideways and Metamorpho together again!" Sideways jumped through his rift sending the attacks away. "And against Owlman for epic payback!"

"And with the fastest man alive as a guest star!" Flash caught one of the missiles with his bare hand, tossing it at another missile before repeating the action. "So, any clues as to how to beat this Terminator wannabe?" Flash dodged another shot that was going towards him with ease.

"He's basically like that old movie where the robots take over and want to destroy all humanity!" Metamorpho emerged from the floor, jumping over Grid with two large hammer arms.

Grid summoned a large chunk of the wall, slamming it against Metamorpho, sending him away. His processing CPU had improved and had learned to consider beings with unusual abilities in his new fights. The best way to learn how to counter his enemies was to learn from the data they showed off in each encounter. That was how he knew to implement and calculate the speed of his latest opponent and the teleporting abilities of the other.

As soon as Grid thought that, Flash punched him with a super speed enhanced blow, breaking some of his parts. He skidded to a halt before Flash returned to give him another blow knocking him off his feet and down to the ground. Grid rolled to a halt before Sideways kicked him from behind, sending him stumbling forward to Flash's lariat blow.

"We got this guy man!" Sideways said as Grid got back up.

"Data analysed, proceeding to implement." Grid coldly said as he looked at the heroes.

Flash rushed in at his super speed, reeling back a vibrating punch ready to punch Grid. But Grid expected the attack. He transformed his arm into a stapler gun, firing a stable right at Flash's feet. That shot made the fastest man alive trip just in time for Grid to punch Flash away with his other arm.

Sideways jumped from above with his legs ready to plant them on top of the android's head. But just as he was about to slam into him, Grid opened a portal behind him, dodging the attack.

"Huh? Did he just rifted?" Sideways asked. "That's my thing!"
"Incorrect, I opened something called a Boom Tube." Grid appeared behind Sideways. blasting him in the chest. "A powerful teleporter that can course through all laws of physics and time that my Mother Box is capable of accessing. It is a crude imitation of your abilities, I'm afraid. But it should be more than enough to take care of the two of you."

Grid was tackled from behind by Flash as Sideways opened up a rift before him. Flash took Grid through the portal, arriving in a long corridor away from the fight. He slammed him into the side of the long corridor, causing sparks and cables to pop out and come out.

Using his newfound tech, Grid's feet turned into jets, spinning himself off of the wall. Grid grabbed hold of Flash, tossing him away. Grid activated his Boom Tube, appearing above the fastest man alive ready to bury his cannon into his chest. Flash vibrated his molecules, phasing through the floor just in time as the attack shattered the ground.

Grid pulled himself up analysing the new ability before a large hammer smashed into his side.

Metamorpho and Sideways jumped out of a rift as Flash appeared before them.

Grid narrowed his eyes as he pried himself from the wall he'd been slammed into. He needed to re-evaluate the speed and power of his adversaries. Picking up the broken pieces of metal and rock around him, he came up with a simple strategy. Grid tossed and threw the pieces around him, increasing the speed of each and every single one.

Flash spun around like the Tasmanian Devil, catching each one of the pieces that were tossed at them. He made his way up to Grid, presenting him with a model of a space racing ship that he'd run side by side with.

"Impressive." Grid noted as he analysed the model of the Whizzing Arrow.

Flash smirked as Metamorpho and Sideways appeared for a double hit. Metamorpho punched Grid in the face as Sideways swept the robot's feet like a soccer tackle.

Grid had to admit that this was the most fun he had had in a long time.

Back in the main room, Deadman, Bronze Tiger and Mad Mod made it to the main controls of the bomb. They quickly started typing away for a way to disable it. But it was easier said than done.

"What's wrong? Don't you know how this thing works?" Deadman asked.

"It keeps kicking us out," Bronze Tiger growled. "I can't tell if it's because of me or because Owlman didn't want anyone else messing with his little doomsday machine!"

"It isn't that. The computer is busy with some big calculations. That's why we're getting nowhere," Mad Mod said. "And they are almost done!"

Deadman looked at the screen as it brought up different worlds up on the screen. The numbers it ran were not just loading something, it was looking for a particular world. His ghostly eyes widened as he realized what it was.

"He's trying to get to Earth Prime! This thing is going to teleport there as soon as the computer has found it!" Deadman said. "We need to stop it!"

"How?! We can't disable it!" Bronze Tiger slammed his fists on the controls.

Mad Mod looked at the bomb and got an idea. Not one that he liked but an idea nonetheless.

"If we can't disable this bomb, then we can always trigger it before it can be used on its target," Mod said with a somber tone.

Bronze Tiger and Deadman looked at him.

"You know not even I would survive it," Deadman said.

"But neither would Owlman," Bronze Tiger added. "Besides, I would love to see his face when he sees this."

"Sure we could do the heroic sacrifice. Or we could try sending it to some other world that no one would miss," Mad Mod said as he looked through the list of worlds.

Deadman wasn't all too convinced.

"That still destroys a world that could have countless lives!" Deadman countered as soon as Mad Mod arrived at a particular world. "We'd be no better than-Oh good lord what the hell is that?! Sweet Ramacushna, what am I looking at?!"

"I don't know, but it is so messed up," Bronze Tiger winced.

"All in favor of this world going?" Mad Mod asked.

Both of them agreed. The horror they had seen needed to be destroyed and never brought back. They turned to the machine and the controls trying to send it away before it was too late.

Owlman avoided a flying dagger and a golden chain as the battle continued. He thanked his Miraculous for enhancing and empowering him to levels beyond superhuman to keep him in this fight for so long. Anyone that was slightly less proficient with the power ups would've been murdered at least three times already. Thanks to his magical inheritance, he was always one step ahead of everyone. Despite all the close calls, he was able to keep up with a magical demi-god, a living nightmare and a dark reflection of himself. All in the effort of getting the time he needed to achieve his goal.

"Surrender Owlman, you are finished!" Shade aimed a spear at his chest.

"Why? I am having a ball here," Owlman replied.

Just a little longer.

"You're outmatched and outnumbered," Cain said.

"You think I care about that?" Owlman asked.

"Hey, Owlman," Creeper dropped Grundy's head by his feet. "Looking for this?"

Owlman looked around as his allies were brought in by the other members of the heroes. Despite their powers and their ruthlessness, the allies he'd picked were more than a timely distraction for the heroes than anything else. And alas this was inevitable. He was now alone and without any backup. Nothing that he hadn't dealt with before. After all, they had done their job and now he had to do his own.

"Stand down!" Green Lantern held Blackfire in a will construct. "You've lost."

"So drop the magical belt buckle and no one gets hurt." Green Arrow and Red Hood aimed their weapons at him.

Owlman wanted to smile, to give them some sort of win before they saw the truth. But he held back. There was no need to give his hand out so early. He still had his plans and they were not tied to the victory or defeat of the pawns he'd conned into his final solution. Just another second was all he needed.

Back at the controls, Mad Mod, and a possessed Bronze Tiger typed quickly at the console, hoping beyond hope that they could send the damn bomb away. Just as they were about to do it, the calculations finished.

"No!" Deadman, Bronze Tiger and Mad Mod all called out.

Owlman got the message. His plan was ready. He opened up the small pocket dimension from his boomerang, pulling out the Dream Stone. It was all according to plan.

A bright light engulfed him and the bomb. In a flash, they both disappeared, leaving the heroes and the leftover villains with only a blank door locked with chains and a lock.

"What just happened?!" Primer asked.

"Owlman did it. He found Earth Prime," Batman said, going to the door, trying to pry it open but it wasn't budging.

"Why isn't it opening?" Supergirl asked, trying to open the door herself with help.

"Owlman has sealed the entrance to the world," Shade said. "He's corrupted the Dream Stone's energy enough to do this. We'll need another way of reaching him."

"The way to him is still there, we just need to break through the locks," Constantine said. "I got a spell to make 'em tangible enough to break, but we need something to match their vibrations."

Flash rushed to them.

"I'm your guy," Flash said.

"No, you're too slow." Batman shot down.

"Perhaps I can be of assistance." Grid offered, stepping up.

"Um, weren't we just fighting you?" Sideways popped up from a rift.

"Owlman's deception has been revealed, and as much as I do not hold organic life in high regard, I do value the idea of living and creating the perfect system," Grid explained. "And I require existence to accomplish this. My Mother Box was able to crack the energy frequency that is needed to open and maintain an entrance to Earth Prime. And my body won't be destroyed in the process."

"That's no guarantee it won't," Cain said.

"It is preferable to the 100% of annihilation that we are faced with." Grid prepared his Mother Box for the next step. "Tell me at what frequency you need it."

"Sure, I got what we need." Constantine handed Batman a pouch of powder. "I'll tell you when to stop." Constantine summoned a long key-shaped sword aiming it at the door. "Aperi Seras Mundi!"

A bright beam of light struck the door and the lock that held it closed. The chains and lock shone brightly almost as if they had been covered in ice and frost. The lock opened up but the chains remained.

"Now!" Shade instructed.

Grid fired a blast of energy from his Mother Box, creating a Boom Tube.

"Faster! Faster! Even Faster!" Constantine instructed.

Grid adjusted the vibrations throughout his mechanical body, feeling it coming apart as the Boom Tube increased in speed. It would've caused any other being to scream in pain, or exertion, but he wasn't going to do that. He still had to get the job done. He felt himself going through the fabric of creation itself as he tore open a hole in all reality, a passage to where he needed to get to.

"Almost there, mate!" Constantine said. "There!"

"Hold this frequency!" Cain instructed. "It's stable enough for one!"

Batman didn't wait. He rushed in through the portal as fast as his legs could carry him. He'd see his mission through.

Everything was white. Black lines formed figures before Batman's eyes. But the world was devoid of any color. There were only black and white figures running around, but there were no people and no animals. Only black vegetation around the area where he'd landed and there was nothing that resembled normal fauna. The sound of running water was all that accompanied every step he took. A river. A river flowing to a strange tune that he'd never heard. It was strange being in a place so quiet and so peaceful after so many worlds full of vibrant life and colors he had taken for granted. He never thought that he'd miss the black and blue of the desert dunes.

Batman felt a little off. The whiteness made him take every step slowly, adjusting to the lack of color and the deception of what was depth and what was flat. It was like walking into a simpler but no more dangerous version of the House of Mystery. He looked up at the sky seeing blackness with little white dots that made up stars, the only thing he found familiar. Even after all the worlds out there, the sky looked similar enough to keep the sense of everything being connected. That brought a sense of relief to Batman as he looked for Owlman.

"If a hundred men dreamed of the first world for a hundred nights, none of them would ever guess this was the world all others sprung from."

Batman turned to see Owlman standing on the remains of an old Mississippi river steamboat long left forgotten. The large world ending bomb standing on the edge of the river with Owlman putting in the last bit of programming into it. His eyes narrowed as he spotted the Dream Stone hanging idly on Owlman's hip. A plan formed in his mind as he listened to Owlman monologue on.

"Welcome to Earth Prime, before there was thought, there was this place. One earth. One history. But with the coming of man came the illusion of choice, free will." Owlman looked at Batman like an owl would look at a mouse. "And with that illusion came chaos. Every decision we make creates another universe, two histories. One where the decision was made and one where it wasn't. That's the secret of the universe. Billions of people making billions of stories with every choice and action they take. Some worlds are so similar that you can't see any difference between them, and some so wild and unpredictable that you'd never guess they were the same world."

"And all worlds sprung from here, through Perpetua's relics and choices to create new worlds." Batman stepped closer, readying himself.

"Like a tree that springs out of the ground and grows branches, all earths, all dreams and nightmares come from this simple world. It feels so devoid of anything we know that I can't help but wonder what caused it to achieve such a state," Owlman looked at Batman, stealing glances at his machine. "But I do know the source of it all: Man."

Batman could hear it in his words. The man standing before him was so jaded that he didn't believe in the possibility of good in people. This man was worse than his former master. This man didn't believe humanity should have any choice. He saw all choices as meaningless because he knew someone else, in another world, had made the opposite choice. A grain of sand in the desert, too small to know if they matter in the grand scheme.

"You can't be sure of that," Batman argued. "There are an infinite number of-"

"You know better. I knew out of all the different members of the menagerie Cain put together, you and I were the same. Different variants of the same person." Owlman pulled back his mask. "Different paths, different worlds, but we are one and the same. We both know that man is a cancer, and I have chosen to cut out the disease."

"That would kill countless lives, lives that matter to those people," Batman had to keep his head straight. "Lives that could change their worlds."

"And in others they don't. It's a zero sum game," Owlman shrugged. "I've chosen to make the only real choice." Owlman activated the countdown.

The giant bomb began the countdown to doomsday.

"You're insane." Batman prepared his smokebombs.

"Does it really matter?" Owlman stepped down from the river cruise, the wood creaking under every step. "There are variants of me that you'd find quite charming." He put his mask back on, giving Batman one last smile of condescending superiority.

Batman tossed his smoke bombs at the feet of Owlman, creating a large cloud that obscured the villain's eyes. Not that it mattered to the man. Oversight gave him a clear one track sight to utter victory, he had his pick of what he should do. Batman's cowl tendrils pierced through the smoke like arrows piercing the darkness. Owlman side stepped and ducked under the two tendrils as Batman came forward.

Batman threw a dropkick at Owlman. Owlman grabbed his leg, twisting him and tossing him away and through one of the old doors. Batman rolled back to his feet, drawing his sword before jumping out from the old wreck. Owlman drew his boomerang at the right moment to parry the sword. They clashed quickly. Their weapons clashed, creating sparks with each blow with Batman keeping the distance between himself and the magically enhanced maniac Owlman.

Owlman drew himself close, kicking Batman in the stomach. Batman threw one of his tendrils at Owlman's leg, pulling him with him. Owlman sliced the tendril with his boomerang, before blocking a kick to his head from Batman. Batman jumped back high, tossing his knives at the Miraculous user. Owlman blocked the knives with his cape, before charging at Batman with fury.

Owlman's suit transformed, giving him a super speedy jet pack and wings. He caught up to Batman, punching him through the trees and slamming him into the ground. Batman felt the air getting knocked out of his lungs before rolling out of the way of an incoming skydive from Owlman. The impact shattered the ground as Batman pulled himself away with his tendrils, flying away into the few spots of black the world had.

"I know every trick you are going to pull before you even think about it," Owlman said. "It doesn't matter what you think you can accomplish." He jumped back at the last second as Batman dropped down with his sword.

Batman sprung back to his feet swinging his sword quickly at Owlman. The strikes were precise and would've cut down many men before they could've blinked. But Owlman's future vision was giving him the edge. He effortlessly dodged, sidestepped and moved around the attacks like they were coming at him at a snail's pace.

Owlman grabbed Batman's wrist, twisting it harshly, forcing him to release his sword. But Batman fought through the pain, catching the sword with his other hand. He sliced upwards, barely touching Owlman as he jumped back with ease.

"Everything about you is like an open book to me." Owlman tossed his boomerang at inhuman speeds.

Batman held his sword up, blocking the weapon, but still being sent backwards into a tree. He dropped his sword from the impact. Owlman appeared before him, grabbing him by the neck of his suit.

"Your attitude, your techniques, even your costume. They all scream of outrage, anger, despair," Owlman said, lifting Batman up. "What wrong set you down this path? It doesn't really matter. Nothing matters."

"I can't believe they were right. You really are trying to monologue me to death." Batman gritted his teeth as he heard the countdown not far from where he was.

"Actually," Owlman smiled before punching Batman hard. "I thought I'd beat you to death." Owlman punched Batman again, sending him flying through the trees.

Batman landed hard on the ground. His suit was covered in cuts and blood was drawing from his wounds. But he still got up, picking up his sword once more as Owlman flew at him like his namesake.

Batman wrapped his sword on one of his tendrils. He tossed it out like a bladed whip, knowing that Owlman would evade it. He pressed his arm on the tendril making the whip circle back. Owlman saw the blade coming, bending backwards to avoid it. Batman grabbed one of his bombs, tossing it at Owlman. But Owlman kicked it back at him.

Batman jumped back only to be pinned down by Owlman once more.

"You should've sent one of your magical or super powered individuals." Owlman lifted Batman up, taking his sword and tossing it away. "Even Cain and Shade would've had more of a chance. But you don't trust anyone else to do what's necessary. Guess we're more alike than you care to admit."

"If we really are alike, then you must know this is wrong." Batman grabbed the pouch that Constantine had given him. "You must've been a good man, once."

"No, never, I'm only human," Owlman prepped his claws to pierce Batman's heart.

Batman slammed the pouched bag on Owlman's face. A powerful electric current sourced through his magical armor, making it glitch out. Batman kicked Owlman in the face, freeing himself before throwing a smoke bomb on the ground.

Rushing out of the forest, Batman swung towards the bomb as fast as his wounded body would carry him. He didn't have much time. The clock was ticking. But he couldn't abort the explosion. Owlman would just reinitialize the countdown and all would've been for nothing. Deadman and the others were right, it had to go somewhere else. He scrolled through the worlds, finding the one he could send it to. All he needed was-!
Owlman pounced on Batman, wrapping his arms around Batman's neck, cutting off his breathing. All the power the Miraculous granted him was being used to hold Batman in place.

"No more debate. It was a nice surprise, but I'm going to kill you and then everyone else." Owlman tightened his hold on Batman as the caped crusader tried to pry him off.

Batman counted in his head.

"There's two differences between us," Batman said.

"Really? Like?" Owlman asked.

"I don't… rely on fickle… magic!" Batman pulled out a hidden dagger from one of his ears, cutting Owlman's belt free.

Owlman's Miraculous fell down as his power and transformation disappeared around him in the blink of an eye.

Owlman didn't have time to react before Batman stabbed him in the eye with the same dagger. Owlman screamed in pain, excruciating pain unlike anything he'd ever felt before, giving Batman his chance.

Breaking free from the hold, Batman spun Owlman around punching him square in the face. Owlman slammed against the control panel. But before he could charge for another attack, a pair of bolas tied his arm on the monitor.

Owlman still had one chance, the Dream Stone! He reached to grab it, only to find it gone.

"The second thing: We both looked into the abyss." Batman held the Dream Stone in his hand, getting Owlman's attention. "But when it looked right back at us, you blinked." He used the magic of the Dream Stone to send both Owlman and the bomb to a realm far far away.

Owlman broke free, running in a last ditch effort to kill Batman but he was dragged down into the portal.

Batman picked up the Miraculous, glaring at it as he walked away.

Owlman fell to the ground, he was dizzy, he could barely see anything around him. Everything felt so odd to his one good eye. Horrendous abominations surrounded him. People looked so out of place, acting like the world bent to their will. And the light blinded and distorted his vision, creating a blank flat realm of nightmares. It felt like he had stepped into the uncanny valley. Looking at his hands, he gasped in shock.

"What is this?!" Owlman gasped. "What the hell? Why am I so bulgy?"

Earth- -2020

What if live action remakes existed in a single world?

Owlman's ears perked up at the sound of his bomb. He turned around to see it had reached the last seconds in the countdown. His eyes went to the screen as the abort option blinked. One last chance for survival even if it meant having to live in that realm.

"It doesn't matter," Owlman said.

The bomb went off, destroying everything like a purging fire would a plague.

Back at the Miraculous World of Owlman, the heroes waited patiently for the return of Batman or the inevitable end of all they knew. They heard footsteps coming towards the portal.

Batman came out of the portal, wounded and stumbling but very much alive.

Green Arrow and Red Hood caught him before he fell from the pain.

"Are you okay?" Red Hood asked.

"Grid, stop vibrating! Batman is back!" Shade said, as everyone looked at the android.

Grid stopped moving, looking like he'd aged a thousand lifetimes. The metal armor turned to rust as pieces began to fall apart. He now looked like a skeleton made up of scrap metal. On its chest was the Mother Box that had helped everyone save the multiverse.

"Oh man," Metamorpho said.

Grid's legs collapsed under its weight only to be caught by Metamorpho.

"Question: Was Owlman stopped?" Grid asked, sounding like a broken computer.

Batman held out both the Dream Stone and Owlman's Miraculous.

"Then this unit is satisfied," Grid said. "Power used to counter Dream Stone accelerated this body far beyond its capabilities. Will cease functions soon, but for the time I was stuck there… I saw the multiverse and infinite designs. It was beautiful."

Grid crumbled to dust, leaving only the Mother Box that had brought him into existence.

"So, what do we do now?" Primer asked.

Cain took the Dream Stone back.

"We restore what was taken." Cain held the Dream Stone as it started glowing brightly, illuminating the entire room and everyone in it.

Chapter Text

Conclusion

"So, this is the House of Mystery?" Mad Mod examined the different pieces of all the different realms, with his eyes landing in the Miracle Box. "I must say, this has some jolly good macabre taste. My compliments to your decorator, Mr. Cain."

Everyone had returned to the House of Mystery with the aid of the Dream Stone. Despite all the different people and sizes of everyone, they all found a way to fit in the same room. One of the perks of a place that always played tricks on people.

"Flattery does go a long way, Mr. Mod," Cain said. "Though it is time to return what was stolen to their respective homes. Everyone, on your best behavior."

"What's that mean?" Sideways asked.

The main door opened up as a man with pale white skin, dark messy hair and a long black robe stepped through the threshold. He carried himself with an aura of authority and tranquility that many would attribute to a grandfather that always sat in the back of the room, but the moment he stood up everyone listened. His eyes were dark like the night, but held no malice to anyone in that room. He made his way towards Cain and Shade. They both bowed to the man as Cain presented the Dream Stone to him like a hard won price.

"I see you have amassed quite the team for the task I gave you, Cain," the stranger said before taking the Dream Stone. "But the quest changed without your knowledge. And you did well in saving all realities and all the dreamers. My gratitude to all of you cannot be expressed in mere words." He turned his eyes to everyone in the House of Mystery.

"I regret that it took so long and so much was lost in the way of our mission, Lord Morpheus." Cain bowed his head.

"The world that was destroyed falls on my head as well, Lord of Dreams," Shade said. "We should've found Owlman sooner."

"One world lost is a loss, but the multiverse will heal as the dreaming and the other lands of my kingdom shall as well," Dream said, examining the Dream Stone in his hands. "Allow me to undo the damage that both Dr. Destiny and Owlman have done with my treasure."

Dream held up the Dream Stone over his head, crushing it with his bare hand. A wave of power and energy flew through the House of Mystery, washing over all the heroes and residents like a warm wave of the ocean. The wave went out of the house and into the worlds that had been hurt or had their treasures removed. Worlds across the Great Library became whole once more, recovering the many aspects that had been taken from them. People that had perished now were alive, and those that had been scared were beginning to heal from the nightmares. Like waking up from a bad dream that had gone on forever everything was as it should've been.

"It is done, and now you must all return to your worlds," Dream turned to every hero that had aided them in their mission.

"We won't forget this, will we?" Primer asked.

"Like any dream and nightmare, you will always remember your time with them." Dream summoned a portal, opening the doors of their respective worlds. "I thank you for your service and aid that you granted my servant and all of reality. But now, it is time for you all to return to your home worlds."
"Well, guess that's that," Green Arrow scoffed. "Hey, if anyone feels like having a drink one day, stop by the Boiling Isles, me and my gang know how to party."

"I know a great diner we can go to, back at Norrisville," Supergirl added. "Oh, we could meet up in Comic-Con!"

"You've got Comic-Con?! Heck yeah!" Primer said.

"Time for us to go back home," Wildcat II said. "Some of us left things that we need to see through."

"I gotta make a quick delivery though," Metamorpho said, picking up the Mother Box that belonged to Grid. "He might've been a bad guy, but I think he just needed a right push."

"Same, I gotta drop someone in a special padded cell," Sideways said.

"I'm sure something can be done with all the relics returned and all," Cain said.

"I thought they were destroyed by the explosion," Aquaman said.

"They are parts of the bigger multiverse, as long as it survives, so will they," Shade explained.

"In that case, I gotta go!" Harley rushed out. "See you guys later!" Harley waved at her friends before jumping through.

One by one the heroes said their farewells, hoping to see each other again without the multiversal threat looming over them. They went back to their worlds to live out their lives and move on with the experiences that they had gone through. A bitter sweet goodbye but they all had to return to their respective worlds and deal with the challenges that laid ahead of them like the heroes they were. Soon, only a couple people remained in the House of Mystery.

"Honestly, I will miss some of them," Constantine said, sitting on a chair. "Hope you don't mind if I take a wink before trodding on, mates."

"I think you may stay only for a night, Constantine," Cain sighed. "It is the least I can do for someone that played such a role."

"Lord Morpheus, what do you think will come next, given what has happened?" Shade asked the lord of dreams.

"I am not sure, son of Oberon," Dream said. "I cannot control the dreams of those that visit my realm any more than you can dictate what shape humanity's madness will take when they fall. Humanity has often brought greatness from the worst of times and their worst evils come when they believe they are free of any responsibility. As free as they are they must always remember that for every knight in shining armor, there is a dragon waiting to be slain. Dreams show us the best we can be, and nightmares reflect everything we fear we might become if we lose ourselves. Many do not remember that with all the noise of everyday life. But to those that now carry this lesson, they must never forget it. We are as much the heroes as the villains in the many stories out there. So let us make it a good one."

Belos was falling apart, his body was now a monstrous beast that could barely hold itself together. But he still had one more card to play. He possessed the heart of the Titan, the heart of the Boiling Isles. Soon he'd rise up like the son of god and vanquish all that stood before him in the name of his God.

"Almost there, almost there!" Belos groaned as he consumed more and more of the heart. "I will rise like the savior of all humanit-AAAHHH!" He screamed as three arrows pierced his rotting flesh.

Belos looked as before him stood Green Arrow, Luz in her Titan form, Eda the Owl Lady, King and Rayne Whispers.

"Jesus, does this guy love to hear himself talk!" Green Arrow loaded another arrow. "I did not miss this."

"Trust me, you're not the only one tired of him!" Luz swung her staff, freezing the ground before them as they charged towards Belos! "Let's get him!"

"After you kid," Green Arrow fired another arrow, burning the rot away.

"So, you're sticking with Supergirl?" Randy asked, swinging next to his sister. "Not very imaginative."

"Hey, it rolls off the tongue better. And Heidi likes it, so bite me," Supergirl flew through the air with a smile on her face.

"I don't need to know what you two get into during your dates! It's bad enough Howard hasn't caught on!" Randy swung away as a giant lizard monster appeared in the downtown area. "Thank you kaiju for changing the topic!"

Supergirl smirked before flying up to the giant monster and punching him across the face as Randy swung around it, kicking it in the eye. They worked together, keeping the city in one place as they punched and attacked the giant monster as it breathed fire on them.

Randy blasted the kaiju monster with a Ninja Air Fist to the stomach, knocking it back.

Supergirl freezed the giant kaiju's legs, keeping it unbalanced and in place for Randy to wrap the kaiju's arms and keep it in place.

"Hey, big guy!" Supergirl appeared before the kaiju's face with a smirk. "Keep those eyes on me!" She shot up into the sky like a rocket.

Supergirl took one look at her home before diving back down as fast as she could. Reeling back her right fist before punching the giant monster with enough strength to knock it down.

The giant beast slumped forwards, slamming on the side of McFist's pyramid.

"You two did that on purpose!" McFist called out as the teens laughed.

"Never a dull moment," Supergirl said.

Blue Beetle was psyching himself up. He needed to make this count. He'd rehearsed this many times in his head and was sure that he had it down to a tee.

"Okay Jaime, you got this," Blue Beetle said to himself.

'Your heart rate is increasing, Jaime Reyes, are you sure you got this?' Khaji Da asked.

"Dude, we just stopped the end of the multiverse," Blue Beetle replied. "If anything, I can't look back and not try to do this." Blue Beetle stopped by the entrance to the training room.

'In that case, godspeed, Jaime Reyes,' Khaji Da said as Blue Beetle entered the training room.

Inside the room, Mira Nova was fighting against a simulation of a large vicious beast trying to eat her. She jumped out of the way as its twin tails slammed down on her. She phased through them before firing her laser at the back of the beast's head. The creature roared in pain as it shook her off of it. Mira went flying right into Blue Beetle's arms.

"You okay, Mira?" Blue Beetle asked.

"Phew, oh yeah," Mira shrugged as the simulation charged at them. "You mind if I?"

"Oh yeah, sorry," Blue Beetle put her down just in time for her to fire a blast into the beast's leg, tripping it. "Nice shooting there."

The simulation ended with a perfect score.

"Thanks, Jaime. It's great to see you here," Mira said. "I, um, actually wanted to ask you something."

"First, let me say that you are an amazing friend and there is literally no one I wouldn't want by my side in any situation. You light up every room you're in and there's nothing stopping you to do the job. And I know there are rules on this sort of thing, but I don't care about them," Blue Beetle coughed. "Mira, would you like to go out with me on a date?"

Mira stood there staring at Jaime like a deer stuck in the headlights. She groaned as she rubbed her face with her hands.

"Are you kidding me?" Mira groaned.

"Oh… I um, wasn't-Probably wasn't the best," Blue Beetle trailed on.

"I was going to ask you out! You beat me to the punch!" Mira blushed.

"What? You were going to-I am so sorry! I didn't-" Blue Beetle and Mira started laughing. "You can ask me, but I might be busy tonight."

"You better not." Mira wrapped her arm around his. "I have a few ideas."

"Come on, Boston!" Molly begged. "Tell me how it was!"

Deadman just laid on his hammock with a sigh.

"What you got to trade in terms of stories?" Deadman asked.

"Well, we have a few more ghosts running wild and there's a new family across the street," Molly said. "That happens to have a cute son."

"Romance, kid, please, I am a master at that stuff." Deadman said. "I could tell you stuff… but I'll save it for when you're older."

"And they're ghost hunters," Molly muttered.

"Wait, what?" Deadman's eyes went wide. "They're what?!"

Virgil tugged on his collar as he and his family rode the elevator up to the Kobayashi home. He felt the weight of the casserole on his arms as the elevator reached the floor.

"Quit fidgeting, Virgil, women can smell fear," Virgil's dad said.

"At least it'll hide the smell of the casserole I'm carrying," Virgil replied. "One whiff of this and I'll be looking at Single City again."

"Hey, I cooked that casserole," Virgil's sister snapped. "I slaved over it pouring my blood, sweat and tears to make it good for this family dinner." They walked out of the elevator on their way to the apartment.

"I don't think that was supposed to be in the recipe, Sharon," Virgil said. "Besides, you know every meal you cook tends to be less than appetizing."

Robert pressed the buzzer. As happy as he was that Virgil had gotten himself a nice girl for a partner, he still wished that he was a little more mature when it came to his sister's cooking. Real men ate what they could and kept their mouths shut. Still it could be worse.

The door opened up with Sashi opening the door wearing a nice shirt and skirt.

"Good evening, Mr. Hawkins, Ms. Hawkins, VH," Sashi greeted them.

"How come I don't get a Mr. Hawkins greeting?" Virgil asked, getting a slight elbow from his dad. "But that's not as important as how gorgeous you look, Sashi. Bright pink suits you."

Sashi blushed before inviting them inside.

"Here, let me help you take that to the kitchen," Sashi offered.

"Banzai!"

Sashi's warrior instincts kicked in. She snatched the casserole from Virgil's hands, using it as a makeshift shield against a flying baseball.

"George!" Sashi snapped.

"Oops, sorry sis, I didn't know that the guests had arrived," George apologized.

"He he, little siblings, what you gonna do?" Sashi laughed awkwardly as the contents of the casserole fell on the floor. "Sorry about that."

"Don't be, you probably saved our bacon," Virgil whispered. "I'll help clean up."

Robert could already tell that these two would end up married sooner or later. If only they got a job that didn't give him sketchy vibes. He swore he saw a bear manning the projector once.

Harley and Dominator got back to doing what they did best: make something exciting. They heard word that Lord Annihilator had a super weapon at the edge of the galaxy that was poised to fire at anyone that didn't fall down and obeyed them. Which was how they ended up in the middle of a huge brawl.

"I can't believe you went on another multiversal slug fest and didn't invite me!" Dominator chopped the head of a bot with her Volcanium battle axe. "You are so sleeping on the couch for a month for this!" She drop-kicked another bot into the vacuum of space.

"Hey, come on Dom! I didn't ask to be dragged into it again!" Harley slammed her mallet on another bot before swinging her signature weapon at another bot dropping it on top of the reinforcements. "If I could, I would've taken you, honest!"

Dominator wasn't convinced. Even as she punched and sliced more of her treacherous bot's forces, she huffed in annoyance at her girlfriend's actions. There was no way that she was going to let Harley forget about this any time soon. No matter how much she loved sharing their bed with her crazy space biker, she would stand tall on her decision.

"How about I let you be on top in bed? Or we can do it on the couch with the seat warmers~?" Harley offered as she shot three bots with her blaster. "I'll even let you use the collar~."

"The pink one? No! I am not falling for that! You can't tempt me with honey, babe!" Dominator picked up a giant blaster from a fallen bot and fired indiscriminately. "My mind is made up! In fact, just for that, you won't be having fun with me for the month you're on the couch!"

Harley gasped in shock. This was serious! She had to do something to make it up to Dom and quickly. She ran up to her face. Her eyes grew big and teary, pleading with her.

"No! You don't pull that on me!" Dom looked away, but looked back.

Harley's eyes were bigger than those of a puppy. Dominator's will was weakening. Her knees trembled as she looked at Harley's eyes more and more. Harley pressed on, giving her the mother of all puppy dog eyes. Dominator could see all the stars in the universe shining on those blue pools.

"Flark, I hate that you can do this!" Dominator tossed the cannon away, crushing more bots before she kissed Harley deeply. "Fine, you win, we'll go crazy the whole week before you sleep on the couch. I hate you, know how to make me so soft."

"And I love you too, Dommy Mommy~!" Harley kissed Dominator back as they stood on top of a pile of crushed bots.

Jinx didn't like this one bit. She landed on the ground while her eyes kept watch on everything around her. Opening up the poorly written scroll covered with glitter, she made sure that she was where she was supposed to be. Not the first time she got called somewhere just to be ambushed. But at least the glitter was a nice change.

"I'm here, show yourselves or I'm leaving," Jinx said as she held her wand tightly, ready for anything.

"Hiya! Sneak attack!"

Jinx turned to see the princess of Mewni, Star Butterfly, her sister, jumping down at her with a sword in her hand screaming like a wild boar in heat. She suppressed the sigh she wanted to let out at how obvious the trap was. Instead she summoned her own sword, blocking Star's attack.

"If you really wanted to do a sneak attack, you shouldn't be yelling it." Jinx glared at Star as she used her magic turning both swords to rust and nothing.

"Okay, that was kinda cool," Star said as she looked at the dusty remains of her weapon.

"I'm leaving now," Jinx said, turning to leave.

"Wait!"

Jinx turned to see the King River fall down from one of the trees.

"Sorry, sorry, I got stuck up there. Star, I told you we were here to talk to her, not attack her," River said, picking off leaves from his beard.

"But mom said she's dangerous! She hangs out with Monsters and she stole my wand! All that makes her a baddie!" Star pointed to Jinx.

"First off, I am only dangerous if provoked, which you are doing. Second, I hang out with Monsters because I was raised by them when someone decided to abandon me," Jinx's eyes flared with a glare. "And finally, I took the wand because your mom was using it as an instrument to subjugate Monsters and uphold unfair laws."

River hated to admit it but Jinx had a point.

"Well, you're now giving me my wand back!" Star pounced on Jinx, only to be caught mid-air with a levitation spell.

"Goodbye." Jinx turned to leave. "There's nothing to talk about here."

"Wait, Nebula, wait!" River said, making Jinx stop. "Moon told me everything. About what happened when you were born and the choice she had to make. I know I cannot force you to reconcile with her or the family, but I just wanted to… I am sorry for what happened to you. It wasn't right. You and Star could've been raised as sisters if I had been more firm against Glossaryck's council."

"Wait… she's what?" Star asked.

"Your elder sister," Jinx replied. "As much as my distaste for the monarchy of Mewni and their laws as a society is brobdingnag, I don't hate you or blame you for the queen's actions, King River. She chose the appearances of a rotting kingdom over her child, a newborn. But in a weird way, I have to thank her, because now I know what a real family is, what the real world is like. I've made my peace with my origin story. All that's left is for me to write my ending, free of the Butterfly legacy. I hope this gave you the closure you wanted, King River." Jinx summoned her butterfly wings before opening a portal and walking back to her home.

It was late at night and a lot had happened when M'Gann returned to Earth with Anne and the Plantars. She filled them in on everything as Mr. and Mrs. Boonchuy prepared dinner for everyone. Part of her couldn't believe that she was on Earth, she'd heard and watched so much about it that she was still pinching herself to make sure it was all real.

"And then the whole planet exploded behind us!" M'Gann exclaimed.

"No way!" Anne gasped.

"Way!" Sprig jumped high.

"Ah man, space pirates and treasure and we missed it!" Polly pouted.

"Probably wasn't that cool, kids," Hop Pop said, before M'Gann gave him a mental image. "I take it back, it looked so cool!"

Knock, knock.

"Are we expecting someone?" Oum asked her husband.

Bee shrugged before going up to the door. There stood a tall man dressed in a trench coat and a black hat that covered his face.

"Um, may I help you, sir?" Bee asked.

"Good evening, Mr. Boonchuy. My name is John Jones, and I need to speak with your guests," the man said with a cool tone.

"Guests? What guests? It's just me, my wife, our daughter and our cat," Bee sweated a bit.

"The same daughter that has just come back from her time in another world full of frog people over the last five months?" The man asked.

M'Gann recognized that voice. She gasped before flying to the door, ditching her disguise.

"Uncle J'Onn!" M'Gann phased through Bee, hugging her uncle. "It's been so long!"

The man dropped his disguise, revealing himself as Martian Manhunter. He hugged his niece back with a smile on his face.

"M'Gann, it is so good to see you! When I heard from the council, I feared the worst. But my heart soars knowing you are okay." J'Onn said.

"Guys, this is my uncle, J'Onn J'onzz!" M'Gann introduced him. "We have a lot to catch up on."

"I think my kidneys are backwards," Bee gasped.

Flash ran through the ancient world of Oban as Molly kept up with him in the Whizzing Arrow. She was trying to get used to the new world they had been moved to but it seemed like everything on this planet was against them.

"Yo, Barry, don't you have something to help us get ahead in the next race?" Molly asked. "Like some future knowledge or a super speed boost?"

"Last time we tried that I dragged you and the cockpit for 100 miles before we noticed the rest of the ride had been left behind!" Flash countered, jumping over a fallen tree. "Besides, we're not that far back in the competition. We can still catch up."

"You're right. We can still make it to the Ultimate Prize!" Molly accelerated in the Whizzing Arrow, overtaking Flash as they ran.

Flash smiled, the kid had lots of spirit and he would help her get her mom back. That's what they both wanted after all. His eyes lit up with lightning as he increased his speed, catching up to her.

However, unbeknownst to them, a figure clad in yellow watched them running. Its red eyes narrowed at the sight of them before it ran into the shadows with red lightning.

The race had gotten much more dangerous than any of the racers could ever have possibly imagined.

Batman swung through the streets of Agrabah in search of rumors he'd heard. His eyes narrowed as he spotted a woman watching him from a distance. He made his way towards her as she rushed into a shadowy alley. As soon as Batman set foot in the alley, he jumped back, dodging arrows aimed at his body. He wrapped his cape and cowl around his body, covering himself from head to toe, protecting himself from the shots.

Batman uncoiled himself, throwing daggers out at the archers. They fell down as he rushed through the darkness against other assassins. He swung himself at them, landing palm strikes at their arms and legs, knocking them back. He slammed some against the walls before catching the sword of the last assassin. He broke it before kicking them in the stomach.

The sound of clapping echoed from the exit of the alley.

Batman looked back at the woman he'd spotted.

"It seems the tales of your skills were not exaggerations, Batman," she said. "You really are the warrior that vanquished the Demon's Head."

"What is your connection with the League?" Batman asked. "These assassins were trained in their ways."

"As were you, Batman. My name is Talia Al'Ghul," Talia introduced herself. "And I have a proposition for you, beloved."

Metamorpho found a way back to his time thanks to Dakota and Cavendish. Now stood his most scary moment of all time, meeting back with Sapphire and explaining this whole mess. He barely touched the door when it fell down on him.

"Rex! Is that you!" Sapphire rushed to the door, picking it up, seeing Rex's state.

"Yeah, it's me," Metamorpho said. "I know I look a little-" A light fell on top of him. "-weird, but there's a funny story behind it."

Sapphire pulled him in, hugging him tightly.

"I was so worried!" Sapphire cried. "Don't ever scare me like that again."

Metamorpho hugged her back just as tightly.

"I promise." Metamorpho replied.

Kim couldn't help but smile at what she saw. Director Betty had given her the call and she couldn't believe it. But there she was: Punchline. Wrapped up like a Christmas present behind the special solitary confinement cell designed for inmates like her. She was heavily sedated but Kim didn't care, all she cared for was the note that was left with the crazed woman.

'Sorry it took so long, but here she is as promised.'

Guess the joke was on Punchline after all Kim thought.

Solomon Grundy collapsed into a pile of dust as the light of the sun rose above the horizon at dawnbreak. He grunted and roared against it, but he felt tired. His body and soul were finally free and at rest.

"Rudy Jones, you are under arrest for stealing a ship and multiple crimes of forgery, theft and swindling of merchants."

Rudy Jones was tossed into the stocks with chains around his wrists.

"I'm telling you! Mermaids are real!" Rudy called out as the guards looked at him with disgust. "One of them turned me into a monster and I was sinking ships for her! Everything is real!"

"Oh yeah? And where is she?" The first guard asked.

"The prince killed her!" Rudy said. "Rammed his ship right into her!"

"Oh wait, I heard about that, the prince and his crew did kill a sea monster," the second guard said. "But how do you know about that?"

"I was another monster that tried to kill the prince!" Rudy admitted.

"Is there a way to use insanity as a defense?" The first guard asked.

"If there is, then this one is gonna use it, or at least pretend to be mad," the second guard said as they left the prison.

"Are we sure it's her?" Luke asked.

"All the reports point to her," Ahsoka replied. "She's down on the ancient world of the Sith. Just sitting on the ancient stone throne." Ahsoka looked at the images of Blackfire just looking over the empire of sand and ruins.

"We're ready to deploy and bring her in, Commander," Rex said.

"I don't understand, why is she just sitting there?" Azran asked.

"Because it's in her blood," Kannan replied. "She's a warrior through and through. She wants to go down fighting. Even if that means facing all of us, or facing all the fractions of the Empire that are bidding for control."

"In that case, let's not make her wait," Luke said as all the star destroyers and ships prepared to launch their assault against Blackfire's stronghold.

Sideways looked at the notebook that was filled with Hailey's list of things to do. It was an 80s themed dance and frankly he found it more awkward than fun given that some people were going out with people based on an app. But at least he was going out with Ernie so, he didn't care much.

"I can't believe you're reading this," Ernie said. "That's Hailey's and it's private."

"It also has to do with robots from the future attacking both of us, besides, there's some stuff that Owlman said that I want to check out," Sideways said, although he did feel a little scummy for reading someone's personal stuff. "But don't see how this could save the future." He showed Ernie the list and she was as confused as him.

"This list is supposed to save the future?" Ernie asked, looking over Hailey's list. "No offense to Hailey, but your list is way more fun."

"I'm more concerned about the insistence about forcing her and Scott to kiss," Derek commented. "The guy is a dumbass. He was dating a girl way above his league and screwed it up. Honestly, he is more akin to a pet than a boyfriend."

"Yeah, you're not wrong. I mean, he must've had something if Kristine dated him," Ernie shrugged. "So, what are you gonna do? If this whole list has to be completed to save the future do we have to force them to kiss?" Ernie asked. "Because that feels very contrived."

Derek looked at the dance floor as Hailey and Scott each did their own thing. Forcing two people to be together for the sake of something else felt like a cheap trick to keep a story going. Best he could do was help them get over this but keep them from doing something that would make them unhappy.

"Does the list say anything about what kind of kiss it has to be?" Derek asked.

"Nope," Ernie replied.

"Then my consciousness is clear." Derek opened a small rift.

Sideways knocked Hailey's punch out of her hands, making her go back to the table for more.

"Having a good time?" Derek asked.

"Oh yeah," Hailey shrugged. "Sanjay is a great guy."

"You know, we all thought you made him up, right?" Derek asked.

"What do you want, Derek?" Hailey asked. "I've got a lot on my mind to deal with you."

"Is it about Scott?" Derek asked, only to raise his hand, stopping her. "You don't have to answer. Listen, I know you feel like you have to do all these things because they're important. But if you keep forcing yourself to do something because someone else tells you, then you're not really doing it for yourself."

Hailey sighed as she looked at her bag, like she was carrying a huge weight.

"You don't understand, what if what you have to do means something great will happen?" Hailey asked. "I promised that I would do something tonight but I can't bring myself to do it because the person I was looking to is never gonna like me back."

"Then don't chase something that's never gonna happen. Chase something all you want because you want it to happen, but don't lose yourself in doing what doesn't feel right. Your future isn't written on a sheet of paper or in stone," Derek said, looking at the busted car model. "It's kinda funny, but this line comes from an 80s film and it still applies. 'Your future is whatever you make of it, so make it a good one.'"

"Whatever I make of it? But what if something important is supposed to happen, or you at least want something to happen to move on?" Hailey asked, looking at Scott talking with destiny.

"Well, then you do what feels right. No one said that you have to kiss him on the lips, just a peck on the cheek counts as giving yourself a pass and moving on," Derek shrugged.

"What? That's a thing?" Hailey looked at Derek like he'd just solved the biggest mystery of the universe. "This whole time I could've just given Scott a kiss on the cheek and that was it? That was an option?!"

Derek just shrugged as Hailey looked at her bag like she wanted to strangle it. But before she could, Scott came by with his phone.

"Hey, Hailey, check this out. Turns out that I chose all the answers wrong in the matchmaking app, that's why Destiny isn't all that's cracked up to be," Scott said.

"You what?" Hailey and Derek both asked.

"But isn't that app meant to be based on a personal opinion quiz?" Ernie arrived with punch in her hand.

"Yeah," Scott replied, smiling like an idiot.

"Scott, one day I'm going to kill you and no judge will ever convict me," Derek groaned in a silent mutter.

Hailey looked at Scott, then her bag and then at Derek before sighing. She didn't know what the future held for her, but she would make her own choices.

"That sounds like a fun twist, Scott." Hailey kissed Scott on the cheek. "I hope you have fun with your real partner. I'm gonna go dance with Sanjay. See you later, Derek, Ernie."

"Have fun Hailey," Derek saluted her, hoping for the best. "Write your own story."

Penny punched at the bag as Bronze Tiger held it in place for her. It was a great way to relieve her stress from her life as a whole and her dad being super paranoid about her dating Kareem.

"And then, they start freaking out because my grades have gone down!" Penny punched the sandbag over and over. "And then my dad literally tries to make me wear a shock collar ankle bracelet and a suit of armor to keep boys away!"

"He does know that metal is a conductor, right?" Bronze Tiger asked.

"If it can keep boys out, he doesn't care if I get fried." Penny punched the sandbag. "I mean, is it wrong that I happen to like dating someone?! At this rate, Kareem will be the only boy I've ever dated."

"Look, I ain't an expert. But I know a thing or two about dating," Bronze Tiger said. "This is your first relationship and you wanna go all in, I get it. But you can't. You still have stuff you gotta do. School, education, and other responsibilities. You gotta find a way to balance those things out."

"Any suggestions that don't involve sending my boyfriend away or me to military school?" Penny asked, taking a breather.

"Start by only going out on Fridays and weekends, and limit your time chatting or texting until all your homework is done, try to time it to around 30 minutes," Bronze Tiger said, passing her a water. "Get your grades up and try to find a good work life balance. It ain't easy, even I struggle with that sometimes. Many adult do. Just know that at the end of the day, you gotta live with the consequences of your choices and that the pain of a few years is worth the tranquility of many more."

Penny finished her water. She looked down at her bag before figuring out that it was about as good a time as any.

"Speaking of consequences." Penny put down the cash Bronze Tiger had given her the night he left. "Care to explain where you got this much cash? I know for a fact my daddy couldn't get it even if he donated his body to science."

Bronze Tiger sighed. He wasn't gonna get out of this one if he wasn't truthful.

"Alright, I'll talk," Bronze Tiger said, pulling out some negatives. "That money was actually given to your dad because he unknowingly agreed to a deal with these guys."

"Who are they?" Penny asked, looking at the negatives.

"They're members of the Santa Prisca Cartel," Bronze Tiger replied.

"What?!" Penny gasped. "Ain't they on the most wanted lists?! Why is my daddy shaking hands with them?!"

"Because they offered him a lucrative deal to sell his snacks," Bronze Tiger said, knowing that Penny's dad's greed was his biggest Achilles Heel. "Since Proud Snacks are already considered a hazard, they were the perfect cover to smuggle Venom into the U.S. and if your dad ever got wise, the pictures would frame him as a cartel capo and he'd take the fall."

"Dang," Penny said, wishing her dad wasn't a greedy idiot sometimes. "How do you know all this stuff, Ben?"

"All those years I was gone, I wasn't just touring Asia. I was training in martial arts, got enlisted, black ops. I worked as a mercenary and a soldier all over China, Mongolia, Russia, all of Europe and parts of Africa." Bronze Tiger recalled all his missions. "Fought against some bad folks, worked for others, met some even more dangerous people. I hoped to get out of that life, settle. But then, I heard that a smuggling ring was starting around here and just had to come and find out. Then, I got roped into some more of that life, but that's all in the past."

Penny could only stare at her older brother figure like he'd just jumped out of an action movie and taken out the bad guys. It was even more shocking than learning her dad almost became a drug mule for one of the most dangerous criminal organizations on the planet because they offered him a lot of money. …Okay, that wasn't as shocking. Her dad did a lot of stupid things when he was desperate and he seemed to take the cheapest way out of any situation.

"Okay, so you think they'll be coming back? You did mess with them and they know my dad," Penny asked.

"Don't know, but I made sure they didn't have anything to follow us," Bronze Tiger said. "I'm more worried about whoever got in contact with them to begin with."

Penny sighed, her world was now even more complicated.

"What am I looking at?" Raven asked as she watched two wannabe huntsclan members fight over who would carry the bigger weapon.

"Ugh, these two again," Jake facepalmed himself in his dragon form. "They're Huntsboy 88 and 89."

"They are a couple of cowardly punks that managed to avoid getting wiped out with the whole Aztec Skull incident." Hailey said as she flew next to Raven. "They pop once in a while trying to be feared, but most magical creatures just pity them."

"They'll fear us as soon as we get this weapon working!" Huntsboy 89 called out. "And we go by Huntmasters 1 & 2 respectively!"

"Yeah! We got the same weapons our masters used to destroy those Azarath dweebs-!" Huntsboy 88 began only for their weapons to get taken away before being crushed by Raven's magic.

Raven glared at them, as she crackled with her dark magic ready to strike.

"We're gonna have to save them now?" Hailey asked.

"After Raven scars them for life," Jake shrugged.

Diego finished putting on his suit as Yolanda put on her gown.

"You know, it is customary that we don't see each other until the wedding," Diego said, but he was more than happy to see Yolanda in her wedding dress.

"And run the risk that we have to go out and save someone on our wedding night?" Yolanda wrapped her arm around Diego's. "Not a chance. Tradition will have to forgive us this time. Shall we?"

Diego and Yolanda walked out of the room side by side. They arrived at the church where every one of their friends and family waited for them.

Zhan Tiri had done it, she was back in the real world and had the sun drop and the moon opal right where she wanted them. Both Rapunzel and Cassandra were playing their roles to perfection. All she needed was to press the right button and they would give her the power that she'd wanted all along: Ultimate Power!

"Cass, please, listen to me!" Rapunzel pleaded, holding up her hair as Cassandra attacked her. "Zhan Tiri is using you!"

"Stop blaming an imaginary monster for my choices! I will reclaim everything that you took from me!" Cassandra summoned her black rocks to skewer Rapunzel.

Eugene tackled Rapunzel out of the way.

"Eugene!" Rapunzel called out as the rocks struck.

Eugene waited for the worst, but it didn't come. He slowly opened his eyes as a green wall stood before him and the rocks.

Zhan Tiri's eyes widened in shock.

"No. No, no, no, no! He cannot be here!" Zhan Tiri snapped as she saw a flying guardian float down from the sky with a green fiery aura. "Not now!"

"Hello there, Zhan Tiri, I see you got those wrinkles off," Green Lantern said. "But that just makes you look pretty creepy. Now, where did we left off?" Green Lantern created a large fist construct, swinging a blow.

Jason sighed as he and Jim looked up at the Royal Space Navy Academy.

"I can't believe you talked me into this," Jason sighed.

"Hey, you said, we needed to go out more," Jim countered. "And this will get us a good way to start off our adventure."

Jason looked at his bag where his Red Hood gear was stashed.

"You know they'll be even harder on us, right?" Jason asked.

"Maybe next time don't steal from them," Jim laughed as they walked in.

Jason smiled, wherever his sails would take him, he would face the adventure head on. Besides, he already had plenty of experience going out there and taking on pirates and worse. He dared anything in this academy to really push him further.

Ashley worked with Lilo, Stitch, and several of their cousins on a little art school project. She sprayed the paint on the wall, highlighting the silhouettes of the many heroes she met and fought with. Lilo and Stitch added themselves and their cousins to the mural, making it seem all the greater.

"You really fought with all these heroes?" Lilo asked, finishing painting herself.

"Oh yeah, and many of them were aliens like Stitch and his cousins," Ashley examined her work with a smile. "We kicked lots of bad guys in the butt."

"Stitch would've gone too but Primer beat Stitch to the punch!" Stitch puffed his chest, slamming himself to make his image on the mural.

"Oh yeah, they would've been terrified of your fluffiness, Stitch." Ashley laughed.

"I like fluffy!" Stitch added with several of his fluffy cousins agreeing.

Ashley smiled before they turned to see the mural with the many heroes and experiments rocking together like a band.

Aquaman manipulated the water of the ice, forming a wall to protect his friends and his parents. The intense flames of the giant creature Surtur breathed down on them like a summer heatwave. But he held strong as.

"To think I missed out on a lot," Aquaman said as his mother picked up the Atlantean spear.

"You must tell us of your travels, my son," Kida said. "And of this woman that picked you up as Audrey mentioned."

"Sorry son, I had to tell her," Milo apologized.

Aquaman blushed as he sent the wave of ice back, slamming into the fire demon. He morphed his blades into a large buster sword, striking at the monster's burning legs. If there was one thing he wished he could avoid was to speak about that moment. And fighting a giant monster made up of fire and magma seemed like the perfect excuse.

"We are talking about it even if you are in battle, Kaldur!" Kida called out, raising her spear into the air, summoning the power that brought the beast to life.

Yeah, just another day in the life of the prince of Atlantis.

Mike and the Burners looked at the Mother Box that had been delivered to them with a note from their friend. They couldn't believe what they were looking at. The box came to life as plans and ideas sprung from it. Motorcity was wild and free, and it looked like it was going to get some help getting back on its feet.

"Well, all's well that ends well," Cain looked at the belt buckle Miraculous. "I know just where to put you for all the trouble you caused-WHAT IN BLAZES?! CONSTANTINE!" Cain saw the Miracle Box was missing and immediately turned to the resident kleptomaniac.

"Don't look at me, mate, been right next to your boss this whole time." Constantine pointed to Dream.

Cain looked around for the culprit that stole from him, wondering how he'd punish them for it. He then remembered that there were two thieves on the premises. His eyes landed on a letter that had been left on the stand. It was Mad Mod's business card, and it had something written on it.

'Dear Master Cain, I apologize for the swift escape but there seems to be a world that is lacking in a better class of criminal and a place where the Miracle Box is bound to return to. I have decided to fulfill both quests and start off anew. Best wishes, Mad Mod.'

"It seems a certain world will have a new class of criminal," Shade commented.

"Indeed," Cain sighed. "Probably for the best, I hate incomplete pieces. Besides, this one has more stories tied to it than any other of those jewels." Cain placed the Owl Miraculous back on the stand.

It irked him to have to let a thief go with something that was his. As Constantine could attest, he did do horrible things to trespassers and thieves that took from him. Adding them to his collection was always one of his preferred methods. But he still kept the Miraculous that started this whole mess, so he could let Mad Mod go if only because he knew there would be some juicy stories coming soon enough.

Adrien woke up, he looked around at the room where he had his last encounter with existence. It all felt like a nightmare and yet it was all so real. He remembered everything. His father, his mother, being wiped from existence by Plagg.

"Plagg. Plagg! Plagg, are you there?!" Adrien screamed, looking for his friend.

"I'm here! I'm here! What happened?" Plagg asked, appearing from inside Adrien's shirt. "One second there's a freak in an owl costume and the next we embrace nothingness and then back here!"

"Did Ladybug do this?" Adrien asked.

"Not sure. This feels somehow older than Tikki's thing, and she is really pushing the years. Don't tell her I said that," Plagg shuddered. "But we're back, that means something, right? Everything is back to normal."

Adrien was inclined to nod and agree. But then his foot touched something. He looked down, spotting his father's ring. All the memories of what had happened with Owlman came back, flooding his mind like a bucket of cold water. His father was Hawkmoth, the homeland terrorist that had been turning the people of Paris into super villains, his own classmates. The truth that he wasn't a real person, just a doll his parents created to play house with. With no will or choice of his own. All that love and care and memories that he wished to return to were all fake. They didn't want a son, they wanted something that would follow them blindly. It turned his stomach to think that. That he was no better than a pet to them. A 'perfect' little boy that they could have to show off like a price they had bought and paid for. He picked up the ring, feeling his very heart and soul inside it. It was so weird that he could feel the beating of his own heart coming from the very ring his father wore on his finger. Like a leash meant to keep him subservient and obedient against any form of rebellion. He turned to the glass coffin his mother's corpse was held in, but all he could feel was anger and sadness. It all felt like a twisted joke. Part of him wanted to break the ring into a million pieces or throw it into the river and forget everything that had happened.. But he didn't want to. Not because of fear or anger, but because it would mean he wouldn't be able to live his life, a real life.

"Kid, you okay?" Plagg looked at him with concern.

"I don't know, Plagg. What I do know is that I can't stay here," Adrien said, putting the ring on. "From now on, even if it's painful or hard, I choose my own life. I'm sick of being someone else's toy. It's time to find out who I am. You with me?"

"Break every rule and live free? Heck yeah!" Plagg cheered. "Say the word!"

"Plagg claws out!" Adrien transformed into Chat Noir, giving his mom one last look. "Good bye, mom." He left the house that night.

Mad Mod looked at the Black Cat hero leave his home from a rooftop with a smile.

"Good show, lad. Now, let's get everyone to the party." Mad Mod opened the Miracle box, letting all the Kwamis out. "Hello there duckies, Mad Mod here. I know most of you have a lot of questions, allow me to elucidate you. I am not your master, I do not believe your powers should be given willy-nilly based on biases and nonsense like that. So, I propose a game."

"What sort of game?" Tikki asked.

"I am a thief in search of a new challenge, you are little gods with magic jewels, the game is simple," Mad Mod said. "You go out there, see the world, choose your wielders-be they heroes or villains, I don't care-and let us see how long it'll be before I catch you all. Sound fair?"

"B-B-But, you already have us here," Nooroo said. "Why let us free?"

"Because, my butterfly, I love the thrill. And getting everything handed to me is just too damn easy," Mad Mod said. "I don't have any crazy thoughts of world domination or some boring 'perfect' world. To me, doing lots of crazy, foolish and thrilling things is the recipe of a good life. Besides, I can hardly say that you lot don't want to see the new world. I can't promise you everything is sunshine and rainbows, some will hate it, but you at least get to live. So, what do you say?"

The Kwamis looked at each other, discussing the possibility of actually being free to do whatever they wanted. Many didn't wait long. They grabbed their respective jewels before flying off into the night, leaving trails of colors and light through the Parisian night.

Mad Mod wasn't used to talking to gods, but he had a feeling that these ones were more childish than they ought to be.

"Well, aren't you gonna join em?" Mad Mod asked Nooroo.

"If it's all the same to you, I don't want to be used anymore. My last master was the worst," Nooroo said. "Just please, let me sleep and forget that nightmare."

Mad Mod picked up the broch and put it in a small box. The Kwami went in, leaving the world behind as Mad Mod put him inside his pocket. Part of him felt bad for the little fella, maybe someday he would be up to play but not now. Now Mod had a lot to catch up on.

"Get ready world! Mad Mod is in town and I've heard you deserve a better class of criminal!" Mad Mod called out to the Heavens. "Oh the ideas I've got! Let the games begin, baby!"

And last but definitely not least, John Constantine left the House of Mystery behind. He picked a random door and walked through it. The destination was not really anything he cared about, he would eventually move on to another world. That was his curse for his power and the ability to wield so much magic and dark knowledge. The times he wished he could go back and tell himself not to do a thousand stupid things quickly just became a number and no amount of alcohol or pleasant company would let him forget it. For a good chunk of his life, he hadn't really done much in terms of helping people for altruistic purposes. Sure there were good deeds here and there, but he was always looking for himself. Sure, he screwed over some worse people along the way but he could barely look at himself in the mirror afterwards. At the end of the day, Constantine was only still going because he wanted to know who he was, no matter the world he ended up in.

The light dimmed enough for him to see. Green. Long green pastures as far as the eye could see. No signs of civilization for miles. Only fine wild grass, trees, the open sky and the wind that blew the leaves made up what laid before Constantine. Right by the edge of a cliff there was a downed log that gazed at the ever expanding forest. It felt very tranquil and very inviting.

Constantine walked through the grass and the trees, hearing nothing but the wind as he made his way to the log. He didn't know why but he wanted to sit there and let the wind carry his troubles away. The closer he got to the log, the more he noticed a red balloon tied to one end of the log. He looked at it, wondering if some kid had left it there. He didn't want to disturb it. There was something about it that made him feel all warm inside, a pleasant warmth that made him feel complete. He just sat down, looking at it before looking to the horizon.

"What to do? What to do?" Constantine muttered.

"What to do about what?"

Constantine perked up at the slow but very warm voice. It was familiar to him. Like the voice of an old friend that he hadn't heard in a long time. But one he instantly recognised even after a thousand lifetimes. He looked down next to him and saw a small yellow teddy bear with a red shirt. It looked up to look at him with his little black eyes that brought comfort to Constantine's soul. He knew this bear.

"Pooh?"

"Hello Christopher Robin," Pooh said. "Why do you look so sad?"

"I'm sorry Pooh, it's just been a rough couple of years for me," Constanine's voice trembled with sadness. "A lot has happened. You probably wouldn't understand."

"Well, I am a little bear with a very little brain," Pooh replied with care, sincerity and true understanding.

"Actually, I think you are a bear with a very big heart," Constantine said. "Thank you for waiting for me. I had forgotten how beautiful it is here."

"It is always a sunny day when Christopher Robin comes to play," Pooh said.

"I'm not so sure about that. I'm not the same person I was back then, Pooh," Constantine sighed.

"But of course you are." Pooh looked at him. "You're my friend. And Tigger's, and Rabbits and Piglet, and Owl and Eeyor, and Kanga and Roo. When we have a problem. we come to you. You're our hero, Christopher Robin."

Those words washed over Constantine's heart like a warm hug after a cold dark night. All the aches of his past became far memories at the words of the little bear. Even his own personal demons grew quiet and forgotten for that moment. But Constantine couldn't accept it, not after all he'd seen and done.

"I'm no hero, Pooh. I'm… I'm lost…" Constantine admitted.

He felt a soft hand on his back as Pooh leaned on him.

"You're not lost. I found you," Pooh said as they shared a hug.

The End