"So, this is the Justice League!"
At this moment, both sides had evidently accepted each other and were prepared to face the looming crisis together.
The most important part of their cooperation, naturally, was mutual understanding. In a short amount of time, Batman introduced each member of the Justice League to their new allies. He then gave them a brief tour of the space station that served as the Justice League's headquarters.
After the tour, everyone except Peter couldn't help but marvel at what they had just seen.
"Maybe, after we get through this crisis, we should consider gathering like-minded heroes in our own universe to form a similar organization to protect Earth," Superman from Kara's universe mused softly, standing in the station's hall and gazing at the beautiful, mysterious blue planet below through the large transparent window, as if talking to himself.
"Indeed, there are many powerful and righteous heroes in my universe as well. But until now, we've all just focused on protecting our individual cities," Barry from another universe added, reflecting on their situation. "After everything we've been through, it feels like forming a team like the Justice League is a necessity. At least then, when crisis comes, we won't have to face it alone."
Although Barry had always had allies in his universe, they primarily formed a small team of speedsters to handle crises in Central City. Yet standing in the space station, looking down at the Earth, made him realize that just protecting one city was not enough. Gathering Earth's greatest forces to protect the entire planet should be their ultimate goal.
...
"Now that we've agreed to cooperate, shouldn't we share all the information we have on this crisis?" Batman suggested seriously after seeing that the group had settled in and accepted their new alliance.
The Justice League had been preparing ever since they learned of the impending crisis, but they still didn't know much about its true nature. Sharing information between both groups was now critical.
"You're right. We should share what we know to better prepare for what's coming," Barry's group agreed. Since they had already decided to work together, there was no need for secrets.
"I'll start by sharing what we know," Barry said, taking the lead as the one who first became aware of the impending crisis.
He quickly recounted everything he knew. "It all started during a unique situation..."
Barry then described everything as clearly and quickly as possible.
"So, the crisis we're facing is a wave of antimatter energy?" The Justice League finally learned the true nature of the looming threat after the information exchange.
"Antimatter energy? The kind that can destroy all material reality?" Cyborg's advanced systems quickly retrieved data on antimatter from his vast database, which included high-tech information from Apokolips.
"You know about antimatter energy?" Barry asked, curious as he noticed Cyborg's shocked expression.
"At the dawn of the universe, there was nothing. Then, God created the universe and reality as we know it. But beyond that infinite void lies a mirror world—a universe of antimatter," Cyborg explained gravely.
"In the antimatter universe, immense amounts of antimatter energy exist. If this energy enters our reality, it will obliterate everything we know, wiping out all material existence until nothing remains. Antimatter will overrun our universe, replacing it."
The severity of Cyborg's explanation left everyone in the room stunned.
"Destroy everything we know?" Everyone was shocked and even frightened by the destructive potential of antimatter energy.
"Victor, isn't that a bit exaggerated?" Aquaman asked skeptically, struggling to believe Cyborg's words.
"No, he's telling the truth," Barry interjected. "As I was warned by the Monitor, if we fail to stop this crisis, every universe and all known reality will be consumed by an enormous wave of antimatter."
At that moment, each of them imagined a terrifying scenario: a wall of antimatter energy, broader than the universe itself, slowly advancing toward their reality. No matter how hard they tried, they wouldn't be able to stop it. They would be forced to watch as countless Earths, and even entire universes, were swallowed by the wave, including themselves.
"No. We cannot allow that to happen. No matter what, we must protect all the universes," Superman declared firmly, his voice filled with resolve.
"He's right. We have no other choice. We must give everything we've got to fight this crisis," Superman's determination snapped the others out of their fear.
At that moment, they all solidified their resolve to stand together and fight the antimatter crisis that threatened to destroy the multiverse.
...
Afterward, the Justice League shared all the information they had with Barry and his group.
Soon, as they pooled their knowledge, they came to a shocking conclusion. It seemed highly likely that the future Barry, who had warned them about the coming crisis, had encountered this catastrophic event while being taken to another universe.
This might explain why those people came to their universe and kidnapped future Barry. Perhaps only future Barry could help them confront the universe-destroying crisis.
Sadly, despite future Barry's involvement, their plan to save his universe had ultimately failed. The price of failure was that their universe had already been completely consumed by antimatter energy.
This could also be the true reason why Barry and Peter had witnessed an entire universe vanish while inside the Speed Force.
"If that's the case, then the time we have left to prepare for the crisis might be running out!" Batman quickly regained his composure, realizing now wasn't the time to grieve over the fallen universe or future Barry.
"Exactly. Since antimatter energy has already destroyed one universe, it's likely to return at any moment and wipe out more universes and realities," Barry agreed, feeling the urgency of the situation.
"Not only that, there may be unknown universes facing the antimatter crisis at this very moment," said Superman from the alternate universe, his voice heavy with concern.
"Right. We don't have much time left!" Batman concurred. "Now, we need to focus all our efforts on preparing for the impending cosmic crisis."
Although the alternate Superman's words sounded grim, Batman believed that preparing for the worst-case scenario was essential. This would push everyone to give their best under the weight of the crisis, unlocking their full potential and resolve.
"Other universes may already be under attack by antimatter energy..." Cyborg, unlike the others, seemed deep in thought as he contemplated this grim possibility.
"Victor, what are you thinking?" Batman asked, noticing Cyborg's contemplative expression.
"I suddenly had an idea," Cyborg began. "Up until now, our plan to deal with the crisis has been focused on strengthening Earth's defenses and using Barry's Speed Force to create a device that connects the multiverse."
"But now that we know we're facing an antimatter threat, why don't we modify the multiverse connector we've already built? We could integrate a special device that detects antimatter energy in other universes."
"Combining them might yield unexpected results," Cyborg proposed, explaining his plan to monitor antimatter energy before it invades their universe.
"Monitoring antimatter energy in advance? That does seem like a good idea!" The group quickly realized the value in Cyborg's suggestion. Even if they couldn't save universes already consumed by antimatter, they could at least prepare for the crisis's arrival.
"Victor, this task is yours!" Batman entrusted Cyborg with the responsibility of creating the device, as he was the only one with the necessary technological expertise.
"Well… I might need some time if I'm doing this alone..." Cyborg admitted, slightly hesitant.
"Don't worry, I'll help you build the device," said the alternate Superman, volunteering without hesitation, surprising everyone.
"Why are you all looking at me like that? Don't you know that as a Kryptonian, I have a super brain more powerful than any computer? In my universe, I learned all the knowledge my father left behind from Krypton within a few short years," he explained confidently.
The others turned to look at their Superman, Clark. "You never told us you could build advanced tech," they said, surprised.
"Uh... Well, I do have a super brain. But after I gained my powers on Earth, I never felt the need to dive deep into Kryptonian technology. I just skimmed through it," Clark admitted sheepishly, realizing he had focused more on using his physical strength rather than his intellect.
"Cousin, is that true for you too?" Kara asked, turning to Clark.
"Uh... You know how it is. After learning to control my powers at the Fortress of Solitude, I started working at the Daily Planet and got busy saving the world," Clark responded awkwardly.
Though the Kryptonians possessed super brains, not every Superman fully utilized them to master Kryptonian technology. However, if they wished, they could quickly absorb vast amounts of knowledge in a short time.
"I see… Your lives seem far more colorful than mine," the alternate Superman mused, realizing that his situation had been more unique. Perhaps it was his solitude that drove him to learn so much.
"Alright, let's stop dwelling on this," Batman interjected. "Our plan now has two main focuses: first, both Barrys will test the multiverse connector Victor created until it works perfectly. Second, Victor and this Superman will work together to build the antimatter detection device as quickly as possible."
"Everyone else, while ensuring these plans succeed, will continue the previous mission: find more allies and search for ways to defend against antimatter energy," Batman outlined their next steps.
"Who would've thought the version of you in this universe has his own charm..." The alternate Superman, who previously had some reservations about Batman, seemed to let go of his prejudices. As he passed by Batman to join Cyborg, he lightly patted his shoulder.
...
(End of Chapter)