"Thanks for the ride Olsen, you're a life saver." Lois Lane thanked while getting out of the car beating Jimmy to it. "Save all your gentleman acts for Alisha." Lois taunted him having detected some chemistry between them in the last assignment they did together.
"There's nothing going on there," groaned Jimmy Olsen while attempting to hide a deep blush creeping up on his face. "How many times do I have-"
"If you say so kid." Miss Lane said while laughing at his embarrassment. "Goodnight" she said laughing while walking into her apartment complex. She lived at the top most floor of the building, that way she could see at any time something big events like Justice League fights happening in metropolis and go report on it.
"Goodnight miss Lane," Ted the receptionist called out to her.
"Goodnight Ted." Miss Lane waved at him as she headed for the elevators.
I have got to go shopping tomorrow otherwise I won't have something for the upcoming fundraiser she thought typing something in her phone while in the elevator.
Getting off the elevator, she walked down the long wide hallway to her door, opened it
and walked in.
She removed her coat throwing it aside then tapped her receiver to listen to the voicemails.
"Get out!" She commanded out into the darkness continuing to flip through her mails and bills.
"Lois please, I can explain." A voice pleaded from the darkness, a figure materializing.
Sighing, she put the mails on the table and turned to the figure "I know you can. That's why I told you to get out."
A minute of silence followed with them looking at each other, none moving.
"Please Clark. I need some time to think." Lois finally said the words that her mouth refused to utter for the past minute.
He tensed not knowing what to do or say. "Lois please, I didn't mean-"
"IT'S BEEN ONE WEEK CLARK! ONE FUCKING WEEK! No phone call no nothing..." Lois finished with a sad and shaky voice.
"The league was stretched thin looking for the unknown group..." Clark's words died down when he saw her facial expression.
"Did you find them?" Lois asked looking curiously at him waiting for his answer.
Against his better judgement he answered truthfully not wanting to add more things to fight about, "Yes we did. They are not a threat."
At least he's truthful to me she thought.
"Good." She murmured. "Goodnight Clark." She said with finality in her voice.
"Goodnight Lois," Clark said floating up and out the window disappearing into the cloudy sky.
"I just need to forgive you first" she whispered at his disappearing form.
Kansas, Kent farm.
Kara Kent (Supergirl) had just returned home and discovered the Kents already asleep. She was in the kitchen preparing a meal when she heard the familiar sonic boom of her cousin's arrival. She grabbed an additional loaf of bread to make him a sandwich as well.
"I thought I would find everyone asleep." Clark observed as he entered the kitchen in his superhero costume and sat on one of the kitchen stools opposite his cousin, who was dressed in her pajamas.
"I just arrived and found pop and mom asleep." She explained before handing him a lunch. "You require it. You appear as if you've had one bout with Metallo." She remarked on his sorrowful countenance and thoughtful expression.
"I think Lois is going to break up with me." Clark blurted out hoping to get Kara's advice. Kara stopped chewing for a few seconds and looked up at her cousin with a mixture of emotions, surprise then sadness then a skeptical look then anger.
"What did you do!?" She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Hey! Why do you assume it was my fault?" Clark asked offended at her accusation.
"Because we all know that it probably is." Martha Kent's voice joined the conversation from the doorway stepping into the kitchen.
Martha Kent had heard when Kara and Clark got home and went to join them when she guessed they had branched into the kitchen to grab something to eat.
She walked in and went to stand beside Clark who was shorter than her when he sat on the stool. Both women looked at him expectantly waiting for explanations to what happened.
Clark inwardly cursed at the attention he had just brought on himself. Can't a guy just go to sleep in peace after being dumped? He lamented.
"She was the one who suggested some time alone, not me!" He defended himself.
"It's not that big of a deal. I'm sure we'll get over it soon." He continued attempting to downplay it while getting up and walking towards the exit to the barn.
"CLARK KENT GET BACK HERE AND FINISH YOUR SANDWICH. WE DO NOT WASTE FOOD IN THIS HOUSE" Martha Kent demanded narrowing her eyes at Superman who one look at her got him back in the chair instantly chewing down the sandwiches prepared for him by Kara.
"Good. Now as you have your fill, would you mind telling us what you did to break that lovely young lady's heart?" She said with a small smile while Kara smirked at her cousin. At times Martha Kent could me more threatening than the villains they usually faced and this time it was not Kara who was in the receiving end of it.
"Nothing. I've just been so busy this week with all that's going on that-" superman started explaining choosing his words carefully.
"If you finish that sentence with I did not find time to see, call or text her I'm taking my sandwiches back." Kara narrowed her eyes at Superman. Lois Lane was the only female friend apart from the superheroes she had in her life. She was the only one who knew her as Kara and Supergirl and was willing to do girly things with her and if her cousin spoilt it for her she would kick his ass to the moon and back.
Clarks silence and guilty look was all they needed to know what happened.
"Oh my son...I thought I taught you how to be a gentleman." Martha looked at her son in sadness. "Why would you do such a thing to that poor girl? She has probably been worried sick about you since the incident at the port." She continued hoping to gauge what was troubling her son and with his facial expressions, she knew.
"If Lois cancels out on our plans for the fundraiser I will-" Kara pointing an accusing finger at Clark and immediately checking her phone for any messages and breathed a sigh of relief when she found none.
"Kara it's very late. You should get some sleep."
"But mom, Cl-" Kara began. "Goodnight Kara." Martha repeated looking at her.
"Goodnight mom." She gave in and stomped up the stairs in a typical teenage fashion making the house to shake a little.
"EARTHQUAKE! Martha!" Jonathan Kent shouted from upstairs then some shuffling was heard suggesting he had just rushed into their bath tub to shield himself. Looking upwards she shouted, "It's just Kara!"
A few seconds passed then Jonathan shouted again, "Kara you're grounded!"
Clark and Martha groaned knowing what was going to happen next.
"Aaargh! Why!?" Kara shouted back from her bedroom where she stopped her stomping.
"Because of nearly giving your mother a heart attack! That's why!?" Jonathan shouted back.
"That's not fair! I can hear her heartbeat and she's perfectly fine!" came her response.
"Well.. You're not your mother to know what she's feeling. You're grounded!" Jonathan repeated.
"But Daaaad! I-" Kara started but was cut off by her mom.
"Go to sleep young lady!" Martha shouted from the Kitchen. The whole house was engulfed in silence from both sides making Martha smile before looking back at Clark.
"And you...I assumed by now you knew Lois Lane would never think less of you" she chastised. "What do you mean?" Superman asked looking at his mom hoping she would explain further.
"I know you know what I mean." She said placing her hands on his shoulder and squeezing it before heading upstairs.
She stopped at the top of the stairs and looked down at him, "Talk to her. She'll understand. Goodnight son." Was all she said before disappearing in the corner.
Kara couldn't help herself but eavesdrop to her cousins conversation coming up with many theories as to what went wrong. She wasn't about to let the fate of her friendship with Lois Lane lie in the hands of his cousin. She'll have to help him out even though she had previously sworn to herself she would let them handle it.
Superman stayed up till the crack of dawn deep in thought then went to the barn to wear his back up suits usually kept their incase he stayed over and got ready to go to work, his leave coming to an end.
At the Cave
The Avengers had packed what they would be needing into the jet. Hawkeye had volunteered to start watch duty for the week. He also intended to spend that one week to get his thoughts in order. They were in a new world far away from his family who were probably worried sick about him. He had to think of contingencies he could place in case at least one of them managed to make it back home.
At the watchtower
The rest of them flew back to New York before being teleported into the watchtower by the Question who was still busy at the monitor. Doing what? Most of the league usually wondered but knew better than to ask.
"If you follow me, I'll show you to your quarters." Wonderwoman told them upon arrival having been the one chosen to show them to their quarters.
They walked for a few minutes passing through long and wide corridors which seemed to have no end.
"How big is this place?" Banner asked Wonderwoman, breaking the awkward silence between them. "Yeah...we've been walking forever." Wanda remarked from behind the group.
All she needed was a warm bath and cozy bed. it had been a long past few days.
"Let's just say that it gets the job done." was Wonderwomans vague answer still walking ahead of them. They had agreed not to divulge too much information to the Avengers, not until they could fully know and trust them.
"We know that. He's asking how big it is." Black widow spoke out with a roll of her eyes. "It's okay if you don't know." She continued smirking at Wonderwomans back which in turn stiffened and she stopped.
Most of the Avengers half expected Wonder woman to turn and scold Black widow for her insinuation but she continued walking having decided it's not worth the trouble. She figured Black widow was still hurting from their first encounter.
Natasha was impressed. Most women would usually flip out when associated with being pretty and dumb but Wonderwoman continued on.
"NAT!" Captain America chided her quietly. "Now's not the time!" He told her. If she were to incite a fight between the two of them it would only undo all that they have already accomplished with the Justice league whom they clearly need assistance from.
"It was just an opinion." She shrugged.
"Some opinions do not need to be relayed Black widow." Thor said frowning at her. "I believe you owe Princess Diana an apology." He continued looking at her.
Nat looked at him as if he were crazy, apparently everyone thought that because they were all looking at him, including Diana who had suddenly stopped at the beginning of another long hallway.
Thor seemingly uncomfortable from the sudden attention on him attempted to clarify.
"That is not something to be said to royalty." He said pointing at Diana who looked grateful for his minor support.
"I'm sorry Wonderwoman." Black widow narrowed her eyes at him but apologized, it was the least she could do for Thor for having saved her life countless of times.
"Thank you Black Widow. As am I for our previous encounter." Wonder Woman tried to apologize again.
"Apology noted." Black widow responded before pulling out her tablet and typing some things into it.
Wonder Woman noticed that would be the best she got and proceeded to make her announcement.
"This will be your sleeping quarters. You can choose the rooms to your likings and settle there." She spoke out before the others walked passed her choosing rooms.
"May I have a word with you?" She requested to Thor who stayed back to listen to her.
"I wanted to thank you that." She gestured to the back where he had defended her.
"No need to thank me, my lady. Royalty should be treated with absolute respect." Thor said, his eyes straining to keep eye contact and not look down at her cleavage. In his many years of living or conquest, he had never felt such intense desire to do something and that really worried him.
Wonderwoman noticed his conundrum and quickly wanted to end their discussion for his benefit, "That was all I wanted to tell you Thor Odinson. Goodnight." She announced and proceeded to float away with a slight blush on her face. Hera! What is happening to me? she thought feeling different kind of emotions awakening within her.
"Goodnight Diana of Themyscira." He called out to her floating form then returned to the hallway ready to pick out his.
Iron man had seen the exchange via the security feed provided by Jarvis and walked to Thor the moment he entered the hallway.
"What's up with you and the hottie?" He questioned patting Thor on his back looking through the rooms with him.
"I don't understand." Thor looked to Tony. " I mean will you.." Then Ton whispered something in Thor's ears which was met by Thor chocking on his own saliva and Captain Rogers shouting. "TONY!"
The super soldier serum in Cap enabled him to have a form of enhanced hearing thus making it possible for him to hear Tony's question.
"My word! I would never do such a-" Thor started but was cut off by Ben.
"Don't be so modest.." Ben announced his presence leaning against one door. "We won't judge." Smirked Ben before walking towards them.
Ben had taken two rooms in the watchtower. One was in the wing the Justice league founding members used as sleeping quarters while the other was in this wing the Avengers had been assigned to.
Trixx had alerted Ben to the avengers return to the tower. He had been at the cafeteria grabbing something to eat then proceeded to that wing.
"I have no time for this." Thor announced before walking off to search for a room.
"He takes the fun out of everything." Tony lamented after Thor left.
"It's not him. It's the Royal blood in him. I've dealt with enough sentient royals to get accustomed to it." Ben recalled his time as Bullfrog and when he had an encounter with the Tetramands princess.
Looking down at the watch, Tony prompted Jarvis to scan it again without much success. "You need to stop doing that, it won't work." Ben commented.
"I can't help it." Tony shrugged. "How did you build it?" Tony asked the question that was plaguing his mind ever since meeting Ben. Well..it was one question in many.
"I didn't." He answered truthfully knowing Tony was scanning his vital signs for any signs of deceit. "A friend of mine made it." He said returning to his room.
"One day I'd like to meet him or her.." Tony requested at his disappearing form.
"Me too Tony, me too." Ben voiced out before closing the door. Tony going back to his quarters for the night too.
At Apokolips
The stare down and silence continued for some more seconds with each waiting for the other to make his play known.
Back at the Sanctuary II, they had detected a massive energy signature heading towards the Black Order prompting Thanos to take a few ships and a small army to the world. His arrival was precise with him needing to save them from the omega beams fired at them.
Darkseid's eyes flames became pronounced then two omega beams shot out from them straight for Thanos. Normal beings like their minions could not escape let alone block an omega beam once it locks on them but Thanos was far from a normal being.
Thanos raised his sword, deflecting the beams to two chitauri before throwing the double edged sword like a batarang aimed at removing Darkseid's head, which was unsuccessful because Darkseid simply side stepped and caught it as it flew by him, then proceeded to examine the weapon capable of withstanding an omega beam.
"Impressive."Not many beings have managed to avoid my Omega beams twice," Darkseid said, staying calm and stern. Despite the fact that it was the lowest power he could send after testing the newest arrival.
Thanos looked at him nonchalantly, "I am Thanos. Conqueror of worlds" He revealed, his sword suddenly flying back to him from Darkseid at his command.
"I have come to liberate this world from imploding on itself. Balance shall be restored and Half of you shall remain to continue in the new world." Thanos continued looking around the planet and at Darkseid whose forces had amassed behind him.
Darkseid looked indifferent at the mention of his name and so were his soldiers which only meant one thing for Thanos, they had travelled into another universe, something he had been suspecting since arriving to this sector.
The Sanctuary II had coordinates to every sector and planet in their universe and when it couldn't recognize this planet it could only mean they were not in their universe. No matter, greater war lords have fallen by my hands. Thanos thought.
The flames in Darkseids eyes increased in intensity every few seconds.
"You say you conquer worlds...that's easy...I destroy them." Darkseid stated in a threatening voice.
"I am entropy…I am death...I am Darkseid." Darkseid sealed the deal by unleashing a massive omega beam on Thanos for the third time. But this time, he made a point of amplifying their power.
Thanos spotted the attack coming from a mile away and moved to intercept it with his nearly indestructible double-edged sword. His children had taken a step back at the sight of the omega beams being shot, leaving their master to deal with it because he had not commanded them to assault.
The omega beams connected with the blade with such force that pushed Thanos two steps back before taking his ground again pushing back against it.
Darkseid increased the power behind his attack, the heat overwhelming the Black order who were nearby still not interfering until their master commanded it. He was impressed by their obedience. They shall serve as my personal personnel he thought of the would be survivors of this so called conquering group.
The double edged sword snapped from the two strong opposing forces making way for the omega beam to connect with Thanos chest plate which only scratched from the impact but sent him flying a few meters away. He flipped mid air and landed on his feet and stood facing Darkseid who had cut off the beam and was smirking at him which couldn't be noticed from his stony face.
"Finally... Someone worthy of my efforts." Darkseid said floating towards Thanos who was slowly walking towards Darkseid flipping his half broken sword.
"For your interference, I have recanted my offer. I shall burn this place to the ground." Thanos said gesturing around this place with his hand.
Darkseid utilized his super speed to assault Thanos, who was equally swift and blocked all attacks fired at him as well as dishing out his own, which Darkseid also blocked.
Darkseid used his omega beams to knock Thanos' sword from his grasp, then booted him into one of his spacecraft, which disintegrated due to the force of the contact. But, to his surprise, Thanos appeared back in front of Darkseid, hitting him mercilessly.
Darkseid blocked one punch and used his flight ability to flip them over with Thanos falling but landing on his feet. He was very agile his huge physique not being a problem. Summoning his now half edged sword, he flung it with great force at Darkseid who was floating some meters up in the air.
Darkseid barely dodged the oncoming projectile floating aside the last moment to let it pass then focused on Thanos who jumped high attacking and managing to show some form of air control that wasn't flying. To them the fight moved at their own set pace but to the rest of their minions it was a blur of movement which they were all having a hard time following.
Darkseid and Thanos were exchanging blows that made them wince in pain. They had long since established that they were equally matched in technique, most likely because to their extensive experience, and had resorted to raw force, both wanting the other to submit. It had been a long time since any of them had faced someone of comparable strength to them, with Darkseid fighting the nearby new gods and Thanos fighting Odin a few thousand years ago.
Darkseid released another burst of omega beams to which Thanos blocked with his sword and met Darkseids oncoming fist head on with his own. A powerful wave was produced from the two immovable forces connecting, the rest of their minions fighting against the wave not to be taken away.
The gauntlets worn by Thanos and Darkseid that were made out of the strongest metals in both universes creaked under the pressure applied by both Titans.
"I have killed gods for less. The Anti life equation will be mine and I will bring law and order to the universe." Darkseid said getting frustrated a bit, much like Thanos was at having someone not bending to their will infront of their minions. Darkseid cut his omega beam then used the seconds Thanos took to adjust with his now cooling sword to fire another wide blast of omega beam which engulfed both of them and sent them to the omega zone where they stood alone. Thanos scanning his new battle zone seemingly made up of flames.
"What are you doing in a universe that is not your own." Darkseid questioned It had taken some time, but when he delivered his final sentence, it finally clicked. He was fighting a Titan, not an ordinary warlord who had vanished, as he had inferred from their declarations. It could also explain why they were at a standstill during their fight. He had also observed Thanos doing lethal techniques, implying that he had no qualms about murdering. He had stopped battling when he realized they could fight indefinitely and end up destroying Apokolips, instead deciding to transport him to the omega zone where nothing would be collateral damage.
No sooner had their masters disappeared than the two sides charged at each other seeking to revenge each of their sires. It was a battle that was felt all over Apokolips. The furies and The Order causing the most damage.
As second in command Kalibak took charge of Apokolips forces and ordered the death of every intruder. Parademons and the chitauri fell dead by the hundreds because of the war.
Noticing the change of events, he stood down but was still high on alert already having identified weak points in the zone where he could literally punch his way out if need be. After all he wasn't given the name The Mad Titan for nothing.
"A question I ask myself too." Thanos said looking around impressed by Darkseids power.
"You are a god in this universe." Thanos stated turning to face Darkseid once more.
Darkseid stayed silent for a few seconds before replying.
"You are strong." He replied the stare down continuing. "Or else you would be dead right now." This fact alone made Darkseid ease down since for the omega zone was the most powerful of all his abilities controlling the Omega effect. Any person having nerve endings made it possible for him or her to feel pain despite their invulnerability and when exposed to the omega zone they would feel the most excruciating pain they could ever feel with prolonged exposure leading to certain death. He was curious as to why Thanos wasn't being affected by it.
"What is this anti life equation you seek?" Thanos asked clearly having not forgotten his ealier outburst.
Darkseid narrowed his eyes at him. The last thing he needed was a interdimensional god going after his right for the Anti life equation as the Apokolips ruler, something his father mentioned to him when he killed him.
"That does not concern you." Darkseid stated eyes glowing again threatening to spew out omega beams before returning to normal.
Interesting, I'll have to find out what that is Thanos placed a mental note on it.
"Take your troops and get out of Apokolips." Darkseid voiced out deciding to get rid of Thanos faster with minimal damage occurring to Apokolips. He had initially decided to leave Thanos in the omega zone forever, after all, that was what he had done to previous gods and warlords who defied him but thought better of it. He had seen him scout the zone subtly then relaxed implying he had found a way out. Something only Darkseid knew.
"I suggest sector 13121." Darkseid simply told him. A place they could set up temporarily as their base.
"I do not take orders from anyone!" Thanos ground out walking closer to Darkseid. "However, my current situation is greater than this planet of yours. We shall meet again, Darkseid." Thanos said before stomping one foot making both of them to disappear in a red light just like the one they appeared from.
On Apokolips body parts were flying in every direction while the ground was covered in them. The furies and The Black order were deep in fight. Kalibak taking on Cull obsidian, Gamora and Nebula taking on the furies and suprisingly holding their own even though they were outnumbered 2 to 1 while the rest continued fighting on.
Appearing amidst the battle in a red flash, the fighting suddenly came to a stand still with Thanos and Darkseid in the middle.
"Return to the Sanctuary II, we are departing." He ordered looking at his children. And with that he was teleported away.
Darkseids forces also pulled back, none of them having the courage to ask why they were letting the invaders go back alive.
Two weeks later. (Everyone has settled in this new universe)
Daily Planet fundraiser ball.
Daily planet held its fundraiser in one of the 7 class hotels in the city. The invited guests were made up of the who's who in Metropolis and the world at large. This was the place everyone planning to make it big in their life decisions would go and get connections among the government officials and the CEOs of top private companies.
Among the guests were Kara Kent and Lois Lane. Miss Lane had invited Kara as her plus one to the event since Clark would obviously be working taking photographs and interviews of the event for the following days newspaper. Not to mention their little fight.
"Thank you for having me as your plus one.. I didn't imagine ever attending an event with these so many celebrities." Kara thanked Miss Lane as they came to a stop near the punch bowl where Miss Lane poured the two some punch.
"As I told you, no problem. Our girls night out was long overdue and this place just happens to have an open bar...my favorite kind of bar." Miss Lane grinned at her before something caught her eye. Tonight she was not here to work but to be an ordinary guest having a good time, that had been their pact with Supergirl.
Supergirl noticed her sad gaze which was only visible for a few seconds before she recomposed herself and drunk the punch. Following her line of eyesight she saw her cousin interviewing the General Attorney near the set up podium.
"You're my friend and I'm just going to say it.." Kara started looking at Miss Lane who seemed about ready to argue.
"I appreciate your concern Kara but Clark and-" Kara cut her off.
"Are too busy to notice that this little game you're playing is affecting both your lives." Kara stated looking at her cousin who was probably listening in on the conversation and could do nothing about it. Thank goodness for their secret identities and their limitations.
"I doubt it...he has been holding up very well if you ask me." Miss Lane murmured looking at Clark who was impeccably dressed as always in fitting black suit.
Kara looked at Miss Lane debating whether to talk to her, a decision which was made easier by the longing in her eyes while looking at her cousin.
"He's been at the ranch ever since. Staying up late doing Pops chores for the next day before heading to work." Miss Lane noted the sadness in her voice while Clark subtly glanced at them clearly angry about what Kara just said.
Lois Lanes heart constricted at that statement. During their break Clark had shown exceptional professionalism when on assignments with her never discussing their troubles and generally just looked fine to a point she was considering her to be holding him back. She was so caught up in her own emotions that she didn't notice the subtle changes in Clark and that broke her heart.
Kara saw the different emotions flicker over Miss Lanes face while looking at her cousin. "You two should talk." She stated.
"And mom has invited you for dinner next Friday. She's cooking her famous blue berry pie as dessert." Kara said already thinking about the pie. Martha Kent was the undisputed pie champion in Kansas with her taking many trophies home from the cooking contests and fairs.
"I'll be happy to attend Kara. Please tell Martha thanks for the invitation. Plus it's been so long since I tasted that pie." Lois Lane broke out of her stupor licking her lips at the mention of the pie.
"What can a guy do to have a taste of that pie?" Came a familiar voice beside them. Turning they saw Ben standing there in a dashing black suit, one hand in his pocket smiling at them.
Ben had been wandering around the party for some minutes now since Clark who had requested him to attend because Bruce Wayne refused was busy conducting interviews and the people at the party were all strangers to Ben. That is until Trixx had spotted Kara and Lois Lane near the punch bowl. Finally people I know he said approaching from their side.
Kara wore a skin tight red dress that clung to her body as second skin reaching just above the knees giving way for her long legs that fit into a pair of ridiculously yet elegant long high heels. She wore just a bit of make up, tied her blond hair up and completed the look with a pair of glasses. She was beautiful.
Miss Lane wore a black dress that clung to her curves much like Karas but hers covered most if not all her legs and heels. She carried a Gucci handbag that had a long sling all the way to her waist. Her make up was lightly applied and black hair was flowing back.
Both ladies were garnering the attention of every powerful man in the party with them not having dates and all but they couldn't do anything because among the two was Lois Lane, a fierce journalist who feared no one based on the exposes she wrote about. They also knew their high positions in various organizations won't do them any good if they were to approach the two beautiful ladies who clearly weren't that shallow to fawn over wealth and power.
"Ben" Kara called out surprised to see him before moving to introduce the two of them only to be stopped by him.
"Miss Lane... Miss Kent.." Ben greeted before placing a chaste kiss at the back of both their hands respectively earning a blush from Kara and a smirk from Miss Lane who was observing the interaction with interest.
"It's so good to finally find someone I can talk to. These guys are all about politics and how the recently passed law would affect the stock market come the new business week." Ben explained his sudden appearance.
"You get used to it after attending a few of them." Miss Lane shrugged looking around the room then back at Ben. "I must say...you clean up reeaally good Watch guy.." Miss Lane continued, remembering his watch in their first encounter when she was with superman.
Yes...he does Kara thought giving Ben a once over look before registering what happened.
"Have you two met before?" She asked skeptically looking at the two of them.
"Yes, but briefly when-" Ben's explanation was cut short by Lois Lanes request.
"I'm feeling kind of parched from this punch. I wouldn't mind something stronger." She said looking at her half filled glass.
Ben being smarter than when he was back in his world gave them a small bow before walking away heading to the open bar for some drinks.
"You don't need to worry about that. He's all yours." Lois grinned before adding. "After all, there's only one eye candy who gets me that kind of hot." She smirked looking at Clark who no doubt had heard what she had said by the way he was fidgeting with the camera upfront where the fundraising part of the event had just began.
Kara choked on her beverage and flushed bright red at Miss Lane's suggestion.
"What is that supposed to mean?" She inquired about regaining control of her features.
"I am not against it." Lois Lane stated in front of Kara, who observed Ben return with beverages on a tray, most likely swiped from a server.
"I truly believe it would be beneficial to you...You two would make a good-" she couldn't finish.
"OFFER" Kara voiced out at the same time to cover up whatever her friend was going to say.
Ben returned offering them the stronger drinks on the tray. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything." He asked clearly noticing the tensed atmosphere between them.
However, Kara's outburst was heard all over the room due to the silence maintained while the guest of honor, the General Attorney was officiating the fundraiser. They stopped whispering and looked at the raised stage where they were clearly being addressed.
"Not again" Kara quietly lamented noticing the attention they had garnered.
"Please pardon my old hearing" the G.A apologized chuckling much to the audiences amusement. "Can the young lady make her offer again?" All eyes turning to the trio at the back.
"Uuuuhmmmmm." Kara was speechless. She didn't know what she could do, she didn't have that kind of money to donate at fancy places like this since those who called out verbal offers did them in the tens of thousands something she couldn't really afford. Of all the eyes staring back at her, Clark's were the only one filled with sympathy for her situation noting that he too couldn't do anything.
The other men in the room seemed content with her plight. That's what you get for thinking you're better than us, thought one CEO, who was rudely turned down by Lois Lane when he asked for a moment alone with Kara. The other men's wives and girlfriends looked on smugly at the two women who thought they were better than the rest of them and who had become these men's better halves by a little deception.
"Fuck!" She murmured so quietly that no one could hear her.
"What will be the offer? Miss.." The G.A. enquired again unaware of what was happening or the commotion he was causing.
Lois Lane didn't know how to help her friend because just like her, she didn't have the kind of funds expected of Kara to make a pledge or donation to. Her apartment usually drained most of her salary but it was worth it, the view and all. Her savings couldn't be accessed for the next few years when she had projected she would start her own Media company. She could already visualize the next day's newspaper headings making fun of her friend because that's what their job was for.
"Five million dollars" Ben spoke up to the G.A. Snaking an arm around Kara's slender waist.
"We would like to make an offer of five million dollars." Much to the audience's surprise, he repeated himself. The majority of the formerly critical audience members narrowed their eyes towards Ben, wondering who he was. No one gives out millions of dollars in fundraisers, merely a few thousand to maintain their social standing.
He sensed Kara about to speak up, obviously to decline the gracious offer he made for them, and timed a lingering kiss on her lips to get her to shut up again and look astonished for a moment before responding briefly but cut short by the applause from the G.A and some other guests.
Kara was too astonished to speak and had flushed crimson red when she looked around the room and discovered her first kiss, even if manufactured, was in front of an audience, particularly Clark. She inwardly sighed, knowing Clark would most certainly report on her if they hadn't read about it in the media first.
"Thank you for the generous offer-" Ben waved at the G.A, who stopped him before asking for their names. "You're very welcome. It's a privilege to be a part of something special." He replied, gripping Kara's waist slightly as the double meaning in his sentence made her squirm.
The G.A. waved back and proceeded with the fundraiser.
"Smooooth" Miss Lane spoke to Ben much to Kara's dismay. "I must say. I'm impressed, I didn't know you had it in you Watch guy." Miss Lane continued.
"Please call me Ben. It's hard not to be when in the company of beautiful ladies." Ben replied looking down at Kara who for the past few minutes had lost count at how many times she had blushed.
Miss Lane looked at him for a few moments before deciding to change the conversation to help her friend. "Where will you get that kind of money? You do know that you have just raised the bar way too high for this fundraiser, right?"
"We all have our sources" he said mirroring the journalists say about protecting their sources which Miss Lane understood. "It's only fair since they seem to be able to afford it." Ben answered looking around the room at the glares being thrown at him.
"You didn't have to do that..that's a lot of money." Kara asked coming out of her stupor and shaking Ben's arm away from her waist.
"Don't worry about it." Ben stated again. "It's legal money" he clarified at the looks they gave him.
They remained talking about many things while the fundraiser went on into the wee hours of the night.
OA
After Superman dismissed everyone from the meeting, Green lantern embarked on a journey to OA, the planet at the center of the universe.
It took some days to arrive having had stopped a couple of times along the way to help out against crimes. OA was headquarters of the Green Lantern Corps and home to the Guardians of the Universe, possibly the oldest sentient species in the universe.
Hal flew down to the great room where the guardians were located.
"You requested an audience with us." One guardian spoke up. "You have our attention. You may speak." Another continued.
"I tried scanning a device with my ring and it didn't have any information about it." He told them summarizing what happened.
"Impossible.." "Huh!?" "What!?" were among the whispers heard among the guardians.
"Is it Apokoliptic?" One guardian asked, clearly the only one who wasn't as surprised as his comrades. Darkseid had developed certain counter measures in his technology that blocked the rings sensors thus not knowing when dealing with his tech.
"No it is not from Apokolips. It is basically a high tech watch that belongs to some guy on earth." Hal mentioned keeping Ben's identity a secret for now incase the guardians wanted to contain the Omnitrix.
"Green lantern technology is light years ahead of Earth. No technology can trump it." One guardian calmly said while stretching out his hands towards Hal. The green lantern ring he wore flew off his finger to the guardians hand leaving him in his regular Air Force uniform with his name tag.
The guardian placed it in front of him then connected it with the rooms technology which then projected the rings image and information high up in the air for all of them to see, quickly scrolling all the things the ring has done and scanned at an incredible rate.
The images came to a stand still at the image of the Omnitrix in Ben's hand when green lantern had scanned the watch.
"Impossible" "It cannot be" could be heard again amongst the guardians.
"What?" Hal asked noticing their reactions. "Is it that bad? Of course it's that bad. I knew it but do they listen to me? Noooo-" Hal continued murmuring to himself.
"We do not know of this technology but it is probably on the same level if not more advanced than the green lanterns ring and Apokoliptic tech. I however doubt if it's more advanced than Amazo who has amassed vast knowledge and sentient powers all over the universe which made him evolve into a specie of his own with a conscious, basically a living being."
One guardian explained to a confused Hal Jordan of what was discovered among them.
The guardian with the ring dragged a few icons around and the earlier error message of the ring transformed into a more detailed version of the failed scan.
"It seems it contains a powerful energy source. Very powerful indeed.." The guardian said continuing to discuss with his brothers.
"You should know that it contains a quantum computer." Hal decided to mention it. He intended to ease into the functions of the watch making sure the guardians do not overreact negatively...at least a few of them to be positive about it incase a vote was needed.
The guardians looked at Hal seemingly discussing something mentally.
"What level is it?" One guardian asked.
"He didn't say but it must be among the higher level ones since it can facilitate him to change from one alien to another." He laid it out bare for them. The last statement got the guardians attention.
"What do you mean by that? Please explain yourself." "Explain" "Explain" one guardian asked while the others whispered out.
Hal told them what he could. "That watch is called the Omnitrix and it is a storage hub for alien DNA. There are over a million DNA samples currently in the watch and the wielder can change into any of the alien forms thereby using the abilities of the form he changed into." Hal informed them.
"Oh! I almost forgot this part...When the watch comes in close proximity of any alien DNA not stored by it, it can scan the alien and acquire its DNA and can later turn the wielder into the aliens form of the watch." Hall finished noting how the guardians were slightly shocked by the revelation.
"I believe now we know the reason for the power source and quantum computer." Commented one guardian.
"Have you witnessed these acts you speak of?" The one with the ring asked having perused through Hal's ring and finding nothing related to it.
"Yes I have, for one he scanned Superman and turned into him a few hours later." He mentioned.
"When and where did this happen?" another guardian asked.
"In the watchtower." Hal mentioned then an image of the watchtower was projected beside the ring then several lines of code started scrolling through while the picture of the watchtower probably being streamed live was in the background.
Hal knew they were hacking it to get footages of Ben and the said watch.
Back at the Watchtower
Ben was resting on his bed in the Avengers wing of the tower having just sent the five million dollars to the appropriate organization.
After the fundraiser he and Clark had escorted the ladies to Lois Lanes apartment where they were to continue their girls night out.
"Why do you keep popping up" He murmured playing the video footage of his pretend kiss from the fundraiser ball.
Immediately after the attention had dissipated from the two of them, Trixx had accessed the CCTV footage of the host hotel, retrieved the video containing him and Supergirl kissing and deleted that part from their servers as well as any camera within the vicinity that managed to capture the moment between them.
He was lucky most reporters were afraid to do a story on the two of them from their past experiences dealing with Lex Luthor and Lois Lane was on his side and he knew she would never run the story for the sake of her friend Kara.
External intrusion detected flashed over the video playing.
I detect an external intrusion originating from somewhere deep in space. The trace places it in a planet called OA, home to the Guardians of the Galaxy according to the Justice league files on the location. Two Justice league firewalls have already been breached and the third is soon being bypassed Trixx told Ben mentally while displaying the information about the ongoing hack.
"What are they after?" Ben asked Trixx outloud.
"I believe they are after the Justice league database storage" Trixx replied via the Omnitrix audio system.
"Does cyborg or batman know they are being hacked?" He asked viewing how the firewalls were being bypassed in seconds except for the occasional one that was set up by Trixx to alert her if a breach is in progress which took them longer to break.
"It appears they are unaware of it." Trixx replied showing him footages of cyborg in the training room and batman fighting some woman who new how to handle herself in Gotham.
"What do you mean hacked?" Iron man asked from outside the room clearly overhearing everything.
Ben cursed at his decision to converse out loud with Trixx having forgotten he wasn't alone anymore.
"Some guys from a planet called OA are hacking the Watchtower." Ben said while opening his door.
"And why aren't the Justice League aware of this? Jarvis, confirm if it's true." Iron man ordered. When he had earlier accessed the monitor before the meeting in the conference room, he had planted a bug in the system which allowed him access for short durations of time to avoid being detected by the system.
"Everything is in order Sir. There are no intrusions detected in the firewall." Jarvis stated making Iron man fold his arms in front of his chest knowing Ben was lying to him.
Sighing, "Jarvis, Trixx has sent you a link. Tap into it." Ben said knowing either Jarvis or Iron man would do it.
"A breach has been detected Sir." Jarvis confirmed after some seconds of analyzing all the codes sent to him by Trixx. Iron man having gotten used to be proved wrong, only grumbled and looked to Ben.
"Cyborg needs to know." Iron man said before starting heading to the training room.
"They won't get through." Ben called out causing Iron man to stop then turn around.
"What are you planning?" Iron man asked.
"After getting through the watchtowers firewall they will encounter the one set up by Trixx and when they will be hacking us, I'll return the favour. These Guardians of the Galaxy are like the jackpot of information in this universe." Ben explained to Iron man.
"What if it doesn't work? If they are as powerful as you portray them to be then they surely know what they are doing." Iron man pointed out.
"There's no hurt in trying" Ben smirked before Trixx started hacking them.
OA
"Who manages the watchtowers firewall?" asked the guardian with the ring. The program was taking too long to hack into the watchtowers system, something previously done in some minutes with cyborgs slightly enhanced coding taking longer than usual to break.
"Cyborg and Batman." Hal replied. "Why? What's wrong?" Hal asked worriedly thinking maybe the Avengers attacked again.
No one responded, they were too busy typing in their various screens while millions of lines of code was still visible projected on top of the live view of the watchtower.
Suddenly New lines of codes appeared overlapping the guardians previous one which showed their process of hacking the watchtower which was now down to two firewalls from having a large amount. As soon as the lines of codes appeared the previous green background of the room turned red and warning signs started appearing on the digitized surfaces of the room.
"Cut off the connection." One guardian said furiously meditating interfacing with the system, their minds being powerful enough to do that.
One by one they stopped typing and doing gestures with their hands commanding their quantum computer. They started meditating, each interfacing with the system. They had a vast knowledge in machines and codes thus they were farmiliar with most if not all programming languages and technology in the universe. This made it easy for them to build sophisticated machines like the Manhunters.
Hal could only look on as the guardians remained motionless meditating.
The red light was soon replaced by a green light indicating everything was back to normal then the ring floated back to Hal while the guardians opened their eyes once again.
"What happened?" Hal asked feeling warm as the familiar green aura surrounded him once again. No one answered his question instead they asked theirs.
"Who is this being that created and wields this Omnitrix?" One guardian asked Hal.
"I'm not so sure about creating but the wielder is a guy named Ben." Hal answered truthfully knowing when the guardians meant business.
"Is he a threat?" Asked another.
"No he is not. He joined the Justice league." He pointed out to the guardians who looked deep in thought.
"Good. We would like to meet him." The one who had held his ring ordered him.
"Under special conditions of course. We can't have him scanning our DNA." He continued. They also stayed away from Amazo who could gain incredible knowledge and power if he were to scan any of them thus granting him full access to the green lanterns main source wall and the central main power generator used to power up the green lantern corps batteries which in turn charged their rings.
"What if he doesn't want to meet you?" Asked Hal knowing he could never force Ben to do anything even if f he wanted to.
"Hal Jordan. If you will it, so shall it be." were the last words said to him before being dismissed and the guardians sealing themselves up in the room? Hal went to visit a few of his buddies currently stationed in OA before returning to his assigned space sector.
"What does this mean?" One guardian asked afraid to voice out his actual thoughts.
"It has began." Said another one.
"Let's hope the green lanterns can succeed where the Manhunters did not."
Gotham
Batman ducked behind a parked car to avoid Banes projectile which totaled the whole car forcing batman to use his grappling hook and land on one of the buildings.
Nightwing was five minutes out with the sedative that could put Bane down temporarily while the police secured him for transport.
Aiming for the tube that feeds Bane his venom, batman threw three batarangs which to his surprise were all blocked by Banes quick reflexes.
"How do you like my new upgrade?" Bane taunted flexing his bulging muscles waiting for batman to come out and play a little.
Batman was running out of gadgets to use against him. The upgraded serum Bane used made him more resilient than usual, and this one seemed to last a lifetime.
I have to find his new supplier before this situation gets out of hand Batman thought as he imagined what the jokers laughing gas would be capable of if banes new additive was added to it.
"I've seen better." came a feminine voice behind Bane who turned around to face the owner.
Black widow was watching Batman fight for sometime now and she was impressed. The only other person she had ever seen fight swiftly like that was Captain America, The winter soldier, King T'chaka and Task master. They could all adapt a new fighting style in an instant whenever necessary and that kind of technique took lots and lots and lots of training accompanied with self discipline. This huge guy though, needed to relax a little bit.
"Good! now I can crush your girlfriend while you hide away and watch." Bane roared and charged at her.
Black widow waited until Ben was close enough and did a flip before landing behind Bane again then firing one dart at Bane which lodged in his back instantly slowing him down to his knees which then gave out leaving him passed out on the ground.
"I was wondering when you would come out." Batman voiced from beside her. He had noticed her presence in the shadows and thought she was there for observation purposes alone.
Black widow raised an eyebrow at him, "To come rescue you of course." She smirked at his narrowed eyes at her.
He looked down at Bane, "He's using a new strain of venom. I just finished developing tranquilizers capable of knocking him out for a few minutes enough to disarm and secure him. I'm tracking his new supplier."
"Don't worry about him getting up anytime soon. If a few can slow down the Hulk...he'll be out for sometime." Black widow explained.
Interesting, I'll have to analyze it...batman thought as he went to pick up the dart from Banes back only to be pushed away from it by a kick to his side. Reaching for his batarang, he looked around trying to identify the threat only to see black widow smirking at him and going for the dart obviously are of his plan.
He gripped and flung the batarang with precision which knocked the dart out of her reach then jumped for it. A kick connected with his chest again but the Kevlar took the brunt of it dragging him back a bit. She picked up the dart and placed it into one of her pockets then raised up her arms and gestured to batman taunting him to try his best.
Batman narrowed his eyes at her and gave a small smile, "Have it your way" he said before throwing two smoke pellets on the ground blinding Black widow and him disappearing.
"Shit" black widow cursed as she covered her nose as she searched for batman.
"That's about right" she heard his voice behind her but turned a second too late.
Batmans palm connected with her forehead pushing her a few steps back and loosing her balance a little making her shake her head a little.
"Is that all you've got?" She asked before attacking Batman. She hadn't had a good workout or fight for so long that she couldn't resist the temptation and also she might study his moves a bit.
Batman saw the attack coming a mile away and blocked some of them while others went cleanly through his defenses making him grunt a little bit...
Black widow threw an uppercut which never connected because she was tackled away from batman by Nightwing who was already on a fight with her which wasn't favoring him so well since they both thought the other was a villain.
Batman cursed that he forgot Nightwing was supposed to rendezvous with him and now he was fighting with Black widow. Miscommunication on my part, again he groaned.
"Nightwing! Stand down!" He ordered his sidekick/partner.
Nightwing stepped back gladly catching his breadth. This lady was now among the people who Nightwing knew he wouldn't have won this fight against if Batman didn't help.
"You know this crazy lady!?" Nightwing asked unbelievably. "She tried to stab me!" Nightwing complained.
"It's not like you attacked me or anything.." Black widow shrugged placing her twin guns back in their holsters.
"You were going to shoot me! She was going to shoot me" Nightwing looked at Batman who just gave Black widow an are you serious look to which she just smiled at them.
"Restrain Bane then take him to Arkham." Batman ordered Nightwing before pressing a button on his utility belt. The batjet flew into the alley. It's black exterior blending in with the darkness and the body design futuristic, cutting through air maximizing speed. The engine produced nothing but a humming sound, the jet practically made for stealth. It came to a stop infront of them opening up the top for batman to jump in which he did.
"You coming?" He voiced out already pressing buttons in the jet. Black widow simply jumped into the passenger seat before speeding off.
"Seriously!" Nightwing exclaimed.
I thought no one flew the batjet except you he thought angrily at being left behind for clean up duty.
"Okay...I'll just-" he turned around preparing to pick up Bane but he was gone.
Looking around for him, "What the hell-" he was cut off by a dart pricking his neck then immediately falling down unconscious.
An unknown figure dragged both him and Bane away.
Kent farm
Kara did her best to avoid her cousin after the fundraiser. Usually going to the town library to study for something or teaming up with Huntress in one of her missions.
She was preparing her take away lunch before heading to the library and later patrol around the world for a bit. She had already packed some fruits and now was fixing her sandwiches.
"It's good to know you eat...with you being too busy and all.." Clark announced coming to the kitchen already dressed ready for work. He also carried a small backpack of clothes indicating he was returning to his studio apartment in the city.
"Good morning Clark, I'm running kinda late.." Kara said hurriedly packing up the half finished sandwiches.
"I'm sure you can spare a few seconds for your dear old cousin.." Clark smiled at his cousin who unwillingly sat back down on the kitchen stool.
"Look Clark, I didn't know he was going to kiss me..! I just wanted to turn down his help! He just did it. The jerk stole my first kiss away from me..." Kara started rambling getting angry by the second. Clark let her ramble it all out otherwise an unwilling participant (mostly villains) would be the ones getting it in form of violence.
"The nerve of him! But again he kind of helped me so...but I-" Kara stopped talking, embarrassment creeping up when she noticed Clark staring at her.
"Sorry about that..a lot on my mind." She apologized to Clark.
"Thank you. For what you said to Lois. We got back together that night." Clark smiled at her. After finishing his work, he had joined their group where the two of them had talked and kissed it out.
She was so happy she hugged him. "I knew it! You two were made for each other" she grinned at him.
"And as for Ben, don't worry about him. I'll deal with him." Clark told her making her frown. Though he knew that Ben was only trying to help, he couldn't let him get away with embarrassing his cousin like that. He would only talk to him.
"I didn't say you should go and break him Clark! In fact don't do anything. I'm a big girl and I can stand up for myself. Besides, I am the second strongest person in earth." She half announced victoriously.
"There is a time when I wouldn't have doubted that statement." Clark told her looking sad. Everything had changed so quickly in a short amount of time. They were also searching for answers. He had remembered that the rest of the league wasn't really much in the know of anything at all but Supergirl was highly ranked thus she'll soon find out.
"Are you talking about the green guy? He had the element of surprise. You could have totally taken him down." Kara said sounding sure of herself.
"Not him...Ben." He admitted. "Looks can be deceiving." Clark finished before his pager sounded. Looking at it, he wished Kara a good day and flew off heading to work before Kara could ask anything more.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kara wondered flying off to the library.
Watchtower
Booster gold was on monitor duty when a huge meteor appeared out of nowhere its trajectory being the Earth. Watchtower alarms were blazing everywhere with the heroes on board moving to booster gold to figure out what was happening.
They saw the meteor had quickly breached the earths atmosphere and landed somewhere outside of Metropolis. Every television channel displayed the breaking news to the citizens while military helicopters were dispatched to the crater created by the meteor. Circling around the crater, soldiers descended from the choppers via ropes and proceeded to scout out the meteor which turned out to be some kind of pod.
The Justice League and Lex Luthor had tapped into the secure military channel feed streaming to the Oval Office.
"Set up a perimeter." Instructed the first soldier who was the team leader.
He peeked into the pod not being able to see anything inside. The small glass used for observation showed nothing but that the interior was made up of a rocky surface.
"This is bravo 1, there's nothing in the pod but stones." The leader spoke into his earpiece. "Preparing for transport." He continued turning to face his men who were cautiously pointing at something behind him.
Turning around, he saw two red eyes looking at him from inside the pod. No sooner had he started backing away than the pods door came flying off from being forced open crashing into him sending him flying into a tree branch which impaled him through his Kevlar plated chest killing him instantly.
His team opened fire at the beast unleashed from the pod but they merely bounced off him before it killing each one of them.
"We're so fucked!" The last soldier whose feed was still live was heard saying and seen running to their helicopter while gun fire, the roaring sound of the beast and the screams from his team mates filled the air then the screams stopped but loud thumping could be heard getting closer to him. The chopper had landed to transport the pod to a secure military base.
The Justice league members present and the various relevant government officials and Lex luthor saw the soldier pick up a laser guided shoulder rocket launcher with a Wayne tech tag on it then shouted to the pilot who was already taking off "FASTER!" before facing the charging monster looking up at the ascending chopper.
"I'm gonna fuck you up." He said encouraging himself.
He visibly tensed at what he saw heading for him. A huge monstrous being with white hair, red eyes, grey skin and bone protrusions all over his body.
"Fuck you" the soldier shouted before a rocket was launched and an explosion threw him away and the feed ended.
Everyone watching remained glued to the screen wondering what they had seen.
Apokolips.
"Sire, the weapon has made contact with the earthlings." Steppenwolf informed Darkseid in his throne room bringing up a hologram showing the creature killing the soldiers
"Once it destroys the Justice League, you know what to do!" Darkseid stated refocusing his attention on their ultimate weapon causing mass destruction.