In Elseworlds, super-heroes are taken from their usual settings and put into strange times and places - some that have existed, and others that can't, couldn't or shouldn't exist. The result is stories that make characters who are as familiar as yesterday seem as fresh as tomorrow.
The trees groaned and strained under the wind as the sliver of the moon and barely-present sun cast shadows across the town and the castle at the center of it all. One room sat, illuminated by candle light.
The room was vast. Shadows danced around the dreary stone floor, dusty bookshelves, and mounted ornate weaponry, but none of the shadows bothered the lone occupant as he poured over the tome on his desk. Dressed in all black, he sat ignoring everything else before him: the stone cold plate of roasted meat and root vegetables, the half scrawled pages of notes, a half filled bottle.
But what stuck out most of all was the occupant himself.
The sharp eyes of the raven's head continued across the words of the tome, his beaked mouth silently repeating words as he saw them.
There was a knock at the door.
He frowned, concentration broken, and looked up.
"If it is important, enter."
A chill came over the room as the candles dimmed. The wind whipped around the room, filling his ears with the murmurs and howls.
He groaned.
"Will you just enter the room as a normal person? I do not have time for such displays."
He craned over his desk. He felt it looming, waiting, expecting….
The door creaked open, and gave him a clear view of his messenger:
Shadows. Blurred at the edges, parts seemed to come in and out of focus as he looked at it. The only parts of it that remained in perfect focus was the long black duster draped around it, and wide brimmed hat shading it's not quite there face. After a moment, the shadows solidified, revealing a man with pitch black skin. His eyes glowed white, still shaded by the brim of his hat.
"Kuroiro. What is it?"
"You told me to come and get you when she woke up," the shadowman responded, "She's still in the infirmary."
"Thank you."
Kuroiro nodded, and turned to leave. With a sigh, the raven-headed man placed a mark within the tome and stood. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned his own cape and fastened it. As he reached the doorway, he snapped his fingers. Immediately all of the candles in the room were extinguished, leaving trails of smoke.
He started down the hall. The door hinge slowly creaked, and closed with a soft thud. The candles lining the walls casted a dim light over the stone hallways. After several moments, he paused.
"Yanagi."
A moment passed.
"Yanagi, I know you are there."
He glared behind him. After a moment, something skulked out of the wall: A pale, translucent woman with pale, silvery blue hair, dressed in white robes and blue tattoos going down her arms and legs. She smiled.
"Fumi."
"Have you been keeping an eye on our guest?" he ignored her greeting and continued down the hall.
"She's been murmuring in her sleep about something, but I couldn't get all of it. It might be in whatever they speak on her island."
"Mm. And news from her direction?"
"Nothing much. The usual, people going missing, demons, spirits…." Yanagi shrugged, "I've been keeping a lookout for anything unusual, but I haven't really heard anything."
"Mm."
The two came to a stop at a large wooden door. Tokoyami gentile tapped on the door and awaited for a response. The sound of millions of tiny legs on the hard stone floor approached the door. After a moment, it opened with a loud groan and the scrape of metal on metal. An elderly woman with a pointed black hat and all black dress stood on the back of a large, hunched insectoid beast. She looked up, her eyes hidden by smokey glasses.
"Lady Shuzenji," Tokoyami and Yanagi both politely nodded at her.
"I suppose you're here to speak to her. Don't dawdle and don't stress her. She's much better than when she came in, but she's starved. I'll be back, I need to talk to the cooks."
"We understand."
Tokoyami stepped to the side and allowed the woman and her mount to pass. The two entered the room and passed beaker and vials filled with questionable, colorful liquids and a caldron that oozed smoke and gave off a sickly green light.
"Honestly, I don't understand how you people can even tolerate some of these cures she gives you. What was it, eye of toad, throat of bat?"
"I do not question what she uses and why, only that it works."
"Pfft," Yanagi rolled her eyes, "You won't catch me dead with one of those."
"We will not find you alive to start with."
Tokoyami opened a door and stepped into the room: a young woman with long, loose black hair sat there, clad in a thin cotton robe. The skin that peaked out from her robe was covered in tattoos of arcane scripture and other unknown markings. She looked up at the two and struggled to her feet.
"No," Tokoyami held up a hand, "Stay in bed, there is no point to further stressing yourself, Lady Yaoyorozu,"
The woman settled back into bed and groaned.
"What is the matter? What happened that left you in such a dreadful state?"
"Water."
Yanagi floated over to a pitcher and glass and peeked into it.
"I think it's water."
A pair of thin, shimmering hands appeared and lifted both pitcher and glass. The pitcher tipped, filling the glass half way with a clear liquid. The glass floated over to Yaoyorozu, who eagerly snatched it out of the air and drank. She held it out and Yanagi obliged her with a refill.
"I was called out to protect a small town to the north," Yaoyorozu stated after a third cup, "It was supposed to just be a normal protection deal, there were reports of Werewolves in the area."
"Hrm. We had an agreement with Shishida and his pack. It must have been one of the renegades who didn't agree."
"I don't know, I never saw them. We were attacked by Grundymen."
"...that's unusual," Yanagi replied, "they usually don't bother people."
"I think this one is lead by a malevolent one. It was a sizeable horde, and they duplicated."
"...Excuse me?"
"I noticed during the fight that several had duplicated themselves after wounds were inflicted, not enough to immediately kill them. Decapitation seemed to do the trick, though," Yaoyorozu gripped her cup, "They overwhelmed the defenses, and I was the only one to get out alive."
"..." Tokoyami closed his eyes, "How much time do you think we have?"
"..." Yaoyorozu pursed her lips, "How long has it been since I arrived?"
"You were lucky," Yanagi spoke up, "one of my spies found you and we were able to transport you here quicker than normal."
"How long have I been here?"
"Three Days."
"We only have three days to prepare."
"...Yanagi. You, Kuroiro and Yaoyorozu prepare the defenses. I need to gather the League."
"I could send my spies," Yanagi replied.
"No...I need to do this personally. Yaoyorozu, do you think you will be ready in time?"
"I will."
"Then I need to prepare."
Tokoyami made his way down the hall, his pack strapped to his back. He turned down another hall.
"Oi, Tokoyami."
He paused for a moment and turned to look behind him. A green haired man in dark robes with a dark green cloak, appeared. Red boots thumped on the stones as he walked up to Tokoyami. A massive golden furred beast with two long tufts of hair sticking out of its forehead stood behind him with its mouth was open in a large, broad smile.
"Midoriya. I did not expect you to be back so soon."
"Yeah, well, Princess Amethyst's little problem cleared itself out. Prince Tetsutetsu of the Metal Kingdoms and the heir of the Flame kingdom had a bit of a spat, but we took care o' it, right Big Guy?"
Midoriya patted the belly of the Monster behind him. It only nodded in agreement.
"Unfortunately, there is no time to rest. There is a horde of Grundymen approaching."
"Pfft, Grundymen?" Midoriya laughed, "Ain't nothing to worry about."
"They can duplicate themselves and have already destroyed one town."
Midoriya sighed, "Whelp, I guess we don't have a choice. Oi, Spot, you oughta get some rest, we're gonna need all our energy for this."
"No one from Gemworld came back with you, did they?"
"Sadly, no. They're still dealin' with the recovery from the Lady Eclipso incident," Midoriya shook his head, "who've we got so far?"
"Yaoyorozu, Yanagi, Kuroiro, myself and you two,"
"Ain't gonna talk with Shishida or the Dwellers? They owe us from the last time."
"Shishida is dealing with some rogue tribes. I'll send a message to the Dwellers, but last I heard she was pregnant."
Midoriya wrinkles his nose, "That's gotta be the ugliest baby around. Well, you oughta be on your way, we'll go talk to Yanagi."
With a nod, Tokoyami nodded and turned around. Spot whimpered.
"Oh none of that, Spot. Business is business."
Tokoyami left the castle grounds and continued through the town until he reached the Western Gate. The guards there nodded.
"No horse?"
"Where I am going to end up, it will only be a hassle," Tokoyami shook his head.
"Be at peace, my child and let the Quintesson guide you."
The woman pressed the five pointed star against child's forehead and muttered a prayer.
"Now then," the woman smiled, "You best be off."
"Thank you Sister."
The child picked up his belongings and rang off. The woman sighed, her hair and body hidden by her all encompassing dress and headwear.
"Sister," another woman dressed in similar clothing approached, "There is a man here to see you."
"Oh? I was not expecting anyone. Did he say his name?"
"No, but he said it was urgent."
"Very well, please tell Sister Montoya to take over for me."
The woman walked down the hallway and made her way to a room. She opened the door and looked in.
Tokoyami sat in the chair in front of her desk, waiting. As he noticed her, he quickly stood and bowed.
"Sister Shiozaki."
"Tokoyami! Wonderful to see you again! Blessings upon you...but since you came with no warning, I assume the purpose of your trip is business?"
"The Grundymen approach."
"Ah."
Shiozaki made her way behind her desk and moved papers and books off of something behind her desk.
"Do we have time?"
"They arrive in about two and a half day's time."
"And who is already there?"
"Kuroiro, Yanagi and Midoriya and his Monster."
"I see."
Shiozaki pulled off her hood, revealing her long, thorny green hair. She opened a chest and pulled something out of it; a Golden ankh on a chain.
"There is one other thing."
Shiozaki paused, chain around her head.
"Yes?"
"Yaoyorozu is there as well. I know you have...problems with he-"
"That heathen woman and her religion?" Shiozaki places the chain around her neck and shook her head, "There are more important things at hand, I will do my best to deal with it."
"Thank you. I also regret to inform you that I must gather the rest of the League, so I cannot accompany you back."
"There's nothing to fear."
Shiozaki turned around, a straight sword, scabbard and belt in hand. She smiled slightly as the blade slid out, revealing a golden blade.
"I have my faith to protect me."
"How did I let you talk me into this?"
The grey haired man grumbled as he led Tokoyami into the marsh.
"I was told you were the last person to see him, Shelley."
"That don't mean I want to be the one to take you to him!" He grumbled as the muck slide into his boot.
"You will be paid well for the task."
"A fine comfort that will be if I'm dead."
"Be silent, do you hear that?"
The two paused in the muck, listening. Something groaned in the distance, and Shelley turned even paler.
"We need to get ou-"
Something massive came crashing out of the bushes and looked before them. It towered over the two, arms and legs like tree trunks, chest like a barrel. Tattered rags were tied around its body, a tattered, ragged hood over its head, only revealing a set of glowing yellow eyes. Shelley collapsed to the ground, lantern forgotten. The beast stared at Tokoyami, as he returned its gaze.
"Nomu."
The creature, the Nomu, reached up and pulled down it's hood: bulging eyes, exposed, pulsating brain, large hard, almost beak-like lips and bizarrely square teeth. The creature pulled it's mouth back in a horrendous smile.
"Bird-Nose." The Nomu nodded.
"My friend, your services are needed once again. Enemies are at the gates and we need your strength."
"Friends need help? Then I help." The Nomu nodded.
"Excellent," Tokoyami places a hand on Shelley's back, "This is Mitchell Shelley and he will take you back to the castle."
Shelly opened his mouth to speak.
"You will be paid triple," Tokoyami cut him off, "I expect him to be there in a day."
"Bird-Nose not come?"
"Sadly no, there are others I need to find. But Shiozaki will be there."
"Nice Lady." Nomu nodded.
"Damnation! I am a friend!"
Tokoyami dodged another swipe from the gnarled, wooden hand. The tree creature lumbered towards towards Tokoyami as he landed. His hand thrusted out, a glowing symbol on his palm.
"Tell her I'm sorry, but I will defend myself!"
A burst of fire shot out of his palm, igniting a portion of the tree's shoulder. Tokoyami glanced over his shoulder, and noticed something whizz towards his head. He ducked under it and rolled. The walking rose bush aimed another volley of thorns, tendrils outstretched.
"Dammit,"
Before it could fire another volley of thorns, Tokoyami shot a breath of flame out from his beak. The rose bush ignited, and collapsed into a flailing pile. He leapt back to his feet, a dagger drawn. A horde of vaguely humanoid Mushrooms approaches menacingly.
"ENOUGH!" A voice bellowed.
The plants suddenly stopped their assault, and bowed. Tokoyami sheathed his dagger and also took a knee, bowing his head. A young woman appeared, dressed in a green robe. Her red hair was in a flowing bowl cut, her eyes and nose hidden. As she grew closer, Tokoyami noticed her slightly green tinted skin, gnarled walking staff with a lantern hanging off the top of it, and the collection of small mushroom beings behind her.
"Keeper of the Green." Tokoyami bowed deeper, "I apologize for my actions, but they would not listen to me."
"Because, they were built, to guard and protect, not listen and respond," the Keeper replied, "But perhaps, they are, too zealous in, that task. The Black Hand, incident and the Rot, proved that one can never, be too careful."
"My apologies for such short notice, but we are once again in need of your assistance."
"Another, crisis? What, is it, this time?"
"The Grundymen."
The Keeper paused.
"That's impossible. I would have, sensed his, return. The Parliaments, of the Green, and the Grey, have said, nothing."
"I don't think it's Solomon Grundy himself," Tokoyami shook his head, "Recall that offshoot that the Seven Soldiers found."
"Hrm. I had, assumed it, was a rumor, spread by, the Witchboy. You, know, how, Klarion can be."
"Well, we have seen them ourselves from another incident. More importantly, this offshoot can multiply."
"Hrm. That is, different," the Keeper paused, "And, you want me to, help battle, them to keep Castle Dasomia, safe."
"Of course."
"I will be, there shortly. Will, I be, alone?"
"There are defenders present, but I cannot return yet."
"The Dwellers, will not be, there. The Wildcats, spoke to me, and they are, busy with, their own affairs. The birth, of their heir."
"...That leaves one more."
Tokoyami paused, listening for the sounds around him.
"Why did it have to be Slaughter Swamp? Why is it always swamps? Why can't any of these people live in emnormal/em places."
Tokoyami grimaced as a toad hopped past him. He frowned as something shot out and snagged the toad. Tokoyami spun around, ready as he saw a trio of short, malformed creatures staring at him: they were short, squat beings, with gangly limbs, protruding bellies, and a collection of purple balls on their heads. The lead beast gobbled down the toad it held and smiled at Tokoyami with bloodstained teeth.
"What manner of beast are you?" Tokoyami wondered out loud as he reached behind him.
With a giggle the lead beast tore several of the balls on it's head and flung them at Tokoyami. The bird-headed man pulled out a dagger and flung it at the beast. Blade and balls made contact at the same time, as the blade embedded itself into the lead beast's forehead and the balls attached themselves to Tokoyami's arm. His eyes widened in horror as the balls began to expand and engulf his arm. Without a word, fire engulfed the arm and the balls, melting them. The other two beast scrambled backwards, warily keeping their distance.
"Devils? Lesser daemons?"
The two beast quick yanked off fistfuls of their balls and hurled them at Tokoyami. The Sorcerer dove out of the way, landing the muck and fetid waters of the swamp. He shot back up, soaked to the bone and fired a burst of fire out of his beak. One of the beast leapt out of the way, but the other became engulfed by the flames and collapsed.
"One left."
The devil giggled and pointed behind Tokoyami, the wicked smile growing larger as every second passed.
Tokoyami snuck a glance behind him as he withdrew another blade and flung it between the creature's eyes. He took a second look before fully turning his attention to the crowd behind him:
A veritable horde of identical beast clamored around, all of their eyes on him.
"Damnation. A curse is strung…"
"ENOUGH!"
A female voice called out. The horde scrambled back, fear in their eyes. A figure dressed in all-covering green robes appeared, floating over the swampy ground. A sleeved arm rose and a gloved hand pointed directly at the beast.
"No more! Your duty is to guard, not to attack!"
One of the beast murmured something in a guttural, unrecognizable language.
"I don't care, get back in the muck. You can eat all the frogs and fish you want, this one is a friend."
The horde sulked back into the swamp, vanishing as quickly as they appeared. The figure turned to Tokoyami and pulled her hood down. Empty space looked back at him.
"Fumikage! So good to see you! Sorry about my little guard daemon problem."
"What manner of beast was that?"
"I merged grapes with an imp. I think it worked out fairly well, do you like them?"
"No," Tokoyami motioned to his soaked and dirtied apparel.
"A moment," the figure motioned with two outstretched fingers, tracing a circle in the air, "Naelc sih sehtolc."
Tokoyami's clothing suddenly dried, returning to pristine condition.
"It's been a while since you've come and visited me, come, come! I have some tea on."
"Lady Hagakure, there is a greatly more pressing matter at hand."
"I know. But tea first!" Hagakure motioned behind her.
"...As you wish."
Tokoyami splashed through the muck as Hagakure glided along the surface of the swamp.
"You'll have to excuse the guardians, the Ghost Breaker is back."
Tokoyami frowned, "Again?"
"The man doesn't know the difference between invisibility and spectral presence."
The two reached a cottage in the middle of a dry area. With a wave of her hand the door opened.
"After you."
"My thanks."
Tokoyami entered the cottage, and looked around. The hall stretched far beyond the dimensions of the cottage.
"...The House?"
"Of course!" Hakagure replied as she removed her cloak, "Hang up your cloak, please."
With a slight frown, Tokoyami did so.
"Come, come, There's one other g-"
"I AM BAYTOR!"
"...Why is He here?"
"He likes to visit. And he makes wonderful tea cakes."
A spindly limbed being appeared: It's arms and legs were long, crooked and thin, it's head consisted of a tube with a maw of flat, square teeth.
Worse, it wore nothing more than a red dress.
"...Baytor," Tokoyami's eye twitched.
"I AM BAYTOR!"
"Now, now, Baytor. You are both guest in my home, and no harm will come to either of you."
"I AM BAYTOR!"
"Oh how wonderful! Yes, I would like some. Tokoyami?"
"Yes. Thank you."
With a nod Baytor slinked off. Hagakure grabbed Tokoyami's hand and lead him into another room: messy, haphazard piles of books, tomes, scrolls and more were sprawled over the ground, tables and chairs. In the middle of the room, a single round table sat, with little more than a tablecloth and crystal ball. Several chairs sat around it.
"Take a seat, take a seat."
Tokoyami sat in silence as the teapot, samovar, tea cups, plates and other utensils flittered through the air and landed on the table.
"It's a very different blend. A gift."
"I see."
Tokoyami sat in silence as Hagakure continued on about the tea. The samovar skittered across the table, followed by the teapot, and quickly set to work making the tea. After a moment, the teacup skittered across the table and sat upon Tokoyami's saucer.
Without a word, Tokoyami took the cup and took a sip.
"I AM BAYTOR!"
Baytor placed a plate covered in buns on the table. Without a word, the demon skittered away.
"...But enough about my troubles, what brings you here today?"
"The Grundymen approach."
"...Ah."
"...Is that all you have to say?"
"It's unexpected. How many and when?"
"When I left, Yaoyorozu said at least three days. Their number is unknown."
"Who's there?"
"Yanagi, Kuroiro, Midoriya and Yaoyorozu. I sent for Shiozaki, Nomu and the Keeper. They should be there."
"Let's find out."
Hagakure snapped her fingers. The tea set and dishes scuttled away, leaving only the crystal ball behind.
"Wohs su Eltsac Aimosad." she waved a hand over the ball.
It quickly gave off a brilliant light, revealing scenes of battle before them:
Shiozaki and Yaoyorozu stood side by side, swords out as the pale, gaunt figures approached them.
Midoriya kicked one in the groin and blew something into its face, as the Monster picked one up and hurled it into a crowd of others.
One of the creatures lunged at Kuroiro, only for his shadowy mantle to consume the entire being.
Another of the pale creatures had turned against the others, a wide grin on its face.
"I don't see the Keeper or Nomu," Hagakure mused.
"Damnation, we'll never make it back in time."
"Ah ah ah! I have been working on something!" Hagakure shot up.
Tokoyami watched in silence as she began to make arcane motions with her hands and finally slammed both hands on the table.
"DEEN A KCALB ELOH LATROP EREH!"
The table vanished.
"Shiozaki, I think we need more than just 'faith will intervene', here." Yaoyorozu grimaced as she pulled her sword out of a Grundyman's head.
Before Shiozaki could respond a black hole opened above one of the Grundymen. It looked up for a moment as a heavy, circular wooden table fell out of the portal and crushed it. Shiozaki and Yaoyorozu stared at it for a moment.
"The Gods pick interesting ways to intervene," Shiozaki mused.
"AH! My table!" Hagakure moaned, "I liked that table!"
"Isn't this…."
"The Warp spell. From the Black Mist? It's perfectly safe to travel through. CAIN!"
A tall, lanky man with a flowing red beard peeked into the room.
"Yes Mistress?"
"Keep an eye on things, I'm off for business."
"As you wish."
Without another word, Hagakure leapt through the portal. A moment later, Tokoyami followed her.
Something green slammed down on the grundyman as it approached. Shiozaki and Yaoyorozu glanced at it. Hagakure waved back.
"Hi Everyone! Fumikage let me know what happened….Also have you seen my table? It's mahogany. I'd like it back if possible."
"Tragically, the table has been destroyed," Shiozaki replied, "But we can discuss that later."
"Right," Hagakure snapped her fingers: her cloak reappeared on her, "Who needs the most help?"
"Midoriya."
Midoriya chuckled as he wiped the blood from the side of his head. He sat slumped against a rock, battered and bloody. In front of him, Spot stood, wielding a broken off tree as a club.
"...Spot, look, I know you said not to make those deals, but I'm really hoping The Fallen all come to collect. Gives me a fighting chance at least." He paused.
"Hell, I think I own the Choronzon and Abnegazar something as well. Let'm all come."
"Izuku, these have been the best years of my life, but it's still only a small portion of that," Spot replied, "But even so, I will not let you fall."
"PRAW ETAG OT NAECO!"
A swirling mass of black energy opened beneath the feet of the Grundymen and sucked them into it. After a moment, the gate vanished as Hagakure appeared.
"You're welcome Izuku."
"Hagakure." Midoriya pulled a cigarette out of his pocket and stuck it in his mouth, "Always know exactly when to show up. And thank you."
Hagakure snapped her fingers. The end of Midoriya's cigarette lit up.
"How are the others doing?"
"The Keeper brought her whole damn arborium. Where's the boss?"
"He went after their leader."
"...Where's his boss?"
Tokoyami dodged another wild punch and flung a knife into the head of the grundyman.
"He should be here….I sensed him."
Tokoyami avoided another grundyman's attack, and quickly drove another blade between it's ribs. Another approached him, sword in hand. A burst of fire shot from Tokoyami's beak, engulfing the attacker. Something smashed into the side of Tokoyami's head, forcing him back. Another blow brought him to his knees. More grundymen swarmed him, grabbing his limbs and holding him in place. The last leapt onto his back and held Tokoyami's head up.
"So then….This is the guy I heard about?"
A figure dressed head to toe in tattered black rags approached. He held out a hand.
"Bubaigawara. I'm thinking I need a cool name though, like Riot, or Multiplex or Mob Rule or The Silent Majority or something. No, those are all stupid."
"...What?"
"It's nothing. SHUT UP AND LISTEN! Look, it's nothing personal, I…..Look, it's complicated alright?"
"You're a Grundyman and you're destroying towns, what's so complicated about that?" Tokoyami asked.
"It's about revenge. And Reason. And….and...look, like I said, it's complicated."
Tokoyami glanced at Bubaigawara's hand: a black ring gleamed in the twilight.
"...You're one of them."
"No. Yes. I'm clearly a representative of the Parliament of the Orange."
"...Then this is just carrying on what he wanted."
"...Yes. Guys, pull him apart. We'll take the castle soon. We're never taking the castle."
Tokoyami grinned and began to mutter.
"YOU'RE TOO LOUD! I can't hear you."
Tokoyami continued, ignoring him.
"Hey! You! No, the other you, make him talk more."
One of the Grundymen shambled over and kicked Tokoyami in the face.
"NOW BE QUIET! KEEP TALKING!"
"So with wicked glee,
We set him free.
And there is two lines left for me."
"...Oh no."
"BEGONE! BEGONE! This form of man!" Tokoyami smiled.
"Arise!-"
A pillar of flame engulfed Tokoyami and the grundymen surrounding him. Bubaigawara stumbled back, frantically trying to put out his flaming rags. The fires dimmed and vanished, leaving a single hunched and crouched figure in the middle of the scorched earth. After a moment, he stood, revealing himself: A massive yellow-skinned humanoid, his muscles tensed and straining against the thin black cloth that made up his uniform. Behind him, a flowing purple cape touched the ground. The creature's bald head resembled that of a vultures, it's eyes the color of pure red, and it's beak ending in a wicked point. The creature grinned revealing a mouth filled with sharp teeth.
"THE DEMON! ETRIGAN! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" the creature finished his rhyme.
"...Oh, that's great." Bubaigawara struggled to his feet. More Grundymen approached, ready to fight.
"So the boy summons me into a war?
PERFECT! That's what this is for!"
Etrigan grinned as a fiery portal opened in the air near him. The demon reached in and pulled out a long broadsword.
"This palace in danger?
COME NOW! Don't be a stranger!
I'll give you a warm welcome, I promise, I tell…."
Etrigan leapt forward, and decapitated several grundymen in a single swing.
"JUST LIKE THE ONES I DELIVER IN HELL!
You threaten, you invaded, this place you've chose?
Now you face the League of Shadows!"
Flames shot out of Etrigan's maw, engulfing a crowd of the grundymen. Bubaigawara turned to run.
"Leaving so soon? Why we've just begun!
There's no reason to leave, you shall be adored!
The army falters as we search for some fun!
Why not wait and see what's in store?
Be kind! Be a pal! Don't say we're a bore!
But if you insist on this path, EAT SWORD!"
Etrigan hurled his sword through the air at Bubaigawara. The blade stabbed through his chest, and pinned him to the ground as he collapsed. Etrigan appeared above him, and slammed a foot on his head.
"The best part about the Grundymen and their masses?
I don't have to go and defeat every one of their asses!
This magic, your quirk, it's not so fun.
When all I have to do is deal with just one."
Etrigan stomped down. As his foot made contact with the ground, he looked up: the masses of grundymen began to dissolve, leaving piles of mud.
"And with that, my job is done.
Time to let the other bask in the sun.
The task complete, I have completed the plan
Now return, return to the form of man."
Fire once again engulfed Etrigan. After a moment, it faded and vanished, leaving Tokoyami in the middle of scorched earth.
"...It seems we've won again," Tokoyami sighed, "And now…."
"Fumikage!" Hagakure's voice called out.
He turned to see her peeking out of another black gate.
"We're all returning to the House of Mystery. Cain and Baytor have prepared a feast! Will you attend?"
"...I suppose I shall. It better not be Abel again."
Without another word, Tokoyami followed her into the gate and vanished.
Discussions with Madam Xanadu on the League of Shadows.
They're not the first to form, but they are the first to choose something other than Shadowpact as their name. I suppose it is to be expected, they believe they have much more to do with their lives. But their members? That I can discuss.
Yanagi AKA The Dead Girl
She insisted on being called things like "Deadgirl", "Deadwoman", "Living Dead Girl", "Dead Girl Superstar" and "The Ghost with the Most". No, I don't know where she would get such ridiculous names from.
She's forgotten at least part of her past. Mentioned something about a monastery and finding her killer, but realistically that's not going to happen.
Wizards and Witches trade in life and death, the person who killed her may be long gone. Or still around.
Who knows?
Besides, she admits she likes unlife and everything that comes with being a ghost.
She's worried she might just disappear.
Kuroiro AKA The Shade
He claims he was born in the Shadowlands, a dimension far beyond our own.
I think he's lying. Swift was always a liar.
And he reeks of Swift.
Yaoyorozu Momo AKA The Shining Knight
She's not from here. Said she's from some Island nation in the far-off see where Women are in charge of everything.
Seems tedious to me.
She does have magic, the tattoos all over her body? Summoning runes of some sort.
She's a very nice girl, perhaps too nice and too self-sacrificing.
Midoriya Izuku and his Monster
Ah, the Man who Mastered the Bad Idea. His mentor was the Hellblazer. Not the best teacher a boy could have, but not the worst either.
He's read the Books of Magic and he's a decent successor to the long line of trenchcoat wearing brigadiers.
The Monster? No idea. Claims to have been kicked out of hell for being too nice, and you know what?
I believe him.
….Gemworld? Ah, He denies it, but he may have had a fling with a princess there, and I believe they're actually together.
I know, it's shocking. Especially for him.
I've met her, she's a lovely girl. Really too good for him, but that's love.
You know, the realization you'd do anything for a person no matter what.
Shiozaki Ibara AKA Fate
Sometimes you wonder how exactly a girl like her ends up with a mantle like his.
What? No, the mantle she takes is that of one of the Lords of Order.
Another Lord of Order is part of the Quintessence.
It basically means she's an equal to someone she worships.
Sometimes I wonder how that girl takes it.
Or if she's realized it
THE NOMU
I heard he was made of dark magics and human experiments…..Pardon?
Resurrection Man? No, I don't think grave robbing has anything to do with it.
He's a monster, but he's a monster that listens to them.
Strangely, he gets along best with Shiozaki. Perhaps they knew each other in a different life.
The Keeper of the Green
She's certainly nicer than Swamp Thing ever was.
No, I don't know why she talks like that.
Hagakure Tooru AKA The Enchantress
Ah, the world's greatest Magician.
No, I don't know why she's invisible.
She's a bit of a weird one, if I'm honest.
A young woman living in the middle of Slaughter Swamp in the House of Mysteries isn't normal…..But then again, nothing really is.
…..I do want to know how in the seven circles of Hell she managed to win the House from Constantine.
They probably cheated.
Tokoyami Fumikage/The Demon Etrigan
…...I don't know how he became bond to Etrigan. He's the Third Person I know who's been stuck to that thing.
The poor boy.
I'd never wish such a fate upon anyone, but here we are.