A/N: Okay here it is the title says it all. Quick update I have three new stories to add to the four I already have, 2 of which are completed one is still a work in progress. Its about to get real after the third story is finished I will be setting up for the mid volume finale. I also just finished a 5 part story arc spotlight for Ultimate JLA/All Star Avengers called They All Fall Down. I wrote it with a friend that also helps me with this universe. I will post it up when the timeline reaches it. All my stories and spotlights, with the exception of TF:Warzone, are all inter-connected and happen at different times. In case you haven't noticed or cared I cancelled All Star Daredevil, nobody really read it and I kinda lost intrest with it. Stay tuned with my stories I will always tell you when to read the Spotlight for it will always have a lead here or If I start a new series there. The spotlights are sort of an anthology series that branch off my main series. Coming Soon probably Winter2013-14 /Spring 2014 I will release a new series Ultimate Red Hood/All Star Punisher. Its lead in will be different because it starts out in Spotlight: Ultimate Red Hood. I will release that on Halloween so stay tuned, its already to go. That completes the update for now; We now return to Ultimate Superman!
The Return!
LexCorp Tower, "How the hell did you get in here Stark!" the question was more of a statement than inquiry from Luthor.
"Did you forget our scheduled meeting that Pepper set up? Your computer didn't." Stark said with oozing sarcasm.
"You're lying." Luthor proclaims.
"Guilty, but at least your security is better than S.H.I.E.L.D's" Stark was twirling what seemed to be a pen in his hand. In actuality it was a remote hacking device in the prototype phase and what better way to test it then on the competitor.
"Someone just lost their job." Luthor narrows his eyes.
"There's nobody here Luthor. That thing out there scared them off," Stark points out.
"I'm still here!" Luthor shouts out the window at Serpent who was breaking another being from the Shadow Realm.
"What're you gonna do fire them all? Then what rehire and retrain an entire workforce." Tony Stark refills his glass and takes a seat. "I know you have an ego but even you have to know that's foolish. Just because you lost your humanity doesn't mean your employees have."
"Tell it Ricki Lake." Luthor brushes Stark off.
"You know Forbes did a review on your company?" Tony adjusts his neck. He pulls out a Forbes magazine, "Quickest companies to get fired from, LexCorp ranks number one."
"We are also number one in technological advancement same issue page 53, your point Stark." Luthor fires back nonchalantly.
"I didn't plateau your stock Lex, you did. Investors see your turnover rate to your net worth and it's rather sluggish." Stark says coyly, "Why invest in a company if they can't keep employees?" The blow hit Luthor like Thor's hammer. "Asset measuring aside how do we stop Twisted Sister out there?" Stark finished his drink and got up.
"He is obviously drawing his power from some type of energy source." Luthor looks back outside at Serpent as he raped a being from the Realm of Light then broke what looked like its neck.
"Well obviously, he says it's from our fear." Stark walked and stood beside Luthor he shook his head at Serpent and then watched him desecrate the beings other orifices.
"Superstitious mumbo jumbo and delusions of grandeur." Luthor said unmoved by the scene before him.
"No luck making you believe he's an old god huh?" Stark turned away he could watch any longer.
"Really Stark you truly believe that that's what is out there? Some old grumpy Norse god?" Luthor turned to Stark.
"I believed a man could fly." Stark states getting a rise out of Luthor.
"Well he believed himself to be invincible, saw where that got him." Luthor shuts Stark down.
"And our city went to Hell afterwards." Stark shoots back venomously.
"Hopefully he did too." Luthor looks at him with cold eyes.
"Thought you weren't the believing type." Stark presses.
"Figure of speech, besides Hell is nothing more than another dimension of reality, not eternal damnation and wrath of some deity with a stick up his ass." Luthor finishes.
Hel, "You really think Odin is going to allow you to keep the souls that Serpent and your father sent here?" Superman states as Hela returns to her goddess form and clenched her fists. "Half these souls don't even belong here but in the Realms of Light and Shadow." Hela charges him but Superman grabs her wrists, "Send me back Hela, in the name of justice and all that is right. Help me stop this madness!"
"Serpent is an old god, the Asgardian God of Fear. How do you intend to fight the supernatural?" Hela hisses.
"With hope." Superman replies placing his hand on his symbol. "That's what this stands for. It's more than just my insignia; it empowers those who have given up to hold on to something till the night ends and the dawn returns."
Hela embraces Superman and looks into his eyes, she wondered for the first time if she was worthy of something so great. Her heart chose well and she knew what she had to do. "Very well but I must tell you what you are up against." She kissed him deeply as he did her. "My love, Cul Borson is All Father's brother, before this age he ruled instead of Odin. It took the power of Odin, The Mighty One, and Neuron to seal him away. It took destroying nearly the whole population of Midgard to do so through a great flood. Even then it took an additional 40 days and nights for Serpent to be rendered powerless. After which the three Realms created a new race to guard his tomb. Earth knows them as Atlanteans, we know them as Midgard's Vanguard. The Mighty One created their body and gave them free will, Odin taught them to fight and gave them wisdom, Neuron gave them a silver tongue and cunning. But they rebelled and The Mighty One cursed them to the sea. They are immortal mortals meaning they can be killed."
"That's why he put Aquaman and Sub-Mariner on display; trophies to inspire fear." Superman Mused
"A defiant gesture to the Three Realms, I will send you back but remember this Kal-El, Superman, Clark Cannon Kent, you belong to me." Hela warns and touches his chest, "I have given you direct access to my world come back to me whenever you wish and you will be welcomed as my general and soon to be betrothed."
Metropolis Central Park, Serpent continues to battle various beings from the Three Realms. All fall at his hand and Nidhogg's blow. The Ghost Riders are even recalled to assist with Metropolis at their handlers orders. Lord Bennett tags along for the Serpent is bigger than his quest for freedom.
Hel, "What of his weapon he welds, Nidhogg I believe he calls it."
"Forged by the Paragon Smiths of Nidavellir when he enslaved most of the Nine Worlds of Asgard. It can only be destroyed with extreme heat melted and down to liquid. Your heat vision can not reach the critical temperature needed to do so without Dark Crystal." Hela tosses him a black shard. "When you leave here have Hiemdell send you to back Nidavellir, may the All-Father watch over you, my love." Hela turns away and Superman takes her in his arms and kisses her. With that a portal opens and Superman walks in leaving Hel.
"Heimdell send me back to Nidavellir please." Superman requests and is consumed in a pillar of energy then fired off like a cannon to Nidavellir.
Metropolis Landfill, New Troy Borough, Santiago remains comatose and undetected by Loki or Serpent as they skewer the city for the fallen Thunderer. He is hidden via an incantation by Amora the Enchantress who has had a falling out with Loki. The release of Serpent was meant to bend Thor to his knees. Loki had other plans, plans that involved the Asgardian Deity ultimate demise; whether Loki was under Serpent's control or not, she was not about to let him or anyone for that matter kill her beloved.
"Find the Son of Odin and let us put an end to the seed of my captor." Serpent hissed.
"I cannot let you do that pony tail." A mechanical voice called out to him. The serpent smirked and turned to face his challenger who turned out to be two.
"I warn you one time to get out of my city." Another voice came from the vid screen of a remote controlled battle suit. The voices belonged to Tony Stark and Lex Luthor. The armors before them had been enhanced by Asgardian rune stones for their energies glowed purple and charged. In a single glorious blast both suits fired their main weapons hitting Serpent and his herald Loki.
Serpent and Loki were taken back as they shook off the blasts. Loki coughed into his hand revealing blue blood in it.
"It bleeds, it can die." Luthor gloated and fired again hitting Loki several times. Serpent wasn't fazed as he shook off the affects of the blast like nothing. Tony, Iron Man, fired his weapons again cursing Luthor. "You rat bastard Luthor!"
"What!" Luthor growled.
"Its not working!" Stark points out the failed attempt.
"You have the same modifications as me Stark! I will not do this alone!" Luthor proclaims as he readies another blast.
"Then he is immune!" Stark shutters.
"Feed me mortal! Give into your fear! FEED ME!" Serpent shouted as he came down with Nidhogg knocking Iron Man's breastplate off.
"Not good! Not GOOD!" Iron Man shouts as warning lights and messages go off on the HUD, Heads Up Display. Another strike from Nidhogg knocks off shoulder and arm armor. A few more strike Serpent finishes off Iron Man who is sent crashing down to Earth.
"Dammit!" Luthor shouts as Loki charges stabbing his staff into the battle suit with a few magic words it explodes.
From the ground Johnny Blaze catches Tony and sets him down. "Sucks to be you, excuse me." Johnny Blaze calls forth two mystic chains. He spins them like some sort of demon rave dancer then launches them at Loki. "GET OVER HERE!" The chains wrap around Loki in hellfire and with a powerful pull brings him into Danny Ketch's waiting fist! Loki falls to his knees coughing up more blue blood.
A sickening almost demonic meow startles Loki as Inferno stabs his claws into Loki's neck, with a might toss Ghost Kitty sends Loki through a portal. The Norse Deity of Mischief is sent into a Realm of Light cell.
Serpent claps his hands at the fine work of the Ghost Riders. "I was done with him anyways." Serpent spins Nidhogg as corrupted lighting swirls around it. "As I with you!" He sends the hammer flying like a missile "TRONG!" it is deflected. "WHAT!"
"As they say on Midgard… 'ROUND 2!'" a thunderous voice bellows. Serpent looks down and Thor has recovered in full Odin Battle Armor. Mjolnir returns to Thor's hand, "FOR MIGARD!" Thor takes to the air to meet Serpent head on! The Ghost Riders assist Thor launching their chains wrapping up Serpent, Thor spins with great force slamming his hammer into the temple of Serpent. The blow's energy levels an empty building. The Ghost Rider's release their chains as Thor grabs hold of the end links and slams Serpent hard into the Earth below.
Lord Bennett sees that night has fallen over Metropolis his power is now at its peak. His body melts into a black mist and makes its way towards Serpent. As he reaches him he morphs into a basilisk serpent and wraps around him. With great pressure Lord Bennett crushes his prey. The moon rises and shines down on them then turns blood red then purple. "What the?" Lord Bennett mouths as dark energy seeps through the wraps of Lord Bennett's form.
"BOOM!" Lord Bennett explodes as Serpent takes on his final form of a grand dragon. He roars and grows its head something from 'Sleeping Beauty' hopped up on steroids. His neck is long with iron like scales leading to shoulders and two pairs of vicious wings. He has four massive legs with the same iron like scales to the tips of his twin tails.
"I am the GRAND SERPENT OF RAGNAROK!" the dragon shouts as his tails take out the Ghost Riders and Thor. "I AM THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA!" He stomps launching Nidhogg into the air it extends then reforms attaching more armor to the beast. Thor tries to get up but is struck down again by his tail. The second tail sends the Ghost Riders into wall they return to human form comatose. Inferno attacks but his crushed under foot by Serpent. He too returns to his alternate form out cold.
"I will not back down monster! I AM THOR ODINSON! I WILL GIVE YOU NO QUARTER!" Thor bellows charging Serpent surrounded by lightning. He meets the dragon head on slamming his hammer and fist into the beast augmented by nature's fury. They take to the sky in an all out slugfest. Serpent blasts black fire and corrupted lightning from his mouth but the Son of Odin refuses to back down. The news and all sorts of authorities have left succumb to fear.
Fear that feeds Serpent even now supercharging him, but Thor battles on! Bleeding and fighting comatose he braves on, to save Midgard from all threats even Ragnarok, he fights on. Till his last breath is his creed, Midgard is his charge he will fight on.
With a loud explosion the world stands still as the final blow is given. Thor falls as the world remains hushed; he hits the Earth and its over. Before Earth can even catch its breath Serpent lands with a great clash! He leaps upon Thor's body chomping down and thrashes it all about. Bones, armor, and mail shatter going everywhere. He finally ceases his desecration spitting him out like dip. He comes down placing the Son of Odin under heel and foot and lets out a thunderous roar of triumph!
Nidavellir, Superman arrives and rockets to Orzarmmar. The gatekeeper has the door open and does not question the Man of Steel.
"King Eiltri…" Superman is cut off.
"I know and I will, personally… give me the dark crystal." The king raises his hand and out stretches the other. Superman hands him his item. "What do you need forged?"
"A visor good king." Superman says humbly.
"So shall it be." The king nods.
"I owe you a boon dear king." Superman kneels "I swear to you, if Nidavellir is ever in danger, I will aid you. I will not get involved in politics or any sort of power struggle, but if your world is invaded call me and I will be there." Superman's shoulder is touched as King Eiltri motions him to rise.
"Ortan give Superman a hearthstone." The king commands and a heavy set dwarf comes and hands Superman the item. "When I call this will pulsate simply touch it and you will transported here." The king leaves to The Orzarmmar Forge. Within the hour the king returns with the visor in hand. Superman thanks him and is dismissed.
Outside Superman calls out to Heimdell and is transported to Midgard.
Metropolis, he is met by Amora who freezes time. "Worry not Clark, I will get you to the hospital. However you must wait for Ghost Rider to bring back your body so you can be reunited."
"Where's Danny." Superman inquires more statement than question.
"Recovering, Serpent took him and Johnny out." Amora explains.
"How long?" Superman asks.
"Not long the healing incantation should heal him in…" Amora hears Danny roar. "Now." She teleports Superman and herself to Metropolis General then calls out to Ghost Rider. In a pillar of fire Danny appears time still frozen to all but them.
"Mighty One be praised!" Ghost Rider shouts in relief as he brings back Clark's body from Entropy. It is perfectly intact and almost warm. "You were indeed dead Clark it is only warm because you are now here."
"Everything is set. Hela sent you your uniform." With a wave of her hand she applies it under the hospital gown.
"Save us, save the people, bring back hope." Ghost Rider disappears as does Amora. Clark's soul lays down atop his body and with a gasp time resumes. Wasting no time Clark rips off his gown revealing his uniform.
"HOLY CRAP!" a very familiar voice calls out. "You weren't lying!" Superman turns and looks his best friend's eyes.
"Hey Harajuku!" he says meekly, he chuckles then in a blink he shuts the door.
"CLARK! WHAT THE HELL!" Donte shouts eyes filling with tears.
"I told you I never did lie." Clark shines his million dollar smile.
"Oh shut up boo." Donte gives Superman a bear hug and kisses his cheek tears in his eyes. "Got dammit boy I thought I never see you again."
"You don't know the half of it boo, but I'll tell you later okay."
"KICK THAT M&^&$%$ ASS CLARK!" Donte cheers as Superman nods jumps out the window. Dr. Greer comes in and Donte bursts into tears, "They transported him baby girl, to Star City."
"WHAT!" Dr. Greer states in shock.
"He took a turn for the worse." Donte continues to cry as does Dr. Greer who collapses into his arms. Amora under the guise of a Doctor verifies Donte's story. She then winks at him much to Donte's confusion.
Shockwaves reverberate through the streets as Superman rockets by in mind boggling speed. All is seen is a red and blue blur by people looking out the window. Superman sees their despair and fear it touches his very soul. He sees a child on a balcony crying his symbol poorly drawn in crayon with a black stripe through it upon his shirt. Clark cannot help it he changes course directly towards the boy.
"Why you have to die Superman?" the child cries out to the sky.
"To be reborn." Superman replies floating up to balcony the child wipes his eyes. He sees the "S" shield then up into his hero's face. Not thinking the child leaps into his hero's arms. Superman catches him in shock. "I got you!"
"YOUR BACK MOM! DAD!" The child calls back. His parents look out their eyes widen!
"DOIS MIO!" The mom calls out as the dad wipes his eyes. From there the adjacent buildings people look out and point chanting.
"SUPERMAN! HE'S BACK!" the voices resound as Superman puts the child back on the balcony.
"What's your name little man?" Superman says looking in the child's eyes.
"Timothy." The child hugs his hero tightly shedding tears of joy.
"Well as soon as I deal with that bad man I will see you first and give you and whoever you want a flight around the city. So long as it's okay with your folks." Superman hands Timothy back to his parents.
"OF COURSE!" Timothy's dad replies!
"KICK HIS ASS SUPERMAN!" Timothy's mom shouts! Superman salutes the people renewing their hope. He then takes off. News of Superman's return spreads like wild fire. Many doubt but the spark of hope grows.
Metropolis Central Park, Serpent looks towards the east he feels something. He is unsure of what it is, he still feels the state's fear feeding him but something has changed.
Time slows to a crawl to him, he doesn't see it coming nor could he ever. He does hear it though, a war cry that shakes him to his core. Suddenly he feels as though Ragnarok itself hits him. But it's not Ragnarok and at this point, for the moment, what hits Serpent is stronger than Asgard's End of Days.
Superman unleashes his wrath upon Serpent blow after uninhibited blow strikes the Eldest Brother of Odin. Coming down with a double hammer fist Superman casts Serpent down like Lucifer's fall. The blow is so great it sends Serpent back to his Asgardian form.
Superman had never dared to use his full strength for fear of consequences that would follow. Before Serpent can realize what hit him Superman moves faster than his supernatural eyes can follow. To him he has vanished. Serpent struck by what seems like a floating fist then elbowed. In a fury Serpent is tossed around like debris in a whirlwind of pain. Serpent has yet to comprehend what's happening, each blow feels like The Might One's, Odin's, and Lucifer's wrath combined. This being, was something he had never felt or dealt with before.
Superman is relentless in his onslaught; it was Serpent's turn to feel fear. "Alright you old bastard, let's see what makes you afraid!" Superman shouts. Time slows as Superman charges his heat vision and draws back his fist. He fires hitting Serpent in the chest the villain cries out as Superman hits him with a haymaker leveling everything around Metropolis Central Park. Serpent is sent flying out of Metropolis County and the city.
In a flash Superman takes after him, Mach 1, Mach 2, 3, 4, 5, he reaches serpent who finally sees his attacker for the first time. Before he can speak Superman is on him and laying in on his face. Blow after blow after Earth shattering blow Superman continues his offense. "You come to my city, take it hostage, engulf it in fear! BY WHAT RIGHT!"
Serpent catches his fist and twists it, slamming his other into Superman's throat. "I AM A GOD!" Serpent shouts as he turns the tables on his attacker. "Hear me mortal, I am the true All-Father! You will kneel before me or be crushed under my heel!" Serpent commands as he flexes knocking Superman off with his mystic energy.
Serpent calls forth Nidhogg and extends it to a staff. Serpent then slams it on to the ground as corrupted lightning shoots out the bottom traveling towards Superman. Superman shouts as it engulfs him. He fights through it and strikes back sending his fist deep into Serpent's solar plexus. He heaves Serpent up, over and down into the Earth following his blow. Serpent bringing the staff back to hammer he slams it into Superman's side. Superman is smacked off as Serpent comes down three more time with Nidhogg.On the fourth hit Superman catches Serpent by the wrist "SNAP!" Serpent cries out in pain "SNAP!" "SNAP!" Superman turns Serpents wrist and forearm into a goose neck. Before He can grab his hammer again Superman punts Serpent as he charges up his heat vision. He puts on his new visor as His heat vision hits its apex. With a single white hot blast amplified via the visor he destroys NIDHOGG!
"GET OUT OF MIDGARD!" Superman orders as Serpent rises using dark arts he heals his arm; he shouts and charges Superman. Superman meets him head on they clash and are engulfed in each other's' force.
To Be Concluded…