Disclaimer: I do not own anything you may recognize
Thank you to everyone who has favorited, followed or reviewed this fic so far.
Thanks a lot to Brainstorm Sorcerer for his help too, and some others.
Simon Bolivar: Thanks for the review. Yep, LOL! Poor Sparky. DCAMU started fine but went downhill later IMO, but I did like their Damian, which says a lot since he annoys me in comics.
THWA: Thanks for the review, glad it was great. Mar-Novu died in comics COIE as well as CW COIE, and Anti-Monitor went to the dawn of time in both of them. Only difference is in comics he was a shady but noble guy who died trying to stop a huge threat, in CW he was a piece of shit who died trying to stop an even bigger piece of shit, and here he was a piece of shit who got his just desserts from God.
TW: Thanks for the review, glad it was interesting. Indeed.
Guest1320: Thanks for the review, and he sure did. Yeah, in a crossover like that, would make a lot of sense he is responsible for Klaus and Hayley dying and Hope becoming an orphan. No kidding on Chuck either, he can't be the real Almighty, and should get his too. Yeah, Beyonder killed so many and Thor-El had to be that OP to take him out. I remember. Glad it was worth the wait, and you'll see.
Guest 1: Thanks for the review and glad it was fantastic. Yes there will be. Thanks for the recommendations.
Guest 2: Thanks for the review. Yeah, could have added. Well, I have more chance still. Sorry, cameos are done now.
Guest 3: Thanks for the review and no problem. Glad those were your favorites. That was pretty much the one time in his life Balarama was wrong, its just that he considers mace-fighting sacred and its rules are sacred to him, so seeing those broken made him angry. Ashwatthama was fine at the start but the war brought out the worst in him and after the night raid and trying to kill Uttara's unborn baby, he lost all sympathy and got his from Lord Krishna for sure. Heavy and brutal indeed and yes, does show. Glad I captured their power well, and glad you liked seeing Lord Vishnu and the other Gods. He sure does. Glad to hear it. And glad you liked the Jossetta bit, HA! He got his. And thank you for the Janmashtami wishes, and me and all I know had a good one.
Chapter 11- Paragons
The Heroes watched as the Gods were now facing the Exterminators coming, and then Beta Ray Bill landed on the ground, slamming his hammer before rising.
"Brother Bill", Thor greeted him with an embrace.
"Brother Thor", Bill greeted him back, before turning to the enemy army. "I shall deal with them."
"Let's all fight them now", Steve said and was about to give orders. "Avengers…"
"No!" Hades said immediately, making everyone turn to him in shock. "You all need to go."
"What are you trying to say?" Aragorn asked in confusion. "We have to help you he-"
"The Exterminators are too many and the Anti-Monitor's power is great", Persephone pointed out to the Heroes. "No matter what the outcome of this battle is, this Universe is not going to be in good shape, if its here that is, and you all cannot go with it."
"But this is what we're supposed to do!" Kal pointed out. "We're Heroes, we fight, we shouldn't run here."
"Its not running if it's a tactical move", The Dagda pointed out. "Did you know that Lord Vishnu's greatest incarnation was thought to have run from the battlefield when it was a tactical retreat to save his clan from their powerful enemies?"
"I knew that", Pavitr raised a hand. "So, is this Universe gonna go too now?"
"One way or the other, sadly", Horus commented as he looked ahead.
"We can't leave you here though", Steve said. "You have to let us-"
"No, you must leave us here", Horus told all of them. "There is no cowardice in this, it is a calculated move to buy you more time."
"If we do leave", Thor then started. "How do we know we can even beat this?"
"You are, all of you, Heroes", Hades said to every Hero present here. "And you have beaten impossible odds before too."
"They were not as bad as this, but they were quite bad, and you won", Persephone pointed out. "You can do it again. But we will buy you time."
"Hey Watcher", Sun Wukong turned to Uatu. "Take 'em all away, will you?"
"I will, indeed", Uatu nodded.
"If this is a stand by the Gods", Hercules started, making them look at him. "Then Hercules must join in. Let this be my thirteenth labor."
And then Hercules stood alongside the Gods as Thor started. "Hercules, don't-"
"And I shall stand with you, brother", Ares stood alongside Hercules, looking at the Heroes. "Take care of my son now."
The Wonder Women were quite stunned by the selflessness of this Ares.
"I can feel my power increase with you by my side", Marc looked at Khonshu, who simply nodded.
"What are you saying?" Faith asked Marc, not liking where this was going now.
"I shall stay here, and help the Gods in this battle with the power I now have", Marc told Faith, and her eyes widened.
"No!" She cried out, grasping his hand, shaking her hand. "No, no, no! Don't go please! I can't just let you-"
"The fate of the Multiverse is important", Marc whispered to her, and she had tears in her eyes, while he did as well. "And you all must survive."
"Please, don't go", Faith begged, as he kissed her on the lips, Faith kissing him back passionately.
They parted as he told her. "I have to do this. We will meet again."
He then went to stand with the Gods, alongside Khonshu and Horus, and Faith was close to breaking down as Angel hugged her from behind, and Marc said to him. "Take care of her."
"I will", Angel nodded.
"What about all the people in the mirror dimension?" Parker asked. "They-"
"Are lost now", Uatu said sadly. "We cannot help them anymore, I am sorry."
"But our people will die!" Aragorn pointed out.
"As long as we have these", Tony held up a shrunken miniature lab in which he kept his equipment and the Infinity Stones, "there is hope too."
They realized he was right, and the question of who would snap to bring all of them back would be saved for later.
"If my people are to go, I shall stay here for them", T'Challa said as he walked forwards too, to the shock of everyone, and felt himself being empowered by Bast.
"Brother…." Bucky trailed off. "Don't do this. Don't go."
"The King of Wakanda does not abandon his people", T'Challa told all of them.
"I can't abandon you either", Bucky said.
"Do not worry over me, brother", T'Challa assured him as they shared an embrace. "This is where I must stand, and Wakanda must live on", T'Challa tapped Bucky in the heart, "through you. Bast be with you, my brother."
Bucky nodded with tears.
"I shall stay too", Namor walked forwards. "And defend this place."
"Yeah, I'm staying as well", AC said, cracking his neck as he and Mera walked forwards, standing together now.
"Let's take 'em", Mera said as well.
"AC….." Kal called out, as AC turned to him and shook his head.
"No man, this has to be done."
"Will we see you again?" Ollie asked sadly.
"I hope so", AC simply said.
"Be safe please", Lois requested.
"Yeah man, hope we meet again", Vic shook hands with him.
"See you", Bart waved as AC and Mera waved back.
"You are staying as well, brother Bill?" Thor asked Bill, who gave a nod.
"I am", Bill confirmed to him. "You are meant for more than making a stand here, Thor. So you need to leave."
Thor looked reluctant, but accepting, and passive, as he and Bill embraced like brothers one more time.
"And I'm staying here as well now", Surfer flew forwards. "You all need to go."
Thor looked at Surfer, but his mind was made up too.
"I must stay too", Aragorn then said, making to walk forwards, with Arwen, but Fate grasped both of them.
"No, I cannot see it yet, my vision is clouded, but you two are needed for more than this as well." And he looked at Eomer, who too stopped. "You all cannot stand here."
"You have the Soul Stone with you, right?" Warlock asked Tony.
"Yeah, here", Tony lifted up the shrunken lab, holding hands with Pepper who held Morgan.
"Then I am also staying, I shall make my final stand alongside all of you", Warlock stood with the Gods too now.
"Lord Thor", Thor turned to Valkyrie. "You need to live and make sure to defeat all of these with the Heroes, but I am not needed there. So I stand with them."
"And me as well", Thor turned to Sif, and was now concerned for both of them.
"Do you two really have to stay?" He asked as a tear rolled down his cheek.
"We must", Sif said to him. "There is no other way now. We will stand with this Universe. And you are not abandoning your people, it's a tactical retreat."
"We know you'll fix it later", Valkyrie said as well, before Thor and Sif shared a kiss.
"I must be the Hero now", Loki said, now all turning to him in shock, while he looked at Thor. "It's your destiny to save us, brother. I'll just get in the way. This is my glorious purpose. For once, let me be the Hero."
"Brother…" Thor trailed off, trying to hold Loki back, but Loki put his arm down.
"No illusions this time", Loki said, and Thor just looked passive about all of this.
Then Loki looked at Rebekah. "I have to go."
"No...no. No no no no NO! We're meant to stay together. You and me! Forever!" Rebekah grasped him by the shoulders.
"I need to do this, Rebekah." Her lip quivered as tears flowed non-stop from her eyes and he cupped her face. "The sun will shine on us again. I swear this to you. My love. My Goddess."
He kissed her on the lips, and she kissed him back, before they parted and Loki walked off to stand alongside the Gods.
Rebekah tried to go with him but Thor had to hold her back, knowing Loki would want him to. He himself wanted to go with Loki, Sif and Valkyrie, but it seemed that was not to be now.
"Now, all of you must go", Uatu said to the Heroes, and pointed at them.
All of them looked at the Gods standing against the unstoppable wave one more time, with the original six Avengers seeing their first ever foe too was standing to sacrifice himself for them.
And then they all disappeared into a portal as Uatu turned to the Gods and other Heroes who'd stayed, the Dagda asking him. "You know what has to be done after this, right?"
"Indeed, and I know who is who", Uatu nodded, now getting it in his head. "All of them. Thank you."
With that, he disappeared as well.
Loki, Sif and Valkyrie stood together.
"You know, I still don't like you, Trickster." Sif said.
"Lady Sif, you flatter me." Loki quipped.
"Shut up. But I will not say it won't be an honor to die by your side." Sif added now. "And alongside you too, Valkyrie."
"Same here, I did alongside the Queen and the Trickster", Valkyrie said as well.
"And I will not say it has been an equal pleasure to have lived by yours, my Queen. And you too, Valkyrie."
"To Valhalla."
"Valhalla."
"Valhalla."
"Now Hercules shall accomplish his thirteenth labor", Hercules said, walking next to them. "And all shall remember this day when us Gods fought for the Heroes!"
"And it is going to be glorious!" Ares said as well.
"This is our end." Namor said to T'Challa, AC and Mera.
"Then let it be the noblest ending in the history of the Multiverse." T'Challa said to him.
"Yeah, can't wait for it", AC agreed while twirling his Trident as the water rose.
"We will show them what we're all made of", Mera smirked.
"So it will be. Shall we, Wakandan and fellow Atlanteans from other Earths?"
"We shall, Atlantean." They said together.
"I sacrifice myself today for my brother and the rest", Bill raised his hammer. "And I know they shall honor us all."
Marc then appeared, wrapping his arms around the lot of them, annoying Sif and Namor the most while he smiled in glee, his mask retracted. "This is going to be so much fun!"
Bast and Khonshu empowered T'Challa and Marc respectively now.
"This might be some of our last stand", Persephone told Hades as they held hands, looking at each other lovingly.
"Then let's make it memorable", Hades told her as both shared a loving kiss.
And now, the Exterminators had come as the Gods and other Heroes charged them, clashing against them in a bright flash of light.
Hercules struggled against one before managing to push him back. "BEHOLD THE MIGHT OF HERCULES!"
The Dagda slammed his staff on the ground, sending two staggering back before striking another with his staff, as Hades struck one with his Bident, and Persephone held out her hand, mystically throwing one more back.
T'Challa, Marc, Khonshu, Bast and Horus all charged and fought together too bravely, as Bill called down lightning and storms from above, striking the Exterminators.
AC, Namor and Mera called upon the water which started sweeping some Exterminators who trudged through it, as Loki used his magic on one, standing on all his sides as illusions, and when the Exterminator a shockwave from within himself, the illusions disappeared before Loki struck him from behind with a magic blast.
Valkyrie sliced one more as Sif leapt and stabbed that one.
Warlock sent one off with a strike from his staff, as Surfer struck one with his board too.
Sun Wukong was holding up the best as he froze one Exterminator, then lifting up two effortlessly, spun them around with a laugh before throwing them off.
"That all you got?" Sun Wukong asked with another bout of laughter. "I shall take you all!" He elongated his staff, striking one more very hard, before landing and wrapping another in his tail, slamming him here and there.
But, at the end of this, the Universe-199999 would not be able to take this battle either.
From above- Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswati looked down at the battle that was taking place, as Lord Vishnu turned to Lord Shiva. "You know what has to be done now."
"I do", Lord Shiva nodded.
"The Heroes will find a way, like they have until now", Lord Brahma said confidently.
"Indeed, we have our faith in them", Goddess Parvati nodded. "They have shown us that while they need guidance, now they can stand on their own two feet."
"Their faith in us was rewarded, now ours will be too", Goddess Lakshmi said.
"Indeed, but this has to be done too", Goddess Saraswati pointed out.
Earth-10005
The remaining Heroes all found themselves in the garden of Xavier's Mansion, some of them falling to their knees, as Uatu was there too, and some of the X-Men looked at them, Charles sensing their grief already, before looking at Erik who looked back into his eyes, and Maximoff's too.
This was the only place for the Heroes now.
Later
Charles Xavier was in the office, with Aragorn, Arwen, Steve, Kal, Oliver, Angel, Alaric, Mal, Erik and Maximoff near him, while he looked down at the grounds, and noticed some were out there, others were inside, like Tony in his lab, and he could feel overwhelming emotions from all of them. "I've never felt such loss, such sadness, such pain."
Parker was sitting with Wanda, Aunt May, Spider-Man, MJ, Peter, Felicia, Betty Brant (Peter had revealed himself to her just before the Crisis), Miles, Gwen, Pavitr, Frank and Brock all of them looking solemn and sad.
"We lost so many again", Wanda muttered, trying to control herself, and she could sense the grief from the rest too. "We thought we could save them, yet-"
"It just came back even worse", Spider-Man sighed sadly. "Barry sacrificed himself, and we still couldn't save the people."
"Now even more of us are gone", Peter sighed. "What are we even gonna do?"
"I don't know man", Miles shook his head. "I am just….how can things get this bad for us?"
"I'm wondering the same. So many times we came out on top, but this time, we just keep being pushed back and losing", Gwen sighed. "And our loved ones are dying as well."
"Well, Tony still has those Stones, so there's some hope", May pointed out. "And night's darkest before dawn."
While they knew she was trying to be encouraging, it wasn't working, MJ sighing. "Its too dark this time."
"Yeah, and we just don't see light anywhere as well", Betty muttered.
"Can we really come out on top this time?" Felicia wondered as well.
"Kind of wish we all could be one with our souls", Pavitr muttered.
"What do you mean?" Spider-Man inquired.
"In Hinduism, there is one omnipotent God, we call Him Brahman, perhaps you Christians call the same Being as God", Pavitr said to all of them. "And the Gods of Hinduism are all manifestations of Brahman. Brahman is the Ultimate Soul, and our souls are part of Him, so if we manage to be one with our souls, we can ascend and be one with Him, and be Him from then on."
"Wow, that's….." Peter trailed off. "That's beautiful."
"If we had the ability to do that, man, things would have been different", Gwen had to say.
"If I still had the power of Knull inside me", Parker wondered. "Would it have changed anything? Could we have stopped it?"
Wanda and May were about to comfort him, but Frank beat them to it as he told Parker. "Look kid, I know this is bad, the worst we've faced, my two doppelgangers even died, but don't blame yourself, you're not at fault here, and that thing was evil, your soul ain't worth this."
"Besides", Wanda added. "He too wanted the Multiverse gone so he could restore this to before the Big Bang. So he'd have just helped Anti-Monitor."
"And we'd have been his puppets", Brock reminded Parker. "So, you're not at fault."
An angry Jessica was smashing around, looking for some booze.
"This is a school", Matt's voice told her from behind, as she groaned, realizing he was right.
Looking at Matt, she got into his face and asked. "You're a believer, right?"
"Yes."
"How can you believe in God after everything that just happened?" Jessica now asked, as Matt sighed.
And then, Matt told Jessica. "If I start to doubt, than I have nothing left, but we're still alive, we're not out yet. Uatu shows that there are powers out there looking out for us, I have to believe that's a sign that we can stop this, and if not, then...we might as well give up now. Faith can be a deadly weapon, or our greatest shield."
"Huh? I actually bought it", Elektra said as she held his hand.
Maximoff, Bart, Pietro, Allen, Cisco, Caitlin, Patty, Ralph and Joan were all together as well, thinking about everyone who was gone now.
"He sacrificed himself for the Multiverse", Cisco muttered. "And now Harry, Jesse, Joe, Wally, Cecile, Iris, they're all gone too."
"The other Barry as well", Bart sighed. "We couldn't honor his sacrifice."
"Or Jay's, or Kara's, or anyone else's", Pietro sighed. "Now the Gods also fought the Exterminators and sent us here instead."
"What are we even supposed to do now?" Allen sighed. "We just keep failing, and losing people we care about."
"Well, Fate did say some of us had more to do", Patty reminded. "Maybe we can still take them out."
"But how? We lost so many of us just like that", Caitlin sighed.
"Including some of the powerful ones", Ralph reminded. "Its just….too much."
"Will we get past this?" Joan wondered, and none of them had an answer.
Kal, Superman, Big Blue, Lois, Lois-93, Kara, Superboy and Steve sat together, thinking of those who'd died.
"Now our Earth-50 and Earth-38 selves are gone too", Kal sighed. "Along with Earth-50 Kara. And AC, Mera, Stewart, Hal, and so many more."
"Dropping like flies, and he wasn't even trying", Lois-93 muttered, shuddering a bit.
"Yeah, its just so…hopeless", Lois had to say.
"We are considered beacons of Hope in our worlds", Superman told the rest of them. "But now, I don't think I've a lot of it."
"Me neither", Big Blue muttered. "Considering what's happening."
"Even you and Thor fused with the power of the Odinforce and four suns barely beat the Beyonder", Kara said to Kal. "How are we supposed to beat the rest of them?"
"Yeah, sounds really impossible", Superboy muttered as well.
"Look", Steve said, making all of them turn to him. "I mourn for all those we lost as well, it was devastating, and their lives mattered, all of theirs did. But….we can't lost it yet, they're still out there, and we're here, we have to stop them."
While grieving, the rest of them could not deny Steve's words either.
Batman, Bruce, Knight, Detective, Catwoman, Grayson and Barbara of Earth-167 stood together now.
"He was the hope of our Universe", Detective said about Clark. "And now he's gone."
"And mine as well", Batman muttered. "Is there no end to this?"
"Probably not", Bruce sighed. "I'm not feeling it really."
"Now the strongest Universe and the second strongest one are gone too", Knight sighed. "Its just getting hopeless."
"And our numbers have dwindled, how are we even going to stop this?" Catwoman wondered.
"I got no idea", Grayson said.
"You know, this Ring represents Hope", Barbara held it up. "Yet, now we lost our close ones. John Stewart is gone, and AC and Mera are gone, and many more. I just don't feel it."
Arthur, Lena, Guinevere, Dave, Veronica and Becky stood together as well.
"Now me and Batman are the only ones left from our Universe", Lena sighed. "And those we'd saved are also gone."
"So much for our evacuations", Guinevere sighed. "It all ended up being in vain."
"Even the Gods could not stop it all", Dave said. "How are we supposed to do it?"
"I wish Balthazar, Merlin, Gandalf and Radagast were still here", Becky muttered. "They could have done something."
"Considering the scale of this, doubt it", Veronica sighed.
"We are all that's left", Arthur told all of them. "So now it falls to us."
Mal, Inara, Zoe, Wash, Simon, Kaylee, River, Book, The Doctor, Song, Amy, Rory, Donna, Wilf, Shaun, Harkness, Martha and Mickey were all sitting together, Adiola and August having been put to sleep.
"Jayne", Mal muttered, looking at the rest of them. "He could be a hundan, but he was-"
"He was still one of us", Zoe finished for him. "And he didn't deserve this."
"While he was looking for money before, he did regret it", Simon said too. "He started caring."
"We lost our Universe, and now we lost one of us", Wash sighed. "Its just so hopeless."
"Do you still have faith, Shephard?" Kaylee turned to him.
"I do", Book sighed. "Look, I know it looks bad, and it is horrible, but we're still here, and we saw great powers coming to defend us."
"So you're saying we can win after all of this?" Inara inquired.
"I think that's exactly what he says", The Doctor noted. "Not feeling a lot of it myself but what can you do?"
"At least Mar-Novu is gone now", Song snarled. "He ruined so many of our lives."
"Yeah, and greater good?" Rory scoffed. "What does he think he is?"
"Was", Donna reminded him. "Now he's gone, and it was just what he deserved."
"Oh yeah, now that was a glorious punishment", Harkness had to say too. "Just what he deserved."
"That's what he gets for playing God with people's lives", Shaun commented. "From an actual God."
"I hope they're all right", Wilf said about the Gods. "At least some of them."
"Yeah, I mean, they're Gods", Martha said too. "Some of them can pretty powerful."
"Let's just hope", Mickey sighed.
"The Guardians are gone too with that Universe", The Doctor muttered, as they grieved them too alongside Jayne. "Couldn't save them."
"All gone", River muttered, when she heard Charles' voice in her head.
"River, whatever happens, I'm not leaving you. You're safe with me."
Hearing his voice calmed her down a bit as she closed her eyes.
Oliver, Sara and Roy sat together, all three of them in grief.
"They were goofballs", Sara said about the Legends. "But they were all my friends. Now they're dead. And dad's gone with the mirror dimension."
"So is our team", Roy sighed sadly. "What are we supposed to do now?"
Even Oliver was stumped. "I….I have no idea."
Aragorn, Arwen, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Eowyn, Faramir, Eomer and Lothiriel all sat together as well, among the few survivors of their own world.
Rosie was here too and had put hers and Sam's children to bed, and was also asleep, and so was Elboron.
"The blade that was broken", Legolas muttered about Anduril, "was remade, and now….."
"Now it broke again", Aragorn sighed sadly, still having the pommel in his hand, feeling incomplete without his sword.
Sure, Mjolnir was a much more powerful weapon, but without Anduril, he just felt incomplete.
"And we lost everyone else", Gimli muttered, a tear rolling down his cheek.
"Our people are gone as well", Eomer said, not feeling good about that. "Yet we live."
"Even great powers couldn't stop this Crisis", Lothiriel sighed. "What can we do?"
"I do not know now", Faramir sighed.
"It looks too dark and bleak", Eowyn said as well.
"I thought the worst was going to Mount Doom with Mr. Frodo", Sam muttered. "Then it was Thanos and Morgoth. And then Dormammu, now-"
"This is too much", Merry had to say. "And makes us all feel so little."
"And we were little already", Pippin sighed.
"Indeed, all of us are little in front of this threat", Arwen noted sadly.
"Even if we are though, we shouldn't give it all up", Aragorn pointed out. The loss of his sword did not mean all hope had to be lost. "We still have people left."
It didn't work fully, but did work slightly at least.
Buffy, Willow, Tara, Spike, Faith, Dawn, Angel, Cordelia, Lorne, Fred, Illyria, Connor, Raiden, Piper, Paige, Leo, Henry, Victor, Caroline, Bonnie, Stefan, Enzo and Alaric all sat together, with Wyatt, Chris, Jo and Lizzie sleeping in the mansion, and Miss Kitty was sleeping between them.
"She was always eager to learn", Piper muttered about Phoebe. "Always."
"And she'd finally found happiness too", Paige sighed, thinking of both Phoebe and Coop. "Now they're gone."
"I didn't even have a chance to know her when she was a kid", Victor muttered sadly, a tear rolling down his cheek. "Why is she gone and I'm still here?"
Leo put a hand on Victor's shoulder. "We ae all having the same thoughts."
"And its still out there", Henry sighed. "Even here, its just a temporary reprieve."
"Giles", Buffy muttered. "He was…..he was my dad. Not in blood, but in ways that mattered. And Xander was always there when he knew I needed him."
"He was my best friend, oldest friend", Willow said, all of them in tears over their losses now. "Now he is gone, and so is Giles."
"And we couldn't do anything", Tara muttered sadly.
"Why are we even here?" Dawn now wondered. "Like Henry said, this world is a temporary reprieve too."
"Nowhere else to go, bit", Spike reminded her, as she sighed.
"And it will come here too sometime", Angel groaned. "Now Gunn is gone too…"
"He was a good soul", Cordelia muttered, thinking about her time with him. "Reckless, but good."
"He…..he made me feel like I was normal", Raiden said, wiping a tear. "I thought we could be something. Now….."
"Yeah, I thought things would get better", Fred sighed. "But they got even worse now."
"This power has taken those we called friends", Illyria of all people said. "And we are still left."
"May not be for long", Lorne sighed.
"Guess so", Connor said glumly.
"I hated him for a long time", Stefan said about Damon. "And he hated me. Then….we thought we could move past it."
Tears rolled down his cheeks. "Now he's gone. With Elena. And Jeremy. And so many more."
"They were all my friends", Bonnie muttered, especially Damon and Elena. "So many times they relied on me to save them. This time even I was useless."
"How are we supposed to do anything about this?" Caroline wondered as well, all of them having tears, close to crying.
"Its just….such a sodding mess", Enzo sighed, not sure of what else to say.
"That it is", Alaric said, looking down.
"Marc's gone…" Faith sighed, a few tears rolling down her cheeks too. "He was….he was all that I wanted. Now he's dead."
Angel hugged her, as all of them mourned those they'd lost.
Prince, Cyborg and Shazam stood together as well.
"We've lost so many now", Cyborg sighed. "Clark, Barry, Arthur, Hal, Martian Manhunter, all gone."
"As are my people", Prince looked up. "How are we to go on without our world's hope?"
"I'm still a kid", Shazam muttered. "And this has all freaked me out too much."
"Trust me, you're not the only one", Cyborg said to him.
Ollie, Chloe, Tess, Jones, Vic, Wonder Woman, Stargirl, Emil, Dinah, Booster Gold, Constantine, Zatanna, Zatara and John sat together as well, thinking about their losses.
"That thing dropped Stewart", Ollie muttered. "And now AC and Mera are gone too-"
"Should we have stayed to help them?" Vic now wondered.
"Would it have made a difference?" Tess asked, and none had a response.
"Probably not", Chloe said with a sigh.
"And we lost those who were saved as well", Wonder Woman muttered.
"Dropped like flies", Stargirl groaned.
"And our magic is not being enough either now", Constantine muttered.
"Yeah, huge mess it is", John sighed.
"We are all powerless before this", Zatanna said too.
"And none of us have much of an idea", Zatara sighed. "Not even Uatu."
"So we're stuck pretty much", Jones muttered.
"Yeah, until we get something or they're here", Booster Gold muttered.
"Hoping we get something first", Emil commented.
"Slim chance", Dinah had to say.
Bucky was looking out the window, when he felt Natasha next to him, and then Falcon, Yelena, Walker, and even Adrian, Chris and Harcourt on his other side, Eagly on Chris' shoulder.
"I know what he was to you", Natasha held Bucky's hand. "I'm sorry."
"Yeah, sorry", Falcon said too. "Won't ask how you're holding up because it's a stupid question."
"He told me to keep Wakanda alive", Bucky pointed at his heart. "In here. But I….."
"Don't know how to right now, right?" Yelena asked and he nodded.
"I know, man", Walker put a hand on his shoulder. "It's the same with me and Lemar too. Its just….."
"A hole in the heart that can never be filled", Peacemaker said, thinking of his own brother now.
"What are we going to do?" Harcourt looked forward.
"I really can't tell", Adrian muttered.
Clint and Laura looked at their sleeping children, holding hands as she asked. "What do you think is going to happen now?"
"Now…" Clint sighed, grieving for Loki and the rest. "Now, I just don't know what will happen."
"Anything?" Banner asked Tony, Betty next to him, while Pepper sat there too, holding Morgan.
"No, but I think I might be getting closer", Tony continued working.
"Well, that's good", Betty sighed.
"Wish I could have done it sooner", Tony muttered now.
"Do it now", Pepper told him. "As soon as you can."
Logan, Sarah, John Connor, Storm, Rogue, Kitty, Bobby, Nightcrawler, Scott, Jean, Kurt and Hank all sat together, also mourning the ones they'd lost.
"He was…" John Connor tried to say about Terminator, but couldn't finish it, as Sarah hugged her son.
"I know", she told him, Logan holding her hand.
"Bastard killed our Hank, Piotr and his doppelganger too", Logan sighed. "And we couldn't save them."
"My doppelganger…." Hank muttered, rubbing his chest a bit.
"We thought losing Jean, the Professor and Scott was the worst, and then the Snap", Storm sighed. "But now….." She trailed off.
"I've no idea what we can even do now", Rogue muttered.
"Me neither", Kitty said. "This is just too bad."
"And it can come here anytime too", Bobby sighed as well.
"You still putting your faith in up there?" Kurt asked his doppelganger.
"Great powers did come to save us", Nightcrawler reminded. "We are still under attack, but we are not alone."
"Wish I had the same optimism", Scott commented.
"Yeah, it can come here, and we'll have to fight it", Jean said, looking ahead, knowing she'd have to use the Phoenix Force when that happened.
Steve and Diana were sitting together now as she asked him. "Now your world is lost too."
"I know", Steve sighed sadly, rubbing his face. "With so many people."
"But?"
"Still not lost it completely", Steve told her. "We're all that remains. And I think its up to us to fight for what's left."
"How do you stay so hopeful?" Diana asked him.
"I don't know", Steve told her honestly.
Rebekah was outside in the gardens as well, weeping, then she heard her family (except Hope who was asleep) walk up behind her, and turned to them, Freya embracing her to offer some comfort, Rebekah now crying into her sister's shoulder.
"He did so much for me, he worshipped me, loved me in ways I never thought possible", Rebekah muttered, Freya patting her hair now. "He was everything to me."
"I know how that feels", Klaus muttered, thinking of Camille as he put a hand on his sister's shoulder as well. "I'm sorry."
"Yeah", Freya sighed, also knowing how that felt as she thought of Matthias. "We're here for you."
"Yes, we're all gonna be here for you", Kol agreed there. "You don't have to face this alone."
"Indeed", Elijah said as well, stroking her face gently.
"Yes, we're your family so you don't have to be alone", Hayley assured her too.
Rebekah suddenly backed away from them, and what she said shocked all of them.
"I'm pregnant."
All of them shared looks with wide eyes, as Rebekah felt more tears. This news was supposed to be happy, joy bringing. She meant to reveal it to Loki after Crisis but never saw any of it coming, the destruction, the death, and now Loki died not knowing of their child.
All her family could do was hold Rebekah as she wept, grieving for the father of their unborn nephew/niece and everyone else they lost.
Thor was alone and isolated, staring at a wall as he used his senses to hear the pain of everyone else, and had listened to some talks too, and now, he heard what Rebekah had just said.
Stoic up until now, he fell to his knees and started crying.
A while later, Uatu had called everyone to tell them something, and Steve could tell the mood was somber, so, he suddenly was covered in a Blue Light, and turned entirely into a Blue Lantern.
"In fearful day, in raging night, with strong hearts full, our souls ignite. When all seems lost in the War of Light, look to the stars - for hope burns bright!"
While not better my much, this did raise them slightly, and that was when Uatu decided to speak.
"When I consulted with the Council of Godheads, we found about certain kind of people", Uatu told all of them. "Across Space and Time exist 25 Heroes, beings of the purest will who can ultimately defeat the Anti-Monitor, and help save the Multiverse. They are known as Paragons."
"Paragons?" Lois asked. "And why're you dropping this on us just now?"
"I did know of the existence of Paragons, but did not know who they were", Uatu said. "But the Gods, before I left, they'd found out finally using their powers and resources, and put it in my head."
"So, they number 25", Steve realized.
"Indeed", Uatu nodded as a portal opened, and out of it walked Frodo Baggins, looking around.
"Mr. Frodo!" Sam rushed to him as they shared an embrace.
"Oh my dear Sam!" Frodo embraced him happily, and then Merry and Pippin were upon him too, all four of them laughing happily to be reunited, and Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Arwen, Faramir, Eowyn, Eomer and Lothiriel all had smiles too as Frodo embraced them as well one by one.
"Now we have everyone we need", Uatu said, the portal closing, having been opened by Gandalf to send Frodo here.
Uatu first looked at Piper. "Piper Halliwell, in spite of all that you have been through in your life, you have come out on top and been successful because of you inner strength. You are the Paragon of Inner Strength."
Piper was stunned to hear this, as were the others around her, as her eyes were wide, before she muttered. "You sure? Don't feel like I've much inner strength right now."
"But you've always shown it", Leo told her. "Even in the worst of times."
Uatu then turned to Paige. "Paige Matthews, for most of your life, you've had purpose, to help people, vanquish evil, and you never hesitated to help the ones who needed it, you considered it your purpose. You are the Paragon of Purpose."
"Huh?" Paige looked at herself, all stunned again. "Well, guess stopping the Crisis is the new purpose."
"I know you can do it", Henry said as he and Paige smiled at each other.
Uatu turned to Freya next. "Freya Mikaelson, you have shown extraordinary resilience even in harsh conditions, recovering from the worst of things, including what no one should ever suffer. You are the Paragon of Resilience."
Freya was shocked, as were the rest, before Klaus muttered to her. "If anyone had to be it, I knew it'd be you."
Freya looked at him, then at the rest of her family, as Elijah too told her. "Indeed, he is right."
"Well, wish I was recovering better right now", Freya had to say.
"I'd say it is you", Erik said, holding her hand as she grasped back. "I know it, you are resilient, Freya."
"Thank you."
Next, Uatu turned to Caroline. "Caroline Forbes, you have compassion within you, for many people, it is that same compassion which allowed you to give birth to Jo's children and raise them as your own. You are the Paragon of Compassion."
Caroline was shocked too. "What? I am…"
"Oh he can't be wrong about this", Stefan told Caroline, holding her hand. "We've all seen it, the compassion within you."
"Yeah, this just can't be doubted", Alaric said as well.
"If anyone had to be it, it'd be you", Bonnie told Caroline as well.
"Hope I don't disappoint", Caroline looked at her hands, then at Stefan, who gave her an encouraging nod.
"We all hope the same", Enzo added.
Uatu looked at Willow. "Willow Rosenberg, magic has been an essential part of you for a long time. You have struggled with it too, but eventually, learnt to harness it and use it for good. You are the Paragon of Magic."
Willow was shocked as well, but Tara told her. "See? When you learnt to use it properly and respect it, you were the greatest in our world."
"Yep, we all know only you can be it, Willow", Dawn said as well.
"Easily, this was made for you", Buffy told her too.
"Huh?" Willow muttered. "Well, let's see if its enough this time."
Uatu then looked at Tara. "Tara Maclay, you have always loved unconditionally, even those who did not deserve it, you showed them your kindness. You are the Paragon of Love."
Tara's eyes were wide, as Willow told her. "Wasn't even in question. Only you can be the Paragon of Love, Tara."
"Wow", Tara looked at herself, then at Willow as both smiled at each other. "So, its both of us again."
"Yeah, both of you again", Dawn said too.
Uatu then looked at Angel. "Angel, when you were Angelus, you did despicable things. Yet, when your soul was returned to you, you felt guilty. And eventually, when you came to Los Angeles, you started a journey towards redemption, trying to help others find it too. You are the Paragon of Redemption."
Angel's eyes were wide in shock. "I….huh?"
But it was Spike of all people who said to him. "Oh yeah, mate, that was always gonna be you. I knew it. If there's a Paragon of Redemption, then it has to be you."
"Yeah", Faith put her hand on Angel's shoulder. "You redeem not just yourself, but try your best to do it for others around you, like me."
"And everyone around you eventually becomes better than they were", Cordelia told him too. "Look at me. From high school bitch to this."
"They're right", Buffy told Angel as well, who accepted it.
"Well, I will have to work hard once more now to help", Angel said finally. "What remains of the Multiverse."
Uatu next looked at Oliver. "Oliver Queen of Earth-1, you have been firm and unwavering in all of your missions, and never hesitated to put your life on the line. You are the Paragon of Steadfastness."
Oliver's eyes were wide, but Sara said to him. "Yeah, we know you well, this one can only be you."
"Indeed", Deathstroke said as well. "I know it, kid, this is you."
"Good luck", Roy said to him too.
"Now I'm firm about stopping Crisis", Oliver said, a fire shining in his eyes as well.
Uatu turned to The Doctor. "Doctor, the people you take with you, they always find themselves eventually and become the best versions of themselves, and they are healed of what they think ails them, because of you, their lives become better. You are the Paragon of Healing."
The Doctor's eyes were wide. "Blimey, now that is-"
"He is right though", Amy said, holding hands with Rory. "We were the happiest when we travelled with you."
"And became so many things we never would have imagined", Rory said as well.
"Indeed, I too became the best version of myself when I was with you", Donna told The Doctor.
"All of us did", Martha said.
"So yeah, this is you", Song told him, and he looked ahead.
"Guess now the Multiverse will have to be healed", The Doctor realized.
Uatu looked at Superman after this. "Clark Kent or Kal-El of Earth-96, you have endured more loss than most mortal men could endure but you still carry on, inspiring truth, justice and the American Way. You are the Paragon of Truth."
Now Superman looked at himself, eyes wide, before looking ahead, very firm, not needing any encouragement. "I will do what I must now."
Then Uatu looked at Batman. "Bruce Wayne of Earth-38, you have been a brutal vigilante, and been a terror to criminals, yet, through all of this, you never lost your humanity fully, and regained it when you were close to losing it, you may be stoic, but you have always cared. You are the Paragon of Humanity."
Batman was shocked as well. "Never thought I'd be it."
"Yeah, but he's not wrong, we saw how you were when we first met, and how you're now", Bruce told him.
"So, he's right", Knight said as well.
"Guess so", Batman noted.
And then, Uatu looked at Prince. "Diana Prince of Earth-50, you are a person filled with honor within you, and have always shown it in every situation you were part of, never wavering from your ideals. You are the Paragon of Honor."
Prince was surprised too, as Detective told her. "Figured it'd be you."
"Congratulations", Diana told her as well. "I know we're the same, but from what I've seen of you, you have been on more quests than I have, hence it had to be you."
"Indeed, it was you", Wonder Woman told her as well.
"Congratulations", Steve said to her as well.
"Thank you", Prince humbly accepted the praise.
Uatu looked at Kal now. "Clark Kent or Kal-El of Earth-167, you always had a strong passion for justice within you, never wavering from it, and made sure every evil-doer you faced was brought to justice, the desire for it within you is always strong. You are the Paragon of Justice."
Kal looked at everyone around him, as Lois told him. "Come on, Smallville, there's literally no denying it."
"You are the reason our Justice League became as big as it did", Ollie pointed out too. "This is you, man."
"Oh yeah, no one longs for justice more than you do", Chloe said as well.
"They're all right, amigo", Bart commented too.
Kal nodded, accepting it. "Now its time to get justice for the Multiverse as well."
Uatu looked at Logan next. "James Logan Howlett, you have faced more hardship than people can endure, yet you stand here, still strong, trying to fight the good fight. You are the Paragon of Hardship."
Logan was shocked as well. "Huh? Now this I didn't see coming, bub."
"Yeah, but it is you", Sarah told Logan. "We all saw how much you suffered, but you always came through."
"And you still do", Storm pointed out as well. "This one is you."
"Well", Logan sighed. "Let's hope there aren't more hardships or anything."
Uatu turned to Spider-Man now. "Peter Parker of Earth-2002, you have always used your power wisely and to help people, because you know that with great power comes great responsibility, it is a lesson engrained within you. You are the Paragon of Responsibility."
Spider-Man looked at himself, then looked up, as Peter told him. "Well, he's not wrong, I mean, out of all of us, its most engrained in you."
"Yep, you're the one who taught me about it again too", Parker added.
"So, this one's you man", Miles told him as well.
"Good luck man", Pavitr tapped his shoulder.
"Yeah, now its time for you to show 'em what you got", Gwen added.
"I know you can do this", May said to her alternate husband too. "Good luck."
MJ held Spider-Man's hand. "I believe in you, Peter."
Spider-Man nodded as well now. "Now its my responsibility to save the Multiverse with the rest of them."
Uatu looked at Matt next. "Matt Murdock, you are the man without fear, not because you lack it, but because you always conquered it, and fought against evil, whether on the streets, or in the Multiverse. You are the Paragon of Courage."
Matt was a bit surprised as well, before Elektra told him. "Oh yeah, how can this one not be you, Matthew?"
"Yeah, you got balls of Vibranium", Jessica added as well.
"Hope you can do it again, Red", Frank said too.
"I'll do my best", Matt assured them.
Uatu then turned to Wanda. "Wanda Maximoff, reality is whatever you can make it with the great power that you have, yet you learnt not to misuse it, and use it for good, to defend what reality is now. You are the Paragon of Reality."
Wanda's eyes widened, as Parker grasped her hand. "Oh yeah, this one's you, you protect reality with your powers with which you can do anything."
"Wow", Wanda muttered.
"Right on, sister", Pietro told her too, kissing her forehead. "You have shown your compassion and control from time to time."
"Well, hope I can defend it again", Wanda muttered.
Uatu then looked at Strange. "Stephen Strange of Earth-199999, you have ample control over time, yet you do not mess with it unless it is necessary to save everyone, you did not let such a power corrupt you. You are the Paragon of Time."
"Of course, Sherlock, this one's you", Tony tapped his shoulder as he sighed.
"Looks like it, Sherlock", Strange turned to The Doctor then. "Thought it'd be you though, since you travel through time."
"Having control over it is greater though", The Doctor pointed out, and Strange agreed there.
"Hope this Paragon stuff can make you think of something more", Stephen told his doppelganger.
"Everyone has those hopes", Strange commented.
Then Uatu gazed at Clint. "Clint Barton, the one thing you fight for, is your family, all of it, no matter how big it is, you will move Heaven and Earth for them, and never back down until they are safe and sound. You are the Paragon of Family."
Clint stepped back a bit. "Okay, this is a bit of a shock."
"Shouldn't be though", Laura held his hand, making him look at her. "Because you love our family, all of it, and you always fight for it."
"Yes, you do", Natasha said as well. "This one's meant for you, Clint."
"We all know it", Wanda added as well.
Now Clint had resolve within him and nodded firmly. "I'll protect my family again."
After this, Uatu looked at Natasha. "Natasha Romanoff, you have shown that change is possible in anyone, even those who were made to do horrible things since they were children. Now you have changed into a defender of good, like everyone else who is here. You are the Paragon of Change."
Natasha's eyes were wide as well, but Bucky told her. "Yeah, you changed a lot, from who you were, and it wasn't mind control with you, shows a lot of genuine change into a better person."
"Oh yeah, I've seen the old you and this you, you're this one, Nat", Clint told her as well.
"Yes, and all of us would agree to this", Steve said, Natasha now accepting it.
"Now, don't deny it, sis", Yelena winked at her, making Natasha chuckle.
"So, will have to change the fate of the Multiverse too now", Natasha said.
After this, Uatu turned to Arthur. "King Arthur Pendragon, you were always destined to rule over Camelot, and you were destined to come back to the land of the living and once more protect it from evil. The Once and Future King they call you. You are the Paragon of Destiny."
Arthur's eyes were wide, when Guinevere told him. "He's right, Arthur, you are fit to be a Paragon, and this one is you."
"Yeah, I've seen it too", Lena added from her end. "You're going to fulfil your destiny now."
Arthur was firm. "This is what I came back for. And I must not fail."
Uatu then looked at Frodo. "Frodo Baggins, you chose to take the One Ring of Sauron to Mordor, and did not hesitate, you fought against the One Ring's pull with all your power, and you were determined to reach the end of your Quest, in spite of the One Ring's corruption. You are the Paragon of Determination."
Frodo was stunned too, before Sam told him. "He is right, Mr. Frodo. You showed a lot of determination."
"Even among adventurous Hobbits", Merry added, making him chuckle a bit.
"Yeah, you're the most determined Hobbit", Pippin told him too.
"Indeed, many Men we know are not as determined as you ever were", Boromir told him.
Frodo too was resolute now. "Now I'm determined to help save the Multiverse too."
Uatu now turned to Sam. "Samwise Gamgee, while Frodo had determination, he would never have succeeded without a friend like you, always so loyal and kind, never faltering from helping him, you never left him till the end. You are the Paragon of Loyalty."
Sam's eyes widened, but Rosie stroked his shoulder lovingly, smiling at him, and Frodo turned to him. "Anyone who thinks you cannot be the Paragon of Loyalty is wrong, my dear Sam. No one else can be this."
"Yeah, I remember seeing all of it too", Natasha added from her end. "This one's you."
"I will have to help you again now, it seems, Mr. Frodo", Sam told Frodo, who nodded, the Hobbits all agreeing that Sam was this.
And next, Uatu turned to Aragorn. "King Aragorn II Elessar of the Reunited Kingdom, your presence brought hope even in the direst of situations, one of your other names even means 'Hope', and it was you who brought back hope not just to your Kingdom, but to the rest of Middle-earth, and led them to victory against Sauron, and you have never faltered since then either. You are the Paragon of Hope."
Aragorn was shocked, but Arwen told him. "Estel, you indeed are the Paragon of Hope, like he said, you brought hope to Middle-earth."
"And the hearts of all of us, mellon", Legolas added from his end too, grasping his shoulder.
"Indeed, even if we are in The Void with you, we would feel hope", Gimli added from his end.
"You are the reason I forgave myself as well", Boromir told Aragorn. "And realized I have to be my own Man."
"Hope came to Rohan when you lead us at Helm's Deep", Eowyn said too.
"And you returned hope to Gondor as well", Faramir added.
"They are all right, you are this Paragon", Frodo now said to Aragorn.
"Even my hammer thinks you worthy", Thor added from his own end. "And you use it to continue to bring hope to Middle-earth."
Aragorn was resolute as well now. "I shall have to bring hope to what's left of us now."
And finally, Uatu looked at Steve. "Steve Rogers, you are a natural leader, always have been once the Serum brought out the best within you, and you have shown your leadership quality again and again, even when all Heroes of the Multiverse unite, they look to you to lead them. You are the Paragon of Leadership."
Steve looked at everyone, and their faces said it. They agreed with Uatu on this.
"If me and Hulk follow your orders", Thor told Steve as well. "Then you are the Paragon of Leadership, my friend."
Steve nodded now, and looked at Uatu. "We'll all do our best."
"25 Paragons, now you will be the ones to save the Multiverse", Uatu said, when suddenly, a bright, white ball of light flew in, surprising all of them.
"Uhh, what's that?" Mal pointed at it, and Stephen called the ball towards himself.
Stephen then looked at Clea, Strange, Fate, John, Constantine, Zatanna and Zatarra.
"Let's find out."
And one more chapter ends. RIP to all those who're gone once more, and poor everyone for losing their loved ones
Now finally, the Paragons are all revealed, took some time to finalize them, but finally got it, and thanks a lot to Brainstorm Sorcerer, Stand with Ward and Queen, Bl4ckHunter and Marcus S. Lazarus for suggesting some of these Paragons and their attributes.
The concept of Paragons in the actual crossover was pretty cool but handled poorly since some of them didn't even deserve to be called Heroes by that point due to how badly written they were, much less Paragons, and other Paragon attributes seemed interchanged.
But here I'll do my best to do them right.
Now what is that ball of light?
Hope all enjoyed and see you all next time with another chapter.