(Author's Note: Hello there my loyal readers! This is just a short one-shot I decided to write (something that came to be when I was having trouble writing my current, "extended" stories).

Hope you guys enjoy:)

SMASH!

A thunderous crash rang through the environment, the mountains themselves almost seeming to tremble. A figure dressed in a blue and yellow suit struggled to pick himself up from a crater in the ground, his suit torn and blood pouring from his head.

Suddenly, a figure slammed onto the ground behind him. This one wore a red and white suit with a cape and had a furious look in his (reddened) eyes.

"You're doing this for nothing," the older snarled, "Being part of the empire will make Earth better than it ever was."

"And what if they resist?" The younger man replied as he slowly picked himself up, blood dripping from his mouth.

"That's why we're here! To keep them from resisting. To show them how wrong they are. How pointless it is! That they can be a part of something bigger…or die."

With a glare of his own, the younger man stood (while staying close to the ground) and held his fists up, "I won't let you." The older man's expression turned downright murderous, his fists clenching into fists by his sides. Just as he was about to respond (and not in a particularly…calm manner), however…something happened.

"Cease, Omni-Man!" A calm (but firm) voice suddenly spoke out, stealing the attention of both Viltrumites. There floated a figure that was unknown to both. He had tan skin with shoulder-length white hair, as well as pupil-less blue eyes and white tattoos on his arms and torso that almost seemed to…glow. There was also fire and electricity flaring across his entire being.

He looked…majestic.

"Who are you?" Omni-Man demanded, a confused frown on his face.

"I am Liu Kang. God of Thunder and Fire, and the Keeper of Time."

Despite his rage, Omni-Man's eyes widened at the strange title, "Whoever you claim to be or believe yourself to be, this does NOT concern you."

"Actually," Liu Kang interrupted, "It does. I know who you are, Omni-Man. I know of your purpose and I know of your people. My gaze has always had a focus on Earthrealm and I will not allow any threat to it. I tell you once to stand. Down."

Omni-Man's glare at the stranger only intensified as his hands clenched into fists, "You have no idea who you're dealing with. I've defeated gods!" Omni-Man suddenly sped forward in a burst of speed that would have been impossible for anyone else on Earth to track, his punch connecting with flesh almost immediately after.

Invincible held his arms over his eyes as a large cloud of dust appeared, horror spreading through his body at the premise of yet another life being taken by his father (while he was powerless to do anything).

To his complete and utter shock, however, Liu Kang wasn't dead. He had caught Omni-Man's punch with no visible effort, not even having moved from the attack (leaving both Viltrumites completely stunned).

"Perhaps," Liu Kang spoke, his voice not losing its cool tone, "But I've bested Titans." In a quick burst of movement, Liu Kang drove his knee into Omni-Man's chin and sent the Viltrumite flying into the air. The white-haired man didn't waste any time before he flew through the air after him…leaving behind a confused and afraid Invincible.


Omni-Man reached the beginnings of space before he was finally able to stop himself. The Viltrumite held his chin, stunned by being struck with such force.

"It's not too late to stop this," Omni-Man looked up to see Liu Kang floating mere feet from him, fire and electricity once again glowing across his body.

The Viltrumite's glare turned downright murderous, "You can't stop the empire!" Whoever this being was, he was a threat to his people…and he needed to be eliminated.

Liu Kang moved his head to avoid the first two punches before moving to catch the third one thrown. He caught Omni-Man's fourth punch and the two were locked in a contest of strength. The Viltrumite's heated glare met the god's calm stare as they pushed against one another. In a sudden burst of movement, Liu Kang shoved one of Omni-Man's hands away and delivered a swift punch to his chest followed by a strong kick to the side of his head.

"It doesn't have to be this way, Nolan! You have the power to end this here and now!"

Omni-Man shook out his head to be rid of the dizziness, "If you believe that what's coming can be stopped, then you truly are a FOOL!" This time, Omni-Man was able to tackle Liu Kang with all his might through space.

Eventually, the two titans crashed into the surface of the moon. Omni-Man then wasted no time in delivering punch after punch onto his opponent, fully intent on reducing this bastard to a bloody smear on his fists.

As the thirteenth punch was thrown, it was caught by Liu Kang before being responded with a solid kick to the chest. Omni-Man dug his fingers into the moon's surface to stop his flight, glaring as Liu Kang rose from the crater.

"And it is your fear that keeps you on this path," the deity spoke, sadness on his face and in his voice, "You continue to act in the name of the Viltrumite Empire because you believe that they can't be stopped. You don't want a conquest of Earth, but you don't see any way to stop them. And the premise of this world's fate frightens you."

"Don't make me laugh," Omni-Man coldly replied, floating into the air to meet Liu Kang, "My mission and loyalty to the empire is the only reason I've spent so much time on this primitive, backwater planet."

"I don't believe that, Nolan. I believe that was how you felt when you first arrived, but you can't play such a role for so many years without it affecting you. Twenty years may be nothing in the span of millennia, but I know from experience how such a short time frame can hold its importance in a life that spans centuries. Your time on this planet changed you. You've grown to love it and its people…just as you love your son and wife, beyond simply another Viltrumite and a "pet". I can see your heart, Omni-Man, and I know the truth."

"You. Know. NOTHING!" Omni-Man roared as he charged forward like a bull. He threw every punch and kick with the power to destroy continents, the speed to break the sound barrier, and experience more than one hundred times greater than anyone in this galaxy. Despite all of this, however, each attack was either blocked or dodged outright (quite skillfully, at that). "My only concern about this planet is to bring it into the Viltrumite Empire! If they don't submit, they will be destroyed and I won't care for their fate!"

Liu Kang suddenly disappeared in a flash of orange light, leaving behind a confused Viltrumite. "And which one of us are you trying to convince, Nolan?" Omni-Man quickly turned to the voice but was struck by a blast of lightning. The electricity coursed through the Viltrumite's body, stunning him in his tracks. "I know what is in your heart, but it's clear that it is being suppressed by your mind."

"SHUT UP!" Omni-Man roared ferociously as he powered through the lightning and tackled Liu Kang far off into the vastness of space. "You think you know ME?!" He grabbed the deity by his throat and delivered a punch across his cheek. "You know NOTHING!" A second punch was shot against his chest, "I GLADLY SERVE THE VILTRUMITE EMPIRE, THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE IN THE UNIVERSE!" A third across the cheek, "ALL WORLDS AND ALL BEINGS WHO REFUSE TO JOIN WILL BE ELIMINATED!" A fourth to the chest, "YOU THINK I CARE WHETHER MY PEOPLE BURN THE EARTH TO THE GROUND?! I DON'T!" A knee into his nose, "THERE IS NOTHING YOU OR ANYONE CAN DO TO STOP WHAT'S COMING, AND I'LL DESTROY ANYONE WHO TRIES!"

Liu Kang caught Omni-Man by the wrist, with his fist a mere two inches away. The deity opened his eyes, which both burned and crackled with frustration and disappointment, "I suppose I knew how unlikely it was that I would be able to talk you down from your current path. If I cannot bring you down with my words, then I'm afraid that I have no other option than to make you submit." The Viltrumite was sent flying by a sudden backhand before a kick to his back sent him crashing back into the moon. As Omni-Man stood himself up, he could "sense" that Liu Kang had teleported behind him.

Omni-Man dug his fist into the moon's surface with all of his might…but found his punch being completely stopped by the deity. Liu Kang then ceased Omni-Man by the throat before zooming into the "air". The Viltrumite tried to pry Liu Kang's hand away from his body but suddenly had the wind forced from his lungs as a fist was driven into his stomach. Liu Kang then grabbed Omni-Man by his face and pushed him toward the Earth at supersonic speeds.


The two beings crashed through a mountain before slamming against the Earth. Seconds later, Omni-Man was sent flying out of the dust cloud and sprawling across the ground. Quickly turning his head, he saw Liu Kang calmly walking out of the fire (a firm look on his face).

Omni-Man's teeth gritted and his fists clenched around the ground. This… isn't possible. I…I'm Omni-Man. I've single-handedly stopped invading alien armies. I've stopped rampaging Kaiju reptiles who attacked from the ocean floor. I defeated multiple Greek Gods, including Zeus himself! (1) I can't be bested by some…FAKER with a god complex! I WILL NOT BE! Omni-Man sped towards Liu Kang in an instant, this time aiming a kick to take his opponent's head clean off.

Liu Kang's expression didn't even change as he caught Omni-Man's leg and slammed him into the ground. He then grabbed the Viltrumite by the back of his head and began flying away, dragging Omni-Man's face across the earth as he did so. This continued for about ten seconds before Omni-Man threw a backhand against Liu Kang's arm and seized him by the throat. He reared a fist back, before screaming in pain as his body was flooded with lightning.

Liu Kang then delivered a furry of punches all across Omni-Man's torso before landing an uppercut against his chin, grabbing him by the cape, spinning like a top, and throwing him through the air. Liu Kang wasted no time in zooming after him, quickly catching up and grabbing Omni-Man by his head.

Omni-Man HOWLED in agony as his body was flooded with more lightning than prior, the light of the attack being so bright that it looked like there were two suns in the sky. Liu Kang sped towards the ground without releasing Omni-Man, fire and lightning flaring off of his body as he spun around in place at unnatural speeds (giving off the image of an embodiment of pure destruction).

When the two warriors collided with the earth, it was as if the planet itself trembled.

Omni-Man was held against the ground, Liu Kang's hand placed firmly against the Viltrumite's face. With a cold look in his eyes, Liu Kang's body erupted in fire and lightning as he raised a fist into the air. Despite Omni-Man's best attempts to free himself, he couldn't overpower Liu Kang's strength. As the flaming and electrifying fist came closer to him…something washed over his soul.

Omni-Man had lived and fought for thousands of years, battling all manner of entities during that time. From cyborgs to demons and aliens to gods, you'd be hard-pressed to find a manner of opponent that Omni-Man hasn't fought and defeated. He's been at Death's door more times than he could count, but, no matter what, he always perseveres and achieves his victory (no matter what it takes).

But now, against this…being, Omni-Man truly feared for his life for the first time in centuries. In an instant, thousands of years' worth of memories came flooding back to him.

He remembered the brutal training he endured in his youth to become truly powerful.

He remembered the centuries he spent as a member of the Viltrumite Army, invading planets and wiping out anyone who refused to submit to the Viltrumite Empire.

He remembered meeting Debbie not long after arriving on Earth…and falling in love with her (even though, logically, she was completely inferior to him in every possible way).

He remembered the feeling of joy he felt when Debbie told him that she was pregnant and the love that pulsated through his being when he held his newborn son in his arms.

He remembered the twenty years he spent on Earth. Working with Cecil, fighting alongside the Guardians, having date nights with Debbie, telling stories to Mark late at night, and seeing how his adorable eyes would glow in excitement…everything.

Monster.

No. I did what needed to be done.

Is that how you justify murdering your friends and destroying your family?

I had to. None of them would understand.

Because they know it's wrong. Because they know it's evil…just. Like. You.

The Empire will advance the Earth by thousands of years, and make it better than it could be on its own. This is what's best for everyone.

Then why did you spend so many years dreading the emergence of Mark's powers? Why have you been hoping that he didn't inherit your abilities?

No.

Because you know that the Empire is wrong.

No.

Because you know that it is evil, along with you.

NO!

It was in those few brief moments that Liu Kang struck. If the Earth shook from his last attack, it was barely able to keep from splitting apart down the middle from this one.


"Damn it! What the hell's going on?!"

"We don't know, sir! We're doing everything we can!" Cecil gritted his teeth (practically snarling), his hands tightly gripping the rails in front of him.

If there was one word to be used to describe Cecil Stedman, it would be "consistency". He's not a fan of chaos. Some would call living your life with everything happening exactly how you expect them "boring", but Cecil always hated surprises.

That was mostly why he was frustrated to no end at seeing some random guy coated in fire and lightning appearing out of nowhere and taking on the most powerful being on Earth (blocking his punch with no effort).

Suddenly, there was a bright flash of light and a large orange portal opened up in the middle of the room. Multiple GDA agents pointed their weapons at the sudden occurrence, only for a bruised and battered Invincible to come stumbling through.

"MARK!" Debbie Grayson, Invincible's mother, and Omni-Man's (former?) wife came running and threw her arms around her son (who quickly hugged her back).

About ten seconds later, Liu Kang came floating through the portal…holding an unconscious Omni-Man by the back of his neck, stone shackles with glowing blue lines wrapped around his wrists.

"Cecil Stedman," Liu Kang spoke, "Director of the Global Defense Agency." The man in question simply glared into the eyes of this strange being, not speaking a word. Liu Kang landed on the ground, gently setting down Omni-Man, "The shackles have been carved from a magical stone substance that nullifies his power. Right now, he's just an ordinary mortal man. I imagine that you have somewhere that you feel is secure enough to keep him."

Cecil maintained his gaze on Liu Kang for a few more seconds before waving his hand, resulting in over half a dozen GDA soldiers moving over to approach Omni-Man with their guns at the ready. "Who are you?" He demanded as Omni-Man was led out of the room and to one of the holding cells.

"Liu Kang," Invincible spoke up, getting all eyes on him, "You called yourself the God of Thunder, Fire…and Time?"

"Keeper of Time, if you want to be specific. But yes," with a wave of Liu Kang's hand, a blue glow surrounded Invincible's body. In a moment or two, his wounds were gone and his costume was fixed. "Reversal of your own, personal timeline," Liu Kang answered the unasked question, "Not healing, but reverting your body to…before."

"Alright then," Cecil spoke up, "That's who you're supposed to be. Now, how about you explain why and how it is you appear on this planet and single-handedly defeat the most powerful man on Earth."

"Do you know of the multiverse, Director Steadman?" Liu Kang asked, after a few moments of silence.

"I've heard the theory, yes."

"Among the first entities in creation were known as the "Titans", beings who existed outside of the multiverse and predated even the gods themselves. One of them was known as "Kronika", the Titan Lady of Time. Her power allowed her dominion over entire timelines. She had two children: Cetrion (Goddess of Virtue) and Shinnok (God of Death). Kronika desired balance across all of creation and believed that the only way that could be accomplished was for her children to be the heads of the conflict between light and darkness. But the two sides equaling one another in power would condemn every realm across the cosmos into eternal war."

"And if this…Kronika is such a threat, why has no one ever heard of her?" Cecil asked.

"Because she no longer exists. Kronika had spent countless eons resetting the timeline whenever her plans for "balance" failed. I was a part of a group of warriors and heroes who fought back against her. I was gifted the power of my mentor Raiden, the God of Thunder. I was able to defeat her but she had reset the timeline to its beginning, so the task fell to me to try and fix what she had kept broken for so long."

"You…reset the timeline?" Invincible asked.

"Yes."

"So you're…what? God?"

At Cecil's question, Liu Kang laughed, "You mean the all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful creator of everything and everyone? No, I am not Him. My power and reach are vast, but not infinite."

"That's who you are," Cecil spoke after a moment of silence, "But why are you here?"

"For aid against a great danger."

"The Viltrumites?"

"No. The Viltrumite Empire is a threat, one to the entire universe if they're left unchecked. But even they are nothing compared to what's coming."

"What do you mean?" Debbie spoke up for the first time in a while.

"Long before Humanity or the Viltrumites, before the Elder Gods or even the Titans themselves…there was something else. When the universe was created, it eventually took on a life of its own. This entity's true name (if it ever had one) has since been lost to history, with those few who are aware of its existence simply referring to it as "The One Being". As other immortal entities came into existence, the One Being saw them as mere food. The first "Great War" broke out, but the Gods were eventually able to defeat the One Being. They used six daggers known as the "Kamidogu" to split apart its body in an attempt to limit its power. Although it has been asleep for eons, it has begun to stir. Its consciousness has woken up and now seeks to reform its body and restore its full power. I sensed its power across the Earth…and around Omni-Man."

"And…you think that Dad was going to do this?"

"No. I doubt that Nolan was even aware of the One Being's existence. Its plan was likely to possess Omni-Man's body, or, failing that, influence his mind to take actions that would aid in its freedom."

"And what happens if this "One Being" restores its full power?" Cecil asked, already suspecting the answer.

"Likely? The end of everything and everyone across every realm. That's part of the reason why I arrived. In the coming fight, the universe will need champions to defend it. I want you, Invincible, to lead them."

"M-Me?"

"Yes. I've been watching the heroes of Earthrealm for some time now and I've determined that you are the best one to lead in the coming fight. You're kind-hearted, honorable, and determined to never give up on what you believe is worth fighting for. The champion of Earthrealm must not simply be skilled or powerful but must be able to serve as an inspiration to all. To be someone that others can see in action and will want to follow. With all of the traits needed to serve as Earthrealm's champion…I find no one better suited for the role than you," Liu Kang placed a hand on Invincible's shoulder, "This role is not an easy one, and I know from experience that it is quite demanding. Although I believe you are best suited for the role, I will not force you into it. I will accept whatever answer you give, but you must decide for yourself."

Truth be told, Invinci-Mark didn't know what to do. For so long, he had wanted to be a hero (to keep the people and the Earth safe). Once he got his powers, the feeling of finally having the ability to make his dreams come true was extraordinary. And he had enjoyed the feeling of being able to help people.

However…he'd be lying if he said that his mindset hadn't changed since the truth about his father had come to light. His father had been his (personal) hero for his entire life, and all he had ever wanted was to be someone who could make his father proud and stand alongside him as an equal.

But, that was before he learned that his father was a part of a genocidal race of monsters (instead of benevolent protectors). Before he learned that he didn't even care about the people he'd been protecting for decades. But he learned that nearly everything he had been told was a complete lie.

But…although his initial desire to be a hero had been "tainted", it was still something that he was holding close to himself. He still wanted to protect people, he knew that much hadn't changed. And, if what Liu Kang (who didn't give much of a reason to be doubted) said was true, Mark can't exactly walk away from a threat to the entire universe. (2)

"I'll help," Mark spoke, looking the immortal directly in his eyes (and doing his best to ignore the concerned look in his mother's eyes), "You said that this "One Being" threatens everything. Kinda difficult not to do something to help."

"Are you certain?" Liu Kang asked in complete seriousness.

"I am."

"…Very well then. You must be prepared, trained for what is to come." Mark gave a single nod, his hands tightening into fights.

Whatever came next, he was going to be ready…and he will protect his home and his people.

(Author's Note: Annnnnnnnd scene!

(1): This is based on that line Omni-Man said at the Guardians' (first) funeral. Stopping alien tyrants and nightmares from the deep sounds pretty normal for a superhero universe similar to that of Marvel and DC. But going toe-to-toe with ancient gods?! I wanna know THAT story!

Just in case any of you are curious, this is the backstory I had in mind for this: the Olympians had decreased in power and influence throughout the centuries since most of humanity no longer worships them as their gods. To fix this, Zeus planned to wipe out Earth's superheroes and a large portion of humanity to instill fear of the gods in the hearts of mankind once again. Omni-Man and the (original) Guardians of the Globe lead Earth's defenders in an all-out war against Olympus. After facing off against multiple Greek Gods, Omni-Man had a climatic showdown with Zeus himself. After a battle that shook the Earth, Omni-Man defeated the King of the Gods and Olympus' remaining forces fell soon after.

And that's it. This backstory was inspired by two things.

1) The story "American Gods", which focuses on a world where the gods and goddess of just about every religion/mythology have lost their power because people don't worship them anymore. Meanwhile, a multitude of deities has sprouted due to humanity's focus/dependence on modern tools (technology, the media, etc.). And everything is built up toward a war between the Old Gods and the New Gods.

2) A Marvel comic storyline where the Hulk's journey to cure the Agents of S.M.A.S.H of sickness leads to him coming into conflict with the Gods of Olympus. He fought Poseidon, Artemis, and Apollo, before being knocked out by Zeus in a single punch.

So…yeah, that's my headcanon of Omni-Man's line about going toe-to-toe with ancient gods. Given the nature of the universe, it IS possible that he was referring to battles against alien deities…but I just think the idea of Omni-Man battling gods of Earth's religions/mythologies is MUCH cooler. And no, I will not be writing any "Invincible" story featuring Omni-Man and the original Guardians of the Globe going to war with Olympus. If any of you want to write that concept, be my guest (just as long as you credit me for the idea).

(2): I understand that Mark suffered a SEVERE amount of trauma from his "fight" with his father. And while he MAY have been uncertain about continuing to be a hero, he didn't hesitate to investigate a possible threat and even still had his suit underneath his clothes (showing that his drive to protect hadn't died, despite everything). In this case, it's all but impossible that Mark would deny Liu Kang his aid seeing as how the One Being is a threat to the entire universe (and is far more dangerous than even the Viltrumite Empire).

This one-shot was modeled after all of those stories on the "Boys" archive that has the Seven getting the shit kicked out of them by characters from other universes. I was kind of surprised that there weren't many stories like that in the "Invincible" archive. After all, Omni-Man is just as much of an asshole as Homelander (or more so, depending on who you ask).

I had some trouble deciding on exactly who would be beating the crap out of Omni-Man, and I fell on Mortal Kombat's Liu Kang. Figured he'd be powerful enough (especially after having spent eons as the Keeper of Time) and would be someone who wouldn't kill Omni-Man at the moment. Their fight was meant to serve as a foil to the fight between Omni-Man and Invincible, the fight between father and son being more brutal and drawn-out while the fight between the two god-tier entities being far quicker and more "to the point".

Constructive criticism ONLY, no flames please.

Review, Favorite, Follow, and I'll see you guys next time:)