Welcome back to The Injustice Wars. Last time, we got a brief flash to the present day, at Sulfur's bachelor party, where we got to meet a few of Dracia's other suitors over the years. And got to see Sulfur put the most obnoxious of them in his place while the rest celebrated his engagement. So what is going to happen next? Read on to discover...

(Our scene opens over the Himalayas, directly above the Nameless City, where the Damnation is breaking through the atmosphere, and weighs anchor hidden in the mountains. But the anchor does not go unnoticed, as it finds a soft spot in a cavern ceiling. As we follow it down, we see the cavern is part of the Nameless City, and in that cavern, Darkblood, Psycho Burner, and Vermillion are walking, discussing a plan)

Darkblood: Burner, I appreciate your attempts to contribute, but your plans do very little to defeat our enemies.

Psycho Burner: Every faction needs money behind it. Why shouldn't we try and steal a payroll or two?

Darkblood: Because in exploring this place, we found a massive treasure vault. We don't need to worry about funding our operations.

Vermillion: Remind me again why we brought this idiot into the fold?

Darkblood: His power is off the charts. Why do you think Superman kept him locked away in a secret underwater prison in a box?

Vermillion: And he wants to use it to steal department store payrolls. What is this, the 1940's?! (To Psycho Burner) Are you related to Toughy Boraz or something?

Darkblood: You would do well not to...

(But before Darkblood can even finish that sentence, the Damnation's anchor crashes through the ceiling, nearly crushing Darkblood, but Psycho Burner manages to pull him out of the way while Vermillion does nothing.)

Psycho Burner: You okay, Master Darkblood?

Darkblood: (Shakes his head to clear it) A little surprised by the sudden yank back. (Sees the anchor) But glad you decided to do something. (Looking back at the anchor) Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going up there to see who decided to break and enter.

(With that, Darkblood flies up through the hole left by the Damnation's anchor and sees the ship, landing up on the bridge of Captain Avarice's ship, catching her by surprise)

Avarice: Avast! Who be ye!?

Darkblood: The guy who's ceiling you just broke through. Who are you?

Avarice: Ye don't know me? I be Captain Avarice! Captain of the Damnation! The greatest pirate of the seven stars!

Darkblood: Of the Pleiades? What brings you here?

Avarice: A bounty. And while I'm at it, whatever riches and resources I can plunder.

Darkblood: On whom?

Avarice: The princess of Tamaran, Koriand'r. I've been tracking her across the stars and followed her here.

Darkblood: I can confirm she's on this world, who put up the bounty?

Avarice: Her sister, Kommand'r. Normally I don't take orders from a miserable troq, but my coffers have been empty for too long.

Darkblood: (Recognizing her) I can see a resemblance to Larfleeze.

Avarice: We be of the same kind, though not kin, if that's what ye mean.

Darkblood: I could tell you were a female of the species. (Growls perversely) And certainly a beautiful one.

Avarice: Flattery will get ye nowhere.

Darkblood: Either way, I propose an alliance.

Avarice: And here be the terms. Ye show me where the bounty is, and ye stay out of my way.

Darkblood: She is protected by a powerful group of this world's heroes. You will need assistance to get to her.

Avarice: And ye think ye can help me?

Darkblood: My forces are not to be trifled with. I only ask for a few things in return.

Avarice: I may just take ye up on your offer. What be your terms?

Darkblood: I will offer you 50% of my Empire's treasures, in return for your eternal loyalty. (Growls perversely) And a few nights of passion a month.

Avarice: So for putting my fleet at your command, and a few carnal nights a month, I get 50% of your treasure?

Darkblood: Your coffers will never be empty again if I have anything to say about it.

(Avarice clearly takes a few moments to think it out. But ultimately she is motivated by greed more than anything, and extends a hand)

Avarice: Ye have a deal. My crew and ship are at your command.

Darkblood: (Shakes her hand) Excellent.

Avarice: And as a signifier of our deal, I will rechristen my ship. Welcome aboard the Imperial Damnation, co-captain.

Darkblood: You may address me as Lord Darkblood, or as Master if you prefer, but NEVER as co-captain.

Avarice: (Rolls her eyes) Very well then, Lord Darkblood.

Darkblood: Excellent. Now, about the ceiling...

Avarice: My crew will repair the damages, just tell me where I can put this anchor down.

Darkblood: Just move the ship back about 10 feet and the cavern roof is much more stable.

Avarice: Right. (To her crew) Get moving on the cavern repairs ye swabs! Else feel the wrath of the captain and the Master!

Darkblood: (With a perverse growl) Excellent, welcome to the Empire, Avarice.

(And as Darkblood and Avarice begin a maniacal laugh from the deck of the newly christened Imperial Damnation, our tale ends for today)

And that looks like a good place to end for today. So, Avarice is now officially part of the Empire, marking the second of Yami's fan characters to enter the fray, with Vermillion being the first. Expect to see more of this alliance in a little while, once the action really resumes. But in the meantime, the Empire has gotten just a bit stronger, now having the capacity to take to the stars using Avarice's ship. How's this going to affect the faction dynamics? Tune in next time to find out! Same time... same channel!