Hey there. Welcome to the Hero League series. Sorry for the long wait. I was handling other matters that needed my attention and I just forgot about it for a while. But you don't really care about that stuff. So let's begin.
The following fictional characters don't belong to me. If they did I would probably be living in an unnecessarily large mansion enjoying a mango smoothie next to my gigantic pool. Anyway these characters belong to the companies that own/created them. There are so many that to individually name them all would take up half a page.
In terms of the history of this world I will explain when I need to. But for this particular chapter the Zane story from the Revenge of Black Diamond still happened albeit a few years later in this timeline, check it out to keep yourself informed. I will leave the link after the chapter is done.
Hope you enjoy.
The Echoes of War pt 1
It had been eight years since the universe had been rebooted and there were many great changes because of it. Earth was now five times larger than it originally was to accommodate the increased population and wildlife. The political climate had also changed. At some point the governments of the planet united as one and had elected a council with the president of the world running things. The Earth also joined the galactic federation of planets advancing much of the formally back water worlds technology.
The Hero League also gained much fame and influence in the eight year time skip. They were recognized by the world government as a separate entity that had mostly free autonomy when dealing with international events. The galactic government also recognizes them as a group equal to that of the Plumbers or The Galactic Enforcers and treat them with the same respect.
The league had grown far past the eight members who originally made it up. The founding members became a council that governs the actions of the league and have over 50 active members.
Space
Trouble had been brewing in the cosmos. There was a galactic war waging on between the alien race of inorganic beings called the Gems and an assortment of alien beings known as the Shadow Collective. The Shadow Collective was a group of aliens that had been displaced from their home world's when the Gems were still conqueror's. Now they are an elite group led by a Queen Mera of the dead world Jaxal and Zane Shar the last son Zhameran. Through many deals with species such as the incursions, the Cluster and Tetramands. The Shadow Collective have amassed a large assortment of weapons that have made them a legitimate threat to the large Gem Empire.
Steven Universe, a Diamond, one of the leaders of the Gem Empire and founding member of the Hero League had tried to issue peace talks with the collective but they were uncompromising with the fact they wanted the Gems off their worlds.
Steven had tried to consult the Galactic Federation but they were unwilling to help because from a legal point of view the Shadow Collective was in the right. The Gems were the invaders and the collective were trying to get back what was theirs.
Gem Home World
Diamond Throne Room
Steven was in a meeting with Yellow and Blue Diamond. "This is unacceptable!" Yellow screamed. "That Shadow Collective just took down another Gem outpost. We need to strike them down now before they become a bigger threat."
"No Yellow we can't. Violence isn't the answer. We need to find a way to peacefully settle this." Steven said.
"Steven I would love to settle things peacefully as well but we can't ignore the facts. We can't give them what they want." Blue stated, "There is no way we can relocate all those Gems back to Home World. We are over populated as it is. There is no way to settle things peacefully. We need to amass the armarda and crush them all."
"We can't do that!" Steven objected.
"This is war Steven. We all do things that we'd rather not." Yellow replied.
"Just give me some time before you send out the army. Maybe I can talk to the Federation again." Steven said.
"Steven the Federation won't help us. We need to face facts. The majority of the universe hates Gems and they have good reason to. They all want us destroyed." Yellow shouted.
"If the Federation won't help, maybe the Hero League will. No one is more connected than Ben. He might have a solution." Steven replied.
"Are you sure Tennyson can help?" Yellow asked.
"I don't know but it's worth the try. Give me 48 hours. If I've got nothing we'll do things your way."
"Fine Steven. We agree." Yellow replied.
Steven quickly left the throne room and made his way to a Galaxy Warp.
Earth
Beach City
After traveling the world and having many great adventures with the league, Steven had decided to settle down in his home town with his live-in girlfriend Connie Mashwaron.
On arrival to Earth Steven quickly rushed to his home office quickly passing Connie, "Steven what's wrong. What happened with the Diamonds?" she asked.
"Nothing good. They're planning to use the full force of the Gem Armada to wipe them out." Steven replied.
"What are you going to do?" Connie asked.
"The Federation wants to stay neutral on this. And the league can't help either because of the circumstances. So I'm holding an emergency meeting with the council to discuss a plan of action." Steven explained while rummaging through his things, eventually finding a small device. "Let's hope this works." Steven said before pushing a button on the device.
Omnitrix City
Ben, 10,000 legendary hero and savior of the Multiverse, had spent the last few years helping the progression of Earth. After Bellwood got sick and tired of the rising alien population, Ben had decided to build Omnitrix City, a place where all forms of life could live peacefully. He helped unite the world governments into one and was even the President of Earth for a few years before passing it on to his cousin Gwen. He also played an important role in inducting Earth into the Galactic Federation of Planets.
Ben 10,000 HQ
Ben was in his home playing with his eight year old son Ken. The two were playing with fake laser blasters. Ben was stealthily hiding behind his couch. Ben heard a sound, he quickly moved and took aim but no one was there.
Ken quickly got out of hiding spot and fired at Ben. "I got you Dad!" he called out.
Ben played along and fell to the ground, "Ahh! You got me! All hope is lost! I can… see… a… light!"
"You're so silly Dad." Ken said as he jumped on Ben.
"Not as silly as you big guy." Ben replied before tickling his son causing the young boy to laugh.
"You two look like you're having fun."
The duo stopped playing and looked up to see Ben's girlfriend Julie.
"Oh hey Julie. What's up?" Ben asked.
"This was beeping in your office." Julie answered.
Ben looked up and saw Julie holding his Hero League emergency beacon.
"Wonder what's going on." Ben said, lifting Ken off of himself. "Sorry, we'll continue this next time."
"Aww, man!" Ken whined.
"Julie, would you mind warping Ken to Kai's?" Ben asked.
"No problem." Julie replied.
"Thanks. You're the best." Ben said, kissing her cheek before running out.
Amity Park
Danny's House
Danny Phantom, the ghost hero of Amity Park, was spending time training his ten year kids Dan and Danielle. The ghost twins had powers like their father but unfortunately for them because they are only a quarter ghost they have diminished powers. Dan has intangibility and the ability to turn invisible, while Danielle can fly and fire ecto energy beams.
"Alright you two. Let's see how you work together." Danny said.
Two large battle droids sprung out of the ground.
The twins looked at each other and smiled, "We're going ghost!" they both shouted as they changed into their half ghost forms. Dan's suit resembled his fathers back when he was a teenager while Danielle's resembled her aunt Dani's.
One of the droid's arms turned into a cannon and began firing at the duo, Dan grabbed his sister and went intangible protecting both of them from the attack.
Danielle picked up her brother and flew towards one of the droids. Danielle fired an ecto energy beam but the beam bounced off the droid's metal hide.
"It's too thick!" Danielle shouted.
"Let's take it out from the inside!" Dan shouted.
Danielle threw her brother at the droid, Dan went intangible but slammed into the robot's body unable to phase through. The droid quickly grabbed him and tossed him into his sister, sending both quarter ghosts into the ground.
Both bots surrounded them and prepared to fire at the twins. "End training simulation." Danny shouted. The droids immediately stopped their assault. "Guess you two still have a lot of work to do."
"That was totally unfair!" Dan shouted.
"Yeah. We couldn't blast through those things or phase. How would you expect us to beat them?" Danielle debated.
"If the both of you did what I told you two and read up on the Anti-Ghost droids you would have seen their biggest weakness is the power core on their chest." Danny explained.
"We're ten. We shouldn't have to read about the mechanics of battle droids." Dan replied.
At that moment Danny got the Hero League alarm. "That's work. We'll pick this up when I get back."
"Don't hurry." Dan replied.
Danny glared at his son and left the lab.
Drakken's Island
Kim Possible, the girl who could do anything and the greatest spy in the world, was captured by her arch-nemesis Draken.
Kim was strapped to a operating
"So Kim Possible. Here we are again. You trapped and helpless me on the verge of world domination. My Gyro De-stabilizer will ensure me total control. So any last words."
"Yeah. I like what you've done with the lair. Who's your interior decorator?" Kim asked.
"Well, Shego got one of her old friends to… wait a minute this is just a trick to buy you some time!" Draken yelled.
"No, I just really want to know who designed this place. Ron and I have been looking for a decorator for a while. Hey, where is Shego anyway?" Kim asked.
"She's handling a family emergency… Hey, I don't have to tell you anything! Just… Prepare to suffer or whatever." Draken whined.
At that moment Kim's emergency Hero League beacon went off. "Sorry Draken, while this was fun like always, I have more important stuff to do." Kim said.
"Please, you're tied up." Draken said while looking away. When he turned back Kim was gone. "Oh sugar cookies!"
Before Draken could react Kim appeared out of nowhere and struck Draken to the ground.
Kim then threw a disk shaped device that attached itself to Draken's machine. "You might want to run." Kim told Draken while she walked out.
Draken heard a beeping, he looked up and saw the disk shaped device counting down. "Ah crud."
Draken sprinted out of the lab as fast as he could before the explosive blew the entire lab off the island.
As Kim was walking out she activated her communicator, "This Kim Possible activation code 0002, commence teleportation sequence." she said before teleporting away.
Paris
Marinette Dupain-Chen and Adrien Agreste were two teenagers chosen to wield the Ladybug and Blackcat Miraculous's. Two ancient powerful objects that wield the power of creation and destruction respectively which allowed them to become the crime fighting duo, Ladybug and Cat Noir who fight the evil forces of Hawk Moth.
The two heroes continued this game of cat and mouse with their nemesis for years. It looked like they would fight this battle forever. That was until a group of bounty hunters changed everything.
One day for no reason whatsoever a group of professional highly trained alien bounty hunters attacked Paris. Ladybug and Cat Noir along with some of the other Miraculous holders fought them in a very destructive battle and the Miraculous holders managed to fight them off.
The heroes were pleased with their victory but unbeknownst to them there was another bounty hunter who was not present during the attack. Their job was to kidnap humans for an unknown purpose. While the Miraculous holders were busy fighting off his colleague's the bounty hunter captured hundreds of Paris citizens including Gabriel Agreste, Adrien's father.
With help from the Hero League, Ladybug and Cat Noir searched for their missing citizens but they could never find them. As painful as it was, the super hero duo had to eventually move on.
Adrien took over his father's business and hired Marinette as a top fashion designer. Marinette rose to the top becoming one of the world's most recognized fashion designers.
Eventually the duo revealed their secret identities to each other and became a couple afterwards. Now they run the business together while raising their six year old son Michael, who also happens to be the biological son of Ben Tennyson.
Now that their greatest enemy seemed to have disappeared without a trace the two heroes had barely anything superhero related to do when they weren't out with the league.
Adrien and Marionette's Penthouse
Marinette was preparing some of her famous macaroons while Adrien was having a business call. "Okay, we'll have the fall line for you by next week." Adrien said in a rather serious tone, "Great. See you then."
"Did the deal go through?" Marinette asked, while walking to Adrien.
"Yeah, it did. Chloe was being a hard ass as usual but we were able to come up with a compromise." Adrien replied.
"Jacob said he would pick Michael up from school." Marinette said.
"Great. That's one less thing on my plate." Adrien groaned as he collapsed on the couch. "So when will they get here?"
"A little after two." Marinette replied.
Adrien looked up at Marinette and smiled, "So that means we'll have this place to ourselves for the next half an hour."
"Yeah we will." Marinette smiled back at him. "But we'll have to hurry. I left some Macaroons in the oven."
"Will do." Adrien jumped off of the couch and quickly picked Marinette up bridal style and carried her up some stairs. Their plans were promptly stopped when both of them heard the alarm.
"Great." Adrien whined.
"Sorry Kitty. Maybe next time." Marinette said as she leaped out of his arms.
"I swear, if the world isn't in danger…" Adrien groaned.
"Tikki!"
"Plagg!"
The two Kwami's phased through the roof to their masters.
"Spots, on!"
"Claws, out!"
In a flash of light Marinette and Adrien transformed into their alter egos Ladybug and Cat Noir.
New York
Randy Cunningham was the Ninja of Norrisville, sworn to defend the city from the evils of the Sorcerer. But when Randy accomplished the impossible and actually defeated the Ninja's immortal nemesis Randy had no idea what was next for him as the Ninja. With the Sorcerer gone the Ninja no longer needed to be confined to Norrisville. With special permission from the guardian of the Mask and Ninja Nomican, Randy was allowed to keep the mystical objects long after the original four year time limit and keep them until he was no longer able to do the duties of the Ninja.
With suggestion from the guardian, Randy traveled to Japan and met the Legendary Ninja Tribunal, a group of mystical warriors who defeated an unstoppable Demon Warrior named the Shredder.
With their help Randy learned how to tap into the greater powers of his mask becoming a far more capable warrior. During his training Randy came across four very special individuals. Their names were Leonardo, Ralphael, Donatello and Michelangelo. Four turtles who were mutated by a mysterious mutagen created by an alien race called the Utrom.
Randy quickly bonded with the turtles and soon joined them in New York.
Some Warehouse
The Purple Dragons, a powerful New York crime organization, was breaking into a warehouse. They were with their leader Hun; a giant muscular humanoid mutated turtle with spikes coming from his shoulders and forearms.
"Are you sure the weapons are going to be here, boss?" one of Hun's henchmen asked.
"Yes. My informant told me the goods would be here?" Hun replied.
The criminals looked around the warehouse until they eventually came across multiple crates.
"Open it up!" Hun ordered.
Hun's thugs did as he commanded and opened the crate revealing a large case of alien weapons.
Hun smiled upon seeing his prize. "Great. Load these up before those freaks get here!" he ordered.
Hun's men did as they were told and began loading the weapons into a truck. As they were loading the crates into their truck Hun's men felt like they were being watched.
"Hey man. Do you feel like we're being watched." one of them asked.
"Aw, man!" another groaned.
"What's wrong?" another asked.
"We'll all be knocked out in three, two, one…"
Like clockwork mysterious shadows moved with incredible speed knocked out the goons.
"What the…!?" Hun shouted.
"Come on Hun."
"Even after all these years."
"You still get surprised when we take out your goons."
"That's just sad Bro!"
Hun looked around. "Show yourselves cowards."
"You asked for it." Leonardo said coming out of the shadows knocking Hun into a wall with a swift kick.
Hun quickly recovered and charged at Leonardo, only to be stopped by Rapheal who kicked him in the head. "Wow Hun you look different. Did you do something with your hair." Rapheal joked.
After hearing Rapheal's comment, Hun got up enraged and went to attack the turtle. Donatello leaped in and tripped Hun with his bow staff.
"No Raph, he's clearly done something with his skin. What was it Hun a new mutagen mud mask treatment." Donatello joked.
Hun's anger rose even more. Before he could do anything Michelangelo jumped in landing on his head. "Nah guys. He's always been that ugly." Hun grabbed Michelangelo's leg and threw him into his brothers knocking them all down.
Hun picked up one of the weapons, a disintegrator cannon and aimed it at the turtles. "You miserable turtles have been a thorn in my side for too long. Prepare to die!"
The canon began to charge, but before it could fire Hun heard a voice. "Ninja Air Fist!"
A ball of wind somehow shaped like a fist came flying at Hun, hitting him and destroying the cannon, knocking the mutant turtle out.
"Hey we had him!" Raph protested.
"We were just about to make our move." Mikey added.
"And when was that? Before or after he turned you into turtle soup." Randy said, revealing himself.
"You're late. What took you so long?" Leo asked.
"I had to pick up these." Randy replied revealing three large boxes of pizza.
Mikey quickly reacted immediately, taking the pizza away from Randy, "All is forgiven dude."
"So what now?" Donney asked.
"We should head to April and Casey's anniversary dinner." Leo suggested.
"Great idea." Mikey agreed.
"Will Angel be there?" Randy asked anxiously.
"Yeah, she'll be there." Raph teased him.
"I'll meet you guys there." Donney said, "I have to pick April up from Hudson."
"Which April are we talking about here?" Mikey asked, confused.
"My girlfriend, numbskull." Donney said, knocking on his brother's head.
"Oh yeah." Mikey remembered.
"Great, let's tie these guys up and head out." Randy said before hearing a buzzing in his pants. Randy pulled out the Hero League device. "Sorry guys, I'm going to have to pass. Hero League stuff."
"Are we needed?" Leo asked.
"No, this is just for a meeting. But stay alert and make sure Mikey doesn't eat all the pizza."
"No promises dude." Mikey said while stuffing his face with pizza.
"And don't worry we'll be sure to tell Angel you really want to see her, lover boy." Raph teased Randy.
Randy was blushing through his mask. "I'll be going. Smoke Bomb!" he shouted disappearing in a cloud of smoke, which made the turtles cough from the smell.
"Why must he insist on using those smoke bombs." Donney complained.
"Yeah, they almost made me lose my appetite." Mikey agreed, "Almost." he said before eating an entire slice of pizza.
Jake's Apartment
Jake Long, the American Dragon, had accomplished a lot in his career. He destroyed the Huntsclan, defeated the Dark Dragon and united the magical and non magical worlds and became the representative for magical creatures at the UN. As time went by Jake passed his mantle of American Dragon to his cousin Gregory, and his UN duties to his sister Hayley Long. When he's not doing his Hero League duties Jake is a stay at home Dad to his five year old son Jack while his wife Rose is training a new Huntsclan to be protectors of the magical world instead of it's hunters.
Jake was cooking some dinner while his son Jack was playing on his tablet. Rose walked into the apartment sweaty from training her new recruits. "Whoa, you must have had some work out." Jake joked.
"Yeah. Those kids have a lot more endurance than I thought. Could barely keep up with them. Where's Jack?"
"Same place he always is. Can't get the kid to look away for even a second."
"Don't worry, we'll take him to the museum to broaden his horizons."
"Don't you mean to borden his horizons." Jake replied, "I have a better idea. We take a little family trip to Merlin's castle, he'll have a blast."
"Fine, it's a date. So how was your day?"
"Really uneventful. I never knew being semi retired would be so boring." Jake groaned.
"Don't worry with your luck, they'll be a huge world ending problem any day now." Rose tried to reassure him.
"I wish." Jake groaned as he began setting the table.
As if it were a sign from fate, Jake's Hero League alarm activated. "See, like clockwork." Rose grinned.
Jake smiled, "I'll be back as soon as I can, just put my dinner in the microwave." he shouted while eagerly running out of the apartment.
Space
Hero League Space Station
Just above Earth, lies the headquarters of the Hero League. A massive space station that houses over two hundred and seventy heroes.
The Hero League is divided into different sections (D,C,B,A and S) to use each hero to their fullest potential. D class heroes are mostly rookie heroes who are designated to help out the public with simple tasks, such as stopping muggers, aiding local law enforcement on cases, being guards at public events etc… C class heroes are individuals chosen to fight low level super villains, beings too powerful, skilled or dangerous for normal law enforcement but mostly have the same duties as a D class hero but dealing with higher profile tasks. B class heroes are individuals tasked with stopping mid tier super villains and humanitarian missions. A class heroes are tasked with facing high level threats and are tasked to go on missions to face powerful organizations that can threaten the world. S class heroes deal with potential end of the world threats or at the very least too dangerous or powerful for any A class hero. A hero's rank is given to them based on their power, intelligence, experience and behavior. The only S-class heroes are the founding members of the league, Jake Long, Star Butterfly and the genius brothers Phineas and Ferb.
The S-class heroes except Star and the Flynn-Fletcher brothers gathered in their board room. Everyone was sitting on a chair with their special emblem on them.
"So who called this emergency summons? I had plans." Randy asked.
"I did." Steven answered.
"What's up?" Danny asked.
"I'd rather everyone be here before we start." Steven replied.
"We'll Star's on Mewni right now so she's out of range." Randy commented.
"And Phineas and Ferb are on Galvan Prime helping Azmuth on a secret project. So they can't come." Ben stated.
"This is everyone Steven. Let's get started." Kim said.
Steven took a deep breath, "Okay, as you all know, the Gem empire is currently at war with the shadow collective. Yellow Diamond wants to go on an all out offensive. She's given me 48 hours to come up with a peaceful solution or there will be blood shed. Guys, I know the league can't get directly involved in this mess but I really need help."
"I may have a solution, but none of you are going to like it." Ben said.
"What?" Jake asked.
"Well for the past five years, the Galvan have been working on a project with various species."
"What kind of project?" Kim asked.
"To repair damage to a planet be it from overuse of resources, climate change or… having it's life force drained."
Steven looked away from Ben feeling slight shame.
"The Galvan have constructed a planet egg."
"What's a planet egg?" Randy asked.
"While I don't know all the specifics, a planet egg is basically a bomb that instead of destroying, completely restores a planet back to it's full potential."
"Can something so incredible even exist?" Danny asked.
"It does. I've seen it in action." Ben replied.
"Why wouldn't we like news like that?" Jake asked.
"Because, the one who started this whole project is our old friend Vilgax." Ben replied.
Everyone looked at Ben in shock.
"Yeah, I know." Ben said.
"Can we trust him?" Kim asked.
"To tell you the truth I don't know. Vilgax has been very aloof. He's one of the most beloved beings in the universe but he's also one of the most private. I honestly couldn't tell you if he's like the old planet destroying Vilgax trying to lure us into a false sense of security or if he's just a guy who likes to keep his private life private." Ben explained.
"Well I'll trust him. The Gems need a peaceful way to end this conflict and he's the only one capable of helping us." Steven said, "Ben, can you get in contact with him?"
"Sure, let's do it now." Ben replied.
Ben waved his hands creating a holographic keyboard. He typed on it and Vilgax's holographic video display appeared.
"Ben Tennyson. What do I owe the occasion?" Vilgax greeted the league.
Steven stepped in front of Ben, "Lord Vilgax, my name is Steven Universe…"
"I know who you are, Universe. What do you want from me?" Vilgax asked bluntly.
"Ben has told us about your planet eggs. I am humbly asking if you may give the Gem Empire access to this technology so we may broker peace with the Shadow Collective."
Vilgax looked at Steven with a smile, "Give you. I don't know if I can do that my boy. The process of making a planet egg requires many resources. I can, however, sell them to you."
"How much?" Ben asked.
"Seeing as you are a close friend to my friend Ben, I'll sell them to you at the minimum price. 400 million credits each."
"400 million credits!" Randy said in disbelief.
"Don't you think that's a bit much?" Ben asked.
"Even peaceful sciences aren't free Benjamin. If we just give all of these planet eggs away we won't be able to help others later in the long run."
"Well when you put it that way." Ben begrudgingly agreed. "Steven. What do you think?"
"I don't know. I'll speak with Yellow and Blue. Can I call you later?" Steven asked.
"Certainly. My channel is always open to the Hero League." Vilgax smiled.
Vilgax's hologram disappeared.
Vilgaxia
Vilgax just ended his call from the Hero League. "Vlad, the time has come."
Vlad phased through the floor, "What will you have me do my lord." Vlad bowed in Vilgax's presence.
"Contact Zane. Ensure those peace talks end badly."
"I understand." Vlad agreed flying out of Vilgax's quarters.
Home world
Diamond Palace
"400 million credits!" Yellow Diamond screamed in disbelief.
"I understand it's a lot." Steven said, trying to calm Yellow down.
"Steven, if it were one or two planets, 400 million credits wouldn't be that big a problem." Blue said, understanding her sister's frustration.
"But we are talking about hundreds, possibly thousands of planets. Even the Gem Empire couldn't sustain that."
"Then how about we repair a solar system. We get enough planet eggs to repair eight, maybe nine planets and give those to the collective. And even offer to build all the facilities they need to start a new civilization. I know this is asking a lot but we do need to help these people. They don't have anywhere to go."
Yellow and Blue looked at each other and agreed, "Fine Steven we're in for your plan. But you have to convince the collective to go along with it." Yellow said.
Long Shadow
Inside the deepest regions of space, the Shadow Collective mothership the Long Shadow hides, planning their next move against the Gem empire.
In the cortex of the ship Zane and Queen Mera were planning their next move against the Gems until they got an unexpected call.
"My Queen. There is someone on the communication lines." one of their soldiers ran in screaming.
"Who is it?" Zane asked.
"Steven Universe." he revealed.
Zane and Mera looked at each other in shock. "Put him through." Mera ordered.
A holographic projection of Steven appeared before them, "Universe." Zane snarled.
"Zane." Steven greeted him.
"How did you find us?" Mera asked.
"I have friends in high places." Steven responded.
"Enough with the small talk! What do you want Universe!?" Zane asked.
"I called you to ensure a peace treaty between the Gems and the Shadow Collective."
"Ha, don't make me laugh! Why would we ever align ourselves with you filthy rocks!" Zane replied.
"I don't want to align with you, Zane. I'm here to offer up a compromise to stop this pointless bloodshed." Steven replied.
Zane glared at Steven, "You have some nerve Universe… "
Mera raised her hand stopping Zane, "What kind of compromise? " she asked.
Steven began to explain, "The Gems have acquired planet eggs. You see they're…"
"We know what planet eggs are. We're homeless not stupid." Mera interrupted him.
"Okay then. The Gem empire has acquired nine of these eggs. We are willing to fix nine planets of your choosing and are also willing to provide you with necessary resources to help develop them."
"And what would you want from us for such an extravagant gift?" Mera asked.
"Just one thing. To stop fighting us. That's it." Steven answered.
"We'll think about it." Mera replied.
Steven's holographic call ended, "So how are we going to blow this up in their faces?" Zane asked.
"We're not. I'm considering the offer." Mera replied.
"You can't be serious. We're just going to let them off the hook for everything they've done!" Zane shouted.
"If it means all of us get a fresh start. Then yes." Mera replied.
"I can't believe what I'm hearing! What happened to you!?" Zane asked.
"I'm a realist Zane. The Gems out number us a million to one. The only reason we've lasted as long as we have is because of Steven Universe and his pacifism." Mera replied.
"What happened to your fighting spirit?" Zane asked.
"Ever since you failed to destroy the Gems with the Great One we've been fighting a losing battle. I've been trying to figure out a way we can win but I've come up with nothing. This may be our only chance." Mera said while gently resting her hand on Zane's cheek.
Zane swatted Mera's hand away. "You're going to doom us all." he said to her before walking away.
Zane made his way back to his quarters. He sat on his bed and began thinking about his purpose.
"So I guess your talk with the Queen didn't end too well." Vlad said, revealing himself as he phased through the ground.
Zane remained silent.
"I must ask. What are you going to do now?" Vlad asked.
"I will follow what the Queen wants. It's only because of her we managed to get this far." Zane replied.
Vlad smirked at Zane, "I understand wanting to do whatever the one you love wants…"
"It's not like that." Zane interjected.
"Please Mr Share, lying is unbecoming. But let's get back to the facts at hand. You cannot trust the Gem Empire." Vlad said.
"Why is that? I may hate them but why can't I trust them?" Zane asked.
"Why tell you, when I can show you." Vlad said, stepping towards Zane and placing his hand on Zane's temple.
In a flash Zane found himself back on his home planet. "This is… How are we here?"
"We're currently in your mind. Before you give into peace and love, I want to remind you of something. " Vlad answered.
Zane began to relive his past trauma. he saw his planet wither, he saw his family starve and suffer before being brutally murdered.
"Stop it! Why are you making me relive this!" Zane shouted.
"Because I wanted to beat this fact into that Gem encrusted head of yours. The Gem empire only does what the Diamonds want. Think about it for a minute. The Gems went on an indiscriminate rampage throughout the universe and only stopped when a Diamond commanded it. Gems are so easily swayed. Their so-called rebellion was caused by a Diamond. They're change of mind was also caused by the Diamonds. These beings change their thoughts and opinions only when a Diamond commands them to. They don't have any real will for themselves. What will happen to the Collective should something happen to Steven Universe? How long do you think the Gems will stick to their benevolence? You can't possibly trust them."
"You're absolutely right. But the fact still remains, the Gems still outnumber us. We couldn't possibly win." Zane stated.
"Don't you worry yourself about that Mr Share. My partner and I have the resources to help you. We only want one thing in return." Vlad replied as they left Zane's memory.
"And what is that?" Zane asked.
"We want Mera off the board." Vlad replied.
"What!?" Zane said shocked.
"She'll be problematic for us in the future. Look, Zane if you want your revenge, if you want to get justice for your family. You have to be willing to sacrifice everything. Normally I would give you twenty four hours so you would have the time to make up your mind but I'm not feeling that nice. Decide now Zane. What do you want? Love or Revenge?"
Zane thought for a moment then looked away from Vlad in shame. "Fine, I'll do it."
"That's what I like to hear." Vlad said while patting Zane's shoulder, "But don't worry yourself. I'm not so cruel as to force you to murder your beloved. I'll do that myself. You just be prepared for what you need to do."
Zane nodded which made Vlad let out a devilish smile.
Galactic Court
A week after Steven called the Collective both groups agreed to meet in a completely neutral territory, the Galactic Court. The rules are thus: only one representative can speak accompanied by one bodyguard, and a representative of the court will be the mediator.
Steven made his way to the meeting room with Garnet as his bodyguard.
"Garnet, will everything be okay?" Steven asked.
Garnet kept quiet.
"What's wrong?" Steven asked.
"Steven. Meeting you was one of the best things to ever happen to me." Garnet said.
"What's wrong?" Steven asked.
"It's nothing. Just wanted to let you know." Garnet replied. Steven looked at Garnet with a worried face.
As the duo made it into the room they found Mera and Zane waiting with the Mediator.
"Right, now that we're all here, shall we begin." the Mediator said.
Steven and Garnet sat down.
"Let us begin with the proceedings. Steven Universe, you are here representing the Diamond Authority correct?" the mediator asked.
"Yes." Steven answered.
"And you Queen Mera are representing the Shadow Collective?" the Mediator asked.
"Yes I am." Mera answered.
"This meeting will ensure that both parties' interests are protected. Mr Universe you may begin."
"Thank you, councilor. And thank you Queen Mera for meeting us here. As compensation for the atrocities of the past we of the Gem Empire have acquired several planet eggs, which we will use to restore several planets that the Gems have occupied and give them to the Shadow Collective. The only thing we ask for in return is that the Shadow Collective cease all attacks on the Gem Empire." Steven stated.
"We of the Shadow Collective agree to the conditions that have been laid out. But we want to add one request to the terms and conditions." Mera replied.
"And what is that?" Steven asked.
"No Gem is to enter our territory under any condition and if they do they will be met with extreme prejudice." Mera said.
"Understood." Steven said.
"Now that we are in agreement with the terms and conditions of this treaty. May we commence with the signing?" the Mediator asked.
Both Steven and Mera nodded.
"Excellent." the Mediator said. With a wave of his tentacles two holographic contracts levitated towards the duo. "All you have to do now is place your hand print on that contract. Once the contract is signed under the Galactic Code no party shall withdraw or face punishment."
Steven and Mera nodded again. Both extended their arms as they prepared to sign the treaty just as their hands were about to connect something happened, Steven's eyes began to glow red. He looked up at Mera and smiled, "You poor pathetic fool."
Flashback
"When do you intend to… take care of Mera." Zane asked Vlad with slight hesitation in his voice.
"If you must know, I will use my ghost powers to overshadow Mr Universe and make him kill Mera. Then you will have the justification and right to defend yourself and finish him off. If you can." Vlad replied.
"I can." Zane said in a serious tone, "How do you intend to get to Universe. The Galactic Court is one of the most secure places in the Galaxy. You won't be able to just phase in."
"I won't." Vlad said with a sinister smile. Vlad went intangible and quickly took possession of Zane's body. "Forgive my intrusion of your body Mr Share. I still need to ensure some contingencies."
A week later Vlad/Zane was in the boardroom with Mera discussing a peace treaty with Steven Universe and his bodyguard Garnet. After some deliberation the two parties came to an agreement, just before they were about to sign Vlad flew out of Zane's body and took possession of Steven's body.
Flashback End
"I'm sorry Mr Universe. Is there a problem?" the Mediator asked.
"Yes there is something you can do for me. Die!" Vlad/Steven shouted before firing a pink ecto energy beam at the Mediator knocking him into the wall knocking him out.
"Steven! What are you doing!" Garnet asked.
Vlad/Steven turned to Garnet and blasted her through a wall with an echo energy beam.
"Zane!" Mera shouted.
Zane leaped into the air and charged straight for Steven but was also blasted into a wall but pretended to be knocked out.
Vlad/Steven glared at Mera and tossed the table that was between them away with ease.
"What are you doing!? I thought you wanted peace!" Mera shouted.
Vlad/Steven used his ecto energy to telekinetically choke Mera and levitate her towards himself.
Vlad/Steven then formed an ecto energy blade in his free hand. "I must apologize Queen Mera. This is only business." he smirked.
With one swing of his arm Vlad/Steven decapitated Queen Mera, killing her instantly.
Zane witnessed everything from his possession and began to tear up. Vlad/Steven noticed him. "Our business is over Mr Share, now you can take revenge on the man who killed your lover. Have fun." Vlad left Steven's body and made his way out of the room completely unnoticed using his invisibility.
"Wh-what happened?" Steven said in a dazed and confused voice.
"You're going to pay for what you've done Universe!" Zane shouted as his hands charged up with energy.
"What?" Steven said confused, before looking around and seeing the destruction that Vlad caused.
Zane unleashed a powerful energy beam at Steven, Steven quickly created a shield to defend himself. The shockwave from the blast sent Steven through a wall.
Before Steven could regain his composure, Zane leaped in with an energy scythe and began swinging it at Steven. Steven formed his bubble and watched as Zane began to hack at it.
"It's your fault she's dead!" Zane screamed as each of his swings began to crack the bubble.
"Zane, I didn't do this!" Steven shouted.
"None of this would have happed if you didn't propose that stupid treaty!" Zane shouted before swinging his scythe with such force it shattered Steven's bubble sending the half gem back. "But that doesn't matter anymore. I'm going to end you once and for all!"
Zane swung his scythe at Steven's head before the blade could connect with Steven's neck Garnet leaped in and blocked the blade with her gauntlets.
"You're not touching him!" Garnet shouted.
Zane quickly moved his scythe and began to swing it at Garnet repeatedly. Garnet using her future vision managed to dodge every one of Zane's swings, the moment she saw an opening Garnet struck Zane with such force she sent him through the wall of a building.
Zane stepped out of the building completely unharmed. When he caught sight of Garnet he spat onto the ground. "Not bad for a Gem." he smirked. Garnet got into a battle stance.
Zane formed another energy scythe and charged straight for Garnet. Zane repeatedly swung his blade at Garnet, Garnet did as she did before and began dodging Zane's attacks using her future sight. Zane increased his speed and swung full force at Garnet. Unable to dodge, Garnet blocked the scythe by using both her gauntlets. Zane smiled, using his free hand he created a second scythe that he used to slice Garnet in half proofing her.
Steven woke up and saw Ruby and Sapphire gems fall to the ground. "Garnet!" Steven shouted as he ran towards Zane.
Zane looked at Steven and smiled, he then looked at the two gems on the ground. With a mighty stomp of his foot Zane crushed Ruby and Sapphire's gems shattering them.
"NOO!" Steven screamed as he desperately tried to get to his friend.
Zane elongated his tongue and grabbed the shattered pieces of the gems before devouring them.
Steven stopped in pure horror. "Sorry Universe. No resurrections this time." he said as he swallowed the last remnants of Garnet.
Steven let out a heartbroken cry that changed him into Pink Steven. Steven glared at Zane viciously and charged at the villian with emeance speed tackling him through several buildings before hitting the ground hard enough to create a gigantic crater.
Zane got up and spat out some blood, and smirked at Steven before transforming into his Black Diamond mode and charging straight for the half gem with a massive energy scythe. Steven created a shield to guard himself. The impact of Zane's scythe colliding with Steven's shield created a powerful shockwave.
Steven charged at Zane with his fist surrounded with a bubble and knocked him into the ground hard enough to break it apart. Zane quickly got up and blasted Steven back with an energy beam. Steven stopped himself mid air using his floating powers. Zane fired another energy beam at Steven. Steven created a crystal shield that refracted Zane's blast in different directions, Steven then began to fire the energy crystal shards at Zane, Zane made another scythe and began to swat the shards away. When Zane reached Steven he slammed Steven shield with enough force to shatter it completely. Zane then struck Steven into a building. Steven enveloped his fists in spiked bubbles and threw a flurry of punches at Zane who dodged all Steven's attacks easily before leaping away from the half gem to gain some distance.
"I like this new you Steven. Angry, Vengeful and out for blood." Zane said before he let out a little chuckle,"That's not the Crystal Gem way." he taunted Steven as the two began to circle each other.
Steven remained stoic and silent.
"This game between you and I will end now." Zane said as he made another energy scythe.
Zane charged straight for Steven, he swung his blade, Steven caught the blade with his right hand, used his left elbow to smash the blade off the snath and quickly swung the edge of the blade to decapitate Zane.
"This is not a game." Steven said to himself as he dropped the energy blade as it dissipated into nothingness.
At that moment multiple Galactic Court guards rushed in and surrounded Steven aiming their weapons at him.
"Steven Universe, stand down!" one of the officers shouted.
Steven changed back into his normal form and left himself at the mercy of the guards.
A Few Hours Later
Steven was locked in a cell when a guard came to open it. "Universe, you're free to go." the guard stated.
"What?" Steven said confused.
Ben stepped into the cell and smiled at his friend, "It's time to go home Steven."
Steven walked out of the cell, "Are you alright? Are you hungry?" Ben asked.
"I'm fine." Steven replied, "How did you bail me out?"
"I'll explain when we get to HQ." Ben replied.
Hero League Space Station
The S-Rank heroes, including Star and Flynn-Fletcher brothers, regathered in their boardroom to discuss everything that had happened at the Galactic Court.
"Steven!" Star shouted running to her friend before giving him a big hug, "I heard what happened. I'm so sorry about Garnet."
"Thanks Star. I'm okay right now." Steven replied.
"Everyone get to your seats. We have a lot to discuss." Ben said.
The heroes did as Ben asked and sat down. "I know you were all called here on short notice but you all need to hear this. As you all know the treaty between the Gem Empire and the Shadow collective was a disaster that resulted in the deaths of the Shadow Collective leaders Queen Mera and Zane and our friend Garnet."
Everyone looked at Steven who just lowered his head in sorrow, "What you don't know is that it was a set up."
Everyone including Steven looked at Ben shocked and intrigued.
"Set up?" Jake questioned.
"You see, after Steven was arrested I was called by the court to help handle the matter. After reviewing the court's security footage we discovered an irregularity."
"What kind of irregularity?" Kim asked.
"As you can see." Ben explained as a holographic video of the court proceedings played, "It looks like Steven attacked everyone in the courtroom."
"I don't remember any of that." Steven stated.
"And you wouldn't. You see after using the Court's Spectral Viewer."
"What's a spectral viewer?" Star asked.
"It's a special device that allows ghostly beings to be viewed on video." Ferb explained.
"Thank you Ferb. Take a look at the video." Ben said.
Everyone began to watch the security footage for a second time, they witnessed something flying out of Zane and into Steven before leaving his body and flying away.
"Was that…?" Danny said in shock.
"Yes. Looks like your old friend Vlad Plasmius is back." Ben said.
"There hasn't been a Plasmius sighting in over a decade." Kim stated.
"Why would he want to ruin a peace treaty? What would he have gained from it?" Cat Noir asked.
"I don't know. But you should all know, after everything that happened at the Galactic Court the Plumbers stepped in to stop a potential conflict. When they found the Collective armada all the ships were abandoned."
"Where did they all go?" Phineas asked.
"The Plumbers don't know. But to completely abandon their ships and weapons probably means they've given up and have scattered. " Ben theorized.
"What do we do for now?" Star asked.
"The only thing that matters." Ben replied.
Beach City
Some time later the S-Rank heroes along with the heroes that knew Garnet gathered with the Crystal Gems, the Gems that lived on earth, the Diamond Authority and the residents of beach to mourn the loss of their fallen friend.
Steven got on a stand and began the eulogy. "Thank you all for coming here today. We've all come to mourn the loss of Garnet. Those of us who knew Garnet know that she was one of the kindest, bravest gems you'd ever meet. She was a fusion gem born from the love of Ruby and Sapphire. Garnet fought so anybody could be with who they chose to be with. She fought for freedom and Justice and I know we're all going to miss her but she's not truly gone. She'll live in our hearts. And to honor Garnet the city has built the statue of love."
Steven removed a cloth that was covering a large structure to reveal a statue of Ruby and Sapphire looking at each other lovingly with a larger statue of Garnet standing behind them.
"May it be a symbol to help others when they need it. Now let's all take a moment of silence for Garnet."
Everyone closed their eyes and lowered their heads and began to remember the good times with Garnet.
Apokolips
Vlad was in the Parademon manufacturing factory when he received a holographic call from Vilgax.
"My Lord." Vlad bowed.
"Progress report." Vilgax asked.
"Our… Your plan worked perfectly. I used the time I spent possessing Zane manipulating the Shadow Collective into believing that if anything happened to him and Mera they should abandon their weapons and ships and leave with me. Now we have gathered 10,000 more organisms to make more Parademons."
"How many Parademons do we have now?" Vilgax asked.
"100,000." Vlad answered.
"Excellent. It's time we prepared for our first battle." Vilgax said.
Vlad heard a loud boom sound and a portal formed in front of him, a man wearing a Japanese style suit of armor with many stepped out of the portal.
"Who is this?" Vlad asked.
"He is going to be the general of my army. Vlad, meet Ch'rell otherwise known as Orokui Saki or as he is more commonly known as the Shredder."
The stomach of the armor opened revealing a giant slug tentacle alien. "Charmed." Vlad greeted him.
All Ch'rell did was snarl at Vlad.
"Listen both of you. Ch'rell, you will take the armada and launch our first attack and Vlad, you will go to this world and organize an alliance with the war criminal Megatron to strengthen our forces."
"Understood." Vlad and Ch'rell said in unison.
"Where are we attacking first?" Ch'rell asked.
Vilgax let out a smile, "Thundera."
Galactic Court
Zane's remains were placed in the morgue of the Galactic Court. The gem on his forehead began to glow before it turned the organic parts of his body into energy before sucking them in.
Well that's it hope you enjoyed, be sure to leave a review.
Let me take a moment to explain the Ninja Turtles timeline. I've more or less combined the 80's, 2000's and 2012 turtles. The base of these turtles is the 2000's turtles with sprinkles of the other series. Splinter is the 2012's Hamato Yoshi, Both the 2000's and the 2012's Shredders exist at the same time but the 2012's shredder thought Ch'rell was the Tengu Demon Shredder and served him before defecting before taking his name becoming another Shredder. I decided to use Yukio Mashimi from the season 4 episode the tale of Yoshi of the 2000's turtles as the 2012's Shredder because they have similar backgrounds. The 2012's April is also included but she's now the 2000's April's niece who's also named April. She wants to be a reporter like the 80's April. That's basically the bulk of their history.
Until next time.
Next Chapter: Echoes of War pt 2
Synopsis: The Hero League meet the Thundercats of Thundera and learn of an impending attack.
