Prologue
"Jonathan Samuel Kent, don't you dare," Lois Lane Kent said horrified. "If you don't put those down right this minute, your father will hear about it, mister!"
Glaring, casting a look that could stop a rhino from charging, the beautiful brunette held her briefcase up as a shield. The expensive black attaché case and gray outfit she wore, just one of many purchased before becoming a mother and wife. The then world-renowned reporter growing very accustom to such extravagances. The job interview she had scheduled for earlier that afternoon capable of returning her to said status.
With a defiant laugh and a flick of the wrist, the damage was done. The first of two bright yellow water-balloons heading for center mass twisting midair. Closing her eyes in mid scream, Lois tried to make herself small. Her prayer to disappear not granted as the sound of splashing water filled her ears. Opening her eyes slowly, one at a time, still dry, she saw a sight as common as sunrise.
"My Superman," she said proudly, hiding behind her husband.
"Really Jonathan," Clark Kent said smiling, his white t-shirt drenched. "You'd use your mother as bait in our water-balloon fight?"
"I win," Jonathan said dancing. "I can't wait to tell Damian his plan worked!"
"Well, that explains everything," Lois said, straightening her clothes. "It's Bruce's fault."
Lost Sheep
Kal-El
Awash with pain, Kal-El opened his eyes. The throbbing in his skull, back and neck causing the alien to grimace. Beside him, two tiny shards of kryptonite floated freely. The pulsating crystals humming and glowing emerald green; illuminating the thick clear liquid surrounding him. Submerged, the whole of his body suspended naked, he sought to move. His hands and feet bound using strange black manacles that seemed to fight against the attempt. The weight of the restraints pulling him down to the bottom of his prison. Covering his nose and mouth, a breathing apparatus supplied oxygen as he inhaled and exhaled slowly. The conduits and lines keeping him alive connecting to the top of the cylindrical glass bio-chamber housing him.
Feeling more of his strength draining out of his body, 'The Man of Steel', peered out beyond his transparent confines. His eyes barely able to make out the equipment placed within the dimly lit room. What looked to be a bio-lab of some sort, was filled with strange containers, tables, chairs, terminals and more glass chambers. The bio-chambers positioned at the center of the room elevated off the floor. The red, blue and white lights seen at their base; blinking, flashing and clicking as generators whined in the distance.
What is this place, Kal-El thought, trying to focus? There are others being held in here with me.
Overwhelmed with a need to sleep, Kal-El tried to make out the silhouettes of the two figures seen imprisoned on either side of him. Their massive forms; he presumed to be male, suspended and bound much like himself. The presence of their jailer standing behind them all, somehow felt.
Tony Stark
Braking through Earth's upper atmosphere, The Avenger's, Mark IV Quinjet jostled gently. Realigning the craft's six vertical take-off and landing thrusters, Tony Stark jettison an atmospheric-booster before laying in his course. His departure from the planet undetected by any known sensor or tracking system. The aerodynamic spacecraft camouflaged against the empty black of space only trailed by a streak of fire. Moving at over 30,000 miles per hour almost silently, the ship was scheduled to reach its destination in less than twenty minutes.
"Friday, play something…speedful," Stark said rising from the pilot chair.
"Speedful; that's not a word," Stark's personal A.I. announced.
"It should be. Copyright it, and have it added to the global lexicon and dictionaries. Definition; a sensation of extreme speed; with all the varying connotations. It'll be just one more thing the planet can thank me for."
Playing Sammy Hagar's, 'I can't drive 65', "I'm sure the world will be a better place because of it," Friday declared.
Exiting the cockpit, setting the automatic pilot, Stark entered the spacecraft's sitting lounge. The spacious living quarter on the vessel decorated with expensive mahogany décor, Persian carpet, wide plush chairs and several viewport windows. Projected from the ceiling in front of every seat, holographic displays of various locations on Earth were seen. Each map highlighting points and coordinates from around the world.
"Tell me you found something," Tony said.
"No, not at all," T'Challa replied, the regal dark umber-skin Wakandan king examining several data files. "The radioactive signature of this substance remains undetectable on Earth. My lead scientists were unable to synthesize it and are attempting to track it using its unique harmonic frequency as we speak."
"Bruce won't like that. The fact he even thought to reach out to us, means he's desperate."
Rotating a kryptonite hologram in his hand, "I dislike it as well," T'Challa said. "A being possessing the power of the alien, going missing at that time, it's not a coincidence."
"I know; but we don't volunteer anything until Bruce puts all his cards on the table. He always knows more than he's willing to let on in any given situation."
Watchtower One
Descending after making several passes, the Quinjet lowered onto Watchtower One's landing dock. The Justice League space station hovering more than five-hundred miles above the Earth over its western hemisphere. Resembling a child's spinning top encompassed by a habitation ring, it spun slowly. Its enormous solar panels drinking up sunlight powering the great structure.
Enclosed in a retractor field, drawn down into a landing bay hidden within the station, the Quinjet came to rest over several anti-gravity rings. The glowing white rings locking the ship into place using a stasis field. With the screeching of large metallic bay doors, the hangar opened into the Watchtower facility. The state-of-the-art space station utilizing alien and otherworldly materials. The complexity of the facility's A.I. and computational ability unrivalled by any on Earth. Approaching the Quinjet, dressed in costume, Batman trailed Cyborg as they crossed the hangar bay.
"Good morning, Bruce," Tony said, disembarking the Quinjet.
"Stark," Batman said.
"I should really think about getting my own space station. We could be neighbors and lend each other milk and sugar."
"You'd have to live with the fact; I was here first," Batman said.
"Yeah, but mine would be bigger," Tony replied. "You're all dolled up Bruce ol'boy, I feel underdressed."
"I highly doubt it."
Scanning Tony and T'Challa from head to toe, "I'm detecting nanites housed inside the wristwatch and in a tactical body layer worn under his suit," Cyborg said. "The Wakandan's necklace, wrist beads and dashiki are also housing nanotechnology, but the alloy's molecular density and energy pattern is interfering with my probe."
"I'll have to insist you leave your tech inside your craft, Tony, T'Challa," Batman said. "I assure you; you won't need it aboard the Watchtower. Cyborg, please bring them each an Avenger compression bodysuit and boots."
"Bruce, you still stewing over Jarvis hacking your cave? I gave you my word it wouldn't happen again."
"It took me six months to purge my systems and upgrade the defensive protocols, Stark," Batman said. "That's after losing more than ten-percent of my archive while attempting data retrieval."
"I did offer to assist you with that. If it's any consolation, it only took Jarvis five days to breach the NSA, FBI, CIA and SHIELD's database. He took a little more than a month to infiltrate your cave."
"That doesn't make me feel better," Batman said. "Please join me in War Room 4, when your ready gentlemen."
Escorting them to a conference room after dressing, Cyborg requested Tony and T'Challa wait for Batman's return. Relatively empty, they were given seats at a long white table that hovered in the center of the room. The pristine hall designed to give the feel of judicial prudence and justice yet remain intimate. The 'Justice League' symbol and motto super imposed on the far wall, table, ceiling and etched upon all doors leading into the hall. On either side of the room, following the curvature of its walls, large observation windows gave a clear view of the Earth from space. The blue orb seen glowing in the distance as countless satellites moved within the planet's upper atmosphere.
"We should get started," Batman announced, entering the room accompanied by Wonder Woman.
"My day has just improved considerably," Tony said standing. "Is it possible for you to be even more stunning than the last time I saw you, Diana?"
Preparing to take a seat across from him, "Amazonians age much slower than humans, this is true…but like all things we too fade."
Dressed in her iconic belt and 'Lasso of Truth', Diana's costume had been altered from a skirt and golden breast plate. Wonder Woman now choosing to wear silver promethia armor over a blue thestlemail bodysuit. The lightweight chainmail like body-armor eighty times stronger than steel and as fitted as a second layer of skin.
"Yet, your beauty remains eternal, Princess," T'Challa said studying the tall raven-haired Amazonian.
"And your kindness not easily forgotten, Wakandan King," Wonder Woman said bowing.
Standing at the head of the table, "Superman's missing," Batman began. "That's an unacceptable truth; but it's where we find ourselves. A number of his rivals have threatened Metropolis in his absence. The Young Titans have been assigned to protect the city in lieu of this. Our cover story, that he's off world is holding up, but that won't last for long. If his enemies realize Clark is out of the picture; the world itself becomes vulnerable. So, how do we proceed people?"
"Finding Clark is top priority," Wonder Woman said.
"All surveillance of the Kingpin for the past year has led nowhere," Stark said. "My security team reports nothing of any significance on that front."
"Yes, the Wakandan, Ministry of Defense has been stifled as well. Whatever part Fisk had to play; it is now obvious he was only a pawn."
"Which means, someone has maneuvered to capture Clark and conceal themselves in the process," Wonder Woman said. "But to what end? There are only a handful of beings capable of besting him in direct conflict."
"I don't know about that; from what I understand, a tiny chunk of rock seems to do the trick."
"The scarcity of that said rock Tony, makes it almost nonexistent," T'Challa explained. "Even fabricated, a replica could not hope to affect him for long."
"The chemical composition of authentic kryptonite can't be duplicated on Earth, or in this universe for that matter," Batman added. "So, we'll focus on the handful of enemies capable of beating, abducting and detaining Clark."
Dimming the lights slightly, the room darkened as blast screens closed over the conference room windows. Taking a seat, Batman punched data into a holographic interface projected in front of him. The Dark Knight, pulling up a virtual catalog of known villains as he waved away and dismissed those not fitting his criteria for kidnapping Superman. Increasing the facial profiles of the remaining few, he then provided a percentage of probability that flashed beneath them. The faces of Darkseid, Apocalypse, Thanos, Brainiac, Doomsday, Alexander Luthor and Victor Von Doom yielding the highest percentage of likelihood.
"This is my short list based on those not only having the ability to threaten Clark," Batman said. "But also possesses the intellectual and motivational fortitude to accomplish their goal; in regards to our current dilemma. Although Doomsday may not meet my intellectual standards, I hesitate to dismiss him off hand."
"Assuming whoever has Superman, truly needed Wilson Fisk's assistance; your list becomes that much shorter," T'Challa said.
"Precisely," Batman replied. "Most of these despots would find a partnership or affiliation with any human unacceptable, to say the least. So, I suggest, we focus our attention on those that are devoid of that compunction for now."
"I guess I'll pay Lex a visit," Tony said. "It's been some time and I'd love to catch up."
"Then I shall call on Victor," T'Challa said. "His country's none metahuman policy will make it impossible for anyone to enter undetected. As King of Wakanda; he dare not refuse to meet with me."
"Diana and J'onn will accompany you," Batman stated. "If Von Doom is involved, I want them on site. Of all current suspects, he interest me the most. I'll investigate The Kingpin myself, just to be thorough. If there's nothing else to explore Stark, we have our assignments."
Metropolis
What had begun as a normal day was quickly becoming anything but. With the panic of the crowd, blaring of sirens and shattering of glass; the absence of Metropolis' protector was painfully obvious. Like a locomotive, Cain Marko walked through another building as casually as; the proverbial bull through a china shop. The enormous 6-foot, 10-inch titan crushing concrete, wood, steel, brick and glass beneath his feet. His dark crimson costume and domed helmet covered in dust revealing a massively muscular physique that resembled a bipedal tank. The three wide crimson bands around his biceps, forearms and fist reflecting a fearful crowd, crumbling infrastructure and pursuant law enforcement. The Metropolis Police Department firing at the villain from behind their vehicles as they sought to flank him.
Tilting his head slightly, Marko shielded his eyes. The knowledge that mere dust, debris and bullets would do little to harm him, not enough to prevent the reflex.
"You cops keep shooting at my face and I'm going to take it personally," Marko said, swatting away a hail of gunfire. "Run along and find me real heroes to punish, maggots. I owe this city a thrashing, courtesy of, The Juggernaut!"
Hurling a chunk of debris at a pair of MPD squad cars, the Juggernaut continued on his path of destruction. The rampage taking him on a direct course toward Metropolis' Central Business District. One of the city's richest and most influential sectors it was home to LexCorp Tower and the Galaxy Communication Building. The two sites considered landmarks and symbols of the city's global success.
"We need to get closer," Maxwell Hunt said, watching the attack from a Daily Planet helicopter. "This psycho is my ticket to a Pulitzer Prize; just stay on top of him, rookie. You keep that damn camera rolling no matter what. We can't afford to miss a thing."
Approaching with several urban police tanks, "By the authority of, The Metropolis Metahuman Task Force, you are hereby ordered to stand down or be fired upon," the MMTF commander announced.
"Your funeral, but do try; I'll get some amusement out of that," Juggernaut said chuckling.
With the eruption of a gas main, small explosions rocked nearby structures and shook vehicles. All utility companies cutting the city off from fuel and power during such meta-human incidents. The surrounding buildings in a two-mile radius swaying as gas lines placed beneath them burst and issued flames into the air. Stumbling or falling as most fled, citizens continued to scream calling for help or looking for loved ones. Their small pitiful voices growing all the more intolerable with every cry Cain Marko heard. Demanding they suffer in silence; he began stumping the pavement causing the earth to split in two. The effort to swallow them up quickly becoming a game.
Launching large-caliber high-velocity rounds, the MMTF urban assault tanks opened fire. Designed to withstand heavy assaults and maneuver over various terrains, the five mini tanks employed two long guns and a modified pulse cannon; the weapons tested against Superman himself. Shooting 315mm explosive shells at the seemingly indestructible villain striking him head-on and from behind, bursting into plumes of fire and dark gray clouds, all present waited for the smoke to clear. The outcome never truly in doubt as Juggernaut marched onward unaffected and unwavering in his campaign of terror.
"Tell me you got that," Hunt said, leaning out of the copter.
"I got it," Tabitha Fitzgerald said. The beautiful young strawberry-blond camera woman positioned beside him using a harness to anchor herself to her seat. "This guy is really wrecking the city, boss man! What is he even after; and why not just give it to him?"
"Easier said than done, rookie," Hunt said. "Superman dusted his ass a few years back and the Juggernaut's been chomping at the bit to get revenge ever since! Well, needless to say; this is it! Seeing that the, 'Man of Steel', has been MIA, his enemies are taking a dump on everything he holds dear! Lucky for you, you'll be there to film this maniac giving me an exclusive interview; when all is said and done!"
Suddenly, dipping violently, the Daily Planet helicopter veered left. The action meant to avoid one of the MMTF's tanks as it sped pass them; causing the craft to spin out. Thrown off balance, grabbing hold of Tabitha's harness, Hunt dangled over the city below. Yelling, searching for any handhold, the gangly news reporter sought to save himself.
"This rig won't hold us both," Tabitha said hearing her harness tearing. The ripping of the reinforced leather beginning to pull apart in Hunt's hand.
"You just keep filming, damn it. If I die, I want everyone to remember; I was twice the reporter, Lois Lane ever was!"
Jerking once more with the impact of a second police tank, the copter careened out of control. Hunt falling away from the aircraft reaching for Tabitha who spun out of view strapped to her chair. The guttural screeching of the camera woman matching the sound of twisting metal. Hunt watching the mini tank striking a water tower causing it to rupture above the city. Closing his eyes, resigned to his fate, he laughed out loud. The rush of wind filling the reporter's ears blocking out all thought.
Rising up from the street, a sound of awe could be heard over the clamorous devastation. The fading of screams quickly becoming cheerful hope. Startled, feeling the sensation of rising also, Hunt looked to see himself being lifted into the sky.
What in the hell, Max Hunt thought, turning to see Superboy racing toward the Daily Planet copter.
Stabilizing the swirling aircraft with one hand, the handsome dark-haired teenager placed the news reporter back inside. Strapping him in before checking on his camera person, Superboy deposited the vehicle atop an eight story skyrise. The young alien quickly shooting like a reddish-blue laser back toward the city below.
Smiling Juggernaut stopped, seeing all the insignificant people gathered around him doing the same. A large group less than a hundred yards away gawking up at the sky hopeful. Cheering dead in their tracks, many were pointing. The descending hero hovering behind the gigantic villain giving them an adequate measure of relief.
"Finally, someone to beat on," Juggernaut said continuing on his way. "I'm guessing you're the first of many?"
Drifting slightly out of the range of the Juggernaut, Jonathan Kent looked down on the domed head criminal.
"I doubt I'll need anyone else to help me deal with you," Superboy said.
Turning, "Just come a little closer and say that, smart ass," Juggernaut said beckoning to Jon. "I'll wipe my tush with that pretty red cape and bury you in it. How old are you anyway boy; and where in the hell is your old man hiding? I've got a beaten with his name written all over it."
"Why are you doing this," Superboy said. "Willfully killing and harming so many! What have any of these people done to deserve this?"
"Really kid? You honestly think I give two shits about these sheep? If your old man wasn't such a pansy, popping these zits wouldn't be necessary, but to be handed my hat by someone like him…Cyttorak finds that, unacceptable."
"My dad left you bruised and battered the last time you fought," Jon said. "This time, I'll leave you broken."
Leaping into the air, "You little bastard," Juggernaut screamed.
"Thank you," Superboy said speeding away with Juggernaut in tow. "I wasn't sure you'd actually take the bait."
A magical construct, the Juggernaut was the avatar of Cyttorak, a demon king from an alternate dimension. Deriving pleasure from chaos, the heinous entity had gifted Cain Marko with superhuman strength, durability and mystical protection as its herald of destruction. His abilities rooted in magic, making Juggernaut unstoppable once in motion and immovable while touching earth. His powers growing immensely the longer he fought or leveled obstacles in his path.
Swatting at Superboy as they raced higher over the city toward the West River, Juggernaut tried to pull away. The strength of the titan taking Jonathan off course causing him to veer and drop sporadically.
Man, this guy is heavy, Jonathan thought trying to gain more lift. I can't keep him aloft for much longer. It's as if he's being pulled back toward the earth like a freak'n magnet.
"You think this lil'joyride is going to save Metropolis, piss ant; guess again! Once I touch back down, I'm going to turn your daddy's precious tiny city into a goddamn parking lot!"
Hurling Juggernaut with all his might, "I don't think so," Superboy said, slinging him over the ocean.
Falling in a bizarre arch, Juggernaut's body angled itself back toward earth; Superboy swooping in to redirect him with an overhead right. Splashing into the ocean, the criminal sank like a mountain beneath the waves. His crimson domed helmet disappearing as he flashed Jonathan the finger.
Tapping his earpiece, "The fish is in its bowl," Superboy said pursuing him.
The Young Titans
Plummeting downward to the ocean floor, Juggernaut seemed to glow within a crimson aura. The mystic energy field surrounding the massive villain allowing him to breathe underwater. Circling from a distance, Damian Wayne followed in a bat shaped submersible. The dark underwater vehicle cutting through ocean currents while tracking Juggernaut via radar.
"I have visuals on target," Robin said. "He'll touch bottom in one minute ten seconds, I suggest we move people! Raven, Wiccan, you're up! Aqualad, get them into position! Jonas, Superboy, be ready on my mark!"
Secured in an air tight bubble of clear water, Raven and Wiccan was placed beneath Juggernaut. The criminal hammering down upon them with seismic blows that threatened to flatten the protective sphere. His weight pressing in on the two teens, Aqualad kept them all afloat driven on crashing waves of water. The Atlantean using his hydrokinesis and 'water bearer' weapons to manipulate the ocean tides around them; moving Juggernaut farther out to sea supported atop the magical enclosure. Countering the dark energies of Cyttorak upon Marko, Raven and Wiccan were casting multiple spells that illuminated the ocean floor. The glowing mist of blackish-pink and bluish-yellow energy swirling like ink excreted from an octopus and squid. Their powers crackling and bubbling while sizzling around the enraged behemoth.
In a strained voice, "We're running out of spells Robin," Raven said. "The magic effecting him is incredible."
"It's warping reality around him," Wiccan said. "Displacing our dimension in place of Cyttorak's realm. Our magic has no effect on him directly, only on the surrounding water. I give us sixty more seconds before we're spent and my shield ward collapses."
Firing two missiles at the ocean floor, "We won't need it," Robin said. "Jonathan, Jonas; go now!"
Separating in two, each missile broke apart launching a hundred smaller rockets. The miniature devices lodging themselves into the ocean floor forming a large ring. Pulsating, emitting a concentrated resonance field, the rockets begun to shake the seabed. The crumbling rock and sand collapsing to create a sinkhole. Each missile embedded along the Calabrese Fault Line, splitting and widening the swallet even more.
"Vision, you and I are on deck," Superboy said.
Swimming in a circle to form a funnel over the hole, Jonathan drew the water upward and into the sky. Phasing through the protective ward holding Raven and Wiccan as it fell into the cavern, Vision carried them both to safety. Juggernaut dropping into the sinkhole cursing as he vowed to sodomized them all. Coming to a stop over the whirlpool created by the subsiding ocean, Superboy allowed the water to flood back onto itself. Crushing the sadistic villain beneath its weight as tons of ocean filled the cavity and drove him deep into the earth. His shouts of protest somehow heard even as he descended into the abyss.
"All Titans clear and accounted for," Superboy said.
Rising up on a pillar of water, "How long do you think that'll hold him," Aqualad inquired.
"The shallow caverns along the fault line are more than twenty-four thousand feet deep with pressures exceeding a thousand bars," Vision explained. "I would think given his unique abilities, Marko will spend a year and a half escaping."
"Perhaps, if Cyttorak chooses to leave him down there for that long," Raven said, her shadow form gliding out of the air landing on Damian's submarine taking human form.
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Our priority now are the people of Metropolis. Stature, Speed, give me a sit-rep on rescue, support and retrieval?"
"Emergency units are blanketing the city along with volunteers, Robin," Stature said over comlinks. "We're still collecting data on death and injury totals as we speak."
"City wide destruction is considerable but mostly superficial given the readiness of Metropolis' damage control," Speed responded. "I'm making the rounds now, but the city appears none the worse for wear; all things considered, fearless leader."
"Let's hope we can keep it that way until my father returns," Superboy said.
"If he returns," Robin challenged. "I need to check in with Batman and the Justice League. The rest of you, do what you can for Metropolis."
Latveria
"Today in global news, the superhuman menace, The Juggernaut, laid waste to downtown Metropolis," an anchor stated on a holographic news feed. "Foiled by the heroic efforts of, The Young Titans, the dangerous villain was apprehended and imprisoned. The teenage son of Superman; Superboy, seen confronting the criminal before disposing of him speedfully."
Watching the global news, "'Speedfully'; is that a word," Diana said seated inside a Wakandan transport.
"Not one I'd ever choose to use," T'Challa replied seated beside her. "We'll be landing shortly; Victor is sending a small delegation to welcome us."
"You've had dealings with this man in the past?"
Nodding, "I am a King and yes he is a dictator, but our interest has aligned in the past," T'Challa said. "Von Doom has done much good for his people. His technological patents affording a modicum of wealth for his country. As a ruler, he is not the worst I've seen."
"You sound as though you admire him, T'Challa?"
"It is safe to say; I understand the man and can appreciate his struggles as a ruler, Princess."
Small, nestled between Romania, Hungary and the Carpathian Mountains; Latveria was shielded beneath an oscillating energy field. A combination of modern architecture blended with ancient Romanian heritage, the strange amalgamation of practical technology and history had been merged seamlessly. Every renovated brick and wooden patchwork structure making up the hillside homes, shops and stalls delicately sandwiched between unique metal-plated buildings. The polished metallic edifices towering high over the surrounding landscape resting under the shadow of Babla City. The high-tech administrative center and capital of Latveria. A completely modern metropolis, the city acted as a defensive outer wall and courtyard surrounding Von Doom's hilltop castle.
Hovering above a section of airspace over Babla, the Wakandan transport lowered. The small craft guided through the field of red energy to a landing pad atop one of several buildings to the west of, Castle Doom. The once ancient home of the Latverian Royal Family, it like the country had been abdicated to Von Doom. The outer façade of the expansive stronghold masking its many technological innovations.
"As honored guest of, Lord Victor Von Doom, I welcome you to Babla City," a tall lean man greeted, dressed in the military garb of Latveria.
Dressed in a green, red and black long coat over a matching uniform, he was accessorized by two silver war-golems. Flanking him, each mechanized robot resembled a large inverted snail with four arms attached to a spherical base. The golems propelled by three rotating treads circling their spheres in place of feet. Both equipped with multiple plasma cannons mounted to their backs, carrying a heavy disruptor rifle and plasma dagger. Approaching T'Challa, Diana and four members of the Wakandan Royal Guard, The Dora Milaje, they came to a halt. The tall lean man holding up a hand.
"I am Major Radovan Albursu, of the Latverian Brigade. The Amazonian was not expected to be among your party, King T'Challa."
"The Princess is a visiting emissary from Themyscira and friend of Wakanda. She is under my protection and holds my favor."
"I can't imagine the famed, 'Wonder Woman,' being in need of any man's protection," a female voice said with a thick German accent. "But it's easy to see how she won your favor."
Dressed in red and black ballistic body armor, surrounded by a small contingent of similarly dressed Latverian soldiers, Sinthea Schmidt waved away the two robots. The assassin known as Sin speaking to her team as they turned and marched away. Daughter of the wanted terrorist, The Red Skull, Sin herself was a fugitive from several law enforcement agencies worldwide. The renown assassin, terrorist and marksman thought to be in hiding somewhere in Afghanistan.
Bowing deeply, "I meant no offense, mistress," Major Albursu said. "Please forgive, if any was incurred."
"They do grovel so well, don't they," Sin said. "Victor has spared no expense in training them…and I should know, I'm not cheap."
Stepping forward, "What you are; is a wanted criminal," Wonder Woman said. "A hired killer…"
"Not in Latveria, Diana," T'Challa interrupted. "Here, Lady Sin, is immune from all foreign laws and extraditions. The country does not acknowledge or uphold any treaties pertaining to the edicts of outside governing bodies. Latveria is a sovereign state beyond the periphery of the United Nations."
"Crime, such a fickle concept," Sin said. "One man's killer is another man's…no, I guess murder is the same wherever I go. Nonetheless, if you would follow me, Victor will have you properly attended. He apologizes for not meeting you personally, King T'Challa; and will join you shortly after conducting affairs of state."
Escorted inside a lavish hotel with every amenity, T'Challa, Diana and the Dora Milaje were shown to their private quarters. The Latverian soldiers personally trained by Sin, placed in charge of their care. Taking some time to unpack and prepare before dressing, T'Challa and Diana was shown to an extravagant dining hall for dinner. The grand dining room boasting vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, several gilded fireplaces and a theatrical stage positioned toward the front of the room with a live orchestra. The elegance of the 17th century European and French décor making them both feel as though they'd traveled back in time.
"Introducing, The King of Wakanda, King T'Challa son of T'Chaka and his guest, Princess Diana of Themyscira," a manservant announced to a half full room.
Turning, examining the two royals entering the room arm and arm, those gathered spoke in hush tones. All dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns as they sipped drinks, ate appetizers and mingled; T'Challa greeted several in passing. The crowd parting as he and Diana made their way through the hall. The volume of chatter soon returning as guest resumed previous conversations and various activities.
Surprised, "I recognize some of these people," Diana said bewildered, releasing T'Challa's arm. "They're fugitives from law enforcement worldwide. That is the Gotham crime lord Roman Sionis, The Black Mask. Beside him, David Cain, an assassin affiliated with the League of Shadows."
Taking her hand gently, "Calm yourself, Diana," T'Challa whispered. "This is Latveria, the use of any metahuman power is punishable by death or the loss of said ability. We must obey the law and temper our sense of justice; to do otherwise could be interpreted as an act of war. If indeed Von Doom has captured Superman, his life could hang in the balance."
"Ah, the son of T'Chaka," a man said softly. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, young King. I am Kaj Khang and this is my associate Jade Nguyen."
Bowing slightly, the young Chinese businessman calling himself the Mandarin and his bodyguard acknowledged the pair of royals. Khang boldly wearing the famed ten rings and dragon pendant of his father. The female killer Cheshire, wearing a stunning jade gown concealing several small knives beneath it skillfully.
"My sire did speak often of your lord father; high praise for any man," T'Challa said.
"I mourn my father's passing as you do the ascendance of your King," Khang said.
"Pardon me, this is my…"
"No need for introductions," Kaj Khang interrupted, kissing Diana's hand. "Of those gathered tonight, Wonder Woman is known above us all. To be protected by one so capable; must bring you great comfort."
"Yes, my advisors thought it wise given todays political climate. Her agreement to accompany me, a testament to her magnanimity."
Smiling, "Yes, I dare say, such a quality is unmatched in one so lovely and equally powerful," Khang said.
Ringing a bell, "I introduce your benefactor for tonight, Lord Victor Von Doom and his guest Lady Sin," the manservant announced.
"Diana, please forgive me," T'Challa said. "It could not be helped."
Battered and beaten, a member of the Dora Milaje was tossed into the room. The Wakandan Royal Guard gagged and bound in iron chains. Whispering once more, all present looked on as Von Doom followed by Sin, stood over their prisoner. The handsome Latverian lord entering the room casually; dressed in a hunter green tuxedo carrying a small square device. Standing next to him adorned in her ballistic armor, Sin held a sword and modified vector assault weapon. The assassin's gaze fixed on Diana as the Amazon moved to the royal warrior's side.
"T'Challa, what's the meaning of this," Wonder Woman said.
"What is the meaning indeed," Von Doom challenged. "This creature has infiltrated my country, my home, for what end? Perhaps in hopes of stealing state secrets, maybe terrorizing my people or assassinating one of my many guest. I loathe to say; even to murder me. If not for my honorable Wakandan friend, I shutter to think of the countless scenarios that might have played out here tonight."
Pressing a button to activate the handheld device, Victor studied Wonder Woman's expression as the caramel skin warrior lying next to her tried to scream. Her body twisting, contorting and jerking as her flesh began to ripple. Each spasmodic wave causing her skin tone to turn a pale green as it tried to retain its hue. Her cleanly shaven head elongating as small ridges formed atop a long green skull. The alien, Martian Manhunter curled up on the floor fully exposed; chained, naked and gagged.
"J'onn, are you alright," Wonder Woman said, before turning to face T'Challa. "Before this night is finished, you will suffer, I swear it."
"My offering of consideration Victor," T'Challa said eyeing Wonder Woman. "As is the Amazonian; it's doubtful she will be capable of restraining herself."
"Worry not little king, we will restrain her," a deep primal voice said.
Turning, seeing the large meta-gorilla positioned on stage, Wonder Woman rose to her feet. Walking pass the hulking primate; Vandal Savage, Sebastian Shaw, Emma Frost and Poison Ivy stepped into the crowd. The sight of the five super villains causing everyone to back away.
Smiling, bearing enormous white fangs, "The only question is whether she will surrender quietly; or face the full might of, The Legion of Doom," Gorilla Grodd growled.
To be continued (Batman vs Daredevil, Black Panther/Wonder Woman, The Young Titans and Iron Man)