Son of Kronos: Well, the lead up to Chapter 100 was celebrating James' life. But then, how to you keep the hype up after that? Badass return next chapter!
And, to quote Alucard from that same series, "DID YA MISS ME?!"
Cooperjordan: Eh, don't get TOO hyped up from the mix.
Sir Shark of The Acrylic: We try.
Zeon Paralysis Crystal: He has a few friends watching.
mgasmsms: Yeah, glad I thought of that one.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: AND the team catchphrase.
Hero of the Multiverse: She is NOT the White Light Entity. She is just there watching.
B.E.A.T.N: Thanks a lot for the love.
Here are some Review's answered by Ghost:
B.E.A.T.N: Just wait and see what we've got in store for this chapter.
Hero of the Multiverse: chuckle Oh no. That's not what's happening at all.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Yep, and now Bone-Boy's gonna pay.
R. Vital: Oh yeah, all the stuff's gonna happen now.
morphx: Glad you and your girlfriend are enjoying this story.
Zeon Paralysis Crystal: He's got more than just her in his corner.
Sir Shark of The Acrylic: Thanks for the high praise.
Cooperjordan: Oh yeah. And right now, it's gonna be huge.
Son of Kronos: And in the words of the Major in said Abridged series. "COME ON, BITCH! SHOW ME WHAT YOU LOVE!"
Artist: GhostKaiser23, he goes by Hangman12 on Deviantart. Either look him up, or go to my profile to see links to all of his official work for this story
Disclaimer: Cartoon Network owns Ben 10 or Teen Titans
AUTHORS NOTE
Howdy everyone!
Another chapter!
Back again more more time! Wahoo!
And clawing ever closer to the end of this story. As well as signs for what await James after we stop focusing on his tale.
Hope you all enjoy!
James' Harem 2
Blackest Night, Brightest Finale
We return back outside to the battle, the undead were persistent regardless of how much the Titans and Lanterns were pushing back. It was an unending horde that Skar continued to command and oversee. Though the Entities were here, there was nothing they could do as the undead kept coming.
"We're out numbered." Kyle frowned "Out numbered, out powered. They are too much."
"Do not give up hope, Brother Rayner." Saint Walker urged
"Hard to have hope when I can barely make any discernable shapes, Walker!" Guy called out.
rumble~
"Please tell me that's good news." Carol asked in worry.
"Is that on our side?" Sinestro added, others unsure if it was hope or fear in the yellow leaders eyes
Suddenly an explosion of white light... well... EXPLODED out of the Black Central Power Battery
"GAH!" The group grunted, covering their eyes.
"Oh, my! ... yes..." Kori whispered in shock.
"It-is that?" Raven followed. Emerging from the Lantern was a human figure, standing tall and proud
Shimmering a glistening white, clad in a Lantern's uniform with white boots, gloves, protective body armour, a domino mask that covered his face that showed his green eyes. And over his chest was a downwards pointed triangle, with a partial curve over that and seven isosceles triangles pointing towards it. All bound in a perfect circle over its heart, it looked like a glowing sunrise. And over the figures left wrist was the same symbol but made of pure white light that hovered just above.
It was James!
The Lanterns all looked up at James as he hovered in the air, glowing white and brilliant like a star, making the Black Lanterns cower in fear. Even as he flew, however, it was clear this would not last. The White Light already flickering and slowly falling from James' body like stardust
"Not possible!" Skar proclaimed as many of their number began to melt away
"Guys with Entities! On me! It's time to crash this party once and for all! IT'S HERO TIME!" James called as he slammed his Matrix down HARD, the White Lantern fading away. The White Light vanishing in just a moment, as he transformed. A burst of prismatic white light erupted from James as he transformed into his gargantuan sized alien.
When the light died down it was revealed that he had turned into a large robotic looking dragon looking dinosaur the size of a building. His chest is a deep dark red with spikes of green bursting out. His shoulders are big, bulky and cube like. His arms are bone white metal, three red spikes coming out of his forearms similar to Batman's gauntlets. He has six fingers pet hand, two sets of thumbs, made of red metal with large claws. His stomach is thin, compared to the rest of his body, and is black metal. He had a long tail, twice as long as his body, swaying behind him. The tail ends with a large white blade surrounded by yellow energy. His legs are black, a series of white spikes hitting out from his knees. He has four green claws on each foot. He has a long curled neck, covered in black metal. His head looks almost skeletal with no visible eyes, made of red metal with green spikes down the back like a mowhawk. And finally from his back are a pair of giant white bat-like Wings
"PUTERA!" he roared off as the transformation ended, his yellow energy turning white and flashing through the air. The energy coming from James refuelled all the allied Lanterns, hyper charging them and revitalizing their spirits and bodies.
Power Level: 100%
Ring after Ring after Ring echoed that cry, as the Power Rings where recharged
"No way!" Victor gasped as he felt his fatigue leave him as a flood of life energy passed through them.
"This cannot be!" Skar proclaimed in fear as she saw the massive pterodactyl alien rise from the flash of blinding light.
"GUW-RARGH!" James roared like a beast as he stood up, flying high like a kaiju and wielding his axe.
"How? I saw him! I saw him die! How can he return?!" Skar panicked.
…...
"Because he is James Tennyson." Dick called out, laughing in joy as he saw James flaring powerfully
James raised his Olympic sized axe above his head and turned towards the Black Lantern, gripping it tight as it glowed like a dwarf star. The yellow energy crackling between his bladed fingers
"No! Stop him!" Skar proclaimed, as she flew up to summon a black light construct to stop James from striking the Lantern.
"Kyle! Sinestro! Everyone!" James roared as he span around, his tail cutting the black light into nothing "Channel as much of your Lantern power as possible into me! Into my wings!"
"Are you crazy?!" Sinestro snapped.
"Just do it, you coward!" Atrocitus rolled his eyes.
"TAKE IT, MATE!" Kyle roared, shooting his energy into the wings.
"Here!" Carol called, launching her own violet energy
"Have my hope, Brother Tennyson!" Saint Walker cried, unleashing the brilliant blue blaze. The Titans looked on in shock as now Atrocitus, Sinestro, Kyle, Saint Walker and Carol shot their energies into James' wings.
"Gah! Don't want to give!" Larfleeze snarled.
"Do this or you're dead, Larfleeze!" Indigo-1 ordered as she powered up and fired the energy into James' wings. 'Be safe.' she thought, looking at him carefully. The last two Lanterns shot out their last lights, powering James to the maximum limit, his axe glowing and almost vibrating as he gripped the handles to focus it.
"Stop! I command you! You cannot do this!" Skar pleaded as she was flung down to the floor and next to the Black Power Battery.
"This remind anyone else of a Saturday morning cartoon?" Hal asked
James rose the might axe up near his face, yellow energy sparking and cracking around his mouth... With all of said energy then shifting into a bright white colour.
...
And then James opened his mouth, sucking the power into his mouth
With a mighty roar that couldn't even be registered by most, James let loose a prismatic white light that caused rainbows to burst through the sky.
"BURNING! SUN! SLAYER!" he roared, throwing his face forwards as he let loose a massive endless stream of power at the Black Power Battery
"NO!" Skar yelled, flying in the way... And being turned into dust by the attack
The eruption of energy penetrated through the Black Lantern, striking it with life energy as the hundreds of thousands of corpses fell back down and returned to their eternal slumber, clattering and fading into bones and dust.
The Black Lantern Rings had become defunct, their power drained as James continued to bombard the Black Lantern Power Battery with the Light of Life before exhausting all of it and roaring triumphantly.
Eventually the attack ended...
...
The Black Lantern Central Power Battery had turned to stone
Lantern Power Rings at 5%. Immediate recharge is needed.
"Yeah. We get it." Sinestro groaned, snapping at his Ring
"Urgh..." Larfleeze groaned as this was probably the first time his ring had dropped from five figures. He fell to the floor, looking almost like a rag doll
James was silent as he looked into the sky, his form glowing still. He saw something, up in space. That power be unleashed... It was boarder line monsterous. It was genuinely insane. And he knew by the fact he could evolve this alien further... There was more out there.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked into space where he could see... Something in the stars. All he could see was an outline; sleek metal armour, wings like folded lines, a crest protruding from its forehead and a form that rivalled the titanic. And the thing seemed to be made out of stars, its size so massive.
A potential future, he saw. And it made him shudder.
A power so terrifying... he knew he'd never use it. An evolution to Perfect...
"James?" A voice asked, a voice that broke him from his thoughts. Looking down, he saw Bumblebee near his face
"K-Karen?" He asked in shock, looking at her in his gaze, seeing her in her Red Lantern costume and wanting to hold her...but being the size of a planet, he was worried he would hurt her more than anything.
"You're okay?" She asked
"Well, yeah. I think I am." He responded as quietly as he could. "Is everyone okay?" only for the giant alien to be hugged. His friends and loved ones were embracing him as they hugged him as best as they could.
"You're alive." Was the one thought they all shared. A thought that had James smiling
THIS... was home.
*Time skip*
We return back to Primus Lustre, where the Lanterns were triumphant; they had stopped the Blackest Night, the terror was over. It was full on party, Guy's bar serving free drinks to all
"Drink up guys!" Guy proclaimed as he was pouring drinks for everyone.
"CHEERS!" The Lanterns proclaimed jovially.
"First, welcome back, James." Victor spoke as he shook James affectionately.
"No problem, I'll always come back." James responded.
"Secondly." Rose spoke, before grabbing him and glared right into his eyes. "Don't you ever scare us like that again!"
"Yes ma'am." He gulped
"Third, I'd you DO something like that again... Make sure we're in the will." Garfield joked
"You are just getting the 'dad joke book' we've got stashed away." Kori responded.
"Hey!"
"You know we're just joking." Karen rolled her eyes... "Or are we." she smirked
"Thank you, Lanterns. Deputy Lanterns. You have done the universe a great deal, we cannot begin to thank you enough." Sayd spoke respectfully and genuinely to them.
"Hey, it's our job. It's what we do." Guy answered. "Here." he brought out some drinks for them.
...
And suddenly an orange ring was sent flying, which smacked Larfleez in the face
"Ow! Huh?" Larfleeze asked, rubbing where the ring hit him before turning to Garfield, who had just thrown it.
"You can keep that!" Garfield snapped "That things makes me an entirely different damn person!"
The Titans looked at Garfield in shock and actual relief, Garfield was still his normal goofy but good self. "Why? It makes you better. Stronger." Larfleez asked in confusion, not getting why someone wouldn't WANT something
"Bah." Garfield gestured back.
James chuckled and walked away slowly, just getting a bit of a fresh breath. The Titans and Lanterns continued their celebration inside while James was on his own, looking up at the night sky... and could feel a 'presence' with him.
"James!" A female voice called, breaking his attention
"Huh?" he blinked, turning around to see Arisa flouting towards him. The orange skinned girl surrounded by green light, blushing "Oh, Arisia. How're you doing?" James asked as he looked at her.
"I-I'm fine. I just. I wanted to see you." Arisia admitted as she blushed. The green light hiding that
"Oh, okay." James exhaled slowly and nodded. "You and the others did great today. I'm impressed."
"Really?" the young lantern girl blushed
"Yeah, you, Sercy, Bleeze, Indigo-1. You all did great." James answered.
...
"Oh..." She blinked in embarrassment
"I... I'm honestly stunned that you do all you can do being a Lantern." James added. "You're all really impressive."
"Thank you. I-I mean, you are impressive. You taking that-that massive axe and just 'bwhoosh!'; y'know?" She stammered and mimicked him slicing the Black Lantern Power Battery.
"Thanks." He laughed
"J-James." She whispered as she tried to get her words out.
"Excuse me, James." Lyssa Drak's voice spoke as she floated down. "I have important things I wish to discuss with you."
"Sure, what is it? Sorry, Arisia." James nodded and apologised.
"No, no. It's fine. I-I was just-" Arisia reassured. "Very well, let us go James." Lyssa nodded, leading James away
Arisia saw the two walk away and inverted her lips from 'shame' as she saw them leave... though, it wasn't a fully bad thing.
"What did you want to talk about?" He asked as he looked at the barley dressed blue skinned woman 'Wow.' He thought to himself as he looked at her.
"James, what do you think of us?" Lyssa asked bluntly.
"Huh? What?" he blinked in shock, shaking her head
"I'll ask you again. What do you think of us?" Lyssa repeated. "Didn't you notice that we were observing you closely?"
"Think of you in... what... way?" he mumbled, blinking
Lyssa turned around and showed off her barely concealing uniform as she stood in front of James. "As women. You obviously aren't opposed to an 'open relationship'."
...
James began to cough on air, shocked by the Yellow Lantern's... blatant statement
"You see; Arisia, Sercy, myself. We have an attraction towards you." Lyssa responded. "And I intend to have you as a mate. I do not care about the girl or the Blue Lantern. But I make my intentions clear." she reached up and slipped her string bikini straps aside a bit, revealing her dark blue nipples
James' jaw dropped as he heard that and was seeing this. Considering Star Sapphires were the 'Love Corps', and Lyssa was being this bluntly honest with her intentions. '... Fuck.' He thought to himself "I... gotta go." he coughed, backing up
"Very well. But know this: my offer still stands. And I do not like to be kept waiting." Lyssa responded. "Trust me, James Tennyon. I will rock your world. And you will love every second of it."
"I'm... I'm sure I will." he coughed, turning into his Nechrofriggeon form and flying off 'What the hell have I done to attract these women?' He thought to himself, flying to get some privacy. "Do I have any pheromone stuff that makes me irresistible?" He asked himself as he tried not to remember the whole 'perfect genetic male' thing. He just kept flying for... a few minutes.
"James?" the soft voice of Sercy asked as she arrived next to him "Why are you alone?"
"Oh, hi Sercy. I'm flying because... well, Lyssa just gave me some news. Involving you, her and Arisia." He admitted.
"Really?" she asked before shrugging, it was not the biggest thing "The sky here is so nice."
"Y-Yeah." He responded sighing in relief. "You can see the stars and make out constellations."
"Back on my planet, those stars there-" Sister Sercy began, telling a tale. And so, the two just... flew for a while. Sharing stories of their childhoods and such.
They had a few things in common: their love of space, flying to clear their minds, having a few laughs, keeping hope for the future. It was all good.
beep
"Sister Sercy, I heard you have Mr Tennyson with you?" the voice of Saint Walker spoke through the Blue Lantern Ring
"Yes, Brother Walker." she nodded
"Excellent. Please inform him that everyone is waiting to return home." Saint Walker informed. "And that, before that, the Council wish to talk to him."
"I will inform him straight away." Sercy answered.
"Thank you, Sister Sercy." Saint Walker responded and cut the communications.
"Well... I need to head back then; don't I?" He asked.
"It appears so." she nodded with a slight frown
"I... Don't suppose... you and the others want to see us off?" He asked
"The entire planet will be watching." she commented
"... So that's a 'yes' then." He joked a little.
"Very well then. It is, indeed, a 'Yes.'" she smiled
*a little while later*
James stood before the Council of Corps. Hal, John, Sinestro, Atrocitous, Carol and Saint Walker. ... alongside Indigo-1 and Larfleez being stood alongside the council.
"Thank you for coming Indigo-1 and Larfleez." Sayd spoke calmly as they were all there now. She and Ganthet where the only Guardians invited to this. They were the only two Guardians the Corps actually liked.
"Your inclusion to the fight has staved off the Blackest Night, for that, we cannot thank you enough." Ganthet added.
"You're welcome." he laughed nervously
"Unfortunately, it was not the end." Sayd said cautiously
"What do you mean?" James asked. "I sliced it with all the Light from the Emotional Spectrum."
"We're not done here?" Larfleeze groaned.
"You hit a Volcano with the equivalent of a giant rock." Ganthet explained "You sealed the eruption. You stopped the Blackest Night from falling. But one day, that rock will break away. The volcano WILL erupt. The Blackest Night WILL fall. Today was not to be that day, thanks to you. But it is inevitable. The only thing that could stop it, being the Life Entity. And only when the Blackest Night DOES fall."
"However, if the Corps continue to work together, we will keep that day far away. For the Blackest Night will only come to pass, if the War of Light truley falls." Sayd continued "Which will not be six of the Corps Vs one, but the seven Corps all fighting among themselves."
"And for that peace. We request for you, James Tennyson, to make a treaty with the Indigo Tribe and Agent Orange. As an outsider, you will not faver any one Corps. Nor will you make the agreement unfair for our guests." Ganthet requested "You will make the fairest arrangement, between our five Corps and the two we wish to join."
"Of course, it comes down to us if we want to join or not after." Indigo-1 added
'Okay, no pressure.' James thought as he began to think.
...
And that was how they spent the next half an hour. Half an hour of heated debate, compromise, ideas, requests and so, SO much more.
However, eventually, it worked out. Eventually compromises where made.
Just like before, the Green Lantern's where the main police force. They just kept doing their normal stuff they always had, and every Green Lantern had a Blue Lantern partner. The two corps' working together to strengthen each other and do their best to work side by side.
Those using the Yellow Light fought in the darker parts of the galaxy, sorting out the more morally grey situations and where like the black ops part of the alliance. At the same time the Red Lantern's could only be described as the group who deals with the truly fucked up situations, the riot squad and the 'murder those monsters' group.
And finally, the Star Sapphire's after as prison guards and back up for every other member of the alliance, the most versatile group honestly. Acting to help rehabilitation and as a force to stop people from breaking out
All Corps' where granted freedom. While this was their 'roles' they wouldn't just abandon a case because of 'jurisdiction'. It was a hopeful scenario that everyone would work together. But coming from there... where were the new additions came in.
Larfleez... was in charge of the prisons. While the Sapphire's where the guards, Larfleez was the warden. All criminals in the prison where his possessions until they served their time/repented. He was also in charge of guarding all dangerous technology and items taken during jobs in space, his own private hoard.
The Indigo Tribe would have the most freedom of the many Corps. Because they can be easily overwhelmed if near strong emotions for too long, and when everyone is powered by powerful emotions that can happen very fast, they can come and go much more freely. Each member of the Tribe set on small shifts. They acted as internal affairs, keeping the other Corps' from fighting and dealing with any internal problems with the system.
It was the best the group could come up with, the best they could agree to that would utilise everyone properly anc fit everyones skill sets without any favourtism.
"I'm glad all of this worked out." James sighed and nodded, walking away with Indigo-1 towards the Titan's ship "You sure you're all going to be okay?"
"Now? Yes." she nodded "You are welcome back at any time, James."
"Thanks." he nodded "I'm just glad everything's worked out."
"Your friends are worried about your future. After nearly dying the way you did." Indigo-1 explained
"I did die." he admitted, shrugging "But... But it wasn't my time. I didn't give up."
"Amazing." she nodded with a smile "You are rather special."
"Thanks." he smiled back
...
"Your wives and lovers are going to have a 'word' with you when you get back home."
...
...
...
"I know." he groaned, lowering his head
chu~
"Good luck." she nodded, having kissed his cheek and now walking away
...
...
...
"What... what is with me lately?" the young Tennyson man munbled as he watched Indigo-1 walk away, her loincloth swishing with her swayinh hips. Shaking his head, James walked off towards the group, as the large ship was set proudly on the ground of Primus Lustre. Dick, Kori, Rachel, Vic, Garfield, Karen and Rose where in front of the… well, the 'Titans Shuttle'. But they weren't alone. Kyle was there as well, since they did need to return him. And so was Bleez and Dex-Star
"Scratcherer!" Dex-Star cheered as he flew into James' arms, purring
"Hehe, hey buddy. Miss me?" James chuckled "Sorry though Dexter, I've gotta go."
"No! Coming to!" Dex-Star said as he stopped purring and sat up, setting his paw on James' chest
"Huh?" he blinked
"I spoke to Atrocitous." Bleez explained "He agreed that Dex-Star can relax and have a 'home' outside of missions. And he IS from Earth, Sector 2814."
"Really? Huh." James blinked
"Looks like we've got a house cat now." Rose joked "I'm sure the kids will love him."
"Most defiantly." James laughed, scratching Dex-Star under the chin
"Hmmmm~!" the cat purred, relaxing in James' arms
"So, are we good to go? I want to go home." Garfield grumbled
"Yeah, we should." Dick nodded. As the group all agreed and prepared to enter the shuttle… a violet light approached them
"Lantern Bleez, please wait!" Carol Ferris called, approaching them
"OH WHAT NOW!" Karen groaned "I just want to go home and go to bed! Being in Blue Light therapy for three hours has made me REALLY sick of the neon colours!"
"Lantern Ferris?" Bleez asked in concern, looking up to see the Star Sapphire leader landing in front of them
"I was told by Atrocitous of your situation." Carol said, walking towards her "About your ring not being as strong as it used to, thanks to you finding inner peace. How it could kill you."
"What?!" James gasped "Your ring is doing WHAT?!" he asked, feeling afraid for his girlfriend as he reached for his Matrix. Maybe he could do something to help her?
"Oh? He told you?" Bleez growled
"Yes. And I do believe… I have a solution." She nodded. Carol raised a hand and revealed… a Star Sapphire ring.
"What?" Bleez asked in shock
"If you wear both, you will have the power of both rings." Carol explained "The Violet Light, like the Blue Light, can heal and remove a Red Lantern from removing their Ring. However, unlike Blue, it does not FORCE the separation. Because both are at the extreme ends of the spectrum, you will have the powers of both Rings… without the drawbacks of the Red alone."
"I-I-" Bleez stuttered, reaching out for the ring with shaky hands
"But you must be careful." Carol added, closing her hand "Because both rings are the extremes of the spectrum. You may be overwhelmed."
"Overwhelmed…" she whispered, looking back at James…. And smiling "I can do it." She nodded, turning back to Carol
"Then Bleez of Havania, with the Great Love inside your Heart, you are welcomed to the Star Sapphires." Carol nodded as she unclenched her hand. The pink ring flew through the air and slipped onto Bleez's other hand.
Bleez looked down at her hand and howled, holding her head for a moment. Her emotions quickly forming a storm, blood almost pouring from her mouth as violet crystals grew over her form. Every moment of her life flashing through her mind, either drawing out the greatest anger or the sweetest joy. Both extreams like dueling tornados inside her.
Two extreme monsters trying to devower the other.
But as she focused, as she steadied herself... the raging seas began to calm, the over eager winds began to settle. The opposites resting in tranquility.
At peace... and completion.
"GAH!" Bleez yelped as her costume changed, her mind fixed to a status quo of equalibrium. The blood stopping, the crystals fading. And in their place was a soft maroon/magenta colour flowing around Bleez like an sura, her new costume almost glowing
She now had red thigh high boots/stockings that covered up her long legs, wrapping around even her toes in a way, and almost looked to be made out of latex. The stockings had a pair of garter belts that flowed up her thighs onto her black leotard which had long sleeves, said leotard having a silk-like look. Around her waist was a metallic pink, metal looking belt/thong like aspect that went around her hips and waist. She wore red elbow length gloves, which also appeared to be made out of latex, with her claw-like nails visible through the outfit. Around her upper chest was more red armour, looking like a crop top or a sports bra in a way. The Red Lantern symbol placed proudly in-between her breasts, however instead of the symbol being within a circle it was set in the middle of a large pink Star Sapphire symbol. The shoulder armour of the outfit was made out of pink metal, as was a large pink metal high collar. Finally she had the same old black cowl with a pair of large bat-wings over the side of said cowl. The cowl had a pink star atop her forehead, some red 'veins' along the bat wings.
"Wow…." Our heroes blinked. Everyone was silent for moments, watching. A mixed of worried for her mental health and how she was taking it, and awe for the new form.
…
drip
drip
drip
Tears fell to the floor, as Bleez looked into the skies of Primus Lustre
"Er… Bleez?" James asked as he walked forwards cautiously "Are you… okay?"
"Y-Yes…" she stuttered out weakly, grinning softly as she turned to him. One eye bright red, the other a shimmering pink "I'm okay. For the first time in a long while… I am very okay."
*time skip*
Several hours later, a shirtless James walked out onto his balcony. His girls had been rather... eager to have some time with him when he got home. After all, he nearly died. And when those who weren't there found out, not only where they mad but they where desperate to live as much as possible. Being reminded of mortality did that to you, after all.
"Such a lovely night." he sighed, enjoying the night sky
"I'll say. Well done, kid." A woman's voice spoke to him.
"Hello... Do you prefer just Death, or do you have a title like Lady Death. Or Mistress Death. Or something." James said as he looked over his shoulder, smiling "Just wanna give you the proper respect is all."
"Death is fine." The voice answered as it manifested into a physical form. It was a pale-bone-white-skinned woman, with shoulder-length messy black hair, black eyeliner with her right eye having a small swirl near her cheek that made it look like the Eye of Ra and silvery-grey lips. A pure black vest that protected her modesty, a silver ankh necklace around her neck, a round silver-studded black belt with a thin buckle, pure black leather trousers, shin-high black boots with three silver clasps on the outside. On her hands were simple black gloves and in her right hand was a black umbrella with a floral pattern canopy and silver shaft.
"Thank you...for bringing me back." James spoke.
"Well, it wasn't your time. Your story isn't over yet." Death smiled as she looked out towards the night sky. "Besides, you brought you back. I just opened the door. Held out the hand. You chose to grasp it." She walked up to him, leaning against the railing of the balcony "So... Tell me. Why? Why did you accept my hand, now? You, as I have seen, have been afraid of death and avoided me for a while. Scared, since you didn't have the same failsafe as your father and sister."
"That... Stopped after meeting Nekron." James smiled softly at her
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I just. When you see death in the face, no offence, it's not scary." James admitted.
"None taken. I could say the same about some other people." Death chuckled.
"Plus, seeing him... It made me realise something." James smiled "Death isn't SUPPOSED to be an enemy. But it also isn't something to strive for. When it is time, it is time. You should't run from it, when it is time... it is time. Death will welcome you with open arms, not drag you down into darkness."
"Congratulations. You've got it." Death smiled, patting his back.
"So what happens now? I continue to live?" James asked
"Of course, I want to see what happens next." Death smiled. as she turned around, leaning against the support railings. Her umbrella open, hung over her shoulder "After all, you heroes are really impressive. Not immortal, however. I'll be there to see you again one day."
"And I'll accept you with open arms." He nodded with a smile "Death isn't an enemy. It is the end of the story, but as a friend. ... Why are you here to talk to me, though?"
"I wanted to make sure you were okay. It's not often I meet a person from another world." Death chuckled. "I mean I got to go to a wedding in another universe once. Gave the bride a fun joking gift, but I had to skidaddle right away. The universe had a guy called Thanos there, real creep. Total 'nice guy' stalker to Death."
"But... aren't you omnipresent?" James asked "So, aren't you having this conversation like an infinite number of times or something? I think... some of this quantum physics and metatextual stuff hers complicated."
"Yes, but it doesn't mean I can't enjoy new experiences." She answered, twirling her umbrella a little.
"There's a difference between being 'all powerful' and experiencing?" James asked.
"Yep. If you're born with 'Omni-whatever', you lose out on what it means to live and grow. The all-powerful cannot grow, the all-knowing cannot learn; The End cannot break through the confines of the flask it's grown accustomed to. That's the best part of humanity, always growing and changing. That's why 'The End' is so insignificant." Death smirked.
"I guess that makes sense." James admitted
"Now, I want to see you live and grow. I want to see the future you'll make." Death turned to him
"I'll do my best." He chuckled softly
"... Are you sure you aren't scared of me, anymore?" She asked with a soft smile, her lip curling up a bit while she raised her eyebrow
"I'm... I wouldn't say that." James admitted nervously. "Talking to the aspect and personification of Death is kinda trippy, though."
"I see." She hummed, poking at sides of her cheeks with her tongue as she was thinking
"You're joking with me... right?" He asked.
"Maybe." She snickered "I don't normally get to interact with people like this."
"Well, in any case. Thank you. For bringing me back." James finished.
"No problem. I think your wives are looking for you." Death smirked as she vanished away.
"Hey, wait!" James reached out before letting her leave. "... Bye." He sighed.
...
"Great." He smiled, turning back to his home. His life... Felt bright