Hey everyone, sorry for my lack of updates. Haven't had as much time or inspiration to write recently, however I've always wanted to write a crossover with Dragonball characters, as it's one of my favorite series. Unfortunately, one of the only other series with characters on a relative scale to db is DC, a series I'm not nearly as familiar with. Regardless, I'm going in with the knowledge I have, and I hope anyone interested in this story lets me know if I get any DC related stuff egregiously wrong. Either way, this is a little one shot type intro chapter for this story idea. If it gets a good response, I'll try to continue it to a satisfying conclusion. Anyways, hope you enjoy and thanks to any long time readers of mine.
Also, if you have any suggestions for certain characters you want involved in the story, please let me know with a review. Right now the future of this story is rather open ended.
In Blackest Knight
Chapter 1: An Unexpected Guest
In a bunker located far beneath the famous LexCorp tower, an experiment was being carried out that would irreparably change the fate of the multiverse as a whole. LexCorp's nefarious owner, Lex Luthor, had many times turned his resources and intellect towards developing new methods to kill his rival in life, Superman, yet this time, he felt that he had outdone himself.
It had always been a longshot idea of his, something that he couldn't justify allocating resources for without a breakthrough in the relevant field of research. However, several months ago, that breakthrough had occurred. It was thanks to the seemingly countless instances of extraterrestrial or even extradimensional attacks on the Earth throughout his lifetime that provided the lead he needed. For so long, Luthor had restrained his ambitions to things he could create of his own capabilities, not to say he hadn't incorporated some of the salvaged alien technology throughout the years, but it was always his own final vision. What he hadn't considered until recently, was acknowledging his limitations as a human, and turning his eyes towards the artifacts of civilizations far surpassing humanity's own.
Lex Luthor didn't believe in the concept of "magic", for he ascribed to the principle that any technology too advanced for someone to understand could easily be written off as "supernatural". For him, it was simply a matter of finding the right frequency that these types of devices operate on. The power that he desired was absolute, power over time itself. The machine he had pioneered did not fulfill this purpose, instead, it was built to act as a type of temporal magnet. Assuming things worked as intended, once the device was activated, the first time-related artifact to lock onto the signal would be teleported across time and space into his possession. Now, the moment had finally come to begin his new dominion over not just his own Earth, but possibly the infinite Earths that he believed existed across the multiverse.
His team of scientists were nervously milling about as the final preparations to the machine's activation were made, as despite being some of the brightest minds on the planet, even they had doubts about the fundamental principles that the device operated on.
"Mr. Luthor, the trans-dimensional anchors are fully operational, and the spatial-tear matrix is in the process of being primed, estimated time to operating levels is five minutes."
The senior research executive of the fittingly named Project Kronos, Dr. Harvey Reynolds, updated Luthor on the current timetable of the first live test of the device.
"Excellent. What you people are doing here is helping bring forth a new era for mankind, or more accurately, those who deserve it. If you had any qualms about this project, you wouldn't have volunteered to lead it, am I correct, Doctor?"
Dr. Reynolds saw his boss as a rather charismatic man, yet he carried a looming figure that always kept you on edge, despite his usual pleasantries.
"Well said, Mr. Luthor. Our success here today was only possible thanks to your vast resources, and the oversight of your own unsurpassed intellect of course. I believe if anyone is to have this kind of power at their fingertips, there are none better suited for the role than yourself."
The needless pleasantries of his subordinates used to bother him, yet as he grew older, and perhaps wiser, he realized it was simply in their nature. That, and it didn't change the fact that their compliments were unequivocally true in his mind. He much preferred someone who knew their place in the hierarchy and excelled at their role, as such harmony made his job as a leader that much easier. Despite this though, he knew he wasn't an all-knowing being, and that it was possible for him to make mistakes. Having only yes-men around would lead to an inevitable disaster, so he often reminded his subordinates to challenge him if they believed an erroneous decision was being made. It was hard to know sometimes if his steely persona put people off from providing suggestions more often, but given how smoothly his operations had been running recently, it was the least of his concerns.
"Please Doctor, out of the billions of humans on Earth, it would be significantly unlikely for me to be the best, and that's not including all of the intelligent life across the cosmos. However, I am the most capable. For if I wasn't, then I wouldn't be the man currently overseeing this operation. This figurative "more capable" being would have beaten me to the punch, and with their supreme power, never allowed us to complete our mission. That is all the evidence I require."
Perhaps stunned by his boss' foresight, Dr. Reynolds remained silent for a few moments, truly processing Luthor's rationalization for his actions. Unfortunately, now wasn't the time for any philosophical quandaries, not when they were so close to the culmination of Project Kronos.
"Yes, of course, Mr. Luthor. I realize my claim was shortsighted in the face of your argument, and in the spirit of your capability, I'd say it's high time we achieved your goal."
"Our goal, Dr. Reynolds. We've all made sacrifices to see this through, and ultimately, all of us will benefit as well. But yes, let's make our way to the observation deck, we have only minutes to spare."
The actual machine components of Project Kronos were hidden from view, as the operating procedures produced high levels of gamma radiation that would be lethal without a protective shell, in this case made of tungsten. What they could see from the observation deck was the retrieval array, where the results of their years-long effort would miraculously appear upon the machine's activation. There was also an up close video feed of the array for monitoring and documentation purposes, around which was gathered several scientists waiting to record the full process of the machine's activation. The room suddenly went silent as Luthor and Reynolds entered and assumed their respective positions at the master controls.
"Everyone, I assume we're ready to get started?"
There was a chorus of "Yes sir!"s, as the senior science staff began their start-up checklist.
"Antimatter reactors online, power supply optimal!"
"Transdimensional anchors online, exit coordinates confirmed!"
"Spatial-tear matrix is fully primed, synchronicity with anchors achieved!"
"Retrieval array is clear, ready to receive the payload!"
He should have expected nothing less from the people he put his trust in, yet seeing his efforts culminate in such a way was almost cathartic. If things went as expected on the first test, he would finally have the power he needed to reign supreme, uncontested by his persistent nemesis.
"Well then, I'd say it's about time we get started."
Glancing down at his command terminal, Luthor completed an ocular scan to confirm his identity, as well as providing his hand print. Dr. Reynolds underwent the same steps, as Kronos could only be activated with both of them present. Finally, Luthor reached underneath his shirt and pulled a lanyard from his neck, a single key dangling from it. Despite his belief in technology and pushing the envelope, it was always worth having a rudimentary security measure to throw off possible infiltrators. After inserting the key into the side of his monitor, a prompt appeared on the screen.
Confirm KRONOS activation?
[YES] [NO]
There was no hesitation in Luthor selecting the "Yes" option, and as he pressed it, the Kronos machine whirred to life. Despite its internals being hidden, the noise they produced was enough to travel through the thick tungsten shell, all the way into the observation deck. It was a sound foreign to everyone present, yet it could best be described as a resonant clanging, accompanied by an occasional boom that resembled that of thunder. All of the scientists attended to their stations, monitoring the machine's feedback and reporting back optimal stats across the board, much to Luthor's satisfaction. Suddenly though, the satellite-shaped retrieval array began to glow with an unfamiliar white light. It grew in brightness until even the eyes of the onlookers began to strain, despite the specially tinted viewing glass. As the light's brightness reached its apex, an unexpected change occurred, as the white light suddenly shifted in color to a malevolent pinkish-purple.
"Mr. Luthor, what do you think this means? The effervescent white energy-field generated by the machine was within our expectations, but what of this color change?"
Lex Luthor maintained a stoic face, but internally he felt a pit forming in his stomach. This was not a rational concern, but an instinctual one, something he rarely gave credence to. Now, however, at the precipice of his life's achievement, there was a growing sense of utter despair brewing inside him.
"We're in uncharted territory Reynolds, so we see this test through unless there's evidence that the machine may become compromised. The current telemetry coming through suggests nothing of the sort."
Despite his calm composure, Dr. Reynolds picked up on Luthor's waning confidence, as he almost never addressed him without his title of doctor. Regardless, his boss was correct regarding the data being transmitted by the Kronos machine, so the experiment would continue.
Dr. Reynolds merely nodded in reply, turning his attention back to the incoming telemetry of data. The presence of the colorful light continued for several more moments, until its brightness began fluctuating, along with the sporadic appearance of lightning around the dish of the retrieval array. As these changes occurred, an alarm began blaring accompanied with several control monitors flashing red.
"Reynolds, what is the meaning of this? Is the machine malfunctioning?"
As the rest of the scientists started scrambling around the room trying to troubleshoot, Dr. Reynolds scanned the incoming telemetry closely, and his face turned a snow white as he realized what was happening.
"All systems are still optimal sir, but I think you'll want to look at these readings yourself."
It was unlike Reynolds to beat around the bush, so Luthor didn't bother reasking for a direct answer. He peered over the doctor's shoulders and read the data that had frozen his top scientist.
"The machine… is locked onto two targets? How is that possible? All of our input parameters should make that impossible! Wait, but it's only locked onto one temporal artifact, the other target is, a person?!"
Luthor had pondered the fact that whatever artifact he wound up taking for himself may still have an owner. Due to this possibility, he had calibrated the Kronos machine accordingly so that the only thing that could come through was non-living. Even if someone was holding the artifact themselves, they would be unable to survive the process of transdimensional teleportation. Despite this fact, the data provided by the machine was accurate, and Luthor suddenly realized why that pit in his stomach had begun to form. Had he really doomed himself and his entire operation? Perhaps the entire Earth? If he could not go down in history as humanity's savior, he certainly was not going to be the cause of its destruction.
"Shut down the machine! Abort all current processes, I don't care if the machine can't handle it, shut this thing down NOW!"
As everyone present began scrambling to disengage their respective implements of the machine, there was a shout from one of the scientists monitoring the video feed.
"It's too late, we have visual contact of the targets!"
As the whirring of the Kronos machine ground to a halt, the brilliant pink light began to die down, to a point that everyone could see what was at its center.
A man of muscular build, wearing what looked like black martial arts gi, stood at the center of the retrieval array. He had long black hair that stood up in a way that seemed to defy gravity, and what was previously a pink light now seemed to surround him like an aura of energy. Upon his right ring finger, was the initial target of the machine: a ring that currently pulsed with a green light. The man looked around for a moment, then at the ring on his finger, staring in astonishment as it ceased its pulsing. He then stared up towards the observation deck, sending a chill down Luthor's spine as their eyes seemed to lock. Before anyone present could say a word, the man put two fingers to his head, and disappeared from their line of sight.
"Where- where did he go!?"
Luthor stepped back from his terminal in shock, except he was shocked to bump into someone behind him. Before he could even turn around to see who it was, the pink glow that now encased the room made the answer obvious.
"You mortals, always attempting to defy the natural order. As disgusted as I am with your transgression, I can't say I'm not impressed that you managed to bring me all the way to your backwater timeline! In fact, perhaps I should thank you! You've managed to show me a reality previously undiscovered, perhaps outside of the influence of even the omni-king! To think this many mortals would have escaped my divine justice, it's sickening!"
Luthor felt any response disappear before it could escape his mouth, as their unintended guest grasped his shoulder firmly.
"My guess is you're the man in charge here, and that what you were after, was this."
The sinister being held his right hand in front of Luthor's face, displaying the ring that the Kronos machine had attempted to steal.
"As long as this time ring is on my finger, it's not coming off as long as I'm still alive, and as an everlasting god, that moment will never come!"
The security forces present in the room had already trained their weapons on the intruder, yet Luther quickly dissuaded any thought of a violent outcome, not against a being capable of transdimensional travel. The only chance they had of surviving this, was with words, and a lot of luck.
"I won't deny my involvement, as it seems you're well aware of the situation. However, if you're intent on destroying us, I have reasons to dissuade you."
The self-proclaimed god let out a devious chorus of laughter as his grip on Luthor's shoulder tightened to a point of causing pain.
"There is no room for debate! You are mortals, a blight on this beautiful universe, there is no outcome for you besides oblivion!"
Luthor took a deep breath as he hardened his resolve, and delivered the pitch that would decide their fate.
"You mentioned this timeline, this universe, being undiscovered. If this reality was previously outside your range of travel, is it possible for you to return to your own using your own power?"
The grip on his shoulder suddenly loosened, as the man's hand left Luthor's shoulder. He then held the ring close to his face, staring intently. After a few moments, he let out a sigh, and walked around the desk so he was facing Luthor.
"It pains me to admit it, but if the success of the zero mortal plan is to be guaranteed, I must admit your hunch is correct. However, if I was willing to go as far as to steal the body of a mortal to pursue my goals, relying on your technology would be no lesser of a sin. Very well, consider your world's death sentence commuted. Until I find the means to return on my own, you and your machine will remain intact as insurance."
It was as if a weight had been lifted off the shoulders of everyone in the room, as the killing intent emanating from the intruder disappeared in an instant. Somehow, Luthor had managed to talk down a being with indescribable power.
"However, if you think this means I've guaranteed the safety of every mortal on this planet, you'd be sorely mistaken. It's enough of a sin to leave you alive for the time being."
For the time being, this arrangement would have to do. With their own survival temporarily guaranteed, it meant there was time for the heroes of this world to deal with this new threat accordingly. Luthor loathed the idea of relying on the likes of the Justice League, yet with the only other alternative being annihilation, he had to accept it. In fact, if he couldn't harness the power of time to defeat his enemies, perhaps he could use its wielder for the same purpose.
"I understand your offered arrangement, and I graciously accept. Although, I believe we could reach an agreement that benefits us both. Everyone, please exit the room and leave me and our new guest some privacy."
Everyone, scientists and security staff included, filed out of the room in silence. As dangerous of a situation as it was, Luthor's security knew their presence would be useless against their new enemy.
"Now then, regarding your hatred of mortals breaching into the domain of the gods. There exists a mortal on this world who is worshiped as a false god, a protector of humanity. I imagine it is individuals like those who you despise the most."
"You're quite insightful for a mortal, Lex Luthor. It is for that reason only that you are still alive, keep that in mind. Who is this mortal that taints the image of the gods, and how can I find them?"
A sinister smile grew on Luthor's face as everything fell into place despite such an unexpected outcome. Either the man of steel would kill this powerful invader, or he would finally meet his match. Both outcomes benefited him greatly, although he would have to work on countermeasures in the scenario that his nemesis lost the fight.
"He resides in this city, Metropolis. I'd say the best way to get his attention would be to start a commotion in the city. I'll leave the scale of such a thing to your discretion."
This explanation elicited a maniacal laugh from the god standing before him.
"I don't think I've ever met a mortal so willing to sell out his fellow man! If I'm forced to work with one of your kind, it may as well be with someone of your self-serving philosophy. On that note though, I think I'll go begin my genocide of this universe's mortals.. For the time being, work on the process of reversing your machine. I'll know if you're stalling on your task, so I expect fast results."
With that the man put his two fingers to his forehead as he had after appearing on the retrieval array. Knowing this would mean his disappearance, Luthor quickly interjected.
"Wait, before you leave, may I know the name of the god that I brought to this reality?"
The god paused for a moment, before turning back to Luthor.
"I am the one who will bring tranquility to the multiverse. I am the holy being who will snuff out all of the false gods who allowed the pestilence called mortals to gain the divine gift of intelligence. I, am Zamasu."