Earth 507: Winter
December 2025
The resounding statements from the heated argument echoed through the spacious conference room of the Justice League watchtower. Gathered around the center table, the members observed a holographic map of Earth, which spun slowly while numerous pins marked various locations. The East Coast of the United States was zoomed in, revealing densely scattered map markers representing major cities like Gotham, Metropolis, Bludhaven, Central City, and Jump City. These markers indicated the points where individuals had seemingly emerged from portals within the past few hours. Superman and Wonder Woman initially didn't perceive it as an immediate threat, while Batman, ever vigilant, expressed concern due to the recent collapse of multiverse 401. Alongside the globe, footage played, depicting a fierce battle between members of the Justice League, the Green Lantern Corps, and the Yellow Lanterns led by Sinestro.
"We need to establish contact and ensure that none of them pose a threat to innocent civilians!" Batman's deep voice resonated through the room as he voiced his apprehensions. Mentally calculating the odds of their ongoing battle, he realized that they currently held the upper hand. However, he also understood that if they pushed too hard, they risked losing track of these newcomers indefinitely.
"Bruce, we're already stretched thin with our current mission. We have to approach this cautiously," Wonder Woman countered, gesturing toward the numerous empty seats that belonged to their deployed teammates.
Analyzing the footage of the skirmish, Batman noted that it seemed to be a firm stalemate, with the Justice League ultimately gaining the upper hand. Grunting in acknowledgment, he replied, "I'll take the Teen Titans with me. We'll rendezvous in 72 hours."
As Batman issued the final orders, the members of his team dispersed, leaving their respective stations behind. Batman made his way to the teleporter, where he rendezvoused with Cyborg. The cybernetic hero shared all the information they had gathered so far about the individuals who had been mysteriously teleported. Cyborg, Alfred, and Oracle absorbed the details, with Cyborg specifically noting that a significant portion of the teleportees in Gotham and Metropolis appeared to be teenagers donning their own unique costumes. This observation led him to speculate that they could be either heroes from an alternate universe or dangerous villains.
With this newfound knowledge in mind, Batman initiated the teleportation sequence, whisking himself away from the Watchtower and back down to Earth. As the energy dissipated, he stepped through the Batcave's entrance, greeted by the familiar sounds of bats fluttering above and water cascading throughout the cave. Walking purposefully toward his central computer, Batman passed by the armory, where an assortment of his own suits and the uniforms of the various Robins stood in silent vigil. However, his gaze was drawn to the display holding the vacant spot for the second Robin. A barren mannequin and a photo attached to the chest served as a constant reminder of the absence and unfinished business that still haunted him.
Alfred's voice broke the silence, reaching Batman's ears as he stood before the computer display. "Master Bruce, it appears that you have missed some recent activity. However, it seems you may have found yourself a potential new ally," the loyal butler informed, directing Batman's attention to the screen. The footage captured a green-haired Japanese teenager emerging from an alley, having just engaged in a fight against six goons. Despite his evident fighting prowess, the young individual appeared disheveled and weakened, his turquoise-green suit tattered but complemented by high-tech gauntlets and boots.
"What about the others?" Batman inquired, his voice laced with curiosity and concern.
"Most of them appear to be in a unconscious state," Alfred replied, trying to offer a soothing tone to ease Bruce's worries, albeit with limited success.
"I have already reached out to Master Dick. He assured me that he will keep a vigilant eye out for the two individuals in Bludhaven," Alfred continued, attempting to provide some reassurance.
"And the Titans?" Bruce pressed further.
"They are doing the same as Master Dick," Alfred replied, a faint smile playing at his lips as he offered Bruce a glass of water before leaving.
"Thank you, Alfred," Bruce acknowledged, accepting the glass and taking a sip before placing it down. As Batman approached the Batmobile, the Batmobile's engine rumbled to life, a low growl that reverberated through the huge cave. The canopy slid open, revealing the high-tech cockpit adorned with an array of screens and controls. Batman slipped into the driver's seat, and engaged a multitude of switches.
As the Batmobile crawled down the tunnel of it's entrance, the massive stone doors of the Batcave swung open, revealing the darkness of the night. The engine's rumble escalated into a symphony of power as the engine seemed to howl like it were alive. With a burst of acceleration, the Batmobile surged forward, tire treads gripping the ground with might. As it raced toward the city, the Batmobile left behind a trail of swirling dust.
—-
Earlier In Gotham City:
—-
Gradually, Izuku's senses reawakened. First, his hearing emerged from the persistent ringing fading away to reveal a cacophony of sounds. The bustling symphony of a city greeted his ears, a vibrant tapestry of footsteps, distant conversations, and the hum of life.
Next, his sense of smell regained its prominence, but instead of pleasant aromas, he was met with a repugnant assault on his olfactory senses. The air around him was thick with a noxious blend of decaying garbage, pungent gasoline fumes, and a host of other putrid odors that attack his nostrils.
With his hearing and smell intact, Izuku's vision gradually cleared from a hazy blur, revealing his surroundings. To his surprise, he found himself seated beside a towering heap of trash in the dimly lit confines of an alleyway. The stark contrast between the vibrant city sounds and the squalid reality before him sent a jolt through his consciousness, stirring a mix of confusion and concern.
Izuku struggled to rise to his feet, his limbs feeling unsteady and unfamiliar after his time adrift in the void. Stumbling a few steps forward, he fought against the disorientation that threatened to consume him. Yet, as his body began to acclimate to the different properties an unexpected wave of nausea washed over him.
Doubling over, he clutched his stomach as his internal compass recalibrated, aligning itself with the unfamiliar surroundings. The disorienting sensation caused him to retch, his body convulsing as he expelled the remnants of whatever was left in his stomach.
A symphony of ferocious growls emanated from Izuku's stomach. The time he spent in that void left him famished and weakened. Slowly, he tested his ability to walk, ensuring he could support his own weight. It took a few minutes of careful maneuvering, utilizing the walls as both crutches and guides, before he managed to navigate his way out of the alleyway.
Stepping onto the streets, Izuku was met with a disheartening sight. Passersbys seemed distant, their gazes devoid of warmth or welcome, as if they're within their own isolated worlds. A sense of detachment filled the atmosphere, not helping the lonesome Izuku felt.
Yearning for connection, he reached out to speak with someone. However, his gestures were met with startled or horrified expressions, as if he were an aberration interrupting their monotonous existence. In those fleeting seconds, it became clear to Izuku that this city diverged significantly from anywhere he had ever visited in Japan. The streets mirrored the bleak sky above, both cloaked in an unrelenting grayness. A thick layer of grime and filth seemed to have fused with the very concrete upon which he stood.
His gaze lifted, drawn to the sight of a towering billboard that caught his attention. The words "Gotham City thanks Wayne Enterprises" sprawled across it along a large coastline. Recognition sparked within Izuku's mind. If the geography of this world aligned with his previous one, he had been transported to the Western world, and most likely the United States.
Gradually regaining his composure and physical strength, Izuku took a series of deep breaths trying to relax himself. His hunger still gnawed at him, urging him to find sustenance. He scanned the surroundings, desperately seeking any semblance of a place where he could satiate his overwhelming appetite. After he eats he can allow himself to contemplate a way to reconnect with his friends amidst whatever world he's in.
As he walks several streets down, the dense smog enveloping the surroundings, Izuku finds himself unable to discern the time of day—whether it's midday, sunset, or sunrise. The weight of exhaustion clings to his every step, as if cinder blocks were shackled to his feet. Finally, he spots a small market adorned with a few food stands, prompting him to waddle over in anticipation of nourishment. However, the glares from other customers serve as a stark reminder of his disheveled appearance.
Suddenly, one of the food cart operators directs his mocking words at Izuku, exclaiming, "Hey kid, Halloween was two months ago!" The man's derisive laughter pierces through the air, prompting Izuku to cast his gaze downward for the first time since getting here. His heart sinks as he takes in the sorry state of his hero costume, now nothing more than tatters and ruins. Although he would typically feel a surge of embarrassment, hunger drowns out any sense of self-consciousness. Nevertheless, a realization strikes him this is a different world, a new country… so he's probably broke.
Undeterred by the harsh treatment he got, Izuku patiently waits in line, observing the bustling and cramped street that teems with people. Time drags on as he yearns for his turn, until finally, he reaches the front of a different food cart's line. With a glimmer of hope in his eyes, he addresses the formidable and scowling cashier, mustering the courage to ask, "Uhhh... I'm sorry, but do you... take Yen?" He extends his hand, clutching a few thousand yen, hoping against all odds that it will be accepted as payment.
In a brash and disdainful manner, the cashier retorts, "Who do you think I am, a bank teller? Piss off!" The cashier's eyes glared right at Izuku until he turned away.
Disheartened, Izuku releases a weary sigh "Yeah no, didn't think that would work"
Izuku's stomach growled incessantly, a chorus of hunger that echoed through the depths of his being. Suppressing any remnants of pride, he knelt down and meticulously combed the ground, his eyes scanning every crack and crevice for even the tiniest glimmer of a coin. With each discarded coin he discovered, a flicker of relief illuminated his weary expression. After fifteen arduous minutes spent in an unyielding pursuit, Izuku managed to amass enough meager funds to afford a small portioned meal.
Finding a solitary spot to rest, he settled down and unwrapped his tiny bit of sustenance. With each bite, he savored the flavors that danced upon his tongue, grateful for the tiniest bit of nourishment that would sustain him. The warmth of the food spread through his body, temporarily chasing away the cold grip of hunger. Once he had consumed the last morsel, he wiped his hands and face clean, taking a moment to observe his reflection in a nearby window.
A flicker of surprise flashed across Izuku's eyes as he saw his own face, almost unrecognizable without the bruises and cuts that had adorned it earlier. It was as if his body had miraculously healed itself, the accumulated fatigue and weakness dissipating like a distant memory. Despite the toll that utilizing One For All had exacted on him, all the pains and strains seemed to have vanished, leaving him with a renewed sense of vigor, albeit tempered by a deep-rooted weariness.
Letting out a heavy sigh, Izuku carefully counted the remaining coins in his palm. Just 35 cents. The realization brought a sense of frustration and disappointment. "Great. Just great," he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with a touch of sarcasm. Resigned to his limited means, he pushed himself up from the chair and stepped outside of the modest market, venturing into the labyrinthine streets of Gotham.
As he walked, the biting cold of the wintertime air seeped into his skin, causing him to shiver involuntarily. The absence of people with quirks, or at least those of the mutation type, caught his attention. It was a stark contrast to the world he knew, where extraordinary abilities were commonplace. Thoughts began to stir within Izuku's mind, his curiosity piqued by the unfamiliarity of this city. Did Gotham have strict laws governing the use or mixing of quirks? The notion intrigued him, fueling his desire to understand the inner workings of this enigmatic place.
With a flicker of curiosity, Izuku made up his mind. He would use his last remaining coins to acquire a newspaper, hoping it would provide him with some insight into the peculiarities of this world. He wandered through the bustling streets, scanning the storefronts for a newspaper stand. After a few minutes of searching, his eyes landed on a familiar sight—a newspaper stand situated in front of a game store. It seemed like a small oasis amidst the urban chaos.
As Izuku browsed through the collection of newspapers, one headline caught his eye like a bolt of lightning. It read, "Man of Steel Saves the Day," and beneath the bold title was an image that sent a jolt of recognition through his veins. Izuku's emerald eyes widened with disbelief and astonishment. The figure depicted bore a striking resemblance to his idol, All Might.
The image showcased a hero with a confident glare, exuding strength and power through their commanding posture. They wore a sleek, blue, form-fitting costume adorned with a flowing cape, and a firm smile graced their face. The similarities between this Man of Steel and All Might were undeniable, yet there were noticeable differences. While All Might possessed a towering and muscular physique, this new hero seemed to have a more average frame, albeit still defined and strong.
Izuku's mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts, his heart pounding in his chest. Could it be possible that this Man of Steel was a counterpart of All Might in this universe? Was this a world where heroes took different forms, yet still carried the spirit of justice and heroism? Excitement and curiosity surged within him, propelling his hands to fumble with the coins, desperate to retrieve the newspaper.
Every passing second felt agonizingly long as Izuku impatiently waited for the machine to dispense the coveted magazine. Finally, with a satisfying clunk, the newspaper landed in his hands. Without wasting a moment, he hurriedly found the nearest seat, his eyes scanning the pages with fervor and intensity.
The article chronicled the heroic deeds and adventures of the Man of Steel, detailing his numerous acts of courage and selflessness. Izuku absorbed every word, devouring the information like a famished soul. He marveled at the tales of this new hero's battles against formidable foes and the unwavering determination to protect the innocent.
As he continued to skim through the pages, a sense of awe and inspiration welled up within Izuku. This Man of Steel symbolized hope and strength, just like All Might had been to him. With each paragraph, his belief in the possibility of heroes transcending universes grew stronger. Perhaps, in this world, he could find allies and mentors who shared his unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of others.
As Izuku delved deeper into the article, a realization began to take shape in his mind. The context he gathered suggested that he had somehow found himself in a time where quirks, or at least powerful ones like the Man of Steel's, were just beginning to emerge. It was a world on the cusp of a new era, a time of heroes and villains with extraordinary abilities.
Scanning each sentence meticulously, Izuku absorbed every detail, determined not to miss a single piece of information. But as he came across another full-body image of the hero, an unsettling sensation washed over him. It felt like deja vu, but not the kind that brought comfort or familiarity. This eerie feeling of impending doom lingered in the depths of his being, though he couldn't quite grasp its origin or significance.
Shaking off the unease, Izuku pressed on, driven by his insatiable thirst for knowledge. The article revealed that the hero, known as Superman, operated in Metropolis, the neighboring city to Gotham.
As the pages drew to a close, the article delved into speculations about the cooperation between Superman and the Dark Knight. The Dark Knight appears to be one of the sole protectors of Gotham. The two heroes, with their distinct approaches and philosophies, were believed to form a asymmetrical duo in their fight against crime. The tantalizing glimpse into their potential partnership left Izuku yearning for more, but the article concluded with a promotion for their website, teasing readers with the promise of uncovering the secrets of the Justice League.
Feeling the itch of unanswered questions and the urgency of his own mission, Izuku resolved to learn more about the enigmatic Dark Knight. Perhaps this mysterious hero could provide him with guidance, aid in his search for his friends, and offer insights into the group that seemed to be pursuing him. Though his memories of their attackers had faded into a blur faster than he could comprehend, he sensed the approaching danger and understood the need to prepare himself for what lay ahead.
Lost in his thoughts and immersed in the pages of the newspaper, Izuku remained oblivious to the passage of time. He read and re-read the article, dissecting every sentence, every detail, searching for any clue that could lead him closer to his missing friends. The world outside faded away, consumed by his singular focus.
But as the darkness of the evening enveloped the city, a jolt of awareness shot through Izuku. He lifted his gaze, his eyes widening at the sight of the sky transformed into a canvas of velvety blackness studded with shimmering stars. It was then that the reality of his situation hit him like a sudden gust of wind.
He had nowhere to sleep tonight.
Hope flickered within him as he considered the possibility of seeking assistance from the Dark Knight. "Maybe the Dark Knight could offer me shelter or take me under his wing, it's a long shot but it's worth a try" Izuku murmured to himself, his voice tinged with a mix of desperation and hope. However, the question of how to find the elusive hero lingered in his mind.
Almost as if in response to his pondering, a police car roared by, its sirens piercing the air. Izuku's eyes widened, a spark of inspiration igniting within him. "The Police Station," he whispered, recognizing it as a potential starting point for his quest. A plan began to form in his mind.
Izuku set his sights on the Police Station. As he traversed the dimly lit streets, he recited his plan, cementing his resolve. "I will approach the officers at the Police Station, explain my situation, and ask for their guidance in finding the Dark Knight." He tries to calm himself between each repetition of his plan.
In the distance, the radiant spotlights that illuminated the GCPD's surroundings danced before Izuku's eyes. Determined to reach his destination swiftly, he wastes no time and darts through the labyrinthine alleyways. Each step echoes with a sense of urgency and purpose. Several blocks closer, he suddenly finds himself face to face with a daunting sight. Emerging from a van, a group of masked thugs wielding bats, clubs, and wrenches fills the alleyway, their malicious intent unmistakable. His heart skips a beat as he halts abruptly, the rubber soles of his boots skidding on the ground, stirring up a cloud of dirt. Laughter and mocking giggles permeate the air as the goons revel in their advantage over Izuku.
"Oh, is there a new birdy in town? The last one didn't get to fly too far from the nest," one of the goons taunts, attempting to provoke Izuku. His words, meant to dig deep, instead leave Izuku momentarily puzzled. A slight concern and urge to protect crosses Izuku's mind when he realizes something. If these thugs were so quick to engage him in a fight, they were probably out looking for a fight.
The group steps out of the van in unison, their envious eyes fixated on Izuku's custom boots and gauntlets. A nod of silent agreement passes between them, their intentions now crystal clear—they plan to relieve Izuku of his belongings by force.
The alleyway crackled with tension as Izuku squared off against the six goons, their bats, clubs, and wrenches raised menacingly. With a surge of determination, he prepared to unleash the power of One For All. However, as he attempted to tap into his quirk, a pang of frustration shot through him. Something wasn't right—he couldn't harness the strength he once possessed.
The first goon swung his bat, catching Izuku off guard and landing a solid blow. Pain rippled through his body, but he refused to let it dampen his spirit. He retaliated with a flurry of punches, but his attacks lacked the usual force and speed.
Each strike from the goons found its mark, leaving Izuku battered and bruised. He staggered, his body aching, but he refused to give in. As he fought on, he could feel a flicker of hope deep within. It was as if the embers of his quirk were slowly reigniting.
With every blow he endured, Izuku's focus grew. He adapted his fighting style, focusing on agility and strategy rather than raw power. As he dodged and weaved through the onslaught, he could feel his quirk building back up, growing stronger with each passing moment.
The tide of the battle slowly turned. Izuku's movements became more fluid and precise. He seized every opportunity, striking with precision and timing. The goons, once confident in their advantage, began to falter as Izuku's resilience and resourcefulness became apparent.
One by one, the goons fell before him, their weapons cast aside. Breathing heavily, Izuku took a moment to savor the hard-fought victory. He needs to improve himself, to be like he used to, no, stronger then he used to be.
Taking a moment to survey his surroundings, Izuku watches as the goons lie motionless on the ground, defeated and unconscious. A faint smile tugs at the corners of his lips as he realizes the opportunity that presents itself. "Reporting the crime at the station," he muses, "kills two birds with one stone." Knowing that these troublemakers won't wreak havoc again, he lets out a satisfied sigh and continues his determined stride towards the GCPD.
