X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 2, Omniverse Saga

by abcd12344321

As the omniverse breach grows so does the villains, kroako which was once for mutants is now a haven for all, and as they keep poring through so do new allies. The game has been set. Now it's the age of Heros, monsters, and villains.

18. Chapter 18

X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 2, Omniverse Saga

Chapter 18: Injustice, The Bounty and The Grim Knight; Part 1

…

As the portal swirled open, they emerged onto the familiar soil of their Krakoa. Waiting for them were their friends and allies - Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Hange, and the scarred form of Levi. Geralt stood next to Yennefer, whose belly was showing the clear signs of a rapidly progressing pregnancy. Not far from them was Kira, also noticeably pregnant, with Lambert, her steadfast lover, by her side. The group was rounded out by Maggie and Negan, and the enigmatic Avallac'h.

The sight was a comforting welcome, and the group was relieved to see their friends, despite the somber mood. Jean, taking a deep breath, recounted their experience. She explained their journey to the other timeline, the shocking truth about resurrection, and the bitter betrayal by Mother Righteous, which resulted in the tragic death of Darwin. Her narrative wove a grim tale, and as she concluded, the weight of their journey hung heavily in the air.

Among them were also two new faces – both Lauras, one older, one younger, from the alternate timeline – and a familiar one, the Logan from that other world. As Jean introduced the new arrivals and detailed the heartrending circumstances that had driven them to this point, their friends offered the Lauras a warm, sympathetic welcome, expressing shared grief and support.

Although the returnees and their new arrivals were worn from their journey, there was a strong sense of unity and resolve among them.

…

A short while later the older laura was holding a soda, along with the younger laura as their logan explained why there were so many beings popping up in this timeline.

Logan's deep voice filled the room, providing an explanation that was as unbelievable as it was compelling. "You see," he started, rubbing the back of his neck, "this reality of ours has become a sort of focal point in the omniverse. An omniverse that's many, many times larger than our own multiverse."

He motioned to Lego Batman who was standing close by, his small plastic figure seeming almost comical amongst the group of superheroes. Lego Batman nodded, his hands on his tiny hips, a serious expression on his molded face. "That's right," he chimed in, his voice surprisingly deep for such a small figure. "It's a bit complex, but essentially, this has created a sort of... door. A door that lets in characters from all over the omniverse, some of whom you may know, others... not so much."

Logan's gaze shifted to a character that the two Lauras recognized from their childhood cartoons. Marvin the Martian, with his green helmet and skirt, stood there, an alien figure in more ways than one. "For example," Logan continued, pointing towards Marvin, "our friend Marvin here was one of the first to arrive after all this started."

The older Laura, soda in hand, shared a look with her younger counterpart. The expression on their faces was a mixture of incredulity, confusion, and the slightest hint of amusement. Their reality had become an omniversal crossroads, it seemed, attracting beings from across the vast expanses of existence. It was a lot to take in, but if anyone could adapt to such a strange new reality, it was the X-Men.

Logan went on to explain about the Core, his voice even, as if he was discussing something as mundane as the weather. "Then there's the Core. It's hard to put into words exactly what the Core is," he started, gesturing vaguely with his hands. "Think of it as the origin of all things, the wellspring from which everything in existence springs forth."

His eyes met Laura's as he continued. "The Core is essentially the god of everything. You could say he's from the original universe, the one where everything else was born from. And while it might seem strange, the closest comparison we could make is... the Christian God. The Alpha and Omega, the creator of all things."

Lego Batman nodded solemnly from where he stood, his usually comical figure seeming grave in the light of the discussion. "That's right," he agreed, his voice echoing Logan's seriousness. "It's a concept that can be hard to grasp, but in essence, that's what the Core is."

The Lauras shared a look, the enormity of what they were hearing beginning to sink in. Their world had expanded exponentially, in ways they never could have anticipated.

What about... the other guy... I'm guessing he's real? the younger laura asked, and after a moment the logan of this timeline stepped forward clearing his throat.

Logan's face grew solemn, his gaze distant as if he was recalling a painful memory. "The other one... the Serpent. Yeah, he's real," he said, a shiver running down his spine. "And believe me when I say you never want to meet him. He knows everything you've ever done wrong, every regret you've ever had, every sin you've ever committed. He can bring it all up, weigh you down with it... it's like being chained and drowning at the same time."

His fists clenched tightly, a sign of his discomfort. "I've met this guy... I hope I never have to meet him again. You have no idea what it's like to feel completely powerless. Even gods like Mephisto, Zeus or Thor... they couldn't move when this guy was around. It's something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy."

The grim expression on his face and the haunted look in his eyes spoke volumes, leaving no doubt about the severity of his words. Both Lauras exchanged worried glances, understanding the gravity of what Logan was telling them.

Logan continued, his tone taking on a more explanatory note. "The state of our worlds, they're all because of the Serpent's actions. When he caused the Fall, it didn't just impact that world. The ripples spread far and wide, changing everything."

He let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "There isn't even evolution in that world. Instead, there's creation. The Core, He didn't leave it up to chance, to random mutations and survival of the fittest. In that world, every life, every species, was purposefully and thoughtfully designed."

His words held a weight of truth to them. It was a lot to take in, a complete overhaul of their understanding of life, of existence. But they listened, silent and absorbing, trying to reconcile this newfound knowledge with their own beliefs and experiences.

Laura asked, "What can we do if we ever run into him?"

Logan responded to the older Laura's question; his tone filled with a certain seriousness. "If you ever run into the Serpent... the best thing you can do is ask the Core for help. You see, his very presence makes the Serpent retreat. It's like... his light renders him powerless."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "You can just ask, or pray if you prefer. The Core will hear you, and He will come to your aid. His response might not be direct, but trust that He is working on it."

The room fell silent, each of them absorbing the weight of his words. It was clear they were stepping into a territory much bigger than they ever could have imagined, but they were not alone. They had each other, and they had the Core.

…

Time seemed to blend together as the two Lauras started to adapt to their new surroundings. It was odd, yet comforting, seeing their counterpart content and at peace here. The motherly Laura was holding her daughter, Aorara, a cute bundle of joy with pink eyes and sharp baby teeth that mirrored Derreck's features.

The sight of their counterpart with children gave both Lauras pause. Their eyes widened, and they turned to Logan, their surprise evident in their expressions.

"Wait," the older Laura started, her voice barely a whisper as she nudged Logan, her gaze fixed on the other Laura and her kids. "They... she... she has..."

Her voice trailed off, the question hanging in the air, but the implication was clear. The shock of seeing their counterpart, another Laura, as a mother was an unexpected, but not unpleasant, surprise. It opened a door to possibilities they hadn't considered before, and gave them hope for a future they could barely dare to imagine.

Logan nodded, a proud smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched the other Laura and her family. "Yeah... she's like Derreck now, can warp reality and everything. She's so powerful, she can turn air into plasma with just a flick of her wrist. On top of that, she's practically unkillable."

He glanced back at the two Laura's, his eyes softening. "She's the apex Wolverine. She's... she's transcended any limits we might have had. Like Derreck, she's beyond any of us now. But she's still Laura, our Laura."

This revelation added a new layer of surprise to the faces of the two Lauras. They looked back at their counterpart, their eyes filled with a mixture of awe, confusion, and a bit of envy. But there was also understanding and respect, for they knew that this power did not come without its own burdens.

As if to perfectly illustrate Logan's point, the other Laura extended her hand, and in place of her usual adamantium claws, a candy cane formed. With a soft chuckle, she handed the candy cane to her daughter, Aorara.

Aorara took the candy cane with a giggle, happily munching on the treat. The Lauras watched this with wide eyes, even as they laughed at the scene. They might have been powerful mutants, but the casual use of such reality-warping abilities was still stunning to see.

The older Laura couldn't help but look down at her own hand, flexing her own metallic claws, while the younger Laura looked on with awe at the reality-defying scene. Despite the shocking display of power, the sight of Laura being such a doting mother to her children was incredibly heartwarming. It was a stark reminder that no matter the universe or timeline, some aspects of Laura's character always remained the same.

Turning to the other logan Logan suggested they should meet their grandmother.

Logan chuckled softly as he watched the surprised reactions of the Lauras. His counterpart's eyes glowed, full of warmth and understanding. After all, he had met his own mother's counterpart, and knew the joy and closure it could bring.

"Yeah," he confirmed, addressing the Lauras. "Sarah is here. In this timeline."

His words hung in the air, sending a ripple of shock and anticipation through the two women. Sarah, their grandmother, was here. Alive. It was something they had never even dreamed possible.

"Really?" the younger Laura breathed, her eyes wide and filled with a mixture of hope and disbelief. Her counterpart, the older Laura, merely nodded, absorbing the news. Her face was an open book of mixed emotions, from shock to curiosity, and finally, relief.

The two women exchanged glances, silently communicating their shared astonishment. This was an opportunity they never thought they'd get, and now, they were eager to meet this woman, their grandmother, Sarah.

…

Quickly pivoting to the new issue at hand, Lego Batman informed the group of an incoming problem, his plastic face serious.

"Listen up, people. We've got another conjunction," he relayed. "It's Batman again, but there's a twist. Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Selina Kyle, and Lex Luthor are with him."

The group turned towards him, their expressions turning grave. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Maggie, Negan, Gabriel also known as Van Helsing - and Karl - all looked alert, ready to respond to the crisis at hand.

"They've materialized in New York. But these versions...they're different," Lego Batman continued, adjusting his cowl slightly as if it could help him analyze the situation better. "Darker. Almost edgy. SHIELD already had a near miss with them, and the situation is tense."

The statement hung in the air, weighing heavily on everyone present. A moment's silence passed before Batman finally broke it, his voice quiet but resolute.

"We'll handle it. Pack up, everyone. We're heading to New York."

Without another word, they all set into motion, preparing for their sudden departure. The new development came as a surprise, but they knew they had to face it head-on, whatever 'darker' might entail for them this time.

…

As the group arrived at the scene, the tension was palpable. They stepped forward, Batman at their head, his grim expression visible even beneath the shadow of his cowl. Derreck was also amongst them, his gaze steady as he scanned the new arrivals.

The newcomers stood their ground, their postures wary and defensive. The alternate Batman, an imposing figure dressed in an even darker version of the suit, glared at them, his gaze lingering on Superman. Beside him stood Batgirl, her outfit sharing the same ominous tone, her stance mirroring the vigilante's hardened look. Harley Quinn, Selina Kyle, and Lex Luthor also stood by, equally as daunting.

The sight of Superman seemed to further escalate the tension. They regarded each other with visible unease, an unspoken hostility floating in the air. The tension was a tangible thing, a silent standoff between the groups that threatened to ignite into conflict at any moment.

The atmosphere was heavy as the heroes from this universe and the newcomers from another measured each other. Batman, standing at the forefront of the group, was the first to address the elephant in the room.

"We understand that you come from a different universe," Batman said, his voice steady and calm. The counterpart Batman, an intimidating figure in his battle-hardened suit, gave a stiff nod in affirmation.

"The Injustice universe," he supplied, his voice rough and gravelly, loaded with untold stories of hardship and loss.

A tense silence fell over them as they digested the implications. Superman, however, was quick to fill the void. "We're aware of the term 'Injustice,' but we're not exactly certain of its implications in your universe," he confessed, his tone sincere and empathetic.

The alternate Batman stared at his counterpart and then turned his gaze to Superman. He let out a dry chuckle, his voice a low growl, "You have no idea..."

"We wish to," Superman continued, undeterred by the harsh reaction. "We're not your enemies. We're here to understand and, if possible, to assist."

His words hung in the air, the tension not dissipated, but perhaps slightly eased. The alternative universe's heroes and villains alike studied them, their expressions unreadable. The standoff remained, but there was a sliver of hope for resolution.

The Injustice Batman took a deep breath, as if the mere act of recalling the past was a weight unto itself. His eyes, cold and hardened, met each of theirs in turn before he began to speak.

"It started with the Joker," he began, his voice a gravelly whisper, echoing through the eerie silence. "In our world, he was more twisted than the one you know here. He manipulated Superman, tricked him into believing he was fighting Doomsday. Instead... Superman killed Lois Lane, who was pregnant with their child."

A collective gasp echoed through the assembled heroes. The horror of the scenario began to sink in, the weight of such a loss, especially for someone as noble as Superman, was unthinkable.

The Injustice Batman continued, "That wasn't all. The Joker had planted a nuclear bomb in Metropolis. It was wired to Lois's heartbeat. The moment her heart stopped, the city... Metropolis was gone. Millions died."

The silence that followed was heavy, as though the air itself was mourning the unspeakable horror that befell the other universe.

"Superman..." Batman's counterpart paused, gathering his thoughts. "Superman lost control. He was filled with rage, sorrow... He confronted the Joker, and he... He killed him. Ripped him in half. That was the beginning of his descent into tyranny."

The Injustice Batman's voice trailed off, his gaze distant, as if he were seeing the horrors of the past play out before his eyes once again. The enormity of the situation hung over them all, a chilling reminder of the darkness that could consume even the greatest of heroes.

"He didn't do that in our universe... in their multiverse." Wonder Woman said.

Which caused batman to freeze at that... I'm sorry... did you say... other multiverse? so that means...?

Batman took a deep breath before launching into an explanation. "Here, in our universe, this is Earth 616. Our Earth is different from yours. We don't have Joker, Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, or any of the other heroes and villains you know. They don't exist here, not in the same way they do in your reality."

He gestured around them, "You're here because of a phenomenon called the Conjunction. Our Earth has become a focal point of the Omniverse, a convergence of realities that is allowing things to slip through that normally wouldn't - or shouldn't."

Seeing the confusion on the Injustice group's faces, Batman continued, "You need to understand that the Omniverse is a concept far larger than a single multiverse. It is an ensemble of all possible universes, including your own. It is a vast and infinitely complex plane of existence."

"And it's letting in beings from all sorts of realities. It's not just other heroes and villains from parallel Earths. It's things like the Looney Tunes, beings that we would consider fictional or impossible. They're all real here, on this Earth, right now."

There was a pause as he let this sink in. The Injustice group looked staggered, taking in this flood of new information. Their own problems, monumental as they were in their own universe, suddenly seemed even more overwhelming in the face of this staggering revelation.

Batman, noticing the skeptical expressions on their faces, gestured towards Maggie and Negan. "Take Maggie and Negan here, for example," he began, his voice calm and steady. "They come from a world vastly different from both of ours. In their reality, the world ended in 2010."

He paused for effect, his gaze steady. "A bioengineered virus spread across the globe, turning the dead into what they call 'walkers.' Zombies, if you will. Every person who dies turns, regardless of how they died, unless their brain is destroyed. It's a world of constant survival against man-eating monsters."

Their eyes widened as they digested this information. The thought of such a world was a frightening concept, a stark reminder of how different realities could be, and how fortunate or unfortunate one could be depending on where in the Omniverse they found themselves.

Batman then turned to the figure next to him, one which was considerably smaller and, well, blockier. "And this...," he began, gesturing to the character by his side, "is another version of us."

The Lego figure waved at the group, a characteristic grin on his blocky face. Despite his seemingly comical appearance, he held the attention of everyone present.

"He may be a toy, made of plastic bricks," Batman continued, a slight hint of amusement in his voice, "but he's been invaluable in dealing with the events surrounding the Conjunction. Believe me when I say, appearances can be very deceiving in the Omniverse."

In the middle of this surreal introduction, Batman's gaze landed on the seemingly out-of-place young man standing with them. The boy seemed to be dressed in tattered clothes, his demeanor suggesting a certain level of indifference or stoicism that contrasted with the elaborate characters surrounding him.

"Who's the kid?" The alternate Batman asked, eyes narrowing on Derreck. "Does he hail from another universe too?"

A half-smile crept onto Batman's face as he turned to his counterpart. "That 'kid' as you put it, is Derreck," he began, his voice echoing a certain respect and seriousness. "He's the son of Mistress Death of this universe and the creator of a dark multiverse, not unlike ours, but darker. Much, much darker. His presence here is... pivotal."

His explanation left a silence in its wake, the gravity of Derreck's origins sinking into the newcomers. They glanced at the seemingly ordinary young man with new found understanding, the hidden depth of his identity adding another layer to their already complicated reality.

Just as the other Batman was about to speak, Derreck advanced forward, his attention seemingly hooked on something distant. For a moment, he paused, looking back at the Batman who had brought them to this world, then pivoted towards the alternate Batman. He let out a sigh, something weighty and profound.

"The plan you're considering... developing contingencies against all of us," Derreck began, his voice steady. "I don't think it's wise. From what I saw, depending on the timeline, it can lead to major disagreements and conflicts down the line. And when the 'other guy' arrives tomorrow... I'm just saying, it might not pan out well."

With his piece said, Derreck abruptly turned his gaze to the side, captivated by the sight of a passing butterfly. His demeanor changed from profound to childlike in a split second as he allowed the butterfly to land on his shoulder, completely enthralled by the simple beauty of it. The stark contrast only emphasized the complex nature of the reality-bending young man.

The new arrivals gawked, their eyes wide as they digested Derreck's prophetic statement. "How...did he know that?" Harley questioned, pointing an accusatory finger at Derreck as she turned to the Batman of this world.

Harley's question hung in the air, her disbelief mirrored by the others. The local Batman simply gave a nonchalant shrug. "It's just... natural for him," he explained, his voice laced with an undercurrent of respect and understanding for the young reality-bender.

"His perception of reality, time, everything... it's different from ours. He's privy to information we could only dream of understanding. And he sees outcomes we could never predict," Batman added, his gaze following the butterfly that had caught Derreck's attention. The reminder of Derreck's abilities, while awe-inspiring, also served as a quiet warning to the newcomers - this world, this reality they had stumbled into, was unlike anything they'd ever encountered before.

The alternate Batman simply stood there, silent, his brow furrowed in thought. His sharp, analytical mind was hard at work, processing this revelation. For all his strategic genius and foresight, he had never encountered someone who could literally see the future. He turned his masked gaze to Derreck, a new layer of caution and curiosity simmering in his eyes.

Selina Kyle, on the other hand, gave a wry smile as she crossed her arms, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "Well, isn't he an interesting one?" she said, tilting her head. The unpredictability that Derreck represented added a dash of unexpected flavor to this new world, and she found herself drawn to it, intrigued by its novelty.

Batgirl's eyes widened slightly as she took in the explanation. She felt a mix of awe and trepidation. As a member of the Bat-family, she knew better than anyone how dangerous knowledge of the future could be. Yet, she couldn't help but feel a measure of fascination as she looked at Derreck, the living paradox.

Harley Quinn, however, was the most expressive. "Ya gotta be kiddin' me, Batsy!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide and her mouth agape in astonishment. The revelation that Derreck could see into the future was a bombshell that sent her reeling. She stared at Derreck, her eyes flickering with a combination of awe, respect, and just a little bit of fear. She then leaned over to Selina, whispering, "Gee, Selina, think he can see what I'm gonna eat for breakfast tomorrow?"

"Bacon and pancakes served by kirby and the tasmanien devil... you know... the loony toons character... he's already becoming quite proficient at his job..." Derreck replied without turning back.

Startled, Harley Quinn jolted upright, turning to stare at Derreck with wide eyes. "Well, ain't that somethin'!" she said, her tone filled with surprise and amusement. She turned back to Selina with a big grin. "Did ya hear that, Kitty? Pancakes and bacon! This place just keeps getting better and better!"

Meanwhile, Selina simply chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Well, that's certainly... unique," she commented, shaking her head slightly in disbelief.

The alternate Batman was still silent, his gaze unblinking as he observed Derreck. His mind was turning, processing the information and trying to calculate how this could impact their situation.

Batgirl, on the other hand, was staring at Derreck with a mixture of astonishment and curiosity. "That's... pretty incredible," she admitted, her voice carrying a note of awe.

The fact that Derreck could predict something as trivial as Harley's breakfast from the Looney Tunes was astounding and further solidified the reality of their situation. They were indeed in a different universe, with its own rules and characters.

Oh, and it gets even better... when Darksied found his way into this world... he not only brushed off his omega beams... he also endured the agony matrix... he kind of overloaded it... since it went up so high... and between you and me... he was actually, sad, that it went away... since he's incapable of feeling the slightest sensation... he can't even eat, sleep or taste... he's been like that his whole life... Lego batman said to them, to drive the point home.

The information given by Lego Batman caused a ripple of shock and surprise to wash over the newcomers. Harley Quinn's eyes widened, her mouth opening slightly as she tried to comprehend the implications. "Wow... that's... that's crazy!" she finally managed to exclaim.

Selina, meanwhile, tilted her head, her green eyes assessing as she contemplated the image of an untouchable Derreck. "Incredible," she murmured, the single word carrying a wealth of meaning.

Batgirl was silent, her eyebrows knitted together in contemplation. The revelation presented a stark contrast to the villains they were accustomed to dealing with. This kid, Derreck, was a whole new level of untouchable.

The alternate Batman, ever the stoic one, merely narrowed his eyes, his mind working in overdrive. His fingers tapped rhythmically against his arm as he mulled over the implications of what Lego Batman had revealed. His gaze shifted from Derreck to the surrounding group, his expression unreadable. He was definitely in uncharted territory, and he was already considering how to navigate it.

By the way Darksied is listening in... though he's visibly faltered by what I just said... he's planning on attacking again... oh... he just changed his mind.

As Derreck's words hung in the air, the atmosphere grew tenser. Everyone turned to look at each other, their expressions ranging from bewilderment to mild amusement. The concept of Darksied, a terrifying foe in their respective worlds, changing his plans based on Derreck's casual statement was surreal.

The alternate Batman's eyes widened slightly, a rare show of surprise. He was used to being the one to out-think his enemies, and the idea of a teenager doing it so effortlessly was unsettling.

Harley Quinn let out a small chuckle, a hint of admiration in her voice as she said, "Kid's got style, gotta give him that."

Batgirl looked thoughtful, her eyes going to Derreck. It was clear that the young man was full of surprises and was far more powerful than he appeared.

Selina Kyle, on the other hand, simply smirked, a sparkle of amusement in her eyes. For her, this was a new kind of game and one she was looking forward to playing.

As Derreck casually mentioned Darkseid's sudden change of heart, he quipped, "Was it something I said?" No sooner than these words left his lips, a projectile whizzed through the air, colliding with his face with such force that his head literally exploded. What emerged instead was a chaotic mass of black, worm-like, snake-like, centipede-like tendrils that writhed around like mad.

There was a stunned silence among the new arrivals, their eyes wide as they watched the bizarre spectacle. However, in mere moments, Derreck's head began to reconstitute itself, hair and all, from the undulating mass. He looked up, pinpointing the source of the attack on a nearby rooftop. A stunned Slade was crouched there, completely taken aback by the scene unfolding before him.

"Looks like you guys weren't the only ones to show up," Derreck said nonchalantly, dusting himself off as if he hadn't just survived a direct hit to the face. "I'll be right back."

Before anyone could process what was happening, Derreck disappeared, only to reappear a few moments later with a captive Slade in tow. "Shall we continue?" He asked, completely unperturbed by the recent events. The reactions from the new arrivals varied from shock to disbelief, as they tried to process the reality of this reality-bending youth.

The reactions of the new arrivals were a complex mix of shock, disbelief, and curiosity.

Harley Quinn was the first to react, her mouth agape in surprise. "Holy freakin' cannoli! Did ya just see that?!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment.

Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, held her hand to her mouth, her brows furrowing as she tried to comprehend what she had just seen. "That's... that's not possible... is it?" she questioned, glancing to Batman for some form of reassurance.

The alternate Batman, meanwhile, stood as still as a statue, his gaze locked on the spot where Derreck had reformed himself. A long silence hung in the air as he scrutinized the youth, his mind working at a frenzied pace to analyze the situation. "Impossible..." he muttered under his breath, his tone one of disbelief mixed with a touch of apprehension.

Selina Kyle, alias Catwoman, had her arms crossed, her emerald eyes shimmering with intrigue. "Well, this just got interesting," she said, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

Lex Luthor, who had remained notably silent during the entire exchange, simply raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming with an unreadable expression. It was clear that this development had piqued his interest. "Fascinating..." he mused quietly, a calculating look settling on his face as he turned his attention back to Derreck.

…

As the group journeyed back to the island, the tension in the air was palpable. Slade, who had been quiet for most of the trip, couldn't help but glance nervously at Derreck. His attempt to take the young boy out had failed catastrophically, and the consequences of his actions were unknown.

The mercenary's usual confidence seemed to have left him, replaced with a rare hint of apprehension. He was known for his tactical mind and cool demeanor, even in the face of danger. But now, he was in uncharted territory, dealing with a being whose powers were beyond his comprehension.

Every so often, his gaze would drift back to Derreck, who seemed to be entirely unbothered by the event. The boy appeared more interested in the scenery around them than in the man who had just tried to take his life. The casualness of his demeanor only served to unsettle Slade further.

Despite the tension, the journey back to the island proceeded without further incident. The newcomers - Batman, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Selina Kyle, and Lex Luthor - followed in relative silence, their minds undoubtedly processing the unbelievable events they had witnessed. As for Slade, he remained on edge, acutely aware of the uncertainty that lay ahead.

Both Batmen, along with Lego Batman, turned their attention to Slade during the journey. "Why were you targeting Derreck?" the main Batman queried, his tone carrying an edge of command that demanded an answer.

"Who's the one who ordered the hit?" Lego Batman added, his miniature figure seemingly at odds with his grave tone.

Slade, feeling cornered, shot them a defiant look. "That's none of your business," he retorted gruffly.

Just as he finished, Logan chuckled, shaking his head knowingly. "That's not the right answer, Slade."

All eyes then fell on Derreck who was leaning down in front of Slade, grinning from ear to ear. His sharp, triangular teeth glinted ominously in the dim light, resembling those of a shark. The way his retinas reflected light only added to the eerie atmosphere.

"You don't want to talk, huh? Fine. You don't need to." The boy's voice was unexpectedly calm, belying the disturbing grin still stretched across his face. And then, his form began to ripple, contort, and morph into something far less human.

To the newcomers, the sight was an unimaginable horror. A writhing mass of black tendrils replaced Derreck's form, squirming around each other like a nest of vipers. His unnerving grin remained the only identifiable feature amidst the shifting mass, seeming to grow even more grotesque in the transformation.

Their reactions were immediate and varied: Batman and Batgirl stiffened, eyes wide; Harley Quinn let out a gasp, hand flying to her mouth; Selina Kyle's eyes widened, but she otherwise maintained her cool composure; Lex Luthor, meanwhile, simply watched with a calculating expression. They were all visibly taken aback, caught off guard by the boy's unexpected transformation. Despite their own past experiences with the extraordinary, this was clearly a sight none of them had ever witnessed before.

From the nest of roiling, snake-like tendrils, Derreck's voice echoed, rumbling like a thunderstorm. It was as though the voice was emerging from every part of the writhing mass that was his body.

"You know, there must be a million, billion ways I could extract the information out of you," he mused, the tendrils squirming more intensely with his words. "But I am going to ask anyway, out of admiration for the fact that you had the guts to try blowing my head off in the first place."

His next words hung heavy in the air. "Slade... who ordered the hit?"

Under the intense gaze of the monstrous entity in front of him, Slade's defiant demeanor cracked, his facade crumbling under the oppressive atmosphere. He stuttered, stammered, and then finally blurted it out, the words tumbling over one another in his haste to answer.

"The ring-wraiths, Megatron... everyone!" His eyes were wide and desperate. "They all put a bounty on your head! For all the beings that find themselves here... they've all been offered a reward to bring you down!"

Everyone aboard the aircraft had their attention riveted on Slade's revelation. Their reactions were mixed, but the shock was evident in each one of them.

Batman, always the strategist, wore a look of grim determination. His mind was undoubtedly already processing this new information, calculating the best response. His eyes held a glint of concern for Derreck, but it was well masked by his ever present stoicism. Batgirl, Selina Kyle, and Harley Quinn all wore expressions of varying shock and apprehension, clearly unnerved by this unexpected development.

Wonder Woman's stoic mask faltered slightly, the corners of her lips pressing down in a tight line. She looked at Derreck, concern evident in her gaze. Superman's expression hardened, his jaw clenching. It was clear he was uncomfortable with the situation, yet prepared to face whatever may come.

Logan, who had been silently observing the whole exchange, merely arched an eyebrow. His gruff exterior gave away nothing of his thoughts, but there was an understanding in his gaze. He'd expected something of this nature, given the chaotic nature of the omniverse.

Maggie looked aghast, her heart pounding in her chest. She held on to Negan tighter, her fingers digging into his arm. Negan, on the other hand, looked slightly amused, though there was an undeniable hint of concern in his eyes.

Van-Helsing and Karl exchanged a glance, both of their expressions hard to read. This was new territory for them, but they were ready to face whatever was thrown their way. There was a sense of grim determination on their faces, a clear testament to their resolve.

And in the midst of it all, the writhing mass of tentacles that was Derreck seemed to 'grin' even wider, if such a thing was possible. The revelation didn't seem to faze him. Instead, it almost felt like he relished in the chaos. He was prepared for whatever the omniverse threw at him - he was, after all, the son of Mistress Death and a dark multiverse creator.

"Oh... so that's why one of the other guys shows up tomorrow...! derreck said as he stands up and returns to his original form... I'm actually curios if they could do anything to me to make me feel anything?" he said as she sat down and stared out the window in wonder.

His nonchalant remark drew stunned glances from the group. The casualness with which he pondered the threats against him was unsettling to most of them, and it served to deepen the mystery surrounding this peculiar individual. His gaze was distant, his focus completely taken by the view outside the window as if he was contemplating an existential question, rather than the mortal threats that loomed over him.

Harley Quinn spoke up, her voice a high pitched squeak, "Kid, ain't ya scared? They're out to get ya!"

Derreck turned to look at her, his pink eyes glowing with an almost childlike curiosity. "Scared? Of feeling something? No...that's...what I want," he said, his voice just a whisper, almost inaudible over the hum of the aircraft.

There was a silence that followed his admission, a thoughtful quiet that hung heavy in the air. It was Batman, always one to focus on the task at hand, who broke it. "We need to prepare for what's coming. We can't afford any more surprises." His tone was decisive, prompting everyone to snap out of their momentary stupor and start strategizing for the battles to come.

Kira, despite being heavily pregnant, was fully immersed in coordinating the newcomer's interview. Assisting her were a diverse group of individuals including Yennefer, Orianna, Dettlaff, Regis, Lambert, Triss, Hange, Levi, and Meg from the Disney Hercules universe. At Meg's side, providing support and assistance, was Hercules himself.

The newly arrived guests—Batman, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Selina Kyle, and Lex Luthor—were situated across from the team. Each one of them had recently crossed over from another universe and was now being introduced to this new, multifaceted reality.

Meg, holding a clipboard with a list of names, took the lead in the interview. "We know your names, of course," she began, her tone inviting and warm, "but we'd like to hear more about your world, your stories, and any unique aspects that set your universe apart from others."

The interview commenced with Meg and Hercules working together to ensure every detail was recorded. Meanwhile, the rest of the team attentively absorbed every bit of information. Kira, despite her advancing pregnancy, was incredibly alert, evaluating each bit of information.

Hange, as expected, exuded curiosity, keen to understand the peculiarities of these new arrivals. Levi, maintaining his typical stoic demeanor, observed the newcomers closely. Lambert and Triss approached the situation with a certain calmness, their years of experience allowing them to handle such unprecedented scenarios with ease.

While this interview session could be overwhelming for the newcomers, it was also a chance for them to familiarize themselves with this extraordinary world they had landed in—one where the barriers between universes were blurred.

…

In another part of the island, a symphony of a child's first cries began to echo throughout the area. The scene was bustling with activity - Philippa and Fringilla, accomplished sorceresses from Yennefer's world, were there, accompanied by several repurposed medical droids once under Imperial control. Freya, a goddess from Kratos' realm, and Perseis, the second daughter of Kratos and Aphrodite, also lent their hands.

Despite the intense pain of labor, Yennefer was holding her own. She was a formidable sorceress, used to standing her ground against unimaginable challenges, but this was a different kind of trial.

Philippa, with her extensive knowledge of magic and healing, was taking the lead. Fringilla was providing emotional support, a steady rock in the tumultuous storm. The medical droids were busily attending to all technical aspects of the birth, their advanced technology being put to excellent use in monitoring Yennefer and the baby's condition.

Freya, a respected healer from her own realm, was sharing her skills and wisdom. Meanwhile, Perseis was acting as a support figure, ready to step in if required. They all had a purpose, contributing their unique skills to help Yennefer.

And then, amidst the chaos and anticipation, the baby was born. A healthy boy with striking purple eyes - eyes that hinted at his future as a Witcher. Even though his abilities were yet to manifest, the room was filled with a sense of his potential.

And his name? Roderick of Rivia, a name that seemed to reverberate with destiny and potential - a name chosen for a boy who was already destined for greatness. The future had already given them a glimpse of the man he would become, and they all waited with bated breath to see it unfold.

As the echoes of Roderick's cries softened to a quiet cooing, the medical droids parted, creating a path for Geralt and Avallac'h to enter the room. The Witcher's stern face softened into a gentle expression at the sight of his newborn son, while Avallac'h remained stoic, his keen eyes studying the infant from a distance.

Silently, Avallac'h moved to the child's side, his elven magic reaching out to sense the genetic potential within the tiny form of Roderick. A hint of surprise flashed across his features as he turned to address Geralt and Yennefer, "He carries both the refined Witcher genes and a powerful magical potential. And it seems..." He paused for a moment before continuing, "there are traces of Witcher potions in his blood. Perhaps he has inherited them from Geralt. This means... he may not need to take the potions. His body could already possess the enhanced capabilities."

Everyone in the room seemed to hold their breath, taking in the enormity of the revelation. The room was filled with a sense of awe and anticipation, as they realized the full extent of Roderick's potential. His birth was not only a joyous event but also a sign of a destiny that was yet to unfold.

…

As they convened within the heart of Krakoa - the sanctuary in the Marvel Universe that had become a refuge for the displaced due to the Omniversal conjunction - the group comprising of Phillipa, Fringilla, Triss, Kira, and Ciri were deep in conversation. The focus was the future of the newly born Roderick of Rivia.

Phillipa was the first to voice her thoughts, "Given his raw magical potential, we need to start with the very basics of magic. It's our responsibility to ensure he can use it safely and effectively."

Fringilla supported Phillipa's stance, adding, "Undoubtedly, but we also can't overlook his refined Witcher genes. We need to strike a balance. Geralt will handle his physical training, but Roderick also needs to learn about potions, signs, and the lore of monsters."

Triss, always the gentle heart, suggested, "While all this is essential, let's not forget, he's just an infant. There's plenty of time for everything. What he needs now is a childhood filled with stories, games, and love."

As the pragmatist of the group, Kira interjected, "Also, we should consider his education. I can oversee his learning about herbs and alchemical components. We aim to mold him into a well-rounded individual."

All eyes finally turned to Ciri. The young woman who had grown from a child to a strong, capable woman under their watchful eyes now had her say. She was silent for a moment, collecting her thoughts before she spoke, her voice resonant and assertive.

"You all have valid points," Ciri began, her eyes darting around the room at each of the women present, acknowledging their concerns and aspirations for young Roderick. "But let's remember, he's still just an infant. He has plenty of time to learn everything we've discussed."

She paused for a moment, drawing a breath, her tone softening. "We've met him as an adult from the future, yes. But right now, he's here in the present with us. He needs love, care, comfort... the basics."

Her gaze drifted to the side as she considered Triss's earlier words, nodding in agreement. "Triss is right. Childhood should be filled with stories, games, and love. In the future, when he's ready, we can present him with the options we've discussed today."

Ciri's words were filled with wisdom beyond her years, reflecting the balance of her own upbringing as a princess, a Witcher, and a traveler of worlds. The room fell into thoughtful silence as the others mulled over her perspective, acknowledging the weight and value of her opinion. For now, Roderick's future would be crafted one baby step at a time.

Later in the day, an eclectic group made their way to visit Yennefer and her newborn son, Roderick. Leading the pack was the Baron, a tall, imposing figure with a rugged beard. His old habit of incessant drinking was a thing of the past, replaced now by a seemingly constant stream of soda, a sweet drink from this new world that he had taken a liking to. His hand, steady as ever, held a glass of the fizzy beverage.

Close on his heels was his daughter, Tamara, with a matching soda in hand, her once tumultuous relationship with her father mended over time. Beside her walked the Baron's wife, her mental state much improved and content in the company of her husband and daughter.

Salma, the succubus, gracefully trailed behind them, her exotic beauty accentuated by the love-filled glow on her face. By her side was her lover, Sam, a changeling who had chosen to take on the form of a young man in this realm. His appearance may have changed, but his deep affection for Salma remained a constant.

Rounding up the group was the unforgettable figure of Trollololo, his massive form casting a long shadow. Even with his intimidating appearance, there was a gentleness in his eyes that betrayed a kind soul.

They had all been invited to meet the newest member of their unlikely family, and they were all eager to meet the baby boy, Roderick, Yennefer's son. As they entered Yennefer's quarters, their faces lit up at the sight of the sleeping infant cradled in his mother's arms.

The Baron was the first to approach Yennefer and the baby. He held out a tiny leather pouch, beautifully crafted and filled with small trinkets and keepsakes from his own homeland - an amulet for protection, a feather from a griffin - all little pieces of a world Roderick would never know but would still be a part of his heritage.

Next was Tamara, who handed over a soft, hand-knitted blanket. The warmth and love that went into making it were clear to see, and she hoped it would keep little Roderick warm during the cold nights.

The Baron's wife gave a small, intricate locket, an heirloom from her own family, passed down for generations. She smiled warmly at Yennefer, hoping the locket would be cherished and one day passed down to Roderick's own children.

Salma and Sam presented a beautifully illustrated children's book, filled with tales from various universes, beautifully captured and bound in a colorful, hardback cover. It was a gift of knowledge and imagination, a window to the endless possibilities that the multiverse held.

Lastly, Trollololo lumbered forward with a shy smile. He carefully presented his own gift, a rock-carved figurine of himself, decorated with wooden engravings. Small troll gems had been embedded into the wooden parts of the figurine, sparkling under the room's lights. Despite its rough exterior, the figurine had a certain charm to it - a piece of the gentle giant's heart given form.

Each gift was unique, filled with warmth and love, just like the members of this unconventional family, who had gathered together to celebrate the birth of Yennefer and Geralt's son, Roderick.

The following morning found Harley Quinn stepping into the bustling dining area. With a yawn and a stretch, she barely had a moment to take in the scene before a whirlwind of movement caught her attention. The Tasmanian Devil, in his characteristic spinning style, rapidly approached, carrying a platter aloft.

With a bit of showmanship, he came to an abrupt stop, kicking up a small gust of wind that ruffled Harley's hair. Then, Kirby handed Taz the lid for the platter. With a dramatic flourish, the lid was lifted, revealing a sumptuous breakfast of perfectly cooked bacon and a stack of fluffy pancakes.

Harley couldn't help but laugh at the spectacle. "Well, ain't this a surprise," she remarked, grabbing a plate and helping herself to the unexpected feast. The scent of freshly made food filled the air, bringing a sense of hominess to the otherwise extraordinary situation.

Harley Quinn eats her meal in silence... her eyes taking in the sight in front of her...before her was someone like logan, but she was a girl, with an infant in hand... who was carrying a pink monolith like object, along with, another one that looked almost exactly like her, and another who looked older, and another who looked more rugged.

Harley quietly observed the scene, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the four identical women, each holding a different aspect of themselves. She tried to piece together the puzzle, her gaze flickering between the quartet and the infant they were cooing over.

"Quadruplets?" she mumbled to herself, her fork suspended mid-air.

Overhearing her comment, Logan, who was sitting nearby, corrected her gently, "Not quite, Harl. That's Laura. She's... kinda like my daughter in this universe. The rugged one is from a darker multiverse and the other two, well... one's a clone, and the other's the original Laura from my original timeline."

He then pointed to a pair of men who seemed eerily similar to him. "Over there are two other versions of me. One's from my original timeline, the other's from that same dark multiverse. Lost his arm, poor bastard." His voice held a hint of sympathy.

He then gestured to another man, one who was making Ciri laugh, her arm thrown casually around him. "That's Logan2, my clone, and Ciri's partner," Logan explained. "And the last one, Logan3, he's another clone. Found himself a family here."

Harley absorbed the information silently, her gaze darting between the people Logan pointed out. It was a lot to take in, but somehow, in this odd and perplexing world, it seemed to make a strange kind of sense. She shook her head slightly, an amused smirk gracing her lips.

"You know, I thought our world was messed up, but this... this is on a whole different level," she chuckled, returning her attention to her breakfast. But she couldn't help stealing glances at the Logans and Lauras, her interest piqued. This was all certainly turning out to be much more intriguing than she had initially anticipated.

Lex Luthor's astute eyes noticed the curious interaction between Laura and the infant. He watched as Laura handed a piece of crystal to the baby, who promptly bit into it with sharp, distinctive teeth. Lex's eyes narrowed as he observed the scene, his mind working overtime as he put the pieces together.

"Wait a minute," Lex said aloud to no one in particular, as the realization dawned on him. "That means Laura and... Derreck... they're...". He left the sentence hanging, the implication clear enough to anyone listening.

Intrigued, he turned his attention back to the young family, watching as Laura and Derreck interacted with the baby with a fondness that seemed out of place in the chaotic environment they found themselves in. Lex had to admit, it was a fascinating development, one he hadn't seen coming. But then again, in this unpredictable new world, it was just one of many surprises.

Logan, who had been silently listening to Lex's realization, chimed in. He gestured toward Laura and the baby, the barest hint of a smile on his face.

"You're right, Luthor," he began, a soft gruffness to his voice. "And here's another shocker for you. That little one? She's the reason we're all here in the first place."

Lex turned to him, eyebrows raised in skepticism. "She caused this...conjunction?" he asked, struggling to keep the surprise out of his voice.

Logan nodded, his eyes fixated on the young child who was currently waving a pink monolith around like a toy. "Believe it or not, yeah. When she swung that monolith, she tore a hole right into the fabric of the omniverse. Opened the door wide for all sorts of characters to stroll on in. Just like that," he said, snapping his fingers for emphasis.

It was a hard concept to digest, even for someone as brilliant as Lex. He stared at the baby, who was now gnawing happily on the crystal, blissfully unaware of the chaos she had caused. His mind churned, processing this newfound information and the implications it carried. This new world was proving to be a lot more complex and unpredictable than he had initially anticipated.

Batman, who was sitting across from Lex, nodded thoughtfully. As a strategist, he was always analyzing and adapting to new information. "It's unpredictable... But it's not completely without structure. Every universe has its own laws, it seems," he mused aloud.

Selina, who was sitting next to him, quirked an eyebrow and gave a small, amused smirk. "Only you, Bruce, could look at this and see structure," she said. But her eyes softened when she glanced at the baby. "She doesn't look like she could cause all this... chaos."

Batgirl, or Barbara Gordon as she was known in her own universe, looked on with wide eyes, taking in the sight of the little girl and her monolith. She had seen a lot in her life, but this was something entirely different. "It's hard to believe," she murmured, awe creeping into her voice.

Harley, meanwhile, was laughing. It was a loud, uninhibited cackle that echoed throughout the room. "A baby did all this? You're pulling my leg, right?" She glanced at the others, noticing their serious expressions. "You're not joking, are ya? Well, ain't that just the cherry on top of this crazy sundae." She shook her head, amusement dancing in her eyes.

After a short while, Lego batman contacted logan alerting him to another conjunction, which they already knew would happen, since derreck told them that the other guys would show up today, when he first met Harley Quinn.

The group, consisting of an eclectic mix of characters, wasted no time in heading towards the conjunction site. Lego Batman had been efficient in communicating the details, and they now knew exactly where to go.

"Stick together," Logan advised, his stern gaze sweeping over the group. He was already in his Wolverine persona, claws extended and ready for any threat. "And remember, we're not sure what or who we're going to encounter."

Batman, ever the leader, nodded in agreement. "We need to be prepared for anything," he added, his gravelly voice echoing in the quiet air. "Let's move."

Selina, Batgirl, and Harley Quinn, each formidable in their own right, shared a determined glance before following the men. The other Batman, his demeanor as stoic as his counterpart, fell into step with them.

Regis, Deadpool, Wile E. Coyote, and the Roadrunner also joined the group, their unique abilities and experiences adding to the strength of the team.

Bringing up the rear was Derreck, his dark form casting an ominous shadow. His role was still unclear to the new arrivals, but it was evident that he was essential to the mission.

As they moved towards the new conjunction, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. They were about to face another wave of characters from another universe, and none of them knew exactly what that would bring. Yet, they were ready, prepared to handle whatever came their way.

…

As they flew through the air... Harley Quinn was in between two very real cartoon characters... while derreck was at the back... starring out the window... Regis and Selina were the first ones to pick up on, the second batman's composure... but Regis was the first one to say it... "do you ever take a break from planning ahead?"

Regis's question cut through the quiet hum of their transport. The vampire was known for his keen perceptiveness, and it was clear that he'd picked up on something the others had not. His golden eyes were trained on the second Batman, whose eyes were concealed behind the iconic cowl, always in thought, always analyzing.

The second Batman turned to regard Regis, his stern expression never wavering. "Planning ahead is the only reason I'm still alive," he replied, his voice low and measured. There was an edge to it, an echo of countless battles fought and won. "It's the only reason any of us are."

Selina, who was sitting close to Batman, looked at him thoughtfully. Her green eyes gleamed with a mixture of concern and understanding. She had spent a good part of her life fighting by Batman's side, and she knew him better than most.

Regis nodded, understanding the necessity of Batman's vigilance but also aware of the toll it must take. "Just remember, friend," he said softly, "that even the most steadfast of warriors needs to rest."

Regis' voice held a contemplative tone as he continued the conversation. He turned to the other Batman, his gaze thoughtful. "Yet your gaze seems particularly fixed on Derreck. I believe you are concerned about a potential repetition of the incidents on your own world. You're planning a contingency for him, aren't you?"

The Batman from the world of Injustice didn't immediately respond. His steely eyes lingered on Derreck, who sat at the back of their transport, oblivious to their conversation. Selina also turned to Batman, her curiosity piqued.

Finally, Batman's lips curled into a faint smile, barely visible beneath his cowl. "Contingency plans are necessary, Regis," he stated simply, his gaze still on Derreck. "Especially when dealing with unknown variables."

"But Derreck..." Harley chimed in, crossing her arms. "He's a good guy, ain't he? He's helping us, after all."

"Even the best of us can lose our way, Harley," Batman replied solemnly. His mind drifted back to his own universe, to a Superman who had once been his friend, but had turned into a tyrant. "And Derreck...he has abilities we barely understand. The potential for catastrophe is high."

The other Batman, noticing the conversation, felt compelled to share an alarming tale that had long been gnawing at him. His voice held a distinctive edge as he began, "I believe it's essential for everyone here to understand a harsh truth. There exists another... variant of us. A Batman who... succumbed to his deepest fears."

The Batman from the Injustice world turned towards his counterpart, a crease forming on his brow beneath the cowl. The attention of Harley, too, was captured by this sudden revelation.

"The Batman who laughs," the original Batman elucidated further, his countenance hardened by the somber recollection. "He was once identical to us until a fateful confrontation with the Joker irrevocably altered his path. He... he took Joker's life and, in the aftermath, was exposed to a potent concentration of Joker's toxin. The impact was... cataclysmic."

He paused, a haunted gaze cast into the distance as he recollected the abhorrent image of the deranged Batman. "He descended into madness, orchestrating destruction of an unimaginable scale, slaughtering everyone... his family, Alfred... His world was left decimated. Despite regaining his sanity eventually, the damage was irreversible."

A pregnant silence hung in the air as his chilling words resonated with the group. Batman's eyes were focused on the exterior, but undoubtedly, his mind was entangled in the shadowy depths of that dark memory. It was Regis who eventually broke the silence, "Our aim must be to avert such a disaster at all costs, including managing Derreck's situation. That's where your contingency plans come into play, isn't it?"

Injustice Batman offered a nod, his agreement silent but definitive. "Indeed, Regis. We must be prepared... for every eventuality."

However, the original Batman quickly stepped in, his voice carrying a note of caution. "But let's remember, Derreck isn't a threat. We've all seen his dedication to our cause, and his unique abilities can be an asset, not a risk. Planning for a disaster that may never come can potentially do more harm than good. Sometimes, trust can be a far more effective tool than suspicion."

The original Batman met their shocked gazes, his own expression unwavering behind the mask. "We need to remember that if something happens to Derreck, without his family around to bring him back... it's final. He doesn't go to an afterlife, or any other plane of existence. He just... ceases to be."

The dire solemnity of his tone sent a chill down their spines. Harley Quinn, who was busy juggling between her amusement at the cartoon characters and the serious conversation, went completely silent, her mouth slightly open as she looked towards the back of the aircraft where Derreck sat, lost in his own world.

The other Batman, who was busy processing his own thoughts about contingency plans, fell silent at his counterpart's explanation. His eyes, narrowed behind his mask, turned to Derreck. The man who was possibly the most powerful among them, and yet so vulnerable.

Selina Kyle, typically unflappable, felt a strange twinge in her stomach. Her gaze softened as she watched Derreck, a single thought running through her mind: protect him.

Batgirl, a bit paler under her cowl, blinked hard, her eyes wide. The prospect of someone as powerful as Derreck having such a drastic finality was both jarring and terrifying. Her heart pounded in her chest as she glanced at Batman, then back at Derreck.

"Yes," Batman affirmed quietly, gauging their reactions. "So we need to keep him safe. Not just for our sake, but for his, too. His life is far more fragile than we realized."

The rest of their journey was filled with a thoughtful silence, each individual lost in their own thoughts. Their destination soon revealed itself on the horizon: one of the Hawaiian islands, a sight to behold. An Imperial Star Destroyer lay washed up on the shores of the island, its ominous form a stark contrast against the tropical beauty. In a surprising turn of events, former stormtroopers, their officers, and a multitude of droids were working alongside S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Their collaboration, a result of a silent agreement for equitable treatment.

The figure that drew their attention, however, was a young man being interviewed by a cluster of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. His outfit was a dark hooded garb adorned with a conspicuous yellow emblem. It was unmistakably Damian Wayne. The disconcerting part, though, was his arm. Where it should have been, there was instead a swirling rift, fixed at the point of his elbow, disappearing into a churning maelstrom of otherworldly colors.

Injustice Batman drew in a sharp breath, recognizing the boy instantly. This was Damian from his world, his son. The sight of his own son in such a state was a punch to the gut. He watched as Damian struggled futilely to retrieve his arm from the bizarre rift it seemed trapped in.

Selina, unable to keep her concern to herself, asked in a hushed voice, "What happened to him?" Her question echoed the unspoken thoughts of all present, adding another layer of mystery to an already puzzling day.

As the group neared the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and Damian, the tension was palpable. The Injustice Batman, typically so stoic and unreadable, had a pained expression on his face that betrayed his concern. He was keenly aware of Damian's past actions, the mistakes that his son had made in their world, including the accidental death of Nightwing. The memory hung heavy between them, unsaid but deeply felt.

Regis and the original Batman stepped forward to examine the anomaly. They observed as Damian moved his shoulder slightly, the swirling rift adhering to him and shifting accordingly. The rift was firmly anchored on his arm, a vortex of shimmering colors and shifting realities.

"Can you feel your arm, Damian?" the original Batman asked, his tone gentle yet authoritative.

Damian nodded, his face tight with frustration. "I can feel it. I can move my fingers, clench my fist... but it's like my arm is stuck in thick mud. I can't pull it through."

"That's...strange." Regis muttered, his vampire senses picking up the strange energy emanating from the rift. "It's as if the rift is bonded with him, not just physically but on a deeper level...almost like it's part of him now."

The revelation gave everyone pause. How could this have happened, and more importantly, how could they reverse it? For now, it seemed, they had more questions than answers.

The unexpected happened next. Derreck, not showing any signs of hesitation, extracted his monolith from his pocket. Whispering something unintelligible to it, he instructed the monolith toward Damian.

Like an obedient entity, the monolith responded to his call and flew straight toward the rift enveloping Damian's arm. Everyone watched in rapt attention, the atmosphere dense with suspense.

Then, with a surprisingly gentle motion, Derreck appeared to 'pull' at the rift with the monolith. The rift began to shrink, and simultaneously, Damian's arm started to rematerialize. It was a spectacle that held everyone spellbound. The monolith seemed to be drawing the arm back from another dimension, restoring it bit by bit until it was entirely solid again.

Once the task was accomplished, Derreck caught the monolith mid-air as it zipped back to him. The rift, now entirely detached from Damian, hovered in the air like a translucent cloth. Derreck held it up, examining it with an intrigued expression, turning it around as if it was a harmless toy.

Damian, meanwhile, stared at his fully materialized arm, a look of disbelief etched on his face. Silence fell upon them as the group processed the extraordinary event they had just witnessed.

"Oh, so that's what was going on," Derreck murmured, his eyes still fixed on the now harmless rift he held. He looked up at Damian, an understanding smile crossing his face. "Your arm was caught in-between the infinite expanses of the multiverse. That's why you couldn't pull it back through. It was essentially trapped between everywhere and nowhere simultaneously."

His words hung in the air as the group absorbed this revelation. It made sense, in a bizarre, mind-bending way. Damian flexed his arm, clearly relieved to have it back in its entirety, and nodded at Derreck, his expression a complex mix of gratitude and lingering astonishment.

"So, it was basically stuck in limbo," Batman summed up, a contemplative frown on his face as he considered the implications of such a predicament. "Well, it's good that we've sorted that out."

Everyone seemed to agree, and with that, the group resumed their discussion, now with an added sense of relief and a whole lot more wonder at the seemingly limitless capabilities of Derreck and his monolith.

Derreck turned his head to the side, just about to say, "Guess the other guy showed-" when the interruption happened. An RPG hit him square in the mouth, detonating on impact and blowing his upper half into a flurry of black, centipede-like, and snake-like tentacles. His lower half staggered but remained standing, unharmed but completely detached from the rest of him.

A collective gasp ran through the group, their eyes widening in shock at the horrific scene. But before anyone could even react properly, the black tentacles began to pull themselves back together, the strands reforming into Derreck's body in a grotesque dance of regeneration. The entire process took no more than a few moments, and soon, Derreck was whole again, standing amidst the shocked stares of his companions.

"Up..." Derreck finished nonchalantly, as if he hadn't been blown up by an RPG just moments ago.

From the corner of his eye, he saw his assailant. It was the Batman variant who relied heavily on firearms – the Grim Knight. This dark iteration of Batman hailed from an Earth where, instead of rejecting guns after the murder of his parents, young Bruce Wayne embraced them. As a result, he became a brutal, unrelenting force of vengeance, ruling his world through fear and violence.

The Grim Knight wasn't ready to give up, his eyes burning with determination. He knew his first attack hadn't worked, but he was far from done. He reached for another weapon, ready to try again. This Batman was nothing if not persistent.

Without a second thought, The Grim Knight unleashed his arsenal upon Derreck. He pulled out a series of modified firearms, each one more lethal than the last - guns that fired Kryptonite bullets, Nth metal rounds, and other exotic ammunition from across the DC universe.

His first volley consisted of a barrage of regular bullets, each one aimed directly at Derreck's head. The bullets met their mark, but instead of piercing the flesh, they seemed to meld into Derreck's form, as if absorbed by his body. This didn't deter The Grim Knight, he simply switched tactics.

Next, he fired a series of plasma grenades, miniaturized versions of the tech stolen from Apokolips, at Derreck. They detonated on contact, enveloping him in an explosion of searing energy. The smoke cleared, revealing Derreck, still walking forward, his form now wreathed in a corona of shimmering light. He looked unfazed, merely continuing his approach.

Then came the exotic ammo. Kryptonite bullets whizzed through the air, meeting their target effortlessly. Instead of harming Derreck, his body absorbed the green radiation, causing his form to take on an eerie glow. Nth metal rounds followed suit, embedding themselves into Derreck's form, only to disappear within him. Still, the Grim Knight's relentless assault continued.

Throughout the onslaught, Derreck kept moving, closer and closer to The Grim Knight. His form was ever-shifting, absorbing the attacks thrown at him, seemingly unharmed. His face bore a calm, almost bored expression as he closed the distance between him and his relentless assailant.

Finally, as Derreck stood only a few feet from the Grim Knight, he raised a finger and calmly said, "You're done."

And with that, The Grim Knight's arsenal fell silent, his weapons now depleted of ammo. He had exhausted his armory on a single target, only to witness the sheer futility of his attack. The harsh reality dawned on him - no weapon in his arsenal could bring down Derreck.

In a desperate last-ditch attempt, The Grim Knight activated his final device - a time dilation field generator, an invention purloined from the Flash's Rogues Gallery, specifically designed to freeze its target in time. The device hummed to life, emitting a wave of temporal energy that encompassed Derreck.

For a moment, it seemed to work. Derreck's form became still, locked in place. The Grim Knight exhaled, a sigh of relief escaping his lips as he believed he had finally subdued his opponent.

But then, he noticed movement. Derreck's head, previously frozen in the time field, began to turn ever so slowly, forcing itself to move despite the time-stop. His eyes were locked onto the Grim Knight, an eerie glow emanating from them.

With an almost bored expression, Derreck's form began to ripple and distort, pushing against the temporal restraints. Each second became an eternity as he slowly and surely forced himself to move through the stopped time.

The Grim Knight could only watch in disbelief as Derreck, his form wavering like a mirage, gradually advanced on him through the frozen time field. The reality of the situation set in - not even the constraints of time could stop Derreck. His final gambit had failed.

In a display of raw strength, Derreck reached out and grabbed the time dilation device from The Grim Knight. His fingers closed around the intricate machinery, the metallic shell buckling under his grasp. With a simple squeeze, he crushed the device, fragments of metal and sparks falling from his hand.

As the device was destroyed, the field of frozen time it had created instantly dissipated. The world around them resumed its regular pace, the eerie stillness replaced by the familiar buzz of the island and the distant sound of the ocean. Derreck stood over The Grim Knight, the remains of the time dilation device crumbling to dust in his hand.

Derreck's incredible speed suddenly caught up to the present. An enormous sonic boom echoed through the environment, the force of it sending The Grim Knight sprawling backwards. It was as if an invisible hand had forcefully shoved him, catching him completely off guard.

The sonic shockwave swept across the island, stirring up dust and sand, causing loose debris to rattle. The grim knight clutched his head as a piercing ring resonated in his ears from the immense sonic boom. As the ringing subsided and he regained his balance, he looked up to find Derreck standing tall, unscathed and victorious.

The collective shock from the assembled allies of Derreck filled the air as the sonic boom swept over them, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief.

Injustice Batman was the first to recover, his mask hiding any trace of surprise. He shared a significant look with the Batman of this universe. Harley Quinn let out a low whistle of admiration. "Gotta admit," she said, nudging Selina lightly in the side, "that was one heck of a show."

Selina, usually the epitome of composed, couldn't hide her surprise. "I've seen a lot," she admitted, "But that...that's new."

Batgirl, or Barbara, was wide-eyed and open-mouthed. "Did he...did he just move through stopped time?" she stammered, struggling to comprehend what she just witnessed.

Damian Wayne, Injustice Batman's son, watched the scene unfold with a mix of shock and reluctant admiration. His experience in the grim world he hailed from hadn't prepared him for this level of power. For a moment, he felt a pang of envy before he quickly suppressed it.

The roadrunner gave a quick 'beep-beep' as if in agreement with the rest, while Wile E. Coyote was already pulling out a pencil and a piece of paper from seemingly nowhere, quickly sketching and making notes - perhaps contemplating how he could harness such power for his endless chase.

Logan, usually a man of few words, let out a low whistle. "Well, ain't that somethin'," he muttered, taking a pull from his cigar. His usually steely gaze held a hint of respect for Derreck's formidable display of power. This was a man who had seen it all, and yet, what he just witnessed gave him

Batman, the guardian of Gotham, stood rigid, his ever-analytical mind whirring. He had been a part of countless battles, had seen powers that defied the very laws of nature, but this...this was something else entirely. The grim expression behind his cowl hardened. He was used to dealing with the extraordinary, but what Derreck had just demonstrated was far beyond anything he had previously encountered. It didn't change his stance on the situation, but it did force him to reassess.

Regis, with centuries of wisdom behind his eyes, looked upon the scene with a contemplative gaze. He had known magic and power in his long life, had seen the world change and evolve. But this spectacle, it was a sharp reminder of how infinite the universe was, how boundless its mysteries. He held his chin, a low hum of thought echoing in his throat. "Fascinating," he murmured to himself, his ancient eyes reflecting a spark of curiosity. "Truly fascinating."

The Grim Knight, scrambling to his feet, managed to offer them a malicious grin. "You all should have been paying attention to the bullets, not the man they were hitting," he sneered, holding up a small detonator. A moment of dread settled upon the group. "I packed them with miniaturized nuclear devices."

The world seemed to slow as he pressed the button on the detonator. The collective gasps of the group were nearly deafening. Derreck's chest lit up, a glow emanating from where the bullets had pierced him. There was a beat of silence, an inhale held by all present.

Then, a faint 'pop' sounded from Derreck, a soft, contained boom as the nuclear explosives inside him detonated. But instead of the expected destruction, the glow faded away, leaving Derreck unscathed, standing tall in front of the wide-eyed Grim Knight.

His attempt to turn Derreck into a nuclear bomb had failed spectacularly. The shock that painted the Grim Knight's face was mirrored in the eyes of the onlookers. Their previous surprise was nothing compared to the utter disbelief they felt now.

For a moment, no one moved, the realization of Derreck's extraordinary resilience sinking into them. The Grim Knight's last-ditch effort to destroy Derreck had only further proved his invulnerability.

Just as Derreck opened his mouth to question the Grim Knight, the villain suddenly staggered back, a hand clamped over his mouth. With a retching sound, he doubled over and vomited, his body convulsing from the immediate sickness.

"What was tha-" Derreck began, only to abruptly cut himself off as he saw the Grim Knight's condition. Realization dawned on his face.

He had released a breath - a breath carrying residual radiation from the nuclear explosives that had detonated inside him. The Grim Knight, standing too close, had taken a direct hit of the radiation. He had become sick from the very weapon he had tried to use against Derreck.

"Oh..." was all Derreck managed to say as he looked down at the Grim Knight, his face twisting with a mix of sympathy and grim satisfaction. The irony of the situation wasn't lost on him, and a bitter laugh escaped his lips.

With a look of mild amusement on his face, Derreck approached the Grim Knight, still reeling and retching on the ground. He gave him a sympathetic pat on the back, as if consoling a friend who'd had one too many drinks.

"Just...get it all out, buddy," Derreck said, his tone slightly jovial, even amidst the grim situation. He cast a glance over his shoulder towards the rest of the group, who were watching with various expressions of shock and disbelief. "Batman, I think it'd be best if you guys hung back. He's kinda radioactive at the moment..."

Even as he spoke, Derreck was already setting to work. His hands glowed faintly as he began to siphon off the excess radiation from the Grim Knight's body, a process that would likely take a few minutes. After all, nuclear radiation wasn't something one could simply shake off.

Everyone took a step back as Derreck's hands began to glow faintly, their faces masks of varied concern. Batman, both the original and the one from the Injustice universe, exchanged a look. Both had seen a lot in their respective careers, but this was entirely new territory. Regis watched in silence, his analytical mind already processing the implications of what he was seeing.

Harley Quinn gave a small shiver, wrapping her arms around herself as she looked on. Beside her, Selina was quiet, her gaze fixated on Derreck with a sense of unease. Batgirl, or rather Barbara, simply looked on in silence, her face unreadable behind the mask. Logan merely frowned, his hands clenching and unclenching as he watched Derreck work.

As for the cartoon characters, Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, their reactions were as distinct as their personalities. Wile E. simply raised a sign that read, 'That's all folks!', while the Road Runner just blinked, the only thing moving being his tail feathers in a sign of nervousness.

Over the radio, the voice of a S.H.I.E.L.D agent could be heard, frantically calling in a hazmat team to clean up the radioactive site. It was a stark reminder of the serious consequences of the Grim Knight's last-ditch effort to kill Derreck, and the potential disaster it could have been. But for now, at least, it seemed they were in safe hands.

Everyone took a step back as Derreck's hands began to glow faintly, their faces masks of varied concern. Batman, both the original and the one from the Injustice universe, exchanged a look. Both had seen a lot in their respective careers, but this was entirely new territory. Regis watched in silence, his analytical mind already processing the implications of what he was seeing.

Harley Quinn gave a small shiver, wrapping her arms around herself as she looked on. Beside her, Selina was quiet, her gaze fixated on Derreck with a sense of unease. Batgirl, or rather Barbara, simply looked on in silence, her face unreadable behind the mask. Logan merely frowned, his hands clenching and unclenching as he watched Derreck work.

As for the cartoon characters, Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, their reactions were as distinct as their personalities. Wile E. simply raised a sign that read, 'That's all folks!', while the Road Runner just blinked, the only thing moving being his tail feathers in a sign of nervousness.

Over the radio, the voice of a S.H.I.E.L.D agent could be heard, frantically calling in a hazmat team to clean up the radioactive site. It was a stark reminder of the serious consequences of the Grim Knight's last-ditch effort to kill Derreck, and the potential disaster it could have been. But for now, at least, it seemed they were in safe hands.

Damian Wayne, the youngest among them and yet carrying the weight of a world far too mature on his shoulders, watched as Derreck worked on the Grim Knight. The reality of his situation, of having his arm stuck in between universes, suddenly felt trivial compared to what they were witnessing. His face held a mixture of surprise and disbelief, and beneath it, a deep, intense curiosity.

Once the area was cordoned off by the S.H.I.E.L.D hazmat team, the rest of the group retreated to a safer distance to discuss what they had just witnessed. They huddled together, their voices low and careful.

"That was...unexpected," Batman from the Injustice universe began, his voice a low rumble. "I've seen a lot of things, but nothing quite like that."

"I can't say it's not impressive," the original Batman chimed in, his tone thoughtful. "Derreck clearly has abilities far beyond our comprehension."

Damian frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "You're saying he absorbed a nuclear explosion. That's not just impressive. It's... It's unimaginable."

"We're dealing with a whole new tier of power here," Selina added, her eyes still on Derreck as he worked on the Grim Knight. "It's like nothing we've ever seen before."

Harley glanced around at the others, her brow furrowed. "So what now?" she asked. "We just wait for him to finish fixin' up gun-happy Batman over there?"

"Seems like it," Logan grumbled, his arms crossed. "Just another day in the multiverse, I guess."

As they all took a moment to process what they had just witnessed, one thing was clear: their journey through this bizarre, interconnected multiverse was only going to get stranger from here.

…

The flight back to Krakoa was a solemn one. The grim figure of the unconscious Grim Knight, now healed but still incapacitated, lay prone in the corner of their transport, his wrists bound securely by reinforced handcuffs. It was a quiet journey, punctuated by the low hum of the aircraft's engines and the intermittent bursts of static from the cockpit radio.

As they touched down on Krakoa, the Grim Knight stirred, his groggy eyes blinking open to find himself surrounded by the eyes of his captors. His gaze flickered from one face to another, registering a silent, cautious defiance in his stare.

Seeing that he was awake, Batman, still bearing the insignia of the Injustice universe, stepped forward. His voice was cold, emotionless. "We have questions, and I suspect you have answers."

The Grim Knight said nothing, only looking up at him with steely determination in his eyes.

"Why did you attack?" Selina was the next to speak, her tone a combination of intrigue and caution. Her gaze was fixed on the Grim Knight, her green eyes narrowed slightly.

Still, the Grim Knight remained silent, his gaze moving to the floor of the aircraft. His stance was unyielding, his defiance clear.

His silence seemed to stretch for a moment before the original Batman spoke up. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way, the choice is yours. But know this, we will get our answers one way or another."

It was then that the Grim Knight finally broke his silence. His voice, a low gravelly growl, filled the silence that had overtaken the aircraft. "Then let's get on with it... Ask your questions."

Seated in the confines of their aircraft, the group began their interrogation.

Harley Quinn was the first to speak. "Why attack us? What's your goal?"

The Grim Knight grunted, his eyes staring back at her with a hardened glare. "To test him...and you," he responded, his gaze shifting to Derreck.

Selina followed with her question, her tone edged with curiosity. "What's your interest in Derreck?"

The Grim Knight remained silent for a moment, before finally responding. "He's a wildcard. Unpredictable. Dangerous. I needed to see how far he could go."

The Injustice Batman stepped forward, his question more of a demand. "Who sent you? Who do you work for?"

The Grim Knight scoffed at the question. "I don't work for anyone. I'm not a pawn."

With every answer, the tension in the room grew thicker. The group was getting the information they wanted, yet, they were left with more questions.

Finally, it was the Grim Knight who broke the pattern, turning to the Injustice Batman with a question of his own. "And you? What's your plan for when he snaps, Batman? When he loses control, there'll be no stopping him. Just like your Superman."

The room fell silent as they absorbed his words. The grim reality of the situation hanging over them like a dark cloud. The implications of his words hung heavily in the air, turning their attention to the potential danger that lurked within Derreck.

As the Grim Knight's words hung in the air, Batman, Regis, and Logan shared a glance. There was a knowing look in their eyes, an understanding that stemmed from years of experience. They could see what the Grim Knight was doing - sowing the seeds of mistrust and doubt.

Looking at their companions, they saw that the Grim Knight's words were having an effect. The Batman from the Injustice universe was silent, his gaze shifting between the Grim Knight and Derreck. There was a new wariness in his eyes, a glimmer of doubt that hadn't been there before.

Selina, too, looked troubled, her gaze flickering between Derreck, who sat there silently listening, and the Grim Knight. Harley and Batgirl were exchanging uncertain glances, their cheerful demeanor replaced with an uneasy silence. Even Damian, usually so confident and steadfast, seemed unsure.

The doubt was spreading, taking root. Regis, a long-lived vampire with a deep understanding of manipulation, could see it clearly. Logan, too, was no stranger to deceit and mind games. And Batman, well, he'd faced his fair share of manipulative enemies over the years. They knew they had to counteract this, but the question was, how? They had to reassure their team and fortify their trust in Derreck before the Grim Knight's insidious words could cause any further damage.

Batman was the first to speak, his gaze locked onto the Grim Knight. "It seems you're trying to sow seeds of doubt," he began, his voice steady and stern. "You want us to create a contingency for Derreck, but why? To distract us? To exploit our fear?"

The Grim Knight just smirked in response, but Batman didn't back down.

"You're playing mind games," he continued. "You're trying to manipulate us into a situation where we're too busy suspecting each other to focus on the real threats."

Regis, his centuries-old eyes sharp and discerning, added his voice to Batman's. "His strategy is simple. A house divided against itself cannot stand. He wishes us to turn on each other, to lose trust in Derreck and subsequently, each other. His aim is to exploit the chaos that will ensue."

Logan then chimed in, his words filled with a blunt honesty that was characteristic of him. "He wants us at each other's throats. Then we'll be too damn busy to notice whatever he's got planned."

The room fell silent as the three finished their statements, the air filled with the weight of their words. Their argument was clear, their conviction unwavering. But whether it would be enough to dispel the doubt the Grim Knight had planted, only time would tell.

The tension within the room was palpable as the Grim Knight's words echoed in the minds of the other five individuals present. The Injustice Batman, stern-faced and deep in contemplation, was the first to respond.

"I see your point," he conceded, his gaze never leaving the form of the Grim Knight. "Creating discord and confusion among us... that would certainly serve his interests."

Harley Quinn and Selina Kyle shared a knowing look before Harley voiced her agreement. "Yeah, seems about right," she declared, her eyes flicking towards the Grim Knight. "Always a trickster, this one."

Batgirl, or Barbara Gordon as she was known outside of the mask, appeared deep in thought. "It's a classic case of divide and conquer," she reasoned, glancing at each of her companions in turn. "We need to stay alert and not let him bait us into distrusting each other."

Finally, it was Damian Wayne's turn to speak. He had been silent throughout the entire discussion, listening and assessing. "It's an unsettling thought," he confessed, his voice betraying his unease. "But, we can't let him manipulate us into doubting one another."

In that moment, the five found a new resolve. Despite the Grim Knight's attempts to plant the seeds of doubt within their ranks, they vowed to trust in Derreck and stand united. The atmosphere within the room shifted, the pervasive tension giving way to a mutual understanding; they wouldn't let the enemy's tactics divide them.