AN: Hey guys. Thanks for all the support with the ARG. Also thanks for the patience regarding the updating of this fic. I've been hard at work the past few months trying to develop and produce as much content as I can. I'm learning the basics of Davinci Resolve, LMMs, Digital art, music production, ect. Ect.
So many things to learn in so little time. Forgive the videos for being basic because that's just what I had learned at the time. The bright side is at least I'm confident the ARG will gain traction if nothing else for it's character writing.
But you didn't come back to hear about the ARG.
This fic is still secondary to the ARG. I'll try to get a chapter out as much as I can, but as I said before my OCs get priority treatment. This fic was always practice for making an expansive work of fiction. Well it became that rather.
So I genuinely hope you check out my attempts to develop my original work. On Ao3 I started an expansion fic for it called Synesthesia: Expansion. This is where I go more in depth with the lore. Because as I said before, video production is very new to me, but writing isn't. So if you wish to support me, please consider reading that fic and donating to the pateron.
Thank you to whoever reads the entire blurb and ramblings.
Back to the fic.
NANANANANANANANA
June 2nd, Morning
Karlo's Palace
?
Sophie gasped awake. She spun her head wildly, and tried to get into combat position. Only then she realized she was underneath blankets which tossed around at her actions.
Sophie froze, she's only gotten to experience the concept of sleeping in a bed recently. At her request to join the girls room at the hideout in the Amusement Mile, Akira made it possible. But this wasn't the same room…where was she?
The room looked like it was from a time long before her. Entirely made of old wood, every piece of furniture looked like an antique. She looked out the window to find farmland on the outskirts of a desert. Sand and sparse grass flowed in the wind, various animals made noise, the sun was gently rising on the flat horizon.
It brought no answers to Sophie's current predicament.
"Ah, the young lady rises!" A masculine voice with a southern accent jokes.
Sophie turned her head to see…a mustached Basil Karlos in a cowboy outfit, but he looked almost twenty years younger than what she's seen of the man. He was holding a tray of food with a bright smile on his face.
Sophie was immediately on edge at the sight. Her foggy mind cleared as the memories surfaced.
She never left the palace.
"Don't be scared, doll. I know some roughnecks tried to nab you from your pops. But trust I'll return you safe and sound." Karlos approached slowly and calmly, trying to ease the poor girl.
As Sophie tried to figure out what he meant, the cowboy placed the tray on her lap with a charming smile. He pulled up a chair and sat by her bedside trying to be friendly. But Sophie kept cautious at the chance of something dangerous.
"This all seems familiar…" Sophie tried to connect the dots, and an idea popped up to try.
"U-um…What's your name, sir?" Sophie asked nervously.
The cowboy's eye sparkled with joy at the question.
"Name's Darrel White. Your folks hired me to return you to your little plantation down south. They're mighty worried about ya. But don't you worry! I'll keep you nice and safe from the scoundrel who kidnaped you." Darrel winked.
"Darrel White? AH! Maiden of the West! The western television show Karlos starred in! The one where…he romances a red headed maid, Susie Valentine." Sophie sweated nervously, without Violet she was the closest to the part. The short red hair and hearts that formed pigtails, her blue eyes, the only problem was her attire.
Which Karlos completely ignored…
"Oh! Well…I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding. I'm not uh..Susie Valentine" Sophie said to the man.
The man chuckled lightly and put a palm on her head.
"Woah, dollface. You must've really hit your head hard. You barely remember your name!" Darrel checked Sophie's head for any injuries. His hand flowed through her hair, until it delicately cupped her cheek.
Sophie was very uncomfortable, the proximity of the unstable man was very threatening. She glared at the man angry, but all that came across was a cute pout.
"Please refrain from touching me sir." She politely swatted the hand away.
"Ah, some fire. Apologies, I hope you understand my position. To be frank, you aren't that attractive to me." Darrel pulled away, respectful but annoyed.
"Then why?"
Darrel White glared at the girl, a dust storm started up outside.
"Isn't it obvious, amateur? The script calls for it! We're supposed to be falling in love, remember?" Darrel huffed, the southern accent completely gone.
"Huh? But I'm not-"
"I mean, really, I improvise just a touch and you shrink away! What will you gag when we share a kiss for the season finale?!" Darrel hissed and gripped Sophie's wrist tightly.
"Please let go of me!" Sophie was about to summon her Persona when a clay shadow appeared.
"CUT! Ease off Karlos. You shouldn't be bad mouthing the producer's daughter like that." The shadow said.
Karlos huffed but took a deep breath, he took off his leather cowboy hat and ran a hand through his hair.
"Don't ruin your shot Karlos. Just smile, act, and let your skills do the rest. Three seasons, that's all the contract requires. Then you're out, free to finally try for horror! Maybe only one season, this bitch clearly can't act." A voice rang through the area. Sophie was confused and frightened by the occurrence. A jail never brought on this kind of situation.
Sophie processed her options, she could fight them off, try to flee or play along. The third option was the most logical given the circumstances. Joker explained how Will Seeds popped up in palaces and that they were needed for Bat-mite to be pleased.
Maybe if she played along, Karlos' memories of his career would lead her to one of the seeds. Clearly fighting and fleeing were pointless given how she ended up here. If Karlos truly thinks she is the producer's daughter, or Susie Valentine, why not use it to her advantage?
"Um...I apologize, Mr. Karlos. I'll be better the next time around." Sophie tried.
Karlos looked at her, rolled his eyes and sighed. The young man clearly didn't want to be here. but if the Thieve's research was correct, this series was shot right when Karlos was starting to get bigger roles. Before Maid of the West, he was only playing extras or side characters. Clearly it held a strong memory in the man's mind.
"I guess I'm sorry too. Should have asked you if you were ok with it or whatever. But you gotta suck it up and act. I don't want to touch you either, but we have to act like we're in love. Or at least look convincing enough to be potential lovers. You gotta act like you're into it, same as me. But I'll try not to touch you unless the script or director calls for it. Deal?" Karlos held out a hand to shake.
Sophie sighed but took it. "Deal."
The director watched the deal take place, following Sophie's actions very carefully. Every intruder needed to be watched over after all, to make sure they played the part correctly.
Every hand motion, head turn, slight nervous habits were to be analyzed. The craft must be perfected, and an actor must always be ready to replace any role.
NANANANANANANANANANANANA
Noir opened her eyes to find herself alone in an enormous garden, her hat laid besides her. She groaned in pain as she sat up, the blow from the monster did a number on her. She surveyed her surroundings. It seemed like she was in some sort of garden maze. Multiple paths were all around her, lighting equipment and other movie equipment were spread all over the lush greenery.
A sudden realization hit her, were her friends okay? Were they captured? Were they dead?!
Noir shook her head. Her fluffy hair hit her cheeks at the motion, she shouldn't be thinking so darkly. She had to stay positive and find a way out of this maze. But on the inside she was furious at the situation, ready to take her aggression out on unsuspecting shadows.
She got to her feet and picked up her musketeer hat, dusting it off and putting it on. She made way in a random direction, with her ax at the ready.
It took around thirty minutes of trying to map out the maze before hearing noise in the distance. Noir tilted her head to the side in curiosity, but then gripped her ax arder in caution. As she neared the sounds of lively music and waves of the ocean became clearer.
Simple wooden houses and palm trees became visible over the garden walls. Noir heard sea shanties echo and become clearer as she approached. A simple wooden door blocked her path forward, Noir took a deep breath ready for anything before she pushed lightly on the door.
Beyond the door, a small Caribbean town was revealed, shadows walked, talked, and drank amongst themselves as she stepped through. Behind her the doors seemed to be attached to an old church. Noir took in the area and people. They all lacked Karlos' face and physique, men, women and children flocked about the town. A distinct change from the vanity of the guards before.
"This setting. It reminds me of…"
"The French are here!" A man yelled. Everyone scattered into their houses, as men dressed in pirate regalia stepped up ready to fight. Noir was confused, but realized her own costume, she looked like a musketeer. So they thought she was one.
"You're a long way from home, mate." A tall man pushed away the shadows and revealed himself.
Basil Karlos was dressed like a persian pirate. Long hair flowed to his shoulders, a goatee surrounded his cocky smile. Large golden hoops adorned his ears, and his fingers were covered with jeweled accessories.
"The Persian Purchase. Karlos' debut as a movie star. It was very…historically inaccurate." Noir recalled.
"What do you want, Frenchmen? Don't tell me my bounty is so big, even the royal guard desires my head?" Karlos twirled a knife in his hand.
Noir considered her options. She remembered the plot somewhat, the group had a watchparty of the movie last night after they confirmed the target. But what was Karlos' game here?
The entire city started to look at her, glare at her even at her silence. Noir started to sweat at the pressure. Karlos stood before her, patience waning. The sounds of television static creeped higher and higher as the man's eye twitched.
"Um…Y-your reputation speaks for itself, Captain Espinoza." Noir stuttered.
"Aye…" Ali Espinoza rolled his eyes. His first role as a villain and the hero can barely remember his lines.
"I take it you're here to deliver the ransom for the king's poor daughter then? Sweet princess has been begging to be rescued by the great Ritchie Patel." Espinoza smirked.
"Um…If you harmed a hair on her I'll-"
"Do nothing. Or I'll slit her little throat. Give up the loot." Espinoza demanded.
Noir was stuck now, she didn't have anything but the money in her pocket. What happened next again? Does she just fight? Beg?
"Oh? Have no words? Perhaps you've blindly rushed in and hoped for the best? With no backup?" Espinoza chuckled.
Noir sighed, now she remembered. She dramatically posed and put a hand to her hat.
"Y-Yes! I shall save my princess with only my blade. Come at me, pirate!" Noir commanded.
"Kill him." Espinoza ordered his men.
Multiple shadows rushed the girl. Noir was quick to call her Persona in defense. Her psychic blast quickly pushed back one of her enemies.
"AHH!" The shadow screamed.
"CUT!" A voice yelled.
The shadows backed off and checked if the shadow was alright.
"A touch overzealous, Pete. Please stick to the choreographed fight." A faceless shadow director shook his head.
"H-huh?" Noir was very confused.
"Come on man! We've rehearsed this a million times. Get it right!" Karlos put a hand on his hip.
"Um, apologies?" Noir replied, unsure of what was going on.
"Gentleman! How goes the filming?" Another shadow walked on set. In the appearance of Roland Daggett.
"Mr. Daggett, sir!" The director shrieked in fear.
"Daggett?" Noir looked at the deceased man. Was this a memory of filming for Karlos?
"This script is nonsense Daggett. Not one basis in historical fact. Why is a musketeer in the Caribbean? Have the writers done an ounce of research?!" Karlos glared at the producer.
"A little twisting of history never hurt a feature, Karlos. I thought we had an agreement." Daggett frowned at the man.
Karlos sighed.
"Shut up and make money. Don't push your luck. You're so close to horror. Just like Daggett said, 'People view you as a hero, it takes time to convince them otherwise'. This is a good step, it pays the bills. Lay low, keep away from scandals, and be good." Karlos' voice echoed.
Noir heard it all. Making sure to remember it all, she stayed quiet as the men spook.
"Do this part for me and you're in. But I don't want any drama on set, are we clear?" Daggett glared at Karlos
"Yes, sir." Karlos sighed.
"Good, now from the top gents. Show me that you're worth this ridiculous budget." Daggett motioned for the director to continue filming.
Noir sighed, she would have to do it all again. It seemed doing so was a good way to get more intel. It was truly strange acting like a roguish man, the girl puffed out her chest and put on her bravest face.
All palaces had their puzzles it seemed. And hers was to fit the role Karlos thinks she is playing.
NANANANANANANANANANA
Mona groaned as he woke up. He got a brief glance at where he was and was immediately confused.
"Where did all the colors go?" He murmured.
He was in a grand kitchen, most likely for the servants to cook for Karlos. He immediately hid under a table to make sure shadows didn't see him.
"Ain't like you to hide, kitty. Something got ya scared?" a voice muttered.
Mona was immediately on alert. He immediately drew his slingshot and rushed out from under the table, trying to look for the voice.
"Where are you?!" Mona hissed.
"Easy, Easy. I want the same thing as you." A figure stood in the shadows in the far corner.
Mona scowled at the being in the corner. It raised its hands in surrender.
"Not likely, shadow, I'm here to steal Karlo's distorted desires." Mona aimed right at the shadow.
"So you are a Phantom Thieve. I had a hunch there were more than they were letting on. Then we definitely should work together. You get to do whatever you do and I get to find him and bring him home. Wife called and said he went missing last month."
"Karlos isn't married." Mona challenged.
The figure immediately began to grunt and fall to the floor in pain. It's body morphing and contorting. Mona backed away as he watched the being rebuild itself.
It was a man. Just like the room around Mona he was in black and white like in a movie. He was wearing a 1920's era detective's outfit with a hat hiding his face.
"FOLLOW THE SCRIPT! FOLLOW THE SCRIPT! FOLLOW THE SCRIPT!"
Mona gasped as it clicked. Karlos played a detective in one of the movies the team watched in preparation for the heist. "Defiant Until Hell" it was called. A movie about a detective who tries to track down a missing friend but is constantly pushed back by the police force and mafia. The detective finally found out the secrets he was looking for before he was fatally shot and killed.
A gruesome movie, but one of the better ones Karlos was a part of.
"My mistake. O-of course his wife, right! How could I forget?" Mona tried.
The figure seemed to calm at that. Finding identity again, it panted and spit out blood it rose to show its face to Morgana in anger.
It was Basil Karlo's but his face was brutally scarred and burned. He rasped and heaved painfully before hissing at the cat. "Never fuck up your lines again!"
Mona nodded, but his mind was whirling with what this meant for Karlos' mental state. The detective was trying to find Karlos' when it was Karlo's. That isn't good. The man's state of identity and memory is fracturing into pieces. And those pieces are haphazardly trying to put themselves together. The body is trying to fight off the condition Basil has been inflicted with, but is only making it worse with every passing second.
Mona gulped. If this gets any worse the palace itself could collapse at any moment. The distorted desire itself could be lost if not careful. Karlos' mindscape could completely melt beyond recognition.
But if he plays along with this fractured bit of Karlos he could be led to the treasure! Karlos is, or was rather, a very vain man. Could his famed identity itself be his distorted desire?!
Mona hoped so as Detective Michael Brown. Or Mickey as he was introduced to Mona got moving with the cat not far behind. Mona hoped this shadow knew the way on a subconscious level, or this would be a gigantic waste of time.
NANANANANANANA
Fox was bound and gagged. His captors put a bag over his head. How could he have been caught so easily? It was a disgrace to his name as a Phantom Thief!
One second he was walking down the hallway, the next he was fighting off numerous hands and was forced into darkness.
Cold hands violently forced him into a chair.
"Welcome to the most important casting call of your life Karlos" The bag on Fox's head was harshly removed. The room was a bright white casting call room filled with people.
They were all elegantly dressed and wearing owl masks.
"Who are you? What is going on?" Fox asked in a calm but loud tone.
"You've been in Gotham's acting circle for a couple years now. Nothing notable but Dagget recommended you. That and you somehow got casted in the new Chaney picture. What is the movie again, detective oriented right?" A man walked around Fox as the rest of the group stood silently.
"Chaney…Detective…" Fox thought it through. "Demise without Honor" they must be talking about that movie. This must be sometime between that movie and Owls of the Mountain.
The masked man snapped in front of Fox.
"Focus Karlos. You might want to consider making a good impression. Trust me when I say this…'If you want a successful career in Gotham. The Court of Owls is the best way forward."
Everyone in the room clicked their glasses of red wine.
Fox looked around the room for any exit. There was none, looks like he would have to sit here and let the cult members have their way with him.
He made sure to take a good look at everyone present. He had to remember distinguishing parts of figures or hair color. He nor any of the many allies his leader made brought up this group. That means they are well hidden and very selective with new members.
This is a rare opportunity to get intel on a possible foe.
NANANANANANANANANANANANANA
Joker groaned as he swung back and forth. He slowly regained consciousness and blinked slowly. He was upside down and there was a little girl staring at him.
"You're finally awake. H-hello." The girl looked about twelve years old. She had black hair and brown eyes. She wore a black choker, a yellow dress, and a red coat. She looked nervous.
"Hello? And who might you be?" Joker asked politely.
The girl looked away and clutched her chest. A light blush appeared on her cheeks.
"Um…I-I don't know. I don't remember." She stepped back a foot. Joker stayed on guard just in case this was a shadow in disguise. She looks confused at the simple question, and not immediately hostile at the sight of an intruder in a palace.
"But I know you. You're Joker. L-leader of the Phantom Thieves! I remember…seeing you on TV and my phone!" The girl clung to the few memories she could.
"That's me." Joker quipped as he struggled to get out of the clay that surrounded his legs. He froze it and tried to get a good hit on it with his knife.
"It was so cool watching you take over the Watchtower! You guys are right, those guys totally suck! Except Wonder Woman of course." The girl gushed.
"Hey if you help me out, maybe I can get her to give you an autograph." Joker mused not really expecting anything of it.
"REALLY?!" Suddenly the room began to shake. The ice around Joker cracked and the little bits of clay still clinging to him receded.
Joker fell on the floor, freed. The girl rushed up to him giddy at the promise of an autograph.
"Odd. This shadow must have some sort of power over the palace. This could be promising." Joker glanced at the girl as he got up.
"So you don't remember your name. Would you happen to know a way out of here?" Joker asked.
"I never found one, but I know where a weird taped off door is, wanna see?" She smiled.
"She must be talking about a will seed." Joker quietly sighed, it was progress at least.
"Lead the way," he said.
The girl was quick to take Joker's hand and guide him along. She had an iron grip and seemingly was not going to let go anytime soon.
Joker took it in stride. This was far from the most unusual or most humiliating thing he had experienced. This shadow must be either a memory of someone close to Karlos that was distorted with recent memories of the Phantom Thieves. Or possibly Karlos has lost himself so much to the chemicals a entirely new being has formed from it.
The implications of the later scenario doesn't bode well for the palace's stability. Joker has to find his friends, the treasure, and a way out quickly. This mental landscape is so unstable they might not make it to stealing the distorted desire at all.
Joker is not sure if Karlos could handle the mental change that comes with such a process.
This situation is stacking up more and more in complexity and delicacy.
Joker hopes his team is safe and finds a way to escape this melting mind.
NANANANANANANANANANANA
AN:
Hey guys, sorry for the long delay.
A lot has been going on irl. Like a lot of dramatic stuff.
I won't be an idiot and share personal shit online like that but yeah.
Just glad to have this as an escape from the bullshit ya know?
I started a pa tr eon.
It's for the Synesthesia ARG, but at this point I might as well loop in supporters of my fanfiction work.
I can't make money off stuff that isn't mine but, Synesthesia is literally mine so I think I'm good legally. Just can't show anything early regarding fanfiction,
I'll make sure to add lower tiers for those just wishing to send a dollar a month.
P a tr eo n user?u=85251802
Thanks everyone for being patient while I got this ARG off the ground. Now it's a matter of staying afloat.
BONUS:
June 2nd, Morning
Eduardo's Jazz Club
Hot and Sunny
Superman analyzed and observed every step Queen took as a leader. The girl was obviously distressed but kept the stern facade needed to reign in the others. It has been as a bit over an hour and over that time more and more allies funneled into the room.
The Titans were all there conversing quietly amongst themselves. Violet clutched her phone tightly as she called Constantine for the fourth time. Selina tapped her foot impatiently as she worried silently about Panther. Diana, Donna, and Dick aided Queen with the plan going forward with papers filling a shared table.
"If physical hits are no good, we have limited options here. Half of the people here rely on fists." Dick ran a hand through his hair.
"Electricity is another thing. Wonder Girl and Kid Flash will have to stay if it truly is so dangerous. That leaves only two Titans viable for a rescue mission." Donna sighed.
"Raven, Starfire, you're with us." Diana sternly ordered.
"Diana, you have to stay, if it's true that-"
"Shut it Clark. Like hell I'll stay here and do nothing!" Diana slammed her fist into the table.
"Sis, don't be ridiculous. I think-"
"End of discussion." Diana coldly hissed.
Before anyone could argue blue glowing jail doors appeared against a wall and out stepped Lavenza and Zauriel.
"I have arrived. What is the plan?" Lavenza looked at Queen for instructions.
"Lavenza! Thank goodness!" Queen took a breath of relief. With her and Zauriel back at least they would have seven people to go in. Diana wasn't backing down about going along so she would need someone to watch her back. Queen closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She had a plan.
"Alright. Constantine isn't coming, and we're running on a tight schedule. We only have five magic users. Superman and Wonder Woman need backup just in case. Zauriel, you're with Wonder Woman. Lavenza, watch over Superman. Both of you have ways to escape in case something bad happens to them." Queen commanded.
Wonder Woman seemed to ease after that. Lavenza nodded and silently walked to the man.
"Starfire backup Violet. Raven with me. I don't want anyone to go missing, understood. If anyone should be taken down inside the palace immediately pull them out and wait for further instruction. Dick, Donna, I want a full watch across Gotham should anyone suddenly appear outside the metaverse. We can't afford being caught in broad daylight right now. Is everyone clear on their tasks?" Queen asked.
Everyone agreed with verbal or nonverbal methods.
"Good. Let's save our friends." With that heroes left the tight room to go to their designated areas.
Starfire was about to move towards Violet before Dick grabbed her by the wrist. She smiled at her forgetfulness.
"Stay safe Star." Dick said in a neutral tone.
Starfire was quick to offer a kiss on the cheek to him. She knew she was going into unknown territory. She could see the worry in her lover's eye about the potential risks and outcomes of this mission. She could feel the reluctance at letting her go in without him as backup.
"Love you too, darling." She smiled sweetly before slipping out his grasp and towards her assigned partner.
Raven took a deep breath to calm herself. Just what brought down Joker? The man who brought her father to his knees. The man who is equal to Satanael, himself. The man who easily conquered the hell that she feared so deeply. Raven didn't know, but being afraid is exactly what the enemy wants.
She took Queen's side. Raven had instilled the same fear of Joker into any of his teammates. But with that fear came far more respect for their power. She would be safe with Joker's right hand, obviously.
Joker still hasn't made time to give his end of their deal. She hasn't seen Satanael since the Watchtower siege.
Wonder Woman flipped her hair as Zauriel stood silently by her. Both were at a disadvantage going in if fire and physical attacks weren't effective in combat. She would have to rely heavily on the angel's innate magical abilities. If fire doesn't work he'll have to freeze them and she'll slice them down.
Akira went through hell to save her. She couldn't live with herself if she didn't repay him in kind. Whatever Karlos has imagined up inside the palace, she will bring them to their knees.
Though to be honest she was disappointed on some level. She didn't get to team up with any of the Thieves for this mission. The best way Amazons build trust and friendship is through combat. Wither sparing or helping with an enemy. Deep inside her was slight jealousy that Queen or Violet didn't trust her to fight by their immediate side.
She pushed those feelings down. Akira needed her, they all did. And what better way to offer aid than doing exactly what she is? She had to be stronger than that. She had to be a hero they could look up to. Because everyone else let them down before.
Superman looked down at the tiny girl that was his partner. Lavenza barely reached his waist in terms of height. But he knows the girl packed a punch. Anyone who can make Constantine sweat is to be feared as a magic user. If Joker's account is true, she trained him in perfecting his skills throughout their career! The girl looked back at him, her head almost pointed straight upwards. She offered a respectful nod.
"I am told you have a weakness to magic. I will do my best to ward off any of such attacks." Lavenza neutrally offered.
"I appreciate that, miss. If you don't mind, while we are partnered, could I ask a few questions?" Superman smiled politely.
"Hmm. My Trickster did mention the chances of you doing such. I have no issue explaining the complex workings of the metaverse. But I must warn, the demon might not like you learning such knowledge." Lavenza calmly answered.
"I'm aware of the risks of being knowledgeable of such things. I'm fully willing to take them." Superman put his fists to his hips, a serious frown on his lips.
Lavenza seemed pleased with his response. "You are braver than most, Man of Steel. I will guide you through what I am able."
"I must admit. I am very curious to see what exactly a palace looks like and how it works." Superman put a hand to his chin, multiple questions running through his head.
"Palaces differ greatly from one another. Due to the nature of individual human minds. But the way it operates always stays the same. If a distorted desire becomes strong over a period of time, it will always manifest itself into a palace. Though that is putting it very simply, I will go into further detail as we work to save the Trickster and his allies." Lavenza explained.
Superman nodded satisfied for now. Lavenza offered another admission to the man.
"I must admit to you, sir. I am also very curious. To see your might, that is. The tales spun by the people of this world are quite spectacular. If they are to be believed, you earn the Strength arcana in spades. I have never had the opportunity to witness another of my own arcana at work. "
Superman raised a brow at that.
"You are quite enamored with Tarot cards. Batman took a note of it before. What does it have to do with you and the Phantom Thieves'?"
Lavenza closed her eyes and calmly readjusted her hold on her compendium. Everyone cleared out besides the assigned infiltrators. Queen told everyone to get close and prepare for the meta navigator to do its work.
"You'll learn, Man of Steel. Just as you'll learn the true dangers my dear Trickster must go through. Do not worry of any deceit from me, for you are already a confidant in the Trickster's journey. Let us go."
Lavenza walked towards the rest of the party, leaving Superman to catch up. Those girl's eyes felt like they dug into his very soul. She really plays into the mysticality of the Phantom's power. She talks clearly one second then cryptic the next.
Superman took the chance to use his x-ray vision on her to confirm something. She did have human anatomy, yes, but something about her was off. Like his own race, tiny things in her structure led to the conclusion of one thing. She wasn't human, but a being from another world.
The questions keep adding up. The girl didn't lie once, her heartbeat bordered on one that induced sleep. A serene calmness that came from beings millennia old.
"What is she?" Superman wondered.
"You coming Clark?" Wonder Woman looked at the man standing away from the group.
"Of course. My apologies." Superman joined the group and crossed his arms, preparing himself for whatever the metaverse holds.
Queen pressed on her phone.
"Beginning navigation."
Superman watched as the world distorted around him. Red and black waves circled around the group.
He looked to see the same garden and statue the Phantoms did. The great house that overtook Grand Avenue. It truly was a disturbing sight to see the Wesker Woman degraded to such a state.
He had a feeling he wouldn't want to take Lois to the movies for a long time.
NANANANANANANANANANANA
AN: Sorry for the short chapter. It'll probably go back to 10k words per chapter naturally anyway.
Remember, support the ARG!
I'll stop the self promotion from here on.
Next chapter should be out by the end of the following month as usual.
Wish me luck with deadlines.