A/N: Damn, I didn't think this would be as long as it was, but such is life. Speaking of, I recently watched John Wick Chapter 4, and I'm finally introducing a few of those characters in this chapter, although they will have very minor roles. But, there will be a few callbacks to previous entries, and some revelations will happen here.
As Doctor Strange said, we're in the Endgame now.
Music: "Passacaglia" from Falcon And The Winter Soldier OST
The moment the flash of blue light faded from Ryan's eyes, he found himself back in his, Dredd's, and Becca's home. Which wasn't where he wanted to be.
"No!" Butcher shouted, preparing to run out the door, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He whipped his head around, seeing Frank shaking his head at him, while his mother stared at the floor.
"Ryan, don't go." Becca whispered. "He'll kill you too."
"Mom, we have to go back for him!" Ryan pleaded. "Uncle Frank, please!"
"Ryan… he's gone." Castle murmured. "He gave us time to escape. Don't throw that away."
"Fuck you!" Ryan yelled, batting the Punisher's arm away. "I'm going to get Joe back, whether you'll help me or not!"
Ryan dashed outside, almost running right into a girl wearing a metal gauntlet. Once he noticed her though, he stopped, frowning slightly.
"Who are you?!"
"She's a friend." Becca told him, stepping outside. "Her name is Caitlyn Connor. She knows how to kill Brightburn."
"Then come with me!" Ryan begged, looking into the girl's eyes. Caitlyn hung her head low, shaking her head.
"I can't. We have to regroup, come up with a plan-"
"Fine!" Ryan clenched his fists. "I'll go back myself!"
Before anyone could do anything, the Traveller flew up into the air, breaking the sound barrier, and flew back towards the Flatiron Building.
"Ryan, don't!" Becca yelled, but her son was already gone.
"Oh God!"
Ryan soared through the air as fast as he could, seeing the Flatiron within seconds. He slowed down, aiming towards the back entrance, and entered through the door he previously went through earlier. He raced through the stairwell and halls, eventually reaching the cell he tried to trap Brightburn in, and ripped the door off its hinges.
"Uncle Joe!"
Ryan was treated to a horrifying sight, as all he saw was the body of Dredd, unmoving. Butcher collapsed to his knees, trying to concentrate and hear his heartbeat, but all he got was the traffic outside.
"No… I'm sorry."
He couldn't believe it. Joe was more of a father to him than Homelander ever was… and now he's dead. Ryan squeezed his eyes shut, trying to hold in the tears, but he might as well be trying to hold back the ocean.
Joseph Dredd was dead. And Ryan was the one who killed him.
Ryan threw his head back and screamed in grief, before flying up through a hole in the ceiling, taking to the sky, and began flying at a rapid pace. He wanted to make this right… but he didn't know how. And the only thing he could think of was to join his uncle- his father figure.
"Tragedy. What else is there to say? The massacre- borderline genocide that just took place in the city of Bucharest, and subsequent destruction of the Flatiron Building in our very own New York has proven once again that these 'superheroes'- whether they are supes, alien, metahuman, or otherwise- bring chaos and death with them."
Becca watched Ryan disappear into the sky, feeling panic grip her. Joe's dead, and now her son has run… flown off.
Butcher suddenly collapsed to her knees, beginning to sob. She felt a hand rest on her shoulder, and even though she figured it was Frank, she couldn't bring herself to look up.
"Becca… Becca…" Castle murmured. Still, she didn't say anything, just as he heard his wife's voice in his head.
Frank, I just felt something… off about Joe. Is he…?
Frank sighed, looking up.
Yeah. Yeah, he is, Cass.
Oh Grud. Cass' voice gasped. Is there… is there anything I can do?
I don't know. Frank admitted. But you should let Vienna and McGruder know.
Ryan flew away from New York and into the Atlantic Ocean, diving straight into the deep sea and sinking. He wanted so desperately to feel the oxygen escape his lungs, to feel himself drowning, but… he just… couldn't.
"No!" Butcher's distorted voice shouted through the water, as he began to fly back up to the surface. His powers wouldn't let him drown… but hopefully he had other options.
"The new supes known as Brightburn and the Traveller touched down inside the Flatiron to end their viscous battle, and only Brightburn made it out, tearing a hole straight through the once proud skyscraper in the process. I'm standing directly in front of the building right now, but I can't begin to imagine the pain and loss of those whose loved ones perished overseas."
Millie, Alice, Sienna, and the Barclays watched the television showcase the Flatiron Building, along with shots of the ruined city of Bucharest in horror, while Kessler blinked away tears.
"Millie…" Alice murmured, tugging on her friend's pant legs. "Are you… are you okay?"
Millie wiped away tears, taking a deep inhale.
"I have to be." she looked down. "Because I know Ryan isn't."
"When will people wake up and smell the coffee? Everything these so called heroes touch comes to ruin! And all that's left for us… is to pick up the pieces, and pray that they become bored with using us as their playthings."
Ryan flew directly up, breaking the sound barrier within seconds, and soared through the atmosphere. The higher he got, the darker his surroundings looked, until he looked down to see the Earth below him.
Ryan smiled, seeing he was in space. Now he just had to wait… and wait… and wait.
"No."
That's what Ryan would have said, but in space, no one can… well.
"NO!"
He couldn't believe it. In the past, he was hoping that his powers would make him able to breath in space, but now…
He wished that the vacuum of the void would just kill him. But he had one more option.
Ryan reached into his costume, pulling out the Anti-V collar. He wanted to put it around his neck right then and there. He wanted to…
No. His mother should be able to find his body. And he wanted to at least be recognizable. He owed her that.
But he couldn't kill himself. Fortunately for him, he knew who could do it. Would do it, if he asked.
After all, aside from Becca, she was the one person he trusted.
"This is J Jonah Jameson, signing off."
Millie watched the television set fade to darkness on Jameson's face, as she clenched her fists.
"Fucking fake news cocksucker." Kessler snarled. If she ever got her hands on him…
"Uh, Millie."
Millie looked over at Nica, who was pointing towards the window. She followed her finger, seeing Ryan just outside. Kessler let out a gasp, seeing his eyes were red from crying, as well as what looked like his hair being wet.
She was right. He wasn't okay.
"Oh god." Nica mumbled, as Millie walked towards the door.
"It's okay. Wait here." Kessler told the Barclays, as she opened the door and walked outside.
"Ryan… I saw what happened. With you and Brightburn."
Butcher sniffed, looking at his sister in grief.
"Mill… he killed Joe."
Millie's eyes widen, placing a hand over her mouth.
"What?"
"He killed him, Millie… it's my fault." Ryan whispered, as tears began to stream down his face. "I fucked up, Mill. I fucked up, and I need you to help me fix it."
"Fix it?" Millie asked. "What do you mean?"
Her eyes trailed down Ryan's body, seeing a collar attached to his ankle. The same collar that Silver Shamrock had placed on him, years ago.
"No." Millie shook her head. "Ryan, I won't… I won't do it."
"Please, Mill." Ryan begged. "Please, just kill me."
Kessler continued shaking her head, while folding her arms.
"I'm not gonna kill you Ryan."
Ryan's eyes hardened, as he lunged towards her gun.
"Then I'll do it-"
Millie reached out and grabbed Ryan by the shoulders, spun him around, and put him in a headlock. Butcher struggled, but she held on, forcing them both to the ground.
"Shh shh shh… it's okay." Kessler soothed, fishing for the collar's key and slowly unlocking the contraption. "Just calm down, yeah? It's just you and me, Ryan… you and me…"
Eventually, the supe did calm down, stilling his movements, but Millie heard him sob.
"Hey. Hey, it's okay, alright?"
"No, it's not." Ryan wept. "Joe's dead, and it's my fault. I shouldn't have… I shouldn't have trusted Brandon."
"Brandon? Brightburn?" Millie furrowed her brow, letting go of Ryan to look at him. Butcher nodded, before continuing.
"I thought he'd be like me. Good, and not like Homelander…"
"Hey, hey. It's not your fault." Millie told him, taking a deep breath. "Listen, I… I fucked up too."
Ryan frowned, looking at his sister.
"What do you mean?"
"You haven't seen the news?" Millie let out a bitter laugh. "I killed one of those Flag Smasher fucks on live tv. As of now, my squad has been disbanded."
"But… why?" Ryan asked. "Why did you do it?"
"Because one of those bitches killed me."
Ryan looked over his shoulder, seeing a red haired doll walking towards him.
"Chucky?" Butcher raised an eyebrow, beginning to stand up.
"Try again." the doll snarked.
"Come on, Alice, he barely knew you when you were in your human body." Millie rolled her eyes.
"Yeah yeah." Alice grumbled, still looking at Ryan. "But basically, the cunt who leads the Flag Smashers killed me, so Millie killed one of them for revenge. Only problem was, he wasn't the one who got me. And the footage made it look like she killed him when he was surrendering."
"Fuck." Ryan murmured. "I'm sorry."
Millie shook her head, looking away.
"What's done is done." she muttered, wiping a stray tear from her eye. Ryan eyed her with caution, as he put two and two together.
"Mill, when I flew down, I picked up a weird scent." he revealed. "It was your blood, it smelled… different. Did you…"
"Took Compound V." Kessler answered, slowly turning back towards Butcher. "Yeah. Yeah, I did that."
"But… why?" Ryan frowned. Millie sighed, looking between her brother and Alice.
"Because I feel so helpless." she whispered. "Every night, I still have nightmares of the Blissfield Butcher and Necropolis. I thought I could move past it, but I can't. I hoped… god, I wish that everything that I've done over the last few years would help lift that burden off my shoulders, but now this happened, and-"
"Hold up!" Alice suddenly shouted, gaining both Millie's and Ryan's attention. "Mill, do you remember that kid I told you about? Jake Wheeler?"
"Y-yes?" Kessler frowned.
"Look, over ten years ago, before all this, before Homelander killed the Avengers, he helped me stop Chucky… for good." Alice revealed. "In the process, his cousin Junior died. See, Chucky manipulated Junior into murdering his own father, which is what allowed him to break his soul off into enough pieces to form an army of himself. But at the last moment, Junior had a change of heart and saved his… ex-girlfriend. But at the cost of his own life."
"I'm sorry." Ryan murmured.
"My point is, Jake once told me that bad things happen." Alice continued. "Sometimes, you try to stop it… but sometimes you can't, no matter how hard you try. And if people die, then it's up to us to remember them."
Millie nodded, as Alice beckoned at Butcher. The supe slowly knelt to the ground, and the doll patted his shoulder.
"You're not a bad guy. Neither of you are. But sometimes… bad shit happens, even when we try to prevent. All we can do is decide if we're going to sit on our asses… or fix it."
Ryan's face pulled into a wry smile, as Millie reached out and hugged her brother.
"Thanks Alice. Mill." Butcher mumbled. "I think I know what to do now."
Pierce nodded, as the supe stood back up, resting his hand on Millie's shoulder. He paused, but only to pick up the Anti-V collar.
"You alright if I bring you with?"
Kessler smirked, placing her hand on his own shoulder.
"You don't have to ask, bro."
Ryan chuckled, as he looked up to the sky, before flying up and away, leaving Alice in front of her apartment.
"Take care, Mill." the doll murmured, turning around and heading back inside.
New York
When Becca finally finished crying, she had to have Caitlyn and Frank help her back up.
"Hey." Castle murmured. "He's just a kid. Give him time."
Butcher reluctantly nodded, preparing to walk back into the house, when they all heard what sounded like a sonic boom. Seconds later, Ryan touched down in the middle of the yard, with Millie holding onto him.
"Ryan!" Becca cried out, running over and wrapping her son in a hug. "Oh thank god, I thought I'd lose you too!"
"Don't worry Mom." Ryan murmured, returning the embrace. "I won't leave you… but I have to take care of something."
Becca frowned slightly, as she pulled away.
"What do you mean?"
The Traveller looked around for a moment, using his x-ray vision to see what looked like an escape pod in their yard's shed.
"Is that the weapon that can kill Brightburn?"
"Yes." Caitlyn announced, stepping closer to the Butchers. "It was the ship that carried him to my world. It's made of a metal that can pierce his skin. The only metal known to us."
"Then that'll have to do." Ryan nodded, as he walked towards the shed and opened the doors.
"What are you planning, Ryan?" Millie pondered, as Butcher used his super strength to bend off a jagged piece. Interestingly enough, there seemed to have already been a piece of the ship that was broken off. Strange.
"Mom, can I see the belt?"
Becca slowly nodded, giving the teleportation belt to her son, as he turned back to Millie.
"You'll see." Ryan grinned at her, holding out his hand. "Because I'll need your help."
Realizing what he meant, Kessler looped her arm around his shoulders, and with a quick nod, the Traveller flew up into the sky once more, leaving Becca, Caitlyn, and Frank staring up at them.
"He'll be okay, Becca." Frank promised. "Millie will make sure of it."
Castle Dimitrescu
Daniella and Rose stared down at Ethan's resting body, watching him quietly twitch. Seeing her father asleep, the daughter tugged on the redhead's arm, making her look down.
"Is Daddy… is Daddy going to be okay?"
Daniella frowned slightly, but reached down and picked up the child.
"Of course, little one." she said soothingly. "My Uncle Karl once said that he's like a cockroach! That means he's very tough to kill!"
Rose giggled, looking back down at her father… just in time to see his eyes flutter open.
"Daddy! You're okay!"
Ethan weakly smiled, holding out his arm.
"Of course I am, Rosie. It'll take more than that to get rid of me."
"See Ethan, that's what I told her!" Daniella smiled. "I knew you would be just fine!"
Winters looked over at the redhead, feeling his heart melt.
"Thanks, Dani."
Daniella's golden eyes shimmered with tears, as she placed her hand on Ethan's cheek. The father leaned into her touch, reaching out to pull her closer, but then he suddenly noticed Rose watching them.
"I'm… I'm sorry, Rosie."
The daughter frowned, looking between Daniella and Ethan.
"It's okay, Daddy. Auntie Daniella would make a good mommy."
Ethan's mouth twitched into a smile, thankful that his daughter was all but encouraging the relationship between him and Daniella, and he pulled the bug woman's face into a kiss. The moment their lips touched, Dani closed her eyes, savoring the feeling-
Ethan suddenly felt a slight gust of wind, followed by the sound of air being displaced above them. It was almost like a plane flying overhead… but he had a good idea of what- or who- it was.
Daniella seemed to know as well, as she pulled away in shock.
"Is it… is he…"
"I don't know." Ethan muttered, taking the IV out of his arm. He should be fully healed be now, being made out of the Mold. Hopefully.
"Stay with Rosie."
Daniella nodded, and Ethan quickly exited the infirmary, taking the elevator back up to ground level. Once the elevator stopped, he ran out, making his way to the lobby to find Chris, Alcina, Heisenberg, the Dimitrescu daughters, and Riley all waiting.
"What's going on?" Ethan asked, pulling out a gun.
"Someone's coming." Chris murmured, as he took his own weapon.
"And we think we know who." Bela added, brandishing her sickle. A few seconds later, the door opened up, revealing the smiling face of the Duke.
"Good evening friends! I've brought guests!"
The portly merchant lumbered to the side, revealing two smaller people behind him. The first one, a blonde haired woman in tactical gear, was recognized by Chris as Millie Kessler, the leader of Hellhound Squad that he had the Bakers reach out to. And the second…
"What the fuck is he doing here?" Cassandra seethed, as parts of her body morphed into flies. "He almost killed Daniella!"
"Easy, Cass." Ethan told her, even though he still had his gun out. "It wasn't him who attacked us."
"He was still here." Cassandra growled. Ryan nodded, as he took out a color that glowed green and attached it to his ankle. Once Millie realized what he was doing, her eyes widened.
"Ryan, are you sure?"
Butcher nodded, facing everyone before him.
"I want to make this right." he announced, taking out the jagged piece of Brightburn's ship.
"From what I've been told, this is the only thing that can hurt Brightburn." Ryan revealed. "You want him dead? So do I."
Bela looked towards Chris, smiling knowingly.
"Everyone has a kryptonite."
Heisenberg twitched his fingers, and the piece of metal flew from Ryan's hands into his. At the same time, Alcina walked forward, grabbing Butcher and lifting him up by the throat, while extending her claws. Millie pulled out her gun, pointing it at the tall woman's head, but Ryan raised his hand to tell her to stop.
"I should kill you, for what you've done, bringing that monster to my home…"
Alcina paused, looking over at Chris and Ethan.
"Mister Winters and Redfield were kind enough to give my family and I a second chance, after all the atrocities we committed. Well… what kind of woman would I be to not grant you the same clemency?"
Alcina dropped Ryan to the floor, causing Millie to quickly run over and help him up, unlocking his collar in the process.
"You good?" Kessler asked with concern. Ryan rubbed his neck, but looked up and nodded.
"Yeah."
"Gotta say, this is a new one." Heisenberg remarked, staring at the jagged piece of metal. "Never came across this material before."
"That's because it's an alien metal."
Everyone turned around, seeing Batman enter the main floor.
"The databanks in my cowl don't recognize the chemical compound or materialistic structure." Bruce explained. "Whatever the metal is, it isn't of Earth, not ours anyway. It's not even Kryptonian like I originally thought."
Ryan nodded, while Heisenberg willed the metal to fly around his head pensively.
"If we can break it down and use it as a focusing lens for light fixtures, we can create a containment unit for Brightburn. Similar to the Anti-V cells that Vought Tower had." Butcher suggested, while holding up the Anti-V collar.
"Sounds like a plan." Karl said thoughtfully. "I'm in."
"So are we." Cassandra grinned, with her sisters nodding. "I want payback!"
"We all have scores to settle." Chris reminded everyone. "But we need to focus on the bigger picture right now."
"Which is?" Daniella asked. Bela looked at her sister curiously, before speaking.
"The Power Broker."
Millie's expression changed to a grave look, as Bela continued.
"After Joe and Zoe made contact with Miss Kessler's team, they launched their own investigation." Dimitrescu announced. "While those Flag Smasher terrorists were busy battling Millie's squad, Zoe was able to hack into what little hardware they had, and retrieved several files. One of which details a coordinated attack on Purge Night."
"And who coordinated it?" Ryan asked, even though he had a sinking feeling.
"The Power Broker himself." Chris revealed. "He's been behind everything. The resurgence of Compound V. The Purge. Bringing Brightburn and his cronies here…"
"That's a leap." Millie interrupted.
"Not unless one of the Bakers' files included mentions of a machine that can help people travel across different Earths." Alcina revealed. Ryan frowned, looking at Millie. There was only one machine that could do that…
"Project Proteus." Kessler realized, folding her arms. "But that's in Mega City One. How'd it get here?"
"We don't know yet." Chris sighed. "But the Power Broker has planned all of it."
"Then who is he?" Cassandra seethed, as flies danced around her head.
"Cass, use your head." Bela scowled. "Who would benefit the most from all of this?"
Millie growled in annoyance, punching a nearby wall and causing the foundation to crack.
"Ross."
Everyone stared at Kessler in surprise, save for Batman, Bela, and Redfield.
"He was the one who put the Sokovia Accords in motion." Chris reminded everyone. "He's also the one who suggested this Purge to begin with."
"And he had the Super Soldier Serum recreated that transformed Emil Blonsky into the Abomination." Batman added.
"If we're able to prove that he had a connection to Nagel…" Millie murmured. "But that still doesn't explain how he had a machine just like Proteus in this time."
Ryan looked down at the ground, as his eyes began to glow red. After a few seconds, he blinked the hue away, and looked back up.
"I think I know. But I need to see someone first."
Realizing what he meant, Millie slowly nodded, and Butcher activated the time displacement belt, causing him to vanish in a blue light.
Millie fluttered her eyes, seeing that everyone else was readjusting her sight.
"What would this Ross guy have to gain from all this?" Daniella asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Kessler rolled her eyes. "He's the Secretary of State. Once the Purge Night kicks off, he'll be able to take out the President and any members of his cabinet."
"And then move up the chain." Heisenberg muttered. "Just like that bitch Miranda."
"There's still one piece missing…" Ethan mused. "How does this machine… 'Project Proteus' factor into all this?"
Millie looked at the floor long and hard, swallowing the bile from realization.
"Before we brought everyone back, Ryan told me he and Joe used Proteus to travel to a different dimension. And if the machine can do that, then traveling to different Earths should be a piece of cake. And since Brightburn might be from a different Earth…"
She looked over to Bruce, seeing him grimly nod.
"Well." Alcina huffed. "I believe we just discovered how this Brightburn and Secretary Ross are connected."
Mega City One
Ryan took a deep breath, staring intently at the number 211 on the apartment door. Even when he and Joe lived in the Big Meg, they didn't often visit her. That's the problem with Mega City One: there was too much crime, not even he could stop it all. Sometimes it made him wonder if President Bracken was right…
Butcher shook his head, reaching up and knocking on the door. He waited a few moments, but eventually, the door opened up to reveal a young woman with blonde hair, wearing an orange vest.
"Ryan?" she asked, furrowing her brow. "Where… where's Joe?"
Ryan sadly looked at her, shaking his head.
"I'm sorry, Vienna."
The young woman widened her eyes, the edges began shimmering.
"No… please Grud, no…"
"Vienna, please don't make this harder than it is." Ryan told her. "He's gone. And I'm so, so sorry."
Vienna numbly nodded, letting the tears fall, as Ryan reached out to hold her.
"Can… can you come inside?"
Ryan nodded, and the two stumbled into the apartment, with Butcher leading her to a chair. Dredd eventually looked up, wiping away a tear.
"How did it happen?"
Ryan sighed, looking down at the carpet, before speaking.
"There was this… this guy, calling himself Brightburn." Ryan explained. "I thought he was a supe, like me and Homelander, since he had our powers, but he was much, much worse."
Butcher looked over at her, blinking away his own tears, before continuing.
"I trusted him, Vienna. I thought he was my friend, but when he tried to kill a man and his daughter, I… god, it was too late by then. I only had time to lead him to a containment cell, outfitted with Anti-V technology, but that's when we realized he was an alien. He could've killed me, but Joe, he jumped in, and gave me enough time to escape with Mom and Uncle Frank."
Ryan gulped, looking back at Vienna.
"He saved my life, V. I just… I just wish I knew how I could carry on wearing this."
Butcher pointed to his suit.
"If I can't save the ones I love, maybe I shouldn't have put this on in the first place."
Vienna bit her lip in sadness, as she got up, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Then don't." she told him. "Honor Joe by doing what he'd do… or what Billy Butcher would do."
Ryan numbly nodded, though he was still processing what she meant.
"I think… I think I know what you mean."
Dredd sadly smiled, as she wrapped her cousin in a hug, Ryan eventually returning the embrace. Once the hug ended, Ryan pulled back, looking at Vienna.
"I'm going to need your help. Are you still in contact with the Chief Judge?"
"Sure. McGruder would be happy to see us." Vienna smirked.
"Not yet." Ryan sighed. "I need you to check with her if there was any technology related to Project Proteus that went missing in the last few weeks. Mom and a friend of hers travelled to a different Earth and found a machine just like it."
"I'll see what we can do."
"Thanks." Butcher nodded. "Once that's done, I could use you and the Judges in our time. I think something's coming, and we'll need all the help we can get."
"Of course Ryan." Vienna patted him on the back. "We'll get there as soon as possible."
Ryan nodded, before activating his time displacement belt, and vanished in a blue light.
Romania
Millie walked down the halls of Castle Dimitrescu, thinking about Ryan going to Mega City One. It had already been a couple hours, she hoped that he was alright-
Kessler suddenly stopped, hearing a faint noise coming from a few rooms down. Was that… music?
Millie quickly walked through the halls, getting closer to the sound of instruments being played, until she reached a large room that looked like an opera hall, complete with a stage, a grand piano, and microphones. Upon that stage were the three Dimitrescu sisters, their hoods lowered, while their hands played a different instrument.
The redhead, Daniella, played the keyboard, furiously tickling the ivories with her digits. Cassandra, the brunette, smashed the drum set with aggression, while pounding her foot against the pedal. The final sister, the blonde named Bela, strummed an electric guitar, while also providing vocals.
"Master of puppets are pulling your strings! Twisting your mind and slashing your chains-"
The sisters suddenly stopped, looking up and realizing someone else was among them. The four women stared at each other with wide eyes, until Bela spoke first.
"Oh, Miss Kessler! I didn't realize you were here!"
Millie blinked in surprise, taking a step back.
"I didn't know you guys liked to play music."
Bela chuckled, setting down the guitar, and walked forward.
"We usually practice as a way to relax, or blow off steam." the blonde shrugged. "Surely you understand."
Kessler nodded in confirmation. Not that the bug woman was wrong there.
"If you'd like, you can join us." Bela offered. Millie took a step back in surprise, but upon seeing the Dimitrescu's all smile, she strolled forward, eyeing the instruments laying around. An extra drum set here, another keyboard there. But the thing that caught her eye was an acoustic guitar, which was plugged into a speaker.
"Mind if I borrow this?" Kessler asked, picking up the instrument. Bela grinned and nodded, while Millie prepared to play. She was about to strum, when she realized…
"Do you guys have a preference?"
"Not at all!" Daniella beamed. "Play something from the heart!"
Music: "Flight" from Man Of Steel OST
Millie chuckled, looking back down at the guitar, and began to strum a few notes. She closed her eyes, gently playing the instrument, before she heard a new noise cut in. It almost sounded like a… a trumpet?
Millie opened her eyes and looked up, seeing that Bela was the one playing the horn. Kessler smirked and nodded respectfully, while out of the corner of her eye, she could see Daniella leave her keyboard and go towards a violin behind her. Cassandra stayed where she was, deciding to continue playing the drumset. Kessler grinned, continuing to play, and pretty soon, the Dimitrescu sisters all joined in, creating what could only be described as a masterpiece in music.
New York
Ryan appeared outside of his family's house, just as Frank, Caitlyn Connor, and Becca stepped outside.
"You were gone awhile." Castle stated, noticing he was the only one there. "Where's Millie?"
"I left her at that castle for now, but I'll bring her back." Ryan promised. "But first, I need some help."
"With what?" Becca asked, as Ryan strolled inside, taking off his suit and quickly putting on normal clothes with super speed. Becca looked at her son, seeing he was in a black shirt and pants now. Just like…
"Ryan." she called out. "Are you… are you alright?"
Ryan smiled slightly, but shook his head.
"Not exactly."
He turned to Frank, his face falling.
"Can I borrow your coat?"
Castle slowly nodded, taking the leather jacket Dredd gave him, and placed it around the supe's shoulders.
"Look's better on you anyway, kid."
Ryan chuckled, walking outside with his suit, and set it on the ground. He took a deep breath, staring at the clothing, before activating his laser vision, firing a concentrated blast in the fabric that caused it to burn.
"Ryan!" Becca shouted, once the suit was nothing but ash. "What did you do?"
"I couldn't save Joe." Ryan reminded everyone. "I need to become someone else… something else, to stop Brightburn."
Vienna exited the elevator of the Hall of Justice, entering the Chief Judge's office and walking straight towards Judge McGruder.
"Ah, Vienna." McGruder smiled. "I was wondering when I would see you again."
"Unfortunately this isn't a social call." Dredd told her. "Uncle Joe is dead."
McGruder stiffened, standing up from her desk.
"Oh… I'm sorry."
Vienna nodded, before continuing.
"Ryan Butcher visited me earlier. Told me what happened. He also wanted me to ask you if anything related to Project Proteus has gone missing over the last few weeks."
"The last few weeks…" McGruder shook her head. That would place the time being around when Dredd, Castle, and The Boys brought everyone back in their time.
"I'll look into it."
"Thank you." Vienna murmured, turning on her heel. "Can we also closely monitor their time for now? I have a feeling Ryan will need us."
"Oh course." McGruder confirmed, as Dredd left her office.
Heisenberg and Chris worked tirelessly on a chamber in the dungeons, installing new light fixtures. After using his powers to break down the piece of alien metal to atoms, Karl was able to manipulate the lights and use the element as a focal lens.
"How's it coming?" Ryan asked, stepping into the doorway.
"Surprisingly well." Redfield answered, screwing in the ceiling lights. "Most of the credit goes to Heisenberg."
"Thanks Redfield!" Karl beamed, slapping Chris on the back.
Butcher smirked at the altercation, before clearing his throat.
"I need you to include Anti-V lights."
"But you know he's not a supe." Heisenberg frowned.
"I also want the fight to be fair." Ryan murmured. "He's going to pay for what he's done."
Realizing what he meant, Chris silently nodded, as he and Karl continued working.
"Thank you." Ryan nodded, before walking away.
"Hey where the fuck are you going?" Karl asked.
"We need to gather as many people as we can." Butcher simply stated, and continued walking.
In another area of the dungeon, Riley and Bela approached Lady Beneviento and Angie, who were just finishing up on the altered fear gas.
"It's done." Donna murmured, holding up a gun-looking weapon with a brown vial attached. "A compressed gas gun, which will fire the modified Fear Toxin."
"One whiff, and that bitch is toast!" Angie cackled, taking the weapon and handing it to Riley."
"Thank you." Stone nodded, while Bela looked at her curiously.
"Can we trust your friend?" Dimitrescu asked.
"Of course we can." Constantine hollered, approaching the women. "Gibb's an old mate of mine! Hell, we can see her now!"
"How?" Riley frowned, as John took out a whiteout marker and began drawing some tunes in a circle on the floor.
"With this Egyptian dream ritual." Constantine grinned. "Luckily, being that I have a link to Gibb's soul, I can enlist the help of Aken, the Egyptian ferryman of the dead."
"Ferryman… like Charon in Greek mythology?" Bela guessed.
"Well, someone's catching on quick." John chuckled. "Maybe once this is over, you and I could-"
"Don't try it." Dimitrescu warned. "I'm already spoken for."
"Wait, how do you already have a link to Gibb's soul?" Riley asked in confusion.
"Guess, love." John wore a devilish smirk. Bela looked at them in confusion, before widening her eyes in realization.
"Did we need to know that?" she groaned.
"Well, she asked." the demonologist shrugged, pointing to Riley. "Now let's get on with it, savvy? Gather round, ladies."
Riley and Bela followed John's lead, which caused all three of them to sit in a circle of the rooms, and held hands. John rolled his eyes towards the ceiling, and began chanting.
"Smith, Aken, Karrem, Bieeb, Shiaute. Smith, Aken, Karrem, Bieeb, Shiaute. Smith, Aken, Karrem, Bieeb, Shiaute…"
In the realm of dreaming, Gibb Smith approached Jason, who looked around in curiosity. After John, Riley, and Bela left, the first thing she did was transport herself and Voorhees into the dreaming world, away from Hell. Away from anything that could bring harm to Jason.
"Do you remember, Jason?" Gibb whispered, teleporting right in front of him. All around them, the scenery changed, showing what looked like a Summer camp and lake. Smith and Voorhees watched, as a young boy with a mishapen head burst through the lake's waters, followed by a younger version of Gibb herself.
"Do you remember, when you saved me from Freddy?"
Voorhees looked down at her, slowly nodding. Gibb sadly smiled, as she reached up and placed her hand underneath his hockey mask. She concentrated hard, focusing on her newfound dream powers, while Jason shuddered, feeling his body change. Gibb glanced at his neck, seeing it morph from its rotted, decayed state, to a more healthy appearance, with flesh being mended together, and being returned to its healthy caucasian complexion. It was working.
Smith grinned, gently pulling off Jason's mask to reveal a balding head with striking blue eyes and a bit of stubble, but aside from those features, nothing out of the ordinary. There wasn't even an indication of his childhood deformity.
"G… Gibb…" Jason murmured in a deep voice, straining to use his long forgotten voice. He stared down at the fingers through his ripped gloves, seeing they were perfectly normal.
"T… thank… thank you…"
Gibb felt tears run down her face, as he stared sadly at her.
"But… but I… deserve Hell…"
"Maybe." Gibb admitted, as she cupped his face. She wasn't blind, she knew what he had done. He was a murderer, a mass murderer even. Or as Constantine would call him, a Meat Cutter. But that didn't change how she felt about him.
She loved him. Ever since he first saved her and her friends from Freddy Krueger, she fell for him.
"But I don't care."
Gibb leaned forward, preparing to kiss the man she loved, but a familiar chanting could suddenly be heard all around them.
Smith, Aken, Karrem, Bieeb, Shiaute. Smith, Aken, Karrem, Bieeb, Shiaute. Smith, Aken, Karrem, Bieeb, Shiaute…
Jason stopped, looking up with a blank expression.
"What… is… that?"
"Fuck." Gibb groaned. Speaking of Constantine…
Smith sighed, and before the chanting could continue, she snapped her fingers. In an instant, John, Riley, and Bela materialized right in front of them, with the latter two falling on their rears.
"Worst timing as always John." Gibb grumbled, while Jason stared at them all blankly. He… he remembered them. All three of them.
"Sorry Gibb." Constantine shrugged. "I hate getting blue balled as much as the next wanker, but Miss Dimitrescu here wanted to make sure you were trustworthy."
"Did she?" Smith raised an eyebrow, looking over to Bela. As the blonde picked herself back up, Smith teleported in front of her, making her fall again in surprise.
"Well, I do solemnly swear," Gibb declared, kneeling in front of the bug woman and placing her hand over her heart.
"I do solemnly swear, you have my word, that I shall fight valiantly against those who oppose you, oh fair lady."
Riley tilted her head in slight amusement, while leaning towards Constantine.
"She's making a joke, right?"
"No shit, Sherlock." Gibb told her, before addressing Bela again. "Would it sell better if I kissed your hand?"
Bela rolled her eyes, as Smith proceeded to grab her arm and hoist her up.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure that witch bitch pays for what she's done to you and your friends."
Dimitrescu nodded, biting her lip.
"It's not just her… there's another, named Brightburn."
"The Homelander knockoff?" Gibb furrowed her brow. "He's a bit of a cunt too?"
"You got that right." Riley piped up. "He tried to kill Bela's sister, then attacked my best friend's brother when he refused to help him."
"Huh." Gibb snorted, looking over to John. "Well, I'll see what I can do. Now, if we're done here…"
"Yeah, yeah." Constantine groaned. Gibb smirked and snapped her fingers again, causing the three visitors to vanish.
"Now where were we?" Smith grinned at Jason, stepping towards him. Voorhees didn't answer, as Gibb closed the distance, and closing her eyes, embraced him in a kiss.
Chicago
Alice went back into the Barclay's house, seeing Andy, Nica, and Sienna all look at her sadly.
"Are you gonna be okay?" Nica asked her niece. Alice numbly nodded, looking down.
"Yeah… sorry Sienna."
Shaw looked at her girlfriend in confusion, as the doll chuckled.
"At least I can use my entire hand for fisting though."
Sienna laughed at the joke, before walking over and picking Alice up.
"Whatever body you have doesn't matter. I still love you."
Pierce smiled, as Sienna leaned in to give her a kiss, when they heard a sonic boom from outside.
"Seriously?" Alice raised an eyebrow. "Forget the Traveller, his name should be Super-Cockblock."
Everyone walked outside, seeing that Ryan and Millie returned, albeit with Ryan wearing a trench coat instead of his suit.
"You're back?" Andy furrowed his brow. "Why?"
"It's not over." Ryan told everyone. "We need all hands on deck."
"This is bigger than Brightburn, or the Flagsmashers." Millie announced. "Secretary Ross is the Power Broker, and is going to use the Purge to his advantage to take over the US."
"And you want us to help." Nica guessed, folding her arms. "Do you have a few dozen Good Guy dolls?"
"Nica, you don't need your powers to help." Andy told her, putting his arm around her shoulders.
"From what Alice told me, you all would be a tremendous help." Millie smiled.
"Including her?" Ryan frowned, pointing to Sienna. The dark haired girl smirked, as she reached behind her back, pulling out a sword that materialized, and concentrated hard. Within seconds, the blade ignited in flames, followed by her clothes burning away and being replaced by an armored breastplate and thong, as well as growing wings on her back.
"Damn, that's hot." Alice whispered.
"I'm impressed." Millie mumbled, as Sienna parted her hair and brandished her sword.
"Remember our mutual friend Constantine?" Alice explained. "He came to us ten years ago, telling Sienna that she has the powers of an archangel."
"Can we trust you guys to help when the time comes?" Ryan asked. The Barclays and Sienna nodded, making Kessler smile.
"Okay. We'll be in touch."
"And I'll reach out to some old friends." Andy added. "I'm sure they'd love to get back into the fight."
Ryan grabbed ahold of Millie, before flying away, leaving their new Allie's watching outside.
Central City
Barry ran as fast as he could on the STAR Labs treadmill, when he heard an alert go off. Within seconds, Allen sped through the chamber, finding Frank in the control room, unflinching.
"Easy, Red. Just me."
"Frank?" Barry asked in surprise. "You could've called."
"Maybe." Castle sighed. "But the Crimson Bolt is part of something way bigger. Don't know how well you and the Bat keep up, but he and Mill figured out that Ross is behind everything."
"Everything." Allen repeated, taking a step back. "Makes sense since he's ingrained himself into the government."
"They think that whatever plan he has will happen on Purge Night." Frank added. "Think I can trust you to help out when it happens?"
"Of course Frank." Barry nodded. "I'll always be there to help you out."
"Thanks, I-"
Frank, you there? Cass' voice echoed in his head. Tony Stark's wife called, said she had something for you.
Frank frowned, looking past Barry.
On my way Cass.
Castle began walking away, mulling over to himself.
The fuck would Stark want to do with me? Aren't Dredd and I the reason her husband is dead-
"Frank."
Castle paused, looking over his shoulder.
"Going somewhere?"
"Yeah, Pepper Stark wants to give me something."
"Well… need a ride?"
Technically I showed up with the belt, that's how I got through STAR Labs' defenses. But what the hell.
"Sure Red."
Barry smirked, grabbing Frank by the shoulders, and speeding off.
Music: "Sharks Don't Sleep" from Captain America Civil War Trailer OST
Star City
Ryan and Millie landed in front of an apartment window, seeing a young woman with black hair chopping up vegetables. Butcher frowned slightly, looking over at Millie.
"You sure this is the place?"
Kessler nodded, as they floated closer.
"Trust me, you'll want Nora on your side too."
Millie knocked on the glass, causing the woman to look up and, once she realized who was there, smiled, before going over and opening up the window.
"Millie!" Nora grinned, hugging Kessler. Millie hugged her back, and once she realized the soldier seemed to have increased her strength, her eyes widened in surprise.
"God, you're stronger than I remembered! I don't have to watch my own strength around you!"
"What?" Ryan raised an eyebrow. "What's that mean?"
Nora broke off the hug, looking over to Ryan.
"Well… can I demonstrate?"
"By doing what?" Butcher asked in confusion. Nora simply shrugged, walking over to the granite counter, and smashed her fist into the surface. Ryan's eyes widened, seeing that the surface cracked under her fist, while her hand appeared to be unscathed.
"And that's not all." Millie whispered, just as William ran down the second floor's staircase.
"Something wrong? I thought I heard something-"
Clayton eyed the countertop, then Nora's sheepish smile.
"Nora baby, do you know how much that'll cost?"
"Not nearly as much as the last time we trashed the place." Nora snickered. "But, since you're here, I could use your help with another demonstration."
"What do you mean?" William asked, before his eyes found Ryan.
"Is that…"
"Yeah." Millie nodded. "Meet my brother, Ryan Butcher."
"William Clayton. A pleasure to finally meet you." William said respectfully, before turning to Nora. "What do you need?"
"I want you to shoot me."
William snorted, pulling out a small black rectangle, which unfolded into a compound bow. Clayton walked over to a corner, picking up an arrow that was resting in a quiver, and expertly fired, straight at the dark haired woman.
"Look out-" Ryan shouted, preparing to rush over and grab the arrow in midair. Before he could though, Nora simply raised her hand, and the projectile stopped inches from her face.
"Holy shit." Butcher gasped, while Nora let the arrow fall.
"I don't think I told you who I really am." Nora declared. "My name is Nora Darhk- Damien Darhk's daughter."
"And that's how you got that power- from him." Ryan guessed, before pointing to his eyes. "Think you can…"
Realizing what he meant, Nora held up her hand in preparation, giving a slight nod. Accepting the invitation, Ryan fired his heat vision, careful to lower the intensity just in case, but Nora was able to stop the lasers halfway from reaching her, albeit straining a bit.
"Fuck." William murmured in awe, as Ryan eventually blinked to stop the assault.
"You okay?"
"I'll live." Nora shrugged. "I'm guessing this isn't a friendly visit."
"Unfortunately not." Millie grumbled, turning to William. "I don't know how much you've told her, but the Flag Smashers are part of a larger scheme laid out by Secretary Ross. He's the Power Broker who's orchestrated this whole Purge bullshit."
"Kind of like Emperor Palpatine." Ryan added. Millie shook her head in grudging amusement, before continuing.
"He also somehow brought Brightburn here, maybe some other freaks too."
"The one I know of is named Achlys." Ryan told everyone. "Brightburn and I met her before he showed his true colors."
"Regardless, we have to assume there are more, and we need to figure out how the fuck he got them to our Earth." Kessler finished.
"I'm having Vienna look into that last one." Butcher revealed. "But we were here to ask you guys… will you help us?"
William looked at Nora, who grinned and nodded.
"Of course we will."
Ryan grinned, shaking both Clayton and Darhk's hands, before grabbing Millie.
"One more, right?"
"One more." Kessler nodded, before the two flew out the window.
Plainfield, Illinois
"This is the place, right?" Alice asked, looking out of the truck window to see a run down accounting office called ZZZ Accounting, which was right next to a laundromat. Because she was now in the body of a doll, she had to get on her tip toes, but even then, the top of her head barely poked above the edge of the window.
"It's the address he and Frank gave me." Andy shrugged, parking his truck and getting out. He paused only to grab Alice, carrying her towards the building, and swiftly entered, seeing two young women waiting outside an office. The older woman, having long blonde hair, was looking over the shoulder of the younger one, who was busy drawing on a notebook.
"Do you know who it is, Lexi?" the younger girl asked flatly, finishing her drawing.
"Is that… Captain America?" the older woman, Lexi, widened her eyes in astonishment. "That's really good, Caroline!"
"Thank you." Caroline answered in a monotone voice, before looking up to see Andy holding onto Alice.
"Mister Barclay?" she frowned. "Why are you holding onto Chucky? And why does he look like a girl now?"
Lexi looked up, and upon realizing that a living doll was in front of them, pulled out a gun.
"Caroline, get behind me-"
"Hold on, Lex!" Alice barked, making both girls open their mouths in shock. Well, Lexi had the more… animated expression. Caroline's eyes slightly widened, though she appeared mostly unfazed.
"Alice?" the younger asked out loud. "What happened to you?"
"My human body got killed." Alice grunted, while Andy looked away. "But it's good to see you two again."
"Yeah, you too." Lexi nodded, just as the door opened.
"I heard you two talking. What's going on-"
A middle aged man with glasses stopped speaking, calmly looking over at Andy and Alice.
"Andy. And this should be your niece Alice." he stated plainly. "She's shorter than I thought."
"That's one way to put it." Andy muttered, but held out his hand.
"It's nice to see you again, Christian."
Christian Wolff looked over towards Caroline, before replying "It's… good to see you."
"You weren't coming here because you missed us though." Lexi guessed. "You need our help."
"Can it be both?" Alice asked. "But yes. We're going to need as much help as we can get on this… Purge Night."
"Okay." Lexi nodded. "We're in."
"Just like that?" Andy raised an eyebrow.
"Was there something else?" Caroline frowned in confusion.
"I… I guess not." Alice mumbled, looking up at Andy. "Well… thanks. We'll be in touch."
Christian silently nodded, and the Barclays left the Accountant's building.
"I hope you know what you're doing." Alice told Andy, once they got in the car. "Since none of them have any powers."
"I know." Andy admitted, gripping the steering wheel.
"I hope so too."
Gotham
Russo walked down the catwalks towards the batcomputer, seeing Beth beginning to take her cowl off.
"Beth?" Billy called out. "What's wrong?"
"I can't… I can't do this." Beth shook her head sadly, pulling the gauntlets off. "I can't keep up this lie."
"What?" Russo frowned. "What're you talking about?"
Beth paused, looking at Billy sadly, before elaborating.
"Sionis was right. I can't make up for what I've done."
"Yes, you can." Billy told her, reaching out and cupping her face. "Beth, You've made mistakes, but those don't define you."
Kane leaned into his touch, but still shook her head.
"Maybe they should." Beth whimpered. "I can't… I can't do it. I'm sorry."
"Beth, please." Billy murmured. "We… I need you."
Beth continued staring at Russo sadly, until they heard footsteps approaching.
"Russo is right, we do need your help." Batman's voice echoed behind them. "Secretary Ross is planning a coup with the Purge, and we'll need all the help we can get."
Billy took a deep breath, before looking Beth right in the eye.
"Please… one last time."
Beth looked into Russo's eyes, realizing his was begging, pleading, for her to say yes. Slowly, and with great reluctance, she nodded, pulling away, and placed her cowl back on.
"One last time."
Tennessee
Ryan flew close to what looked like a barn, seeing high tech equipment laying outside. He looked quizzically to Millie, who simply shrugged.
"Don't ask me why he still lives here."
Butcher shook his head in confusion, just as the barn door opened, and Harley stepped out, wearing a gauntlet reminiscent of Iron Man's.
"Hey Millie. Ryan." Harley greeted. "Whatever you're going to ask, I'm in."
"Do you even know what we need you for?" Butcher frowned, just as his and Kessler's feet touched the ground.
"Doesn't matter." Harley shrugged. "If my friends need help, I'll help them. Win or lose, we'll do it together. It's what Tony would've done."
Millie smiled, as Keener tilted his head to the side.
"By the way, Pepper wanted to see your father, Mill."
"Huh? Why?" Millie frowned.
"Something about giving him a suit." he shrugged.
"I know where she is." Ryan offered. Millie quickly nodded, and Ryan grabbed hold of her and took off, leaving Harley outside.
Red and I have done this before. He picks me up and dashes around with me in tow. Never get less weird after each time.
Eventually, the Flash stopped running, stopping outside of what used to be Tony Stark's lake house. Frank nodded in thanks to the speedster, just as the door opened, and a woman with fiery red hair stepped out.
"Miss Stark." Castle greeted. "I heard you wanted to see me, right?"
"Yes, Frank." Pepper smiled, turning and heading into her house. Castle looked over to Barry, who simply shrugged and sped off, much to his confusion.
"Okay…"
Frank followed Pepper inside, who led him into the study. She flipped on a light, revealing a workshop of sorts, with tools, machinery, and bits of armored suits littering the area. And in the center of it all…
Castle raised an eyebrow, seeing what looked like the War Machine armor, but with even more weapons attached to it. There we're wrist mounted machine guns, two mini guns attached to the shoulders, what looked like miniature rocket launchers on the knees, but the thing that made him pause the most was seeing a skull painted on the chest area- his skull.
No way. Stark was making this suit… for me?
As if to answer his thoughts, Pepper spoke up in confirmation.
"Tony made this for you, and Barry put the finishing touches." Pepper explained. "He wanted to give it to you when the time is right, and, well…"
Castle slowly nodded, as Potts pressed a button that made the suit open up.
"It's time." Frank murmured, stepping inside. The armor closed up on him within seconds, and the heads up display flickered to life.
"Hey Frank. Long time no see, right?"
Castle's brows furrowed, recognizing the voice.
"Lieberman?"
"Yeah, yeah! It's me, your guy in the chair!"
"Well… it's good to hear from you again." Frank murmured, turning to Pepper.
"Thanks."
Pepper nodded, as the Punisher began walking back out, eyeing a blue and silver suit on the way.
"If that's yours, we could use your help."
"Of course." Potts agreed, before Frank took off, flying away. He didn't get far, as a figure suddenly zoomed right past him, making Castle slow down and see Ryan and Millie a few feet away from him in midair.
"Nice suit!" Kessler called out, as Frank's metal faceplate opened up.
"You two looking for me?" Frank asked in confusion.
"Just to say hi." Ryan told him. "Millie and I have one more stop!"
"Got it." Frank muttered. "Be careful though. Ross' Purge is supposed to start tonight."
Ryan nodded, before he and Millie took off, leaving Frank to fly back to his and Cass' home.
Pennsylvania
Ryan led Millie into a relatively small house, making her pause in confusion. There didn't seem to be anything extraordinary about the place, aside from the fact that the entire neighborhood was blocked off by a thick walled gate outside. Was this…
"Where are we?" Millie asked in confusion. Ryan sighed, closing his eyes.
"This… this was where I grew up. Mom wanted to hide me from Homelander, so Vought kept me in this… this prison."
"Jesus." Millie gasped. "I'm sorry, but… why are we here?"
Ryan shut his eyes, slightly shaking his head.
"I usually come here when I want to be alone." he revealed. "Other times, it's to train. But today, I need help."
"What?" Millie frowned, as Butcher pulled out an Anti-V collar, attaching it to his leg. "Ryan, what are you doing?"
"I need to be ready." Ryan told her. "I have to prepare for when I face him again."
Ryan looked over to Millie, holding out his hand.
"Will you help me?"
Millie reluctantly nodded, grasping his hand.
"Yes."
Kessler pulled forward, swinging her first, but Ryan jumped up, somersaulting over Millie's head and kicked her in the back, before bull-rushing her. Because she didn't have an Anti-V collar, Kessler used minimal strength in the backhanded slap she delivered, though it still caused Butcher to stagger back a few feet.
"Damn." Ryan grumbled, rubbing his jaw. "Again."
"Are you sure?" Millie asked.
"Yes." Ryan nodded. "I can't afford to fuck up again."
Millie nodded in understanding, before charging at Butcher again, raising her fists to attack.
Vienna and McGruder walked into the Project Proteus lab, momentarily startling the Tek-Judges.
"Chief Judge!" a bald Tek with red hair stammered. "To what do we owe this visit?"
"We need to access the security footage from three weeks ago." McGruder announced, as she and Dredd briskly walked into a back office. The Tek Judge followed them, as they approached a large computer that played video footage.
"What are we looking for?" the Tek asked.
"Any irregularities." Vienna requested, while the footage was rewound to weeks prior. Her eyes scanned the screen, looking for anyone and anyone, when-
"There!"
The Tek Judge stopped the footage, and McGruder tapped a few keys to zoom in on a man with black hair and a beard, who appeared to be tampering with the Proteus controls. In one of his hands were blueprints of some kind.
"Is that…" Vienna frowned.
"Desmond Stich." McGruder growled. "He's supposed to be in a cell."
"Why isn't he?" Vienna asked. "Wouldn't you have noticed if he broke out?"
"Of course I would. Unless…"
McGruder stopped.
"Unless he was never there to begin with."
Ryan flew up high in the sky, looking behind him to see two armored figures flying after him. As the figures got closer, he could see one of them had the distinct design of the War Machine armor, and the other…
The second armored person lifted their arm and fired a rocket, causing Ryan to quickly duck. When the projectile came back to him, he simply reached out, grabbed it, and threw it back at the individuals. The moment the rocket exploded, its owner began to fall to the ground, making Butcher's eyes widen.
"Shit."
Ryan dove down after the individual, easily catching up and grabbing their suit, slowing their descent until they reached the ground.
"You okay?" Ryan asked, just as the suit's helmet opened up to reveal the face of Caitlyn Connor.
"Yes." Caitlyn murmured, looking up at him. Butcher smiled, looking into her eyes, as he leaned in closer-
"You're getting better." Frank's voice interrupted him, as the Punisher touched down in his own armor. "Let's run it again, yeah?"
Ryan looked over at Caitlyn, who nodded, and the two got up and flew back up, eventually being joined by Castle. A few feet away, Millie watched the three spar, just as she heard a voice behind her.
"You can't let him kill Brightburn."
Kessler whipped around, seeing Alice standing before her.
"Alice?" she frowned. "How… how are you here?"
"Oh, right, sorry." the doll apologized. "I found out ten years ago that I can enter people's dreams to communicate with them, and, well… you're daydreaming. But that's not the point."
"What do you mean then?" Millie asked in confusion. Alice sighed, shaking her head.
"Has he killed anyone yet?"
"What?" Kessler frowned. "No. No, at least I don't think so…"
"Then don't let him kill Brightburn." Alice told her. "Look, back when Andy, Nica, and I destroyed Chucky for good, we run into his lover Tiffany along the way. She and Nica got into a fight, and, well…"
Alice looked at the ground in sadness.
"My aunt nearly killed her, and it would've fucked her up."
"So… what do I do?" Millie asked. Alice sadly smiled, looking back up.
"You kill him before Ryan can. Spare him the trauma of taking a life."
Kessler looked back up at Ryan, who was flying around with Frank and Caitlin. With a heavy heart, she closed her eyes, accepting what she'd have to do.
Becca walked down the busy streets of New York, coming to the entrance of a tall building with gold trimmed doors, accompanied by an awning that was decorated with the letter C. She smirked, stepping inside, and walked to the front desk, seeing a bald Afican American man in a suit and glasses, who looked at her in curiosity.
"I have met many a face at the Continental, but I do not recognize yours." the man told her. "What is your purpose here?"
"You're… Charon, right?" Becca squinted her eyes. "I think you knew my husband, back when he called himself Billy Butcher."
Charon stiffened, taking a step back.
"What is it you want?" he suddenly asked. "We have just recently cleared out some… unwanted guests, after Homelander's defeat."
"Well… is the manager in?" Becca inquired, remembering how Dredd mentioned someone named Winston.
Charon shifted from one foot to the other, but nodded.
"He is in the lounge. Just one floor below."
Becca smiled in thanks, as she walked away from the desk and entered the elevator on the right. Once she got in, she pressed the button just under the lobby, and watched the gate shut, transporting her below. It was almost like… she was descending into Hell.
Eventually, the doors did open to reveal what looked like a nightclub, with an older man wearing glasses and nursing a drink sitting in the corner. Upon seeing Becca, he quietly waved her over, while his companion, a middle aged man with long dark hair and a beard, turned around to get a good look at her.
"Ah, Miss Butcher! Charon just told me you'd be here!"
Becca steeled herself as she walked forward, approaching the two men's table.
"I'm assuming you're Winston." she guessed, seeing him nod.
"And I'm assuming you're going to ask for my assistance with whatever it is you and your allies are planning." Winston replied.
"Yes." Becca admitted. "I don't know if you pay attention to the news, but Secretary Ross is planning on initiating his Purge tonight."
"We are aware. Unfortunately, I am unable to help you." Winston informed. "The damage that Homelander wrought on this establishment has not been undone."
Becca's face fell, as she turned around reluctantly to leave.
"Wait."
She stopped, looking over her shoulder, to see the man with dark hair looking at her.
"Is Frank… alright?"
Butcher frowned, staring at him in curiosity.
"You know Frank?"
"Yeah." the man nodded. "We were in the Corps together."
Becca smirked, walking back to the corner table.
"He's okay. He's one of the people who found out Ross' plan. And he's helping us." Butcher revealed. The man numbly nodded, looking up at her.
"I'll help."
Winston furrowed his brow, looking at the second man in alarm.
"Jonathan, listen to me." Winston warned. "If you come out of the shadows, you will lose your protection. The only reason the Table hasn't been able to do anything to you in the last fifteen years is because of all these enhanced individuals running around. They either don't know that the Continental has been harboring you ever since the death of Homelander, or they knew that trying anything would have attracted the attention of the other so called supes."
"I'll deal with it." Jonathan said grimly. "And I'll kill whoever they send."
Winston smiled, having a twinkle in his eye.
"I knew you'd say that." the manager chuckled. "Just have fun out there."
Wick nodded, before standing up and joining Butcher.
"I don't think I got your name."
"Becca Butcher." the woman answered, holding out her hand.
"John. John Wick." the man replied, shaking.
Kamar Taj
"The Scarlet Witch needs no tools or equipment, just as she needs no incantation to cast her spells." Stephen murmured, reading from the Darkhold, before looking up at Wanda. "Try creating a rune, Wanda. Focus."
Across the courtyard, Wanda focused, her eyes glowing crimson, as she held out her hands. As her limbs slowly moved, scarlet energy burned through the air, taking on the form of an ancient sigil.
"Good start." Strange praised, just as he heard flames spout behind him.
"Constantine… I am not in the mood."
"Well, that's too bad, Stevie, because we need your help."
Stephen turned around, seeing the last of the flames flicker away, revealing John with his hands in his trenchcoat, as well as Frank, who was wearing… Iron Man's armor?
"What?" Wanda frowned. "What's happening?"
"You don't know?" Castle furrowed his brow. "The Purge is happening, tonight. It's a power grab by the Secretary of the State since the Sokovia Accords worked so well."
Wanda opened her mouth in shock, shrinking away.
"I'm sorry. I didn't keep up to date on everything since I…"
She turned away, but Frank knew what she meant.
When she created the "hex" around Westview.
"You think you gotta serve penance, I get that." Frank murmured. "So here's your first step: when the time's right, we'll need you, Strange, and Constantine to bring in the cavalry."
Maximoff slowly nodded, while looking at him in confusion.
"But how will we know?"
"We will." Strange promised, nodding to John out of courtesy. "We'll make sure we win this time."
"Yeah." Frank agreed, before the faceplate closed over him again, and he flew up into the sky.
"Well, while we wait…"
Constantine smirked, conjuring a bottle of scotch and two glasses.
"Care to have that drink?"
After chasing each other around for the umpteenth time, Ryan and Caitlyn finally flew back down to Earth, meeting Millie.
"I think he's ready." Caitlyn decided, looking at Ryan with respect.
"Great, I was getting bored just standing here." Millie snorted. "So what now?"
Ryan smirked, remembering the last time he got captured. Before rescuing him, Dredd had issued a threat- no, a warning- to his captor. Just like how he did to Homelander on Chaos Day.
"Now… we send a message."
"Breaking news, New York!" J Jonah Jameson announced in his studio. "The Daily Bugle just received this recorded message from the superhero known as the Traveller! No doubt he is confessing to his crimes, but be warned dear viewers, the following footage may be disturbing for our younger audience!"
Across New York, viewers stopped and looked up at the electronic billboards, as Jameson's face faded away to show a young blonde man, a teenager, wearing a black trench coat.
"Inhabitants of New York, and the United States. This is the Traveller speaking." the young man introduced himself. "But… my real name… is Ryan Butcher."
"My father is… was… Homelander, but the man who raised me went by Judge Dredd."
Becca and Anderson watched from their television, surprised by Ryan's announcement. Just then, they heard a knock at the door, making Cassandra widen her eyes.
"I got it."
The Psi-Judge cautiously walked towards the entrance, pulling out her Lawgiver, but once she saw who was standing on the other end, she sighed.
"It's just Fury and Mallory."
Cass opened the door, seeing the two government agents wearing grim expressions. Behind them was a small squad of SHIELD agents, covered in head to toe with body armor and holding assault rifles.
"We need to go. Now." Fury told her. "Becca's son just put a target on your backs."
Becca reluctantly nodded, fully realizing what Ryan did. By giving his name, he was inviting anyone- particularly Brightburn- to come after him and his family. Part of her was actually impressed, as it was something that Joe would've done.
Nevertheless, she and Anderson quietly followed Fury and Mallory out, with Grace looking at the television one last time, as the agents filed in and activated claiming devices on their armor, before shutting the door.
"He wasn't perfect. He made his share of mistakes. But he was always trying to uphold the law, and in the end, died a good man."
Andy, Alice, Nica, and Sienna watched Ryan pause for a moment on the screen, averting his eyes.
"What's he doing?" Alice asked, looking up at Andy. Barclay formed his mouth in a grim line, as he pulled out a pistol and checked the ammo.
"He's sending a warning shot."
"I know that Brightburn isn't from this world, so it's time he figures out that all superheroes have to follow the same rules as any ordinary citizen."
Riley and Bela watched Ryan's speech from a monitor in the dungeons, until the bug woman cleared her throat.
"Are you ready to continue?"
Stone blinked, before turning back towards the blonde and taking a fighting stance.
"Absolutely."
Bela responded in kind, but still arched an eyebrow.
"And you're sure you don't want to level the playing field."
"We're about to fight some cunt that's nearly invincible." Riley muttered. "I can't afford to have a fair fight."
Bela respectfully nodded, before morphing into flies and surging forward. Riley ran towards the cloud of insects and and slid along the floor, getting back up once she was behind the swarm. At the same time, Bela shifted back to her human shape, and Stone kicked her in the back, causing her to stumble a few paces. Bela snapped her leg behind her, but Riley swiftly grabbed her ankle and brought her arm down, smashing into the bone. Or at least, that's what would have happened, if the limb didn't burst into flies the moment her elbow connected.
"Not bad." Bela nodded, as her leg reformed. "Shall we go again?"
"I was waiting for you." Riley grinned, before the two charged at each other.
"Brightburn is not the law. Joseph Dredd was the law… until Brightburn killed him."
In the Oval Office, President Bracken waited at his desk, while Vice President Graham paced around in worry.
"Mr. President, please. You have to cancel The Purge!" she begged. "We're only ten minutes away, it's not too late to prevent unnecessary bloodshed!"
"No need to worry, Ashley." Bracken flashed a smile. "If things don't go as planned, I will readily deploy Secretary Fargo's Judges."
"But what if you get caught in the crossfire?!" Graham shouted.
"Not possible. All members of my cabinet will be safe in the bunker." the President smirked. "Besides, I've made sure that a built in rule is that high ranking officials cannot be harmed. That's us, you know."
Ashley's mouth hung open in shock, just as she heard the door open. She looked over her shoulder, seeing Leon briskly walking towards her. A small comfort, considering what Bracken just told her.
"Mr. President. Madam Vice President." Kennedy nodded respectfully. "You both need to see this."
It was at that moment that Ashley realized his was holding onto a large folder in his hands, which he set down and opened to reveal several documents and files, as well as what looked like a CD. But what caught Ashley's eye was a photograph of Secretary Ross…
Ashley frowned, looking over to her bodyguard. That couldn't be good.
"Leon… where did you get this?"
"Brightburn is no better than Homelander. He is guilty of genocide. Guilty of conspiring the redistribution of Compound V. Guilty of engineering a tyrannical dictatorship on his own Earth. And as of now, is under sentence of death."
Batman watched the batcomputer monitors, one depicting Ryan's speech, the other telling him that the files he and Hound Wolf Squad sent to Leon Kennedy were finished transferring. And the final monitor…
Time until The Purge begins…
3… 2… 1…
"It's begun." Bruce muttered, picking up his cowl and putting it on. He turned around, seeing Batwoman and Russo standing right behind him.
"Get ready. It's going to be a long night."
"Any who try to stop me in carrying out my mission will be treated as an ally of his."
Karli Morgenthau and the rest of her Flag Smashers waited patiently in Central Park, until a man with a short beard and hair arrived, carrying a large duffel bag.
"I got your equipment." the man spoke in a French accent. "Now give me my money."
"Not yet." Karli smiled. "We know that the Power Broker hired you to monitor us. The least you can do is help us Batroc."
"How's that?" Batroc the Leaper asked. Morgenthau chuckled, handing him a black face mask with a red hand print, just as she placed one over her own.
"We're going to kill the GRC, at the same time the Power Broker kills the President."
"And as for you, Brightburn…"
High above the clouds, Brandon heard every word of Ryan's speech, and each second made his blood boil. His fists clenched, an inhuman roar of hatred escaped his mouth, and he tore through the sky, flying faster than he ever did.
"Judgement time."
A/N: And so begins The Purge in the next chapter! That's going to shape up to be pretty long, so sit tight! Nearly everyone who has appeared in my previous stories that's still living will play a part, as well as characters who were mentioned but are only being introduced now!
Speaking of, I've seen clips of Ashley Graham in the RE4 remake, and holy shit, she's an awesome character now! So get ready to see her get some badass action scenes!
That's all I gotta say for now, stay tuned!