A.n I own Nothing

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Watchtower, 24 hours ago

Alucard appeared on the watchtower in a ring of black fire, he made his way to the monitor womb and was surprised to find it empty. Alucard looked around, even though the monitors were on and displaying several updates from around the planet below; there was no one at the monitors.

"Odd…where is the League?" he asked.

He took another look around and double-checked the day on the Monitors. It was one of the days he was meant to come up to the Watchtower. The Justice League knew the days as they had been the ones to pick them. Usually, when Alucard came up to the tower he would check in with whoever was on Monitor Duty at the time, say hello to whoever else was up here, and then head to the research terminal or sit in the observation lounge by the large window reading a book.

Today however no one was on the Tower and Alucard was not quite sure what to do about it. This was not the first time he had come up to the tower and it was empty as it meant there was a Crises on. He was considering doing going somewhere else when the door opened. Alucard looked down and saw Green Lantern fly into the room and up to the Control Console.

"Alucard," Green Lantern greeted as he landed near the vampire. Alucard responded with a nod and watched as Green Lantern walk over to the Console and started pressing various buttons.

"Lantern…where is everyone?" Alucard asked curiously.

"Off-world," Green Lantern answered.

"All of them?" Alucard asked. It was rare that the entire Justice League would leave the planet. The last time this had happened they had met Aeon and gone back in time to fix history. Alucard hoped that the League had not gone on another time travel adventure without him.

"Superman, J'onn, Flash and Hawk Girl took off to go to Apokolips," Green Lantern explained "Batman and Wonder Woman went to New Genesis to ask some God Superman knows for help,"

"Superman knows a god?" Alucard asked. He was a bit surprised at this.

"Yeah Orion, big guy orange suit has a bit of an anger problem,"

"I see…and what is New Genesis and Apokolips?" Alucard asked.

Green Lantern stopped what he was doing and turned to look at Alucard in surprise and then he remembered that Alucard had been asleep for over 500yrs.

"Oh, that's right, you would have been asleep," Green Lantern stated. He leaned back, lightly sitting on the console, and gave his full attention to the vampire in front of him "A bit over a year ago Superman went missing. While he was gone, his Cousin Supergirl took up his role in protecting Metropolis,"

"He went missing?"

"Yeah, but he came back two months later and tried to conquer earth,"

"What? Why?"

"Superman was brainwashed by Darkside,"

Alucard stared blankly at Green Lantern, clearly not recognising the name.

"He's the ruler and leader of Apokolips, it's a hellish planet. Not somewhere I would recommend for a vacation spot," Green Lantern claimed "Darkside conquers planets to absorb all their resources for himself and turns their inhabitants into cybernetic demon-like creatures,"

Fear and worry immediately filled Alucard's face. However, before he could do anything, Green Lantern raised his hand to stop him from interrupting.

"Don't worry. They're not your kind of demons," he assured "Anyway Darkside managed to brainwash Superman into believing he was adopted by Darkseid and raised on apocalypse and that Darkside was a benevolent loving father. He also made Superman believe Earth was a waring world that had no hope for survival,"

"That is troubling to hear…but the earth is still intact. Superman must not have succeeded," Alucard pointed out.

"It was touch and go for a bit, but in the end, Darkseid's plan failed. Superman's buddy Orion teamed up with Supergirl and Batman, they were able to bring Superman back to his senses and then they all took the fight straight to Darkside," Green Lantern explained "They destroyed his invasion force and forced him to retreat to Apokolips,"

"And what about New Genesis?" Alucard asked.

"That's the planet Orion is from, it's inhabited by new gods,"

"New gods?"

"Yeah I don't get it either and I have no idea what happened to the old gods," Flash stated "maybe the Guardians might know,"

Alucard was going to ask who the Guardians were, but then he was more confused as to why Superman would help someone who brainwashed him and made his attack his planet.

"You said the League went to Darkseid's plant…why would they go there?"

"Darkside showed up this morning and asked Superman for help. Brainiac's attacking Apokolips and Darkside wanted some help dealing with him,"

"And Superman agreed?"

"Well yeah, I mean its Brainiac, that's a threat that no one can ignore. Plus, Superman has a pretty personal vendetta against him as well,"

"Who is Brainiac? Is he allied with Darkseid?"

"No, he's a super-intelligent AI who is obsessed with collecting cities of planets he comes across. Once he's collected the largest city, he destroys the planet it came from and keeps the city and its inhabitants in a bottle. According to Superman, he has a Kryptonian city stored on his ship," Green Lantern claimed.

"The future is complicated,"

"yeah tell me about it," Green Lantern agreed "Look I can't stay much longer, there's something I need to deal with,"

"Is it something I could help you with?" Alucard offered.

"Thanks, but no. There's a large Comet heading into our Galaxy and I need to make sure it doesn't hit anything," Green Lantern explained

"Why?"

"It has frozen dormant Manhunters. I needed to make sure it doesn't crash into anything or land on any planets otherwise the Manhunters could reactivate," Green Lantern claimed. Alucard opened his mouth to say something but Green Lantern beat him to it "before you ask, they're Robots who used to police the universe before the Green lantern corp. I don't have time to tell you the full story now. Just know that they are extremely dangerous,"

"I see…then what should I do?" Alucard asked "I am supposed to be up here on the Tower today,"

"Sorry but with the League gone and now this comet full of Manhunters no one's going to be around. You should just go and do something else's," Green Lantern suggested "Don't worry, I'll be sure to tell the others that you were here and I sent you away,"

"Very well…if that is what you believe is best," Alucard said, "I think…I will head down to Metropolis Library then,"

Green Lantern nodded, Alucard turned and left the Monitor Womb to leave Green Lantern to his work. Once he was back in the hallway, he used the Return spell to go back to Castlevania, he picked up the books he had previously borrowed and set out to return them.

Much the Master Liberians displeasure as the old man had not finished cataloguing them all yet.

The Black flames appeared in an alleyway behind the Library, Alucard liked to send himself there because it was out of the way and no one was ever around. He didn't want to walk through the city in his old-style clothing as it would draw attention to him. Attention Alucard had didn't want.

He walked around the front of the library and moved quickly up the steps, past various young people giving him an odd look. Once inside Alucard noticed that the inside of the library was very crowded. He could see lots of students and other young people browsing the shelves, normally empty tables were filled. Some were reading and copying down notes into notebooks, others were on laptops doing research.

Alucard walked over to the main desk and dropped his books in the "Book Return" Slot.

"Excuse me…why is the library so full today?" Alucard asked the Liberian.

The librarian was an older woman. She was working on her computer and looked up at him.

"Mid-Terms are a few weeks away," the librarian answered "we're always busy around this time. We have teachers and students who want to get ahead,"

"I…see…" Alucard responded. He didn't know what mid-terms were, but he also did not wish to appear to be a fool in front of the library staff. Instead, he walked further in, trying to ignore the stares the students gave him.

The Metropolis library was never this full, it's why Alucard liked going there. There was no one to bother him or stare, he could engross himself in the knowledge of various topics without being disturbed. 500yrs ago, libraries were exclusive to converts, churches, and the rich. Even then the only books that could be found were ones the church approved of. In contrast, the Library in Castlevania was filled with dark secrets and forbidden knowledge. While that was interesting, the section was very limited.

Alucard stopped at the history section, much to his dismay it too was full of students. He wandered the section and picked out three larger books before trying to find an empty table to sit at. It took a while as all the tables were filled with groups and other people studying.

He spied two girls packing up their things and leaving a table with two chairs. Alucard glanced around and using a little bit of his vampiric speed he got to the table just as the previous occupants left. Alucard put his books on the table and let out a sigh. He decided he didn't like mid-terms…or whatever it was that filled the library up. He sat down and opened the first book, trying to concentrate on absorbing the knowledge within.

It was hard, he could feel people staring at his sliver hair and old-style clothing. He could hear some people whispering about him. It was taking all of his will power not to turn and glare or return to Castlevania. He had to keep mentally reminding himself that he was not in the past and that he would not be prosecuted or attacked simply for looking a little different.

Suddenly a large stack of books landed on the table, Alucard looked up from his book and saw a young-looking man. He was a dark-skinned man, he had black hair and a Buzz style haircut. He wore blue jeans and a white t-shirt with a red MU on it, over the top of the shirt was a black leather jacket with white sleeves and red linings. The words Fair Play was written on the left sleeve.

"Hey, this seat taken?" the man asked with a smile.

Alucard shook his head and re-focused on his book. The man sat down in the chair opposite Alucard and he picked up the book on the top of the pile and began to read. Every so often, he would glance in Alucard's direction and look at the vampire curiously. Alucard tried not to let it bother him or show that he knew he was being started at.

"I'm Michael by the way," Michael introduced himself "Michael Holt,"

Alucard didn't respond, he merely lifted his book higher as to hide his face and get away from talking to the other man.

"Haven't seen you around campus, you go to Metropolis U?" He continued.

"No," Alucard answered shortly.

"Oh, I just assumed that everyone here was either a student or a teacher. You know, what with Mid-Terms coming up,"

Again, Alucard didn't respond, so Michael tried a different approach. He scanned the title of the book that Alucard was hiding behind. "History of Medicine, huh, you looking to get into med-school or something?"

"Med- School?" Alucard asked interested. Lowering the book slightly "what is that?"

"You know med-school, where you learn to be a doctor or a surgeon," Michael clarified.

Alucard blinked a few times "There are schools that teach people to be doctors?" he asked in surprise.

"Sure," Michael answered casually. It was then he noticed the blank look that Alucard was giving him "You have heard of Med-School, right? I mean why else would you be reading up on medical history?"

"Right…500yrs," Alucard muttered.

"Huh?"

"Nothing…never mind. Tell me, is this Med school…is it hard to get accepted as an apprentice?"

"Apprentice? Don't you mean a student?"

"Of course…a mere slip of the tongue,"

"Uh…huh…," Michael said. He didn't believe him. "Anyway, to answer your question, yeah it's hard. You've got to do well on your SATs and have a 4.0 average. Not to mention be like top of your class since day one and then there's a whole lot of other loops to jump through before you even think about the massive bills that will come with it,"

"I have no idea what you just said," Alucard seriously.

"I'm talking about school man, you know your grades from Middle school,"

Alucard let out a groan. He honestly had no clue what High School was, while he was pleased that education was not as limited in the present as he thought. But from the sound of it, he had to attend and complete education from somewhere else first. There would likely be an age limit for acceptance too and Alucard did not think they would accept a 523 yr old half Vampire. Even though Alucard had the body and looks of a 19yr old.

Still the idea of attending a school that taught medicine greatly applied to him.

Alucard opened his mouth to ask about High School however his vampire hearing suddenly picked up on something and he immediately looked away towards the nearest window.

"Do you hear that?" he asked.

"Hear what?" Michael responded.

Alucard stood up, the book he was reading, and the conversation forgotten. He picked up his Sword and began looking around. Michael was very concerned, he glanced around but everything seemed normal.

"Hey man, you feeling okay?" he asked. Suddenly a massive explosion was heard from outside. The library and its interior shook, it was not enough to cause any damage; though a few books fell off the shelves. Several students dived for cover under tables, others reflexively closed their eyes and covered their heads.

Once the shaking past screams could be heard from outside. The people in the library started to panic and pull out their phones; hoping to find out what was happing on the local news sites.

"What the hell? Was that!" Michael yelled. He looked at Alucard but the vampire was already rushing away from the table towards the library entrance. Michael grabbed his bag and ran after him.

Somewhere in the Artic

A wasteland of Ice and snow ruled this area, millions of miles from any form of civilization or the human eye. Sitting alone in this Tundra was a palace made out of, the crystals crisscrossed each other giving it a pyramid-like appearance.

From a distance it looked like a palace made out of ice, however in reality they were actually Kryptonian crystals. Build by using the last of Kryptonian technology and merging with the Icy wasteland. There was no door or windows to be seen and the crystal Pyramid seemed impenetrable.

Laying in front of the palace, on the cold ground was a pure white Labrador Retriever. He would be completely invisible amongst the snow, if not for the bright red cape attached to his yellow collar. The collar had a tag hanging off it, the symbol of Superman displayed on the tag with a matching one on the cape. The dog appeared to be sleeping until its eyes snapped open.

The dog lifted its head and looked up towards the east. It lifted one ear as if to listen to a sound that wasn't there. After a moment the ear fell and the dog stood up and took a few steps towards the east.

It let out a couple of loud Barks before it turned back and approached the crystal palace. The dog reached out its left paw and placed it on the Icey walls. The wall lit up and a small square compartment opened, he jumped inside and it closed behind him.

The dog emerged in a crystal hallway; it was fairly warm inside compared to the outside Tundra. The dog walked down the hall and eventually stopped and looked at an orange fluff ball curled up by a wall. A ginger cat with a cape and Collar matching the dogs was curled up and sleeping soundly by a crystal that let off an orange glow.

The dog approached and nudged the cat with its nose. The cat opened a lazy yellow eye, it took one look at the dog before it shut its eye and rolled over.

"Woof," the dog barked and it used its paw to shake the cat awake.

"Rrnaaa," the Yawned and pushed the dog's paw away with its own.

The dog let out a low growl "Woof, woof," it barked more urgently.

The cat's head looked over and reluctantly it stood up. The cat stretched out. "Meow," the cat yawned with an annoyed tone.

"Woof, Woof Woof," the dog said.

"Meow," the cat responded unconcerned.

The dog let out a series of low whines.

"Meow?"

"Woof," the dog nodded and turned to look towards the wall of the fortress. It took a few steps forward and then looked back at the cat. "Woof Woof, Woof,"

"Meow, Meow Meow,"

"Woof,"

"Nya, Nya" the cat responded and started to lick its paws and run it over its head.

The dog rolled its eyes and walked back over the to the cat and bit down on its collar. Carrying the cat in its mouth, the dog walked back towards the wall it had entered from. The cat hissed and started to kick its legs back and forth as the dog carried it in its' mouth.

The dog approached the wall and it opened again, he walked through it and it shut once both animals were outside. The cats shivered a bit, going from the warm interior to the cold wasteland. The dog dropped the cat in the snow.

The cat hissed at the dog again, this time with its fur standing up and tail raised. The dog merely rolled its eyes.

"Woof, Woof Woof," the dog ordered and pointed at the ground with a paw.

"Nyaaaaaaaa"

"Bark," the dog responded firmly before it gently began to hover off the ground and then flew off, heading east at high speeds. Leaving a trail of red and white behind it.

The cat sat outside in the cold and pouted.

Back in Metropolis

Alucard burst out of the Libraries entrance, Michael followed a few seconds later. The streets of Metropolis were in complete chaos, people were running and screaming as small skull-shaped drones with two tentacles flew around the city. They were shooting energy beams from their eyes.

People in the street were screaming, Cars were quickly being abandoned causing some to crash off-road and others to collide. There was no sign of the peaceful yet bustling day that it had been not mere moments ago.

In the sky high above the city was a large ship that looked like a massive flying skull, it had eight tentacles that came out the base and were poised in a menacing position.

"What the…Robots? We're being invaded by robots!" Michael yelled in excitement and terror.

Alucard looked at him "Go back inside," he ordered urgently.

Before Michael could respond a loud menacing, mechanical voice filled the city.

"People of Metropolis, rejoice. You have been given the honour of being added to Brainiac Primes collection," the voice announced.

"Brainiac?" Alucard asked in surprise "What's he doing here?" That was the same name as the AI that had been Attacking Apokolips, the same villain the Justice League had left earth to fight. Why was he in Metropolis, did the League fail to stop him?

"Oh, hell no, not again," Michal said with worry. Alucard glanced at the man next to him for a second and then refocused on the ship above the city.

"I Brainiac clone 1.325 have been given the task of collecting your city for preservation and further study. Please remain calm while my drones get into position and cull some of the non-essential parts of your city," Brainiac clone 1.325 requested "Do not resist for it would be illogical for you to throw away this opportunity,"

As Brainiac clone 1.325 said that a drone shot a nearby building. Completely destroying the top half and Alucard saw several people fall out of the building mixed in with the Debris. Some were screaming as they fell. Others were not moving and had bloodied wounds.

Alucard wasted no time and launched himself into the sky, flying as fast as he could to towards the falling building. Michael watched in shock as the vampire easily weaved his way through the falling debris.

"Holy…he's a Meta?" Michael shouted out.

Brainiac clone 1.325's voice filled the city once more. Though it was doing nothing to

"Since your primitive organic minds could never hope to understand how The Shrinking process works, I will not bother explaining it to you. All you need to know is that I Brainiac clone 1.325 am saving your species,"

Michael heard a series of loud crashes and he looked over to where the building had been destroyed. There were no longer falling debris, he started to run in that direction hoping he could do something to help.

"The collection process is smooth and simple. Your organic frame will receive no damage, nor will you experience any pain. Some minor side effects for flesh creatures such as your selves include Nausea, loss of bladder control, and. Should you experience any of these symptoms do note they are temporary and will pass quickly…have a nice day," Brainiac clone 1.325 finished.

"Awfully polite for an evil robotic overlord," Michael huffed as he ran. It took him longer than he would have liked to get to the now half-sized building. Since he had to push through crowds, thankfully the drones were not actively attacking any of the civilian population. They were just flying by and blasting some of the buildings on the edges of the city.

When he arrived, he found Alucard gently placing some shaking people on the ground. The area around the building looked like a disaster zone. There was fallen debris everywhere, and mangled bodies, some of the apartment buildings nearby and across the street had been hit by the debris. Michael didn't even want to think about the number of people who could be trapped or who in the street when the drone shot off the top of the building.

"Are they going to be okay?" Michael asked as he approached.

"Minor injuries…nothing more," Alucard responded as he stood up straight once the last survivor had been placed on the ground.

Michael scanned the area. The only people left alive were Alucard, Michal, and the four people Alucard had managed to catch. If Superman were here, there wouldn't have been as much destruction or casualties.

"I could not save anymore," Alucard hissed as if he knew what Michael was thinking. He then looked up the large ship with anger burning in his eyes. Michael felt a little guilty, he should be glad that this odd person he met could not only fly but was willing to show his powers in public. After all, four survivors were better than none.

"You said Not again…has Brainiac come to earth before?" Alucard continued. Pulling Michael out of his thoughts.

"Huh? Uh yeah, he did Brainiac's tried this once before,"

"When?"

"A couple of years ago, but Superman stopped him," Michael claimed. He then started scanning the skyline for a streak of red and blue, but there was no sign of Metropolis famed hero "Where the hell is, he?"

Alucard didn't respond, he could not tell Michael that Superman and Justice League were not available. Not only were they off-planet but Alucard was fairly sure they weren't even in the solar system anymore. And with Green Lantern no longer on the watchtower, it meant that Earth was primarily undefended.

"Do not worry…I will defend the city in Superman's place," Alucard said and drew his sword "Get the people of the streets," He then launched himself into the air and flew towards the nearest drone.

"What the hell are you doing?! You can't take on Robot with a sword!" Michael yelled. At that moment Alucard sliced the closest drone in half with a single swipe of his blade. Michael blinked a few times as the two halves of the drone "Okay…apparently Sword beats alien robot drones…good to know,"

Michael looked down at the four people who Alucard had saved, they were clearly in shock but it looked like they were showing signs of calming down. That was good, but he would still need to get them to safety before he could do anything about the panicked crowd.

"Okay, let's get you guys to safety," Michael said.

Alucard flew through the air, cutting down drones as he went. Every time he took one done down several other nearby drones would stop and scan the area; however, they were unable to detect Alucard. Alucard would charge in and either stab the next closest drone straight through the singular ocular rim or cut it in half.

He countered this pattern until one of the Drones locked on to him and shot one of its deadly laser beams at him. The beam his Alucard and caused him to lose some of his flight but he was able to regain it and continued his attack.

Unfortunately, whatever had happened to allow one drone to finally detect Alucard had immediately spread to every drone in the city and they all turned on the vampire. The drones unleashed a barrage of missiles at him. Alucard immediately turned and flew away, weaving between Brainiac clone 1.325 drones with the missiles following him. Some hit and destroyed the other drones but at least three hit Alucard and exploded; blowing out of the sky. Sending him crashing into the street below.

Landing on the bonnet of a very expensive black car; the force of the landing all but shatter the windshield. Alucard moaned and shook his head, he a moment waited for his vampire side to heal start healing the damage before hovering off the car and soaring straight back up into the sky.

It became harder for Alucard to fight the drones now that they were able to track him; this did not stop him from taking as many out as he could. But no matter how many drones he took down, more would come from the ship. Alucard thought about heading up there to confront Brainiac, but he could not leave the drones to attack the city as they were still blasting taller buildings and completely destroying other parts of the city. Including all parks and monuments dedicated to Superman.

As he fought, Alucard found himself surrounded by four drones, they fired a stream of blue electricity, it didn't hit the vampire but created an electric cage. Alucard's sword touched the energy filed and sent a shock of energy to its wielder.

Alucard pulled back to keep the sword away from the barrier while also letting off a vampiric hiss. He

Suddenly two red beams of energy shot out from above and destroyed one of the Drones. Then another was destroyed by a second shot of the red beam. Alucard watched as the cage faded and the last one was destroyed. He looked up expecting to see Superman but instead, a blur of Red and White streaked past him ripping through several more drones, and making them blow up in quick succession. When the White and red Blur finally came to a stop, Alucard found himself staring at a flying dog with a red cape.

"A flying dog?" Alucard observed, a little confused. He then noticed the tag on the dog's collar "Is that Superman's emblem?"

The dog looked at Alucard suspiciously, it floated closer; giving off a low threatening growl. Alucard just watched carefully, he knew the instincts of a wolf thanks to his animal forms. He tried to appear as non-threatening as possible as the dog came closer. Once the Dog was next to him it gave Alucard a sniff and immediately the hostility faded and it stared up at Alucard with surprise in its eyes. The dog then barked happily, wagging its tail, and started liking Alucard's face.

The vampire winced as Dog sliver ran down his face.

"Kryptonian DNA Detected: Eliminate Kryptonian Canine," a drone spoke up.

The Dog snapped in the direction of the Drone that spoke and using the speed that matched Superman's appeared in front of it before biting down on the metal exterior and ripping it apart with its teeth. Alucard watched as the Dog switched between; Biting and using its heat vision to destroy the attacking drones.

Alucard blinked a few times "Well…it's not the strangest thing I have seen in this new era," he supposed; before going back to defending the city.

On the streets below

"Get off the street!" Michael yelled "Get inside, hurry,"

Michael was doing his best to help those on the ground. He had managed to get the four people Alucard had saved into the lobby of building they had fallen from and relative safety. After he had gotten a couple of secretly guards to look after the survivors; Michael headed back outside to try and get people indoors and off the streets.

It was hard since several of the drones were destroying buildings and other areas of the city, debris of the defeated drones also fell out of the sky; not to mention everyone was in a panic. Michael knew he would be somewhat safer indoors himself; but he had to help; especially because despite the destruction, there was still no sign of Superman or the Justice League.

Every now and then he would look up towards the skyline in hopes of seeing Alucard. He spotted the vampire easily and it was a relief to know that he was not out of the fight or giving up. At one point he watched as the man in the long coat was being chased by missiles and he weaved through the sky filled battlefield with ease as explosions filled the air. Michael had to admit it looked pretty damn epic.

He spotted a young woman with a three-year-old boy who had been caught in the rush of the panicking citizens. The woman was trying to protect her child from being trampled, Michael ran over to them.

"Hey it's okay, I've got you," he said and he helped the woman up and lead her out of the crowd. The woman thanked him and Michael was about to go back out when suddenly he watched a black and gold streak crash through several buildings and landed at the base of the Daily Planet.

Michael peaked out of the ally and saw that it was Alucard and he surrounded by four drones that were hovering above him. Alucard struggled to get up as some invisible heavy force was keeping him down.

"What the hell are those things doing to him?" Michael wondered as it was clear that whatever the Drones were doing was not only preventing Alucard from moving but also causing him great pain as well.

Michael glanced at his backpack; he had been hoping to save what was in there for his mid-terms as they were not quite complete. Making a quick decision he took off his bag and was about to unzip it when a fifth Drone flew down, however instead of adding to the force that kept Alucard pinned it blasted a beam across the side of the Daily Planet, hugged chunks of rubble fell directly onto Alucard.

The drone then floated up to the top of the building and used the same beam to slice of the golden globe. Michael could only watch as the only man who was currently capable of fighting off this invasion was not only buried but also crushed under the weight of the rubble and the golden globe.

On top of that whatever force the drones had been using before, they now concentrated on the rubble that had just fallen on top of Alucard.

"Shit," Michael cursed. He was about to go over to try to chase the drones away and try to dig Alucard out. When he noticed that all of the drones had suddenly stopped and began to retreat.

"Attention Metropolis," Brainiac clone 1.325 voice filled the city once more "Preparations for Collection have been completed. Prepare for immediate Collection,"

"Oh, that can't be good," Michael said.

The bottom of the ship above the city opened up and a large round dish with was lowered and aimed at the city. It lit up as various lights in a circle pattern appeared, first Green then blue then red and finally Purple. They lit up in order and until they reached the centre of the dish.

Energy gathered and once the purple lights flashed at the centre and a massive high pitch sound filled the city. Michael screamed out in pain as he fell to his knees and covered his ears, he couldn't take the noise of the vibrations. Weakly glancing around he noticed that everyone else in the city was in the same position as him.

He looked back up at the ship in time to see a purple beam of energy shoot down from the ship and split off in different directions as if creating an Arc of some kind around the city. Suddenly a white flash filled the entire city and as the light engulfed him, Michael could only watch as the light washed over him. The Light engulfed the entire city and, in an instant, the great City of Metropolis was gone, leaving nothing behind but a creator in its place and burned Echoes of the once-proud city of Metropolis.

With the city now gone, the drones all returned to the ship and the dish that had unleashed the beam and the noise folded back into the ship. As a tall looking green-headed robot with three purple dots on its forehead descended from the main ship. He was on a floating platform that brought Brainiac down to the planet. It stopped just above the centre of the creator where a small glass-domed bottle sat.

Brainiac stepped down off the platform and gently picked it up. The city of Metropolis was inside and upon closer inspection, he saw that the bodies of the inhabitants of Metropolis littered the city streets, unmoving and now completely unaware. Brainiac nodded in approval and stepped back on his platform.

As the platform ascended, he admired the bottled city in his hands, even though there were a few destroyed buildings, the city, and its inhabitants were mostly intact. Besides, watching the humans rebuild their city would provide valuable research data.

Once Brainiac clone 1.325 was back on his ship, he walked through the hallways and entered a storeroom with a single pedestal that had six clamps on it. Brainiac clone 1.325 placed the Bottled city on the pedestal and the clamps immediately shut, holding the bottle in place.

"Collection complete," Brainiac clone 1.325 said as he left the room. He made his way to the control room and set the ship to away from earth at a high speed "Brainiac Prime will be pleased,"

A.n I had toyed with the Idea of having Bizzaro appear instead of Krypto the Superdog. Having Bizzaro appear would have made this chapter a lot more lighthearted and fun. However in the end I decided against it because of the feel for the episodes revolving around Darkside and Brainiac, they were super dark and tense in the show and I wanted to keep that feeling alive.

Don't worry Bizzaro will make an appearance in a later Arc.