"My father... he was known as the Greatest Hunter in Russia." Ana monologues. "He had traveled the world. Hunting the most dangerous animals in the world. But it wasn't enough for him. He needed something stronger. Better. Faster. That is what led him to Wakanda. The Legend of the Black Panther drove him to hunt for it."

Flashes appear of Sergi hunting down T'Challa's father who was one of the many Black Panthers before T'Challa.

"When those legends got him nowhere, he returned to Africa where he met my mother... Sasha Kravinoff. Then a new legend emerged. The one who was half man, and half spider."

Then there were new flashes that showed Kraven and Spider-Man battling through Central City.

"Battle after battle, he was bested. He went back to Africa to be with my mother, at least that's how she saw it. He went back to prove himself. To keep training. To prove he was the best hunter in the world. But he just kept on losing. Spider-Man kept proving that he was the best fighter. Then my brother came into this world...Vladimir Kravinoff."

Flashes show a young boy being trained by Kraven.

"And my brother... Alexei Kravinoff."

Alexei was the second son of Kraven the Hunter. And he had a similar upbringing of being trained as the next big hunter.

"And then there was me..."

Flashes show Kraven training Ana when she was young to fight with a spear.

"You would think that made him stop... It didn't."

Kraven made numerous returns to Central City in an ongoing battle against Spider-Man. Ultimately, Kraven was defeated and imprisoned in a highly secure cell, where he remained for years. His extensive body count resulted in multiple life sentences that he had to serve.

"But then... my father learned he was dying," Ana continued her monologue. "He got a deal to be let out of prison so he could die with his family. That was a mistake..."

Then some flashes showed Kraven sneaking around the jungle while his wife was looking around in fear. When he had an opening, Kraven struck as he shot her in the back.

There was another that showed Alexei was fighting Kraven in hand-to-hand combat, but it wasn't enough. Kraven found himself victorious.

Vladimir wasn't much of a fighter. So he was only running, trying his best to survive and escape his father. But Kraven used his tracking to locate him and killed him.

Ana was the only one who managed to escape her father's tracking capabilities. "I escaped. I lived. Because now... I have one mission. It is to kill my father. Hunt him down like he hunted my family!"

Ana was in the DEO giving her testimony to what had happened.

"Kraven is responsible for this?" Alex asked in shock. "For everything?"

"The Metahumans. The shipyard. The Syndicate. Every single body is his doing." Ana explained everything. "He doesn't want to die in a sick bed. He wants someone stronger to kill him. He wants... Spider-Man."

Peter-616 was shocked to hear this. "He wants his greatest predator to make him his prey." He understood Kraven. "If he can't kill Spider-Man, then the next big thing would be to be his first kill."

"Well..." MJ muttered. "He has his fair share of bodies." She reminded them. "I mean, the Dark Knights alone..."

"Okay, well, Kraven doesn't know that, and he wasn't exactly responsible for them." Peter-616 defended. "But back to the topic."

"Kraven wants Spider-Man, so we better warn the team in Central City," Alex tells Brainy.

"And everyone else," Peter-616 stated. "The Defenders. What about Wade?"

"Uh..." Alex wasn't sure what to say. "We haven't seen Wade in a while." She admitted. "Nobody has."

"When was he last seen?" MJ asks.

"Approximately four months ago," Brainy answered. "He vanished from his own party."

"When he vanished with the dimensional watch he used during Weirdmageddon," Alex explained.

"That's bad," Peter-616 muttered.

"And further problems, we got word from Batman," Brainy warned them. "Seems the Kryptonite used to weaken Supergirl was stolen from Gotham and it was used on Power Girl. Her condition is still in the air but Green Arrow and Terry will watch over her until she is stabilized to move."

"So, he attacked Gotham to steal Kryptonite, Powergirl, and Arrow happened to be there, and now he attacked National City." MJ tried to get a timeline.

"But why kidnap the twins?" Peter-38 asks. "He's got to know we will want to get them back."

"Because...he wants Young Justice," Ana explained.


CENTRAL CITY:

Peter arrived home feeling a sense of relief but also a tinge of regret as he realized he was later than usual. He had spent the day at the office conducting a series of rapid tests with Chester to ensure that the Synthetic Symbiote inside him wasn't causing any adverse effects on his body. After the tests, Chester reassured him that everything seemed fine and gave him the green light to monitor any changes throughout the night. This meant that Peter might finally be able to test his abilities and take on some minor criminal activities.

As he moved through his home, Peter's hunger pangs hit him hard, reminiscent of the hunger he felt when he had lost his powers. It became clear that the Synthetic Symbiote operated similarly to his original powers, sapping his energy to maintain its concealment. While searching for some food, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. A quick scan of the surroundings revealed a figure walking down the halls, which he assumed to be either Caitlin or Frost.

"Caity?" Peter called out, following the figure. "Crystal?" He continued to follow the figure who walked into the spare bedroom that was holding a few personal items, as well as Frankie's Metalla suit in a stand. "Hello?"

But as he walked into the room, he saw that there was no one around, but he looked over towards Frankie's Metalla suit and sighed. Peter walked over and caressed the suit from the casing and teared up a little as he remembered Frankie.

"Hi, Dad." Peter jumped in fear as he turned around and saw that Frankie was standing there. "Miss me?"

"What?" Peter asked in shock, shaking his head. He rubbed his head and sighed. "No, I must be getting tired. You're gone."

"Yeah, I am," Frankie nodded. "I am gone." She then walked over and looked at Peter as if seeing him for the first time in a while. "Wow... you've gotten old."

"Time will do that to you," Peter whispered as he tried to reach out to her. "I should have been better. I should have saved you."

"You couldn't save me... but you can still save them," Frankie whispered.

"Save who?" Peter asks.

"Peter?" Caitlin called as she ran down the hall, reaching the room. Peter looked over to the door and saw her in the doorway. "Who are you talking to?"

Peter looked down and saw that Frankie was gone. "Uh, no one, just talking to myself."

"Oh, okay, look, Patty called. Barry's signal alert went off." Caitlin warned him.

"What?" Peter was scared to hear what happened to his friend.


Barry was lying down on a med bed in PARKER Industries. Gideon was doing a scan while Dawn and Patty followed and were there by his side.

"Gideon? What can you tell us?" Peter asks.

"Something has happened with Barry Allen, his entire body has basically taken in a full electrical charge," Gideon informed them. "He is essentially in a coma right now."

"Okay, what is with dad and comas? I feel like this is his third time around." Dawn commented, getting a smack from Patty. "What? It's true."

"How did this happen?" Caitlin wonders.

"Barry Allen's body was filled with the full power of the Speedforce. I am also picking up strange... otherworldly elements." Gideon reported.

"Define otherworldly," Peter asked of her.

Gideon seemed to have gone silent for a moment, apparently trying to figure out how to explain it. "The last known energy signature with this much power was... during Weirdmageddon."

"Weirdmageddon?" Patty asked in fear. "As in..."

"It came from the portal America Chavez had opened up," Gideon explained.

"From the Dark Multiverse?" Dawn asked in fear.

"Wait, you are telling me Barry had a slight encounter with something from the Dark Multiverse, something so powerful, it knocked him into a coma?" Ralph asks in fear. "How... is that even possible?"

"It shouldn't be," Peter whispered.

"How long will he be like this?" Patty wonders.

"It is impossible to say at this time when Barry Allen will wake up. Or even if he will." Gideon warned them.

That was when they watched a giant portal form in the middle of the room and they were wondering who it was. That was when Kyle McDermott exited the portal and fell out in pain.

"Gah!" Kyle cried in pain as he stood up. "What the hell is going on here?"

"Kyle?" Caitlin was surprised to see him. "What are you doing here?"

Kyle walked over to the table and saw Barry was passed out. "Wondering what is going on here? Something sent a shockwave through the multiverse so strong that it hit me from the Web of Life." He then looked down at the unconscious Speedster and became worried. "What happened?"

"Barry went into the Speedforce, feeling that something was wrong. And the next thing I knew, his alert beacon was going off." Patty explained.

Kyle walked over and used his lighting to connect with Barry, trying to feel what happened. "He was afraid... he was scared... something happened to the Speedforce."

"What?" Peter asks.

"I have to check this out," Kyle said as he backed off. "I have to talk to the other Speedsters in the Multiverse. If I felt it, maybe they have as well."

"I didn't feel it," Dawn commented.

"You are a different breed for the Speedforce, Dawn," Kyle explained to her. "You are a second-generation of Speedster. You were born with the Speedforce running through you. Only the First-Generation Speedsters have a symbiotic connection to the Speedforce. You don't require its aid like we do." He then recreated the portal that brought him here with a quick punch using Speedforce energy. "I need to go now. When he wakes up..." He tosses a beacon to Patty. "Let me know. If this is as bad as I think it is...we could be looking at the beginning of something big on the horizon."

Kyle then vanished, leaving them all with a sense of dread and terror. "Can't any of those guys show up with good news?" Ralph wonders. "They always show up with a sense of doom."

"Something is coming..." Frankie whispered in Peter's mind. "And they will need everyone to save it."

Dawn then got an alert, getting her to look at her phone. "We've got bodies..."


When Dawn arrived at the location, she noticed that the police had already established a perimeter and had everything in place. As the CSI on duty, she hurried to the scene, feeling a sense of confusion as she tried to grasp the situation. Her surprise grew as she observed the significant police presence, indicating that this was likely a high-profile case that demanded extensive attention.

"Captain, what is going on?" Dawn asked Yuri as she ran up to her. "What is this?"

"Come here," Yuri led Dawn into the warehouse and they saw that there were bodies everywhere.

"Oh, my god," Dawn said in terror. "What happened?"

"That is the question," Maggie said as she walked over. "It is like some sort of gang war has been set off."

"Gang war?" Yuri asked. "Who were they?"

"Fingerprints was hard to get considering half of them were burnt to crisps..." Maggie said as she showed the data. "But what we managed to get from the dental work of our... headless victim... he was our crime lord... Hammerhead."

"Hammerhead?" Maggie asked in fear. "Could this be related to our Metahuman killer?"

"There's a Metahuman killer?" Yuri asks, the two forgetting she was there. "Or is this one of those times where I should forget what I just heard?"

"Uh... forget for now," Dawn asked.

Yuri nodded as she walked off. "Get to work."

Dawn approached the crime scene with a sense of determination, eager to piece together the events that had unfolded. As she carefully surveyed the area, she meticulously examined the bodies strewn about the warehouse. It was evident that the injuries did not align with the modus operandi of the notorious Metahuman Killer. This realization sparked a new wave of concern – it meant that another perpetrator was at large, presenting a fresh challenge for the team. And that was the last thing that they needed.

Dawn studied the scene and tried to figure out what happened. She approached the table with all of the severed heads and almost puked when she figured that those heads were brought here separately. She then walked over to the entrance of the warehouse and tried to picture how everything went down. She studied the footprints that were marked and saw that they matched up with the boots that Fire wore, as well as Sunshine when she was in custody. So that means that they were here, but they couldn't kill someone like Hammerhead. His entire head was indestructible, but somehow someone managed to blow his head clean off. They weren't known to use weapons, so someone else was there. There were small shots on the walls that looked like scorch marks, so those lined up with some sort of light-based gun were used. With her knowledge of the criminals that were on the loose, she guessed it was Dr. Light. But her weapon wasn't capable of bursting Hammerhead's... head clean off. Their crew had a secret member.

"What have you got?" Maggie asks.

"Well, scorch marks, footprints, all are pointing to being our new Syndicate crew," Dawn answered as she stood up. "Fire attacked Hammerhead, sending him flying over to where he landed, and was held down by something heavy placed on his chest."

"And the gunshots?" Maggie wonders.

"Similar to the ones used by Dr. Light," Dawn answered.

"And what killed Hammerhead?" Maggie wonders.

"A small explosive of sorts." Dawn shrugged. "I will need to run some more forensics work back at CCPD to narrow it down."

"Alright." Maggie nodded. "Let's pack this up and get it out of here."


Tommy's heavy sigh reverberated through the expansive rooms of his luxurious apartment as he wearily trudged through the door. He cast his eyes around the opulent decor, taking in the ornate furnishings and the various framed photographs that adorned the walls. The images depicted joyful moments with his family members, as well as a few featuring Tula, his beloved. It felt like it had been an eternity since he had last seen Tula. Their relationship had hit a rough patch when they mutually decided to take a break due to her royal duties as the next in line for the throne of Atlantis and his responsibilities on the surface. The insurmountable divide between their worlds had strained their love – she was destined for the depths of the ocean, while he was tied to the land.

Tommy walked over to the photograph they had taken together after she had taken him to the depths of Atlantis for one of their dates. He cherished the memory of being submerged in the ocean, experiencing the world that Tula had grown up with. Despite finding it all incredible, he knew he could never make the ocean his permanent home. As he reminisced about his potentially failed love life, the door opened and he turned to see his half-sister walking in with food. Ashley made her way over to the kitchen island and set the food down, causing Tommy to forget that they had plans to catch up momentarily. He had been out of the city for a while, and she had been occupied with F.E.A.S.T., but now they finally had the chance to reconnect.

"Hey, sorry, I had to deal with Tina and Viv nagging about talking without thinking," Ashley explained why she was so late. "I mean, honestly, when I warn all of you my powers are bad luck, let's say that makes some awkward moments. Just ask several of my dates."

"Well, you did kinda reveal our identity to one of our workers, and a guy who was convicted of being a criminal." Tommy reminded her as he approached, placing the photo down. "You could keep your mouth shut once in a while."

"Did you forget who our father is?" Ashley asked with a sarcastic grin.

Tommy hummed. "So, you are dating people?"

"Yeah, I've been out and about when I can." Ashley nodded as she got the takeout from the bags. "A few guys. A few girls."

"Experimenting or favors?" Tommy wonders.

"Meh, I am cool with getting around," Ashley admitted. "Trying to find my perfect match. Like you and Tula."

Tommy chuckled as he took an order of fries. "Yeah, I don't know about that."

"What? Something happen?" Ashley asks. "Last I heard, you guys were taking a short break."

"That short break turned into about a year now," Tommy informed her. "She... she has just been too preoccupied with keeping Atlantis safe and being their royal princess. She can't just abandon that and come to the surface."

"I guess that does make sense." Ashley shrugged. "Still... I wouldn't give up just yet. You never know what might come."

That was when they got an alert on their phones from Maggie, sending a message to everyone. She was warning them of the possible chance of a gang war on the streets.

"That was not what I had in mind," Ashley tells Tommy.


Yuri briefed the team, presenting the data they had gathered. "Three crime lords were taken out in a single afternoon," she announced. She then revealed the suspects, displaying a series of images from surveillance footage alongside mug shots and military records from the Syndicate. "Dr. Light, Sunshine, and Fire," she declared, pointing to each photo in turn. "These are the individuals we're focusing on." Then she pulled up a silhouette of a person with a question on it. "But we believe that there is someone else. Someone who has been working in the shadows. We think that there is a possible leader for this crime Syndicate. We don't know what they want. The territory these three were controlling, or if they wanted to prove a point or what."

"I actually might have something," Dawn walked in. "They were all linked to a case that helped us take down a fellow crime leader."

"What, you think they might have something to do with this?" Maggie asks.

"It's a possible lead." Dawn shrugged.

"I will take what I can get," Yuri said. "What have you got?"

"Well, they were used as references for the case that put both Lonnie Lincoln and Amunett Black behind bars for good," Dawn explained.

"Tombstone and Amunett." Yuri sighed as she recognized them. "Two crime bosses in prison, and three crime bosses taken out. What is the connection?"

Dawn showed another file. "Twenty years ago, they had a kid." She then pulled the photo and placed it on the board. "Janice Lincoln." She introduced everyone to a possible person of interest. "She had gone AWOL from the military a few years back, the same one that, guess who was at?" She then drew a spot towards the line. "Beatriz da Costa."

"So that is how they know each other?" Yuri asked.

"From witness's accounts, Costa said that she is paying off some sort of debt," Dawn explained. "Her powers formed in the military, and we have accounts of her helping Janice steal some prototype armor."

"Where'd you get this information?" Yuri asks.

"I have resources." Dawn shrugged, not revealing that it was John Diggle who gave her this info. "But I think she is going after people who ruined her life. Like the crime lords who gave her parents up."

"If we are following that record, then what would be her next target?" Maggie asks.

"Well, the heroes who were there at the arrest were Flash, Spider-Man, and Crystal Frost. But there is also Barry Allen, and Peter Parker, who were able to testify against them," Dawn answered. "So, they would want to find a way of getting their attention."

"And how would they do that?" Yuri asks.

That was when several shots were fired and got the cops to scatter and duck for cover. The shots were coming from the windows and revealed to have been gas canisters that started to spew out sleeping gas in the area. While everyone was trying to block the gas, Dawn tried to use her speed to see if she could stop it without giving herself away. As she approached the canister, she picked it up and a giant surge of energy shocked her, causing her to drop it and knock her out. Maggie wasn't capable of morphing without giving her identity away, and she wasn't even aware of any metas she copied DNA of that could survive this.

As the gas was finally cleansed, the team emerged from the elevators, ready to take on the next phase of their mission. Janice, donning her Beetle suit, led the way into the room, her suit effectively filtering out the remaining fumes.

"Ah, that should do it," Janice declared as she removed her helmet. "Alright. Reign fire."

Beatrice glanced over at Sunshine, who calmly pressed a button to send out a signal. Despite knowing the plan, Beatrice felt a sense of unease. This wasn't what she had signed up for, and she felt herself being pulled deeper into the chaos. She desperately wanted to find a way out of this situation.


Peter stood at the tall window of his office, gazing out at the sprawling city below. As he inhaled deeply, he lowered his gaze to his open palm. With a sense of deliberation, he allowed some of the sinewy Symbiote tendrils to extend and make contact with the glass pane. Despite the breathtaking view before him, his thoughts were consumed by the unsettling realization that the Symbiote might be manipulating his perceptions, perhaps conjuring an illusion of Frankie, who he knew could not possibly be there.

After all, she was gone. Despite this disquieting suspicion, he found himself entertaining the notion of withholding this information from others. The power bestowed upon him by the Symbiote seemed to be the only means of safeguarding his loved ones in the face of imminent danger. It was a tempting prospect, but he was acutely aware of the need to exercise caution and to alert them to the potential threat.

"Don't do it," Frankie urged, prompting Peter to spin around and notice her presence. "This suit restores your strength." She gently laid her hand atop his, which rested on the windowpane. "You have the power to protect them. Threats will continue to pursue you, but with this power, you can ensure their safety..."

"Pete?" Ronnie called out, getting Peter to flinch and yank the Symbiote back within him. "You okay?"

Peter sighed as he turned back around. "Not really. Everything is falling apart." He sighed as he recalled how this happened. "All because I made that stupid deal."

"That deal saved me if you recall," Ronnie informed Peter. "If it weren't for you, who knows if I could have survived? I could have ended up killing Crystal."

"That would have been bad," Peter agreed. "But I don't know if sacrificing my powers was the right choice."

"What else would you be able to sacrifice to a Devil?" Ronnie asks.

Peter nodded, a deep sense of understanding washing over him. As he did, he felt a peculiar surge of energy coursing through his being—his Synthetic Symbiote pulsing with life. He turned to gaze out at the streets, and what he saw sent a chill down his spine.

The once orderly scene had erupted into utter chaos. People screamed and stumbled amidst a whirlwind of destruction. Cars were overturned, their metal frames twisted and dented like toys tossed aside. Dust and debris swirled in the air, heavy with the scent of burning rubber and panic.

Figures dashed in every direction, their faces etched with fear as shadows loomed larger, adding to the pandemonium. The ground trembled as structures shook, dust clouds swirling around them, and everything around him felt alive with turmoil. It was a maelstrom of mayhem threatening to consume everything in its path.

"Oh, god," Peter said in terror.

"What is going on?" Ronnie asks.

"I think a Gang War is going down," Peter said in worry.

Then they heard screams in the hallway, getting them to look towards the door in worry. Then Chester came running out of the labs, causing Ronnie to become confused as Peter never shared that lab with anyone.

"Uh, boss? We got a problem!" Chester cried as he ran over with a tablet.

"Uh, where was he hiding?" Ronnie asks in confusion.

"What is going on?" Peter asked, ignoring Ronnie.

"We've got a whole lot of guys in the lobby with some high Star Wars-style guns," Chester said, showing off the screens. "What are they after?"

"Those are Tombstone's men," Peter recognized them. "But he's... oh, god."

"What?" Ronnie asks.

"I know who is behind all of this." Peter put it all together. "And if I am right, Lonnie is in danger."

"Tombstone?" Ronnie was only getting lost. "What is going on?"

Peter then sensed someone coming and looked towards the doorway. "Duck."

"What?" Chester asks.

"GET DOWN!" Peter shouted as he pushed the two of them down the door burst open, and people opened fire. But before they did, Peter created a giant shield made out of the Symbiote tendrils from his hand to form a shield that protected him, Chester, and Ronnie from the bullets. He then formed the black and white Synbiote suit around him, scaring Ronnie as this was his first time seeing this suit. "Stay down!"

Outside the imposing facade of Parker Industries, the atmosphere was thick with tension as Janice's henchmen gathered, their eyes narrowed with a vengeance. They bore the weight of a mission that pulsed through their veins: to hunt down Peter Parker, and forcefully draw out his alter ego, Spider-Man, settling the score for her parents' imprisonment.

"Cover the doors! We can't let him slip away," barked one of the larger figures, his voice gravelly with authority. "Get those doors open!"

Suddenly, a cacophony shattered the stillness: the high windows of the building erupted in a storm of glass shards as Spider-Man, clad in the sleek, dark Synthetic Symbiote suit, descended effortlessly. He landed with a grace that defied gravity, tendrils of the symbiote unfurling from his body, cushioning his fall and allowing him to emerge unscathed into the chaos below.

"You're going to regret this," Peter snarled, his voice low and resonant, a stark contrast to the playful quips that he once used.

With a swift motion, he summoned the suit's power, forming a sinewy tendril that coiled around his fist. In one fluid motion, he hurled the javelin-like appendage, slamming it hard into one of the thugs, who crumpled against the metallic frame of a nearby truck.

Without missing a beat, Spider-Man shot out a web, propelling himself into the fray. He landed squarely on another henchman's foot, driving him down with an explosive force, the crunch of bone echoing in the air. With the last man standing in his sights, Peter moved with fluidity and precision, his enhanced strength from the Symbiote turning the altercation into a brutal ballet. One punch was all it took; the thug went down like a rag doll, the speed and power behind the blow leaving no doubt that this wasn't just any fight. This was vengeance served cold, and Spider-Man was the deliverer.

"Yes," Frankie whispered, appearing behind Peter as she walked around him. "Look at all this power. Look at what we can do."

"Dad?" Tommy asked, getting Peter to turn and see him and Ashley were there. "What... what is this?"

"Janice Lincoln is behind all of this," Peter told him, ignoring the questions buzzing around his kids' heads. "She must blame me and the others for imprisoning her parents, leaving her alone."

"Uh, yeah, Dawn came to the same conclusion." Ashley was surprised to see Peter catch on. "What do we do?"

"Where is Dawn?" Peter asks.


Dawn groaned softly as the first light of dawn filtered into the dimly lit room, casting elongated shadows across the floor. Blinking against the harsh glare, she realized with dismay that she and nearly everyone else in the precinct was bound tight with meta-dampening cuffs, their wrists encircled by cold, metallic restraints. A sense of dread washed over her as she felt the familiar tug of her powers, only to be met with absolute silence.

Beside her, Maggie glanced down at her own wrist, desperation etched on her face. She concentrated, willing her abilities to ignite like a spark in the dark, but the cuffs held firm, rendering her completely powerless. The reality of their predicament sank in deeper; they were trapped.

As they scanned the room, their eyes fell on the Syndicate—an ominous presence looming over them. The air pulsed with tension, their faces obscured by menacing masks, eyes betraying nothing but intent. Janice, always the most menacing of the lot, shifted slightly, the fabric of her outfit whispering against itself as she leaned forward. With a deliberate gesture, she tapped the side of her mask, a signal that sent a chill down Dawn's spine. It was clear the real game was just beginning.

"Well, well, boys and girls in blue, it is about time," Janice tells them.

"Janice Lincoln?" Yuri guessed.

Janice was surprised to hear her name as she reached up and removed the helmet. "So, you finally figured it out?" She then did a little spin to show off her uniform. "You like it? The guys at the base called it the Beetle. Sounds a bit much for my taste, but... it is growing on me." She then gestured to her crew. "I suppose I should introduce you to everyone else." She then pointed towards Beatriz. "Fire, you all remember her. She did blow a hole in your interrogation rooms."

Dawn took notice of how Beatriz seemed to be anxious and almost nervous. She looked away when her name was called out and she definitely seemed like she didn't want to be there.

"And of course, you know about Sunshine. She stole the power source for me that you see me wearing on my chest." Janice said, gesturing to the glowing ARC reactor in her suit. "Dr. Light, my muscle."

Dr. Light gave a quirky smile and bobbed her head.

"I get it, you got a whole girl squad at your side." Yuri sighed, not wanting the full rundown. "Okay, you took the entire CCPD hostage, what is it you want?"

"You see, I am here for something special," Janice said as she walked over, placing the helmet on the desk. "I want... revenge. On this city, on this police force, on these stupid heroes who see themselves as mighty. But all they do is cause chaos through the streets and the lives of innocent people."

"Your parents weren't innocent," Dawn stated, earning a stare from Janice. "Uh, sorry..."

"Wait, you." Janice walked over and looked over at Dawn. "I know you, you're the daughter of that CSI guy who got my dad thrown in the clink."

"He got out..." Dawn muttered.

"By selling out my mom!" Janice cried, slamming her fist into the wall next to Dawn, breaking it and making Dawn flinch. "And giving me up." She then drew her arm back as she marched around. "I was sent out of the country. Grew up alone. Forced to live with the idea that my dad didn't want me, he sold us out... and yet nobody cared about me."

"You were a kid they didn't care enough to stop doing crime," Yuri informed her. "Now, what is it you are here for?"

"Well, you see, therein lies the rub," Janice said as she placed her foot on Yuri's knee. "I want revenge. And the only way to do that is to find a weakness within my daddy's invulnerable skin." She then leaned forward to come face to face with Yuri. "And the only place to get that is here. You have Meta-Dampening bullets, gifted to you by your Justice League friends after the Brainiac invasion."

"One shot leaves Meta powerless. No matter the ability." Dr. Light confirmed.

"You should be careful what you tell people when you think you are alone," Sunshine stated, revealing she overheard it.

"You want to take on the Justice League." Maggie guessed.

"Mostly the Flash, Spider-Man is gone," Janice said. "And let me get something through your heads. I know that the CCPD has a thing for being heroes." She then whistled as one of the goons dressed like cops picked up one of the real officers. "If anyone wants to try and be a hero..." She then reached over to a gauntlet on her suit, activating something that caused the cuffs to whirr. "We did a little recodeing on the cuffs you are all wearing..." The whirring got louder, getting them all worried. "Step out of line..."

The officer panicked as he struggled to escape the grasp of the men, and that was when the cuffs exploded. The explosion ended up dragging the two crooks with him, getting everyone to look in horror and terror when they saw the explosion claim a life.

Beatriz felt a chilling wave of dread wash over her as she witnessed Janice's fierce determination, a willingness to commit murder for her cause. The gravity of the situation hit her like a bolt of lightning, causing her to take a step back and reevaluate her own choices. The realization that Janice was prepared to cross such a dangerous line made Beatriz rethink her involvement in this dark scenario, leaving her shaken and uncertain about what to do next.

"You get the picture?" Janice asked them all. Then she approached Yuri once more. "Now, I am happy to start going through all of your officers. One... by... one until I get what I want. Or... you can just tell me where those Meta-Bullets are now, and you can save yourself a lot of sorrowful phone calls to family members."

Yuri's heart pounded as she glanced at her fellow officers, their faces pale and eyes wide with dread. They were trapped in a tense standoff, each of them acutely aware of the danger that Janice posed. The air crackled with tension, thickening around them like a storm about to unleash its fury. Janice's eyes glinted with an unsettling mix of determination and madness, betraying her readiness to kill to seize the Metahuman Bullets that lay tantalizingly out of reach.

Yuri felt a chill run down her spine at the thought of those bullets—crafted for a single purpose: to hunt down and dispatch super-powered individuals with ruthless efficiency. She knew that if such a weapon fell into Janice's hands, it wouldn't just put the bustling city at risk; it would threaten the very existence of the Justice League itself. Who could stop a bullet they couldn't see? Designed to outpace even the fastest speedster, these deadly projectiles could turn the tide in Janice's favor, wreaking havoc in seconds.

As she stood there, the weight of her responsibilities bore down on her. The officers, loyal and brave, were counting on her for protection. But the stakes had just risen dramatically. Her mind raced through the possibilities, each option fraught with peril. Should she prioritize the vulnerable lives of her officers, the people she had vowed to safeguard, or should she make a bold move to thwart an overwhelming threat to the Justice League? The decision loomed before her like a dark cloud, heavy with uncertainty and consequence.


Crystal inhaled deeply, the familiar scent of home enveloping her as she stepped inside the cozy household she shared with Caitlin and Peter. The warm glow of the living room light spilled across the floor, illuminating the scene before her. There on the worn couch, snuggled beneath a soft, patterned blanket, was young Mayday. Her cherubic face was relaxed in tranquility, a gentle rise and fall hinting at the peaceful slumber she enjoyed.

In the kitchen, the rhythmic sound of water splashing filled the air as Caitlin diligently scrubbed the remnants of dinner from the plates. The overhead lights glinted off the porcelain, but Caitlin paused, glancing over her shoulder at Crystal's entrance. Her brow furrowed momentarily as she caught a glimpse of the street outside, where shadows shifted uneasily, unnoticed by her. Several hulking figures, clad in dark attire, were stealthily approaching, their intentions hidden in the encroaching twilight.

"Oh, hey, Crystal." Caitlin greeted as she turned back to the dishes. "Did Aster get home alright?"

"Yeah, he's good," Crystal said as she sat down with Caitlin to finish the dishes. "So, what happened here?"

"Oh, yeah, she seemed to have tired herself out from her whole incident with that bomber this morning," Caitlin said with a sigh. "She is trying to grow up so fast. Trying to be a hero like her father."

"She has the power down, but not the responsibility," Crystal laughed. "Speaking of the moron, where is he?"

"He said he was working on something that would hopefully help us find the killer," Caitlin answered.

Mayday then sensed something coming, causing her to jump up awake at that very moment. "Watch out!"

Suddenly, chaos erupted in the room as a smoke bomb detonated, filling the air with thick, swirling tendrils of gray. The acrid scent and blinding haze sent the three of them into a frenzied panic. Caitlin's heart raced as she instinctively scooped up Mayday, her small form trembling in her arms. Crystal, ever the quick thinker, aimed her weapon and unleashed a bolt of icy blue energy, targeting the smoke bomb in a desperate attempt to neutralize the threat.

As they dashed toward the front door, the sound of their hurried footsteps echoed in the confined space. Caitlin's breath came in sharp gasps, adrenaline coursing through her veins. With shaking hands, she flung the door open, only to come face-to-face with a menacing figure. A man stood there, gun raised, his eyes glinting with malice amidst the cloud of smoke.

"Get down!" Caitlin shouted, her body instinctively moving to shield Mayday from the imminent danger.

But before she could fully react, Crystal surged forward. Summoning her powers with fierce determination, she directed a forceful wave of ice towards the assailant. The chilling blast collided with him, propelling him backward with a violent thud, his weapon clattering to the ground as he was sent tumbling out of sight.

"Come on!" Crystal cried out as they ran out of the door, running towards the car.

But before they could get to the car, a missile went off, getting them to jump back when the car blew up. When the three of them were thrown backward, they were beginning to become surrounded by men with guns.

"We've got the family, ma'am." The goon reported back to Janice. "We're bringing them in."

But while they were distracted, they missed an elongated hand coming out of nowhere. Daniel had returned and was passing by when he saw the family was in danger. He used his elongating powers to reach over and tapped one of the goons on the shoulder, getting them to look over to the fist when it punched him in the face.

With a swift motion, Daniel extended his second elongated arm, encircling it around the man's neck in a firm grip. The abrupt restraint caused the man to lose his grip on the firearm, which clattered to the ground as he struggled to pry Daniel's powerful arm away from his throat. Seizing the opportunity, Daniel yanked the man forward, propelling him into the remaining goons, who stumbled back in surprise.

In an instant, Daniel's hands returned to their normal length, revealing his superhero attire that had evolved over the years. The suit now predominantly featured a sleek, all-black design that exuded a sense of menace, while his goggles remained a constant element, having survived the test of time. Most of the costume was a striking shade of purple, highlighting his imposing figure, yet the gloves and boots stood out in stark black, perfectly complementing the overall aesthetic of his formidable ensemble.

"Hey, guys!" Daniel called out with a cheer. "Looks like I got here just in time."

"Daniel?" Caitlin was shocked to see him.

"Great." Crystal sighed as she saw she was rescued by Ralph's son. "I am not going to live this down for a while."


Yuri stood frozen in disbelief, her heart racing as she watched Janice seize one of her officers, a look of menace etched across her face. The air was thick with tension, the only sound piercing through the silence was the ominous beeping of the cuffs that ensnared the terrified officers. Each beep resonated like a countdown to disaster, amplifying Yuri's growing panic.

Janice's grip tightened around the officer's collar, her eyes glinting with malice. "So, what's it going to be, Captain?" she taunted, her voice dripping with a chilling amusement. With a casual flick of her wrist, she brandished the detonator, a sinister smile playing on her lips as she relished the power she held. "Am I going to have to kill a few more of your men to prove my point?"

Yuri's mind raced, torn between the desperate urge to save her team and the heavy weight of the Meta-Bullets in her possession. If these ruthless creatures gained access to such devastating weapons, the Justice League would be powerless against them. The thought made her stomach churn. The stakes couldn't be higher, and time was slipping away with each relentless beep of the countdown.

Yuri sighed and knew there was only one choice. "I... I can't let you have-"

"I can help you!" Dawn called out, getting the attention of everyone. "Those bullets give off a small trace of Dark Matter, which I can track. I have a scanner in my lab. Just... don't kill anyone else."

Janice looked over to Dawn and then nodded, throwing the officer back to the lineup. "Fire, take her to her labs. She tries anything, then burn her to a crisp."

Beatriz sighed as she walked over, grabbed Dawn, and quickly dragged her off toward the labs. Dawn followed along as they reached the labs and saw Beatriz was shaking.

"You don't have to do this," Dawn said as they entered the labs alone.

"Like you know anything about me," Beatriz scoffed as she closed the door. "Now get to work, and she might not kill you."

'I know a bit more than you think." Dawn said as she started to get to work. "In more ways than one."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Beatriz asks.

Dawn knew this was going to be a bad decision, but it was this or risk the lives of all the officers as well as her friends. "See that ring over there?"

Beatriz walked over and picked up the ring and noticed it had a lighting logo. "What is this?"

"Take a guess," Dawn stated.

Beatriz gently tapped the end of the shimmering ring in her hand, a soft hum resonating through the air as the suit unfurled from its confines. It materialized before her, momentarily suspended in a halo of light, before cascading to the floor with a graceful flourish. As she watched it settle, her eyes widened in disbelief; she was face-to-face with none other than Velocity, the lightning-fast member of the Young Justice team.

"You're... you're..." Beatriz was starting to put together.

"Yeah. Velocity," Dawn confirmed. "We understand why you are here." She whispered, still working on the device. "She helped you, and now you are helping her. But did you sign up for this? Breaking and entering is one crime, but murder?"

"It is not exactly like I can turn back, now is it?" Beatriz asked sarcastically. "I'm in too deep."

"Then help us," Dawn tells Beatriz. "We can help you if you help us."

"What? Turn around? Become a hero?" Beatriz asked sarcastically. "Like people would accept that."

"They have accepted and gotten much worse than breaking a criminal out of police holding." Dawn defended. "Sub-Zero attacked most of downtown. Yet he is still getting action figures of him sold."

Beatriz sighed and looked down, wondering if she had a point. "What can I even do?" She asked. "Janice has a whole suit of armor. And once she gets those bullets-"

"Then it's a good thing you can summon my friends," Dawn stated, gesturing towards the ring. "Hold the lighting bolt down and it'll send a distress signal."

Beatriz wondered if she should do that, but the door opened and spooked her, getting her to hide the ring behind her back. The ring absorbs the suit as if the wearer isn't wearing the suit, then the ring automatically takes it back after a few seconds as a security measure.

Janice entered the labs and groaned. "Are we getting anywhere? Because I might start killing cops again."

"It's done," Dawn said, hating that she did this. She handed over the device, knowing this would save the lives of officers. "Push this button, and it will start scanning for traces of contained Dark Matter."

"Great, you aren't so pointless after all," Janice said as she took the device. "Oh, and if this doesn't say what you say it does, I will blow all of the officers up, and leave this building a cratering mess."

Beatriz stood at the precipice of a harrowing decision, the weight of the moment pressing down on her like an anchor. Her heart raced as she surveyed the chaos unfolding around her, the tension crackling in the air like a storm waiting to break. She was acutely aware that things had spiraled dangerously out of control; it felt as if she were teetering on the edge of a moral abyss.

With her thoughts racing, she grappled with a choice that felt monumental. On one hand, there was Janice, the woman who had bravely pulled her back from the jaws of death since the people held her hostage, a debt she felt compelled to honor. But as Beatriz's eyes darted to the grim scene—the officers of the CCPD caught in a deadly standoff, fear etched on their faces—her stomach twisted in knots. This was no mere confrontation; it was a violent upheaval that chilled her to the bone.

The image of a gun pointed at an officer, the quaking of their hands, the calculated fear of the captors—it was all too much for her to bear. The brutality of it felt light-years apart from the debt she had intended to repay. Beatriz trembled as she realized that while she longed to show gratitude for her life, she could not stomach the idea of holding these brave men and women hostage or, worse, taking more innocent lives. This was a line she never signed up to cross, and the thought sent shivers down her spine. Now, faced with a crossroads, she knew she could no longer remain a bystander. Her choice would define not just her fate, but the lives of others hanging in the balance.

Hoping that she was making the right decision, she held down the lighting bolt on the ring like Dawn said and that hopefully was enough to summon her friends to help.


The streets erupted into chaos the moment the turmoil ignited, morphing the once vibrant thoroughfare into a cacophony of shouts and frantic movement. The air, once thick with laughter and the hum of nightlife, now crackled with tension as Janice, seizing the opportunity, took control of the shattered remnants of the crime lords' empire. With ruthless efficiency, she dispatched her remaining crew, their eyes glinting with feral excitement as they prepared to unleash mayhem throughout the sprawling city.

Meanwhile, Lonnie Lincoln was in the midst of his routine, meticulously closing up his mechanic shop for the night. The familiar scent of motor oil lingered in the air as he wiped his hands on a rag, already thinking about the comfort of home. But his attention was abruptly diverted when he noticed a convoy of unmarked vans careening around the corner, tires screeching against the asphalt. They skidded to a halt, dust swirling in their wake, and instantly, the side doors swung open with an ominous clang.

Out poured a dozen men, their movements sharp and coordinated, each one grasping electrified nets that glimmered ominously in the fading light. The sight sent an icy shiver down Lonnie's spine. "What the hell is this?" he murmured, confusion and fear creeping into his voice as his heart raced, sensing the danger that loomed just beyond his quiet sanctuary. "What do you want?"

"The new boss wants a word with you," One of them answered.

Just as the goons began to close in, a sudden surge of black and white tendrils erupted from the shadows, striking them with a crackling force. Lonnie stood frozen, eyes wide, as the goons were sent sprawling backward like ragdolls tossed by a strong wind. In the midst of the chaos, a familiar figure soared through the air, landing gracefully beside Lonnie with an agile thud.

"Spider-Man?" Lonnie's voice trembled with disbelief, his heart racing at the sight of his old nemesis once more. "I never expected to see you come to my aid."

Peter Parker turned to face his longtime adversary, his expression a mix of resolve and understanding. "The world's changed, Tombstone," he replied, his voice steady but laced with the weight of shared history as dozens of more trucks showed up. "And right now, they are the threat. Wanna help me out?"

"Why are they after me?" Lonnie asks.

"Let's say your daughter is here for revenge," Peter informed him, getting ready to defend him. "We'll talk later. Right now let's focus on getting you to safety."


Patty let out a heavy sigh as she stepped into the dimly lit bedroom she shared with her husband. The familiar scent of cedar and lavender filled the air, but it was tainted with an undercurrent of worry. Barry lay motionless on their bed, his face pale and tranquil, as if caught in a deep, dreamless sleep, a state that left Patty's heart aching with concern. Thrown violently from the Speed Force, he now lingered in a comatose state, and she couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that whatever he experienced during that ordeal was something profoundly terrifying—something capable of rendering a man like Barry completely unresponsive.

As she approached him, Patty's heart raced with a mix of hope and dread. She gently brushed a strand of hair off his forehead, her fingers trembling slightly. He looked peaceful, but the absence of his usual warmth and energy sent chills coursing through her. She longed to hear his voice, to see those bright eyes flash with the spark of life and mischief that she adored.

In the back of her mind, however, an insidious thought refused to leave her: if Barry's incredible resilience had been shattered, what dark omen was on the horizon? As she gazed down at him, lost in her swirling thoughts, she failed to notice the subtle movements around the house. Shadows flitted past the windows, and the sound of hushed whispers echoed through the halls. Unbeknownst to her, a dozen men silently crept through her sanctuary, their intentions hidden beneath the veil of night, cloaked in an air of malice that only amplified her growing sense of unease.

Patty's instincts kicked in with a jolt when the front door suddenly swung open, creaking ominously on its hinges. A flood of figures surged into her home, their intentions masked by the chaos of the moment. Panic coursed through her veins as adrenaline whispered the urgent need to defend her territory. Rushing to the safe tucked away in the corner of the dimly lit room, she fumbled for her gun, the cold metal feeling both foreign and familiar in her grasp.

As she emerged from the shadows, her heart raced, each beat thundering in her ears like a war drum. She took aim at the men crowding the doorway, their silhouettes framed by the fading light outside. With a resolute squeeze of the trigger, echoes of gunfire shattered the tense silence, punctuated by the sharp cracks of bullets finding their mark. But just as quickly, the realization struck her—there were more of them, weapons drawn, ready to retaliate.

Understanding the urgency of the moment, Patty pivoted and bolted up the staircase, urgency propelling her forward. Her mind raced with thoughts of her husband, vulnerable and trapped in a world of dreams from which he couldn't awaken. Every step took her closer to the sanctuary of their bedroom, where she hoped to shield him from the encroaching danger.

As she reached the upper landing, the sounds of conflict roared below—shouted commands mingling with the staccato bursts of gunfire resonating through the halls. The chaos was overwhelming, but Patty steeled herself, every instinct screaming for her to protect the one she loved most.

Patty's heart raced as she heard the unmistakable sounds of a breach shattering the tension in the air. With a burst of adrenaline, she dashed downstairs, her eyes wide in disbelief. There was Violet, soaring gracefully through the chaos, her powerful form colliding with one of the attackers, sending him sprawling backward in a flurry of limbs.

Amidst the fray, V.I.V.I.A.N. stood her ground, her skin shimmering with an otherworldly sheen. As one of the men advanced toward her, she retaliated with a swift motion, her invincible skin absorbing the blow and repelling the aggressor like a rubber wall.

Suddenly, Felicia burst onto the scene, her new claws—gleaming and deadly, a gift from Cisco—cutting through the air with fierce precision. With an unyielding spirit, she took down several men in rapid succession, each strike a testament to her newfound strength, as the goons fell one after another, stunned and defeated.

Just when it seemed the tide of battle was shifting, Armando appeared, his presence commanding attention. With a flick of his wrist, he opened a shimmering breach beneath a cluster of the remaining goons. They tumbled into the void, their surprised shouts echoing as they vanished, destined for a cold, dark prison cell. The room buzzed with energy, a fierce symphony of triumph rising in the air.

"Well..." Felicia sighed. "It's a good thing I was in the neighborhood."

"What the hell is going on?" Patty asks.

"Long story," V.I.V.I.A.N. commented. "I will try to explain while we move Barry somewhere safer."


At the forefront of the fray, Tommy and Tina joined forces with Bumblebee, as they fought valiantly to shield the innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. Bullets ricocheted off nearby walls as the thugs opened fire, but Bumblebee shrank down and zipped through the air, her sleek form darting above the chaos. With precision, she launched incapacitating projectiles that soared through the smoke-filled haze, knocking out thugs one by one, their bodies tumbling to the ground like discarded rag dolls.

Meanwhile, Tina focused her powers, conjuring a torrent of icy mist that spread across the pavement. The ground was soon coated in a slick layer of frost, making the trucks laden with goons skid uncontrollably. Crashes echoed in the air as they collided with lampposts and parked cars, metal crunching and shattering in the tumult.

In the midst of the turmoil, Ollie burst onto the scene clad in his newly redesigned Steel Spider suit, glinting under the dim streetlights. With a surge of adrenaline, he launched himself into the fray, hitting the ground with a thunderous impact that reverberated through the asphalt. As his four mechanical arms unfurled with swift precision, he unleashed powerful arcs of electricity that danced across the icy surface. The current surged, electrifying the stunned thugs and rendering them helpless against the onslaught of the relentless heroes fighting to restore order to their ravaged streets.

"How do we stop these guys?" Tommy asked as he saw a dozen more coming in. "These guys just keep on coming!"


"Well, that's what happens when you decide to confront a swarm of crime lords and seize their territory with sheer intimidation," April shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos as she stood a few blocks away near the bustling docks.

The salty breeze whipped through her hair, mixing with the sounds of distant sirens and the crackle of energy in the air. Beside her, Firefighter stood resolute, the flickering flames around his hands illuminating the shadows cast by the towering warehouses.

Together, they unleashed their unique powers in a dazzling display of combat. April launched a barrage of glistening webs from her fingertips, bright and sticky, ensnaring the Hammerhead goons with remarkable precision.

Meanwhile, Firefighter unleashed torrents of fiery blasts that sizzled as they cut through the air, creating a light show against the dusky backdrop. The thugs stumbled back, momentarily dazed, as ice shards shot forth from April, creating a stark contrast to the searing heat, causing their feet to slip and slide as they struggled to regain their footing. The scene was a wild, mesmerizing dance of power and determination, echoing the intense battle for dominance over the territory.

"Well, we gotta find a way to put an end to this. Where are the cops!?" Issac wonders, noticing no sign of them trying to control the chaos.

"Good question," April commented in confusion. "Lyla, where are Dawn and Maggie?"

"I cannot get into contact with them," Lyla reported. "Something is interfering with the signal."

"That only happens with Dark Matter being close by to them," Armando commented.

"Wait, I am getting something," Lyla contacted back. "It's Dawn's distress signal."

"Where?" Tina asks.

"CCPD," Lyla informed them.


Janice navigated the bustling halls of the Central City Police Department, the soft hum of the scanner in her hands echoing her determination. As she wandered, the device began to emit a series of urgent beeps, drawing her attention like a lighthouse beacon. She glanced up and noticed that the scanner's signals were converging on Yuri, who was seated nonchalantly at her desk.

A flicker of suspicion ignited in Janice as she observed Yuri's demeanor; there was something off about her casual posture as if she were an actor playing a part rather than being genuine. With a burst of adrenaline, Janice strode purposefully toward her, her heart pounding in rhythm with each determined step.

In a swift motion, she shoved Yuri aside, the chair squeaking as it rolled back. Without a second thought, she turned her attention to the massive CCPD sign looming overhead. With a fierce swing, she punched through the polished surface, splintering the wood and leaving a gaping hole. Dust and debris floated through the air as she pried the sign apart, revealing a hidden compartment nestled within its structure. There, glinting in the dim light, lay the elusive Meta Bullets.

"A place where you could always keep your eyes on them," Janice complemented Yuri. "Clever. But not clever enough." Janice reached over to grab the bullets, but they then slowly moved out of the way, getting her confused. "What the hell?"

When Janice tried to reach over to them once again, the bullet casing was moved out of the way once again.

"What is going on?!" Janice reached over as fast as she could and picked up the case.

Underneath the bullet casing, there was the shrunken down Bumblebee in the safe, sneaking her way in when Janice punched it open. "Uh, hi?" She greeted her with a shy expression. "I'm Bumblebee. And you are?"

Janice raised her gauntlet and prepared to shoot Bumblebee. But when she went to open fire, she was attacked by a dozen webs latching onto her suit. She looked over and saw Tommy, Tina, April, and Ollie all shooting webs to keep her down.

"It's over, Janice," Tommy tells her. "We know everything."

"Everything?" Janice asks. "Then you should know not to attack a Beetle."

Janice deftly activated the hidden pack nestled within her suit, and with a swift, deliberate motion, she unveiled a series of sleek missiles glinting ominously in the dim light. Without hesitation, she launched them into the fray, and a symphony of chaos erupted as the missiles detonated in a cacophony of thunderous explosions. The force of the blasts sent shockwaves rippling through the air, forcing the nearby heroes to scatter like leaves caught in a tempest.

As billowing clouds of smoke and debris enveloped the scene like a dark, swirling storm, the four heroes launched into action, positioning themselves resolutely between the beleaguered officers and the chaos engulfing them. Each explosion reverberated through the air, sending tremors rippling violently beneath their feet, as if the very earth were protesting the unfolding catastrophe.

Jagged cracks began to spiderweb across the cavern walls, creeping ominously under the increasing pressure. Then, with a deafening roar that seemed to echo from the depths of the earth, a massive cave-in erupted, unleashing a torrent of rubble that cascaded down like an avalanche. The entire wall of the Central City Police Department succumbed to the disaster, crumbling away as if it were made of mere sand.

Dust and fragments twirled in the air, crafting a chaotic mosaic of destruction, while the heroes braced themselves, their muscles taut with effort. They fought valiantly, shielding the officers from the tumultuous storm of debris and danger, becoming humanity's last line of defense amid the pandemonium they were striving to contain.

Janice sprang from the ship, her heart racing as she deftly slid the gleaming Meta Bullets into the compartments of her high-tech armor. With a powerful thrust of her legs, she hurtled down towards the city below, the force of her landing creating a deep, jagged crater in the pavement. The shockwave rippled outward, sending debris skittering across the ground.

As she rose from the impact, her suit hummed with energy, seamlessly absorbing the residual force and repairing any minor damage. She felt the familiar whir of her knees as they clicked back into place, allowing her to stand tall.

Janice slowly scanned her surroundings, her heart racing as she realized she was surrounded by an imposing assembly of figures, each radiating a palpable energy. The members of the Young Justice team positioned themselves in a defensive stance, their faces a blend of steely resolve and underlying worry. Among this formidable gathering stood several iconic figures from the Justice League, each one exuding a distinctive presence.

Black Cat loomed near, her sleek black costume shimmering like a liquid night under the moonlight, a feline grace evident in her poised stance. Frost, with icy tendrils cascading around her, seemed to chill the air itself, her eyes glinting like shards of glass, promising a sharp defense if needed. Elongated Man was also present, his elastic frame bending and twisting effortlessly, coiling as if ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

The tension hung thick in the air, a charged atmosphere vibrating with anticipation as they all scrutinized Janice, encased in her Beetle armor. It felt like a standoff charged with unspoken fears and unanswered questions, as she prepared for whatever imminent threat loomed on the horizon. Each side appeared ready to respond, the stage set for a confrontation that could change everything.

"Well, well, look at what we have here," Janice said as she looked around and saw almost all of her enemies and threats altogether.

The atmosphere crackled with tension as a standoff unfolded, each combatant eyeing the others, waiting for a signal—a single bold move that would spark the chaos. Sub-Zero, frost radiating from him, was the first to break the silence. He unleashed a volley of shimmering icicles that glinted in the dim light, hurtling toward Janice with deadly precision.

In an instant, Janice sprang into action, her flamethrower igniting with a roar as flames danced to life in her hands. She expertly deflected the icy projectiles, the air sizzling where fire met frost. Just then, Isaac joined forces with her, hurling fireballs of his own into the fray. The two streams of fire collided in a brilliant explosion that lit up the battlefield, a kaleidoscope of orange and blue illuminating the faces of onlookers as the shockwave sent everyone reeling backward.


Amidst the chaos, Dawn stood at the periphery of the inside of the CCPD, anxiety coursing through her. She fumbled with the power dampener clamped tightly around her wrist, desperate to disable it. The sounds of battle echoed in her ears—yells and the crackle of energy as Sunshine faced off with Dr. Light, while the Snow-Parker twins engaged with April and Ollie to take them down. Bumblebee zipped around, her figure a blur as she attempted to fend off the onslaught, but they were all engulfed in the storm of conflict, and Dawn felt helpless, yearning to dive into the fray and lend her strength to her friends.

Maggie was left in the middle of the chaos as she as well was trying to figure out how to disable the power-dampening cuffs so that she could help as she saw the chaos going down.

Ollie sprang to the side, narrowly escaping one of Sunshine's searing energy blasts that ignited the wall behind him, leaving a charred mark in its wake. The air crackled with the intensity of her powers, a vivid reminder of just how perilous her abilities were. Ollie's mind raced with the implications; he had no desire to discover just how his armored suit would fare against her fiery assault.

Meanwhile, Dr. Light was shooting toward April as she was leaping around, trying to use her tendrils to latch onto the gun Dr. Light was using. But the closer the Symbiote got, the hotter things got, and it caused the Symbiote to back off.

As dawn's first light filtered through the grimy window, Dawn strained against the cold metal cuffs that bound her wrists. Frustration gnawed at her, but then a spark of inspiration flickered in her mind. Determined, she glanced around the dimly lit interrogation room, her eyes landing on a dusty screwdriver resting on a nearby table.

With a sense of urgency, she made her way toward it, her heart pounding in her chest. She could almost taste freedom on the edge of her tongue. Gripping the screwdriver tightly, she felt its reassuring weight in her hand.

If this plan worked, she could harness her extraordinary speed, make a dash for the exit, and escape the confines of the interrogation room before the chaos erupted around her. The thought of destruction — the room collapsing behind her while she sprinted to safety — sent a shiver of exhilaration down her spine.

As the minutes ticked by, a sense of determination washed over Maggie. She could feel the cold metal cuffs biting into her wrists, but her mind was racing with possibilities. A flicker of inspiration sparked within her; she remembered her unique ability to manipulate her own DNA.

Drawing a deep breath, she closed her eyes and concentrated, letting her thoughts swirl around the idea of shapeshifting. Her body felt a tingling sensation as she focused her powers, envisioning herself morphing in intricate ways. She imagined her skin rippling like water, her form shifting and bending as if it were liquid. If she could change her shape just right, the cuffs constructed to restrain her might become useless, short-circuiting under the strain of her unpredictable essence.

With each passing moment, she intensified her focus, envisioning a transformative escape, a plan as fluid as her ever-changing abilities.

As the tension in the room reached its peak, Dawn leveraged all her strength to break free from the constraints of her cuffs just as a deafening explosion erupted behind her. In that crucial moment, time seemed to slow to a crawl; she tapped into her unique Speed abilities, darting towards the exit with lightning-fast precision. With a deft twist of her wrist, she managed to slam the door shut, successfully containing the force of the blast within the confines of the room.

Meanwhile, Maggie was in a frantic race against time. Focusing intensely, she activated her mutation powers, altering her DNA with remarkable intensity. As she transformed into the appearances and forms of various superheroes, each embodiment came with its own set of extraordinary abilities. Drawing from these formidable personas, she applied enough force to her cuffs to shatter them, short-circuiting the mechanism that bound her and allowing the metal restraints to clatter to the floor.

At that crucial moment, the Spider-Twins swooped in to save Ollie, their agile forms cutting through the chaos. With an impressive leap, they unleashed a torrent of glimmering ice that hurtled toward Sunshine. The sudden chill filled the air as she was forced to divert her attention, her hands extending in a desperate attempt to counter the freezing threat.

Seizing the opportunity, Bumblebee soared into the fray, her wings shimmering as she darted towards Sunshine with purpose. The electric hum of her energy crackled around her like a storm ready to unleash its fury. With Sunshine's focus ensnared by the icy threat, Bumblebee unleashed a powerful surge of electric strikes that arced across the battlefield, hitting Sunshine squarely and sending her sprawling backward.

Dr. Light had April cornered, the air thick with tension as she prepared to strike. April's heart raced, knowing she had nowhere to escape. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, a sudden surge of warmth cut through the fray. Fire burst onto the scene, unleashing a powerful wave of searing heat that slammed Dr. Light against the wall with a resounding crash. Dust swirled in the air, illuminated by the flickering flames that danced around them. It was a breathtaking moment, signaling a pivotal shift: Fire had chosen her side, stepping up to aid the team in their desperate fight for justice, forsaking the darkness to stand firmly against their enemies.

"Uh, thanks?" April guessed as Fire helped her stand up.

"Sorry about this," Beatriz said with a sigh. "I just... I wanted to pay a debt. This got way out of hand."

"Oh, no worries," April said sarcastically. "You still have a lot to answer for when this is over."

"I deserved that." Beatriz guessed.


Back outside, Janice got back up and saw the heroes trying to approach her starting with Elongated Man wrapping himself around her Elastic came in and wrapped Janice's legs to try and keep her in place. Janice then activated her jetpack and wings, sending her flying and dragging Ralph and Daniel with her. When she was high enough, she spun around and threw the two of them off and fell downward, opening fire on the remaining heroes.

Dawn sped her way over grabbed all of the bullets at quick speed and stopped with a sigh. "Sorry, I took so long." She apologized. "Had to deal with something."

"Don't worry, we just gotta focus on this girl," Crystal stated.

Janice took steady aim and fired the Meta Bullets, each one slicing through the air with a sharp whistle. The moment they struck, a jolt of energy coursed through the vicinity, causing Dawn to freeze mid-sprint, her vibrant aura flickering as she grappled with the sudden loss of her speed. The bullets were engineered for this very purpose, designed to drain Speedsters of their powers with a single touch. As panic surged through her mind, she frantically scanned her surroundings, searching for a way to escape their lethal grasp.

Just then, a massive black tendril emerged from the shadows, stretching out with an unsettling grace. It curled around the group, forming a protective dome that shimmered ominously as it absorbed the bullets' energy, rendering them harmless. The atmosphere around them crackled with tension as the tendril shielded them from the impending danger.

Suddenly, Peter descended from above, landing with a thud that resonated through the air. As he dropped the protective dome, he revealed himself clad in the sleek, glossy Symbiote suit, a mesmerizing blend of black and white that rippled with a life of its own. The team's eyes widened as he stood before them, embodying both power and determination in his striking appearance.

"Spidey?" Crystal was shocked to see him, especially in a Symbiote suit. "How are you..?"

"Later." Peter barked as he eyed Janice. "I have a bug to crush under my boot." He then marched forward and approached Janice as she approached him. "You wanted me? Here I am!"

"Spider-Man," Janice was shocked to see him. "I thought you gave up."

"What can I say? Retirement doesn't suit me," Peter stated as he prepared to fight. "You know I love a good chat, but I'm really in the mood for a fight."

"I'm afraid I'm more in the mood for some fireworks!" Janice cried as she launched a series of energy blasts from her gauntlets, each one crackling with power.

Peter quickly leaps into action, dodging the first blast with a swift roll as the dozens of missiles seem to be encased with the same Dark Matter in the Meta Bullets to try and take him down. But it wasn't enough as Peter was feeling his body relish in his powers finally returning after his powers being dampened for years.

"Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that!" Peter stated. He had so much energy that he felt like he was back in his twenties. "You guys help the cops. I'll finish the job!"

Peter quickly shoots a web, latching it onto a nearby building, and swinging himself high into the air. The Beetle takes flight, pursuing him with her enhanced speed. Leaving the rest of the League behind.

"Uh... what just happened?" Ralph asks.

"Oh, good, I thought I was the only one confused," Sub-Zero commented.

As they soar through the sky, Spider-Man uses his agility to flip and weave around her attacks. He flips backward, firing a web at The Beetle's wings, aiming to ground her.

"Let's see how you fly without those fancy wings!"

The web hits its mark, snagging one of her wings. The Beetle struggles but manages to stabilize herself, spinning around to face Spider-Man.

"You're going to pay for that, freak!" Janice cried out as she shot a powerful energy blast, which Spider-Man narrowly avoided by diving to the side. The blast hits a nearby building, causing debris to rain down.

Using the moment of distraction, Spider-Man shoots a web line to a nearby rooftop, swinging back towards her. He launches himself off the edge, aiming for a kick to her midsection.

The Beetle anticipates the move, pivoting in mid-air and blocking with her armored arm. The impact sends Spider-Man reeling back, but he quickly recovers with the help of the Symbiote.

"Is that all you've got? I expected more from the amazing Spider-Man!" Janice mocked as she marched forward.

"Oh, I'm just getting started!" Peter snarled as his voice got more irritated.

"Use all of your strength," Frankie whispered. "Don't hold back. She tried to kill your family. Your friends. She deserves to die..."

Peter was beginning to listen as he shot a series of Symbiote tendrils, creating a net that enveloped The Beetle, momentarily restricting her movements. Peter then began to squeeze the tendrils, causing the tendrils to try and crush Janice as she struggled to try and break out of the hold of the tendrils.

"You think this can hold me?!" Janice asks.

With a sudden surge of vibrant energy, she explosively breaks free from the shimmering webs that ensnared her, sending Spider-Man tumbling backward in a disoriented flip. The air crackles as she charges forward, a blinding aura surrounding her, intensifying in warmth. Peter's body jerks in response, a piercing screech escaping his lips as the searing heat of the blast washes over him, causing him to writhe in agony while the Symbiote struggles to regain its composure.

In that fleeting moment of vulnerability, Janice felt a rush of exhilaration. She strode purposefully toward him, her heart pounding with adrenaline as she prepared to deliver the final blow. A triumphant smirk curled on her lips as she leaned closer, her voice dripping with malice.

"Bye-bye, Spider-Man," Janice taunted, savoring the anticipation of victory as she steeled herself to end this once and for all.

As she tried to concentrate on Peter, a sudden roar of a motorcycle cut through her thoughts. Janice instinctively turned to see a motorcycle speeding toward her, its engine blaring ominously. The rider barely managed to leap off as the hefty bike crashed into Janice, sending her hurtling into the air. The impact was jarring, and the rider landed awkwardly, groaning in pain from the hard fall.

As Janice attempted to regain her footing, she realized with a sinking feeling that Peter had unwittingly led her deep into Miles' territory. The atmosphere shifted, thick with tension, as Miles stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. He wore a stunningly designed suit that echoed the legacy of his Classic Suit but with striking enhancements.

The black and red color scheme enveloped him like a dark shadow, the bright red webbing crisscrossing across his torso pulsated with energy. The spider insignias emblazoned on his chest gleamed fiercely, almost alive against the fabric. Unlike the Iron Spider suit, this version boasted gloves and boots that radiated a vibrant glow, while the outlines of his eye lenses burned with an intense crimson light, illuminating his resolute gaze.

With a sudden surge of energy, Miles charged up a devastating strike—an electrifying display of power that seemed to crackle in the air around him. He unleashed it with a fierce determination, a blazing projectile that hurtled toward Janice. The impact was explosive, sending her Beetle armor sparking, the sound echoing like thunder in the stillness, and forcing her to stumble backward, crashing down to the ground with a thud.

As Janice lay on the ground, dazed and reeling from the collision, a strange weather phenomenon occurred—sharp icicles shot out from the surrounding ice, striking her in the back. They quickly encased her legs, pinning her down and effectively rendering her unable to rise.

Beatriz, witnessing the scene unfold, approached her fallen friend with a heavy heart. She removed her helmet, revealing her tear-filled eyes, filled with both concern and recognition. The face looking back at her was that of someone she once considered a friend, but in that moment, Beatriz realized the gravity of the situation. The chaotic events circling around them had spiraled out of control, and she knew that a line had been crossed. The turmoil was overwhelming, and deep down, she understood that it was time to bring an end to this madness once and for all.

"I'm sorry," Beatriz said, reaching over, scorching through the jetpack, ripping out the mechanics that caused the suit to function and caused it to shut down on her. "But you were causing too much pain."

"You think they will forgive you?" Janice asks with a laugh. "You will only end up in a cell right next to mine."

"Well, you never know," Ralph said as he approached. "We've all done things we are not proud of."

"And we usually like to give out second chances to lost causes," Dawn said with pride as she gave Fire a pat on the back.

"You okay, ma'am?" Crystal asked as she approached the biker, helping her stand up.

"Uh, yeah, I think I am okay," She said, fixing her suit as she looked around. "Dumb question, is this Central City?"

"Uh... yes?" Crystal said, looking at her friends. "Are you lost?"

"A little, it is like the world changed since the last time I was here." She said as if that was supposed to explain everything. "But that is to be expected after Wade told me what went down in my absence."

"Wade?" Maggie asked. "You mean Wade Wilson?"

"Oh, right, yeah, he said to say that he sent me, said it would explain a few things." She tried to explain things further. "Uh, sorry, I have been trying to find you guys the last few days. You do not know the hell I have been through to get here."

"Who are you?" Peter asks.

"My name is Teresa. Teresa Parker." She introduced herself with a giant smile. "You have no idea how long I have been waiting to say this. I am your sister!"

The group fell into stunned silence, the air thick with disbelief as the entire team stood frozen in place, their eyes wide and mouths slightly agape. They turned slowly to Peter, who mirrored their astonishment, his expression a mixture of confusion and surprise. It was as if time had momentarily stopped, each heartbeat echoing the shocking revelation. The weight of the moment hung heavily around them—he had a sister?


TVA:

"Hello, there!" Wade Wilson, AKA Deadpool, suddenly began to take over narrating. "Hey there, readers! So, just so that we are all on the same page, I want to explain that this character made her appearance in MY story! 'Deadpool: Savior of the What If Universe'! In that story, me and an apocalypse Peter ended up in this place we called the Outlands. You know what? Let's do a quick recap of events! Luckily, here at the TVA, we have this nifty device." He revealed he was carrying a dimensional breach. Louis?"

"Yeah, boss?" Luis from Earth-616 came into the room.

"I need you to be the one good thing in all Ant-Man movies," Wade tells him with pride. "And give us a recap of the events that went down in my story for all of those who didn't read it."

"So, you want me to recap it?" Luis asks.

"Yes, do your thing," Wade said.

"Okay, well... it all started when Wade went through a mid-life crisis..." Luis started to say, bongos starting to play off.


...Wade was all depressed, seeing his life was going nowhere and he seemed to want a spark in his life. So, when he came back to Central City after killing a bunch of dudes, he found a party waiting for him. But he was all depressed so he was all like:

"You know what? I am gonna go dimension jumping," Wade said to Peter. "See if there is a chance I can have a happier life out there."

And his boy Peter was all like, "Yeah, that sounds like a great idea."

But it turned out it wasn't such a great idea, as it turned out, Wade jumping across dimensions, going back and forth between his home reality, and a dozen others destabilized the world. So, while he was sitting all alone with his daughter from another world, these scary cop guys showed up, and you know me, I don't mess with no cops, but Wade here was all quippy.

"Hey, I know you are some scary dudes, but I am Deadpool," Wade tells the TVA.

Then these scary dudes kidnapped Wade, saying that they worked for the TVA. When he woke up, he found this scary dude in a suit who called himself Scribe, and he was all like:

"Hey, I am Scribe. We are the agency that can kill stories if they aren't doing so well." Scribe said.

While he was there, Wade discovered this thing called Anchor Beings. People who exist to stabilize their universes are what make their worlds unique and if they lose what makes them unique, their worlds become detestable. It turns out that Spider-Man was their Anchor Being, and now thanks to Deadpool breaching left and right, his world was going to die.

So, Wade was all like, "I am gonna fix this. I am going to find a new Spider-Man and go on a whacky adventure with him to save my world!"

And a few dimensions later, that's what led him to an apocalyptic world. He found this Spider-Man that was all down and gloomy because his whole world was dead.

And he was all like, "My world is dead, my friends are dead, my arm is missing, and all I can do is sulk alone and drink."

Then Wade walked up to him and said, "Hey, man, I need a hero, you wanna help?"

But Peter was all, "No way, I am sulking alone."

But Wade dragged him back to the TVA where Scribe was all, "This guy is a bad Spider-Man. He wanted to take a break, sleep in one day." Yet that day was when this scary dude named Darkseid came and started killing everyone. That's why his world was so destroyed, so Scribe was all like. "Now, I am gonna kill you, send you to the Outlands where we send all our trash."

Then they got, like, poked with this sparky stick thing that sent them to this almost Mad Max-y-looking place. There, they were captured and brought to the Goblin King, who was the ruler of the Outlands, and he was all like:

"I am going to escape the Outlands, and conquer the worlds because I am the bad guy!"

But Wade and Peter escaped and ran into these other heroes who called themselves the Resistance of the Outlands. Amongst them was this girl, think Lara Croft mixed with Batwoman. Said her name was Teresa Parker.

And she was all, "Yeah, I was Peter's younger sister, but I was thrown into this trash before I could meet my brother."

There they also met this other girl, her name was Rogue, she was a mutant, and she was all, "I can see the pain in your eyes. I wanna help."

But all Peter wanted was to be alone, so he was all, "I am a terrible Spider-Man. I am all alone. And I might never find love again, but DAMN if I wanna kiss you!"

But then you fast forward, and the resistance was getting their butts handed to them when they tried to get out. They lost a lot of friends, it was all sad-like. But luckily, Peter, Wade, Teresa, and this other girl, Ty Lee, they all escaped. But Goblin was able to escape right behind them.

And Goblin was all, "I am going to now destroy the entire multiverse."

Then Peter and Wade tried to join hands to save their world, but Rogue came swooping in and saved them last second. So now they were able to stabilize their universe again, they killed Goblin, and they all went their separate ways.

Wade dropped off Rogue, Ty Lee, and this new Peter off with Jessica Jones to try and get their lives on track in this new world. Wade went off to try and be a good father. And Teresa stated she was going to go find her brother. Then Teresa showed up in Central City, and she drove the same motorcycle she stole in New York into Beetle and saved her brother, and she was all like:

"Hey, I know we never met, and I am almost the same age as your kids, but I am your sister!"


TVA:

"Great, now you are all caught up," Wade said as he shoved Luis back into the breach. Then he poked his head back in, wanting to give Luis a warning. "You better be in Secret Wars : Doomsday!" He then returned and turned to the reader. "Oh, and don't expect me to make an appearance. I am currently helping our authors with the next Secret Wars story Luis left out. Want more details? Go read my story! Now get back to the real story!"


NATIONAL CITY:

Peter and J'onn made their way to Lena's office, their hearts heavy with concern and urgency. The sterile, metallic scent of the building mixed with the hum of fluorescent lights as they walked through the corridors, their minds racing with thoughts of Kara.

Since her harrowing encounter with the lethal Kryptonite, Kara had been placed into a medically induced coma, her vibrant spirit dimmed under the weight of her condition. The stakes couldn't be higher; time was slipping away, and they had to act quickly to uncover how these people managed to escape without leaving a psychic trace.

As they approached Lena's door, Peter exchanged a glance with J'onn, a silent agreement of determination passing between them. They knew Lena was resourceful, with her sharp intellect and vast connections in the tech world. They hoped she had some vital piece of information that could shed light on the mystery and help bring Kara back to them. With a deep breath, they knocked on the door, steeling themselves for the conversation that awaited them.

"I heard what happened," Lena said when they approached. "What can I do to help?"

"Well, we were hoping you could tell us if anyone had made any large orders of psychic dampeners," J'onn tells her.

"Well, we don't really make them in large shipments," Lena said, approaching her computer as they followed. "But I can check if..." She quickly began searching her systems and found something. "Well, we don't have any large amounts of orders, at least nothing traceable."

"What about missing shipments?" Peter asks.

Lena decides to search for just that. "Wait, this might be something. A storm that took a whole shipment of psychic dampeners. The ship was lost in the storm. Never resurfaced."

"Sounds like our guys," Peter tells J'onn.

"So, we have Kraven The Hunter, as well as a whole army of skilled hunters, and all of them wearing psychic dampeners so that their minds can't be read." J'onn recapped. "Anywhere getting contact with them?"

"Something was going on, something about a new Syndicate," Peter said with a sigh. "And we don't really have telepaths that can reach past a few cities. We just gotta keep sending messages and prepare to head out there. Kraven is probably cutting off transmissions we use so we can't warn them."

"How can a random hunter be this diabolical?" J'onn asked with a sigh. "Let's just hope we can reach them before Kraven does."

"If he hasn't already," Peter said in worry for the twins.


CENTRAL CITY:

In the aftermath of last night's tumultuous battle, the atmosphere was electric with excitement as the team gathered to celebrate the latest additions to Young Justice. Just a few days prior, their ranks had swelled with fresh talent: the ingenious Karen Beecher, also known as Bumblebee, the determined Issac Elen, fondly referred to as Firefighter, and the vibrant Beatriz Da Costa, a force of nature known simply as Fire.

With the notorious Syndicate now behind bars, their menacing presence finally vanquished, the sanctuary they called home breathed a sigh of relief. Laughter and cheers echoed through the halls as the team indulged in smiles and playful banter, a welcome reprieve from the chaos that had threatened their safety.

Yet, amidst the celebrations, a weight lingered in the air. The revelation about Peter's sister hung over them like a shadow, a sensitive topic that demanded attention even in their moment of joy. The blend of elation and concern filled the room, setting the stage for a night that would not only honor their new members but also confront the complexities of their ever-evolving journey together.

"So, you are all Young Justice?" Beatriz asked as she was finally introduced to the entire team. "Wow, what the hell are you doing calling yourselves young?"

"That's exactly what I said!" Issac stated.

"We need fewer members," Tommy told his sisters.

Beatriz then approached Aster. "So, you are Sub-Zero?"

"Well, kinda," Aster said. "He and I share a body. He's... like my second personality."

"I was flirting with a guy's second personality?" Beatriz asks.

"SHE WAS FLIRTING!" Sub-Zero cried out.

Aster whinced at the loud cry. "Yeah, and I think he wants to say hello."

'What? No, I am not-" Sub-Zero was then forced out as they swapped places. "Uh... hi."

"Hey, you," Beatriz greeted him. "Missed you during that fight."

"Well, yeah, you know, a lot of crazy shit happened," Sub-Zero shrugged. "You know, with CCPD being blown up, you switching sides, and a whole lot of other stuff."

"Well, I am glad to meet you," Beatriz said as she walked closer to him. "So... what are the rules about dating a split personality?"

Sub-Zero gulped as he didn't know how to answer that.


"So, you were in a wasteland?" Peter clarified as Teresa explained everything that happened to her.

"Yeah, Wade got me out of there and told me where to find you," Teresa explains. "I have been wanting to meet you for so long, but I didn't think I was going to be coming to your aid."

"Yeah, that is something we are going to talk about later," Caitlin warns him.

"So, wait, you are married to two people?" Teresa wanted to have that clarified.

"Well, I was Caity's split personality to start off," Crystal said as she sat down on the couch. "Then one magic spell from a witch later, I got my own body."

Teresa heard that and looked over towards Caitlin and Peter. "really?"

"Hey, you wanna hear something even stranger? I was dead for about twenty years," Ronnie commented.

"And I was the ex that he knocked up," Felicia said with a smile.

Teresa then looked over to Peter. "Okay, how nuts did this city get from the last time I was alive?"

"When were you last here?" Ralph asks.

"2015," Teresa answered.

"Oh."

"Oof."

"Dear god."

"Much worse," Cisco confirmed.

"Wow, it got that weird?" Teresa asks.

"You do not know the half of it," Peter chuckled.

"Guys?" Barry called, getting them to look over and see Barry walking down the stairs. "What the hell is going on?"

"Well, look who's finally awake," Ralph mocked him.

"Slept through all the action, man," Cisco informed him.

"How are you feeling?" Patty asked in concern.

"Pretty good," Barry shrugged. "Not entirely sure I recall what happened, but someone can fill me in later, I guess."

Then there was a knock at the door, getting them all curious. "Oh, that is for me," Felicia said as she walked over to the door. "Okay, guys, I decided to do something, so, please, don't say anything stupid until it sinks in."

"What the hell?" Ronnie asks.

As the door creaked open, Felicia's heart raced, revealing the familiar figure of a woman with cascading brown hair that shimmered in the soft light of the room. Felicia approached her with an unmistakable warmth, their shared smiles radiating an unspoken connection. It felt as if time paused around them, a subtle energy enveloping the air.

Amidst the casual chatter, they began to notice the palpable chemistry between the two. Whispers of curiosity floated around, and expressions of intrigue spread as they started to piece together the delightful mystery: this was likely Felicia's special someone, a cherished secret she had been trying to keep under wraps.

"Guys, this is my girlfriend, Tamara Blake" Felicia said. "Tamara, this is... everyone."

That silenced the whole room, except for Crystal and Peter who they had already met.

"Judging by the many confused looks on your faces, I can see most of you have questions," Felicia said as she sighed and took out her phone. "Alright, in that case, I will give you all one minute to ask questions. One minute exactly. To get the first question out of the way, yes, I am bisexual, and go."

Caitlin raised her hand. "How long have you known?"

"Since I was fifteen. I was watching Revenge of the Sith in theaters and I thought... Ewan McGregor is kinda cute. Then I thought... Natalie Portman, also cute."

"The fact that Hayden Christensen wasn't on that list is lunacy," Cisco stated, getting an eye from Kamilla. "What?"

"So, you are seeing this girl?" Patty asks, gesturing to Tamara.

"Yes. We met when I was still in my bad girl phase, she even tried to pull off her own bad girl look. She copied mine, and made it shinier." Felicia said sarcastically. "It is true though, she went by, like, Iron Cat or something."

"Babe..."

"It's fine. They aren't going to rest you," Felicia promises.

"Did you ever steal from my labs?" Cisco was curious to know.

"I did. Back when I didn't know you were working for the Flash." Felicia admitted. "It was even more gratifying when I discovered the truth." She then looked at her phone. "Okay, enough time for one more question."

"Ohh!" Ralph raised his hand.

"No." Felicia shot it down and grabbed Tamara's hand and walked out. "Out of time. We're done."

Ralph then watched her walk off and shrugged. "Smart, I guess."


?:

Outside the ready-to-open F.E.A.S.T. Center that Frankie has gotten ready for opening, two people were dragging in a giant metal package. May Parker was dragging in a package with the help of Cisco Ramon. He was complaining the entire way.

"I don't get why you didn't ask someone like Barry to help. Or even Peter. Don't you have two grandkids now?" Cisco asked as he pushed the package.

"Grand-nieces and nephew." May corrected him as she finally found a cart that they could drag the package with and make it ten times easier on the two of them. "Besides, this is a surprise for them."

"I need to start charging for my services," Cisco complained as this was the second time, he was helping the Parker family with its gifts.

"Quit winning, Cisco. Think of this as your exercise for the day." May told him.

"I have a teenage boy I need to keep up and stop from opening portals to other dimensions; I get plenty of exercise for the day," Cisco replied in annoyance.

"You know, I should have brought Patty. She doesn't complain as much." May commented as she placed the container inside Frankie's office. "And she has better hair."

"Why do you people keep bringing my hair into this? My hair is timeless." Cisco stated as he looked at his hair.

"Cisco, I'm from before you were born, and I can tell you this with pure confidence...the '80s aren't coming back," May warned him as she plugged in the package.

Cisco was confused by that and started to run some numbers in his head. "How old are you?"

"I was 35 when the accelerator blew. Raised Peter for ten years." May said as she finished the work. "You're the genius, you finish the math." She then gave him a smug smile while tilting her head and walking out. "Come on, we have a party to get to."

"How is it ten years later she still scares me?" Cisco asks, feeling afraid of this woman as he walks out of the office.

May chuckled softly to herself, a sense of satisfaction washing over her as she ensured the device was properly charging, the gentle hum of its energy filling the room like a comforting melody. With a contented sigh, she began to stroll out of her office, the polished floor reflecting the warm overhead lights.

Just as she reached the door, an inexplicable phenomenon caught her eye—a small, swirling tempest of wind and shimmering light flickered into existence, distorting the boundaries of reality itself. In an instant, it coalesced into the unmistakable figure of Frankie, who had just been hurled through the multiverse.

Frankie's heart raced as she gasped, her body instinctively collapsing onto her knees, while May's shriek echoed in the chaos around them, blending with the otherworldly energy that still crackled in the air. Frankie emerged from the maelstrom, panting heavily, exhaustion etched into her features.

Each time she Time Slipped, it felt as though her very essence was being drained, the weight of her journeys carrying a burden she could scarcely comprehend. She longed for it to cease, but the mystery of why it persisted hung in the air like a dark cloud, leaving her feeling even more lost and weary.

"Frankie?" May asked.

Frankie froze when she heard her name and looked upward to see that it was May. She was alive. Standing there right in front of her. She began to tear up when she saw her and she knew that this must mean that she was sent back into the past.

"God... I don't even care anymore," Frankie groaned, feeling like the universe was torturing her.


Ivanna Sakhno as Tamara Blake