A/N:

Essiter1987-Damn it, I was trying to get to this chapter before you uploaded the next. Ah well.

Yeah, just had to look it up. don't know where I was getting that Jessica was a Faunus. Maybe it's because she looked like the Vtuber Snuffy to me? Eh, she still damned cute in the first movie.

Excellent chapter, by the way. I'd saying Eiling is the bigger threat, not just because I remember him from JLU but also because you can feel the vitriol in him. He wants to prove that he's better than someone like Jim.
Would get his butt whooped by Batman if he tried anything, though. ...Actually, that happened in JLU, didn't it?

I had an Idea Nyx was the secret BBEG. Wasn't quite expecting her to be so horny for Bruce but he is popular with the ladies, isn't he? Here's hoping Wonder Woman can stop that particular plot from happening.

I try to be somewhat fast.

Huh. I see it now.

Batman knocked out his gun using a Batarang without looking, punched him out without looking, and constantly breaks into his base like it's nothing. Yeah, he would hate Bats.

Here's hoping.

Essiter1987-An awesome fight with Scylla, and a great call back to JLU with the rules Batman tried to implement with Wonder woman. As if she'd listen to such nonsense.

At least, now they know who they're up against, but how are they going to be her?

Thanks the gods she doesn't.

Wait and see. It's gonna be a RIDE!

Gordon was standing by the Bat Signal, hands in his pockets as he looked out at the Gotham Bay. In mere moments, a whirlpool appeared in the middle of the water, sucking up some nearby ships. Fortunately, they were all unmanned since GPD placed a quarantine on the bay and had all the workers go home.

Unfortunately, that was only after the first victim of the whirlpool: a cruise ship leaving the bay. No survivors were found.

Gordon glared at the whirlpool as it sucked in at least three freight ships, a tug boat, and a fisher ship before vanishing. Then, water and debris spewed out of the water, rain and shattered ships splashing onto Gotham Docks.

"It IS her."

Gordon looked to his side to see Batman and Wonder Woman standing near the ledge, looking out at the bay.

"So you are here, Wonder Woman. I'm going to be honest, I thought you would have left Gotham by now after you helped deal with Cobblepot's little freakshow mess."

"I can't leave Gotham yet, Commissioner. Someone has plans for this city. . . Or rather... for someone," she said as she glanced at Batman, but not enough for Gordon to notice.

"One of you said 'her'. You know who's causing the whirlpools," Gordon asked.

"Charybdis," Batman answered.

"Charybdis? Who's that? A new lunatic for Arkham?"

"She's a monster," Wonder Woman answered.

"Then she'll be right at home with Joker and the rest of them."

"She means an actual monster, Jim. Charybdis is a legendary creature from Greek Mythology. She and another monster, Scylla, guarded the Straits of Messina. Scylla would eat at least eight sailors while Charybdis would swallow entire ships in her whirlpools."

"Are you telling me there's a damned sea monster in our bay," Jim asked.

"Sorry to inform you of this, Commissioner," Diana went.

"Shit. Well, what's the plan? There's no way the military will let GPD borrow a submarine to torpedo a sea monster."

"We'll handle it, but not in the bay," Batman answered.

"Where then?"

Instead of answering Jim's question, Batman looked out further past the bay into the sea.

"The Atlantic Ocean," Wonder Woman asked. Then, the realization hit her as she looked at her partner. "You're hoping Aquaman can help us."

"If there's anyone in this entire world who can help us deal with Charybdis, it's the King of the Seas."

"Be warned, Batman." He looked at a serious-looking Wonder Woman. "Charybdis has never been defeated. Jason, Odysseus, Hercules; all have challenged her, and though all have survived her, she has yet to taste true defeat."

"Then we'll just have to give it to her ourselves. Can you get your jet ready?"

"Of course. I assume we'll require it?"

"YOU will require it. I'm going to need backup from the sky."

"Backup?"

"Batman, are you thinking of taking on this thing alone," Jim asked.

"No. I'm planning on LEADING it. Charybdis has been described in a manner different ways, but the most common is a whale-like monster. That means she can swim. That means she can chase. She'll need a reason to head into the ocean. The Batstrike should be more than fast enough."

"Should be," Jim asked.

"Should be."

Another blast was heard. Jim, Batman, and Wonder Woman looked toward the bay to see water and debris raining down.

Jim sighed. "I can't say I like that 'should be', but if it's our best bet, I should wish you-" He looked to see Batman and Wonder Woman were already gone. "Luck. . . Those two were made for each other."

Beneath the waters of Gotham Bay lay Charybdis, the monster indeed looking like a whale, her massive body covering the bottom of the bay as she looked up toward the water's surface and opened up her massive, circular mouth. She then began to suck up water, creating her infamous whirlpool, sucking up fish, some of the last remaining ships, and even some birds that were sucked in by the pressure of her mouth. She then spews out the water, creating a torrent that could destroy a skyscraper. She watched as the water and debris she sucked up rained down from above.

Then, she felt something. Something had hit her exposed neck.

It then exploded. It was painful. She felt as if she had been struck by one of Zeus's lightning bolts again. She then felt rage when she saw a tiny bit of her blood float past her eye. And it was tiny, for the explosion barely left so much as a mark on her tough hide.

She then looked around before she saw a strange black fish swimming around her before it threw something at her. Whatever it was flew into her mouth and exploded, leaving a stinging, burning sensation in her mouth that enraged her, the monster roaring at the fiendish fish who foolishly attacked her. She then lunged at the fish, hoping to swallow it whole, but the black creature was fast, easily avoiding her, but she was still enraged enough to chase after the foolish little fish.

Batman, steering the Batstrike as Charybdis swam after him in a fury, reached for his com-link. "Phase 1 was successful, Wonder Woman."

"I have eyes on you," Wonder Woman said as she was piloting her jet, watching the massive sea monster chase after Batman at such speeds that she was creating waves that splashed onto the docks while heading toward the Atlantic Ocean. "You've successfully enraged her, Batman. Don't do anything even more reckless than this."

"I can't guarantee that," Batman said as he put his boat into full throttle, Charybdis roaring behind him.

"Batman, I have a visual on you and Charybdis," Wonder Woman said as she flew above her partner and the monster. Even beneath the surface, Charybdis was creating powerful waves due to how fast she was chasing after Batman.

"Keep an eye on us, but do not engage until we've reached the Atlantic Ocean. I'm going to try and get in contact with Aquaman."

"But careful, Batman. Charybdis isn't just a surprisingly fast opponent."

Batman steered out of the way of a water blast from Charybdis. After she missed, the monster began to suck up water, trying to swallow Batman in the process.

"So I noticed," Batman said as he dove deeper into the ocean, getting out of Charybdis's suction. "Batman to Aquaman. Come in, Aquaman."

"Batman," Aquaman answered.

"A situation has occurred that needs your assistance. I'm in the Atlantic as we speak."

"Damn. I'm sorry, old friend. This is one of the few times I cannot help you."

"What?"

"Do not forget: before I am a hero, I am the King of Atlantis. My kingdom requires my guidance at this moment. I can't leave my post, not even for you."

"Damn."

"What is the situation you are in, old friend?"

"I was hoping you'd help me take down Charybdis."

"CHARYBDIS?! SHE'S AWAKE?! AFTER ALL THIS TIME?!"

"You knew of her?"

"She's supposed to be asleep! Placed in slumber by her own father, Poseidon himself. Why is she awake? No, that isn't important right now."

"True. What's important is how to beat her. You might not be able to help me, but you can at least give me some advice, can't you?"

Aquaman was silent for a bit. "Where did you part from?"

"Gotham Bay."

Aquaman sighed. "I was afraid you'd say that."

"What?"

"Where are you now?"

"I'm over five hundred miles away from Gotham, north-eastern."

"Maintain your route. In merely fifty miles, you'll see a reef. Make sure Charybdis is the one who destroys it. Do NOT damage it yourself in any way or form."

"Aquaman, why do you sound hesitant to tell me this?"

". . . If you continue headed this way, which country will you land in?"

"Ireland and the United Kingdom."

"And beyond that?"

"Norw..." Batman's eyes widened. "You don't mean."

"Sometimes, the only thing that can best a monster like Charybdis is another monster."

"Besides damage to the reef, will there be ecological repercussions from releasing it?"

"Possibly, but that is something I will have to handle personally. If not for this meeting of the Kingdoms, I would have dealt with Charybdis myself instead of unleashing that beast, but the King of Atlantis MUST sit at the table. This is even more important than a meeting among the Justice League. I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize, old friend."

"Good luck."

"When have I ever relied on luck," Batman asked before ending the call.

Batman then continued to avoid Charybdis, the monster trying to violently attack the hero's ship, sucking up water, blasting water torrents, and trying to just bite any part of the ship. Batman was able to expertly avoid all of Charybdis' attacks, trying to find the reef.

"Batman, I'm losing visual on you," Wonder Woman yelled.

"I'm diving deeper into the ocean!"

"What?! I won't be able to see you, let alone help!"

"Maintain your position! Be ready to get out of the area when I give the signal!"

"What!? Batman, what are you planning?!"

"Something that even Aquaman might regret!"

"Aqua- What did he tell you?!"

Batman then saw the reef and sped up, making sure to leave behind charges to hit Charybdis. Each explosion in the monster's face made her angrier and angrier, the beast even letting out a roar that actually did some damage to Batman's ship, as well as cause the ocean's surface to ripple.

Warning lights flashed in the ship, Charybdis' roar doing more damage than Batman predicted. Still, he rushed toward the reef, the monster still chasing him. He timed it just right before he yanked the steering upward, narrowly avoiding hitting the reef. Charybdis, however, slammed into the reef.

She shook it off before looking to see Batman rushing toward the surface. With an enraged roar, she chased after him.

However, as she swam away, red eyes glowed from the rubble of the reef.

Batman's ship was beginning to break apart, cracks appearing on the glass due to the pressure of the approaching surface at such speeds. The entire time, Charybdis was roaring at him as it gave chase.

Then, the Batstriker burst out of the water, with Batman ejecting just in time. Mere seconds later, Charybdis burst out of the water and crushed the Batstriker between her massive teeth.

However, she was able to see Batman just as she splashed into the water, the hero actually running across her massive body.

"BATMAN!" He looked to see Wonder Woman flying toward him. "GRAPPLED TOWARD ME! HURRY!"

He didn't hesitate. Batman shot his grapple toward Wonder Woman, the grapple wrapping around one of the jet's invisible wings before he was yanked away just as Charybdis' tail went into the water.

Batman reeled himself onto the jet's wing, looking into the water to actually see Charybdis' glowing red eyes.

"What now, Batman," Wonder Woman asked as she saw the massive monster in the ocean, Charybdis looking ready to lunge toward her.

"We wait."

"What?"

The heroes looked just in time to see that Charybdis did indeed plunge out of the water, her massive mouth wide open to swallow Wonder Woman's jet.

Then, something surprising to Wonder Woman and the monster occurred.

Massive tentacles shot out of the water and grabbed onto Charybdis. She looked back in time to see who dared to grab her as she fell toward the ocean, seeing her next opponent:

The Kraken.

Batman stared down at the ocean, seeing the Kraken drag Charybdis back into the water, wrapping its tentacles around her as she thrashed violently around.

"Batman!" He looked toward Wonder Woman, hearing the jet open. "Get in!"

Batman didn't hesitate to jump into the passenger seat behind Wonder Woman, the cockpit closing as Diana flew above the fighting monsters.

"What is that creature," Wonder Woman asked.

"The Kraken, a legendary monster from Scandinavian mythology, infamous for easily destroying ships the size of modern-day cruise liners. It's one of the few monsters the Vikings feared, and in terms of mythology, it's in the same league as monsters such as Jormungandr the World Serpent or the Bible's very own Leviathan."

"I don't know of these creatures," Wonder Woman admitted.

"I suppose you could say that in terms of raw power... the Kraken far outclasses Charybdis."

Wonder Woman's eyes widened before looking back in the water. Charybdis was indeed struggling. You could even hear the fear in her roars as the Kraken dragged her into the depths.

But Charybdis refused to go down without a fight.

She sucked in as much water as she could, creating a whirlpool. The Kraken looked annoyed until it was surprised when the whirlpool began to spin it around, making it release Charybdis. The Kraken swirled around until Charybdis bit onto its head and unleashed the water she collected like a beam. The pressure pushed the Kraken away, tearing off the head Charybdis was biting on, the Kraken bleeding profusely.

Still, the giant octopus wasn't beaten, Charybdis roaring at her foe in challenging anger.

Charybdis tried to suck in water once more, but The Kraken stuck its tentacles into her mouth and began to pull. Blood began to pour into the ocean as the Kraken yanked Charybdis' mouth open, the monster screeching in pain. Then, the Kraken successfully ripped Charybdis in half, her blood turning the ocean red. The Kraken even unleashed a roar of victory as Charybdis' corpse sank toward its lair.

"Incredible," Wonder Woman said. "That creature defeated Charybdis."

"I suppose that's just how powerful the Kraken is."

The heroes then noticed that the giant octopus was actually looking up at them.

"It noticed us?! How," Wonder Woman yelled.

"Octopi are deceptively intelligent. Some scientists believe their intellect rivals that of humans. Their natural instincts far surpass that of humans, so we shouldn't be surprised that it would notice us."

"Should we engage?"

"Wait."

The Kraken stared up at the invisible jet racing above it before looking down to see Charybdis' corpse landing in its lair. It looked up at the puny humans above it before realizing which was the better prize, sinking toward its lair to enjoy its meal.

"To think such a beast resides in the domain of Poseidon. And you mentioned two others like it?"

"I can only hope they're only mythology. If either one is ever truly awakened, it would require the Justice League to subdue if even a fraction of their legends are true. Fortunately, we won't need to worry about Nyx unleashing them."

"Primordial or not, even she has limits," Wonder Woman said as she flew toward Gotham. "Still, why did she unleash Charybdis?"

"There is nothing for a goddess of her caliber to gain from unleashing a sea monster like her," Batman said. "If I had to make an educated guess, she was a test."

Wonder Woman glared. "Nyx is trying to see if you're worthy of being her Champion."

"I'm sure I failed."

"Hm? Why do you think so?"

"I wasn't the one who defeated Charybdis. I used a monster to do my work for me. Hopefully, that will disappoint her."

Wonder Woman looked back at Batman before looking back toward Gotham. "Hopefully," she said as she headed toward Wayne Manor.

Meanwhile, on her throne, Nyx was... clapping, and laughing while doing so. "On the contrary, my dear Champion, I'm highly impressed! Using your foes against one another, taking advantage of a monster, using the knowledge of others to your advantage; truly, the work of a brilliant general!" She then smirked as she placed her cheek on her fist as she stared at Batman's image in her Black Mirror. "You passed with flying colors, my Night Champion. Now then..."

Veronica was in her office, typing away on her computer.

"Veronica," Nyx went from behind, appearing out of nowhere.

"JESUS," Veronica jumped before she sighed as she turned angrily toward Nyx. "You KNOW I hate it when you do that!"

"Oooh, tut-tut-tut-tut-tut. Anyway, my dear, we need to talk."

"About what?"

"You. Seducing Bruce Wayne."

In the kingdom of Atlantis, a fist slammed onto a table. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, ATLANTEAN," a shark man yelled.

"What needed to be done," Aquaman answered.

"What needed to be done," a woman with beautiful, seaweed-like red hair asked. "You awakened the Kraken. Why?"

Aquaman looked around the table. Sitting at it were the leaders of the oceans. He may have been called the King of the Seas, but Atlantis was only the largest kingdom in the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, the Pacific, Arctic, and Indian Oceans had their kingdoms, and the other three mermen sitting at the table with their consorts were their leaders.

The Queen of the Pacific was a woman of great beauty, her seaweed-like hair as red as blood, her skin as dark as sun-kissed sand, and her eyes as blue as the very seas themselves. She was Namaka, leader of Nan Madol, her husband standing behind her.

The King of the Indian Ocean was a man with a mustache, four arms, and a tail that greatly resembled a crocodile's. Due to his culture and the rule of his kingdom, Dwarka, he was named after the Hindu god of the ocean, Varuna, with his wife, Varuni, who was also named through tradition.

Finally, the Queen of the Arctic Ocean was also a woman of great beauty. She looked like an Inuit woman, had beautiful black eyes that made one think of the night sky, and wore a parka that looked too beautiful to be made by normal humans. She was the leader of an underwater tribe in the Arctic Ocean. She was Sedna of the Artic, with her consort, Kiviuq, considered to be her tribe's greatest warrior and hero.

Along with Aquaman, these were the four rulers of the Oceans of the World. There were others in attendance, such as King Shark, who led the Shark Kingdom. There was also Brine King, who was an ally of Aquaman and basically the guardian of the ocean depths. Or more accurately, the jailor of the monsters that lie within.

Aquaman looked around the table before he sighed. "An ally of mine, Batman, was in need of assistance against a powerful foe."

"You unleashed one of the Great Beasts of the Depths to aid a surface-dweller," Varuna asked with a raised eyebrow.

"And it was Batman," King Shark yelled.

"Watch your tongue, King Shark," Aquaman said with a glare. "You may be the ruler of the Shark Kingdom now, but do not forget your past as a petty criminal. If it wasn't Flash, it was I who stopped you. And if not me, then Batman himself." King Shark snarled at Aquaman.

"Still, I cannot say I approve of unleashing the Kraken in any circumstance," Sedna said. "What could possibly allow you to unleash such a creature?"

"And who is next," Shark yelled. "Are you going to awaken Jormungandr next?! Or perhaps Leviathan himself?!"

"DO NOT EVEN JEST OF SUCH A THING," Aquaman yelled as he slammed his fist on the table. "No one at this table would be able to best that beast should it ever reawaken." The table looked among themselves, knowing full well that Aquaman was right. No one could beat the REAL Leviathan. "To answer your question... Charybdis attacked my friend."

"That's not possible," Varuna said. "Charybdis has been asleep for centuries. She's been gone since the fall of the Greek Pantheon in power."

"I'm afraid it's true," King Brine said, getting everyone's attention. "Charybdis was awakened."

"Awakened," Sedna asked.

"What's more, it isn't just her. . . Tartarus has been stirring."

That got the other rulers to clamor. They were speaking over each other until Arthur silenced everyone with a slam of his trident. Though everyone at the table was essentially the same rank, Aquaman was the strongest of them all, capable of surviving an all-out brawl against the other rulers, and they knew it. Being one of the few men on the planet who has defeated Superman in a fair fight gives you quite the reputation.

"Speak, old friend. You have more to say, don't you."

King Brine sighed. "I do. There is a particular cell that is weakening: the Cell of Pontus."

"WHAT," King Shark yelled.

"Pontus," Varuna whispered.

"How could one of the cells of the Primordials be weakening," Namaka asked. "They're supposed to be impossible to escape. Tartarus may be a primordial himself, but he takes pride in being able to imprison others, even his own siblings. The only way for a primordial to escape Tartarus would be through... through-"

"Through the aid of another primordial," Sedna finished. She then looked at Aquaman. "King of Atlantis, your surface-dweller ally, whom does he face?"

Aquaman sighed. "I do not know. All I can do is pray that he is able to withstand whatever force befalls him."

"Withstand?" Aquaman looked at King Shark. "You act as if Batman is as powerful as a meta. Skilled he may be, he is still a mere man."

"A man who has defeated you and I many times, King Shark."

"Erk."

"Batman has bested many deities: Superman, Orion, Mr. Miracle, even Darkseid himself has had to concede to him."

"Do you believe your surface-dweller can withstand the powers of the primordial," King Brine asked.

". . . No. I don't. If Pontus is unleashed, it will start a war unlike the world has ever seen. All the Kingdoms of the Seas, no the Oceans would be dragged into it. It could be the beginning of the end."

The table looked among each other.

"King of Atlantis," Varuna began. "Should the Primordial of the Ocean ever be unleashed... then know that you will have Dwarka as an ally."

"As you will have Nan Madol," Namaka said.

"As well as my tribe," Sedna said.

"I thank all of you, my fellow Rulers of the Oceans," Aquaman said. He then looked at King Shark. "What of you, King Shark?"

King Shark had his hands together, looking down at the table. "What of I?" He looked up at Aquaman. "I and my kingdom... will not allow Pontus to know victory. Should he be unleashed, we will TEMPORARILY ally with you."

"That is all I ask," Aquaman nodded. "And you, old friend," he asked King Brine.

"As long as you sit on the throne, the Brine Kingdom will aid Atlantis."

"Then I say this, the oceans will be allied against whatever great evil comes our way. May we know victory, and may we forever bask in peace. The Blue Meeting is now adjourned."