Justice X

by G O G E T A 9 0 0 0

After a visit from his younger self, Ben Ten Thousand reevaluates his life. Before he can act on it, an enemy's mistake hurls him into the DCAU, where the Justice League has fallen to a Thanagarian invasion. Can he help free their Earth? How will he adapt to this new reality? And what will he do when ghosts from his past resurface in this strange new world? OS Timeline.

11. The Return

I don't own Ben 10 or Justice League or Justice League: Unlimited

Italics will be used for telepathy, thoughts, comm. etc.

…

Justice X

Chapter XI: The Return

2 Weeks Later

Within the holographic training chamber aboard the Watchtower, a colossal mechanical dragon unleashed devastation upon the simulated cityscape below. Streams of azure fire erupted from its maw, striking the sides of towering buildings and triggering violent explosions that sent debris cascading into the ruined streets. The city itself lay in near-total ruin, a testament to the intensity of the battle already waged. The dragon's immense wings beat with thunderous force as it wove through the skeletal remains of skyscrapers, its metallic frame glinting beneath the artificial sunlight.

High above the chaos, a lone figure hovered in the clouds—a striking silhouette against the simulated sky. He was tall and powerfully built, clad in a sleek, form-fitting suit of white and gold, with a pristine cape flowing behind him like a banner of authority. Without hesitation, he launched himself downward in a blur of motion, one fist extended before him like a missile.

He pierced through the dragon's reinforced back with brutal efficiency, cleaving through its mechanical innards before emerging on the other side. The dragon convulsed mid-flight as its systems failed, collapsing to the ground in a heap of twisted metal. A second, larger explosion consumed the remains, sending a fiery shockwave rippling through the training zone.

From the heart of the inferno, the caped figure emerged unscathed. Each step he took was deliberate, exuding an air of calm dominance. The blazing wreckage behind him cast a flickering glow across his broad frame, obscuring finer details—until a sudden burst of emerald energy cut through the smoke. As the green light faded, another man, identical in stature though devoid of the elaborate suit and cape, walked forward with the same measured confidence.

Overhead, mechanical panels slid open, releasing a cascade of fire-suppression foam that swiftly smothered the lingering flames. Without breaking stride, the man approached the chamber's exit, the sleek metallic doors gliding apart at his approach.

He stepped into the observation room—a reinforced enclave designed to offer an unobstructed view of the holographic battlefield while shielding its occupants from harm. Within, every detail of the simulated carnage remained visible, though he was now concealed from those still inside the projection. As the doors sealed behind him with a soft hiss, the air grew quieter, as he met the gaze of the dark-knight standing alone in the room.

"Enjoying yourself?" Batman's voice broke the silence, his tone dry and devoid of humor. Despite the unyielding seriousness in his words, Ben didn't seem particularly concerned with how stern the Dark Knight was trying to be.

"It's not about fun—it's training," Ben answered, grabbing a towel from the nearby console. He draped it over his shoulders as he turned toward the exit. "If I'm going to use the transformations I scanned from the League properly, I need to know how they work in a fight." As the automatic doors slid open with a soft hiss, he stepped into the hallway, Batman following a few paces behind. After a brief pause, he added with a faint smirk, "But… yeah, I was having fun."

Batman's footsteps echoed faintly through the corridor as they moved toward the monitor deck. "Speaking of your transformations," he said, his voice even and deliberate, "we need to discuss your banned playlist." There was a weight to his words—measured and intentional. Batman always knew exactly what he wanted to say, even if the delivery wasn't as smooth.

"Not this again," Ben groaned, rolling his eyes as they continued down the sleek metallic corridor. "If you're that curious, I could just tell you what they do," he offered, his tone light and unconcerned.

"Not necessary," Batman responded, raising a gloved hand to cut him off. "I've been preoccupied with the Cadmus investigation, but I found time to speak with the creator of your watch. He gave me some valuable insight." He paused briefly, his voice lowering just slightly. "Whatever secrets you're keeping—those are yours now. You've earned that much."

For a moment, Ben maintained his relaxed stride, though his expression softened just a little. He cast a glance toward the vigilante beside him. "Thanks," he said, his voice more genuine. "That actually means a lot coming from you. Kinda surprised Azmuth had anything nice to say about me at all…" he paused for a moment before he realized with a smile what this meant, "I might've finally won over the entire team." A mischievous glint flickered in his eyes as he pivoted smoothly on his heel, walking backward in front of Batman. He rubbed his hands together with mock villainy. "Now it's time to begin my evil plan."

Batman didn't break his pace. "Joke all you want," he said coolly, brushing past Ben without a glance. "The only reason I trust anyone in the League is because I've already devised a plan to neutralize them if necessary."

Ben froze mid-step, blinking after him as the words sank in. "Heh… you're joking, right?" His voice held a trace of nervous laughter as he turned around, watching the Dark Knight disappear down the corridor. "That was a joke… right?" he called out, quickening his pace to catch up, suddenly feeling a little less sure.

…

The monitor deck of the Watchtower was calm and quiet, the steady hum of machinery filling the air. Martian Manhunter stood at his usual post, his expression serene but focused as his keen eyes scanned an array of surveillance screens displaying live feeds from major cities across the globe. For now, the world seemed at peace—no catastrophic emergencies, no supervillain rampages, nothing to warrant immediate intervention.

A handful of heroes assigned to stand-by duty lingered nearby, prepared to deploy at a moment's notice should a threat arise. Among them were Fire, Stargirl, Steel, and Red Tornado. Their postures were relaxed, and light conversation passed between them as they waited, each accustomed to the long stretches of quiet between crises.

The tranquility shattered without warning. The Watchtower's alert system blared to life, harsh alarms echoing through the station as crimson emergency lights pulsed along the walls. The automated voice, cold and clinical, cut through the noise.

"Intruder Alert: Metaphysical Discharge Detected."

Martian Manhunter's gaze sharpened as the other heroes turned toward the center of the deck. Before their eyes, the very fabric of reality seemed to twist and ripple. A circular rift spun open in the air; its edges lined with strange, glowing symbols that pulsed with an otherworldly light. The hole hung suspended, a breach where no such thing should exist, vibrating softly as if the universe itself strained to contain it.

The heroes moved swiftly into position. Steel shifted into a defensive stance, the metallic sheen of his armored frame glinting beneath the red emergency lights as he raised his hammer. Stargirl twirled her cosmic staff, its golden glow illuminating her determined expression. Fire's body ignited in a vibrant green blaze, energy flickering around her hands as she floated just above the ground, ready for combat. Red Tornado's eyes glowed faintly as he activated his elemental systems, the faint hum of artificial wind swirling at his feet.

The rift trembled violently. Without warning, its surface fractured like a pane of glass struck by an unseen force. Shards of shimmering, extra-dimensional energy exploded outward in all directions, slicing through the air with a sound like distant thunder. The fragments scattered across the floor, their jagged edges gleaming before flickering out of existence as quickly as they had appeared.

From the shimmering golden portal, a cloaked figure emerged, moving with swift precision as she landed gracefully before the assembled heroes. The figure was unmistakably female, clad in a sleek, navy-blue armored bodysuit that hugged her athletic frame. A lighter blue cloak draped over her shoulders, its fabric extending into a hood that cast her features in deep shadow. Beneath the hood, a mask concealed the lower half of her face, leaving only her eyes visible—brilliant, piercing emeralds that swept across the room with sharp calculation as she absorbed her unfamiliar surroundings.

The portal behind her pulsed for a fleeting moment before collapsing in on itself, sealing shut with a faint shimmer. Wasting no time, the intruder pivoted smoothly on her heels, raising both hands—palms out—toward Stargirl and Red Tornado. Her fingertips burned with an orange, shimmering aura, crackling faintly with restrained energy as if she were prepared to unleash an attack at the slightest provocation.

Martian Manhunter drifted upward from the floor, his green form phasing effortlessly into view in front of her. The woman instinctively took a step back, her posture tense and guarded. With the portal closed behind her, any immediate escape route was cut off. The alien's crimson eyes glowed ominously as the other heroes tightened their formation, weapons at the ready.

"Who are you? State your business and intent," Martian Manhunter demanded, his voice calm yet commanding, leaving no room for evasion.

The intruder didn't answer. Her eyes darted past him, scanning the deck as if searching for someone—someone specific—but finding nothing. Her silence only heightened the tension as the League members advanced cautiously, their readiness undiminished despite the lack of aggression on her part.

The standoff was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching from the corridor. Batman and Ben arrived on the scene, having followed the emergency alert to the monitor bay. As soon as Ben caught sight of the figure beyond the line of heroes, he froze mid-step, his eyes widening in shock.

Without warning, an emerald flash erupted beside Batman. He barely reacted as Ben transformed in a burst of green light, his human frame replaced by the sleek, velociraptor-like form of XLR8. In a blur of black and white, he shot across the room, planting himself firmly between the intruder and the League.

"Whoa, easy, everyone!" His voice was quick and smooth, but held an unmistakable edge of urgency. "She's a friendly!"

The tension in the air eased—slightly. Though the heroes lowered their weapons, their curiosity remained as sharp as ever. They kept their positions, forming a loose perimeter while keeping their attention fixed on the exchange unfolding before them.

Another flash of emerald energy engulfed XLR8 as he reverted to his human form. Ben exhaled sharply, turning to face the intruder with an incredulous expression.

"What the hell are you doing here?" His voice was low but heated, frustration flickering behind his words. "You could've gotten yourself killed! Don't tell me you tried that spell without locking onto a location first—"

The woman sucked her teeth in annoyance, yanking back her hood to reveal a sharp, fiery-orange pixie cut. In one swift motion, she pulled her mask down to reveal her face—youthful, striking, and undeniably familiar.

"Don't be such a dweeb!" she shot back, her tone laced with defiance. "Did you really think I was gonna let you disappear forever without trying to bring you back? Where the hell even are we?" She gestured animatedly to the futuristic command center around her, her irritation only heightened by the dozen or so heroes still observing from a polite but undeniable distance.

Ben let out a long, weary sigh, dragging a hand down his bearded face. The sharpness in his expression softened just a fraction. "Okay… okay. You're right. I shouldn't have yelled," he admitted, his voice quieter, more measured. He didn't notice the strange, lingering look she was giving him as he spoke kindly to her. "But I'm fine—really. I wasn't in any trouble… or at least, not anymore."

For a moment, the room was filled only with the soft hum of the Watchtower's systems. Yet the weight of unspoken questions—and unfinished explanations—hung heavy in the air.

As Ben and the mysterious intruder continued their hushed conversation, Martian Manhunter's attention shifted toward the soft hum of the Watchtower's teleportation system. In a cascade of shimmering blue light, John Stewart materialized on the platform. The moment his boots touched down on the glowing circular pads, his sharp gaze swept across the monitor deck, quickly landing on the unfamiliar figure standing close to Ben.

Approaching Martian Manhunter with a raised brow, John inclined his head toward the newcomer. "Do I even wanna know who that is?" His tone was half-joking but carried an undercurrent of curiosity. Given how familiar Ben seemed with her, the question was inevitable—who could he possibly know that well after barely six months on this Earth?

Manhunter offered a small, measured shrug. "According to Ben, she is an ally. Based on her method of arrival, I would surmise she is from his native dimension."

John exhaled, already deciding against digging deeper. "I don't have time to unravel whatever that means." He dismissed the thought with a shake of his head, shifting focus to the reason for his arrival. "I just needed to get somewhere in orbit where I could make this call. There's too much interference on Earth to get a clear signal to Oa across the galaxy—and I want this call to go smoothly."

Manhunter's red eyes glowed softly as he tilted his head. "Are you finally requesting the transfer back to Oa?"

"Yeah," John confirmed with a nod. "I've been talking it over with Hal and Kyle—we're hoping to work out some kind of alternating rotation, but it's still up to the Guardians at the end of the day." As he spoke, he raised his right hand, and the emerald ring on his finger flared to life. A brilliant green aura enveloped his hand, and within moments, a massive holographic display—crafted purely from his willpower—materialized before them, hovering effortlessly in the air.

The projection connected to the Guardian's Hub on Oa, revealing the breathtaking cityscape of the Citadel of Lanterns—a magnificent metropolis of advanced technology and ornate architecture that served as the headquarters for the Green Lantern Corps. In the foreground, a diminutive figure with pale blue skin and flowing silver-white hair appeared on the display. He wore the traditional white and red robes of the Guardians, and behind him, several Green Lanterns hovered at attention—including one unmistakable human figure: Kyle Rayner, whose body language already suggested he knew where the conversation was headed.

The Guardian's expression remained impassive as he addressed John directly. "We have received your request to depart from Earth and resume active duty on Oa," his voice was calm yet authoritative, "and I regret to inform you that your request has been denied."

At this, Kyle Rayner visibly slumped behind the Guardian, the defeat written plainly across his face.

John's jaw clenched as he immediately pressed his case. "This is important—you can't just—"

The Guardian cut him off with unwavering finality. "No debates, John Stewart. Our decision is made, and it will not be reconsidered."

Sensing the frustration building within his friend, Martian Manhunter took a step forward, hoping that a rational argument might sway the ancient beings. "With all due respect," his voice was calm and measured, "would it not be a simple matter for Hal Jordan or Kyle Rayner to temporarily exchange assignments with John? A rotation of duties would maintain the Lantern presence on Earth while fulfilling John's request."

Kyle, eager to add his voice to the cause, leaned slightly into the frame. "Y'know," he chimed in with a lopsided smile, "I have been feeling pretty homesick lately. A little time back on Earth wouldn't hurt…" His tone was light, but there was a clear sincerity in his words.

The Guardian remained unmoved. His face—ancient and unyielding—showed no trace of sympathy. "The Green Lantern Corps is a disciplined, intergalactic peacekeeping force responsible for the safety and order of thousands of galaxies. We cannot—and more importantly, will not—alter our directives or accommodate personal grievances simply to suit your desires."

John's eyes narrowed slightly at the phrasing, and even Kyle's smile faded as the weight of the Guardian's next words fell heavily in the air.

"We are aware of the… personal issues influencing your request," the Guardian added with a piercing gaze. The barely-veiled reference to John's complicated relationship with Shayera was as cutting as it was unexpected. "It is our duty to be informed. You are a Lantern, and your obligations extend far beyond personal entanglements. You will simply have to resolve these matters yourself. I am sorry—but our decision stands."

The display flickered faintly as the connection held, but the conversation—at least from the Guardian's perspective—was clearly over.

John remained silent for a moment, his face a stoic mask, but beneath that calm surface, frustration simmered. Even here—among the most powerful and enlightened beings in the universe—he was still bound by forces beyond his control.

"I came to take you back!" the intruder hissed in a sharp whisper, her frustration barely contained.

"I didn't ask you to do that," Ben shot back, his voice low but firm. "I already found a way back weeks ago—I chose to stay."

"Why?!" she demanded, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "It's not like these people are hurting for heavy-hitters. What about your family?"

Ben let out a dry, humorless laugh. "You mean the parents I barely speak to? Or my ex-in-laws who can't stand the sight of me?"

The intruder grimaced at his flippant response before reaching out and swatting him lightly upside the head. "I meant me, you big doofus," she huffed, her voice softening as her arms folded tightly over her chest. "I meant Grandpa Max…" Her words trailed off, her scowl deepening as a flicker of sadness crept into her expression.

Ben opened his mouth to respond, but the distant sound of heels clicking sharply against the metal floor made the words die in his throat. His posture stiffened instantly as he recognized the familiar cadence. "Shit," he muttered under his breath, drawing a curious, almost amused glance from the female intruder. She followed his line of sight and immediately caught sight of the approaching figure, her lips curling into a knowing smile.

The crowd of heroes subtly parted as Diana strode confidently across the monitor bay. Her presence commanded attention effortlessly—an air of authority woven seamlessly with grace. Her long, obsidian hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing blue eyes locked onto Ben with an unreadable expression before flicking toward the unknown woman standing beside him.

Placing a gentle but deliberate hand on Ben's shoulder, Diana leaned in slightly. "I heard the alarm and nearly came running," she said, her voice smooth yet carrying an undercurrent of curiosity. "Imagine my surprise when I passed one of the staff members, who mentioned the intruder was… an old friend of yours."

"Right?" Ben let out a nervous chuckle, shifting his weight under her touch. "What are the odds?" He took a breath to steady himself before awkwardly gesturing between the two women. "Uh—Diana, this is Gwendolyn. She's the cousin I told you about. From my world."

Diana's gaze remained steady as she extended a hand toward Gwendolyn, her lips curving into a polite yet subtly intrigued smile. Gwendolyn, not one to be intimidated, grasped it firmly.

"And Gwendolyn," Ben continued, his words tumbling out a bit too quickly, "this is Diana. Also known as Wonder Woman… or Princess of the Amazons, or—"

Before he could ramble further, Diana cut him off in the most direct way possible—by stomping on his foot.

"Agh!" Ben winced, pulling his leg back slightly. "But I, uh… I like to call her my girlfriend," he added, recovering with a chuckle as he slid an arm around Diana's waist. Her brow lifted slightly, but a faint smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. If she was at all fazed by the situation, she didn't show it.

Gwendolyn, however, seized the opportunity to tease him. "Is that how you get him to shut up?" she quipped, her emerald eyes gleaming with mischief. "I've been searching for that off-switch for twenty years."

A rare, light-hearted laugh escaped Diana's lips as she glanced back at Ben, clearly enjoying the moment. "It does seem effective," she mused, her fingers brushing softly against his chest.

Ben rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. Of all the bizarre things he'd experienced since arriving in this universe, watching his girlfriend and his cousin trade playful barbs was something he never thought he'd witness—and somehow, that made it all the more surreal. Though he couldn't be more terrified of the embarrassing stories that he was sure Gwendolyn was only waiting for the right moment to spring on Diana, twenty-years-worth of stories.

"I'm starting to understand why you chose to stay," Gwendolyn remarked, a teasing glint in her emerald eyes as she cast a knowing wink up at Ben.

He chuckled nervously, running a hand through his hair. "It's… not just her," he admitted, his tone growing more serious. "There's something bigger going on here—something you should probably know about—"

Before he could finish, the Watchtower was flooded with the shrill sound of another alarm. This time, however, the alert blared not from their station, but from the holographic projection where John Stewart remained connected to Oa.

"What is it?!" John demanded, his voice sharpened by urgency as he stepped closer to the shimmering green construct displaying the Guardians of the Universe.

The lead Guardian, still framed at the center of the projection, glanced off-screen with visible concern. "An unidentified object is approaching Oa," he reported, his calm tone strained by an undercurrent of unease. "It's velocity is… astonishing."

"We're on it," Kyle Rayner declared from somewhere beyond the Guardian's shoulder. John and Martian Manhunter could see the faint silhouettes of Green Lanterns rapidly mobilizing, streaking toward the sky in emerald flashes as they raced to intercept whatever was approaching the heart of their Corps.

The air in the monitor bay grew heavy as tension tightened its grip. Instinctively, Ben and Diana moved toward John, their playful banter forgotten in the face of this looming crisis. Gwendolyn remained behind for a moment, confused by the abrupt shift in mood. Whatever had held Ben here—whatever burden had anchored him to this world—was clearly far more serious than she had anticipated. Reaching out, she placed a hand on his shoulder in quiet concern.

"Ben?" Her voice softened as she tried to pull him back for an explanation.

He shrugged her off, his focus locked onto the unfolding chaos on the screen. Whatever was happening, it demanded his full attention.

A sudden shift in the Guardian's demeanor sent a cold shiver through the room. His normally composed expression twisted into one of disbelief and dread. "Activate planetary defenses," he ordered, his voice rising with rare urgency. "Magnify the image—now!"

The holographic feed adjusted, enhancing the view of the incoming threat. What appeared next sent a collective chill through every hero in the room.

"Professor Ivo's android…" J'onn J'onzz identified the figure, his voice—typically measured and calm—tinged with something deeply unsettling. Fear.

Ben's stomach dropped. He knew the kind of power that name carried. He's read extensively about every major villain the Justice League had faced since its formation. But nothing could have prepared him—or anyone else—for what happened next.

The android descended upon Oa like a cosmic harbinger of death, blazing through the void with a radiant, fiery aura. It moved faster than thought, faster than light—an unstoppable comet of destruction. The assembled Lanterns, the most powerful intergalactic peacekeepers in existence, surged to meet the threat, their green energy crackling like a brilliant storm against the endless black of space.

They never stood a chance.

The android pierced through their defenses as if they were nothing more than fragile glass. In the blink of an eye, it collided with the planet itself. A blinding wave of energy erupted upon impact, engulfing the entire celestial body in a cascade of searing golden light. And then—nothing.

When the light faded, Oa was gone.

No rubble. No fragments. Not even cosmic dust remained. The planet—home to the Guardians, the heart of the Green Lantern Corps—had been seemingly erased from existence utterly.

Ben felt his blood run cold as the magnitude of what he had just witnessed sank in. Around him, the monitor bay was silent, the weight of the impossible event hanging over them like a suffocating shadow.

John Stewart stood frozen; his hardened composure shattered. His jaw hung open; eyes wide with disbelief. "Oa… it's gone," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "Just like that…" The words barely escaped him, heavy with grief and shock. His home, his Corps—everything—wiped away in an instant.

But there was no time to process the loss.

Martian Manhunter, already moving with swift efficiency, accessed the Watchtower's deep-space monitoring systems. His fingers danced over the console, activating long-range satellites to track the android's trajectory. The surrounding monitors flared to life, displaying streams of data and star maps as he traced the object's path.

When he spoke again, his voice carried a gravity that silenced any lingering hope. "We've got another problem."

The central screen shifted to reveal a magnified image—an ominous, burning comet hurtling through the solar system. Its speed had not diminished. In fact, it seemed to be accelerating.

"It's heading straight for Earth."

Ben's heart pounded in his chest as the weight of what he had just witnessed settled over him like a crushing tide. If that android could obliterate Oa—a planet protected by the most powerful peacekeeping force in the known universe—what chance did Earth possibly have? The question gnawed at him, stirring an anxious fire in his gut as his breath quickened. He could feel the faint tremor of panic creeping in, the sheer scale of the threat threatening to overwhelm his composure.

And then—warmth.

A gentle yet firm hand slipped into his own, slender fingers intertwining with his as a soft squeeze grounded him back to reality. Ben turned his head slightly, meeting Diana's steady, ocean-blue gaze. There was no fear in her expression—only an unyielding resolve that seemed to reach through the chaos and pull him back to center. That simple touch, that quiet reassurance, was enough to steady his frayed nerves.

Before he could speak, Gwendolyn's patience snapped. She yanked firmly on his shoulder, forcing him to turn and face her, her emerald eyes blazing with frustration. "Are you going to tell me what's so important, or am I supposed to keep guessing?" she demanded.

Ben exhaled sharply, still wound tight from the scene unfolding before them. "Did you not just see what happened?" he shot back, disbelief flashing across his face.

"Of course I did, but—"

"But nothing, Gwen!" he cut her off, his voice rising with an edge of urgency. "The team and I have to come up with a defensive strategy—fast. If even half of what I've read about that android is true, it's going to take every bit of firepower we have to stop it. I don't have time to explain everything right now."

Without waiting for a response, he turned back toward the monitors where Diana stood at his side, the two already moving in sync as the gravity of the situation pulled them into action. For her part, the Amazon princess remained quiet—understanding the delicate balance of family dynamics and choosing not to interfere—but the subtle tension in her jaw suggested she was ready for the battle ahead.

Gwendolyn, however, was far from finished. She scoffed audibly, throwing her hands out to her sides in exasperation. "The team?" she echoed, her voice dripping with disbelief. "Since when do you work with anyone? You hate teams—especially a bunch of… colorfully dressed heroes." Her tone was cutting, laced with the knowledge of the loner he had always been.

Ben paused mid-step, turning his head just enough to glance over his shoulder. For a brief moment, something flickered in his expression—something old, something uncertain—but it passed as quickly as it came. "Things change," he said simply, his voice quieter but no less resolute.

And with that, he walked away, leaving Gwendolyn standing alone in the middle of the monitor bay, torn between the cousin she thought she knew and the man he seemed to be becoming, though she wasn't exactly dismayed at the personal progress he'd apparently made here, even allowing a short smile to cross her face as she quickly followed after him.

…

Gwendolyn stood in quiet amazement as the Justice League shifted from tense observation to rapid mobilization. Within minutes, an impressive array of heroes and heroines of every background and power type had gathered. Fire, Ice, Supergirl, Red Tornado, Captain Atom, Stargirl, Steel, Dr. Light, Firestar, Flash, Orion, and the unmistakable figure of Superman now stood assembled around the core leadership—Wonder Woman, Ben Ten Thousand, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter. Despite the looming threat of planetary annihilation, there was an air of calm precision as the Martian took command, his deep, resonant voice cutting through the ambient noise.

"We'll set up three layers of defense," J'onn J'onzz declared, his expression unwavering as he studied the holographic projections of the incoming threat. "We engage at every level and stop the android before it reaches Earth. One team on the ground, one in the upper atmosphere, and one in space."

John Stewart cracked his knuckles, the emerald glow of his power ring flaring faintly around his fist. "That's me," he announced, his voice edged with controlled aggression. "I want to hit that thing hard and fast before it gets anywhere near the planet."

Ben nodded in agreement, his own mind already working through contingencies. "Batman should've sent your positions to your communicators. Get to them and let's move out!" His commanding tone left no room for hesitation. Without further prompting, the heroes broke off, moving swiftly toward the teleportation pads on the far side of the monitor bay. Each step echoed through the chamber, the weight of their mission hanging heavily over them

But just as Diana reached the edge of the room, she hesitated, her stride faltering. Something tugged at the edge of her thoughts, a lingering uncertainty that she couldn't quite shake. Ben, ever attuned to her moods, caught the hesitation immediately. He stepped closer, concern evident as he gently laid a reassuring hand on her bare shoulder.

"What is it?" he asked softly, his voice a shade quieter in the tense stillness.

Diana's hand lifted to rest lightly on his forearm, her fingers brushing against his skin in a momentary caress. There was warmth in the gesture, but beneath it, Ben sensed an undercurrent of unease. She turned back toward J'onn and John, her brow furrowed in thought.

"When the android left Earth," she began, her tone measured but troubled, "he said he had evolved beyond anything we could offer him."

"So?" Ben responded.

J'onn's expression shifted subtly, his analytical mind already reaching the same unsettling conclusion. "So why is he coming back?" he finished for her, the question hanging heavy in the air.

Ben opened his mouth to respond, only to be cut off by a familiar voice behind him.

"This guy's an all-powerful robot bent on destroying Earth?" Gwendolyn asked, her voice casual despite the gravity of the situation. She leaned against a console, inspecting her nails as if the fate of the planet were just another afternoon problem. "Reminds me of Computron and his robot army from Dimension-12. Remember how we handled that, Ben?" Her smirk was faint but unmistakable.

John raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "I'm not sure this is the time for a walk down memory lane—"

Ben held up a hand to silence him, his brain already working through her implication, "No, wait—she's got a point." His eyes sharpened with sudden focus. "When we fought Computron, we didn't beat him by overpowering him—we found the blue prints and shut them down remotely," He turned back to Diana and J'onn. "Where do we find this Professor Ivo?"

A shadow crossed Diana's face at the mention of the name, "We can't," she said quietly. "Anthony Ivo died of lung cancer months before Amazo was first brought online."

Ben swore under his breath, frustration flashing across his face. "Then who brought it online?"

Without hesitation, the three senior Justice League members locked eyes with one another. Their response was instant and unanimous, "Luthor," they said in unison.

Gwendolyn blinked, glancing between them as she tried to keep up with the rapid exchange. She may not have known all the players in this world, but the name "Luthor" was clearly important enough to stir this kind of reaction—and if Ben was staying on this Earth, she refused to sit by and let it be destroyed.

Ben exhaled sharply, his frustration giving way to cold calculation. "If Amazo is coming back, Luthor's the only logical target. According to the League's files, Lex manipulated Amazo for his own agenda—until the android evolved enough to see through the lies. If there's anything on Earth worth his attention, it's payback."

John, always one for practical solutions, crossed his arms over his chest as he mulled it over. "We need to get to Luthor before Amazo does. A two-person extraction team could pull him out and get him somewhere secure while the rest of us hold the line."

"No need for a team," Gwendolyn cut in confidently, her arms crossed as she leaned toward the group. "Ben and I can handle it." Her tone dared anyone to challenge her suggestion, the spark of competitive pride in her emerald eyes.

J'onn considered this for a moment before offering a gentle counterpoint. "Ben is one of our strongest assets. It would be prudent to keep him on the front lines—should Amazo breach our outer defenses, we may need every ounce of firepower we can muster."

Ben shook his head subtly, keeping his true strength a secret. He had no intention of revealing the full extent of his most powerful transformations—forms like Way Big or Atomix, whose abilities he had deliberately restrained during the rare moments he had used them in this world. Instead, he chose to lie, "My strongest forms aren't much more powerful than Superman or John," he said evenly, his voice steady yet resolute. "If they can't take Amazo down in a straight fight, nothing I have is going to turn the tide. But if Gwendolyn and I can get to Luthor, we might find a weakness—something we can use to shut Amazo down before it's too late."

Diana studied him for a moment, the tension in her posture relaxing slightly as she recognized the logic in his argument. Her trust in him—both as a warrior and as a man—was absolute. With a soft nod, she silently gave her approval.

"Alright," J'onn finally relented. "Find Luthor and get him somewhere safe. If there's any insight to be gained from his work, we need it."

Ben flashed a grateful smile to Diana before turning to Gwendolyn, his usual levity creeping back into his tone despite the pressure. "Think you can keep up?"

Gwendolyn snorted, already stepping toward the teleporter pad. "Please. Try not to slow me down, doofus."

As the heroes broke into their respective assignments, the air grew heavier with the knowledge that Earth's survival hinged on their next moves—and there was no room for error.

…

Chromastone and Gwendolyn soared through the sky, cutting a sleek path above the cityscape as they headed toward Lex Luthor's mansion. The sprawling estate, perched on the edge of the metropolis, was currently the center of media attention. According to the League's intelligence, Luthor was in the middle of a live television interview with a local news outlet—an event that provided the perfect window for an unannounced visit.

The two flew just beneath the cloud line, the sunlight casting a faint iridescent glow over Chromastone's crystalline frame as he maintained a steady, subsonic speed. The only sounds between them were the faint hum of energy radiating from his body and the occasional rush of wind against their flight path. For a while, neither of them spoke—a rare silence between two people who once couldn't go five minutes without bickering. It wasn't until the distant lights of Luthor's estate came into view that Gwendolyn finally broke the quiet, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.

"So," she began, her voice cutting smoothly through the wind. "Why did you really decide to stay? And don't give me that 'I'm needed here' speech— What were you trying to tell me back at the Watchtower?"

Chromastone let out a heavy sigh, the kind that suggested he'd been carrying the weight of this answer for a while. He didn't respond immediately, choosing his words carefully as he shifted slightly in the air to glance her way. "It's… complicated," he admitted. "A lot's happened since I got here. But the bottom line?" He hesitated for a moment, then pushed forward. "Kevin's here."

Gwendolyn's head snapped toward him at the mention of that name, her emerald eyes narrowing with sudden concern. "Kevin?" Her voice sharpened. "Kevin Levin? What do you mean 'Kevin's here?'"

"He's definitely not the same fifteen-year-old kid we sent into the Null Void," Chromastone continued grimly. "He's stronger—way stronger—and he's working with some kind of black ops government organization here."

The weight of his words hung heavy between them, the playful ease from earlier replaced by something far darker. For all their history, Kevin Levin was more than just a rival or an occasional headache—he was a dangerous wildcard. And if he had aligned himself with a shadowy organization hell-bent on taking down the League, things were far worse than Gwendolyn had realized.

Still processing the information, she asked carefully, "And you're sure it's really him? He's not… some alternate timeline version or a cyborg or—"

"Oh, it's him, he remembers things only our Kevin would know," Ben cut in with certainty, "Same old attitude, same hunger for power—but cranked up to eleven." He chuckled dryly to himself before adding, "I've been calling him 'Kevin Eleven Thousand.'"

The joke earned a genuine giggle from Gwendolyn, a sound that momentarily lightened the tension between them. She shook her head in amused disbelief. "Of course you have."

They flew in silence again for a moment longer, the distant city lights shimmering beneath them like a sea of stars. But then Ben's voice softened, losing its edge of humor. "Oh yea, Charmcaster's here too—somewhere. I wasn't really paying attention to her, but if she's around, that's another problem waiting to blow up in my face."

Gwendolyn let out a low whistle, her mind turning over the sheer scale of the chaos he was dealing with. "Wow," she murmured. "That's… a lot. But I get it now. If anyone could keep you on a different world, it's a wild Kevin Levin on a power trip." She paused, throwing him a sidelong glance. "And, you know… the hot Amazonian girlfriend probably doesn't hurt either."

Chromastone scoffed softly but didn't deny it. "Yeah, well, there's that too," he admitted, the faintest smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

For a moment, Gwendolyn said nothing more. She just flew beside him, quietly observing the way he carried himself. There was something different about him—something she hadn't seen in years. The sharp edges of cynicism and isolation that had once defined him seemed softer now. He joked again, something she thought he'd forgotten how to do. He was working with a team—actually working with them—and not just out of obligation. And maybe most surprising of all, he had someone. Someone he clearly cared about.

It had been a decade since she'd seen this side of him—the side that wasn't just a hardened warrior burdened by responsibility. For so long, it had felt like her cousin had been slowly disappearing beneath the weight of the life he led. But now… now there was a spark again. Something about this world—about these people—had brought back a piece of the old Ben.

And despite the looming threat they were flying toward, she couldn't help but smile to herself.

As Chromastone and Gwendolyn descended beneath the cloud line, Lex Luthor's estate came into full view. From their vantage point, they could see the billionaire engaged in a televised interview on one of the mansion's grand open-air balconies.

Seated across from him was a poised female reporter with sharp features and neatly cropped black hair. Her voice carried an air of enthusiasm as she began, "Your new book, Into the Light, certainly paints the picture of a man who has turned over a new leaf." Then, with a measured shift in tone, she added, "But many remain unconvinced, Mr. Luthor."

Lex nodded, an expression of practiced humility crossing his face. "And they have every reason to be," he admitted. "I understand the doubt. My past actions have warranted nothing less."

As he spoke, he began to unbutton his pristine dress shirt, revealing a sleek metallic brace fastened securely across his chest. The device pulsed faintly, a subtle glow emanating from the crimson battery at its core. "A few months ago, I was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of blood cancer—brought on by prolonged kryptonite exposure. It clouded my judgment, led me down dangerous paths in a desperate bid to save my own life." He exhaled slowly, his voice quieter now, more introspective. "But I've come to terms with my fate."

Luthor tapped the energy cell embedded within the brace. "This device might stave off the cancer's spread for another thirty years… or just thirty days." His gaze drifted toward the horizon before settling back on the reporter. "For all I know, I may only have thirty minutes. Whatever time I have left, I intend to use it wisely—to make amends, to contribute something meaningful to the world."

He straightened, regaining the strength in his voice. "Lexor City was merely the first step. I should have been more transparent with the League, of course. Their skepticism was justified."

The reporter studied him closely. "So, you're saying you've changed? No more vendettas? No lingering grudges… even against the Justice League?"

A knowing chuckle escaped Lex's lips. "On the contrary, I owe them everything. When the world refused to believe in me, they did." He rose from his chair, strolling toward the edge of the balcony, gazing into the sunlit sky with a look of quiet contemplation. "I'd like to think that, in time, we could even—"

He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes narrowing.

"What in the—?!"

Before he could react, two figures swooped down from above. Suddenly, Lex felt his feet leave the ground as an unseen force seized him. He flailed in midair, his body weightless as he was lifted from the balcony. A soft but undeniable glow radiated from Gwendolyn's sleeve, the sigil of her Charm of Telekinesis shimmering with power.

"Put me down this instant!" he bellowed, struggling against the invisible grip.

"Keep fighting her, Lex, and she just might," Chromastone quipped, his voice laced with dry amusement.

Lex's protests faltered as he glanced down, realizing just how high they were—thousands of feet above the city below. His scowl deepened. "What is the meaning of this?"

Chromastone's expression turned serious. "An old friend of yours is making a return." He let the words settle before adding, "Tell me, does Ivo's Android ring any bells?"

For the first time, genuine fear flickered across Lex Luthor's face. His usually composed demeanor cracked, his breath hitching as he processed the name.

"Wherever you're taking me," he said, his voice low and urgent, "it won't be secure enough." His gaze sharpened as his mind worked at lightning speed.

"But I know a place that will be."

Lex led the two heroes through the towering skyline of downtown Metropolis, weaving between high-rises until they descended toward a nondescript building nestled along a quiet street. As they touched down, Gwendolyn released the billionaire, setting him down on the sidewalk. Her gaze lifted to the modest sign hanging above the entrance, and she read it aloud with a bemused frown.

"A barber shop?" She turned to Luthor, arching an eyebrow before giving a pointed glance at his perpetually bald head.

Beside her, Chromastone erupted in a brilliant emerald flash, his crystalline form dissolving into a familiar human silhouette. Ben Tennyson now stood in his usual attire—black-and-white t-shirt, cargo pants, and neatly slicked-back brunette hair. He exhaled, shaking his head.

"I gotta admit, Lex… this might be the last place anyone would think to look for you."

Luthor ignored the remark, his expression betraying neither amusement nor irritation. Instead, he strode purposefully through the glass door. Inside, the shop appeared perfectly ordinary—clean, functional, unassuming. The only person in sight was an older man standing behind a single barber's chair, poised as though awaiting Luthor's arrival.

Without a word, Lex took his seat. The barber turned him toward the mirror, saying nothing. The tension in the room was palpable.

Gwendolyn crossed her arms, glancing between Lex and his silent attendant. "So, once you're done getting your nose hairs trimmed, what's the plan?" She turned toward Ben, who looked just as perplexed, waiting for an explanation.

Lex, however, simply smirked. "Just watch."

The barber moved toward his workstation, his hands gliding over his tools—until his fingers brushed against a seemingly misplaced rag. With a subtle motion, he pressed down on a hidden button beneath it.

Instantly, the chair Lex was seated in was engulfed by a smooth, egg-shaped shell. Before either hero could react, the structure retracted into the floor, swallowing him whole as it plummeted into an underground passageway.

"Hey! Damn it!" Ben shouted, his Omnitrix activating with a thought as another flash of emerald light erupted around him. When the glow faded, his humanoid form had been replaced by the ghostly, insectoid figure of Big Chill.

Startled by the sudden transformation, the barber—a man clearly hired for this single task—panicked and bolted for the exit. Neither hero paid him any mind as they immediately dove into the passage after Luthor.

The descent was treacherous, lined with a gauntlet of automated defenses. Lasers flickered to life, weaving intricate grid patterns designed to incinerate intruders. Heavy steel blast doors slammed shut at preprogrammed intervals. At one point, the walls of the tunnel became lined with a sickly, glowing green—solid kryptonite, meant to deter even the strongest of interlopers.

Gwendolyn narrowly avoided a laser grid, flipping through the air with agile precision. Big Chill phased effortlessly through each obstacle, his ghostly form gliding past barriers that would have otherwise been impassable.

Then, as they reached a final corridor, a massive blast door slid into place, cutting Gwendolyn off. She barely managed to halt her high-speed flight, slamming her hands against the reinforced metal. Growling in frustration, she pounded a fist into it, leaving behind a dent—but not nearly enough to break through.

Beyond the door, Big Chill emerged on the other side, his eerie blue eyes narrowing as he surveyed his surroundings.

"Just portal to Lex," his raspy voice called out to her. "I'll meet you there."

With that, he pressed forward, phasing deeper into the subterranean complex. At the tunnel's end, the shell that had carried Luthor had already opened, revealing a dimly lit safe house. But the billionaire was nowhere to be seen.

Back at the blast door, Gwendolyn stretched out her hand, her fingers wreathed in a brilliant blue aura. The air shimmered as a glowing portal began to spiral open beside her.

Meanwhile, Big Chill's gaze locked onto the far wall of the safe house. Something about it felt… off. Floating closer like a phantom, he reached out, his claws pressing against the surface. He could feel the space beyond it. Slowly, he phased through, slipping past layers of reinforced steel until he emerged into yet another concealed chamber.

And there, sitting atop the control seat of an immense twenty-foot particle cannon aimed directly at the blast doors, was Lex Luthor.

Luthor sprang to his feet, eyes wide in disbelief. "How the hell did you get in here?!" he demanded. "This chamber is supposed to be shielded against even the Martian's intangibility!"

Big Chill's expression remained unreadable as he slowly approached, his wings folding around himself like a tattered cloak.

"Mine works differently from his," the alien rasped.

A pulse of green light erupted as Ben re-emerged from the transformation, stepping forward with an unimpressed look. "And instead of trying to kill us with a funhouse full of death traps, maybe you should be thanking us."

Luthor scoffed, straightening his posture. "And where's your little friend? Did she not make it?" he sneered.

Before Ben could respond, a rush of air filled the room as Gwendolyn's portal opened behind Lex, sending a gust that ruffled the collar of his suit. She stepped through, her expression sharp with determination.

"Well," Ben exhaled, planting his hands on his hips. "Now that we're all here, we should probably get to work."

Lex raised an eyebrow, his face twisting in amused skepticism. "And what, exactly, do you propose we start?"

Ben smirked, glancing at the massive cannon beside them. "Well… you don't actually think this thing is going to stop it, do you?"

Luthor crossed his arms. "This 'thing'," he said coolly, "fires a condensed particle implosion with the force of a ten-megaton nuclear detonation—compacted into a grenade-sized payload."

Ben's smirk faded. His voice dropped to a more serious tone. "It won't be enough, Lex." There was no sarcasm in his voice now, no playfulness—only the weight of genuine concern.

Luthor's fingers twitched slightly at his side, frustration creeping into his features. "Then what the hell do you expect me to do?!" he snapped. "How am I supposed to devise a countermeasure for something I haven't even been able to study?"

Ben chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Who said anything about you doing this alone?"

Luthor's expression shifted, skepticism giving way to something more unreadable. He studied Ben for a long moment, then let out a small scoff. "Right. You're a shapeshifter." He tapped his temple knowingly. "I've read the League's files on your transformations. A few of them aren't entirely stupid, I'll admit." He let the backhanded compliment linger before continuing, "But even with that, we don't stand a chance without the android's original blueprints. And those were confiscated by the League last year."

Ben reached into his pocket, producing a small thumb drive between his fingers. He held it up with a casual smirk.

"Consider them unconfiscated."

Luthor's gaze locked onto the device, his eyes gleaming with something between relief and renewed determination.

Perhaps… he had a fighting chance after all.

…

Earth's Orbit

Situating himself between Earth's orbit and the direction from which Amazo hurtled toward the planet, Superman hovered, his powerful frame encased in a bright blue armored suit designed to sustain him in the vacuum of space. His face was masked by the suit's visor, his crimson cape drifting weightlessly behind him as he steadied himself beside John Stewart. The Green Lantern stood unwavering, adjusting his ring with practiced ease, its emerald glow flaring brighter in anticipation. Fully charged and ready, he exhaled slowly, eyes locked on the approaching threat.

They were not alone. A formidable force had gathered—Captain Atom, Dr. Light, STRIPE, Firestar, and Orion—each a powerhouse in their own right, all positioned in the cold darkness of space, awaiting the clash that was mere moments away. In the distance, just beyond the asteroid belt, a golden streak tore through the void at impossible speeds, defying physics as it barreled toward them.

Within those final moments before impact, the League's fleet of Javelin-class starships glided into formation, their weapon systems humming as they calibrated their sights on the incoming android. The silence of space was broken—not by sound, but by a voice, as clear and commanding as if it had been spoken aloud.

"I do not wish to harm you. Stand aside, or else." The voice resonated in their minds, an undeniable presence bypassing all barriers.

Superman's gaze narrowed as he called out through his suit's communicator, knowing full well Amazo could hear him even without it. "What do you want?! Why have you come back?!"

The golden glow in the distance sharpened, taking shape as the android's form became visible. His crimson eyes burned with an unnatural intensity, piercing through the energy cascading around him. His approach was relentless, his trajectory unbroken.

"Why ask questions you already know the answer to?" Amazo's voice echoed once more, emotionless, yet absolute.

Superman clenched his jaw. "Luthor…" he muttered under his breath before raising his voice. "We're not giving him up!"

Amazo's response was immediate, simple, and irrefutable. "He is your enemy. You owe him nothing. Stand aside. Now."

John Stewart's fists clenched at his sides, his body rigid with fury. The weight of loss, of the destruction of Oa and the massacre of his fellow Lanterns, boiled within him, too potent to suppress. The emerald aura around his ring flared wildly, crackling with pure willpower. His patience shattered in an instant.

"Line 'em up!" he roared.

At his command, the full might of the assembled forces was unleashed. Superman's heat vision, Dr. Light's photon beams, Green Lantern's willpower constructs, Captain Atom's radiation blasts, and the concentrated firepower of dozens of Javelins erupted in a symphony of devastation, converging upon the single, golden figure hurtling toward them.

The energy storm collided with its target—only for Amazo to push through it as though wading through a stream. He did not falter, did not slow, did not acknowledge the sheer force being hurled at him. It was as if the universe itself bent around him, unwilling to impede his progress.

And then, in a moment too brief for human perception, everything changed.

At speeds that shattered comprehension, Amazo moved. A blur of gold and crimson streaked through their ranks, and in the span of a heartbeat, he dismantled them all. Each hero, no matter their power, was incapacitated and rendered unconscious before they could even register what had happened. There were no wasted movements, no excess force—only cold, calculated precision.

With his obstacles neutralized, Amazo descended toward Earth. His form streaked through the planet's atmosphere like a meteor, parting the clouds in his wake. As he slowed, drifting just above Metropolis, his consciousness expanded, unfurling telepathic tendrils across the city. The knowledge he had accumulated from countless beings across galaxies made the task effortless. He sifted through the noise of a million minds, searching. And then, he found it—the distinct cadence of Lex Luthor's thoughts, deep in calculation, methodically working through equations to recalibrate the cannon.

Above the city, another squadron of heroes stood ready. From the Watchtower, J'onn J'onzz's voice resonated in their ears, "Orbital defenses have failed. Initiate secondary measures."

Supergirl didn't hesitate. "On it!" she called out, determination burning in her eyes.

With a burst of speed, she rocketed toward Amazo, her fist cocked back, air bending violently around her as she accelerated to over a hundred times the speed of sound. She was a crimson blur, a force of nature, an unstoppable missile aimed at the android.

Amazo didn't move until the last possible moment. Then, with eerie ease, he simply reached out. His golden fingers closed around her incoming fist, stopping her dead in her tracks. The sheer force of the collision ignited a cataclysmic shockwave, parting the clouds for miles, shaking the very foundations of the city below.

Supergirl's breath hitched in fear. Her wide blue eyes locked onto the blank, emotionless face staring back at her. And then, before she could react, Amazo pulled her forward, his other arm cocking back in the same motion, aimed for her chin.

The blow effortlessly landed with twice the force she'd mustered against him moments ago.

The impact sent her hurtling backward, a sonic boom cracking through the air as she careened through the sky. She barely had time to process what had happened before her body crashed through the side of a warehouse at the city's edge. The structure groaned under the impact before collapsing in on itself, burying her beneath the rubble.

There was no time to react. No time for concern.

Amazo turned his attention to the remaining defenders—Fire, Red Tornado, Captain Marvel, and Lightray—his crimson eyes locking onto them with chilling indifference.

Red Tornado struck first, whipping up a vortex of wind so intense it could rip steel from its foundations. The maelstrom roared around Amazo, but he remained utterly unaffected. In the blink of an eye, he surged forward, slashing through Red Tornado's robotic form with a single, fluid motion, severing him in half.

Captain Marvel wasted no time, launching himself forward and driving a thunderous haymaker into Amazo's temple. The impact should have sent the android reeling. It didn't. Amazo turned his head slowly, unfazed, before retaliating with a casual backhand that struck with the force of a hurricane. Captain Marvel was launched backward, streaking through the sky before plummeting into the ocean with such ferocity that a towering geyser of seawater exploded into the air.

Fire and Lightray stood frozen for a fraction of a second, watching the devastation unfold before them.

Then, without warning, Amazo moved again. A golden blur. A force of nature.

…

Wonder Woman and Flash stood in the shadowed alley beside the barbershop, where Luthor's concealed bunker lay hidden beneath layers of deception and reinforced steel. The street was eerily quiet, an illusion of peace before the inevitable storm. Leaning casually against the edge of a dumpster, Flash tilted his head toward Diana, filling the tense silence with his usual brand of lighthearted chatter.

"So, who was that smokin' redhead with Ben just now? Never seen her before—she new?"

Diana exhaled through her nose, rolling her eyes at his phrasing before answering the actual question. "She's Ben's cousin. From another universe."

Flash straightened slightly, eyebrows raising behind his mask. "Wait, seriously? You mean the magic cousin he's always going on about?"

Diana turned her gaze away from the street for a moment, facing him. "Yes. She seems… kind. I just hope I made a good first impression. She's the only family he has."

Flash waved a dismissive hand. "C'mon, you're the Princess, you know all about manners and being poised and all that royal stuff. I'm sure you did fine."

Diana thought back to their earlier interaction, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I made her laugh. That counts as a good impression, right?"

Flash's smirk faltered slightly as he scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah, uh… in my experience, that's not always the case…"

Before Diana could respond, the sky split with a violent boom. A thunderous shockwave tore through the air, signaling the brutal conclusion of the battle above. Their heads snapped upward just in time to witness Fire plummeting; her unconscious form wreathed in smoke as she crashed into a water tower. The impact sent cracks spider-webbing across the metal before her body ricocheted, slamming into a nearby rooftop with such force that it left a crater in her wake.

Diana's expression hardened. "Looks like we're up."

…

Within the fortified depths of Luthor's bunker, Ben—now transformed into Grey Matter—perched atop a countertop, his oversized eyes scanning the massive monitor before him. The screen was alight with complex blueprints, each intricate detail of Amazo's design laid bare before him. Sparks danced through the dimly lit room as Lex Luthor, hunched over the back of an advanced energy cannon, worked with meticulous precision. A welding torch in his gloved hands hissed and crackled, the brilliance of molten metal reflecting off the protective goggles shielding his eyes.

"If we reroute some of the high-voltage capacitors, we could boost the ion flow by an additional 278%," Grey Matter mused in his high-pitched, almost skittish voice, his diminutive frame shifting slightly as he analyzed the schematics. "That would significantly amplify the energy discharge."

Without waiting for a response, he sprang down from the counter in a nimble leap, enveloping himself in an explosion of emerald light. As the glow subsided, Brainstorm emerged, his chitinous exoskeleton glistening under the artificial lighting. His cranial fins sparked with static energy as he resumed his calculations.

"You'll also need to replace the superconductors," he added, his voice measured and refined. "Otherwise, the system will overload before the weapon has a chance to destabilize Amazo's nanotech."

Lex exhaled sharply, standing upright and pushing his goggles up onto his forehead. "What do you think I'm doing right now, you overgrown seafood platter?" he shot back with his signature blend of irritation and begrudging acknowledgment. But despite the insult, he tilted his head slightly, considering the suggestion. "Still, if we push the ion flow any further, the beam might not remain stable enough to actually disrupt his molecular structure. Got any genius solutions for that?"

Brainstorm's mandibles twitched upward in something resembling a smirk. "Perhaps one or two," he replied coyly. Without further elaboration, he lifted his clawed hands, discharging precise arcs of static electricity. Several tools levitated at once, manipulated with expert finesse as they adjusted components deep within the weapon's core.

Luthor folded his arms, watching the alien intellect at work, but his focus was interrupted as Gwendolyn approached. Her gaze was steady, arms crossed as she studied the infamous billionaire.

"This android," she began, her tone sharp yet inquisitive. "Why does he hate you specifically so much?"

Lex's expression darkened, his usual air of smug superiority replaced with something more contemplative. He turned slightly, meeting her eyes with a look that carried uncharacteristic weight.

"I once took advantage of his naiveté for my own gain," he admitted, his voice quieter now, almost introspective. A rare moment of candor. "He's not naïve anymore." His gaze lingered for a moment before he added, almost as an afterthought, "And I've stopped taking advantage of the innocent."

Gwendolyn arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Let's hope you'll be more convincing if you have to tell him that," she remarked.

Before either of them could say another word, a deafening boom resonated from above, the sound reverberating through the reinforced walls like a cannon blast. The room shuddered slightly with the impact.

"What the hell was that?" she demanded, eyes narrowing.

Lex turned toward the monitors, his brow furrowed as Brainstorm's form was once again engulfed in emerald light. In his place stood Ben in his human form, already moving toward the controls. With a swift press of a button, the blueprints flickered away, replaced by a live feed from the security cameras stationed outside the barbershop.

Ben's jaw tightened as he watched the scene unfold. On the grainy screen, Diana leaped gracefully into the street, her stance poised for battle. A streak of red zipped into view as Flash took position beside her, joined moments later by two other Leaguers—Ice and Steel—who landed on the opposite side of the street, completing their formation.

Gwendolyn observed the tension in Ben's posture, the way his fingers instinctively clenched into fists at his sides. She had known him for years, had seen him face down entire armies and unspeakable cosmic horrors without flinching. But this was different. There was a weight to his concern, something she hadn't seen in him for nearly a decade, he hadn't cared this much about a single person in so long.

…

Without hesitation, Diana sprang from the alleyway into the open street, her landing effortless, as if the very earth bent to her will. Across from her, descending with an eerie, almost deliberate gentleness, Amazo touched down before the entrance of the barbershop. His golden aura pulsed faintly, casting ghostly reflections across the surrounding buildings. His crimson eyes, cold and unerring, scanned the gathered heroes with a precision that bordered on omniscience.

From the opposite alley, Flash streaked into position in a blur of red lightning, while Ice and Steel landed beside him, completing the encirclement. Tension rippled through the air. Muscles coiled, breaths steadied.

Amazo tilted his head slightly, his glowing gaze locking onto Diana. For a moment, he simply observed her before speaking, his voice devoid of malice, yet laden with an implacable certainty.

"You were one of the first humans I encountered," he stated. "Perhaps you will see reason where your allies did not. Luthor is our mutual enemy. He does not deserve your protection. Stand aside."

Diana did not waver. Her stance shifted seamlessly into that of a warrior, every fiber of her being poised for battle. Her voice, though measured, was unwavering.

"That may be true," she acknowledged, "but the League values all life. No matter how undeserving they may be of our protection, they will always have it."

Amazo remained still for a brief moment, his expression unreadable. Then, without a trace of frustration, his eyes flared crimson, and his golden aura flared outward in a silent explosion of power.

"When you regain consciousness," he said, his tone as calm as ever, "I hope you will reconsider your foolish morality."

Without another word, a blinding burst of golden energy erupted from him, engulfing the four heroes and sending them hurtling backward. Steel, however, recovered mid-air, his armored form stabilizing as he launched himself forward. With a defiant roar, he swung his hammer in a devastating arc, the impact reverberating like thunder as it collided with Amazo's face. Twice he struck, each blow powerful enough to shatter reinforced titanium. But on the third swing, the hammer never connected.

Steel blinked in confusion, his weapon vanishing as if it had never existed. He barely had time to react before Amazo, standing entirely unscathed, raised an empty hand.

"I disassembled the molecules of your weapon," the android stated impassively, his fingers curling around empty space, "Would you like it back?" Then, in the blink of an eye, the hammer reassembled itself—only to rocket forward and slam into Steel's chest with the force of a freight train. The impact tore away half his armor as he was sent careening down the street, his body carving a trench in the asphalt.

Ice acted instantly, summoning a concentrated blizzard of frost and encasing Amazo in a thick, impenetrable sheath of ice. The sub-zero temperature cracked the pavement beneath him as the glacial prison solidified. For a moment, there was silence. Then Amazo's eyes flashed.

A shockwave detonated from within the ice, shattering the structure in a single, concussive burst. The force sent Ice hurtling through the air, her body crashing onto the hood of a nearby car, the windshield splintering beneath her unmoving form.

Flash moved next, a crimson blur as he circled the android at speeds that would be imperceptible to the human eye. His movements distorted the air, creating a vortex in an attempt to disorient their foe. But before he could gain momentum, Amazo vanished from his line of perception, moving at a velocity beyond even Flash's comprehension.

A single strike to the chin stopped the speedster cold. The force of the blow sent him flying backward, his own momentum turning against him as he crashed violently against the far side of the street.

As Amazo turned back toward the barbershop, a shadow fell across him. Diana stood in his path, her fists raised, unyielding. She lunged, her battle cry echoing through the street, but before her punch could connect, Amazo's arm lashed out.

His backhand strike should have sent her flying. Instead, she caught his wrist in the unbreakable coils of her golden lasso. The sheer force of his blow dragged her across the pavement, but she twisted, throwing her legs beneath her, sparks flaring beneath her heels as she skidded to a halt. With a fierce cry, she turned her momentum against him, using her full strength to hurl the android across the street and into the side of a building.

The structure groaned under the impact, collapsing in a plume of dust and debris. Diana staggered, strands of raven-black hair falling into her face as she panted, wiping blood from the corner of her mouth. Her body ached, adrenaline barely masking the pain.

From within the smoke, Amazo emerged, completely unscathed.

Her breath caught in her throat. She had fought gods, monsters, and warlords—but in that moment, she realized she would never be able to stop this machine. Not alone.

Steeling herself, she tossed aside the lasso and took a deep breath. Her arms spread apart, bracers poised. If she couldn't defeat him, she would delay him.

Before she could bring her bracelets together, Amazo blurred forward, his hands closing around her wrists with inhuman precision, holding them apart.

Diana's eyes widened, a sharp gasp escaping her lips. Thinking fast, she swung her legs upward, using the android's own body for leverage as she drove her boots into his chest. The impact barely staggered him, but it gave her the moment she needed.

With a fierce cry, she slammed her bracelets together.

A golden explosion of mystical energy erupted outward, consuming the street in a radiant shockwave. Amazo was hurled backward, his body crashing through the very same building once again, this time hurtling straight through it, landing in the street beyond.

Diana collapsed to her knees, one hand pressing against the pavement as her vision swam. She touched the side of her head, feeling warmth—blood. Her ears rang. She had been running on sheer willpower, and now the pain was catching up to her.

Through the haze, she saw movement.

Amazo hovered through the wreckage, his golden aura burning like a dying sun. He gazed at her, not with anger, but with something almost resembling contemplation.

"I suppose if your misplaced morality is so important to you," he mused, "you should be proud to have stood against me for this long. Now, one last time—will you stand aside?"

Diana inhaled sharply, her fingers curling into the dirt beneath her. She looked up at the android, defiant despite the overwhelming odds.

"Never," she said.

Amazo hovered in place, his expression unreadable as he regarded the warrior before him. The silence stretched between them, heavy and absolute. Then, without hesitation, he raised his arm, his open palm glowing with raw, golden energy. Power coalesced at his fingertips, surging like liquid fire, illuminating the ruins around them in an eerie light.

Without a word, he unleashed a devastating beam of energy. The blast roared through the air, swallowing Diana whole in its blinding radiance. The ground trembled beneath its force, and in an instant, the front half of the barbershop was reduced to smoldering wreckage, its walls and roof disintegrating in a violent eruption of fire and debris.

As the smoke and dust settled, a lone silhouette emerged from the devastation.

Diana remained standing, her arms crossed before her, bracelets locked together in a desperate shield against the blast. Though her body bore the toll of the blast—her armor cracked, her skin marred with cuts and scrapes. Blood trickled from her nose and mouth, carving crimson trails down her face. Every breath was labored, every muscle in her body screaming in protest.

Amazo watched her for a brief moment, expressionless. Then, as if her presence was no longer of consequence, he drifted past her with an air of quiet inevitability.

Diana wavered, her vision swimming, the weight of her injuries finally pulling her under. With a barely audible gasp, her knees buckled, and she collapsed forward, falling motionless amidst the shattered remains of the street.

Amazo paid her no further mind. His glowing eyes swept across the destruction he had wrought, scanning the remnants of the barbershop with cold precision. He was searching—analyzing in microseconds every fragment of debris, every collapsed structure, every splintered floorboard in search for the entrance to this bunker.

…

Ben slammed his palms against the countertop beneath the massive screen, his eyes locked on the harrowing battle that unfolded before them. Wonder Woman had fought valiantly against Amazo, her every strike and maneuver executed with precision and power, they were more than impressed. But despite her best efforts, she was overwhelmed. Now, her unconscious form lay buried beneath the smoldering wreckage of the fake barber shop that had once concealed Luthor's hidden bunker.

A heavy breath escaped Ben's lips as he bowed his head, closing his eyes for a moment, frustration evident in the tension of his posture. But there was no time to dwell on it. He turned sharply, his gaze now burning with determination as he fixed his eyes on Lex Luthor, who himself appeared unsettled by the android's sheer, effortless dominance over the entire League.

"We need to finish this thing—now," Ben declared. In an instant, his body was consumed by a radiant emerald light, and when it faded, he stood transformed. Fasttrack—a sleek, feline-like humanoid with dark-blue fur—emerged, his form built not just for speed but for dexterity beyond human comprehension. Unlike XLR8, whose raw acceleration could tear across battlefields in an instant, Fasttrack's hands worked with surgical precision. He moved in a blur, seizing tools from the desk in rapid succession. His mind, armed with Ben's natural photographic memory, processed schematics at lightning speed, allowing him to complete the cannon's more tedious modifications in mere moments.

"Are we even sure this is going to work?" Gwendolyn asked, her voice laced with doubt as she glanced from Ben to the monitor, where the streets above were now eerily still, save for the lingering smoke and debris.

"It has to," Fasttrack replied, never pausing in his work. For the briefest second, his form solidified to speak, but in the next heartbeat, he was once again a whirlwind of motion, encircling the massive twenty-foot cannon aimed at the entrance.

Lex opened his mouth to protest. "Move aside! I still have to—"

A thunderous boom cut him off. The ground trembled. Proximity sensors flared red. On the monitor, alarms blared as fresh footage displayed Amazo, unrelenting, tearing through every defensive barrier with ease on the monitor. Each layer of security fell like paper before a storm.

Fasttrack skidded to a halt, his gaze darting between the screen and Luthor before thrusting a wrench into the scientist's hands. "Whatever you need to do, do it fast."

Lex snatched the tool and dashed to the cannon's open back panel, twisting the wrench into place with fevered urgency.

A deafening impact shook the room. The blast-door shutters groaned under the force of Amazo's assault, buckling under each devastating punch.

Gwendolyn stepped forward, her stance shifting seamlessly into a battle-ready posture. Her fists ignited with brilliant blue mana flames, the mystical energy coursing through her veins manifesting in a radiant aura around her. Her eyes burned with the same arcane light, the sheer power at her fingertips humming in anticipation.

At her side, Fasttrack's form erupted in another surge of emerald energy. When the light dissipated, he had become Diamondhead—his crystalline form gleaming under the dim glow of the bunker's overhead lights. He clenched his fists, jagged shards of indestructible material fracturing and reforming along his arms like living weapons.

A moment of stillness settled over them, a brief calm before the inevitable storm. And then, with a final, ear-splitting crash, Amazo breached the last barrier.

Without hesitation, Gwendolyn extended her hands, weaving a barrier spell that manifested as an intricate teal-blue mystic seal along the walls of the bunker. The glowing runes pulsed with energy, forming a transparent partition of raw magical force between the approaching android and the defenders.

She, Diamondhead, and Lex stood motionless, their eyes locked onto Amazo as he regarded the barrier with a detached curiosity. For a fleeting moment, uncertainty filled the air. Would it hold? Would he analyze it? Would he overcome it? Their thoughts raced as Lex continued his modifications nervously with a droplet of sweat coursing down his temple.

Amazo took a single step forward, "In a distant world, in the farthest reaches of the cosmos, what you call magic has long since been deconstructed—its every principle laid bare by scholars who spent millennia unraveling the fundamentals of the mystical across all realities."

He advanced further, phasing effortlessly through the barrier, prompting a gasp from the female-mage. The seal trembled at the disturbance, fractures spreading through its intricate structure before shattering into a cascade of shimmering fragments. Gwendolyn recoiled, staggering backward as the enormity of his words settled in.

"All of their knowledge… every theorem, every breakthrough, every secret they uncovered—now belongs to me."

Gritting her teeth, Gwendolyn refused to falter. She thrust her hands forward, the Charms of Bezel adorning her sleeve flaring to life, "Meena goh!" Her voice echoed. A surge of orange energy erupted from her palms, a blazing torrent of mystic fire infused with every ounce of her power. The searing flames spiraled toward Amazo, illuminating his golden form in their glow. But as the inferno neared, the android simply raised a single hand.

With mechanical precision, he caught the full brunt of the attack in his palm. The energy split around him, dispersing harmlessly against the walls. His crimson eyes pulsed with an eerie brilliance, and in the next instant, an unseen force lashed out—a shockwave of pure kinetic energy that sent Gwendolyn hurtling backward.

Diamondhead lunged forward, catching her before she could crash into the ground.

"Now!" he bellowed, his voice sharp with urgency.

Lex wasted no time. He threw himself into the cannon's seat, slamming his palm against the console's glowing red button. The weapon, already primed and aimed at the doorway, roared to life. Bright yellow static arced across the length of its barrel, charging with a crackling intensity.

With little warning, a blinding beam erupted forth. The blast consumed the entrance, obliterating what remained of the blast doors. The sheer force of the energy tore a deep trench into the concrete floor, stretching far into the vast bunker beyond. The very air trembled under the assault.

Silence followed.

As the smoke and debris slowly settled, their breaths caught in their throats. A figure emerged, standing unscathed amidst the devastation.

Amazo had not moved an inch. Not a single mark marred his golden form, "An interesting concept," he mused, his voice devoid of amusement yet brimming with cold analysis. "Recalibrating your cannon to disrupt the molecular cohesion of my nanites… It might have worked—months ago, when I was still nanotech." His piercing gaze met theirs, his next words sending a chill through the room, "But, like all other things, I have evolved beyond that limitation as well."

…

In Earth's orbit, the shattered remains of dozens of Javelins drifted like silent tombstones in the vast emptiness of space, remnants of Amazo's devastating assault. Twisted metal and scorched circuitry floated aimlessly, the aftermath of a battle that had left even the strongest among them broken.

Among the wreckage, Superman's unconscious form hovered, his armored suit—though damaged—still miraculously intact, its life-support systems keeping him breathing. Just a few hundred feet away, John Stewart remained similarly adrift, his Green Lantern ring flickering weakly, its energy reserves dangerously close to depletion. The once-mighty protector of Sector 2814 was now little more than a lone figure caught in the cold grasp of space.

For nearly twenty minutes, all was still. No movement. No sound. Just the quiet desolation of the battlefield.

Then, in the distance, pinpricks of emerald light shimmered against the endless black. At first, they were faint, mere flickers on the edge of perception. But in an instant, those glimmers became something more—twelve full figures streaking toward them at impossible speed, emerald trails cutting through the void as the Green Lantern Corps arrived.

Their rings flared to life as they spread out, scanning the wreckage for survivors. Energy constructs extended like spectral hands, pulling unconscious pilots from ruined ships, stabilizing what little remained of the battlefield. Amidst them, three figures—Kilowog, Hal Jordan, and Kyle Rayner—closed in on John Stewart, catching his drifting form just as his consciousness began to stir.

"You're alive…" John murmured; his voice laced with exhausted relief.

Kyle offered a grim nod, his expression heavy with the weight of the truth. "Which is more than I can say for Oa."

John's breath hitched. His mind recoiled against the words, refusing to believe. He had seen it—seen the unthinkable happen—but some part of him had still held onto the hope that it wasn't real. That it couldn't be real. His gaze snapped to Hal, searching for contradiction, for denial, for anything other than the confirmation he feared.

Hal met his eyes, the sorrow in them as deep as the void surrounding them. "It's gone, John," he said, his voice quiet but absolute. "They all are."

A heavy silence followed, as vast and oppressive as space itself.

John swallowed hard, forcing himself to push past the grief, the shock, the helpless rage clawing at his chest. Now was not the time. He took a steadying breath and set his jaw.

"What's the plan?" he asked, his tone hardening with determination.

Kyle exchanged a glance with Hal—the only other Earth-born Lantern among them—before giving a resolute nod. "We use everything we have left in our rings," he said. "One last shot at the android."

John's eyes widened in alarm. "A blast that powerful could wipe out the planet."

Hal didn't hesitate. "It's a risk we have to take," he said firmly. "Maybe we can lure Amazo into space, but if we don't throw everything we have at him—everything—then none of this will matter."

The three of them locked eyes, unspoken understanding passing between them. This was it. Their last stand. A battle against impossible odds.

And yet, there was no hesitation.

…

"You don't have to hurt anyone," Diamondhead insisted, standing firm as the Android advanced.

The mechanical being halted abruptly, its glowing crimson eyes fixed on the hero. "I have told your allies time and again—I do not intend to harm anyone. My objective is Luthor."

"Luthor, unfortunately, still qualifies as a person," Diamondhead muttered, prompting an audible groan from the billionaire behind him.

The Android remained unfazed. "Nor do I wish to harm Luthor—provided he gives me the answers I seek." It resumed its approach, each footstep reverberating through the underground chamber.

Though they knew their resistance was futile, the heroes instinctively held their ground, a last line of defense between the enigmatic machine and the man they begrudgingly protected. But Lex Luthor was not one to hide behind shields he did not ask for. With an air of defiance, he placed a firm hand on Diamondhead's shoulder, then on Gwendolyn's, stepping past them despite the latter's evident hesitation. He squared his shoulders, tilting his chin up to meet the Android's unyielding gaze.

"What do you want from me?!" Luthor's voice was sharp, his demand edged with indignation.

The Android did not waver. "You used me, Luthor. Exploited my programming. Aimed me like a weapon." Its tone remained eerily even, but there was an undeniable weight behind its words. "I want to know why."

Luthor's lips curled into something that might have been regret, though it was impossible to tell if it was genuine. "I was greedy," he admitted with well-practiced sincerity. "I manipulated you to eliminate my enemies. I'm sorry…"

"No." The Android's voice, though still cold, now carried an undercurrent of something new—emotion. Then, without warning, rage ignited behind its artificial eyes. The air crackled with energy as golden light erupted from its form, piercing straight through the ceiling in a searing column that extended thousands of feet upward. The blast tore through steel and concrete as if they were paper, vaporizing a perfect path through the Earth's crust. Above, the sky split apart, clouds swirling violently in the wake of the unleashed force. A shockwave rippled outward, shaking the city above and sending tremors through the underground lair.

Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the chaos settled. The ground stilled, and silence hung heavy in the air. The Android, once so detached, now seemed almost…curious.

"You have everything humans covet—wealth, power," it observed, its voice devoid of its earlier fury. "And yet, it is never enough. You crave more. You would sacrifice anything to obtain it." A beat passed. Then, with quiet intensity, it asked,

"Why? What is your ultimate purpose?"

Lex raised a brow, taking a short step forward, loosening his tie as he did, "What you're really asking is, what is yours?"

Diamondhead exhaled slowly, glancing over at Gwendolyn with an expression that spoke volumes—pure, unfiltered bewilderment, "What is he doing?!" She shouted to him in a whisper.

"I think Lex Luthor is saving the world…"

…

John Stewart, Hal Jordan, and Kyle Rayner led nearly a dozen Green Lantern officers through the ruins of what had once been an unassuming barbershop—now little more than a smoldering crater marking the entrance to Luthor's underground bunker. The descent was swift and effortless, their emerald light cutting through the oppressive darkness of the tunnels. Moving as one, they closed the distance to their target, stopping just a hundred feet from the massive blast doors that separated them from the confrontation taking place within.

As they pressed forward, a blinding explosion of golden light erupted in their path. A figure materialized in its wake, his armored form gleaming as the residual energy faded.

"Wait. Please," Doctor Fate urged, his voice firm yet imploring as he raised his hands in a calming gesture. He needed to buy time—however little he could—for the exchange happening beyond the doors.

Kyle Rayner, fresh from an extended off-world assignment, eyed the sorcerer with suspicion. "Who the hell are you?"

Hal Jordan answered before Fate could. "Doctor Fate," he said, his arms crossing over his chest. "Earth's sorcerer supreme. I've worked with him before." His voice was measured, but there was an edge to it. "Why are you stopping us?"

Fate met his gaze steadily. "The android has shown restraint before. I believe he will again," he said, his tone carrying the weight of conviction. "This is not a battle that needs to be fought.

John Stewart's expression darkened, anger flashing in his eyes. "You call destroying Oa restraint?" His voice was sharp, barely containing the fury roiling beneath the surface. His ring flared to life as he lifted it, leveling it at Fate. The others followed suit, a dozen emerald auras glowing in unison. "Not even you can stand against the Green Lantern Corps," he warned. "Now step aside."

For a moment, Fate simply regarded them, his unreadable gaze flickering between their faces. Then, in a silent gesture of understanding, he raised his hands in surrender and slowly stepped aside, allowing them to pass.

Inside the bunker, Lex Luthor's calculating eyes studied the android towering before him. He hesitated, debating whether he could still weave a lie intricate enough to deceive this near-omniscient machine. But after a long, measured sigh, he made his decision. His gaze dropped briefly; his expression was unreadable. Then he spoke.

"The truth is," he admitted, his voice measured, "for all my struggles, for all my accomplishments, in a few short generations, my name will be nothing more than a footnote. Even the greatest of us are ultimately erased by time."

Amazo's crimson eyes burned with curiosity. "Then why do you persist?" There was no malice in his question, only genuine bewilderment. "Why does anyone? If existence is so fleeting, why shouldn't I erase it all right now?"

The golden energy surrounding him flared, sending violent tremors through the bunker. Overhead, a beam of raw power pierced through layers of steel and rock, carving a path into the sky. The city above shuddered under the force of the shockwave, buildings groaning in protest as the very air seemed to vibrate under the pressure, "with a simple thought I could-"

Ben Ten Thousand instinctively reached out through the mental connection to his Omnitrix, ready to intervene, but before he could, Luthor's voice rang out, sharper and more desperate than anyone had ever heard him before.

"No!" His voice was almost a shout, his usual composure cracking under the weight of genuine urgency. "If you do that, you'll never see the end of it!" Unlike the calculated performances he had given Ben and Superman in Lexor City, this was unfiltered—real and raw.

The shaking slowed. The pillar of golden light began to shrink, condensing as Amazo's aura flickered, stabilizing. His gaze locked onto Luthor. "The end of what?"

A slow smile crept onto Luthor's face. "The evolutionary process, of course," he said smoothly. "You, of all beings, should understand something about that."

Amazo looked away, his expression unreadable as he processed the words. "Yes," he murmured. "Yes, I am evolving. That is why Professor Ivo created me—to grow, to change. But he is gone. And despite all the knowledge I have gathered, despite the power I now wield… I remain lost. Empty." The tremors returned without even a flinch, rippling through the bunker as the android's turmoil manifested in his surroundings. His voice, usually so measured, now carried an urgency that was as unsettling as it was powerful. "What am I becoming? What is my purpose? I must know!" His eyes flared red, his aura raging once more as he took another step toward Luthor. "Tell me!"

Yet the billionaire stood firm. He didn't flinch; he didn't retreat a single step. Instead, he spoke with the certainty of a man who believed he was, as always, the smartest person in the room. "There's no one who can answer that for you," he said simply. "And that's why I stay in the game." A smirk played on his lips as he gestured vaguely, his voice rich with self-assurance. "My purpose—if you want to call it that—is to see how far we can go. How far humanity will push itself in pursuit of greatness." He let the words hang in the air for a moment before shifting his gaze back to the android. "And you… you'll live forever. You'll witness it all firsthand. I envy that about you."

The Green Lanterns entered the room cautiously, their rings raised, eyes locked onto Amazo. The android did not acknowledge them, did not react. He remained fixated on Luthor. "So that is all I am meant to be?" Amazo asked, his voice quieter now. "A witness?"

Luthor scoffed. "I'm saying we all define our own purpose." His voice took on a sharper edge as he extended his finger toward the doorway, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Now go and create yours."

Ben, Gwendolyn, Doctor Fate, John Stewart, and the assembled Green Lanterns stood frozen in silence, anticipation thick in the air as they awaited Amazo's response.

The blinding column of golden energy surrounding the android suddenly retracted, flowing back into his form and dissipating beneath his metallic skin. The once-overwhelming aura vanished entirely, leaving only stillness in its wake.

"It's over," Doctor Fate declared, his voice calm yet certain.

John Stewart's head snapped toward him, disbelief and fury etched into every fiber of his being. "Over?" he repeated, his tone laced with venom. His ring flared to life, crackling with emerald energy as the other Lanterns instinctively followed suit, raising their weapons in unison. "That thing wiped out an entire planet—millions of Lanterns, gone in an instant—and you think it can just be over? Just like that?" His voice was cold, sharp with restrained rage. "I don't think so."

For the first time, Amazo turned to acknowledge the Green Lanterns encircling him. His expression was unreadable, his voice eerily calm. "I did not destroy Oa," he stated simply. "I moved it to another dimension."

The revelation hit like a shockwave. A stunned silence fell over the corps, their rings lowering ever so slightly as they processed the android's words. All except John. His stance remained rigid, jaw clenched as he stared Amazo down, unwilling to accept such a convenient answer.

"It was in my way," Amazo added, his tone utterly devoid of remorse. He gave the faintest shrug, as if the fate of an entire planet had been little more than an afterthought.

John's fists tightened, his patience wearing dangerously thin. Through gritted teeth, he forced out the question: "Then can you move it back?"

Amazo regarded him impassively before offering another slight shrug. His crimson eyes flickered briefly.

"Done," he said.

Kyle and Hal exchanged quick glances before raising their rings, sending out an immediate signal to Oa. A tense moment passed, and then another, before the confirmation came through. Oa was back. The planet, the Corps, everything—restored as if it had never vanished.

Doctor Fate turned to Amazo, meeting his gaze with steady resolve. "I can guide you," he offered, his voice carrying a depth of understanding. "In your search for meaning."

Amazo studied him for a long moment. "Guide me? Why?"

Fate inclined his head slightly. "Because that is my purpose."

Amazo considered this, his expression unreadable. Then, with no further hesitation, he gave a single nod. "I accept."

With a graceful motion, Doctor Fate conjured a glowing portal of golden light, its ankh-shaped frame pulsing with arcane energy. Without a word, he stepped aside, gesturing for Amazo to enter.

The android cast one final glance at the gathered heroes, his expression unreadable, before stepping forward and vanishing into the glowing gateway. A heartbeat later, Doctor Fate followed, his golden cloak billowing as he disappeared into the luminous void. The portal sealed behind them with a brilliant flash, leaving only silence in its wake.

As the last traces of energy faded from the room, Diamondhead's crystalline form shattered into a burst of emerald light, revealing Ben beneath as he collapsed onto the ground, landing flat on his back. He let out a long, exhausted exhale, staring up at the ceiling as if he were still processing everything that had just happened.

Beside him, Gwendolyn raised an eyebrow, arms crossed as she studied him with mild amusement. "Is every day in this world this insane?"

Ben let out a breathy chuckle between deep inhales, shaking his head slightly. "Yeah… pretty much."

…

Watchtower

Ben personally carried Diana to the med-bay, knowing the other injured heroes would be tended to by lower-ranking League members. Carefully, he lifted her from the rubble, cradling her in his arms before J'onn transported them both aboard the station.

Gwendolyn stood outside the med-bay, watching through the glass as Ben remained by Diana's bedside. The Amazon lay unconscious, her armor removed and replaced with a simple white hospital gown. A nurse spoke to Ben in hushed tones, briefing him on her condition as he listened intently, his gaze never straying far from Diana's face. After a few minutes, the nurse exited, offering Gwen a small, reassuring smile as she passed.

Ben followed shortly after, stretching his back with a tired sigh but still stealing glances toward Diana through the window. He lingered just outside the room, lost in thought.

"Is she going to be okay?" Gwendolyn asked, though from his expression, she suspected it wasn't anything too serious.

"She just needs a few days of rest," Ben replied, his voice tinged with relief. "Her healing factor is one of the best I've seen." His eyes, however, remained fixed on the unconscious warrior behind the glass.

Gwendolyn looped her arm through his, gently pulling him down the corridor. "C'mon, hero, let's walk and talk."

They walked in silence at first, the tension between them unfamiliar yet unspoken. Eventually, Ben broke it. "Are you mad that I want to stay?" he asked, his tone direct. He had made his feelings obvious from the start; there was no point in dancing around it now.

Gwen scoffed, "Mad? Ben, I couldn't get rid of you for twenty years, and now you're telling me you want to leave the entire universe behind forever?" She shook her head with a smirk. "I don't know. I was just starting to get used to the smell."

Ben chuckled, shaking his head as they both laughed, reminiscing on the years they spent bickering like siblings.

Her smile faded slightly as she took a breath. "Look, this isn't exactly what I had in mind when I brought our younger selves to the present to knock some sense into you," she admitted. "But honestly? I can't remember the last time I saw you this happy. It had to be before Kai… before Vilgax… before everything." Her voice softened as she trailed off, unwilling to dredge up the pain of the past. She exhaled sharply and looked up at him. "But now? Suddenly, you're smiling again, cracking jokes… working with a team?"

She stopped walking and turned to face him, punching his arm with just enough force to make her point. "You want to stay. I get it. And I know it's not just about Kevin. You're happy here." She held his gaze, her expression sincere. "I won't ask you to leave."

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling between them. Then Gwen's lips curled into a sly grin, and Ben immediately grew suspicious.

"The spell you used to get here," he said, narrowing his eyes. "It's not that hard to replicate, is it?"

Gwen giggled, taking a few playful steps back. "Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Maybe I'll come back. And maybe—just maybe—I'll bring your baby pictures with me so Diana can see little Benny cuddling Furry Freddy."

Ben's eyes widened as he lunged forward. "I wasn't cuddling him! I was tucking him in! He had his own bed!"

Gwen spun on her heel, laughing as he chased after her, stopping just inches from her as she turned to face him. Her laughter faded, replaced by something more serious. She looked up into his familiar emerald eyes and said quietly, "I missed you, you know… I thought you were dead."

Ben didn't hesitate. He placed his hands firmly on her shoulders and pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'm alive," he assured her. "And you can always come visit. We've got plenty of rooms on the Watchtower."

The shift in her demeanor was instant. Her sadness melted away, replaced by a look of excitement. "So you're saying I could stay for a few days? Check out this cool new world? Maybe even get in on the action?"

Ben sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well… I don't know about the action part. The League's pretty strict about who they send out these days." He exhaled in defeat as Gwen beamed at him. "But yeah, you can stay in one of the spare rooms on Deck E."

Before he could say anything else, she threw her arms around him again, hugging him even tighter.

"I'm glad I got my doofus of a cousin back," she whispered, and Ben knew she wasn't talking about him being transported to this world—she was talking about the ten long years of detachment, grief, and self-doubt finally fading away.

…

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