Dragon Ball Z, Justice League 1. Chapter 1 Crossover

**Disclaimer:- I own none of the dc or dbz characters**

**Some notes-**

**this story takes place just before the beginning of gt, so that the dbz characters in their base form are equal to their strongest counterparts during the majin buu saga (eg base goku = ssj3 buu saga goku)**

**this story will stem into an alternate universe so dont expect any gt character to make an appearance (although there will be some references)**

**the dc universe is new52 one so superman and diana are in a relationship**

**the new52 characters and feats will be used**

**as for the dbz characters, powerscaling will be used**

**enjoy**

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><p>It was freezing cold outside. Of course it didn't matter to her, but she had to pretend as normal as any human. She didnt want any attention, not anymore, not after what happened 5 years ago. Those memories came rushing back to her, but she just shrugged her head in order to focus on her destination. Pulling, or at least pretending to, her coat closer to her body and keeping her head as low as possible, she quickly walked ahead carerful so as to not reach superhuman speeds unintentionally. Adjusting to the human world was tough, especially the first year. She would disguise herself as normally as possible, but it was tough, especially 'in the world of men'. The gift of beauty by Aphrodite was more of a bane these days, drawing looks from men of all ages wherever she went. But thankfully, nobody had recognized her, yet.<p>

'Damn! Its taking forever to reach there!' she cursed in her head.

After five minutes of more walking, she finally reached her destination. THE GREAT SUPERMARKET the sign read.

'Whew, finally there ! Maybe I ought to get a car for myself' she thought. However for that she would have to cross two hurdles. First would be to have enough money in the account to buy a car, and the second would be to learn how to drive one.

30 MINUTES LATER..

'Mam, your total is 50 pounds' the counter-person said handing over her the bill. She did a crosscheck on the list of items in the bill and handed over the sum. She began to turn around to leave, then suddenly she heard an 'excuse me' from the counter and she turned back

'Correct me if I am wrong, but, aren't you the Wonder Woman'

'How come..' was the only thing she could mumble. She thought she was doing good with the disguise.

'Yes' she said. 'What do you want ?' her arms automatically crossed her chest, with a stern look on her perfect face.

The guy faltered a bit. 'What exactly have I done to piss her off ?!' he thought. He had heard tales about the iconic super-heroine, no man would dare cross her

'I mean, aren't you supposed to be part of the Justice League ?' he asked as politely as possible.

'I retired...'

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><p><strong><span>DBZ DIMENSION<span>**

It was now or never, Goku was in the final few moments of his Super Saiyan 3 form, a form so powerful that he would have defeated kid buu with it, if not for the energy drain. But that was 20 years ago, years of training had taught him how to master that form, to stay in it without any drain of energy.

But his opponent too was powerful, and having destroyed earth and the northern quadrant a few years ago, he had set his eyes on the last challenge, Son Goku.

Goku closed his eyes for a brief moment, and began to feel the loss, the grief, ... the anger, of all the loved ones he had lost, how he could have prevented it all, how he had failed trillions of souls. His fists began clenching so tightly that his bones began to give in under the pressure, his arms bulged out so badly, that he might have tore a muscle or two. A tear rolled down his cheek, good, he had to let out all of his emotions for this.

"KAIOKEN X 100"

The strain was unimaginable ! He could feel the tiny muscle fibres of his body breaking apart slowly one by one, like steel cables. He knew that he had only a minute before ligthts out. But he had to focus his entire life's worth of training in his last move.

'For you Chichi, Gohan, Krillin, Piccolo, Vegeta, Goten, Trunks, Pan...'

The long haired saiyan cupped his hands to the right of his body, and began channeling every last ounce of his ki, his life force into it. His golden aura mixed with lightning doubled as he prepared for his last move, tiny sparks forming in the cup of his palms, letting out all his anger ...  
>"SUPER KAMEHAMEHA... !"<p>

The beam escaped at speeds far exceeding that of light, and hit its unprepared target..., Goku could feel the full impact of the Kamehameha as it struck, jolting him back a little. His opponent's cape began to tear apart, his mask slowly breaking and melting, the armour also giving in under the force of the signature move. But Goku knew the job wasn't done, he HAD to ensure that it was. Slowly garnering his final ki reserves, he leaned in forward, sticking his right clenched fist out and sped with a speed even he surprised himself with. The villain was still engulfed in the deadly wave, flailing his limbs in a desperate but vain effort to get out.

'Don't worry my friend, your suffering will be over soon !' Goku said sarcastically, smelling his victory with the smell of burning flesh.  
>"SUPER DRAGON FIST !"<p>

Goku transferred his final reserves of ki into that. But he knew it was worth it, when he burst through his enemy. He saw that the evil threw his head back and opened his mouth loud to scream in a deafening pain, and that it would be over soon as he had said. What followed later was horrifying to any non saiyan, but to a saiyan it was a moment of pride, a moment to become the legend, to bask in its rays of its glory for the rest of his life. There emerged the golden dragon, resembling Shenron, roared its way out and upwards in the sky and then proceeded to coil around its helpless victim. Try as much as he could, one could not get out of the mighty grip of the dragon, and with one final deafening roar it came crashing down. The ground below shook terribly, too weak to hold against such a powerful attack. Then, when the shaking didnt stop he knew what happened, the planet was breaking apart from the sheer force.

Goku's concern was not the exploding planet, he had very long ago surpassed the durability to withstand it, but the lack of oxygen, the one thing that kept him from being what he trained to be - Uber. But even if he died now, it would'nt be too bad, he would be reunited with his family and friends once more. As the planet exploded, he flashbacked at his life, master roshi, Krillin, Bulma, Tien, Yamcha, then marrying Chichi, having Gohan, then came Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, Majin Buu, everytime he and his friends won, but this time they lost, he lost - all of them ! This time an enemy came that they couldn't best, even he had to push himself past his limits to be any match for him. Only if he hadn't made the mistake of... further thoughts ifs and buts were dashed when to his horror he saw the remains of the incinerated being regenerating, all the pieces coming back together to form the enemy back !

There he stood at 6'3", muscularly built, with glowing red eyes and that black armour with golden zigzag lines which had now become a symbol of fear across the universe. Even his red cape was now back to perfect.

'I'll give this to you' he said 'had I not the power of regeneration, that attack would have completely obliterated me. But apparently, I do. And now you are going to die at the hands of Imperiex. This imperfect universe shall be annihilated and a new one shall be established, one without any GOLDEN HAIRED FREAKS !' he cried.

Goku too weak to continue was now back to his base form. He took a long gulp of air and awaited the final finishing blow, kneeling and hanging his head low. Imperiex rushed at him and hit... nothing ! Thankfully, Instant Transmission saved the day.

DBZ OTHERWORLD

'People of the northern quadrant lend me your souls for I can finish this threat once and for all !' Goku pleaded with his hands held up high. The dead ones after seeing what had happened were skeptical, whether anything could defeat this Imperiex at all. But they had nothing to lose and a bit of persuasion by king Yemma and the deceased z fighters did the trick. The trillions who died as a result of the assault by Imperiex held their hands out willingly, donating a part of their spirits. He could feel it, so much positive energy ! The spirit bomb formed, the size of a skycraper and its positive energy encouraged him to go even further, even when all hope was lost.

"GOODLUCK GOKU!" Everyone cried as he ITed out of the otherworld...

Despite the bomb's power Goku knew that it wasn't over, this was just the northern quadrant, if he could generate the power of the whole universe ! And that meant 3 more quadrants. Telepathically he connected to the Supreme Kai 'Please I need your help ! Tell the entire remaining universe how to defeat Imperiex, fast !' And it was fast, within a few moments he felt the spirit bomb increasing. People across the universe would do literally anything to get rid of this threat, getting them to donating their spirits was not very hard to convince. Spirits given by free will came from every corner of the universe and the bombs power grew exponentially in magnitude. However, Goku's fear too grew exponentially in magnitude when he saw Imperiex standing in front of him.

'Another trick up your sleeve ?' Imperiex sneered.

Although Goku was afraid, he couldn't let go off the Spirit Bomb- the final hope of the universe, whose size rose by multiples of ten each passing second. Even Imperiex couldn't help but notice the power the great bomb wielded, its power was what drew him to his enemy, an enemy he knew was far greater than even the legendary hero of his dimension.

'WHA... !' Imperiex only managed to make this much sound, he needed to stop this bomb before it obliterated him again ! He charged a red beam from his eyes at the saiyan to finish him for good this time. Goku knew he had to fully finish the bomb before releasing it, and it was far from finished and the beam was nearing him...

But it never hit him as it was blocked by Gohan ! Goku saw his son with the halo ring smiling at him, instinctively he smiled back at him. From behind he heard a very distinguishable voice

'Oh Kakkarot ! You lazy ass! What are you waiting for, finish him off !' Vegeta taunted him as usual. But even this was welcome, if not for the spirit bomb, he would have hugged him tight and cried. He never said it to anyone, but after years of fighting side by side and sharing most of their adventures, Goku began treating Vegeta like a brother. The latter of course, had his reservations.

Piccolo was next, followed by Trunks, Goten, Pan and even Kriilin and the good Majin Buu. Of couse all with halo rings.

'Come on guys, lets buy Kakkarot some time. Only I get to beat him !' Vegeta said, and with that everyone reached their max forms and fired at the being called Imperiex. The attacks hurt like full powered blows to a human body, they stung, his armour broke in places revealing a blue suit inside, but it wasn,t enough to kill him, sure he was wounded bad, but not mortally. The assault lasted for a full minute before coming to a halt, soon the smoke cleared and he regenerated back to normal, laughing at how valiant the effort was , only to be hit square in the face by the fully charged Universal Spirit Bomb.

At first it felt nothing, then the heat and pain started, and grew, and grew, and grew, until it was unbearable ! Imperiex powered up to his maximum potential and still the pain kept coming, he could feel himself giving away to the attack, disintegrating into nothing...

(A MEMORY)

...

...

'Goodbye my love !' I kissed her passionately for a full minute, caressing her bare back and waist slowly. It was the most emotional moment in my life, the feel of her lips against mine, not even with Lana Lang had I felt like this. I wanted to never let her go, to repeat the events of last night we spent together.  
>But I had a responsibility, I couldn't run away from that. The thought of losing her forever, made me mad.<p>

'Ow !' She cried in pain, and I realized that I was crushing her waist. 'Easy there.'

'Am I hurting you ?' I asked worriedly.

'Yes, you are !'

I immediately knew what she meant and it pained me too.  
>'But I have to do this !' My months of training would not go waste like that. I looked at her face one last time time and cursed myself at how I could take something as perfect as her for granted. The way her raven hair complimented her perfect face, those hypnotizing blue eyes, the now iconic golden tiara with the red star on it, the high cheekbones with a sharp long nose and those red lips ! I couldn't help but kiss her once more.<p>

'Don't change the topic !' she said pulling herself away from me. 'We can be away from all this ! We can be happy together ! Just you and me !'

'Really ?! Do you think I WILL do that ?' I asked her sternly, more of a statement than question.

'Please don't do this to me.' Her voice started to break now. And I realized that although she had spent most of her life worshiping war, she like all of us was soft from inside. I pulled her close and landed a kiss on her forehead  
>'Now be brave, Diana. If you really love me, continue where I left. Defend the universe with the rest' I said, wiping a tear off her cheek with my thumb. Even my eyes were wet, but I couldn't afford to be soft, not at this point of time, not now.<p>

'Please don't go' she said, holding my hand, as the sun came out and lit her pretty face. Good ! I needed the sun.

'I have to do this' was all I could mumble. Freeing from her grasp, I levitated, about to speed off.

'I don't understand ! Why is it always you ? Why always the hero ? Why risk your life for this pathetic world, and pathetic people ? Maybe this universe is imperfect and needs to be restored, you and I are the only perfect ones. Why are you doing this ? WHY ? WHY ? WHY ?' Diana continued to rant like a child.

I only smiled because I knew the answer too well. With the warmth of the sun in my face I replied ' Because I am...

...

...

...

The z fighters watched as Imperiex was consumed by the mighty universal spirit bomb, disintegrating him bit by bit. Then it happened, Goku sensed it, and was immediately informed by the supreme kai  
>'Goku, the blast from the spirit bomb combined with the energy from Imperiex has ripped open a hole in the Interdimensional Bridge. Get out as quick as you can !'<p>

But he had other plans, the spirit bomb was still exploding, as if to ensure the complete annihilation of the evil in that being. Although he was pretty sure that the bomb would destroy the evil ( it worked on kid buu who had the same regenerating ability), he wanted to take no chances this time, even if it meant never seeing his universe ever again.

'Kakkarot, you fool ! Get out of there now !' screamed Vegeta, for the first time showing any true concern for his rival.

'Goodbye all of you, take care ! Until we meet again !' Goku cried to all of them with a smile and went ssj 3.  
>Ignoring all pleas, he flew towards the explosion and began moving the blast towards the rip. It was all too easy, as if the spirit bomb wanted this, as if it was sentient. Finally going in he once again flash-backed at all the major events he had accomplished and how he could finally now rest in piece because his and Vegeta's sons were...<p>

Wait ! They were all dead ! He was the lone gaurdian of the universe ! And with him gone, evil would surely rise back up, it always does !

'NO WAIT !' Goku screamed as he began turning around to fly back...

But he was too late, the rift sucked him in, draining him of all the super saiyan powers. He was back to his black spiky hair, his shirt all torn, revealing his toned, athletic torso. He flung his arms and legs left-right in order to escape, but to no avail.

And then it was lights out... As Goku began fainting he mourned on how he failed truly this time, how he left his universe alone... and something else, just before he blacked out, he could have sworn that he saw another unconcious man about the same height and build as the Imperiex wearing a tattered blue suit with the same red cape as the enemy, but the most peculiar feature was a gold and red 'S' on his chest.

* * *

><p><span><strong>DC DIMENSION<strong>

It was sunset by the time Diana reached home, far from the nearest village, which was in turn was far from the nearest town. She had finally made up her mind on buying a car.

'Finally there. He must have been waiting for me like, forever' She thought hoping that he wasn't too mad at her. She took out the keys and unlocked the door.

'Honey! I am home !' She declared, bursting in. There was no sign of him.. her heart started racing... where could he have gone ! She in an anxiety began searching every nook and corner of the house. She was careful not to use any of her superpowers in case he noticed, a minute had passed and still he was nowhere to be found. Nearing tears she took out her mobile and began dialling to the police station. Then suddenly she heard a familiar voice from behind

'BOO.. ! Mommy !'

She turned around quickly to find her son, still in that 'BOO' position, hands held outwards, fingers spread and mouth circled in an 'o'. Kneeling below she hugged her son tightly, surprising him, and kissed him lovingly several times, dreading what if her worst fears would actually come true ! But he was their, his son, the very essence of her life and soul.

He could smell her lovely hair, which was one of his earliest memories and he realized that his mother was sobbing.

'Why are you crying mommy ! If this hurts you so much I will not do it again, but please don't cry .' He said, wiping one of her tears with his thumb, bringing back those memories from 5 years ago when she last saw her love.

'Mommy loves you so much, Honey !' Diana crooned holding him and rocking back and forth.

Later that night after dinner, they were on the porch outside. It was their daily routine, sitting outside and discussing school, work, and most importantly his father.

'He was a nice man.' she said for the umpteenth time. Frankly, the boy was bored of this description- what he always longed for was the details, how did he look, what did he do, where did he go ? His mother never answered these questions. But boredom was cut short when he sighted something

'Look mommy ! A shooting star ! Make a wish !'

Diana folded her hands and closed her eyes, more so not to disappoint her son than to make a wish, for she did not believe in that myth. But she did wish for his safety, well being and most importantly... a normal life.

But the 'shooting star' kept approaching, never slowing down. She reflexively stood up in defense, to protect her son. But it passed right above her head and landed into the forest behind, dragging several metres before coming to a halt.

'Wow, I'll be the first in my friends to see a shooting star from close !' exclaimed the boy and sped off.

'No wait !' Diana tried to grab him, but he shrugged off her hand and ran.

'That stubborn kid, much like his father.' She thought and followed him. They reached the place where it landed with the son a little ahead of the mother.

'Mommy, I think he needs help ' exclaimed her son, pointing to a man lying below.

He was all battered and bruised, scratches and wounds ran through the entire exposed torso. However, his hair seemed to have sustained no damage at all standing in perfect wild spikes. The man looked in his early-30s and was wearing orange trousers with boots, it was needless to say that he was topless. He slowly opened his eyes, they were battle weary, she would recognize that look anywhere.

Diana's first instinct was to help him, but then she remembered her promise to protect her son, no matter what. What if the person was an invader ? An alien come to harm this planet ? What if she nursed him, he would repay it by harming her or worse- her son... The mere thought of it made her shudder. She hardened herself, asked the gods for forgiveness and with one final decision turned around and walked back to her home.

'Mommy, this guy needs help !'

'He'll be fine honey. You don't wanna get late for dessert- apple pie !' Diana played her trump card. The boy was nuts for apple pie, and she hoped that he would let go off the topic.

'I don't want your apple pie ! You help him FIRST !'

It was enough, with one swoop she picked him up and carried him back, her amazonian heritage ensuring that he didn't escape her grip. But her son kept crying and kicking.

'We have to help him, mommy? WE HAVE TO HELP HIM !'

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><p><strong>SO,<strong>

**It is pretty much sure that Diana has become a recluse and she has a son, can anyone suggest his name ?**

**Can you guess who was it who said 'Because I am ...'**

**Some of you might have trouble with Imperiex being low-balled, but it will be explained in the subsequent chapters.**

**Who is this new 'shooting star' ? Will he get any help or will he just rot there ? Find out in the next chapter.**


	2. Chapter 2 Beginnings

(A MEMORY )

...

...

...

I was flying back to Earth after meeting with Supreme Kai ( now Kibito Kai ), of course, I could have ITed but, travelling the old way was more enjoyable, getting to witnesses the marvels of the universe, all the awe-inspiring moments you would never get to see back home. Home; how much time had passed since the last time I was there ?

To travel in space without any oxygen, Supreme Kai had gifted me a travelling bubble ( that's the only name I could get for it). I drifted around in my 'travelling bubble' for a few hours, before stopping on to see a supernova :- It was breathttaking ! Like a painter's portrait, the green and blue streaks, surrounded by flaming orange, were spread on the black canvas known as space, accentuated by the surrounding white stars. It was bright and the pure beauty of it made every particle of my body freeze ! I was sure that I would not get to see such a spectacle for a long time, so I just floated around to grasp every little detail of it.

I think I observed a little bit too much, because just a few miles from me I saw a silhouette of a figure. I couldn't make out it's features due to the highly contrasting brightness of the supernova I saw it against.

'What the...' I said to myself, as I began approaching it, wary of any impending danger, boosting my ki in case of any mishap. The figure didn't move, so I took the liberty of approaching it casually and then the it's details were finally exposed to me. It was approximately 6'3"and felt at least 235 lbs, with gold and black armour showing a blue suit underneath wherever there was a gap in the armoury, and it's red cape floated aimlessly in the gravity-free environment of space.

'Strange !' I thought to myself 'How did this guy end up here ?'

I went for a quick check of its pulse in the neck and ... Oh no ! It was dead... but then I realized that this entity wasn't human, so the pulse-checking was futile and I quickly carried it to the nearest hospitable planet. Upon reaching there, it twitched a little bit - why this happened I did not know as there was nothing unusual about the surrounding except a bright sunny day. But what I did know was that it was alive. It was now moaning too.

'Poor guy ! Must have lost his way home !' I thought, not realizing where this life form's 'home' was, but I could understand its pain, its longing to reach home, to meet its loved ones once again. I couldn't stand such suffering. But I was stupid.

'Have this.' I said, shoving a senzu bean in its mouth, knowing little that I was opening the Pandora's box. I saw myself smiling in its big blue eyes when he opened them, probably for the last time...

I wish I hadn't done that...

'No ! Please don't do this ' I cried as the last event flash-backed in my mind again. What wouldn't I do to go back in time and stop this blunder, costing trillions of lives, including my sons'.

'DON'T GIVE HIM THE BEAN !' I begged as I saw myself with the bean again, sealing the fate of my universe forever.

'NO...'

...

...

...

Goku realized that he was crying when he opened his eyes. Those memories of the events from a few years ago, had come back to haunt him. Ever since then, he had blamed himself for the horrors that had followed. True, the red caped monster was destroyed, but it had marred his universe, left a gaping void in it. The northern quadrant had been ravaged, destroyed - only a portion of it was left as a sign of the destruction caused; destruction that could have been prevented.

His body pained at every single point, unable to move, he had submitted himself to his fate- waiting for the final judgement ! But, after what seemed like hours, death didn't come. Perhaps he was to suffer like this, to lie there unable to move, unable to do anything but recount the sufferings and pain of the people he had failed, families, communities, species... all lost because of his stupidity !

'Serves me right' he sobbed 'lying like this in the cold. A just punishment.' He passed out...

What woke Goku up was a drastic shift in temperature, that meant only one thing- warmth. It was snowing, but he felt warm. He quickly realized that he was covered by a thick blanket. How comforting ! But who did this, he thought.

'Are you okay mister ?' a child's voice called.

Goku turned his head to the source of the voice and saw the same boy from the day before. The boy who had been with his mother. He nodded his head and lipsed a 'thank you', too weak to even speak. And then he began mumbling something, gesturing the boy to lean in a little closer. Out of curiosity, the boy put his left ear close to Goku's mouth and heard ' The bag from my waist... '

The boy quiclky frisked his pants and found what he wanted to- a small bag which looked filled with some sort of beans. When he turned to look at the stranger, the man opened his mouth. The boy understood what to do ! Taking out a bean, he put it in the man's mouth and saw him chewing it down.

To his amazement, the stranger's muscled bulged for a moment before returning to normal and within five seconds he was back on his feet ! The boy watched as the person who couldn't even move a few moments ago, was now on his feet hopping about - and that too topless !

'Thanks, young man ! You saved my life. May I have the honour of knowing your name ?' Goku said, extending his arms towards his savior with a huge smile.

'David.' Said the boy, shyly. Obviously, he hadn't saved anyone's life before, despite his parents' legacy... But it felt good, seeing gratitude towards you in someone else's eyes, it was his first, but it definitely wouldn't be his last...

'So, David, huh ?' Goku said ruffling David's jet black hair 'how old are you ?'. It felt nice to the boy, nobody had done this to him before, at school he was never treated with love or respect. He smiled back at the man.

'5 years.'

Goku now had a good close look at the boy. He was a tad tall for his age, wearing a black jacket with blue jeans beneath. He had his mother's blue eyes and her sharp nose, but the bushy eyebrows were definitely not hers and neither was the rectangular face. All in all, Goku could say that he would one day become a very handsome fellow, but there was something vaguely familiar about him...

David realized that Goku was looking at him a bit longer than necessary, he 'ehemed' himself to bring the man back from his thoughts.

'Sorry ! It's just that you remind me of someone.' Goku said, trying to hide his grief.

'Are you crying Goku ?' asked the boy with a look of concern.

Goku was completely caught off-guard 'No! I!... yeah kind of... I miss him dearly.'

'Its okay to cry sometimes. My mother is the toughest person in the world, but still she cries sometimes when she is all alone.'

'Yeah, I got to witness her toughness last night, speaking of which, how come she changed her mind on saving me ?'

'She didn,t, I decided to disobey my mother and skip school in order to help you.'

'I KNEW IT...'

David turned around and went numb...

There stood her mother, with hands crossed across her chest and a stern look at her face. Apparently, she had not gone to work that day and it only meant one thing; all hell was going to break lose. Walking each step closer, she never took her eyes off her son. She stopped a couple of feet away from him. The air was tense, nobody made a sound.

'What. Are. You. Doing. Here.' spoke Diana through clenched teeth. David remained frozen, as if his mother's gaze had some hypnotic effect to it. Goku could only look back and forth from Diana to David, in a confused manner.

'M-Mommy, I was just helping this man...'

'You will not wander around like this again !' she shrieked causing both David and Goku to flinch, with the former's eyes beginning to wet. Seeing her son near tears, she lowered her intensity though still maintaining that strict aura and kneeled down to face her son and cupped his face in her hands. 'Look, honey. All mommy cares about is you, I do not want anything to happen to you. That's why I didn't help this man, what if he turns out to be a bad person and harms you. Would you want that ? Would you want your mommy to lose you ? Would you want to lose your mommy ?' David only shrugged his head in reply. Diana understood at that moment that the boy wouldn't resist anymore. This kind of emotional blackmailing always worked.

'Good !' she said kissing her son's forehead 'now run back to your home and wait for your mommy, honey.' David immediately did as he was told, and Diana's eyes never left him, until she saw him enter the safety of their house. Then she turned to face Goku. Silence again...

'What are you ?' She came straight to the point, her voice trying to mask the dislike beneath, although truthfully, Goku wasn't a fan of hers either.

'I am Goku, of Son family.' was all Diana needed to know for now.

'Goku, what a strange name ! And 'Son family' !' she said 'But what I meant to know was your race, your species.' No human could have survived what she witnessed yesterday.

Goku was getting more and more annoyed, first this woman left him dying out in the cold, then she ridiculed his name. Goku crossed his arms too, and stepped closer to her.

Diana saw him properly for the first time, standing at 6' he was just an inch over her, but his wild spiky hair seemed to further widen the gap in their heights. His large black eyes seemed to radiate some kind of niceness that fit well with his innocent triangular face. Sure, any woman would have found him cute. His upper torso was completely naked meaning she had a full view of his ripped, atheletic body surely as a result of years of hardwork and training. She realized she had looked at him a bit too long and tore her gaze away, a liitle red in her cheeks. Surely she was reminded of something; or someone..

'I don't think I owe you an answer.' was the reply she got.

'I know that you are not human.'

'Neither are you.' Goku said looking directly into her face.

Diana opened her mouth to say something back, but realized that it was the truth. But how did he know it ?

'How did you..'

'Your ki is different than a human. I can feel it.'

She knew what ki meant, it was the life source, every living being had it and needed it in order to live, but she didn't know that every species had a different ki signature. Who was this man ? Could he be harboring a dangerous motive behind that innocent looking face of his.

'Your hair is different than a human. I can see it.' Diana replied in a stoic manner.

Goku's hand automatically shot up to his hair. It was indeed wild and unkempt, pointing at every possible direction. Certainly, no one had a hairstyle quite like him. It was a signature style of his.

'Why ? You liked it ?' He asked running a hand through his hair, radiating smugness.

'Are you crazy ?'

'I thought you liked it, judging by how you were looking at me a few moments ago.' Goku said with a huge grin, rubbing the back of his head.

'This guy's a pervert !' Diana thought, although she knew that he was not entirely wrong. But she decided to get the information she needed the old fashioned way, how a normal woman would do it. Flirting.

'So, Goku. Where do you come from ?' She asked, pushing back a strand of hair behind her ear. She blinked a couple of times. It was sure to work.

Goku made a very serious face, thinking for long time, before finally replying with a huge grin ' Back Home !'

If it were the dbz dimension, Diana would have fallen down cartoon-style, with hands and feet curled up in the air. Or she would have broken down into tiny bits. But thankfully it was not and she decided to continue, inspite of a strong urge to punch his stupid head off.

'But where back home, Goku ?' she asked.

'Umm... Let's see- True name- Kakkarot. My father's name's Bardock. From planet Vegeta. Have a friend called Vegeta, whose father's name is... Vegeta- king of planet Vegeta, formerly known as planet Plant. Home to famous fighters like- Nappa, Broly, Paragus, Raditz...'

Diana went red with anger, it was too much...

'You take me for a fool ?!' she barked, holding him by the neck and lifting him up in the air with her right hand. Goku was caught by surprise, he didn't know what caused her to react like this !

'What did I do ?'

'What did you do ? You think I'm stupid ! Those are all vegetable names !' she cried, still holding him high in the air. Then Goku realized it, he had never given a thought to it before but now it came to him, all those names- Vegeta- vegetable, Nappa- chinese grape plant, Broly- broccoli, Paragus- asparagus, Radditz- radish, Bardock- burdock.. Wow ! It was so obvious !

And just like that, Goku first chortled and then burst into laughter, throwing his head back. Now it was Diana's turn to be surprised !

'What's wrong with this guy ?!' she thought ' Has he lost it !'. She didn't know what to do !

There they stood, the amazonian with a confused look on her face, holding a madly laughing saiyan by the throat.

Diana decided to let the fool go, a person so stupid couldn't pose any credible threat to her or David. Goku dropped to the ground still laughing, almost nearing tears. She turned around and left for her home, it was time to cook a meal for her son.

She turned around one last time to have a look at him- he was still laughing !

'Stupid !' she said, smiling to herself. Unintentionally, Goku had actually made her smile in quite a long time.

...

Unknown to them, on a distant planet, a battle was being fought. The man had a kryptonian armour to protect him from the powerful blows, yet it was gradually being rendered ineffective by the New God. He was losing, despite the fact that he had assistance from his second in command.

'Faora ! We need a plan for this, listen !' ordered the man.

'Yes, General Zod. I agree.' said a bruised Faora. If they continued like this, they would surely end up dead.

'So...' Zod never got to execute his plan as Darkseid grabbed him by the neck and pinned him to the ground with brutal force, causing it cave in and fracture for several metres. As Faora tried to blitz him, a casual backhand slap took care of her, causing her to fall unconscious to the ground- a good hundred feet away.

'No !' screamed Zod, thinking that she was dead.

'She is not dead !' said the deformed God 'But she will be if you do not listen carefully to what I am about to tell you next.'

Zod had no other option, he was still pinned to the ground by Darkseid's huge hands, he and Faora were defeated; even in the presence of a yellow sun, when they were at their maximum. True, they put up a good fight- as evident by some noticeable damage the new god had sustained, but apparently it was not enough. The general eased himself in his enemy's grip and with that Darkseid explained Zod his plan and within a few moments, the Kryptonian was smiling.

'If you had explained this earlier. It would have saved us the trouble.' said Zod.

'Patience is the key !' Darkseid helped him up. 'Get your comrade up, we have an army to assemble, a war to wage.'

'It won't be a war, it will be an extermination.'

X...X...X...

**So, hope you enjoyed it.**

**Looks like Goku will be Goku no matter what. **

**What will Diana do with the new stranger ?**

**What are Darkseid and Zod upto ? What is their plan ?**


	3. Chapter 3 Tensions

Bruce Wayne was standing in the Justice League Watchtower, staring down at Earth. The Watchtower was the headquarters of what remained of the Justice League. Orbiting 22,300 miles above the surface of Earth, it also acted like it's first line of defense; sensing any potential threat to the blue planet. It was made up of promethium- a nigh indestructible method, which was required given the level of threat the League faced on a routine basis. And to add on to that, the Watchtower was composed of advanced technology not just from Earth but other planets as well. It was composed of areas like the main meeting chamber, spacecraft bay, teleporter, the monitor centre etc. And for extra security, it was guarded by several warships.

'Earth !' Bruce thought to himself 'So lucky to have survived the attack all those years ago !'' He sometimes wondered if Earth was protected by God Himself. It was the right distance from its star, at the right temperature,at the right angle, the right mass, even the right constituents ! There was no other ideal place for life to begin with. Maybe it was His perfect and most prized creation, that's why it always survived, was always successfully defended when so many other worlds were destroyed- it always survived.

'But everything has a price...' Bruce thought as he flashbacked at a time when this perfect planet was at brink of annihilation...

(A MEMORY)

...

...

'You can think over this again.' I pleaded.

He gave me a 'you-know-what's-best' look.

'Agreed, you trained yourself like never before in the last few weeks. But you've got to understand that this is a universe-level threat we're dealing with; it would be foolishness to take it head on, we have to devise a plan to somehow deal with it.' I said spreading out my arms in frustration. This guy could be so stubborn at times !

'I think we have a plan.' He replied arching his left eyebrow.

'I mean a plan where you don't have to get yourself killed- the League needs you !' I raised my voice, almost screaming. Until now, he had been avoiding any eye contact, but the forceful plea had made him to stop and turn his head to face me. I saw it in his eyes- the realization, the pain, the sorrow. He knew that these may be the last few days he had left, he had always known- that's why we got to see him less often these days; either he was training or spending time with his princess girlfriend, Diana.

He masked that pain in his eyes with a tight, reassuring smile and placed a hand on my shoulder. 'Don't worry Bruce. Nothing will happen to me, I have always survived, always found a way out.'

'True, but...'

ZAAP ! He sped away, leaving a blur of red and blue, before I could finish my sentence.

...

...

Bruce snapped himself back the memory. Thankfully, it was all over and Earth and the entire universe was successfully defended, but at a price.

Earth lost more than 90% of its population, the remaining were scattered in small groups all over the globe trying desperately to cling on to life. The apocalyptic attack had most certainly marred the planet. Entire ethnic groups, cultures, nations wiped out- but one thing good did happen. In the wake of the aftermath, people forgot all their differences in colour, ethnicity, religion etc. and joined hands to form one global community. There were now no more countries or states or cities; just sectors. And the whole of earth came under one global leader. Local influences and traditions still lived on, but were confined only to that particular area.

Bruce began thinking of the role of the remaining Justice League in the Earth's gradual resurrection. Bruce Wayne's company, Wayne Industries, the largest business empire, had merged with the Lexcorp to form the PhoenixTech, a symbolic reference to the world, an inspiration of some sort ; inspiring the people to rise again from the ashes; just like the mythical bird. The phoenix symbols and statues were to be seen everywhere Lex Luthor was appointed the Leader of the World Council, because of his past experiences in running successful ventures- Lexcorp, president of the U.S and his invaluable contribution in saving the planet. In fact, he had been the one to suggest the merging of the two business empires to Bruce. Although, a lot of the leaguers were skeptical of Lex being the world leader, the founding members trusted him and thus voted for him.

The PhoenixTech took it upon itself to rebuild the world and with some scientifically advanced extraterrestrial aid, it did just that. It was the fastest planet resurrection ever known and within 5 years, the time from the invasion to the current one, Earth was almost done.

The rest of the league members became the council members, taking part in day-to-day policy making.

'Time to meet an old friend.' Bruce thought to himself as he stepped on the teleporter, punching in the coordinates...

Diana was dusting her room, particularly a framed photo of her and Superman, when she heard a slight knock to the door.

'Coming.' she said aloud, and crossed the living room to open the door. She came face to face with Bruce Wayne, the co-owner of PhoenixTech. As usual he had come in pretty groomed, his grey three piece suit neatly pressed, his hair shiny and combed back. And as usual, he was wearing a smile on his face.

'Well, well, well, Bruce Wayne, what a pleasant surprise !' She said opening her arms to embrace him in a casual hug.

'Yeah Diana ! Long time no see. May I enter ?'

'Why not !? Please come in.' She said, making way for him to enter.

Five minutes later, they were sipping tea from their cups sitting on the sofa facing each other.

'How's work ?' Bruce asked.

'It's going good, I would say.' Diana replied placing down her cup. Bruce pondered over her words for a moment, and then said.

'If anything goes wrong, you know I am just a phone call, Diana.'

'If everything's fine, Bruce ! Stop being so paranoid !' Diana said in a laughing manner. He hadn't changed at all. 'Besides you have already done so much for us, I can't thank you enough for that. The decision to leave the League, adjusting to this world, then the job. Also when I was... pregnant with my son, you helped me stay hidden, Bruce. I can never thank you enough for that.'

Silence filled the room for sometime before Bruce decided to break it.

'Speaking of which, how's David ?' He asked with a hint of worry in his voice, he genuinely cared for the lovely boy.

'He's ... normal. To sum it up.'

Then began the great topic of discussion, something which had baffled everyone who knew of it. It defied all logic and rationale.

'Can't understand why ? If I recall correctly Clark is his father and you, Diana the mother. Superman and Wonder Woman, gave birth to a; normal child ? It can't be possible !' He said widening his eyes.

'But... it is. And it's for everyone to see. And I am happy that he is, that puts him out of the League. That puts him out of harm's 'radar'. No evil will come looking for him. You know all those enemies we fought over the years, they had no class, would do just about anything to get to you; even hurt your loved ones. I would not want my son to be a bait. Suffer for no apparent fault of his, it wouldn't be fair would it ?'

'Diana I am not questioning your decision to leave the League. I am just curious as to how David doesn't possess any supernatural abilities like his parents ?'

'Bruce.' She said looking him deep in the eye 'He gets bullied at school, bleeds by getting his knees scraped, falls sick very oftEn. You have seen it all for yourself. He is a normal kid. That's it.'

She was right. Once Bruce had gone as far as to spy on him for a full month, wondering if the boy showed his true side when no one was around, but he never displayed any superhuman feats. He sometimes wondered if David was Clark and Diana's son at all.

'Hmmm.. You are right. Maybe the Kryptonian and Amazonian genes had some kind of cancelling effect. When the two met, maybe they rendered some form of an inert effect, suppressed the supernatural effects of one another. It happens at sometimes, in the wild, even within people. This is what I hypothesize at least, nobody can know for sure.' He said shrugging his shoulders.

Diana took a few moments to understand his words. It was the best possible explanation, so she decided to go with it. She silently nodded her head in agreement. She got up and went to the refrigerator and came back with a big bottle of wine.

'But that doesn't make him any less adorable.' She said smilingly, first pouring Bruce a glass of the red coloured drink and then helping herself. Nothing could make her love her son any less.

'Absolutely not, he is a wonderful child ! Shy at first, but once he opens up, he is all sugar.' He added. 'I never knew you drink ?'

'Only on special occasions.'

'Clark would have been a proud father.'

'True, but Clark's gone. And I must ensure that he lives on in my son.' It had taken her an awful lot of time to come to terms with the fact.

'He's alive, here .' Bruce said, pointing to his heart. 'But his legacy will never die. He saved all of us. To Superman !' He raised his glass.

'To Clark Kent !' She said raising her glass as well. And they both began sipping the wine in honour of their world's greatest hero.

* * *

><p>Goku had finally found it. It was a good half an hour on foot from where he landed on this planet for the first time. A little clearing about the size of a football ground was where he had finally reached. He was still shirtless.<p>

'This is where I train.' He said, appreciatively eyeing the area. But there was one problem with that, he had become so powerful that mere push ups or pull ups would not affect his body or ki by any means. To have even the slightest effect the number of such reps would have to go into millions ! That would take an awful lot of time !

'What do I do now ?' He thought scratching his head. There was no Capsule Corporation in this world; although a strange phoenix sign seemed to hover everywhere he went. There was no Kame's lookout or even a hyperbolic time chamber. And he was pretty much sure that there would be no King Kai too.

'Looks like a situation here.' He had to act fast in order to maintain his ki level.

'What would vegetable, er, Vegeta have done in this case ?' The encounter with the mysterious woman was brief, but memorable. She had made him realize the pun of the names of all the people he had ever met. Her ki was so different than the ones he felt around. And the most intriguing feature was her eyes- big and light blue in colour. The way she blinked, how her irises fluctuated, the slight squeezes and relaxing- she was definitely hiding something, maybe pain and sorrow from her past, in those pretty set of hers. Although was called naive, almost childlike in innocence, he knew a lot about how a person feels, the expression one makes when happy, sad or hiding something. He knew it from his not so long ago experiences...

Goku dug his hand in the sack where he had kept his senzu beans. And he felt something that was definitely not bean-like. He took it out and saw that he was holding a capsule ! I opened it and pop came out a capsule training chamber ! It was built by Dr. Brief and Bulma after a lot of insisting by Chichi for Goku ! Apparently it was modeled on the hyperbolic time chamber and served as a portable version of it. It was thus far the greatest invention of the Capsule Corporation.

'Where did it come from ?' He asked himself. Then he remembered, yes, that was it. It was still clear to him, as if it happened yesterday..

(A MEMORY)

...

...

I had tied in the last lace of my boot ready to fly off. I was needed now like never before.

'Son Goku, wait !' It was a very familiar voice which came from behind. I turned around to come face to face with my love, my wife Chichi. I expected her to raise hell as usual, but on her face was a soft expression, a pained one, yet she tried to conceal it.

'For you.' She said lifting a sack with two hands up to my face, her eyes now getting slightly wet. 'Thought you might need it.'

I looked at the sack then at her face. Yes, it didn't look like it but she was heartbroken from inside. She would have cried, but she knew that doing so would only weaken me, would make me want to stay, would make me hesitant. She knew. That's why she said nothing, fearful that a word more would unleash all the emotions.

I took the sack from her and peeked a look inside- senzu beans ! She knew that I would need it, but it never occurred to me.

'Oh Chichi !' Was all I could say, a lump rising in my throat. I didn't thank her because I didn't need to; she could see it in my eyes. Even if I did, I couldn't thank her enough- raising Gohan, and raising Goten alone. Making sure that my sons didn't grow up uneducated like their father, then caring for me when I had that deadly heart virus- never leaving my side. I hugged her tight for a full minute before letting go.

'You take care of yourself, Goku.' She said, her voice on the brink of looked away wiping the corner of her eye.

I took her face in my hands and gently kissed her.

'Nothing will happen to me, I promise.' I said tying the sack to my waist belt. It was time to move, I flew off slowly towards the sky.

'Be back before dinner ! I have made your favourite dish !' Chichi cried.

Wow ! Now I 'had' to return back...

...

...

The strong gust of wind blew Goku's face bringing him back to present time. He slowly closed his eyes, and held his head up in the air, with the wind blowing in his face and ruffling his hair. It was so quite, so serene out there that he let it all soak in. An image of his wife appeared before him.

'Thank you Chichi !' He said with his eyes still closed. She was always there for him.

He stood like that for quite some time before powering up.

HAAAA ! A glowing red aura now surrounded him. But something was not right, he felt too powerful ! As powerful as his Super Supersaiyan 3 form when battling Imperiex; and he had not even transformed yet ! How was this possible ?!

He did not get much time to ponder over it as he felt a very familiar ki signature approaching him.

'I hope your mother doesn't catch you red-handed again.' He said smiling over his shoulder at him.

'Whoa ! How did you know I was following you ? And can you teach me how to do that ?' a surprised David asked, looking at the shirtless man.

Goku saw that the boy's eyes shown with surprise and wonder upon seeing the red aura. Anyone's eyes would !

'Why would you like to learn that ?' He asked curiously.

'So that I can beat up all the bad boys, the mean boys.'

'Why ? Why would you like to do that ?'

'Because they hurt me. They are mean, very bad.' David said with a frown.

'Hey David, you look better with a smile than a frown !' He said ruffling the boy's hair.

The boy smiled, he liked his hair being messed up like that. He had also remembered his name.

'Would you like to see something, David ?'

He nodded.

'Climb on my back.' He did as told. 'Hold on tightly.' Goku instructed, and felt the boy's grip tightening around his neck.

Then he took off upwards..

10 kph.. 50 kph.. 100 kph, he kept his speed at that, lest the boy lose his grasp. He flew up and up and up, and all the while he heard the boy's cry, joy mixed with excitement, fear, fun. Then they reached the clouds.

'Remember the time you wondered what's up in those clouds ? This is what's up.' He said, recalling his own childhood fantasies. The sun was shining at the clouds causing the exposed parts to glow with a golden hue.

'WOOOO...!' David exclaimed, lost for words.

'Lools like heaven, doesn't it ?'

The boy nodded looking around with big eyes, still amazed by the view.

'Keep doing that and your eyes will pop out !'

The boy looked at him worriedly.

'Nah, just kidding !' He said laughing and rubbing the back of his head'

'Goku, look there's a rainbow out there !' David said pointing to a rainbow a few kilometers away. He was about to ask Goku to fly there, when he felt him move forward and within a few seconds they were next to it. This man seemed to know what he wanted !

David climbed to the side of Goku and began reaching out to touch the seven-coloured bow.

'Just be careful !' Goku said, keeping a firm grip on the boy. The boy reached out for the rainbow and got... nothing !

'I can't touch it !' He complained.

'Strange ! Even I thought that I would get to know what it feels like.' Goku said with a long face. None of them knew that the rainbow was just light split into seven colours. 'You better not try to slide down it.'

'Hmm.. that would be a very bad idea. But..'

'But what ?'

'I think if we follow it, we might find a big pot of gold.'

'Huh...?'

'Never heard of it ?'

Goku just shook his head in reply. 'But it sounds exciting ! Let's go !'

And so they flew off in search of the gold.

'Nothing here.' Goku declared, after half an hour of their treasure hunting.

'How disappointing !' David said 'So where do we go now ?'

'Just wait !'

And then he flew away with David, ascending down. The clouds cleared away and they both saw an ocean, vast and endless. Goku flew down and came as close to the water surface as possible without coming in contactwith it.

David saw the blurred water racing past him and he reached down to it. This time he would get to touch something. The water was pleasantly cold, as his small hands cut right through it.

'WOOOOO... HOOOO !'

Then he heard a splash and turned his head in time to see a large whale jumping out of the water, large amount of water flowing down it's body. Then they flew towards it !

'No stop, please !' David cried in horror. 'We'll get crushed by the whale !'

They were fast approaching the whale.

'Please stop !' But his pleas went unheard. Goku was still speeding towards the descending gigantic creature ! The boy shut his eyes tight, ready to embrace the crushing impact. He would not get to see himself die.

Just as they were about to collide with the whale, Goku, at very last moment, cut his speed to half, so that the marine mammal went back to the water first, allowing them to harmlessly pass through the after-splash left by it.

David opened his eyes, he was still alive. Wet, but alive. His heart was speeding as he saw himself ascending to the sky again. He felt excited ! This was the most extraordinary day of his utterly ordinary life ! Despite having a very loving mother, he was always prohibited from doing anything that involved the slightest amount of risk- playing football, jumping stairs, even cycling ! Life was indeed boring for him.

He started laughing out loud, it was all too exciting.

'Hey ! Why this sudden laughter ?' asked Goku looking back at him, but the boy just kept laughing. Then he remembered the boy's mother and how he had laughed when she made him realize the pun on the vegetable names.

'So that's what it feels like !' Goku said to himself, still looking at the laughing boy.

He should have kept his eyes straight ahead, because the moment he did, he saw a large airplane approaching them ! Goku swerved at the right moment to avoid any collision, narrowly missing it.

'We've all got wet. Better dry ourselves up.' Goku said to the still laughing boy and turned to the direction where they came from.

...

Hours later they were both lying naked under a tree with their clothes hanging up. They had spent quite some time discussing each other's lives.

'So your mommy's name is Diana Kent ?' Goku asked again looking up at the moving white clouds. The breeze was moving at the right speed too.

'And father's Clark Kent.' David said biting down on an apple. 'But I have never met him or even seen him. Mommy says he has gone to a special place so that he can keep a better watch on us.'

'Ohh..' He said, fully knowing what it meant. It was best to avoid such a sensitive topic.

'Ahem ! David I think it's time to go back to your home ! Your mommy will find out if you don't.' Goku reminded him, getting both of their clothes from the tree and handing him back his.

After watching David put back his he knelt in front of him and said in a calm fatherly tone.

'Listen David ! This is the last time you'll bunk school to get here okay ! This is not right skipping your school. Studies are a top priority, get it ?! Be a good boy and don't trouble your mommy, okay !' He stroked his cheek gently with his index finger, and the boy hugged him back in reply.

'Thank you, Goku !'

'It's okay ! What are friends for ?'

'Yeah, I guess. Bye.'

'See ya, bye !'

As David began to leave, Goku called out from behind.

'One more thing.'

'What ?'

'Don't be afraid to stand up.'

David turned around to leave for his home knowing that Goku was watching, ensuring that he would reach home safely...

...

'Mommy, I am home !' David declared, tossing his bag on the sofa. He was about to be treated with a shake as usual.

'Here !' Diana handed him the shake. 'You missed Mr. Wayne today ! He came here this morning.'

'Really ?' He asked looking up. Bruce Wayne seemed to be a very nice guy.

'Yes, and he brought you this.' Diana gave him some kind of a decorative box. He opened it and found chocolates, of all sorts inside ! A very nice guy indeed !

'All this for me ?'

'Yes.'

He began scanning each chocolate with an approving look, a smile on his face.

'Now will you kindly explain why you skipped school again ?'

The smile faded, and he looked at his mother. How come she possibly knew ?

'I phoned at your school. They said you never turned up.' She said crossing her arms.

David felt her mother's glare burning through him, he kept quite.

'It was the same man, wasn't it ?'

The boy remained silent.

'You disobey your mother for a stranger ?!' She felt her temper rising. What she couldn't understand was how come a person who David had just recently met had affected him so much that he skipped school to meet him. Certainly, he was a bad influence to be around. But what angered her more was that her son had defied her, her own flesh and blood !

'How dare you ? I gave birth to you, I nursed you, protected you all my life. I centered my life around you. I made you my life, my soul and this is how you repay me ? You defy the only person who loves you ? Why do you do it ?'

It was more of an insult hurled at him. David clenched his fists in anger. True, she loved him beyond anything and he did too, but she had also controlled him for the majority of his life. What he wore, what he did, where he went, everything; threatening him with tears if any sign of resistance was shown. However today with Goku, he had felt in control of his life for the first time, with the man temporarily being his personal flying machine for that particular period of time. Then, he remembered his words

'Don't be afraid to stand up.'

The words echoed in his head several times before he let out his anger for the first time in his life.

'Because you are afraid. You are afraid that someday I will grow up and take my own decisions, that's why you want to control me from the very beginning. You are afraid to lose control, Diana !'

...

SMACK !

The slap was hard across his face. It stung him wildly on his cheek, causing his eyes to become wet with tears. The chocolate box fell from his hands. David knew that he was wrong in calling his mother by name, but it was not something he had planned on doing beforehand. He would never hurt his mother, at least intentionally. Of all her faults, she loved him dearly. He felt guilt, but also anger for getting slapped on saying the right thing, and frustration on how futile the attempt was to lash out at her. All those emotions came rushing, concentration in his eyes and finally he began crying.

WAAAAHHH... !

'Serves you right.' Diana said coldly.

David began running to his room upstairs , still crying.

'Yeah, stay locked in your room. No dinner for you tonight ! And don't come out until tomorrow morning ! Stupid brat ! Like father, like son ! Hurting their most loved ones !' He heard his mother screaming from behind. He flung open the door and lay on the bed wiping tears.

BOOOO ! HOOOO !

He heard the door behind him being shut and locked. Apparently, all his mother loved today, was her ego.

* * *

><p>'One, two three, four !' Zod counted his kryptonian comrades he had freed from the phantom zone. Among them were Faora, Non, Namek and Jax-Ur. These were the kryptonian soldiers that had been sealed in the phantom zone all those years ago alongside him. All of them were now wearing a grey metallic suit of some sort, with plates running all around it, giving it a somewhat scaly kind of look. There was also a helmet of some sort attached to the suit.<p>

'Gentlemen... and Ladies. You might be wondering as to why you have been freed and gathered here.' Zod adressed them 'You are going to be part of a very important mission. As you are well aware by now, our home planet, our dear Krypton is no more. Destroyed by a natural calamity we should have seen coming. It's been so many years, but today an opportunity stands in front of us; the opportunity to resurrect Krypton.'

He let his words sink in the minds of the newly freed soldiers. Behind him stood Darkseid, hands folded across his chest, standing at 8' 9" he towered above them all, scrutinizing each newly released kryptonian. He was not in a good mood, because he had expected a better number from Zod.

'That's it ?! I think you said an army !' He had exclaimed earlier, raising his eyebrows, or his eye ridges as he had no brows.

'Rest assured, these are more than enough, Darkseid.' Zod had said raising a hand.

'If you say so.'

'What you are wearing' Zod continued 'is a special type of battle armour. Very strong, highly durable. Some years ago, I had worn a black armour and defeated Kal-El, a kryptonian traitor, with it. He was the strongest of us all. And I beat him with that armour. This is an upgraded version of it. Imagine the power you hold within this armour suit.'

Again, he paused to let his comrades examine the suit.

'This is possible due to our ally, Darkseid's aid. He and his people helped to improve this. He also promises to help us rebuild Krypton in exchange of a small favour. Conquest of Earth.'

A hand raised up. It was Namek.

'A question, General Zod.'

'Yes ?'

'Are the people of this, Earth, any powerful ?'

'Oh yeah !' Darkseid mumbled sarcastically to himself.

'If they posed any serious challenge to us, do you think I would have been content with this few a number ? As a matter of fact they pose no more challenge than insects to us.'

It was the brute, Non's turn to speak 'Then let me go alone and squash them !'

The New God wanted to slap his own head in frustration.

'Easy, Non. Your enthusiasm is appreciated. But, the situation is not as easy as it seems. Apparently, Earth has it's defenders, they call themselves the Justice League. They are comprised of super-powered beings, some who come close to Kal-El in power.'

'Oh !' Non said understanding the gravity of the situation.

'Here comes the armoured suits come into play. It's previous version stomped Kal-El. And he was the strongest League member. Now, we have these grey suits. Victory will be ours for sure. They won't even expect us. Darkseid's parademons will begin a decoy attack in outer space, coaxing out all the leaguers. Then we will teleport to earth and start a conquest. If the league members get in the way, we will slay each and every single one of them. Then we turn on a machine.'

'What will it do ?'

'Complete the anti-life equation. Darkseid has unlocked the majority of it, and rest will be found in the collective minds of the humans; after we have enslaved them. The anti-life equation will allow our ally to eliminate free will across the universe and be the undisputed master of it. And we get Krypton in return. A fair deal, I believe. And our planet will be spared by the equation, that has been promised to me.'

Darkseid nodded in agreement.

'So what are we waiting for ?' Jax said.

'Yes, let's go and get that anti-life equation .'

'Yes, for Krypton.'

'Yeah, come on.'

'We leave tomorrow. A brief recheck has to be done.' Zod announced, which earned him a few disappointed looks and grunts.

'Patience is the key.' He added.

Darkseid was smiling now. Maybe Zod was right.

* * *

><p><strong>Whew ! A long chapter I believe ( Kind of makes up for the previous one, I guess )<strong>

**Oops ! I think Goku messed up again, causing strains between Diana and David !**

**The wait is over, major action coming ahead ! **

**Zod and Darkseid plan to complete the anti-life equation. But where will the latter resurrect Krypton from ?**

**Do the League members stand a chance against Darkseid and the five armoured kryptonians ? Can Diana and Goku be of any help ?**

**Find out in the next chapter... and please leave a review !**


	4. Chapter 4 Saviour pt 1

**Thanks for all the comments ! I shaped some of my story around it !**

**Now as you must have guessed by the title by now Son Goku will be in action !**

**Here we go...**

* * *

><p>Diana was not herself that night. The whole time she kept thinking of her son, feeling guilty for slapping him. It was true that he had behaved in a manner today like never before, and in the past few days to add, but it was also true that he was her own child. He was her soul, her life. She had decided to abandon her previous life the moment he was born- the Justice League, her friends, even her family; all so that he would be away from her dangerous past, her past shadows. He was the last link, a proof, to a man she had loved more than anything else. A man who was now given a god-like status in this world. A man who wore a blue body suit with a red cape and an 'S' symbol on his chest. He was gone, but had left a part of himself behind...<p>

'Maybe I was a little harsh !' She thought, while preparing that night's dinner. 'I will make him dinner tonight. We will sit outside at the porch. I will read him his favourite story. And I will kiss him goodnight.'

Around an hour later, she was standing outside their room carrying a plate piled with food. She unlocked the door from the outside and turned the knob. Now the door was latched from the inside !

'That brat !' She thought, as she curled her fist and reached for the door.

'Honey ! Mommy's got you dinner.' She said in a loud voice. Silence.

'Honey ! It's mommy !' Nothing.

'Hard Luck ! Must be really mad at me ! Damn it !' She cursed herself before trying again. Still nothing.

'What is he up to ?' She thought.

Of course, she could have ripped through that door effortlessly, but she would have to deal with several questions later on. She knelt down to bring her eyes on level to the door knob and peeked in through the keyhole. David was curled up in the bed, totally covered up by a thick blanket.

That reassured Diana a bit and she began her climb downstairs. But it meant her son would go hungry that night.

'But if he comes out in the middle of the night, I will make him some fresh food.' She decided as she lay on the sofa and switched off the lights.

Diana woke up when the sun rays were bright on her face. She rubbed her eyes and checked out the time. 7a.m. There was no sign of David so he had to still be in the room. And there was no question of him attending school today. However, she had to report to work by 10.

'I think I owe him an apple pie.' She thought as she went to brush her teeth. An hour later she was ready with the pie. She went to the room this time with the hope of getting an answer.

'Honey ! Apple pie !' She announced knocking firmly this time. The boy was sure to jump out of his bed on hearing this. Still no answer.

'What's wrong ?'

She peeked inside and saw her son lying in that same position that he was in last night.

'Hey !'

She burst in through making a loud noise and David didn't move a muscle, didn't even flinch.

'David, it's mommy !' Still no movement.

'David !' She cried as she reached for the blanket and pulled it away. Pillows were what had created the illusion , arranged in such a way that when covered with a blanket they would look like someone sleeping.

Diana didn't know how to react, she took a look around the room and saw the window wide open. It meant only one thing- the boy had run away !

'David !' She let out a pained and heartbroken scream as she sped off as fast as possible...

* * *

><p>Darkseid was sitting alone in his room in partial darkness. It was only a matter of minutes before the invasion would begin. The ship had already entered the earth's solar system. He was lost in some kind of thought.<p>

'This is what I had always dreamed of !' He seemed to speak to someone, but there was nobody in the room. Maybe he was telepathically communicating to someone. He had his planet, Apokolips prepare for this moment. To an outsider, it would seem a living hell; harsh environment, cruel people, and the New God himself. But he knew that such pains would bear fruit one day, which it was about to. The only thing Apokolips and its inhabitants seemed to care about was war. The planet manufactured weapons capable of unleashing war on a universal scale, every single inhabitant was a part of the arms race. And now the Anti-life equation was just within his grasp ! He had planned everything with Zod, nothing could possibly go wrong, the League would never stand a chance !

'Just remember who you serve.' The voice said in Darkseid's head.

'I wonder why are you agreeing to let me have this universe under my control, when you are it's protectors ?'

'What we do and what we do not should not be your concern !' The voice thundered 'We are letting you have this universe, and that too asking so little in return. We are practically giving it away to you. You should be proud that you and your people are going to be part of our divine play. We rarely let lower beings assist us, let alone know the cause of our actions. You call yourself a 'New God' and yet are so much at our mercy.'

With that the 'New God' felt a sharp pain inside of his head, making him remind his position in this apparent grand scheme.

'Hmm.. Whatever the case, the League is finished.' Darkseid predicted, curling up his fists. He had a few previous scores to settle.

'We do not care what you do with the League, but remember this, you are not to kill her. Try not to even hurt her. She is important.' The last sentence seemed more of a threat than an instruction.

'Certainly, I will try my best.'

'Do whatever it takes, but do not fail us.'

The voice fell silent and left. Darkseid's afterthoughs were interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. He got up and found Zod in his grey suit standing by the door.

'What ?'

'We are there.' Zod informed him with a wicked smile.

Darkseid returned the smile.

'Let 's go.'...

Goku had finished his last apple and threw the leftover to the huge pile of apple leftovers that he had created in order to satiate his hunger.

'There goes 215th.'

He was relaxing after training for about 4 hours. Normally, he would train to increase his ki, but this time he had trained to restrain it, for he felt overpowered. He feared that he would casually destroy the planet with one of the energy blasts while training, if not properly controlled. He would not let this planet destroy like the earth which he came from.

'I must learn to control this power.'

However, it was still a mystery to him as to why he received such a huge power boost after getting transported to this dimension. Zenkai wasn't the right answer, for the highest zenkai he ever got after a battle was against Frieza after getting beaten by Ginyu. It was a power jump from 90,000 to 3,000,000, an impressive 33 times. But the boost he now felt was about a staggering 400 times ! Or the multiplier of his base form to Super Saiyan 3 form.

Goku gave it a long thought. It had to be it- The Universal Spirit bomb against Imperiex ! The power from all the spirits across the universe. Maybe it was the the bomb, maybe when pushing it along with the evil into the inter-dimensional rift, he had unknowingly absorbed it. And he was in the Super Saiyan 3 state while doing it, maybe it sealed him permanently with the form's power, yes, it had to be it ! If only he had this kind of power earlier...

Goku sat beneath a tree and spread out his legs, he was still shirtless and wearing that same tattered pants he had worn upon arriving in this dimension. The tree shielded him from the direct sunrays, and he placed his hands under his head and closed his eyes, snoring off.

He was woken by a soft tap on his shoulder, and the silky hair on his face. It was Diana, and her expression was not as hard as the last time, which surprised him a bit.

'What ?!' He asked rubbing his eyes and getting up.

'I need your help please !' She said with a very pained look.

'Me ! Why ?' He asked sarcastically, placing his hand on his chest and raising his brows.

'Have you seen David ?'

'Nope.' He said and proceeded to take a nap again.

'You have to help me !' She said in an authoritative tone, holding him by the arm. It felt so... sculpted, all the cuts and bulges, the tricep; nice and firm, the bicep rock hard, she could feel each individual muscle fibre contained in it. Certainly, his arm was very nice to hold, even more than Clark's.

Goku gave a look down his arm, she held it a bit too long. Diana immediately released it, having been caught red handed again.

'Please ! He is all I have left now !' She was now down to her knees, obviously embarrassed. A look of worry had now crossed her face.

'I am sorry he's not with me. But if you can explain as to why you have no whereabouts of your own son, I will help you.'

Diana felt the taunt, but she needed this man's help right now, her son was not to be found. She didn't fly and look for him in case someone noticed. So, she narrated him last night's incident.

'That was not nice !' He said frowning 'It seems he took my words literally. But the thing is, we have to find him.'

Goku closed his eyes, he knew what to do. All his life he had trained with ki, and part of the training involved sensing other people's ki as well. He tried to remember David's ki signature and then he focused. It wasn't hard to find.

'Follow me.' He said and then sped off before Diana could even respond. She followed him as fast as possible.

David was sitting by a small lake, throwing stones. His eyes were still red from all the crying last night and the lack of sleep.

'Hey little one !' A familiar voice called him from behind. He turned around to find Goku, his friend standing there, shirtless and with a smile.

David began running towards him with a huge smile of his own, but came to a halt midway when he saw his mother standing beside him. The smile faded and he turned his back to her and just stood there with his arms crossed. Apparently, he was still mad at her.

It was not long before he felt two arms wrap around his waist and a big kiss on his cheek.

'Honey is still angry at mommy ?' He could now even smell her lovely breath. But he remained silent.

'Mommy's sorry !'

No reply.

'Please don't do this to me ! Please talk to mommy ! You know that mommy felt bad too when she slapped her honey. That she was so much worried about you. Mommy has learnt a lesson, never to hurt her honey. I am so sorry. I promise never to raise hand on you again. You can do anything you want, from now on, I will not stop you. But please talk to your mommy ! Don't break her heart !'

Tears began rolling down Diana's cheeks now. Earlier she was numbed thinking about her son, where he would be, in what condition, how would he cope up all alone. And now when she had finally found him alive and well, she felt great relief, joy and shame. And that made her cry now.

She felt a tiny hand wipe the tears away from her face, David !

'I love you, mommy !'

'Mommy loves you too, honey !'

And the two hugged each other crying.

Goku, who was watching all this from behind, stepped forward.

Diana then looked at him. 'Thank you so much. If it weren't for you...'

'It's okay ! Besides I owe him a lot. Last night, when he was sleeping by the lake, two wolves approached him, sensing an easy meal. I was lucky that I sensed his ki and arrived on time, and drove the beasts away. I sat by his side until he woke up, even lit a fire in order to keep him warm. Even when I had left him, I kept a watch on him the entire time until you arrived.'

Maybe Diana had been wrong about this man the entire time. He was not so stupid either as she had thought earlier. She was wrong the entire time. She went towards him, a docile look on her face.

'Now since you both have met...' Goku never got to finish his sentence as Diana embraced him in a hug. And it was a tight hug, leaving no space between the two of them. He could feel her breasts pressed against his chest. It certainly felt good, for no woman had hugged him like this since Chichi; and that was a long time ago. His heart began racing, pounding so hard that his entire ribcage seemed to thud in synchronization with his heart. He was sure that Diana would snap at this, or at least notice; but she didn't seem to, and Goku didn't mind being in that position.

'I was so wrong about you, Goku. Forgive me !'...

'Wow, look !' Zod said pointing at the screen to the image of Goku and Diana locked in an embrace. The decoy attack by the parademons had begun, and the Justice League seemed to take the bait.

Darkseid's instructions were clear and simple; reach earth, inflict as much damage as possible before the League arrives, incinerate the League, conquer ! However Zod had decided to take a slight detour. While scanning earth, he had accidentally stumbled upon the princess, an old enemy. He remembered the day when she along with Kal-El had almost got into a battle with him and Faora. But they had decided to stall it for another day. Apparently, that 'another day' had still not arrived, but today was good.

'Looks like the princess has found a new mate ! I swear by Rao that I have never seen a funnier hairstyle on a head or a goofier face on a neck.' Faora said looking at the man interestingly 'I wonder how the boy will handle all this ?'

'Only one way to find out.'

'What ?'

'We pay her a visit.'

'Agreed.' She said with a lopsided smile 'Non. Namek. Jax. It's time !'

The five kryptonians gathered in one place wearing their grey armours, now only one thing had to be done- Boom tube !

* * *

><p>'You have a very unique way of saying thank you !' Goku teased her, earning a soft punch to the side of his face.<p>

'Shut up !' Diana said playfully. Maybe they ought to start afresh. 'So, if it's not much trouble, you can come by my home. Dinner's on me tonight ! Also, looks like you are in a serious need of a shirt.'

'Why ? I thought you liked it better this way.' He said smilingly scratching the back of his head.

'Keep living in that dream of yours !'

'Well, well, well, look what we've got here !' Faora said approaching the three of them.

Diana was numbed by this sudden arrival. She knew who this woman was, and what was she capable of. Instinctively, she steadied herself for a battle. If it was a fight she wanted, then it would be a fight she'd get. No one would hurt her son.

'If it isn't Kal-El's whore ?!' The one who called himself General Zod arrived, immediately waging a psychological battle upon his arrival.

'Oh my god !' Was what escaped her lips.

'Zod would suffice, princess !' He said bowing down before her, obviously a taunt to her fallen stature; she was no longer the princess of Thermiscyra, not after it was destroyed.

Then three more large kryptonians, whom she didn't know, arrived on the scene. All the five were wearing the same armour. Apparently, they had done their homework, come well prepared.

'Shit !' She knew she was cornered.

'Please, not at this time and place ! We'd like to keep our armours clean !' Zod said, sending a chorus of laughter through his team.

'Yeah, or else I'll have to clean them up after the battle, like always !' Non added, intending to create some humour of his own. But what he got was silence, and 'did-you-just-say-that!' looks from the rest of his comrades.

'What ?' He asked 'Did I say anything stupid ?'

'You fool !' Faora barked at him 'You've come here to fight, not to reveal your dirty secrets ! You are here as a combatant, represent yourself as one ! The image of the kryptonian army is at stake here !'

'You will not talk to him like that, Commander !' Jax spoke, he was friends with Non, even before being banished into the krypton zone. 'Rao alone knows what you and General do alone in a room for hours !'

'You will not speak one word against her again !' Zod warned him, stepping forward.

'I will speak two !'

'Then I will silence you !'

'Wow general ! Do you often rhyme your words like this ?' It was Namek this time.

'Don't know, do you often act stupid like this ?' Zod replied sharply.

'That's not fair. I was only asking, General.'

'Me too.'

'You should stop treating us like your servants, General !' Jax said, sounding on the brink of rebellion.

'Why ? You want to be treated like sex slaves ?' Faora asked.

'Look who's talking !' Jax said sizing her up with his eyes.

'Soldier, you better keep your eyes in check !' Faora barked, furious now, no man looked at her like that except the General.

'Yeah, I forgot ! General's personal favourite !' He mumbled under his breath.

'How dare you ?!'

'Since childhood !'...

On and on they went, quarreling among themselves, forgetting that they had a mission in hand.

A big drop of sweat appeared on Goku's forehead as he slouched his shoulders.

'This couldn't be happening !' He said to himself and then turned to his right. 'Hey, David. Why don't we...'

He was gone ! Strange !

'Well, Diana. How about...'

Gone too, leaving a trail of rising dust behind. She had escaped as soon as she had got the opportunity, swallowing her pride. This was the second time she had left him, when he was in need of her help.

'She does have a unique way of saying thank you !' Goku said scratching his head, confused.

'Look she's gone !' Faora cried, ending the small quarrel amongst themselves. They became united once more.

'Looks like it. Maybe we should have focused on her.' Zod said 'What do we do now ?'

'I say we take him out. The naked man.' Non said pointing to the shirtless Goku.

'Hey, funny hair !' Zod called out to him 'You know where she has gone ?'

'Beats me. I thought you'd tell me, seeing that you know her so well.'

'Then you are no use to us ! Faora !'

The commander's eyes began to redden as she prepared to launch her heat vision at the poor guy. She loved to kill men. But she never got to launch it as she was struck by a powerful blow to the side of her head, causing her to land quite a few metres away. The remaining ones looked at the direction from which the attack came..

It was Powergirl. Kara Zor-L.

And behind her was the Justice League.

'That was very smart of you guys' She said, floating in the air 'But you underestimated us a little too much.' And went back to where her League members were standing. Green Lantern, Hal Jordan was in the middle and to his left and right were Powergirl, Supergirl, Martian Manhunter, Flash; Barry Allen,

'Kara, how good to meet you again !' Zod said enthusiastically, with a smile on his face 'I see you haven't... changed a bit.' His eyes were now fixed on that famous boob window, which revealed a lot of her huge breasts.

'My face is up here, moron !'

'Nobody seems to notice it anyways. Besides, my soldiers here have a question for you; Do you wear that costume to distract your opponents, because let me tell you it's working peeerfectly fine !' He sneered.

'Calm down, he's just provoking you !' Supergirl said placing a hand on a tightened Powergirl's shoulder. The latter's fists were clenched, ready to strike any moment. She had to restrain herself a great deal in order to calm herself.

Faora had joined her team by now. She didn't seem to bear any sign of damage whatsoever, as the only reason she was thrown that far was being caught off guard.

'Kryptonian traitors like Kal-El and you shouldn't be allowed to live. If it had been in my power, I would have gone back in time and erased your existence. But then, we need the two of you; you and the other you.' She pointed at Supergirl. 'You see, our planet Krypton is to be rebuilt and we need to gather as many kryptonians as we can; even if they happen to be traitors like you. So, you have a choice; comply or die.'

An evil smile was now lighting Zod's face as he turned to his second in command 'Faora, you should not be so harsh. After all, they are our people as well. Even if they refuse to cooperate, they can still be of great use to our newly established society.'

Now he turned to face them. 'Fear not, ladies. I will tell my soldiers not to kill you, because...' He paused, something evil about to be surely delivered. ' Because, when Krypton will be re-established in place of this pathetic planet, we will be few in numbers. And we will need you fine ladies... to put our count back up ! Krypton will need children and me and my comrades will make sure that you two provide her with just that. You will keep making kryptonian babies, forever !' His eyes brightened at the last word.

That was the breaking point. Powergirl could stand no more. How dare this scum talk to both of them like that ? How dare he even think about it ? She would certainly die before letting any one of them touch her.

With blinding speed, Powergirl flew towards Zod, anger and disgust clear on her face, and delivered a devastating kick between his legs, causing him to immediately shoot upwards in air.

'Let's see you making babies after this !' She barked as she flew again towards him.

Shoulder-tackling the kryptonian general, she flew towards the sky. Up and up she went, carrying Zod on her shoulders. She stopped where she believed was the end of earth's atmosphere.e

'Let's make love, General !' She cried sarcastically rocking her head side to side. And then, holding him by his neck she made her flight downwards, deciding to finish off the pervert all by herself.

It was not long before they both caught fire due to the heavy friction the earth's atmosphere provided. But it didn't seem to slow down the superheroine at all, on the contrary, she gained speed every second she got closer to earth. Her cape began flapping wildly, threatening to part ways if she didn't slow down. But all she cared about was to finish this man.

With one hand holding Zod's neck, Powergirl repeatedly punched him in the face, creating powerful sonic booms with each strike.

'You... will... respect... women... after... this !' She cried with each word followed by a punch.

'Whoa ! That's one pissed woman !' Goku thought, amazed by the sheer display of power shown by the blonde. He had no trouble following their energy levels, he knew exactly where they were and how fast they were approaching, but to the rest of them, it was just a streak of fire, more like a comet about to strike.

'Incoming !' He cried when he felt that the impact was moments away.

The streak of fire hit the ground a few miles from where they were standing, immediately spewing fire, dust and debris hundreds of metres up in the air, in a deafening blast. The ground trembled by the sheer force of the impact, and the aftershock almost threw everyone off balance, Green Lantern had to construct a green sphere around the League in order to prevent them from being blown away, the kryptonians had to dig their hands deep in the ground to stay in place, and Goku had his hands crossed in front of his face to shield himself from the shock, fighting against the strong gust of wind that blew.

Even Diana, who was still running with her son in her arms, stopped to see what had happened; she certainly had felt the ground shake !

'W-What's happening, mommy ?' David asked clearly frightened by the recent turn of events. First five strangers appeared out of nowhere, cornering him and his mother, then he found out that his mother had super speed, and now this. They could now clearly see the monstrous ball of fire and dust, rising.

'What in the name of Gods has happened !' Diana thought looking at it. She didn't know whether the League or Zod and his soldiers had caused it.

Then, came the strong winds, and David was immediately carried away with it.

'Mommy !' He cried, his hands desperately trying to grab on to something. Mercifully, he was caught in time by his mother. But it shook him badly and he began crying.

Diana hugged him tight, crouched over and then lay on the ground. She knew that doing so would expose her entirely, but her son was more important.

'I will take all harm coming his way !' She thought.

'Mommy, please make it stop !' Her son croaked, she could tell by the wet feeling on her chest that he was still crying.

'Shhh.. honey !' She soothed him 'It will be over soon, I promise ! Mommy won't let you get hurt !' She kissed on the top of his head.

One of the trees got uprooted, and fell right on top her, splitting in half. It didn't hurt, maybe they'll pass it. Then another uprooted tree came flying and hit her. Then another, then another. They kept cracking on her, hitting on her back, on her legs, on her head, and she kept taking it all, for her son...

As soon as the winds and the shockwaves died down they all rushed to the scene; the League expecting the Powergirl to triumph over the tyrant, the kryptonians fearful of their General, and Goku went just for the sake of curiosity. It was still dust and debris all over the place, in the air, blocking their vision. Supergirl used her super breath to clear it all away within seconds, and got the shock of her life.

A huge crater about a quarter the size of the one in Mexico had formed, smoke still rising from it. It seemed to sparkle with something, presumably crystals, formed from the intense heat and pressure released from the impact. And it was still radiating some amount of heat.

But none of them seemed to notice the details as they saw Powergirl lying on the ground, not moving. Zod was standing right on top of her, the heel of his boot crushing the back of her head. He seemed to be unscathed, unaffected by the powerful blow, as his armour was still scratchless.

'That was rough, dear !' Zod said removing his foot from her neck 'But anyways, thanks !' He signalled his soldies to come to him, and without wasting any time, they did.

Powergirl, too weak to fly or even stand, began crawling on all fours towards the edge of the crater in an attempt to reach to the safety of her League members.

'Where are you going like that ?' Faora said in a stoic manner 'General Zod is not done with you. Get back !'

Powergirl had barely crawled a few steps, when she was lifted by the belt by Faora, and thrown at Zod's footsteps. She coughed up some blood, nobody had made her do that ever ! Never before was she this helpless, at this much mercy ! She had powerslammed him from space and he was not even dazed ! Surely, whatever armour Zod was wearing, it seemed to rocket his abilities.

'There are far worse punishments traitors like you get.' He said kneeling down to face her. His tone was now grave, implying his each and every word with authority. 'But you and your counterpart are important to our mission. You fight for these humans ! This pathetic race ! They think too highly of themselves. They do not know what true power is, until shown. Surely, you know that from five years ago. When our planet is being rebuilt we will need slaves, and this planet will provide us with that ! Join us in our mission, fellow kryptonian. You'll have to comply anyways, after we've slaughtered the League, save for you and the other Kara. Just accept the fact, it will hurt much less. Our victory is inevitable !'

'My father saved you when you were about to be devoured by the forest, swine !' She cussed with disgust. She had played her trump card, hoping that he would remember the debt he owed towards her, or her father to be exact, Zor-L.

'And I am repaying him by making her daughter of importance in our society You will be a lifegiver. You will be a valuable... 'asset' ! ' His eyes were again fixed on those huge breasts of hers, so much so that he didn't see the spit coming. It landed on his left eye.

Powergirl was immediately held high in the air by Faora, the grip on her neck threatening to crush the air out of it.

'You, lick that right back up !' She ordered her coldly and landed a hard slap across her face. The commander then grabbed her by the hair and lifted her to face the General, who still had the spit on his face.

'Lick !'

'Okay, it's enough !' A young man called out, appearing out of nowhere. He seemed to be no more than 20 years old, with courage that defied his age, standing up to five fully powered kryptonians !

'Ah ! Yes ! I remember you; the kid. I see that you've grown. How quickly time passes !' Zod smirked, he had his next remark already in mind.

SHAZAM !

A lightning struck the man, and he was transformed, transformed into a muscular figure, the world's mightiest mortal, the big red cheese- Shazam. He hung there, in air, floating in his red costume, staring down at the general.

'Look guys !' Zod said, pointing at the newly arrived hero 'Superman substitute !' The group again laughed at this comment. Shazam felt it, because he knew that part of it was true. He was often compared to Superman due to their similarities in power, taunted sometimes because of it, even within the League. Most of his life, he lived in the shadows of the Man of Steel, but not today. Today was his day, to prove the world that he was not a Superman rip-off, he was someone greater, he was Shazam.

'But it seems you arrived a bit late. Because his whore left a while ago, ran away to be exact !' Zod sneered and then chuckled, appreciating his own sick sense of humour.

'Good thing you arrived ! We will be on equal terms now.' Hal Jordan said to Shazam, ready for the battle.

'Yeah, man. What took you so long ?' Cyborg asked.

'The parademons were harder to beat than I thought. But now, since I am through with them. Let's handle these invaders, I want to go home.'

'You won't be running home to your mother today, kid !' Zod said, going into a battle stance. 'Non, take Kara into custody, I will bring the other one as well.'

Non took out what looked like a strap from his armour, and placed it on Powergirl's neck. It automatically closed around her and started glowing green, and whatever strength she had left, it seemed to drain away as she slumbered to the ground and fainted.

'A kryptonite captivator !' Zod explained 'When closed around a kryptonian, emits green kryptonite radiation minus the fatal effects, rendering him powerless, no matter how much he is fed with yellow sunlight. Courtesy of Faora.'

'A kryptonite captivator a day, keeps Superman and family at bay!'

'Jeez, Faora ! You are learning from me !'

'It's your last chance Zod !' Green Lantern said, warning him 'We don't want any of this. You can go back to where you came from and be in peace or you can battle us and get busted, the choice is yours, what's it gonna be- fight or flight.'

'Hmm... Let me think.' Zod replied, pretending to think very hard, rubbing his beard.

'Done. It will be FLIGHT !' He roared at the last word and with a speed that no one had anticipated, flew towards Hal and took him to the air. The battle had begun.

They barely had enough time to register what had just happened, when Faora launched her heat vision. But it never reached them, instead it fell a couple of feet short, causing smoke and dust to rise and fill the air, blocking their sights.

'What the hell, can't see a thing !' Flash remarked. Supergirl was about to use her x-ray vision, when out of the smoke, the four kryptonians emerged and surprised them with their speeds.

Non attacked Shazam, Namek took on Cyborg , Flash was Jax's target and Faora decided to subdue Supergirl, the other Kara. As unprepared the League was, one armour-powered super punch from the kryptonians sent them all flying away, scattering in different directions.

'That was strong !' Shazam exclaimed, wiping the blood off his lips.

'Got any plans ?' Supergirl asked him, while still looking at their enemies.

'I don't think we have time to make any, just attack !' And with that he charged at Non. Using all his strength he tried to land blows on the giant, but the kryptonian just blocked each attack of his. The two now got in an arm lock, trying to overpower each other with brute strength, but the kryptonian soon gained the upper hand, literally, as he picked him up by his arms and smashed him hard to the ground, then again, and repeatedly until the member of the marvel family could take it no more. His muscles slackened, and Non knew that now was the time; he delivered a controlled kick to his face, not to kill, but enough to render him unconscious. He had won.

'Non wins !' The brute declared himself the winner, standing on top of a fallen Shazam.

'Who's next ?' Namek called out, challenging the remaining three.

Cyborg stepped forward, hoping to get the better of him, although after seeing the last battle unfold he was not sure if he could.

He and Namek quickly engaged in battle, wasting little time. At one point their fists collided with a loud metallic clink, causing both of them to move away from each other.

'The armour is strong !' Cyborg thought, rubbing his hand, the wirings and hydraulics in it apparently strained by the impact, whereas his opponent did not show any such signs.

He charged again, this time taking flight. Namek took off too, and they were now engaged in an aerial duel. Cyborg delivered a straight jab at the kryptonian, causing his head to fall back a little, but it came right back in the form of a headbutt and made contact with his face. Cyborg was thrown several metres below.

'That's it !' He said and rushed back to deliver a punch. It was effortlessly blocked by the kryptonian.

'Ha ! Ha ! That wasn't very bright !' Namek laughed. What he didn't see was the cannon forming, but he sure felt it when the sonic boom hit him square in the face.

BOOM !

The soldier seemed to lose consciousness as he began falling to the ground. Cyborg decided to put the final nail in the coffin, teleporting via the boom tubes he appeared right next to the falling kryptonian and with a double axe, hit him with all his might. Namek hit the ground with ten times the speed he would have, if not for his opponent's blow.

'Not bad !' Cyborg said landing next to the fallen kryptonian, self-satisfied. The only thing he remembred next was a blinding flash of red, as he was fully enveloped by the powerful heat vision; it was so hot, and then a strong kick to the face. It was too much for the cybernetically enhanced Victor Stone, as he passed out.

'Can't believe he fell for the bait !' Namek announced, dusting his hands off 'I told him he wasn't very bright ! Score 2-0.'

'My turn !' Jax declared, stepping forward. They were all eager to get a piece of the League.

'You !' He pointed at Flash 'Fight me !'

SHIT !

Flash was seriously reconsidering fighting them, his face tense... and fearful. If Shazam and Cyborg couldn't defeat them, how could he ?

'Barry, you can do it !' Supergirl encouraged him, placing a hand on his shoulder 'You can beat him ! There's nothing to fear ! Nothing to be afraid of !'

'Yeah, but you are pretty much afraid yourself !' Flash said looking at her face. But then he remembred, Zod's 'plan' was sure to scare the shit out of any .

'The whole world now rests on our shoulders, Flash ! Beat them !'

Flash gulped the lump down his throat, and steadied himself for battle. Suddenly, he had an idea ! He ran towards the kryptonian.

'Another fool !' Jax sighed, shaking his head in disappointment before delivering a punch to... nobody ! He missed ! Flash had very nimbly dodged his blow, swerving to one side at the right moment and now he was circling him at blinding speed, causing a blur of red to form around Jax.

'Hey... you... wha... I... wait... where...' Were the words that escaped Jax's mouth, as he was punched, kicked, elbowed, scratched from all sides. Of course none of it hurt, but they sure were annoying ! He tried everything to counter; punches, kicks, even heat vision, but he didn't seem to get hold of Flash.

'Stop and fight !' Jax cried in frustration, receiving a punch in his mouth. When brawn failed, he decided to use brain. He calmed himself down and examined the attack using his kryptonian intellect, to find any opening, any weak spot. He did notice a pattern in the attacks; a kick to his left, punch to the front, a punch again from the back, then an elbow to his right; then over again, but this time it was elbow from the right, punch to his back, punch to the front and finally a kick to the right. Clockwise and anti-clockwise. Jax turned to where he anticipated would be the next attack from and with one swift movement, caught Flash by the neck.

'Gotcha !'

'Oh crap !'

Then the red suit Leaguer was thrashed to the ground and bombarded with several kicks and punches. The last thing he remembred was Jax's foot hitting his face, driving it deep down.

'Stay down !' The kryptonian screamed, as he saw Flash lose consciousness.

'3-0 !'

Faora who was sitting on a rock this whole time, knew it was her turn. She got up and stared at her target- Kara Zor-El.

'The Barbie doll is mine !'

Kara felt the demeaning tone with which Faora spoke, but despite that, every cell of her body begged her to run for her life, for her honour, run away from these monsters who had planned horrible things for her and Powergirl. And now she was alone too, her teammates casually defeated by them. She didn't stand a chance, she knew that. But what disturbed her the most was that, Faora, being a woman herself, never showed a bit of disgust or shame when Zod revealed his 'plan'.

And with that Kara began pedalling backwards, fear getting the better of her. She would come back again to rescue her teammates someday, 'Live to fight another day !', or maybe she wouldn't. She was not sure if she wanted to be in a situation like this ever again,see anyone of their faces again, but one thing she was sure about; she would not let anyone of them touch her.

'Please, leave me alone ! I will not come in your way of conquest ! Just spare me !' Fear makes people do strange things. But it was in vain as Faora and the rest didn't stop walking towards her. In one last ditch effort to escape, Supergirl fired that heat vision from her eyes, holding nothing back. But they still kept coming, smiling at her now, marching together like true soldiers. Thump ! Thump ! Thump !

'Please don't do this to me ! I'll do anything you want but not this !' She sounded near tears.

They stopped, it seemed her pleas had been heard.

'Anything ?' Faora asked, tilting her head.

'Yes !' She said, her eyes now wet 'What do you want me to do ?'

'KNEEL BEFORE ZOD !' Came a voice from behind.

Supergirl turned around to find the kryptonian general back. He was right behind her, cutting off any chances of escape. To his right, he was carrying a defeated Green Lantern. Zod's armour seemed to sustain some minor damages too, scratched in some places.

'This Lantern is more powerful than I previously thought.' He said, appreciating his fallen enemy. 'Even more than Kal-El, if I might add.'

Then he dropped Hal Jordan and looked at Supergirl.

'So... kneel.'

She looked at him for a moment with pleading eyes.

'Kneel... or bend over !'

She had no choice; it was either this or letting the beasts devour her. It was a good thing that the League members were down unconscious; she wouldn't have to live with the shame for the rest of her life. Hanging her head low, she bent her knees and knelt before a smug Zod !

'Good !' Said he, with his arms crossed over his chest 'You will not annoy me further it means. Get up.'

She did as told, but she was too afraid to make any eye contact with the general, fearing to discover more evil lurking beneath his eyes.

'You know, now that you have surrendered, do you pledge total submission ?' Zod asked.

'I do.' She replied in a thin voice.

'Faora prepare her ! She will pioneer Krypton's first royal harem.'

Now she did look up, and judging by the look in his eyes, she knew that Zod meant every word he had just said. She went numb.

'No ! You promised !' She said backing away, she had to run away from this monster.

'Actually, ' Zod said grabbing her by the arm 'I never promised anything. Besides, I've struck you off the baby-making scheme. You should thank me !'

'Leave me alone !' She screamed and proceeded to punch the general's head multiple times. But the helmet Zod had activated just in time didn't break; didn't even crack. She used heat vision at point blank range but to no effect.

Supergirl kept pounding the general, on the helmet, in the abdomen, she even tried kicking him between the legs just like Powergirl, but the kryptonian just kept moving forward, dragging her behind by her arm.

She yelled and screamed and cursed and kicked before Faora stepped in and punched her in the stomach. The screaming was abruptly cut short, as Kara was left gasping for air. She had never before felt a more devastating blow. She could have sworn that she felt Faora's fist touch her spine ! All her senses were weakened as she fell to the ground, still struggling to breath.

'Always wanted to that !' Faora said 'I don't think that Barbie doll will throw tantrums like that for quite some time now.'

'Judging by that punch, I don't think she will ever again !' He said putting the kryptonite captivator around Kara's neck to seal her fate.

Five minutes later, the League members were all cuffed behind their backs, even Powergirl and Supergirl. Of course, they had the captivators to keep them down.

'You can stop doing that' Faora said to a struggling Shazam 'You won't be able to break these handcuffs. They are specifically made for the League.'

'How ironic !' Zod said smiling and looking down at the two female kryptonians lying side by side, and then at Faora, who was standing right next to them.'I was never much of a womanizer. I always thought if I would ever have a girlfriend... or even a wife. Girls despised me, cursed me, even abused at me. And here I stand now, with the best kryptonian women at my disposal.'

Then Supergirl uttered something with closed teeth 'Screw you !'

He dropped his head in frustration and when he lifted it back up, Kara wished she could take back her words. 'Screw me ?! Definitely !'

With that, he caught her cape and ripped it off.

Now, the whole figure hugging costume was fully exposed, which accentuated each and every curve of her body, and so were those long bare legs of hers.

'Much better, neh !' Zod crooned, running his lustful eyes all over her. In an instant his hands were on her belt . Kara knew what he was about to do, but she was too weak to fight and she just closed her eyes and hoped that he would finish it as quickly as possible.

'Not a nice way to treat ladies !' Goku finally spoke up, standing defiantly in front of him 'Even if you were never a womanizer.'

'Excuse me ?' Zod asked, bringing his left ear forward.

'I said, you can leave the girl alone. Go home, have a look at a mirror and then act your age.' Goku was obviously referring to the salt and pepper beard of Zod, making him look like a middle aged man.

The general softly laughed to himself 'What took you so long to grow a pair ?'

'A pair ?' Goku asked, tilting his head to one side.

'The one between your legs, fool ?' Zod was getting irritated.

'Oh those ! I think I always had them, when did you grow them ?'

'Hey, strange man with strange hair !' Faora called out to him 'Do you know who you are talking to ? Or who we are ?'

'We can reduce you to ashes where you stand !' Non cried.

'Oh I perfectly know who you guys are.' Goku said, then he pointed to Non 'This..'

'Please not my head ! Please not my head !' Non prayed silently in his head.

'Is a guy with a very big head.'

'He.' Goku continued, this time pointing at Jax 'Is a friend of the guy with a very big head. That's just it.'

Then he looked at Namek 'He is a friend of the friend of the guy with a very big head. Nothing more to add, I'm afraid.'

Then his next target was the leader, the general 'This man seems to be going through a mid-life crisis, drooling upon pretty ladies half his age, or the age of his daughter standing right next to him. He doesn't know how to respect women, pretty much because he knows he is ugly and, he has a swollen head; the only thing bigger than his head seems to be his mouth.'

With that Zod was shut up for good. For the first time upon his arrival on earth, he didn't know what to say. Even the two Karas who had been weakened by the kryptonian captivator, had gathered enough energy to chuckle.

But Goku was not done yet, he put his hands on his waist and looked at Faora.

'And you madam. Why did your father ask you to prepare the blue-suit girl for a harem ? Because of your previous experiences ?'

The rest of the kryptonians just stared in silence at the commander, but even they knew that she had it coming. Faora was however, stoic as ever.

'You seem to be a pretty interesting person. Are you human ?' She asked.

'Would it matter if I wasn't ?' He asked back, straightening himself, placing his legs a little apart from each other. His face grew serious, for he sensed war. Why not, he had just poked a rabid dog...

'No, because you'll be dead anyways within a few moments.'

And then Commander Faora rushed at Goku with bloodlust.


	5. Chapter 5 Saviour pt 2

Faora stopped just a few feet behind Goku, confident of the outcome. She had aimed at his jaw, with the intention of breaking it away from the head, with a right hook. The attack took place in nanoseconds and the poor guy didn't even have time to react, standing right there when she delivered the finishing blow.

The punch had passed right through his jaw. But she didn't bother, because she knew that at this speed, the man's fragile body would provide no resistance against her hardened fist, hence she wouldn't be able to feel it.

'Let's hear you blabber without your jaw.' Faora smirked and turned around to have a look at him, expecting to find the unfortunate man without his jaw.

But he was standing right there, his entire face still intact with it's entire parts. He looked over his shoulder to the surprised commander and gave her a lopsided smile.

'Can you repeat that please ?' He asked, teasing her. 'Because that was a little too fast for me to follow. Maybe a tad slower this time !'

'Lucky son of a gun !'

Frustrated at the futility of her last attack, Faora doubled her speed and this time she clawed at the back of his neck in an attempt to rip it off, hoping to keep the head as a souvenir.

A fraction of a second later she was back to her comrades and with anticipation, looked at her left hand, with which she had attacked. Again nothing ! It was spotlessly clean- not what she had expected !

She gave a perplexed look to Zod, hoping to get any explanation. But the general was as clueless as she was.

'Beats me !' Zod said shrugging his shoulders 'I think he has some kind of trick up his sleeve.'

'Uhhh... pardon me, but I don't think I have any sleeve.' Goku told him looking all over his naked torso in a confused manner.

The kryptonians steadied themselves, because they were aghast by what the man had just said ! If they hadn't, they would have surely fallen down at his sheer stupidity !

'Oh fool ! You are sadly mistaken ! The true battle now begins !' With that, Zod flew at lightspeed towards Goku. Then Faora followed, matching her general's speed, then Non, Namek, and finally Jax, leaving shockwaves behind as a result of their unparalleled speed.

They all stopped in front of him, and took turns to strike, while still in air. Zod hooked a punch to the side of his head, Faora tried kicking his chin, Non delivered a brutal headbutt, Namek aimed for the temple with the joint of his forefinger and Jax went for a roundhouse kick...

None of them landed anything, as all of their strikes just passed through Goku. And he just stood there, not even the least affected by the presence of beings who had a little while ago, made the Justice League look like girl scouts. The five kryptonians stopped their flight a few distance away from him. Zod was now clenching his fist, frustration clear on his face. The image of the kryptonian army was at stake now !

'All right comrades ! Enough being soft, bring the armours to maximum potential !' He barked his orders.

The armour's metre, which was on their right wrist, now showed full, the plates which covered the armour now widened, giving it a more menacing look and the helmets came out and covered their heads.

'Wow ! Jarheads !' Goku called out, still unmoving from his spot.

All of them leaned in and rocketed forward with twenty times their previous speed, absolutely sure that this time they would get the naked man, destroying everything within a ten yard radius due to the shockwaves. This time they didn't even bother to stop to land a hit, this time they just attacked as they went; kicks, punches, even knees and elbows, Non went as far as to attempt a spear, trying to tear through his enemy.

But again the same disappointing result- they just passed right through Goku, with him not sustaining even minor damages from the attack, not even bothering to give them a look when they had passed by him.

'General, I can't seem to touch him !' Non complained like a small child.

'Did we do him any damage, general ?' Jax asked.

Goku answered that with some degree of cockiness in his voice 'No, but keep on swinging, guys ! The draft may give me a cold.'

Zod was left speechless, they had just given their best shot, given their everything, but to no effect. Such a thing had not happened before, never were they made to look fools like this; surely, there had to be some logic behind it.

'It's easy to act tough when you can become intangible !' Zod finally concluded; it had to be the reason why their blows passed right through him.

Goku now arched an eyebrow ' Intangible ? Who said I am intangible ?' And looked down at his feet.

The general followed his gaze and saw that to the left and right of both of his enemy's feet, there seemed to be small displacements of earth, piling over each other. But what caught the kryptonian's attention was that the piles were smoking , as if the man was moving with intensity within the same spot over and over again, as if the man was...

Zod squinted his eyes a bit, trying hard to understand why it had happened so; then after a brief moment, he finally did- the reason behind it, the reason behind all of their failed attempts, the reason behind the man's cockiness. His kryptonian mind didn't take long to link in the data it received with all that had just happened. On an accord, his eyes bulged out, with both fear and surprise, and a muffed cry escaped his throat...

'IMPOSSIBLE !'

'What happened, my general ?' Faora asked, obviously tensed by this sudden reaction, it was very rare to see him this afraid.

Now, Goku lifted his eyes to meet Zod's , he saw that the armoured invader now understood everything ! He gave him a smile.

'General ?' She asked again, this time loudening her voice, placing a hand on his shoulder 'Tell us what it is !'

'He !' The general said, pointing at Goku and without taking his eyes off him 'Is evading our faster than light (ftl) attacks... casually ! And... we can't even see him doing so ! He is toying with us !'

Zod's explaination summed it all, the kryptonians didn't question him at all;for what proof do you need when you had experienced it first hand ? Faora's hands reached her mouth and the rest were too stunned to do or say anything at all.

Goku knew that look all too well, it was the same look he saw on Ginyu Force's faces all those years ago on planet Namek; when they had tried the same thing and got the same dissapointing result from their same futile attempts.  
>Vegeta, Ginyu force, Frieza and now these kryptonians; all those who treated him like a pushover got the surprise of their lives !<p>

'So are you going to just stand there, or are you going to do something ? 'General' ' Goku's words brought Zod back to his senses. Surely, he seemed to be the most powerful foe they had ever met, but the kryptonians had a reputation to consider, it wasn't for no reason that they were feared throughout the universe !

The five of them walked slowly up to him, the helmets now protecting their heads again, and surrounded him, wary of any impending danger. It was the first time they would have a proper fight after a long while !

'So this is your plan ?' Goku asked looking around. He had already formed a counter to this in his mind given his vast experience in all types of combats. He was just waiting for them to make their move.

And within a few moments, they did. The five together launched at him, giving him no room to escape this time. Seeing this, Goku was left with no other choice but to counter for the first time with attacks of his own...

They all fell like flies, the so called kryptonian 'army'. None of them seemed to withstand a single blow from this man, whom they had ridiculed a little while ago. Non punched from behind, Goku ducked and delivered a punch to the knee of an incoming Jax, causing him to fall down with a cry mixed with the sound of metal chipping. Before Non could deliver another blow, the back of his enemy's head came crashing to his face, he heard a distinct crack before being sent flying away by that blow. Namek tried a straight jab at his face; Goku simply deflected it with his left hand before delivering a right jab of his own, but unlike Namek's, it connected. Again the loud crack, and the kryptonian fell to the ground. Faora moved in with a right hook, but he caught it with both of his hands and executed something which he had learned as a child, something very basic- judo's famous shoulder throw. Except he threw her so hard to the ground that she bounced off it, leaving behind a caved and fissured earth. And when he heard a crack, he wasn't sure if it was from the armour or from the ground or from her bones. Zod was the last to attack, he came in raining blows- right hook, left hook, right kick, left kick. Goku blocked them all with the simplest of ease and when he got tired of playing around, delivered a straight kick to the general's chest. Zod dragged for many metres before coming to a stop.

'Hope you are not tired, friends !' Goku called out 'Because I am just beginning to get started.' It was true, he was just using a quarter of his full power.

The kryptonians got up and inspected their armours, Non and Namek had cracked helmets and bloodied lips, Namek was limping, the armour around his left knee clearly damaged and Zod's chest plate had sunk in where he had received the kick, throwing bits of spark from the damage; he was clutching his chest in pain. But the one to take the maximum damage was Faora, she was having trouble getting up, and when she did, they all saw that she was crouching, too weakened to stand properly, her helmet had broken off and she had coughed up blood, some of which was now on her chest.

Zod's eyes widened with worry 'No Faora !' He called out.

'Looks like your daughter's in a bad shape, general !' Goku said looking at the battered commander.

'She is not my daughter! She is my lover! And you will be dead soon!' The general yelled, charging at him.

Zod now attacked with ferocity, but despite his ftl travelling speed, he fought at speeds of a normal human being, no speedblitzing around. A trained martial artist could go toe to toe with him if given the same strength. But he was a trained combatant, Goku realized, and his fighting style differed from his comrades, it was military style, aimed, restricted, with no flashy movements, to the point, made to maim, or kill.

But despite his gallant efforts, Zod's short-lived flurry was ended when a right punch of his was blocked and answered with a right elbowed hook from Goku; detaching the helmet from the armour and causing a deep red gash to appear on his face, the force knocking him off his feet as he fell face first to the ground.

'If that hot woman is your lover, then you are truly going through a mid-life crisis, general... hey !' Goku was completely taken by surprise when he felt someone's hands grab his throat in a head lock, climbing on him in the process, to increase the pressure on his neck. It didn't take him long to realize that it was Faora, the commander, judging by what he felt on his back... the armour wasn't made too thick in order to maintain the user's speed.

'Hey ! I know you are tired but I won't hitch you a ride back home like this !' Goku cried, trying to get her off his back.

'Do it, general ! Don't worry about me !' She screamed, they would surely finish this nuisance off once and for all.

Hesitation was clear on Zod's face, he didn't want to lose her.

'NOW !' She ordered.

A stream of red light escaped his eyes as it hit its desired target at point blank range. It was something he had learned sometime ago. He had learned to convert the concentrated energy of the heat vision into a more spread out, concussive force, blasting about anything it came in contact with. He called it the heat blast. The resultant blast wiped out pretty much of everything within the radius of a hundred metres, the trees, the grass, the greenery, even the rocks, were turned into grey ash. The smoke hung in the air for quite some time before clearing away slowly.

Zod first saw a silhouette within the smoke. Thinking it to be Faora, he rushed towards it, but stopped when he saw that the figure had wild spiky hair and was shirtless; certainly it couldn't be her. When Goku finally appeared out of the smoke, the kryptonian general saw that now even his trousers were tattered, revealing his chiselled legs underneath, although he wasn't affected by the heat blast, he was dangerously close to being completely naked ! And he was carrying someone in his arms, Commander Faora ! She was lying limp in his arms, motionless and unmoving.

'Faora !' Zod cried, as Goku placed her in front of him. His love was now gone, and it was his own fault, he shouldn't have used the blast, not at this range, not with her this close.

With murderous look in his eyes he yelled 'I will kill you, bastard !'

Then he began his attacks, this time changing his style, a very particular type of martial art native to Krypton. While blocking his blows, Goku saw that the general's attacks were now focused on specific areas of the body, trying to land on some particular points of his opponent's body. Of course, he never allowed them to land on those points.

'That's a new one !' Goku thought, obviously having difficulty in engaging such a new style. He got an idea; he focused, and memorised the points which the kryptonian general had targeted. Then his saiyan trait came into play, it was something which came naturally to him, with just one detailed look he could mimic any fighting style, so why would this be any different ? With confidence, he aped the kryptonian martial art, mimicking just about anything that was thrown about his way.

Zod went from furious to dazed at such an unbelievable feat; he himself took years to perfect the art, training hard to do so, with hardwork and dedication he was the best in the art in his whole planet. And now this man, learning it all within seconds with relative ease, rendered his years of sweat useless. Who was he ?...

'How come ...' Zod never got to finish the question as he was hit in the very same spots he had targeted on his enemy just a little while ago.

TIK! TIK! TIK! TIK!... It was all over as he was rendered stiff, unable to do anything. The move had backfired, he realized. The rest of his soldiers stared in amazement as their defeated general fell to the ground, at the naked man's mercy.

'How did he learn Torquasm-rao ?!' Jax nearly choked himself asking this. Not even he had perfected the art after all these years, and this man with spiky hair had done so within a matter of seconds, this couldn't be happening ! Did they stand any chance against him ? Clearly not, Faora was dead and Zod was down.

With one final hope, Jax discussed one last strategy with his remaining two comrades in hushed tones, they agreed on it.

Jax, Namek and Non, the three rushed at their enemy, but instead of any attemp to hit him, they held him; clutched, to be more exact. The three mighty armoured kryptonians then began pulling him apart from different directions, they had come to using brute force. And what a force it was, Goku realized... What they lacked in striking power, they more than made up for in pure raw stenght. This type of strength was enough to move a planet wherever and whenever wanted. This type of strength was enough to crush a planet, if one had arms of appropriate size. What would happen if he arm wrestled these brutes ? He would not last a nanosecond, for he didn't hold a candle to them when it came to raw strength.

Goku decided to end it; he knew he couldn't outpower them, but he surely knew he could do one thing. Concentrate on his ki.

'HAAAAAAAA !' He cried, focusing on his power source, his ki, in order to escape their planet crushing grip.

'HAAAAAAAAAAA !' A red aura burst forth from within, making his hair and the remains of his clothes, flap wildly in an upwards direction; a sort of an invisible ki blast. The force was enough to knock the three kryptonians off their feet, and they fell like dry leaves in the face of a gust. Relief ! They immediately got back up, but before they could act upon anything else, they were blinded.

'Solar Flare !' Goku used the move, spreading his fingers to both sides of his face, resulting in a blinding solar light spreading out. Kryptonians gain their powers from a yellow star, it is the cause of their flight, unparalleled speed, unmatched might, the heat vision, pretty much everything. Their unique physiology allows the yellow solar rays to store them in their cells, and convert them to god-like powers which they possess. They can practically fight for eternity, as long as powered by a yellow star. In short, the kryptonians are a living super powered solar rechargeable battery.

But never before had the three of them taken a solar light of this intensity this close. The flare caused their eyes to go in some sort of sensory overload, much like a bulb at times of high voltage; too much solar power ! They instinctively placed their hands on their eyes, trying to rub off the stinging sensation.

'Aaarghh... Can't see a thing !' Namek cried, as he opened his eyes slightly to test his vision. It seemed to fluctuate- from visible spectrum to x-ray to microscopic, he had no control over it. Then, an overpowered but aimless red beam escaped his eyes, he had certainly lost control over it !

Goku was horrified to find that the wild beam was heading towards the blonde, Kara; the one who he had saved from Zod. She saw it too, the beam approaching her, death just a few metres away. Too weakened by the captivator around her neck and hands cuffed behind her back, Kara shut her eyes tight and waited for it.

'That's it ! Today is the last day of my life !' She thought, eyes still shut 'At least it's better than being someone's whore !'  
>But she wished she could have lived longer, she was so young, and she had so much left to do in her life ! Unfortunately, she would have to wait for another lifetime for it !<p>

When the beam didn't hit her, she opened her eyes in curiosity and found the spiky shirtless man's back facing her, his arms crossed in an 'X' in front of his face, taking the full impact of the beam that was meant for her. It was the second time this man had saved her. Who was he ?...

The beam didn't bother Goku, while their strengths were impressive their energy projections were weak. Vegeta could have taken the blast when he was on Namek looking for the dragonballs.

Non and Jax saw what was happening, although they had to squint thir eyes to figure out what was happening, the burning sensation had still not completely worn off. But with each passing second that it did, their vision seemed to improve, their sight bettered; thanks to the solar flare, so certainly would their heat visions.

With some difficulty they fired their own, now powered, beams at him. The three beams now had found one some target- Goku. But he held his ground, unmoving even from three full powered kryptonian heat visions. Kara felt the force of the triple beams, even after the man was standing in between her and death. She had to move out of the way, before getting fatally wounded this time. Supergirl gathered her remaining strength...

'You know you'll lose this fight. Very soon !' Goku said, with his arms still in front of his face.

'Fight ? Who said we came to fight ? We came here to have a 'blast' !' With that, Jax deviated the beam to the right, away from him, at Supergirl, who had come in view when trying to crawl away from the scene, having been previously hidden by the spiky haired man. A gasp escaped from her throat...

But thankfully, Goku's reflexes were able to keep up with the sinister act of the kryptonian, as he prevented the red beam from hitting it's target by cupping it in his left hand, which wasn't strenuous to do at all, the hard part was catching it in first place.

Kara looked at him 'Third time !'

'Why you ? Damn it !' Jax cursed at him, and tried to move his beam up and down, his head moving in accord with it, in order to get past his defences. But each time he failed, failed because Goku was too quick to be fooled like that, placing his hand just in the nick of time, saving the unexpecting blonde again and again.

'Fourth, fifth, sixth...' Kara's count grew with each blocking of the heat vision by the man, saving her from certain death. She gave him a look filled with gratitude.

By this time, Jax had grown frustrated, his each attempt failing. He then barked an order which would be his own and his comrades' undoing 'Non ! Jax ! Destroy the League !' So what if they would go down ? They would take the Justice League with them.

The remaining two beams which Goku was blocking with one hand, left him and strayed in different directions.

'No !'

He had no time to waste, in a display of unparalleled speedblitzing, he held the two beams in his right hand. With just one hand he had blocked the two beams of FTL velocity, by moving his it with such speed that it appeared to be two separate limbs rather than a single one. He had created a visual illusion through his speed; created two hands out of one, even to beings who could perceive FTL speeds ! So fast he moved his hand. But even he knew that he couldn't keep that going for very long, it was three on one, eventually one beam would finally escape, killing on of these heroes.

'STOP IT !' Goku yelled, determined to save this planet, it would not end up like his dimension's earth, not at any cost.

'STOP IT, I SAY !' His right hand was now even moving even faster, throwing high speed winds forward.

'NEVER !' Jax shouted back, increasing the intensity of his beam. In his eyes was pure murderous rage.

Goku was left with no other choice. He saw that the kryptonians were truly determined, they couldn't be reasoned with, or pleaded with, or intimated. He was sure that if left alive, they would go on a murderous rampage before destroying this Earth, people like these always do, people like Frieza, people like Majin Buu, like Imperiex... He would not let such a thing happen ever again- once was more than enough !

With rock solid decision, Goku prepared for his signature attack.

'KAAAMEEE...'

A powerful aura surrounded him, his hair and clothes again flapping upwards, this time with more intensity, now he didn't have to hold the heat vision back, the aura would do the job. He cupped his hands to one side as the three kryptonians gave it all to their red beams trying to pierce in through the aura.

'HAAMEEEE...'

Tiny blue sparks began forming in the cup of his hands, his look now menacing. The kryptonians strained themselves so much that it seemed their eyes would burn from their own heat visions.

'HAAAA !'

Goku released the wave at the three, causing their beams to dissipate harmlessly. The blue wave of energy approached the kryptonians at blinding speed, Non tried to counter it with his heat vision, but it offered as much resistance as butter does to a hot knife.

'Ahhhhh...!' The pained screams followed.

Kamehameha connected and caused a heart numbing blue explosion, to all those who could see- the League and the fallen general. It was the third and the most powerful blast of the day. Earth was lucky that Goku had learned how to concentrate his blasts and also the fact that he had learned how to restrain the enormous rise in his power or else it would have been gone along with the entire solar system. When the light and smoke cleared, the three kryptonians were gone, nowhere to be seen- there was no sign of them, no parts of them, no remains of them. It was as if they were wiped out from existence ! Earth would be safe for now.

Goku knew that the three kryptonians were executed, but the job wasn't done yet. He turned around to find Supergirl lying on the ground, knocked down by the force of the explosion.

He knelt to face her and with his right hand lifted her head in order to bring it closer to his face.

'Are you okay ?' He asked smiling at her.

Kara Zor-El didn't know what to say, she just kept looking at him. When they had intercepted Zod and his fellow kryptonians, they had cornered this man, ready to make their kill or so they thought. The League had abandoned their battle with the parademons; realizing then that it was just a decoy. Shazam had volunteered to stay behind, to finish the job. The rest had rushed to stop the death count that was about to begin. The man was in need of their help, standing there, shirtless, thinking the kryptonians to be ordinary humans.

'It would be sad to lose such a cute guy !' Powergirl had joked while entering the Earth's atmosphere.

'Don't you think he's asian ?' Supergirl had asked her counterpart.

'Yeah, an asian with big eyes and a sharp nose. Definitely !'

The remark was racist, but the girls had burst into giggles of laughter anyways, before Hal Jordan had to give them an annoyed look to silence them.

'Sorry !' Powergirl had apologized half-heartedly, still smiling. Then she spoke to Supergirl in hushed tones 'Let's see who gets to date him after this ! Wanna bet ?'

'That's not a fair bet, considering that big hole in your costume !'

'Why ? Are you jealous ?' Powergirl had asked playfully, arching an eyebrow.

'Oh Yeah !' Supergirl had said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. They had arrived just in time as Faora was about to vaporize the shirtless man.

Ironically, it was the League which needed the help now, Kara realized. The man had nerfed the five of them, each more powerful than her cousin brother, Kal-El aka Superman.

'No !' She replied in a thin voice. Since she was weakened by the kryptonite captivator, she still hadn't recovered from that devastating blow from Faora. 'It hurts !'

'Oh yeah ! I forgot !' Goku said and removed the strap from her neck. The sick, weakening feeling immediately wore off and within a matter of seconds, she was standing on her feet with her hands still cuffed behind her back. The sun was throwing plenty of light, she soaked it all in, her kryptonian genes powering her up and when she flexed her muscles... SNAP !

The cuff was no more, and immediately with her hands freed, she hugged him tightly; after all he had saved her so many times in the last half an hour alone.

'Thank you, mister. Thank you for saving my life.' Supergirl finally said when she let go.

Goku's cheeks reddened, he certainly had not expected this !

'Well I... Let's get the others free'

They went to Powergirl, removing her captivator and freeing her off her cuffs. Similarly to her counterpart, she hugged him too as a sign of gratitude. Which side had he woken up from today ?

Goku had to keep himself in check when that hug was made. Powergirl was a... top-heavy girl, and on top of that that huge window on her chest from which her large breasts peeked out. He felt a lot of skin against his bare chest when she hugged him, certainly a very pleasant feeling for any man. But he knew he had to calm himself down, keep that feeling in check.

'Calm down ! Calm down !' He muttered to himself in his head, closing his eyes tightly. He certainly didn't want this girl to feel his manhood rising ! What would she think of him- a pervert ? But prying her off would be rude too. He just decided to let it pass, waiting for her to end this embarrassing hug. All the while he concentrated on his ki, trying to calm himself down and his manhood down. It was a very awkward moment indeed !

When Powergirl finally let go, she saw that Goku's eyes were still shut, muttering something silently, like a child. She understood, and when she looked at Supergirl at his side, she was smiling too; they both burst into laughter, embarrassing him further more.

'So cute !' Powergirl said, pinching his cheeks.

'Did you notice, Kara ? He has a very strong heart !' Supergirl was obviously referring to his pounding heart which she had felt while embracing him.

'Yeah ! And a very strong will too, I might add.'

Goku was now red hot in his face and three lines appeared on the upper right corner of his forehead a la anime-style; the girls were embarrassing him too much ! On and on they went, ranting about him, making him blush more and more- Goku had opened the Pandora's box ! It was easier to deal with the kryptonians.

Luckily, Hal Jordan saved him when he cried out 'Excuse me girls, but I think a little help here would be useful !'

Goku was the first to reach to him and free him, and within a few moment's time the whole League was freed.

'One last work !' He said and started walking towards where Zod was lying. By this time, the kryptonian general had gathered enough strength to crawl, as he did to reach where Faora lay.

When Goku finally reached him, he had placed her head on his legs, with a drop of tear rolling down.

'You !' Zod snarled with a little bit of heartbreak. 'Killed my love ! Killed my wife ! I swear on Rao as soon as I am able to get up...'

'I killed those soldiers, but not your daught... I mean wife ! When we were hit by your blast, it didn't affect me, but it brought her to the brink of death, I had to donate some of my ki to save her. She is alive, look for yourself !'

With that Faora twitched a bit in his arms, then when the general slapped her face lightly, she opened her eyes to see her general.

'Zod !' She mumbled, for the first time addressing him by name.

'Faora !' He kissed her hand and then her forehead. 'Everything will be fine dear ! It's over !'

'Did we win ?!'

Goku fell down anime-style with his hands curled up in air, sweat beads surrounding his head.

'Oh no, you didn't !' He said springing back up, regaining his composure. The Justice League had now joined in too. He placed his right hand forward, with his palm facing the two of them.

* * *

><p>Darkseid was watching all this from his spaceship. As usual, he chose to remain in the shadows, maintaining an element of suspense, letting the pawns go first, waiting for the right moment to deliver the finishing blow. However, today was not his day. This man had ruined it all, his chance at the Anti-life equation, his chance at becoming the undisputed ruler of the world and he couldn't do anything about it. The kryptonian general, Zod, had reached his level of strength and speed with that grey armour suit, and the naked man had toyed with not just him, but five of such armoured kryptonians. It would be suicide to engage with such a dangerous foe directly, he saw what he did to three of them. But he could always come back, for the Anti-life equation, but the opportunity to get 'her' would never be better.<p>

Darkseid saw in the screen as Diana was rising from a rubble of snapped trees and rocks, lightly bruised. She had so far done well to protect her son, as she pulled him out, unharmed. Good !

'You know what to do !' The voice in his voice said again.

'Yes master.' Darkseid's red pupil less eyes were fixed on the mother and son. He had to get them.

'Just remember, don't kill her ! Just injure enough !'

'Yes master.' He said as he disappeared with a boom.

* * *

><p>'You saw what I did to your soldiers. Now it's your turn. You attacked this planet without any reason with the intent of enslaving or destroying it. You captured two ladies to turn them into baby-producing machines, to turn their lives into living hell, and you forced yourself on this girl; the blue suit one. You are evil Zod, and you know what happens to people like you.'<p>

Sparks appeared in his palm as he prepared their execution.

'If you want to kill us, do it. I won't beg to spare us. But let me ask you one simple question ?' Zod said, keeping Faora close to him. 'When your planet has long been destroyed, and you have the chance to resurrect it, won't you try for it ? No matter what the cost ?'

The sparks in Goku's palm seemed to calm down a little, trying to sink in what its target had just said.

'I only want my planet I had diligently protected to be back.' Zod continued, now cradling a silent Faora in his arms, she never raised her eyes ' There is nothing wrong in that. It's just that the League won't let me. I only wish I had saved it in time, paid heed to a warning I ignored. I wish I had not been ignorant. Then we would all still would have a home.'

Goku could connect to the Kryptonians' plight. They were homeless, planetless, forced to live like hermits on an alien world, all because of one ignorance. Their decisions would come to haunt them again and again for the rest of their lives- just like him.

He saw that the two of them were now holding each other tightly, their heads dug in each other's shoulders; whatever would come their way, they would face it together for one last time. It was the very same way Goku had last held his wife, Chichi, in his arms, before she dropped dead silently, at peace finally, leaving him in a terrible loneliness. She didn't mind, he saw then, dying in her husband's arms like this...

The memory opened fresh wounds.

'Excuse me !' He said, pinching the corner of his eyes and walked away from the scene. He had made his mind, he wouldn't kill them, but he would...

'Whoa !' Goku was taken aback, when he felt a very strong energy level in the area. It was the strongest he had felt yet in this world, but who could possess such power ? Had Cell returned ? Only one way to find out.

'I have made up my mind.' He told the League, walking back to them. 'They will not be executed.'

'Wise decision.' Said Hal Jordan 'But, they can't be left lose. You saw what damage they can cause ! Certainly, we will be risking Earth again if they turn rogue.'

'What do you suggest then ?'

'Girls !' Green Lantern held out his hand, addressing the two blonde kryptonians.

Both of them handed out the kryptonite captivators which had held them captive, to him.

'This !' He held it out to Goku, letting him a full view of the strap.

'Ohhh !' He said with an understanding look in his face, bobbing his head up and down. 'But before that, let's be on the safer side !' With that the spiky haired man reached out for the kryptonian's armours. With both his hands clutching each armour, he ripped them open and away from them with a loud metallic screech, exposing the black body suit underneath.

The captivators were placed around Zod's and Faora's necks, giving them a taste of their own medicine. They immediately were rendered weak and a sick like feeling grabbed them. But before passing out they both heard someone say 'A kryptonite captivator a day, keeps Zod and family at bay !'

'See you, guys ! Got to go !' Goku said waving at the League, some time later.

'But why ?' Supergirl asked, she certainly wanted to spend more time with him, to know him better.

'I think I'm done here. Besides that's enough hugging for the day !' He said and flew off towards the direction of the energy level.

Supergirl looked at him flying away with a disappointed look. She hadn't even asked the man his name; how disappointing ! He was surely an interesting fellow; strong, fast, powerful, yet still so innocent and humble, much unlike his cousin brother Clark, who had grown to be a little cocky in his final days, boasting of his powers to anyone who would listen. But this person was so different than any other man she had ever met ! God, he had even blushed like a little girl ! How he survived school was a mystery to her, but maybe...

'Kara !' Powergirl called out to her, ending her chain of thoughts 'Stop ogling that naked man and come here, we are leaving !'

'Hmm.. !' Supergirl went back a little annoyed...

* * *

><p><strong>1o Minutes earlier<strong>

Diana tore through the rubble of fallen trees and broken rocks. She was a little bruised from the continuous barrage of broken tree splinters and sharp pieces of rocks, one of her few weaknesses, sharp objects. But none of them seemed to do some substantial damage as she pulled out her son, David from beneath the pile of debris. Thankfully the blasts had ended; all the three of them. She had waited for them to end as she lay patiently under the rubble wondering how many blasts the Gods had planned to rain down upon them.

'Is honey okay ?' Diana asked worriedly, dusting his face and clothes off. She was inspecting him for any wounds, cuts or bruises, but she had done her job in protecting him too well, he had sustained zero damage. She relaxed a bit.

'I want to go home, Mommy !' David croaked, his eyes on the brink of tears.

'Of course honey ! Mommy wants to go home too.' She said hugging him.

'And eat something. I am hungry !'

'Certainly !'

'And apple pie ! Two of them !'

'Yes ! Yes !' She would make him a thousand pies if he demanded. She knew how lucky she was to have him still alive. Thanks to a man with wild spiky hair, a man whom she had mistaken as a threat to her son, a man she had left shamelessly to his fate at the hands of the kryptonians. She decided to ignore the guilt as she and her son held hands and decided to return to their home.

Their short-lived relief was ended when they heard a boom behind them. Diana went numb with fear, she knew what it could possibly be. Slowly turning around, she saw Darkseid standing there with his hands behind his back and a stoic look on his face.

'Going somewhere, are you ?' He said.

'Mommy !' David cried in fear as he hid behind his mother. Truthfully, she was just as afraid as he was, for she knew what the New God could do, last time she went toe to toe with him along with the Justice League, he had proved too much for them.

'I believe I am not my best looking today.' Darkseid said running his fingers over his face. Then he fixed his eyes on the little boy.

'Hello there ! Are you her son ? Is he your son ?' He asked Diana. 'What's your name ?'

David found it hard to ignore his question 'D-David. David Kent.' He answered, still hiding behind his mother.

'Kent ?! Diana, you never invited me to your marriage ! How bad of you !'

Then his voice grew playful when he spoke his next words 'But as far as I remember, you never got married. To that kryptonian. However word spread out, sometime after the attack, that you had given birth to a child, a son, born out of wedlock. I laughed upon hearing this, because I always thought that Kal-El kept you as his whore, I mean, he never had bothered to step forward and acknowledge your relationship, when your photos became gossip-fodder around the world, did he ? Now what does that make your son ? Umm... A bastard ! Ha ha ! What a fantastic pair you mother and son make ! The whore and the bastard !'

Diana was seething with anger now. Although Darkseid's each word was true, how dare he insult Clark, herself and their son like this ? How dare he talk about them like one of his slaves ? She would certainly teach this 'god' a lesson. Nobody pisses an amazon off and walks away ! She clenched her fists ready to strike.

'Mommy, what's a whore ?' David asked looking up at his mother. He had never seen her this mad before. He decided to drop the question.

Diana's amazonian heritage were now preparing her for battle. It had been five years since she had last fought, before deciding to live peacefully forever. She had never picked a weapon in these five years, never thrown a punch, never trained herself, never even got into a quarrel with someone; she had isolated herself from the main world as much as possible. But today, she was forced to go down the same path she had left years ago, to protect her son. As much as she tried to bury her past, it had clawed it's way back. The very dangers she had run away from, had now followed, followed back to her; and her son.

'But after today, there would be no more running.' She thought.

'Are you going to do something ? Other than run away, I mean.' Darkseid asked, with a bored look on his face.

'No. I am just waiting for you to make a move.'

'Let's make it some fun. What do you want me to do ?'

'Die !'

Diana charged at Darkseid with a chilling warcry, her body and mind now fully prepared for the battle. The adrenaline rush surely seemed to excite her. Seeing the Amazonian approach him, he threw in a casual straight left punch at her. She slowed down a bit and caught the giant fist with both of her hands, the force of it pushing her back a little. The New God then aimed at her head with a right hook, thinking her to be too focused on holding back his left hand. The blow missed cleanly, as she ducked at the right time to avoid being hit. Then using her entire body's momentum she rose in an uppercut, her fist connecting neatly with his chin.

Darkseid staggered back a step; seeing another opening, Diana delivered a thunderous heel kick to the gut of her 9 feet tall adversary. He went back two steps, before regaining his balance. Smile now crossed his face.

'Looks like it's going to be fun, after all !' She said.

He spat on the ground. Apparently, he had underestimated the Amazonian.

Diana moved in with lefts and rights, each blow being blocked by Darkseid. When she went for a straight left kick to the chest, he sidestepped; avoiding it , and using his long arms caught hold of her neck.

'Not so much fun now ! Is it ?' He sneered, lifting her up by the neck and bringing her to his face level. Big mistake. Because when he did, Diana found it very easy to connect her knee to his face, with a loud thud. He loosened his grip on her as the blow stunned him temporarily for a moment. Furious now, Darkseid decided to stop playing around. He charged at her and delivered a kick of his own to her face.

Diana was thrown some hundred feet away before coming to a stop. The big god's speed had surprised her. When she got up, she saw that her clothes were now ripped from several places, her hair dishelmed, covered with dirt and she tasted something warm and salty - blood. The kick had drawn blood from her lips.  
>She gave him one defiant look, before charging again at him with full speed.<p>

Darkseid didn't do anything except sidestepping from the line of trajectory and clothslining her with his left hand. The move did not stop her, in fact it did not even slow her down, she was moving perfectly fine along the same path with the same speed. Except now that she was flipping uncontrollably, spinning wildly head over heels over head over heels..

Even Darkseid chuckled sadistically at the sight of the poor woman's plight. Diana's flipping came to an end when she crashed gut first into a large boulder, cracking it into several pieces. She saw dots and stars in front of her face when she opened her eyes. Getting herself back up with much difficulty, she tasted more blood. Her right sleeve was gone, exposing the light skin of her strong arm and her pyjama's left leg ripped through the entire length of it.

Gathering her strength back up, she charged at him again, albeit carefully this time. They exchanged blows since Diana was now fighting calculatingly, keeping a safe distance, using her experience, hitting whenever the opportunity presented itself.

However, Darkseid quickly gained the upper hand having far more experience than the Amazonian princess. At one point Diana focused all her strength into one punch, hoping to do some serious damage, but the New God simply jumped over and softly landed behind her. Strength had to be compromised with speed, as she was still in the swing of the mighty punch, when she realised that the enemy was behind her she decided to go for the punch again. But it was too late; Darkseid has already anticipated it, and with one fluid movement, quickly spun around and connected a vicious swinging backhand to the unsuspecting woman, who caught it directly onto her face.

The force was tremendous ! Diana swore she heard her jaw crack when the giant fist connected. She was thrown face first in to the ground. She knew she had lost because now Darkseid had placed a foot on her; it wasn't necessary because she didn't have the strength to get back up anyways. It was over !

Fear gripped her heart though it was not for herself, but her son. What would happen to him now ?

The question was answered when David came running to her, crying 'MOMMYYY...!'

He began prying Darkseid's foot off her mother's chest, but it didn't move an inch.

'He really is your son !' He said, clearly impressed by the little boy's courage.

'Leave my mommy alone !' David yelled, now pounding his small fists against the giant's leg. 'Leave my mommy alone !'

'Run David ! Run !' She managed to somehow scream through her broken jaw. Her fear rose when she saw Darkseid lift her son by the nape of his neck. Even then he was kicking and screaming in his grasp. The New God simply tossed him to the ground, laughing sadistically at the boy's futile attempts.

David got up in no time and ran back at the monster. However a large hand was placed in his head, preventing him to go any further, preventing his small hands and feet to reach their target. He kept flailing his arms and legs in an attempt to hit Darkseid, but the giant hand paced on his head simply didn't allow him to. He flicked the boy away like an insect.

'Your heart is as ugly as your... FACE !' David yelled at him when he got back up.

'Wha...What did you just say bastard ?' Darkseid took a step towards him. He tried to take another, but couldn't... why ? He looked down to find Diana tightly holding on to his leg, preventing him to walk further.

'Please don't hurt him !' She cried, holding on tightly. The reply she got back was a hard kick to her temple. She immediately knew that it cut the side of her head open, when she felt hot blood tricking down her face.. but she held on, held on for her son.

'Stop hurting my mommy !' The boy barked, apparently ordering him to do so. How dare this weakling talk to him like that ? He must be taught a lesson.

'You mean stop hurting her like this !' Darkseid said and proceeded to kick the boy's mother in the ribs.

Diana heard a sickening crack as the foot caved in her ribcage. Broken ribs ! The pain was unbearable as her eyes bulged out and she coughed some blood, the kick seemed to throw everything inside of her out. Again she was crippled by a fresh burst of pain, this time a little lower. Then again, again, and again.

'MOMMY... !' David wailed for his mother.

Goku just arrived in time to see Diana being treated like a dog, kicked repeatedly over and over while she lay on the ground, clasping the giant's feet tightly. Her beautiful face was now partially bloodied and her hair covered in dirt. He would forever admire her grit and determination when he saw that not once did the woman let the monster go, not once did she loosen her grip. She took the pain, the torture for her son. The monster would certainly pay for this...

Goku took a step from behind the trees wanting to end this madness, but stopped...

'Unreal !' He exclaimed.

A second power surge, this time even greater than the previous one. But it was different, it seemed to be harnessed from ki, but who ?

Goku had spend enough time in this dimension to deduce that this world's beings didn't derive their powers from ki, he doubted if anyone here would even know how to manipulate it. Their powers were a part of their physical trait, not a spiritual one like his. But who had learned to suddenly harness his ki to such an astronomical level ?

The ki signature was certainly coming from close by; Diana was well... out of the question, the giant had a different signature and a lower one too, which left...

'David !' He stared flabbergasted at the little boy. Was it possible ? He somewhere knew that the boy might have some hidden powers since his mother was a super being too, but this much ? ... He saw the boy bend down and effortlessly scoop up a volleyball sized rock with one hand.

'Leave me, you leech !' Darkseid yelled, still kicking Diana. Whatever internal organs she must have had, it would now surely be pulp, and her ribcage must have turned to cracked eggshells. He stared in horror at what he had done in a fit of rage. What if she died ? He would most certainly be erased from existence. He must...

Further thoughts were cut short when a giant rock cracked in his head. The blow didn't hurt, but it was enough to capture his attention. Who dared such a thing ?..

He scanned the area- no one was around. Then he looked down at the boy. He seemed to be surrounded by a light aura, his stance ready for battle. All his life he had been bullied by his schoolmates for being a nerd, a geek. No one seemed to like him, he was made fun of everywhere he went. Sometimes sitting alone in his room, he wondered why he was not strong and courageous like other boys. When would he learn to start standing up for himself ? Apparently, now was a very good time...

'How come ?' Darkseid wondered, staring at the aura surrounding the boy.

'You. Stop. Hurting. My. MOMMY !' David charged at a speed even the New God couldn't apprehend and dug his little fist in the monster's gut.

Pain seized his entire body as Darkseid was completely taken by surprise. The fist's small surface area seemed to concentrate the pressure exerted by his arm, as it went in more deeply than an average person's hand would have. Darkseid had never felt such pain before, given by such a young boy, how was it possible ? His legs seemed to give in as he dropped down to his knees, clutching his stomach. The punch had drained him off his strength, hollowed him from the inside.

'Leave my mommy alone !' David yelled again before delivering a kick to the so called New God's face that sent his nearly a ton body flying far away.

'Way to go David !' Goku thought smiling to himself. The event had brought back memories from long ago when little Gohan had saved him similarly from certain death at the hands of his evil brother Radish er, Raditz.

Then he felt something horrible happen, Diana's energy level dropped dangerously below. She was moments away from death !

Goku sped towards her and David hoping it wasn't too late. David's eyes shined with joy when he saw his spiky friend standing besides him.

'Diana !' He said worringly and lifted her head to put it in his lap. Her eyes were about to close as she saw her son standing with Goku.

'Run David ! And Goku please take care of him !' She said, certain of her death. But it wouldn't be bad; soon, she would see Clark again and they would be reunited once more – Superman and Wonder Woman.

Fortunately or unfortunately for Diana, Goku had dug out the bag of senzu beans, which he had buried earlier as a precaution, on his way here. He reached for the bag tied to his waist and took out a green coloured bean.

'Eat.' He said placing it in her mouth. She did, with her remaining strength.

Diana would live, Goku knew. But the extent of the damage was too much, even for the senzu bean, she would at least need a day's rest. He was reassured when he felt Diana's energy level rise back up, she would be strong once again, but right now, she would need protection, both of them, because David's spectacular display of power was short-lived, as the aura around him disappeared bringing his ki back to normal.

'The monster.' David croaked, summarizing the entire incident in two words.

'I know.' Goku said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. Getting up, he fixed his eyes on the monster who fancied himself a god. He was back and apart from a few bruises, was okay. Good, he would not get an excuse to whine at later !

Darkseid was back for the boy. How dare he insult him like that ? He was just furious thinking what his people would say when they would know that their ruler, the mightiest New God, got thrown around by a little boy ! Certainly, he could not allow such thing to happen ! He would smash the boy under his feet. He focused his eyes on him. So much so that he didn't see the punch coming.

The blow stung him, and he swung his hand wildly in air in order to land a lucky hit on his assailant. Another strike rocked him. The boys punch hurt him a lot, but this one threatened to knock everything inside of him out through his mouth. It was only after his eyes bulged out that he clearly saw his attacker. The shirtless man, with the spiky hair, and his hand was still dug deep in his gut.

The opportunity was perfect; the man was just a foot away from his own face. His eyes began to glow as he prepared to launch his signature attack- Omega Beams ! The twin beams escaped his eyes and shot out towards Goku.

WHUUSHH !..

He wasn't there, just disappeared in thin air ! Darkseid patiently waited for him to reappear. When he did, to his right, the god's eyes glowed again ready to shoot, but the man disappeared again, causing him to cease his attack. Then Goku seemed to appear again, this time to his right; again the glow in Darkseid's eyes and again he disappeared. The New God was now getting frustrated.

'Where are you ?' He cried.

'I am here.' Goku called from behind.

Darkseid swung his hand around to the direction from which the voice came but again, he hit nothing. That's how Zod and his team must have felt like, he realized.

'Sorry, I am here.' Goku chirped, appeared in front of him.

'No, I am here.' Another Goku was standing a feet to his right, a silly grin on his face.

'Really, it's me here !' A third Goku waved, standing a little behind the first one. It was then Darkseid realized what was happening, the man was moving so fast that he was leaving behind after-images ! Then just like that, several Goku after-images appeared, spreading randomly all across the place and the New God's ears were filled with cries of 'I'm here', 'I'm here' coming in from all directions.

'What's happening ! I can't see him moving... even with my godly eyes !' He exclaimed as after-images appeared and disappeared in front of his 'godly eyes'. He knew that the man was powerful, but this much power... even he had not expected.

'Stop it !' He cried as he shot out Omega Beams once more at one of his several targets. The images disappeared as the real Goku materialized and delivered a powerful uppercut to his chin. The force caused his eyes to shut on their own accord, and the supply to the Omega Beams was cut off. The force was also powerful enough to launch him several metres up in the air.

Goku followed him and an aerial battle ensued. However, his strikes were too fast for Darkseid to counter, or even follow. To him it was just a blur of rights and lefts, striking wherever possible, causing huge successive shockwaves and a lot of pain wherever they hit. It sounded more like a helicopter hovering around, a very big helicopter, it even felt like a helicopter hovering around as the subsequent shockwaves disturbed the air current around them, causing strong winds to blow downwards, so quick and powerful were his strikes.

One such blow threw Darkseid quite a distance away. Too battered, he had no more strength to fight, but he had enough strength to launch a surprising Omega Beam at his unsuspecting enemy. He saw with relief as the beams connected this time and blew up in smoke, erasing the danger once and for all.

But when the smoke cleared, Darkseid to his horror, saw that Goku was still standing there, unharmed, unscathed, with his arms crossed in front of his face in an 'X'. He couldn't believe his eyes for it was not something his eyes were used to; nobody had survived his Omega Beams directly before, except Kal-El. That could possibly mean only one thing, there could be only one explanation behind it- the Source was protecting him. Only those protected by the Source could survive his Omega Beam; and they had to be of this dimension. This man wasn't, he knew, arriving only a few days ago. Then what had he done, for the Source to chose him ?!

However, unknown to Darkseid, Goku had played a little trick. During his time at Kibito Kai's place preparing for Imperiex, the god had taught him how to manipulate his ki to put up an energy barrier, a valuable asset to his arsenal. The barrier could take on star-busting blows with ease. It was of good use against powerful energy projections, just like this one. It was the energy barrier that had saved him from the Omega Beam, although it was incinerated the moment it came in contact with it. And since putting it up caused a great deal of ki strain, he was not planning on using it again for some time now.

Goku lowered his hands 'Done with the fireworks, are we ? DESTRUCTO DISK !'

With that, he quickly shot the formed disk from his hand at the god, slicing his right arm off.

Darkseid screamed in pain before receiving a knee to the gut. He doubled over by that blow only to get elbowed at the back sending him crashing down to the ground at breakneck speeds. The fourth crater of the day was formed.

Goku knew that the battle was over, when he sensed Darkseid's energy level drop. However, he approached the crater with caution, as he now knew what his Omega beams could do. Slowly, the smoke cleared and the New God was nowhere to be seen.

'Where did he go ?' He thought. 'Whatever it takes, I will finish him today. He is too dangerous and too evil to be left alone.'

With that, Goku closed his eyes and focused on his energy level. Found it. But it was far above, in outer space. And it was fast approaching Earth. At dangerous speed.

* * *

><p>'To hell with Anti-life equation, to hell with Diana !' Darkseid thought, as the spaceship now approached Earth. His plan was simple; destroy Earth, save the surviving humans. His masters would most certainly save the amazonian and her child. He saw Earth growing in size, as his spaceship approached it, just five times the distance now between the moon and the Earth.<p>

* * *

><p>The Justice league had arrived on scene, a few minutes after the disappearance of Darkseid. Zod and Faora were held captive at the satellite Watchtower, under the watch of the young Justice League, a simple enough job for the enthusiasts. The core members were the first ones to break the news to Goku.<p>

'What are you saying ?' He asked dumbfounded. The situation was more complicated than expected.

'It is true, friend. He means to destroy us all.' Hal Jordan answered with a grave look on his face. He alone would not be enough to stop the Apokolipian spaceship from destroying Earth and he did not have time to call for help from the Green Lantern Corps. Powergirl and Supergirl at the best could slow it down with their kryptonian strength, but with the hellspores around, they wouldn't be very efficient. They seriously missed Superman; so they needed help from this man.

Goku knew what had to be done. He was right about Darkseid.

'Please mister ! We need as much help as possible !' Supergirl said holding his arm. Wow !

'How big it is ?' He asked curiously.

'It's certainly as big as Clark's.' She answered absentminded, still appreciating that bicep.

'I meant the Darkseid's spaceship, not my arm.' Goku said, looking blatantly at Kara. What was wrong with her!

'Uhh.. sorry ! I mean...'

'It's as big as the moon !' Powergirl told him, cutting her off. The numb look on her face explained everything.

Goku was now smiling, that little piece of information had brought back some old memories- Master Roshi !

'Hey man ! I think we are in the middle of a crisis here !' Flash said, sounding a little annoyed 'We are all going to get killed ! What do you suggest we do ?'

'Just wait !'

'Huh...' Everybody exclaimed in unison at this casual remark. Maybe the victories had gotten onto his head.

They didn't have to wait long as the moon-sized spaceship appeared in the sky, closing in slowly.

Goku was waiting for the moment. Turning to his right to look at David he asked 'Do you like fireworks ?'

'Sure !' He replied with a smile; more surprises courtesy of Son Goku.

'Everyone just stay where you are.' Then he flew towards the approaching spaceship with a wide smile on his face.

'I hope Goku knows what he's doing.' Diana thought as he disappeared out of sight. Either he would destroy the ship ... or he wouldn't.

'Die !' Darkseid said as he saw the spiky haired man again on his screen and pressed a button.

Goku was now outside the edge of Earth's atmosphere, just entering outer space. He had taken a huge gulp of air before doing so. Before him stood the gigantic spaceship, so large that he was swayed by the mere size of it. Then the ship ejected black egg-shaped burning objects, hellspores. They were specifically made to destroy a planet, burning through it's core and ending it. Small planetbusters !

He took the blasts to his chest. Darkseid's forces watched as the man was struck repeatedly by the hellspores, each blast adding to the previous one's force. Even the Justice League down below could see it in the form of tiny twinkles. They counted twenty such blasts before the barrage stopped; twenty planet busting attacks ! And yet when the smoke cleared, Goku was still there, in all his glory, totally unscathed by the attack which could have destroyed Earth twenty times over !

'Done playing ? My turn !' With that he cupped his hands to one side.

'KAMEHAMEHA !' Goku let forth the destructive wave from his palms, aiming at the moon-sized spaceship.

'This one's for you Master Roshi.'

The beam hit the spaceship and if the blast had taken place on earth, the whole world would have shook . But Goku felt nothing as he was engulfed in the blue light, just peace.

'Wow !' David exclaimed as he saw the light from Earth down below. For a brief moment the whole planet was engulfed in a pleasing blue light, everyone dropped their work to look at what had happened; Had God finally arrived to carry out justice ? Was it the Judgement Day ?

But to little David none of that mattered; all he knew was that Goku had kept his promise...

**Yo Son Goku, the saviour !**

**I understand some of the dc fans have issues with Goku's power, but as I have stated- Base Goku = SSJ3 Z Goku.**

**With Zod and Darkseid gone, Earth is safe for now..**

**But who control the New God ?**

**But what happens next ? Find out in the next chapter.**


	6. Chapter 6 Flashbacks pt 1

**Like the previous one, this chapter too will come in two parts.**

**I'd like to clear some issues people had regarding the previous chapters :-**

**"GOKU IS OVERPOWERED !"**

**Actually he is not, if you read carefully, I have explained that when Goku was pushing the universal spirit bomb containing Imperiex through the inter-dimensional rift, he was in his Super Saiyan 3 form. The bomb as powerful as it was, sealed him permanently with the form's power.  
>So now, base Goku = SSJ3 Goku ( Imperiex saga).<strong>

**"ZOD AND KRYPTONIANS WERE OUT OF CHARACTER !"**

**I have made it clear that I tend to 'spice-up' some characters and stories. The kryptonians had gained a huge power boost, so when people become almighty they tend to act a little arrogant. Moreover, I don't think that Zod was acting like a teenage who had just hit puberty. He was mean and abusive, but certainly not an adoloscent. Moreover, I decided to give him a little more badassery ! ( I believe the cheesy one-liners worked )**

**"HATE POWER CROSSOVERS ( DAVID USING KI ) !"**

**Can't do anything about that ! But David using ki is definitely essential to this story.**

**"WHY DIDN'T GOKU USE INSTANT TRANSMISSION WHEN HE SENSED DARKSEID'S ENERGY ?"**

**I agree, it was a plot-hole on my part, a PIS ( Plot Induced Stupidity ), and I will be more careful next time. ( Thanks for bringing that up ! )**

**"WHY DID GOKU JUST STAND THERE AND WATCH AS THE KRYPTONIANS WERE PLUMMETING THE JUSTICE LEAGUE ?"**

**That, I intend to bring up in the next part, so stay close !**

**As the title suggests, the two parts will throw some light on both the parties, their history and the events leading up to this. So, here we go...**

* * *

><p>The bright flash had long ended, and the Justice League knew that it had won, for not even the remains of the colossal ship were in view now. But where was Goku ? Was it some kind of suicide mission ? Had he sacrificed himself just like Superman ? To ensure that Earth survives once again ?<p>

Diana was still staring at the sky, hoping to see her saviour descend down from it anytime now; all smiles and victories. She didn't know how she would thank him; saving David from the wolves, keeping him warm throughout the cold night, then again saving him along with herself from Darkseid and finally saving the entire planet from eminent destruction; all within a day's work. Certainly, he was a hero.

"Where is Goku, mommy ?", David asked, tugging at her sleeveless arm. He was starting to get worried.

"Don't know son. I am waiting for him too !"

Each passing idle second added up to the tensions that was now beginning to build among the League. Faces went from joyous to worried when the spiky haired man did not return still.

"He's gone too, like Clark !", Diana concluded, with a very sad face. The senzu bean had almost done it's work, the injuries were repaired, broken bones mended and the cuts and gashes were gone too. Still, the beating she had received was too much as she was still leaning on Supergirl for support, clutching her ribs.

"Hey ! You are not doing anyone any good by saying that !", The blonde kryptonian lashed back at her. She was sure that the saviour would return soon.

Diana chose to remain silent, maybe Supergirl was correct. Minutes passed, each feeling like an hour, but still there was no sign of Goku. It was then that the Amazonian called out "Goku ! Where are you ?"

"Yeah ! Goku, where are you ?", David joined in, calling out with his hands cupping his mouth.

Soon the rest of them joined in, calling out for the spiky haired hero, over and over again.

"Son Gokuuu.. !" Diana finally screamed with all her might, causing her to hurt her own ribs in the process. She winced in pain, clutching her sides, her head down in discomfort.

"Please come back !", She cried softly to herself.

"Wrong time to play hide and seek I guess !"

They all wheeled in the direction of the sound. It was Goku, his hand on the back of his head, beaming a smile at all of them. He was perfectly fine, not as much as a bruise or scratch on his chiselled body, as if nothing had happened that day.

"Yeeeee... !", David was the first one to run to him and jumped high enough to cling to his chest. Holding on like a monkey, he placed the side of his head against the bare torso, closing his eyes; letting it all soak in.

"Easy there little one !", Goku said lovingly, stroking the boy's soft hair.

"Please don't leave us again.", The boy mumbled, his eyes still closed.

"I won't. Promise !"

"Pinkie swear ?!", David looked up brightly at him, holding out his pinkie; his own way of making people promise things to him. And like all kids, he believed that it always worked.

Goku's first response was a confused look, he turned to Diana for aid. The Amazonian softy nodded her head in reply. 'Just do it', it meant. He nodded back and entwined his own pinkie finger with that of the boy's.

"Pinkie swear !"

Their fates were sealed...

* * *

><p>They were all waiting for him. The Justice League had arrived at the Watchtower more than three hours ago; Green Lantern, Supergirl, Powergirl, Flash and Cyborg, and for the first time in five years, Diana and David too. The boys eyes widened in amazement when he saw the insides of the Watchtower, he had always heard stories about it, the myths surrounding it, but never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that he would one day get to actually visit it – how jealous his classmates would be now !<p>

The first thing Goku had insisted upon arriving was a proper bath, which, judging by the smell coming from him, he didn't have for many days. Then he would want a dress.

"A very particular type of dress !", He had emphasized, raising a finger. Then he gave them the details, the measurements were taken (which the tailor had very much difficulty in doing !) and it was told that it would take at least an hour to get done. Supergirl and Powergirl had gladly volunteered to make sure that the warrior was well tended to, much to Diana's disappointment, and envy.

"We will certainly make him feel at home !", They had said before disappearing with Goku in a room, he hesitated at first, but got pulled inside anyways. Soon, loud bangs and forced cries were heard from the other side of the door.

"Hey, not this rough !", His helpless voice was heard.

"This isn't your first time ! Be quite !", It was one of the girls.

"Please, it's too much !"

Then again some bangs, this time accompanied by a girlish giggle. A loud cry was immediately muffed, possibly by placing a hand on the mouth, before it became too loud.

"Ummm... I think Goku is ,ahem..., made to feel too much at home !", Flash said, looking at the direction of the noises. As a matter of fact, they all were, wondering what was exactly going on, having puzzled looks on their faces.

Diana's jaws were tightly clenched and so were her fists, the knuckle bones ready to burst out of the skin. She was wearing a new turtleneck shirt with a fresh pair of jeans, for obvious reasons she couldn't stay in her torn clothes for this long. The cut on her temple was now sealed by the effects of the senzu bean, and her ribcage and its internals were back in shape, but still it needed some bandaging for support.

"What is he doing in there ?! What are those girls doing to him !", She thought angrily, enviously. Trying to focus on something else, she looked at her son, David.

He was in the same clothes that he had wore during the fight, sipping on chocolate milkshake, and reading his favourite story, a story he had chanced upon just a few days before Goku's arrival here; an English adaptation of a Chinese novel: A Journey to the West, featuring Son Wukong and his friends.

Bruce Wayne some time later, accompanied by Billy Batson, a look of concern on the former's face.

"I everyone okay ? Are Darkseid and Zod truly defeated ? I just heard what took place ! Is it true ? The hero ? The one with spiky hair ? The reason behind the blue light ?", He asked it all in a single breath, scanning the entire League members for any damage.

"We are fine ! Thanks !", Billy said placing a hand on Bruce's shoulder, reassuring him.

"And Diana ?"

"I am good too !", She said smiling at him ,"A little beaten up, but otherwise fine !"

"Thank god for that.", A look of relief was on his face now.

"Ahem !"

The two blonde kryptonians drew everyone's attention. The League turned to look at them. They were standing by the door, covering it with some a crimson shiny linen, posing like models advertising for a product.

"Ladies and gentlemen ! Are you plagued by ugly alien gods ?" Powergirl asked, looking at the League.

"Are you constantly bugged by high-on-testosterone, megalomaniac, super powered, armoured scums ?", Supergirl joined in, pointing a finger at them.

"Are you perpetually worried ?"

"Are you looking for a solution ?"

Then a pause for evaluation. The girls had done it, created an atmosphere like that of a frequently broadcasted advertisement of a newly launched product. Kara Zor-El saw that some of the League members had actually leaned in, trying to catch something, anticipating what would happen next. It had worked ! However, Diana was looking flatly at them, clearly unimpressed. Ignoring her cold vibes, she decided to continue with her 'advertising'.

"If yes, then this is for you ! Because for the first time, Supergirls present to you the one solution for all your worries."

"Moulded by battles, toughened by war, and yet sweet as a sugar, we bring to you a hero !"

"And the cutest guy on this planet !"

"Son Goku !" They chimed in together at his name, pulling down the curtain and finally revealing their product.

The whole hall was filled with the sound of claps, as Goku was given a well deserved standing ovation. Stepping in, his new ' very particular type of dress' was finally revealed. An orange gi with a Chinese symbol at the left and at the back. Underneath he wore a plain dark blue sleeveless shirt. His trousers too were orange in colour, tied at the waist by what looked like a black belt. His orange trousers ended in dark blue boots.

Goku was shining like a spittoon, having taken a bath after such a long time. The dirt accumulated on his face and body had been finally removed, thanks to the Supergirls, revealing a pale skin underneath. Every inch of his body radiated, the girls had made sure of that, tending to him very carefully; dressing him, preparing him, turning him from a tattered tramp to a movie star, eliminating anything that might have seemed odd.

"We couldn't do anything about the spikes though !", Powergirl explained it herself before anyone noticed. "We tried oil, we tried gel; hell, we even tried eggs ! But the hair stood on its own again as soon as we let go !"

"Strange indeed !", Supergirl remarked with huge eyes, staring at the wild spikes of Goku, who was just rubbing the back of his neck with a silly grin, exposing all of his teeth.

"Come Goku ! Have a seat !", Bruce Wayne said pulling out a seat. It wasn't very often that he did that.

"Well ummm..." Goku began looking here and there, his humility and nobility getting the better of him.

"Please, I insist !", Bruce urged with raised eyebrows, his hand still on the chair. It was the least he could do.

"If you say so.", With that Goku sat at the front chair, making sure that attention was easy to grasp.

Bruce walked across to the opposite side of the table and took a chair himself, sitting in such a way that he was now directly facing the man who had pawned the New God and the kryptonians. As usual, Supergirl and Powergirl glued themselves to Goku's left and right, making him shift a little in his seat.

The hall was silent for sometime before Hal Jordan aka Green Lantern, the new leader of the Justice League, decided to break it.

"So Goku. Once again, I on the behalf of the Justice League would like to thank you for your heroics which, saved not only our lives, but also our planet from certain destruction ! You displayed an act of power and valour only previously shown by Superman. We are forever in your debt !"

"Yes buddy ! If not for you, we would have been goners ! Clark's efforts would have gone to waste !", Billy said, giving him a thumbs up.

Silence filled the hall again, as the mention of the former hero brought back painful memories. Even Goku could sense it, the gloom. He noticed that everybody was now looking towards Diana, who only hung her head low, avoiding any eye contact, as if trying to conceal her pain. He also noticed that Bruce Wayne had now reached his hand across and placed it on her shoulder, trying to lend as much moral support as he could. David was however clueless as ever. Curiosity soon made its way through as Goku finally asked.

"The day I arrived here I have heard this very particular name; Superman, along with some other names; Clark Kent, Kal-El."

Diana now looked up when he mentioned the name. Goku looked in her eyes for a moment before continuing.

"So, if it is not too much, may I ask what has he done to earn this type of following ? And where is he ? It would be great to meet a guy like him !"

"Goku I understand your eagerness ! But it is a little difficult for you to meet him.", Bruce said.

"But why ?"

The co-owner of PhoenixTech now looked at David and then at Diana, unsure whether to reveal it all. The boy was aware of what had happened to his father, but why, how, the reason behind it, his legacy, all these things he was never told of. Because of his mother, who for all good intents had kept it a secret from him, who did not want her son to go down the same path, who did not want her son to be put in harm's way. But after today, Diana saw the futility of it, hiding from who they truly were. If only they had acknowledged it instead of running away from it, they would have been better prepared, there was no point in keeping secrets anymore.

"Because Superman is dead." She replied in a grave tone, quickly ending Goku's enthusiasm. The room was filled with silence yet again, this time more deafening, indicating that it was a crippling blow to them, that the blow was harder on some people, people like Diana. But who was she to him ?

"Clark Kent is Superman, Goku.", Bruce added. He was prepared for what would come next.

David stopped sipping his milkshake and looked up, his eyes huge in surprise, his jaw almost dropping down to the ground in amazement.

"Superman... i-is my father ?", The boy asked, bewildered, perplexed, confused. The world famous Superman, the saviour, the hero, the braveheart, the Man of Steel, his father ? Was it true ? Was it even possible ? As usual, his eyes turned to his mother for answers.

"M-Mommy is it..."

"True.", Diana both completed and answered his query. She could see the boy hyperventilating now, and despite his recent display of power, she still was very worried about him. After all, he was just a five year old kid, a kid who knew nothing of his father's true legacy.

"T-Then why d-didn't you..." He began confronting his mother.

"Honey ! Please listen to me !" She cut him midsentence, trying to maintain an authority over him.

"No ! Tell me why you did not say anything about my father !" David shot back, giving a curt reply to his mother, who flinched at this sudden verbal lash. He was on the verge of exploding.

Goku felt the same power surge he had felt earlier coming from the boy, as gravity slowly began leaving the room, tiny water droplets from the glasses kept on the table rising upwards, the table now vibrating.

Diana saw what was happening, the boy using his latent powers again, this time in the wake of extreme anger. She always felt bad lying about his father, felt ashamed lying to an innocent little child. But, she never thought that it would result in repercussions like the one she was just witnessing.

"David please calm down ! I will explain everything to you, honey !", She pleaded, placing a hand on her son's shoulder, trying to pacify him.

"WHYYY !" David roared as he threw a bright white coloured aura around himself. What followed was some sort of an invisible blast, knocking all of them off their seats, shattering the glasses into tiny pieces, shaking the ground beneath. How many times had he asked about his father ? And how many times had her mother lied to him ? Denied him his basic right ! Was she like his classmates too ? Seeing him as unworthy of sharing anything important ! So, was her show of love just that; a 'show', a mere duty to be performed ? Did she despise him ? But why ? Why ? Why? Why ?

"David please !" Diana kept pleading to her son as he began unleashing his powers in a fit of rage. The walls of the 'indestructible' promethium-made Watchtower began swelling outwards like a balloon, about to blow up. And the League knew that if they did not act soon enough, it surely would.

Goku inched his way towards the screaming boy, alert on his senses. After reaching the boy's ears he whispered, "Please calm down, David !"

The soft plea was effective as the screaming immediately stopped, the aura vanished along with whatever force it seemed to be exerting. The boy dropped in Goku's arms, tired of what had just happened, tired of all the lies. He gave a hollow look to his friend and sobbed, "I want to meet him, meet my father !"

"We will little one, we will !", Goku said, cradling the boy in his arms, letting the boy cry to let out his sadness, his frustration, his anger. When the crying stopped, he looked up at everybody and asked.

"Care to continue, anyone ? The boy wants to know, and so do I."

Yet again, Hal Jordan took the initiative.

"I will. You see we are a team of super powered beings, we call ourselves the Justice League. There were seven founding members of the League – Superman, Batman; who is Bruce Wayne, Wonder Woman; Diana of Thermiscyra, Flash; Barry Allen the speedster, Cyborg; the mighty Victor Stone and Aquaman. We had sworn to protect Earth from every possible danger. And we did – each time we conquered our enemies; Darkseid, Black Adam, even Doomsday. Though some of my recklessness almost cost the League more than once. So, I decided to leave the Justice League."

"Hmmm...", Goku said as he grabbed on to that little piece of information, he was well aware of how that felt like, costing you your loved ones. The boy was still in his arms, his own hands around his neck, concentrating on every word that the Green Lantern had said.

"We came out on top each time, you know.", Bruce continued from where Jordan had left," Besting our enemies. We felt so invincible together ! Helping out our friends, protecting each other's backs, giving it our best, flaunting our powers. Hal Jordan is a Green Lantern. A Green Lantern is a member of the Green Lantern Corps., which means..."

"So Hal Jordan is a zombie ?", Goku asked in between, a lost look on his face.

"No why ?" Wayne retorted, obviously irritated by such an irrelevant question in the midst of such a serious atmosphere; Why this stupid question ? As the co-owner of the world's largest company, he wasn't used to being asked too many questions.

"Because you only said that he is some corpse... ?!"

Bruce Wayne was aghast by this display of sheer ignorance, lack of basic knowledge, as his expression went from annoyed to dumbfound. Who was this man ? What was his IQ level ? Did he even go to school as a child ? Surely, he would ask him these questions later but right now, he had to hold on to the table to prevent himself from falling down. Just then he heard a chortle coming from across the table. He scanned the meeting table just in time to find Supergirl putting a hand over her mouth, obviously amused by the silliness of her saviour. Whatever other's thought, she found it quite funny, and cute. However, her smile ended the very moment she saw the bat-glare aimed at her.

"No Goku ! You got it wrong ! Corps. As in C-O-R-P-S, Corporation, not C-O-R-P-S-E, a lifeless body ! There's a difference.", Bruce explained him like how an adult explains a kid. Goku nodded understandingly.

"Anyways where was I ?", Bruce continued," Ah yes ! See the Green Lantern is a recruit, selected by the Oans, Guardians of the Universe, at least indirectly. The Green Ring directly choses you. With it, you can harness the power of will. With it, you are only limited by your will. It allows you to create constructs, and depending on your imagination; it can range from a barrier to a giant sized fist, anything."

"That's cool !", Said Goku "Infinite possibilities within that tiny ring ! I caught a glimpse of that during the Green Lantern-Zod fight. I must say Hal here has got some serious willpower !"

"Thanks !", Hal Jordan said, though a little disappointed by the fact that he was beaten by the kryptonian.

"I think we should focus on Superman !", Goku reminded again. David nodded silently in agreement.

"But little David, wouldn't you like to hear about your mother's past first ?", Bruce asked softly. He knew that the boy was totally unaware of his mother's heritage.

"Why not ?", Goku said, answering instinctively for the boy. He knew that he would want the latter would want the same, knowing his true heritage.

Bruce was about to open his mouth to tell both of them about the Amazons when Diana spoke first.

"I think I'll handle from here, Bruce."

He nodded his head. She turned to Goku, who was holding her son in his arms.

"Thousands of years ago, there was a cavewoman and caveman. The former was killed by the man, while still pregnant. Thus, she became the first woman to be murdered by a man's rage. You see, in this universe, we have many pantheons of Gods. One of them is the Olympians, ruled by Zeus, their king. One day, they decided to create a race of humans who would stand for their ideals. The male Gods refused, seeing it as a threat. Of course, it was the goddesses who took the iniative. They travelled to the Well of Souls, where all the souls of the women murdered by men's hatred are gathered. The goddesses gathered the souls and dropped them in a lake, mixed with clay and stone of the lake bed. Thus, the first Amazons were born, followed by several other women my mother Hippolyta being the very first one, the very soul of the cavewoman. They worshipped the Olympians and formed a city called Thermyscira or The Paradise Island."

"Okay !", Both Goku and David said at the same time, nodding their heads. They had come to feel sorry for the Amazons, murdered needlessly, their souls existing without any purpose if not for the Goddesses.

"So, we the Amazons were blessed by Gods; superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, everything. We also perfected several arts of combat; both armed and unarmed, as we continued to promote peace, we continued our existence for three thousand years, gathering our numbers by freeing enslaved women."

Goku smirked when Diana mentioned the 'arts-of-combat' thing. Maybe he ought to test the 'art', someday.

"Anyways, when I was born it was celebration time.", Diana continued," Queen Hippolyta, my mother finally had an heir. The Gods blessed me with several gifts, making me the most powerful Amazon ever. I took up the alias Wonder Woman. Ares, the God of War, trained me from my childhood days, moulding me in warfare. However, when I refused to slay a monster for him, he left, since he did not approve of mercy.  
>Shortly after, I was entrusted with the responsibility of protecting Zola, a young woman from Virginia, carrying Zeus' child. As it is with her, Hera, Zeus' wife and sister, seeks his illegitimate off springs for vengeance. "<p>

"Wha...", Goku nearly choked himself while exclaiming with an open mouth," The king of your Gods, this Zeus... married his own sister ?!"

Dianna replied with a tight lipped nod. "It is the way of the Gods, best not to interfere. Anyways, Zola was eventually protected, but a new threat arose; Apollo, the God of Sun. He too, now sought Zola's child, for a prophecy proclaimed that one of Zeus' child would cause his downfall. A battle ensued with Hera, Artemis and Apollo. Me and Hermes managed to save Zola and return to Earth, however the God betrayed us and stole the baby to give it to Demeter. A deal was made with Apollo that he would leave the child alone.

Sometime later, a new goddess, Strife appeared and revealed that I am the result of love made between Zeus and my mother, Queen Hippolyta. My mother had previously lied to everyone, including me, spreading the word that I was made out of clay, in order to prevent me from Hera's wrath. The truth is that I am a demi-god. The revelation enraged the sister-wife of Zeus as she arrived at Paradise Island, looking for me, to settle it once and for all. She wished to know what the mortal women have, that she, a Goddess, does not. When my mother confronted the Goddess, Hera chose to punish not her, but instead me; just for being Zeus' illegitimate daughter. She turned my mother to stone, and all my sister Amazons to snake, thus taking away my only family."

"And they call themselves Gods !", Goku mutterd angrily,"Marrying their own sisters, giving in to temptations, cheating on their wives, punishing the victims rather than the criminals !" Certainly, the Kais, the Gods of his world, were not like this. They were kind and benevolent, always ready to make a fair stand; like how true Gods should.

"She did pay for her acts though, Apollo, the new king of Olympus, banished her away. Hera was rendered mortal by one of her own !"

"Serves her right !"

"And grandpa Zeus did nothing ?", David asked, tilting his head to one side," While everything was going wrong ?"

"That's because he was dead by the time this happened.", Diana answered her son, feeling sorry that at this young an age, he had to go through all this.

"A God died ?!"

"Yes honey, they can."

"So, don't you miss them ? Your family ?", Goku asked sympathically, connecting with her condition. He knew what it meant to lose a family, your entire race.

"I am afraid that's not the end of it."

"Huh ! Why ?!"

"Because here's where Superman comes in..."

"Superman was one of the last surviving members of the kryptonian race from the planet Krypton.", Hal Jordan began," His home planet was destroyed by a natural calamity. So, his father, Jor-El, in one last ditch effort, sent his only son, Kal-El, away to our planet Earth."

"Sounds like me !", Goku thought. Except for the 'destroyed by a natural calamity part', of course.

"What a fortunate decision it was ! Because little Kal landed on a Kansas farm. He was found by the kind Kents; Jonathan and Marthe. Together they raised the last son of El, this is how people of kyprton are named. For males, the first name followed by the house name for e.g :- Kal is the first name followed by the house name El. For female kryptonians, it is the first name followed by the father's name, like Supergirl here."

She waved smilingly at Goku when the Lantern mentioned her name.

"Kara Zor-El. Kara the first name, followed by the father's name Zor-El. Superman and Supergirl are cousins, their fathers being brothers. She too escaped Krypton's destruction.

So, the Kents named the boy Clark, so Kal-El's earth name became Clark Kent. Clark Kent was not aware of his kryptonian heritage until his teens, when Jonathan Kent finally told him the truth. Young Clark's parents soon deceased and he was left alone in this world. It was then he decided to use his powers. Superman was thus born."

"How ?", Goku asked curiously, part for himself and part for David.

"You see, kryptonians are a living solar battery. Under a red sun, they are completely normal, just into ten of a normal human due to Krypton's higher gravity. However, when under the effect of a yellow sun, they become god-like in powers. Strength to move a planet, speed to beat light, stamina to last infinity, just imagine !"

"Wow !", Goku showed a fake sense of wonder. Personally, he wasn't impressed by the powers of the kryptonians, they were just beings who became uber only under special circumstances. They didn't earn it, they were just born that way ! Goku knew that when he saw himself defeat an enemy or even look in the mirror, the only thing he saw was hardwork. Years of tireless training were required for what he and his friends and family had accomplished. Fighting by each other's sides, they knew that they had seen each other sweat in funny places, learned each other's strengths and weaknesses, seen the fire in their eyes to achieve more, the hunger to become more powerful. And when victory was theirs, they would only find a God-thanking relief in each other's eyes, all the pain, hardwork and sacrifice finally bearing fruit. Kryptonians get their powers served on a silver platter. Goku knew for sure that if he would ever get a chance to look in Superman's eyes after a battle, he would not find the same look he was used to seeing back home.

"Superman was very powerful and together with Wonder Woman and Batman, was known as the Trinity. Clark Kent was destined for greatness, so with six other founding members which I have already mentioned before, he formed the Justice League. We fought and bested all our enemies. But Clark felt alone due to nobody being his equal; he was above the rest of us. Diana felt the same, lonely because of what happened to her family; the Amazons and her home; Paradise Island. So, eventually as fate would have it, the two lonely heroes found solace in each other and grew close. A photo of their kiss was even broadcasted worldwide !"

Diana smiled shyly at the memory, back then she was so furious at him, blaming Clark for his carelessness. And now, she wished she would have been more understanding. And now, she treasured each moment spent with the man she loved, wishing she could rewind it again and again, live in those very moments.

"So together we began our journey !," Diana continued from where Hal Jordan had left, "I briefly encountered a monster known as Doomsday. A very powerful one I might add, it broke my arm before vanishing in thin air just like that."

"I see monsters are not very kind to you !", Goku quipped, seeing what Darkseid had done earlier today.

"Yeah whatever ! After healing my from my injuries I took Clark with me to Mt. Etna to ask Hephaestus weapons to beat Doomsday. Soon Zod was located at the Sahara desert and the League was almost defeated trying to fight him. Thankfully, we appeared in the nick of time and defeated him. Superman placed him in custody in the Fortress of Solitude and I took some time off.

Unfortunately, the general tricked Clark into opening a portal to the Phantom Zone, and releasing Faora. They both escaped from the Fortress with Clark in hot pursuit. Eventually, I joined in and the four of us almost got into a fight before we let it stall for another day.

Doomsday's threat was soon eminent again. It was a very powerful monster, raging, mindless, and virtually indestructible. It has the power to recover from any damage and be immune to it. So, The League fought the Brainiac and was defeated once again. We had to formulize a plan quickly, so the rest of the Leaguers decided to stall with it; maintaining a safe distance while doing so, while Superman went to the sun to take a dip, thus boosting his powers.

We combined our efforts; I managed to slice of Doomsday at several points with my tiara, Cyborg threw several sonic booms at it, Aquaman dehydrated the monster, Martian Manhunter, Supergirl, Powergirl and Superman fires their heat visions at it. With the barrage on Doomsday still ongoing, Flash created a powerful vortex, engulfing it and Batman managed to open a portal to the Phantom Zone with the help of a temporal displacement weapon. With that done, Superman pushed the vortex containing the monster to the Phantom Zone, where he was put on statis, thus preventing it from regenerating again. The battle was won."

"So, how did Superman die ? Going by your story, he still lives.", Goku asked.

"There was some calm before the ultimate enemy finally arrived. An enemy we couldn't best. An enemy which killed so many of our allies along with Superman." Diana told him, grief clearly showing on her face now.

"Who ?"

"Imperiex !"

Goku now stared blankly at her. Did she just say Imperiex ? The same Imperiex who destroyed his world ? His galaxy ? What is happening ?

"What happened Goku ?", Diana asked waving her hand in front of his face.

"Uh nothing ! Just continue ! I will explain it to you later.", He answered her, regaining himself.

"Imperiex was a cosmic entity who had detected certain imperfections in the fabric of the universe. Thus, he sought to induce a new Big Bang and restart the universe, moulding it to his idea of 'perfection'. For that, he decided to travel to Earth, which is the centre of the universe, using it as his base of operations. Before arriving on Earth, Imperiex obliterated countless other planets including Kalanor, Karna, and Daxam. Whole galaxies were also targeted for demolition. After destroying Karna, Imperiex arrived at Almerac, the home of Maxima, and not only destroyed Almerac, but hollowed the whole galaxy. Earlier Clark and Mongul had successfully defeated Imperiex; but later found out that the one they had encountered was nothing more than a probe; an android embodiement of Imperiex Prime; a being colossal in size.

So, when the survivors of the destroyed worlds, Apokolips; Darkseid's home planet, Warworld and Earth's forces met, they decided to form an alliance, with Darkseid appointed as the leader. Soon, Imperiex Prime arrived in our galaxy and released his numerous probes, functioning as a hollower. A war ensued, when one of the probes reached Atlantis, Aquaman valiantly defended his home. The probe blew up, killing Aquaman and destroying Atlantis.

With that, the Imperiex war began. Fearing the same fate for Earth as that of Atlantis, I rushed to Apollo, the new king of Olympus, and pleaded him to reverse the curse of Hera, which had earlier turned my mother and sisters to stone and snakes. Apollo, seeing the desperate situation of war, agreed to do so. Paradise Island was revived and with that the Amazons were now ready for war.

The probe's attacks began soon, ravaging and eating away the Earth. The Coalition managed to destroy several Imperiex probes, before Earth was completely destroyed. However one of the probes landed on Paradise Island."

"No !", Goku softly mumbled, shocked, already anticipating what would have happened next.

"My sisters were brave, but it was too strong ! Many were killed !"

"God no !"

"I arrived in time to stop the probe from killing my mother. We battled two on one, but still it was powerful enough to gain an upper hand. Queen Hippolyta, in one desperate effort to save her daughter and ensure the survival of the Amazons, ordered me to leave, deciding to take on the probe herself. I was obviously more powerful, but she was certainly more determined ! I refused to leave my mother; an Amazon would rather prefer a warrior's death. She just pushed me away when the Imperiex probe threatened to kill everything around. She threw me so far that I landed in the sea ! I swam back to the surface, just in time to see her along with Thermyscira, explode. I am now the sole survivor of the Amazon race.", Diana concluded with her head hung low.

Poor Diana ! Was what Goku thought. Pleading to a God she hated, so that she could fight alongside her mother and sisters, only to lose them once again, this time forever. Her home and family gone forever ! He looked down to find David saddened too, looking at his mother with sympathy.

"Darkseid informed everyone that Imperiex Prime would be reaching Earth within a month. So, Superman decided to train.", Diana continued with her narration.

"But how does a guy like Superman train ? Without the hyperbolic time chamber ? Or the Otherworld ?", Goku thought.

"He trained by lifting an equivalent of earth's mass for a day straight, deprived of any sunlight. Then spend the next day soaking the sun.", Diana said, reading the question on his face.

"How much does Earth weigh ?", He enquired.

"Around six sextillion tons. That is six followed by twenty-one zeroes."

"My God !", Goku's face was filled with disbelief, "Is it possible for someone to do that ?! Lift the Earth's weight for a day without a break !"

"It is for him. Furthermore, Bruce Wayne gave him basic training in various fighting styles, under the effects of a red sun of course, where he was reduced to a mere human."

"So Batman knows martial arts ?"

"127 of them.", Bruce Wayne answered as a matter-of-fact.

"Well, after the end of the one month period, we hoped that Clark would be strong enough to give us a fighting chance. As a precaution, Lex Luthor, the president of the then U.S, had Doomsday released from the Phantom Zone, and asked Martian Manhunter to brainwash him, it took a significant effort from J'onn, but he did it. Now, Doomsday saw a mortal enemy in each Imperiex probe.

Superman and Doomsday, briefly formed an alliance as they destroyed several probes, thus finally attracting Imperiex Prime to them. Clark released Doomsday towards Imperiex, thinking that the monster would prove his worth against the cosmic entity, but Doomsday was simply reduced to a glowing skeleton by an energy projection of Imperiex. Clark was going to end up the same way, but Darkseid saved him.

The sacrifices of Strange Visitor and General Rock somehow managed to crack Imperiex's armour and Darkseid was supposed to send the energy contained within back to the destroyed galaxies to prevent a new Big Bang. However Brainiac arrived with the Warworld and absorbed the energy, planning to use it to become the master of the universe. However Superman had gained enough power to go one on one against Brainiac but soon realized that Warworld cannot be destroyed without releasing Imperiex and triggering another Big Bang.

So, in a last-minute plan, Martian Manhunter established a telepathic link with the remaining Coalition members. Darkseid, empowered by my Amazonian strength, focused his Apokolipan energy through a new Entropy Aegis armour, created from a burned-out Imperiex probe by Cyborg . Batman and Lex Luthor then activated a temporal displacement weapon on Earth, and it was combined with Darkseid's powers to create a boom tube. However, Brainiac managed to kill J'onn in the meantime, so, Superman drove him along with Imperiex through the temporal boom tube in an attempt to send both of them back 14 billion years ago at the time of the Big Bang, and thus destroying them both. However Superman to his horror saw that Brainiac containing Imperiex's energy and consciousness was slowly able to make his way out of the boom tube, their last hope. So, in one final sacrificial act, he pushed Brainiac along with himself into the boom tube and subsequently back to the Big Bang where all three were destroyed. Nobody could have survived that ! Now, I was truly and bitterly alone."

Silence filled the room as the League recounted what had happened five years ago, claiming deaths of so many allies and friends, many planets, ninety percent of the Earth's population, and also claiming their most trusted and beloved hero; Superman.

" All was not last, though. You see before Clark left to confront Imperiex, we made love, spent the night together.", Diana added, "I somewhere deep inside feared for him, new that I might be seeing him for the last time. So, we decided to be feel the love for each other, the passion, the desire. The feel of it is... unforgettable! I did throw a tiny tantrum when he flew off for war; I did not want to lose him too. But I did."

"The minute you were conceived in my womb, honey !," She said looking at David with a motherly love, " I swore to myself and your father's spirit that you would kept be away from all dangers, always protected. This is the reason behind leaving the Justice League, the reason why I never revealed anything about your father, the reason behind always stopping you from doing anything that might harm you. I have lost everything in my life, I don't want to lose you too. Mommy doesn't want to lose you, Honey !"

David kept looking down, feeling ashamed of his recent rebellious nature, unable to think anything because of a mother's love for her child.

"Bruce Wayne helped me a lot during my labour. He kept me hidden from the outside world, gave me job, a home and was the one to suggest me the name David. I owe him a lot !"

"I did it as a friend, you know that. You would have done the same if in my place. There's nothing to thank about, Diana !"

"So, Son Goku.," Powergirl began ,"You got our story, what's yours ?"

"Yes please ! ," Supergirl joined in cheerfully, trying to lighten the gloom in the air, "Please tell us ! Goku ! Goku ! Goku !"

Powergirl joined in the chant, and so did David, Billy and Flash.

"GOKU ! GOKU ! GOKU !"

"Okay fine !", Goku finally declared, smiling and throwing his hands up in defeat. It was going to be a long story, and he did not have any League members to break it up for him. David looked up at his friend.


	7. Chapter 7 Flashbacks pt 2

**Before continuing with this chapter, please read the precious one, as I have done some major additions to it. **

* * *

><p>"Hmmm... Where to start ? So, I am a member of a warrior race called Saiyans. We Saiyans are extremely proud people, usually, and we relish war. In our universe, we became the most dominant and powerful race, surpassing even the Kais; the Gods of our universe !"<p>

"That's scary !", David exclaimed with huge eyes.

"Yeah, even to me. And I am a Saiyan ! But I was not always the guy you see me right now. We Saiyans used to work for the Planet Trade Organization, which sought to conquer and sell planets to the highest bidder, by rendering them lifeless."

"How cruel of them !", Supergirl said making a disgusted face.

"I know ! I know ! I was sent to earth as a little kid to devoid it of its lifeform. That's what the Organization does, sends in grown Saiyans to conquer a planet which can show some resistance, and kids for weak planets like Earth. I was a very violent kid, immediately wreaking havoc upon my arrival. Fortunately, I fell on my head and lost memory. I grew up to be a nice guy, all thanks to Grandpa Gohan, who was my adoptive father, and Master Roshi, my first mentor.

Fast forwarding many years, I and Chichi had a four year old son, we named him Gohan, after my Grandpa. Then one day, a Saiyan called Raditz arrived. He was my brother and he revealed everything to me; my lineage, my bloodline, my purpose of existence, my mission. I was so disgusted that I told him to leave, he insulted my wife and kidnapped Gohan, threatening to kill him if I didn't slaughter a 100 humans within a day."

"Don't tell me you did !" Diana said, looking at him with a white face. It was easier said than done, how would have she reacted if it was her own son in Gohan's place ?

"No, I didn't. Me and Piccolo, a namekian friend, tracked my son down and confronted Raditz. However, he proved to be too strong even for both of us, as he handled us with ease."

"My god ! How strong does that make him ?!" Diana spoke through numb lips, finding it hard to imagine any physical threat strong enough to hurt the Saiyan.

Goku laughed softly to himself upon hearing this. Apparently, he had missed a 'ki' (key) point !

"You see in my universe the most prevalent force is ki, the life form present in every living organism. There is a limit to what the physical body can withstand, however to a spiritual force like ki there is no such limit. The beings in my universe have learned how to harness ki to an advantage. They have developed their ki to make themselves stronger, faster, more durable, it is a power from within. One can even use ki to fly and to shoot energy projections. Basically, the more you train your ki, the more powerful you become."

"So your life force can be manipulated to give you these insane powers ?!", Flash asked raising his eyebrows.

"Yes ! So, at one point Raditz pinned me to the ground and started kicking me, breaking all types of bones. This angered Gohan to the point that he injured him with one head butt. His power had increased dramatically, surpassed the evil Saiyan, all to save his loved ones !"

"Much like my David !", Diana interjected in between, looking proudly at her son, silently appreciating his latent powers, and how they had saved her from certain death.

"Yeah ! David is a hero !," Goku declared, raising a fist in the air, "He punched that monster in the gut and then kicked him in the face ! You should have seen how far Darkseid landed !"

"Yeah ! David curb stomped Darkseid !", Flash said.

"He made him bend over ! ," Billy Batson cried in excitement.

"All hail David !", They all cried out in unison, causing the boy to hide his face in his friend's broad chest.

"Continuing with what happened. Gohan's flurry provided me and Piccolo with a window of opportunity. I grabbed my disgusting brother in a nelson, and Piccolo fired his signature attack, killing us both."

"You died ?!", Bruce Wayne asked, perplexed as to how an undead could roam freely like this in the physical realm. Like him, the rest of the League members had the same question on their faces.

"Before dying, Raditz had activated signal to two more powerful Saiyans, relaying every conversation. They got to know of the Dragonballs.

Dragonballs, seven mystical orbs, when gathered together in one place, unleashes a powerful dragon, Shenron, capable of granting one perfect wish. They were created by Kami, another namekian, over 500 years ago. Kami and Piccolo were two halves of a nameless namekian defused into two beings very long ago. It was estimated that the Saiyans would arrive in a year's time, so I, in my undead form travelled to King Kai's planet to train. I reached there in some month's time and instantly began training. It was to power me up, so that i could face my adversaries.

The Saiyan's arrived in due time, destroying a planet on their way, and I was wished back to life. There were two of them; Vegeta, the prince, and Nappa, an army officer, and both of them wanted to acquire the Dragonballs to wish for immortality. The latter killed four of my friends without much effort, and was about to do the same to my son when I arrived. He wasn't much trouble as I disposed him off with ease, breaking his back. Vegeta killed him as he failed to do what he was supposed to.

The battle between us began, and Vegeta quickly gained the upper hand. After a very brutal struggle of beams, I was finally able to overpower him. But then he turned himself to an Oozaru."

"What's an Oozaru ?", David asked curiously from his friend.

"Oozaru is a transformation a Saiyan with a tail goes through once staring at a full moon. It turns him into giant ape, thus increasing his powers ten-folds. Yajirobe, a friend, managed to sneak from behind and cut his tail off. With that done, Vegeta was soon defeated, and he left, vowing to exact vengeance upon all of us.

With Piccolo dead, Kami was gone too, and the Dragonballs were rendered inert, by turning into stones. So, with me in hospital, Bulma, Krillin and Gohan decided to travel to planet Namek, the home of the namekians, where another set of Dragonballs were present, so we could wish them to bring our dead ones back to life."

"And did you ?," Powergirl asked wanting to hear more of this gripping tale.

Goku smirked before continuing. "This is where it gets interesting ! On planet Namek, there was another being present, Freiza, the functional leader of Planet Trade Organization. He was there looking for the Dragonballs too. The mightiest foe we ever met till then ! He and his army mercilessly slaughtered several innocent namekians in search for the Dragonballs, enjoying while doing so. Vegeta decided to rebel against him, and started his own expedition. When I arrived, the situation was bleak; Gohan, Krillin and Vegeta were almost defeated by Freiza's elite forces. I however, managed to turn the tides in our favour but got seriously injured while doing so. I was kept for recovery in a special chamber.

Nail, the strongest namekian battled Freiza. In the meantime, my friends collected the namekian Dragonballs and summoned Porunga, the namekian dragon. They wished for Piccolo, which would in turn revive Kami and thus restore the Earth's Dragonballs, which could be used later.

Freiza easily disposed off Nail, mortally wounding him and left him for the dead. Piccolo soon found him and they both fused. The revived namekian gained such a huge power boost that he was able to hold his own against Freiza. However, much to everyone's horror, the Icegin revealed that the current form was only his fourth form; he had three more forms, each stronger than the previous one, before reaching his full potential. He transformed eventually and kicked everyone's ass around; Gohan, Krillin, even Vegeta. Then he finally exposed the truth; what happened all those years ago.

Freiza's Organization had forcefully captured the Saiyan planet, Vegeta. The Saiyans were not that strong back then, so they were subdued, agreeing to work for him. They helped him capture several planets, getting stronger after every fight, a natural Saiyan trait. However, with the increase in their power, came the increase in Freiza's fear. Fear that one day the Saiyans would grow powerful enough to overthrow him. So as paranoid as he was, he decided the fate of my race in one single moment.

He was in his weakest form. Planet Vegeta had ten times the gravity of Earth, meaning it was either physically ten times the size or was ten times denser. In his weakest form. Using just one percent of that form's power. With one small attack. From one forefinger... He turned the planet to ashes, thus causing the genocide of the Saiyan race, everyone perished save a few."

"Gods have mercy ! That makes him even stronger than Zeus ! I don't think that even Clark had this much power, before his training that is !", Diana gasped putting a hand over her mouth. That was the single greatest feat she had ever known.

David just stared at him, unable to decide how powerful the Icegin was.

"That is truly cruel ! And insanely powerful ! Killing an entire race just based on your fears ! Tell me you handed this Freiza his rear-end ! Tell me ! We want to know !", Supergirl said, demanding to hear more.

"I was sent to Earth to conquer it, moments before my planet's destruction. Raditz, Vegeta and Nappa were not there, so were saved, having been recruited in Freiza's army. Moreover, to hide the truth from these Saiyans, a rumour was spread; that planet Vegeta was struck by a meteor, causing its destruction.

Vegeta was soon killed by Freiza after this revelation. It was now me and the tyrant. The Saiyan and the icejin. Even after I reached my maximum, he was still too powerful, having come to use fifty percent of his final form's full power. He mercilessly killed my best friend, Krillin, blowing him up like a balloon.

That was the breaking point. The incident angered me, boiled me so much that I once again gained a huge boost in power. He was thrashed around. So, he decided to blow up Namek, but not before he was sliced in half ! The planet exploded and I escaped in a spaceship. We later wished everything and everyone killed by Freiza back to life, including Namek. Freiza however, despite being cut in half and beaten to an inch of his life, survived the explosion. He and his father, King Cold, arrived on Earth shortly after, only to be decimated by a young guy called Trunks.

As it happened, Trunks was a half-Saiyan, much like Gohan, who had travelled back in time to warn us of an impeding threat; the androids. He said that the androids would kill everyone and nobody would be able to stop them because I would be dead from a heart virus by that time. He had come to give me the antidote, which was not yet made in my timeline. He left soon afterwards, after revealing that he was the future son of Bulma and Vegeta. Kid Trunks was born a year later."

"So what happened next ?," Even Bruce Wayne had to admit it; true or not, the story was getting interesting !

"The androids arrived on the time specified by Trunks- 18 and 17. 17 looked like a guy with black hair and 18 was a cute blonde chick, like Kara !"

"Like me ? , " Kara Zor-El asked, placing a hand on her chest, obviously flattered by that 'cute blonde chick' remark.

"More like the other one, Powergirl.", Goku answered pointing at the other Kara, much to Supergirl's disappointment. " 18 had a bob cut like her, although she was not as sweet as Powergirl !"

Powergirl smiled at the compliment. "I have everyone reason to be sweet to you !, " She said.

Goku nodded before continuing , " So, I got the heart virus and was confined to bed. 17 and 18 wreaked havoc, defeating everyone, even Vegeta. They left, and sometime later a new threat emerged; Cell. It was created by a mad scientist with a personal vendetta against me. He had collected cells of all my friends and foes until then and biomechanically engineered them to form the deadly being. Cell attained his semi-perfect form after absorbing 17, and began looking for 18, with which he could be perfect.

But Vegeta and Trunks returned after a year's training in Hyperbolic Time Chamber, which meant only one day passing in Earth. Initially, Vegeta outmatched Cell, but he soon let his pride get the better of him, and let the engineered monstrosity to absorb 18, thus gaining it's perfect form.

Perfect Cell simply outclassed both the father and the son. After humiliating them, it announced the Cell games, which would take place after ten days. If at the end of the games, nobody was able to beat it, it would destroy Earth. I got well by that time, thanks to the antidote given by Trunks. So, it was time for me and Gohan to train in the Chamber for one Earth day. We mastered our powers during our training and stepped out much more powerful.

I was an equal match for Perfect Cell at the beginning, trading blows with it. I somehow managed to blow its torso up in pieces. But it had a special trait, it could regenerate to come back stronger ! It did exactly just that and revealed that it was using only half of his power, and then powered up to its maximum. I decided to send in my son Gohan next."

"But why ?!," Diana asked, her face showing confusion and worry. What kind of father threw his own son in danger ? Would Clark have done the same to David ? She certainly wouldn't have.

"My son was always protected, pampered. I knew that one day, I would be not so strong, that one day, someone would certainly eclipse my powers. Gohan had to learn how to defend himself and his family and friends, feel the heat of the battle, learn its finest details. Afterall, he was to be the next defender of the Earth. I wanted him to not need his father, to be independent and strong, like a Saiyan should be !

Gohan was outmatched at first, but circumstances led him to explode in rage. He toyed with Cell, killing it's Cell jrs., its small copies, with ease. Frustrated, it began to swell threatening to destroy Earth with a suicide blast. I took Cell away to a distant planet, where it detonated, killing me and destroying itself. However, a single cell of it remained and from that cell it regenerated again, and since it was made up of Saiyan cells too, receiving zenkai. Shortly after, it returned to Earth; Perfect Cell was now Super Perfect Cell ! It had enough power to destroy the solar system. A beam struggled ensued between Gohan and Super Perfect Cell, and my son seemed to be losing. I had to encourage my son from the spirit world to continue, not to lose hope. My friends provided a distraction for him, and he transferred all his energy, power and wrath into that one final attack. The beam overpowered Cell and engulfed it, annihilating it completely, leaving not even a single cell of it to regenerate from. Victory was ours. For seven years, it was peaceful. Chichi had given birth to another of my son, Goten. Then..."

"Then what ?," Bruce demanded. The story was getting closer to what he wanted to hear.

"A magical being called Majin Buu came along. 5 million years ago, there were five Supreme Kaioshins, or Supreme Kais, the Gods of our universe, four powerful Supreme Kais led by one uber Grand Supreme Kai. Each of the four Supreme Kais had the control over each quadrant of the universe, and the Grand Supreme Kai over the entire universe. Each Supreme Kai had enough power to kill Freiza with one finger... Four of them were killed by Majin Buu. He went on to destroy several galaxies.", Goku intentionally left a pause to make them understand the threat he and his friends had faced, the power of this being.

And they did. Every single one of them understood how powerful was this Majin Buu, how dangerous. But none of them seemed to understand was that how did Goku survive the onslaught that had arrived ?

"Buu was childish, hopping around and cracking bizarre jokes. He did not appear to be dangerous at first, but when he broke loose, not even God could help us ! He killed Krillin and seemingly killed Gohan. Vegeta sacrificed himself by blowing himself up in the face of Buu, but he simply regenerated back.

Earlier, I had been sent to Earth for one day to participate in a martial-arts tournament, and seeing the Buu threat, I unleashed all my powers, shaking the whole world madly while doing so, which were sufficient to beat him at that point. But I wanted Goten and kid Trunks to be the new defenders of Earth, so I did not kill Majin Buu. Unfortunately, my powers had consumed my time on Earth and I was recalled back to the world of the dead. Buu continued his assault before arriving at and having a change of heart. He decided to live peacefully.

But fate had different plans for Majin Buu. A second Buu, known as Evil Buu arrived and thrashed and merged with the now good Majin Buu, transforming into a still more powerful Super Buu.

Super Buu was a force of nature ! He was truly unstoppable. However, after some persuasion, he waits for an hour, for a promised powerful warrior by Piccoolo. The warrior appeared, Gotenks, a fusion of Goten and Trunks, which nearly killed Buu, when the fusion wore off, causing him to once again separate into Goten and Trunk. All hope was lost, but the three decided to make a final stand against Super Buu.

Just then Gohan arrived. Apparently, he was not dead, but was training with the last Supreme Kai. His full hidden potential had been unleashed and he was now more than a match for Super Buu. The monster was manhandled by my first son and was about to be finished when Gotenks appeared again with Piccolo, both of them were absorbed by Buu. With that, Super Buu was now superior to Gohan, and beat him within an inch of his life. He was healed by Dende, and Tien Shinhan joined the fight too.

I was granted another pass by Old Kai, so that I could be of some help to my son. Before I went in, he gave me a special set of earrings, Potara Earrings. It allowed the two wearers to permanently fuse together granting the new being immense power. As a test, Supreme Kai fused with his bodyguard to form Kibito Kai. I originally intended to fuse with Gohan, but he too was absorbed by Super Buu, turning into Buuhan. I barely escaped with my life against him when I sensed a very familiar ki signature."

"Was it Vegeta ?," David asked, looking up. His eyes were shining with curiosity, wanting to hear the exciting conclusion. The joy he would have retelling it to his classmates !

"Smart Boy !," Goku said ruffling his hair ," Indeed it was. We both fused with the help of the earrings, resulting in a being called Vegito. He completely toyed around with Buuhan, making him look like a complete idiot ! Even when he was turned to a chocolate by Buuhan, he still managed to beat his adversary black and blue. He had to be transformed back. Vegito gave him ten seconds to live. At the end of the time period, Buuhan absorbed Vegito. But Vegito was as smart as he was powerful; prior to absorption, he had created an energy barrier around himself to prevent being completely absorbed by Buu.

However, once inside Buuhan, Vegito separated into me and Vegeta. It was a ruse, to help release our sons from inside of Buuhan. With some difficulty, both of us managed to rescue Gohan, Goten, Trunks and Piccolo. Vegeta cut loose the good Majin Buu as well, with which Buu's body began a chaotic breakdown. It resulted in the formation of the highly insane and irrational, Kid Buu...

Kid Buu's first action was to destroy the Earth. Me, Vegeta, Mr. Satan and Dende were saved by Kibito Kai, who teleported us to his world. Buu began searching for us throughout the galaxy, destroying planets in which we were not found. He finally arrived where we were and I had to confront him. We went all out; Buu and me. The battle was fierce but balanced, with none of us gaining the edge over the other. But my powers quickly drained my energy and I was now too weak to fight now. Vegeta stepped in, but was quickly outmatched in every aspect. As he was about to be finished by Buu, Mr. Satan stepped in. Kid Buu spat out the good Majin Buu, because of Satan's kindness. They both fought each other, giving us some time to prepare our final attack. Together with Old and Supreme Kai, we used the Namekian Dragonballs to wish the destroyed Earth back along with its inhabitants. Old Kai was sceptical at first, but after being promised a woman to kiss, he agreed. The Spirit Bomb was finally made.

Spirit Bomb is a powerful attack, a last desperate measure to end an evil for good. The attack is in the form of a huge glowing sphere, collected from the spirits of all the living beings. Though it takes some time to form, it is a full-proof method against an evil enemy. Only a being of pure heart can use the Spirit Bomb.

The bomb was thrown at Kid Buu, but he was powerful enough to stop it, surprising all of us. However, with my strength restored by the Dragonballs, I managed to unleash my full power against Kid Buu. Buu finally gave in, and was totally incinerated by the Spirit Bomb. We had won ! Oh, how relieved we felt afterwards !"

"Yippee !", David cried clapping his hands softly. He was glad that Goku had finally managed to end the threat once and for all. He knew that his friend was almighty and nobody could defeat him. How good was it to have him on his side ! To have a person of this power as his friend !

The rest of the League members seemed to share David's joy as they were now beaming at the Saiyan, some giving him a thumbs up, happy that Goku was a man with a true fighting spirit and formidable powers. They felt somewhat relieved that this man, this Saiyan had come to their aid when they needed him the most. They had been missing Superman very badly. Soon, they began talking among themselves, forming small groups. Goku could hear snippets from their chit-chats. "Freiza", "Saiyan", "Buu"...

"Ahem !", coughed Bruce Wayne, immediately gaining everybody's attention around there. The talks stopped, and they were all looking at him now. , "How happy are we to know of your victory, Goku ! You certainly threw a lot of light on your past, judging by how much you told us today. I am very sure that we will come to be very good allies. However, you still did not explain as to how you ended up in our dimension !"

Now the attention shifted towards Goku, like sunflowers to sunlight. They saw that his face was now a potpourri of emotions; grief, anger, disappointment, guilt, penance, all in varying degrees, as he began breathing heavily. At one point, they might have seen a droplet of tear form in the corner of his eye. Suddenly, his look had changed, from a victorious person to a grief-stricken one; he seemed like a man who had lost everything that was dear to him. Both Bruce and Diana knew that look too well.

"Goku ?!," Diana called out to Goku, seeing that he was lost in some memory; his jaws clenched hard, his muscles tight.

"Goku !," Supergirl cried out, shaking him by the shoulder.

"It was peaceful for quite some years. ," Goku began, though he was looking down, avoiding any eye contact " Five years of peace, I guess. One fateful day, I was travelling back from Kibito Kai's place to Earth. Flying about in space, I came across a being. He was unconscious, so I took him to the nearest hospitable planet. Upon coming under the light of its star, I saw that he was wearing a black armour with gold stripes running across in a zig-zag manner."

"No !, " Diana whispered softly, fully knowing what it meant.

"Upon seeing him twitch, I gave him the senzu bean. He immediately hopped back up and thanked me several times. Flattered, I decided to take him to Earth, my planet. On the way there, I asked him several questions regarding his origin, race, powers... family. He didn't seem to recollect anything. But he did tell me his name."

"And what was it ?, " Bruce Wayne asked, the blood drawn from his face. It was a mere formality to confirm his fears.

"Imperiex."

The mere mention of the name was enough as Goku heard a collective gasp coming from the League, each member taken aback by this shocking revelation. They knew what the threat meant; complete annihilation. It was a cosmic being hell bent on restarting the entire universe. They knew that Goku's universe would have suffered too, marred by this adversary. But how did Imperiex reach there ? This question only meant one thing; Superman had failed, died in vain.

"How big was it ?," Hal Jordan asked after a very long time. He had witnessed the gigantic villain first hand, the powers it wielded, and wanted to make sure that it was the same Imperiex Goku had encountered.

"About 6'3", weighed a little over a hundred kilos and wore a red cape. ," Goku answered grimly.

"Then it must be an Imperiex probe !, " The Green Lantern deduced ,"Because the real Imperiex was colossal in size, as huge as a skyscraper. Although the red cape must be an addition to the design."

"When we arrived on Earth, I was so glad to see my family back after such a long time ! Chichi, Gohan, Goten, everyone ! We had a party that night, everyone was so happy to see me. Even Imperiex was invited !, " Goku laughed cruelly to himself at the last line; this time, nobody joined in.

"Continuing from where I left- Vegeta came to offer me some cookies, saying that he had baked those himself for my arrival. I got an upset stomach ! He badmouthed me when I ran away from the place clutching my mouth. It was the last time I saw him alive, because when I was vomiting far away in the field, I saw a bright explosion. I rushed back to save the ones left alive; Gohan, Chichi, Goten and Trunks.

I was later told by Gohan that when Vegeta was cursing me he had apparently shouted "Why you Kakarot ? Being away from Earth has made you soft ! ". Imperiex curiously asked him that what planet was he on. Vegeta was blasted in the face when he replied him. Bulma too was killed as she stood close by. Gohan also said that Piccolo took the beam meant for the young boys. Videl, who was pregnant with Gohan's child by that time, was killed instantly by a hard shot to the gut. It was Majin Buu who had stalled Imperiex for some time to allow us to escape. We reached the Sacred World of Kais before taking any action. Kibito Kai later informed us that the entire Earth's solar system was destroyed by Imperiex, Majin Buu was later vapourized after putting up a very good fight.

We had no time to train as Imperiex declared to hollow and reshape the entire universe. Goten and Trunks fused into Gotenks and went Super Saiyan 3. The boys' revenge was insatiable, he jumped in the fight a little too soon, and a little too rashly, Imperiex was however uber powerful. Gotenks defused soon after and the two boys were about to be finished off, when Gohan grabbed the cosmic being from behind, locking his arms around him and ordered everyone to leave. His final worlds were "It was an honour to fight alongside you, Dad !" before self-destructing in an explosion ! Imperiex was gone. Goten and Trunks both began wailing inconsolably, tears flowing down their cheeks, snot dripping from their noses. I felt pity for the two boys, witnessing such massacre at such a young age ! Their friends and families killed in front of their eyes, their planet destroyed. I hugged them both, confused myself how to react. "Please calm down !" I said through quivering lips, but they kept crying, demanding irrationally to bring everyone back. "Please stop crying !" I said again, wishing that they could get out from this suffering. My wish was granted in a twisted manner by Imperiex as he shot out two beams and quickly ended the boys' cryings, and their lives; apparently he had survived Gohan's blast. My whole family was decimated in front of my eyes by the anomaly. "

A deafening silence filled the room. Everyone was looking at Goku with pity. Tears were rolling down David's cheeks feeling sorry for his friend's plight. Sure they had lost some of their loved ones during the Imperiex Wars but, none of had to witness the entire massacre of their family. Diana had, but even she did not have any children to lose at that time. She wished that she would never have face the same crisis that Goku had. She wished that Superman could have too survived the boom tube's displacement, so that he would be of some help, providing some assistance and a way to end the threat. She wished that Brainiac would have survived; at least he would have spared the universe by ruling it. But she knew that neither Superman nor Brainiac was powerful enough to survive the Big Bang. Imperiex was crueler to Goku's universe, having learnt a lesson in hers.

"How did you survive then ?"

Goku heard a question, but didn't care who asked it.

"Too broken to resist further, I fell down to my knees, submitting myself to fate. Imperiex didn't kill me, but took me to outer space. I watched as he destroyed a dozen of stars and their systems. He later told me that it was his way of thanking me for putting him out of statis. Apparently, he'd 'gift' me a new perfect universe. Disgusted, I went out of there to planet Namek for the Dragonballs, since the ones on Earth were destroyed. There, I learned that Dende, the namekian Dragonball maker, was on Earth too when it was destroyed. All hope was lost. But they said that they could appoint a new guru to make the Dragonballs, though it would take some time for them to do so.

I went to the Kais to console my wife, Chichi. But her age had caught up with her, and her heart was too weak to bear the news of her family's death, she died in my arms. But I had no time to mourn, I was now the sole guardian of the universe. I trained with Kibito Kai to increase my powers, max them out and since Imperiex was not aware of the way to reach Kai's planet so I trained unhindered. By the time I was finished, my enemy had destroyed the northern quadrant of universe. He accomplished one-fourth of his mission.

I confronted Imperiex one-on-one this time, determined to end him forever. It was a one sided battle though, as he was far more powerful, even than my full potential. So in an act of desperation, I had to use a once forgotten technique. A technique which I had began using during Kibito Kai's training. Kaioken. It allows the user to enhance his speed, strength, durability, powers by a multiple he calls out, like Kaioken x 2, enhances the factors by 2, Kaioken x3 by 4 and so on, but it causes a considerable amount of ki strain. When fighting Freiza, I maxed out at Kaioken x 20, with Imperiex, I had to go a hundred. My muscles slowly began tearing apart from the strain, I knew I had little time. I did destroy him eventually, but he regenerated back. So, I had only one option left; Spirit Bomb. But not just any Spirit Bomb, I had to gather the spirits from every single being from the universe, even the dead ones. So, I began charging up the Universal Spirit Bomb but, Imperiex found me. My dead family and friends were briefly sent into the living world, to stall him in order to give me more time to charge the bomb. We finally succeeded, the bomb impacted on his face and incinerated him.

But, I knew that the job was not done; now as you see, the impact was so severe that it ripped open an inter-dimensional rift, a rupture in the space-time fabric. Seeing that, I, just like Superman, pushed the Spirit Bomb into the rift, making sure that the threat would never appear again. After that, I ended up here."

Everyone nodded their heads silently, though none of them spoke a single word. It was best to leave this warrior to his wounds, poking him might be too dangerous.

"My friends and family, dead because of me !", He cried through gritted teeth, the nerves in his neck bulging out.

The League was looking at him worriedly now, was he going to explode like David ?

"Dead because I helped a monster !"

His hair was now slowly rising upwards, till only four short bangs lined his forehead. A golden coloured aura was now surrounding him.

"It's all my fault !"

The League was pretty sure that for a brief, very brief moment, they saw his hair flash a bright golden colour. But when Goku realized what he was doing, he immediately calmed down. Then, he placed his hands on the table and closed his eyes, lost in some form of meditation.

It was a long time before someone dared to speak.

"Can I ask you something Goku ?," Hal Jordan asked, a little wary.

"Yeah sure !," He said opening his eyes, a little more relaxed when he did.

"Why didn't you save us from the kryptonians earlier, when you could have pawned them so easily !"

"Oh that ! You see I was a little down on confidence after losing everything. So I wasn't sure what to do, I am not afraid to confess that I was scared too. But, after I saw what they were about to do to Kara, I decided that enough was enough."

Goku knew that he had lied to everyone present in the hall. Because the moment he sensed the kryptonians, he knew he could beat them all. But there was something else that had halted him, made him wonder. The kryptonians were emitting similar ki signatures to that of Imperiex ! Even Supergirl and Powergirl ! But how was it possible ?! Did it mean that Imperiex too was kryptonian ? But none of the League members had mentioned it. Goku had wondered who these armoured beings were but, decided to abandon the queries when he saw that Supergirl was about to be violated by Zod. He certainly had a lot of questions in mind.

"So once again I thank you on behalf of the League, Goku !,"Bruce Wayne came up to him and shook his hand.

"Don't embarrass me please !" Goku said.

* * *

><p>It was twilight by the time they had reached her home. It was on David's continuing childish insistence that Goku had decided to stay in Diana's home.<p>

"Please Goku ! Come and live with us ! Mommy makes good food. Moreover, she is very badly beaten. She needs a friend like you to take care of her. Please !" He had begged.

Diana had tried to take him away, but he had simply shook her off and ran to cling to his feet.

"You promised to never leave us again, Goku ! Pinkie swear ! Remember ?!" Goku had to comply.

He wasn't fond of living alone in another woman's home, especially a pretty and single mother like Diana, even though he had saved her and her son's lives. Living like this just did not seem right. He would have to think something of it soon.

Diana noticed that Goku was very gloomy throughout the whole journey, not even caring to smile. She realized that the painful memories had taken their toll, she knew what to do.

Immediately upon entering the house, she switched on the lights and turned to him.

"I know what it feels like !, " She said to him ," To lose everyone you love, to feel guilt, and resentment. I know Goku, I know."

He was staring at her, completely taken by surprise by this show of affection. A few days ago, she had left him dying in the cold and now this.

"It was not your fault, Goku.," Diana continued ,"The Imperiex, it wasn't your fault. You did what a pure-hearted man like yourself does; helping anyone in need. Don't blame yourself for it. When I lost my family and Superman, I blamed myself, for not being there on time, for not being able to help them out during their battle. You begin hating yourself, your very pathetic existence, any lesser man would perish by ending his life. But then you realize that you have some other responsibilities as well, that's part of being an idol. I am very sure you were an idol back home too, to your sons, to your friends, to the people you so diligently protected. Then you take that responsibility and turn it into your sole reason for existence. I found mine in David, I am pretty much sure that you will find yours too, eventually, we all do. We too can give up like anyone and run away Goku, but remember this; we're not like anyone."

The last line was quoted from a private conversation Diana had with Clark a long time ago.

Goku's lips began quivering as he heard and understood her words. His eyes began brimming with tears as he tried to hold them back, he bit his lower lip.

"Goku don't !," She said ," Sometimes it's better to let it all away ! To cry your heart out !"

With that put her strong arms around his broad back, hugging him once again, this time to share his grief, his sorrow. She could hear her sobs as he finally decided to let it all lose, crying like a small child.

"But I helped a monster !," Goku croaked, his voice a little slurry because of the tears , "And that monster destroyed my world. That makes me a monster too."

"Shhh... Goku !," She said placing a hand on his face ," Never talk things like that, you are not a monster ! You are an angel, Goku ! A saviour !"

Then, she kissed him on the cheek, his wild spikes softly tickling her face. She giggled internally.

GRRRRUUUULLLPPP... !

"What was that ?!", Diana cried out in shock.

"It seems I am a 'little' hungry.", Goku replied wiping his tears with the back of his hands, going a little red in his cheeks.

A huge amount of food had to be ordered, amounting to the quantity required to fill twenty people's stomach.

"Wow !", Goku cried as the humongous amount of food was laid on the table with a suckling pig at the centre.

"Maybe food lifts his mood up !", Diana thought.

She watched in amazement as Goku reached for a pair of chopsticks and slashed it many times across the whole body of the roasted pig.

SLISH ! SLASH ! SNIP ! SNAP ! ZAAP !

Both mother and son watched with huge eyes as the pig's carcass fell to numerous tiny pieces !

"Whoa ! Can you teach me how to do that ?!", David asked, a knife ready in his hands.

"David ! What about the prayer ?!" Diana had made sure to raise her son with manners.

"Oh yeah ! Almost forgot mommy !"

They joined their hands and closed their eyes and muttered a prayer, a daily routine-

**_God our Father, Lord and Saviour_**  
><strong><em>Thank you for your love and favour<em>**  
><strong><em>Bless this food and drink we pray<em>**  
><strong><em>And all who shares with us today.<em>**

And then they opened their eyes, only to find that the food was... Gone !

They turned their heads in time to see Goku ravishingly putting the last bit of the food in his mouth, apparently enjoying the taste of it. The entire table was left spotlessly clean, not a single crumb of food remained on it !

Diana opened her mouth to yell at him but decided against it. Today was his day. He had saved her and her son. Later on, both of them had to do with milk and cornflakes.

As the night began growing darker, it was time to go to sleep. Diana was helped up to her room upstairs by Goku; one arm around his neck, with David following closely behind.

"Here ! That would be fine.", Diana said as she was placed on the bed. She had to take some rest before being fully well.

"Please sleep with mommy ! She might need your help during the night.", David insisted, not fully knowing what he had just said.

"Ummm... that's very tempting, but no thanks ! I think I'll do good in the chair.", Goku said, flopping on the chair placed nearby. "Moreover, I think I'll help mommy by keeping an eye over her !"

"Goodnight Goku !", David said, lying next to his mother.

"Goodnight friend !", Diana wished him too, her hands around her son, pulling him closer to herself and kissing the crown of his head.

"Sweet dreams to both of you !"

Unlike last night, Diana and David slept peacefully.

* * *

><p>They were both standing in the Research and Development facility of PhoenixTech labs; Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor. They seemed to be looking at something, examining it.<p>

"Are you sure you want to do this ?", Lex asked his partner, eyeing the torn grey armour suspiciously. It was Zod's armour suit, that had been collected from the site.

"We have accomplished so much together. Then why this sudden hesitation ?," Bruce asked frowning.

"I mean, I am not sure we could do this. The kryptonian technology is far more advanced than ours, plus I am not sure how much funds will it require or even how much time will it take."

Bruce Wayne looked at him. "We will do it. We will accomplish it, like we always have. I'll keep a close watch on David, the boy might come in handy someday. As for funds, when did we care about funds when we rebuilt this entire planet ? Time though, is something we might be short of. Seeing the powers of our uninvited guest."

"I always thought you were a little nuts, but this paranoid ?!," Lex asked, rubbing his bald head. Bruce had narrated to him the entire day's events. Zod, Goku, Darkseid, David, then the flashbacks. ,"Of what I've heard, he saved the League, he saved our WORLD !"

"True, but Goku wasn't completely honest with us. He did keep some secrets.", The billionaire gruffed.

"How can you be so sure ?"

"I have spent my life interrogating people, Lex. I know every little frown and twitch the face makes, what they are revealing and what they are hiding. Certainly, it has some merits, I believe.", Bruce said staring at him ,"Moreover, do you really believe his story ? Vegeta ? Nappa ? Raditz ? Freiza ? I think even David can come up with better names ! His story-reciting certainly gave me cancer."

"If you say so.," The bald businessman sighed, raising his brows ,"But if you ask me, I'll say that you are oversimplifying things, Bruce."

Bruce now hardened his stare, the one which terrified subjects and citizens alike; the batglare ! He stepped closer to his business partner, close enough for the latter to see in his eyes that he was dead serious. "I have a feeling. A hunch, that the Imperiex war was just the beginning."

"T-That's why we need Goku. ," Lex countered with his own logic.

"We need Goku's powers. I'm afraid that the trauma might have upset his psychological balance. He might act in an aggressive manner, given a tense situation. Might unintentionally harm some members."

"Are you sure that you are not doing this for... 'her' ?", Lex asked trying to coax out the truth from him, expecting him to lash out. To his surprise, Bruce went on to confess honestly.

"You have been a good friend in these past few years, Lex. So I won't lie to you. Yes, I still have some feelings for her. When you spend time with a person in great need, help him out, share some memorable moments, you do tend to develop some feelings for him."

"Especially one as pretty as her !", Lex joked, trying to lighten his mood.

"She's just a friend.", Bruce said, avoiding any eye contact.

"I think it's you who's not being completely honest."

"We have to be careful with Goku .", Bruce Wayne changed the topic.

"You have changed a lot, Bruce ! You have changed a lot !" Lex Luthor said, shaking his head.

The computer screens came alive. They began their work.

* * *

><p><strong>Some of the fans might be furious as to why I included the Our Worlds at War arc in the New 52, here's my answer; because it was the perfect DC storyline to fit in this fanfic, it was a very significant arc in the DC Universe, leaving an impact on almost every comic title. New 52 is quite new and is open for a lot of additons and manipulations, so the OWW arc doesn't hurt it very much.<strong>

**Still, I apologize to DC comic fans, if some of them are unhappy.**

**I believe Superman/Wonder woman #6 is out by this time, so in this fic the relevance of the title's story only goes up till #5, from then on, it is my own imagination and ideas.**

**So, Goku is here in the DC dimension because of Imperiex war, but why was a mere probe so powerful ?**

**Why did Goku hide secrets ? Super Saiyan forms ? The ki signatures of the kryptonians ? And how does he intend to find his answers ?**

**Diana has lend a crying shoulder to Goku. What is the future holding for them ?**

**Bruce and Lex have got hold of the kryptonian grey armour. What exactly are they planning to do with it ?**

**Find out in the next chapter !**

**Your reviews, be it good or bad, are always welcome.**


	8. Chapter 8 Secrets

**So here I am with a new chapter.**

**Your reviews were appreciated, thanks !**

* * *

><p>Diana woke up the following morning, a little sore though. She clearly remembered last day's beating given by Darkseid, bringing her to the brink of death, then David's sudden awakening of powers, him humiliating the New God, then passing out, only to be reawakened by a new found strength to see the spiky haired man she had despised a few days back, beat the hell out of Darkseid. Then, the bright blue flash, the Watchtower, flashbacks, home, food, sleep and now this.<p>

David was still lying by her side, curled up into a ball, comfortably sleeping. How soothing was it to watch him like that ! She ran her hand through his soft hair and kissed him in his cheek. As long as she had him, she wouldn't have to worry about anything else. Her son opened his eyes, his sleep having been disturbed by his mother. He looked at her, and flashed a smile, his eyes a little drowsy.

"Good Morning honey !"

"Good Morning mommy !", He wished back, stretching his arms and legs and getting up.

"Slept well ?"

"Yeah. But where is Goku ?"

Then they both remembered, he must be sitting in the chair keeping an eye over them. Yes ! There he was, looking at them.

"I hope it was not much trouble, Goku !", Diana said getting down from the bed. David remained there.

Goku just kept staring ahead.

"Goku ? Are you listening to me ?", She asked, bending down to have a better look at him.

Still no answer.

"Goku ?" She waved a hand in front of him. He didn't so much as bat an eyelash. "What the..."

She went in closer and stared him full in the eye, hoping to get a reaction; he didn't even notice it, kept looking ahead in nothingness. Then it dawned upon her, why he was acting like this; his breathing was deep and slow; slower than when active, his pupils; fluctuating on their own, as if viewing varied images, and she heard it too, a very light snore escaping his nose !

"Goku !", She cried, shaking him hard this time.

"WHOOOAAAAA !..." He yelled, flailing his arms and legs in the air, before falling down with a hard thud on his back, along with the chair.

David burst into a hearty laughter at the silliness, while Diana had to help Goku up from the ground, who was rubbing his head.

"What happened ?!", He enquired, confused at this turn of events.

"You, my friend..", She replied, barely controlling her laughter ,"Managed to sleep with your eyes open ! I never thought it was possible until now."

"Yeah I guess !", He said shyly, rubbing the back of his head ,"I was feeling very sleepy, but I didn't want to disappoint you two either. So, must have dozed off without shutting my eyes."

She tried to suppress it, but couldn't as it came out bursting out of her mouth. Now, it was Diana's turn to laugh out loud. She did, all the while clutching her stomach, her laugh ringing loud in the room. She was not just laughing, she was genuinely happy that a person like him was there for both her and her son. She knew that this Saiyan meant well, that they would eventually turn out to be very good and genuine friends.

David was happy too, seeing his mother laughing like this for the first time, being this happy.

"You.. you are very naive indeed !", She said, wiping the tears from her eyes, barely able to catch her breath. Then, when she saw a confused look on Goku's face, as if nothing had happened, she burst into another series of fresh laughter.

A big drop of sweat appeared on Goku's forehead as he slouched his shoulders and dug his neck in, a trait shared by all the inhabitants of his anime dimension.

"Has she lost it ?" He thought slumbering.

"Wow ! Can you teach me how to do that ?", David asked looking at the huge drop on his friend's head...

It was a few days later. David had gone to school and Diana was back to her job. Goku was alone in the house. He had been waiting for this day for a long time, and now the opportunity had presented itself.

"I must do it now !," He thought to himself. Stepping out of the house, he locked the door and double-checked all the locks. Perfectly fine. He sensed the ki of the person he was looking for and then, he ITed to the Watchtower. He needed some answers.

* * *

><p>He was in a dark corner, looking at the prison where they both were kept.<p>

Zod and Faora, both were locked inside the cell, a cell which seemed to be bathed in some kind of red light. The kryptonite captivators were still latched on to their necks, preventing them to be any kind of trouble. He was sitting on the bed, his hands resting on his lap, lost in some kind of thought. She was lying next to him, her back facing his front, probably sleeping. Both of them were in the same body suit Goku had exposed them in after nerfing them.

But they were not alone. Standing there, guarding them was Supergirl, Kara Zor-El. The very same Supergirl Zod had decided to violate in front of everyone despite her pleas. The same Supergirl Goku had saved in the nick of time. Now, the same Supergirl was watching over her tormentors. She was sitting on a chair, her chin resting on her hand, as if bored by this duty assigned to her. However, she did seem to catch on to something, thanks to her super hearing.

"Who's there ?," She called out, peaking her head over her shoulder, her muscles tightening for a fight.

"Relax ! Its just me !," Goku said getting out from the corner.

"Hi there ! Spikey !," She said waving her hand, getting up. Finally something to get her out of this boredom !

"Spikey ?! That's a new one !", Goku said reaching for his spiky hair. It certainly wasn't a name that misfit him.

"So, what brought you here ?," She asked, adjusting some loose strands of her golden hair.

"Uh.. well. I was kind of, getting bored. Couldn't think of any place to kill some time. So, I ended up here !"

"You, mister !," She said squinting her eyes and standing on her toes so that her face could be closer to his ,"Are then absolutely at the right place ! Supergirl really knows how to have a fun time with people !"

Goku backed a bit, for she was dangerously close to him; so close that he could smell her fruity breath, so close that he thought their lips might accidently meet. He saw that she stayed on like that, had made no effort to step back. Was she doing it on purpose ? If so, this was going to be easier than he thought. He felt ashamed a bit; using a girl to do a man's job, but he badly wanted some answers. And he knew that Zod would have them.

"Really Kara ?! What exactly is your definition of fun ?," He asked smiling at her, placing a hand on her shoulder. He had decided to flirt with her, in order to gain her trust. Little did he know that it would start a chain reaction, the repercussions of which would be felt in the coming years, pushing everything into chaos and unrest, resulting in severe consequences.

She looked down at his hand, and then back at him. Was he really doing it ? Replying to her advances ?

"Certainly not this !," Kara replied, pointing her hand to the prison cell containing Zod and Faora, who were now looking at the enemy, who had beaten them.

"Yeah ! I mean, spending your time watching over a man who thinks he is a teenager and a woman who thinks she is a man ! That would definitely frustrate me !"

"And I was about to be a victim or their sinister plans. You saved me Goku ! You saved my life and my honour ! I can never thank you enough, but this is the best I can do !" She said taking his face into her hands, and then slowly planted a kiss on it ,"Thank you !"

"There's nothing to thank about, Kara !," He said, scratching the back of his head. Why did the Supergirls always make him feel embarrassed ? ,"Besides, you kind of made up for it when you and Powergirl bathed and dressed me up ! I was certainly looking good, I believe !"

"You always look good !," She said playfully, eyeing him down with interest. Then she placed a finger on his gi, where the kami sign was, upon his well toned left chest ,"That gi looks good on you too, Spikey !"

"And I thought you liked me better without it !" Goku teased her, arching his left eyebrow.

"Goku !", Kara scolded him, albeit in a playful manner, slapping him lightly across his arm. Then she dropped her gaze, too shy to meet his, her cheeks gaining a pinkish hue. She couldn't believe it was happening !

Goku wondered if he had stretched it a bit too far, maybe he should have straightaway explained the reason behind his sudden arrival. She wouldn't have denied him. But doing this had certainly sent a wrong message, especially when he was interested in someone else...

"Maybe I'll win the bet afterall, it seems !", Kara thought, and then she laughed lightly to herself.

"Hey ! What ?!", Goku asked, unable to understand the reason behind Supergirl's behaviour.

"Nothing !" She replied, exposing her white teeth, pushing back a strand of loose hair.

"Where's Powergirl ?", He asked her casually, looking here and there.

"I am the only Kara you should be concerned about right now !" By the look on her face and the tone of her voice, he understood that she was not pleased with the mention of her Earth-Two counterpart, which surprised him because the Supergirls always came across to him as the closest two members in the League.

"Huh ?!" Was what escaped his lips, when he stared at her tilting his head.

"Oh ! I mean, Kara-P is not here in the Prison Chamber.", Supergirl said, realizing what she had just spoken ,"As you see, the Young Justice League members are given some amount of training before being inducted into the core Justice League. Me and Kara-P are undergoing that training. So, while the League is on Earth attending a meeting in the World Council, the trainees have been assigned to look after the Watchtower. Powergirl's handling the Young Justice League, briefing them. Bruce believes that the 'Younglings' will follow her orders better !"

"Can't blame them ! But Bruce ? I thought Hal Jordan was your leader ?"

"Bruce is the administrator; each and every aspect of the League comes under him. Green Lantern is our operational leader, meaning he is the final authority in every combat situation."

"And Kara-P ?", He asked, amused by that short form of a name.

"Yeah ! We kind of made it up !", She replied rubbing the back of her neck ,"Since both our names sound Kara Zor-El, we decided to distinguish ourselves; Powergirl is Kara-P and you can call me Kara-Z ! You see Z for Zor-El."

"So, Kara-Z ! Can I ask you for a little favour ?"

"Yeah sure ! Anything you want !"

"Can I interrogate Zod and Faora ?"

Kara-Z was looking at him with a confused look on her face. What possibly could he have to do with Zod ? They were not even from the same universes ! Was he hiding something ?

"I am not sure Goku.", She began, avoiding any eye contact, afraid to see a disappointed look in his eyes. Especially one caused by her ,"I mean, I am entrusted with watching over these two ! You saw what they are capable of ! If anything happens, if they escape..."

"Are you saying that I am incapable of handling them ?", He asked. He had started to play with his words.

"That's not what I meant ! I mean you are quite new to this place, and do not know much about the Watchtower. One wrong button pressed could mean trouble for us, and there are so many of them ! Not that I am saying that you are dumb ! But without any proper guidance from the League, there is a lot that could happen. I mean seriously, you could put the whole operation in jeopardy. And none of us would want that !"

"That's okay ! I believe you have an important work to tend to ! I guess I just wasted my time then !," Goku said as he let out a sigh and faked a certain degree of disappointment. Then he slouched his shoulders, dropped his head and turned around to leave.

He had barely walked five steps when he heard Supergirl cry "Wait !". He halted his motion.

"How much time do you need ?", She asked appearing before him, a look of unsure on her face.

"That did it !", Goku thought to himself. Kara-Z was now in his grasp. "Not much, around half an hour."

Supergirl was now looking down, apparently in a deep thought, pondering the possibilities of it. It was forbidden for any outsider to enter this part of the Watchtower, and yet, she had decided not to do anything about it, not to ask him to leave, because the truth was that she was seeing him after quite some time, and she did not want to waste this opportunity by pissing him off.

"Fine, you win !," She finally said, looking up at him ,"But please don't get me into any sort of trouble !"

"Why would I ?"

Before Kara could leave from the Prison Chamber, he called out from behind.

"Anything else you might be needing ?", She asked him.

"Yes. Though I have complete faith in you and believe you are mature enough to not think of it, I fear that your girlish side might get the better of you."

"What are you talking about ?"

"I would appreciate that you restrain from using your super-senses to eavesdrop on us !"

"Oh please !", Kara exclaimed rolling her eyes as she began leaving the chamber.

"One more thing !"

"What ?"

"You are the sweetest girl I've ever met !", He said flashing a huge genuine-looking smile meant only for her.

"Thanks !" She left the chamber blushing madly, unable to reply anything to him. Was this really happening ?

Goku now turned around to face the two kryptonians held in captivity.

Zod now had his arms folded across his chest, sitting cross-legged on the bed in an upright position, smiling menacingly at the Saiyan. Even Faora was now awake, her hair a little dishelved though, she was probably asleep for a long time.

"Done using the girl, are you ?", Were the words that escaped Zod's mouth.

"General Zod !," Goku began greeting him in the friendliest of manners ,"I see you had been observing us for quite some time now ! Must have been very interesting; something different, quite unlike your daily visuals nowadays- red light, enclosed metal walls, promethium bars and not to forget... a kryptonite captivator a day !"

Zod felt something burning inside him; the Saiyan could hurt as much as with his tongue as with his bare hands and feet. But the general couldn't give up so easily; even in defeat, the kryptonians' reputation was at stake.

"Yes ! Very boring indeed !," He began, intentionally making a very sad face ,"But why are you complaining ? Especially after where you stay nowadays ! You must be viewing pretty interesting 'visuals' yourself ? How many times have you feasted your eyes upon her flawless body ? How many times has she caught you doing that ? And how many times have you barged into her room while she was changing ? Sometimes accidently, sometimes not ! Or have you grown so fond of each other that both of you sleep in the same room, on the same bed ?" He ended his last question with an evil sneer.

Goku felt the full sting of it, but he knew that this was bound to happen someday, after all he was living with a single mother, who had lost the father of her child. Five years of being alone, raising a son on her own, and suddenly he decides to show up; questions would be definitely asked. He also knew that some of the kryptonian's questions definitely had answers, but due to obvious reasons he couldn't disclose them to him.

"The only thing I've come here for is some answers. Not your questions.", Goku said crossing his arms.

"And what makes you think that I'll do that, Saiyan !", Zod replied back. He stood up, and went nearer to Goku. Then, holding the bars with his hands, he spoke ,"Yes ! I've heard all about you. The last surviving Saiyan, inhabitant of a doomed world, which you have left to die slowly and painfully. Victim of a catastrophe created by your own foolishness ! Where were all your powers and wisecracks back then ? The truth is that you are no hero, just an overpowered fool who chanced his arrival upon less powerful beings. Tell me honestly - Aren't you relieved here ? That you don't have to day in and day out watch your world slowly breathing its last, slowly falling apart from a disaster that happened all because of you ?"

Zod saw that Goku's expression had changed, now it was not one, but a mixture of many; anger, grief, frustration, hatred, remorse. He wondered if the Saiyan would decide to execute him now. But somehow, miraculously, he managed to regain his previous composure.

"You are right. Much like you, I come from a doomed world. But, let me ask you this, how much do both of you love your world ?"

"I think you saw how much we love it !", Faora spoke for the first time since Goku's arrival, getting up and standing besides her general. The stoic expression was clear on her face.

"Then will you answer my queries for it ?"

"What exactly are you trying to say ?", Zod asked, feeling that he and her commander were unnecessarily being questioned.

"What if I say that you can get your wish ? What if I say that I can give Krypton back to you ?"

Both of them were shocked by the statement. The Saiyan had proposed something that Darkseid had promised; re-establishing Krypton. But how ? The New God had told them nothing about how he intended to do it, but perhaps Goku could ! Zod decided that it was best to give him what he wanted. After all, there was nothing he could lose if the spiky man turned his back on him.

"What do you want to know, Saiyan ?", He asked, his voice now full of eagerness.

"What do you know about this Darkseid ?"

Zod couldn't understand the Saiyan's sudden interest in the slain God, but still gave him all the information he had ,"His true name is, or was, Uxas. He was a mud-grubber, a humble farmer, back on his planet. He always cursed the Old Gods for having grown complacent and ignoring his people's worries. Legend has it that one day Uxas decided to slowly snake his way to the mountain where the Old Gods slept. And then he whispered something into their ears. What, nobody knows. But what everybody does know, is that it caused the Old Gods to turn on each other, they fought among themselves and got severely weakened due to the onslaught. Uxas easily disposed all of them one by one and gained their powers.

This drastically changed his physical appearance; from being humanoid to looking like a grey rockman. He lost all his hair and got covered up by the blue armour you saw. He took on the title, Darkseid.

Meanwhile, Uxas' brother, Izaya asked for the Skyfather to grant his wife back to him, but was granted with the power of the God because of his faith and benevolence. He took the title Highfather. So, Darkseid and Highfather engaged in a battle so fierce that it ripped their planet in two; one remained with Highfather, New Genesis and the other was ruled by Darkseid, Apokolips.

One day, a teleporter called Kaiyo appeared and mocked the parademons, the army of Darkseid. Angered, he decided to kill her, and followed her to different realities. He then realized that there were seemingly endless worlds, and one particular reality interested him, our reality. There he discovered the anti-life equation and wanted to use it to rule the entire universe. He was eventually defeated by the Justice League and had stayed hidden for some time. Then the Imperiex war happened and you know the rest, I believe."

"Hmmm... sounds interesting.", Goku said, his arms crossed on his chest ,"But what does one do with the anti-life equation ?"

"It is an equation which allows the user to eliminate freewill wherever he wants and make that place and its inhabitants his."

"Much like mind-control I see. So, as far as I know, Darkseid had formed an alliance with the League during the Imperiex war, so how exactly did he turn up against the same people he had fought alongside with ? Helped to eliminate a universal threat ? Surely certain agreements must have been reached during the aftermath !"

Zod grunted upon hearing this.

"What's that for ?" Goku asked.

"Nothing !"

"No, I want to know !", Goku insisted.

"The League did not tell you much, did they ? Are you even aware of what all they are hiding from you ? Powergirl is not from this universe, Kara Zor-El is in fact, much older than Kal-El, Cyborg uses Apokolipan technology for his machinery, there are more than just one coloured Lantern Corps., Kal-El never married Diana, their son is born out of wedlock, and yes, Diana; her Amazon race is that of rapists and murderers ! Do you get my point ? You know nothing ! "

Goku was shocked by these sudden revelations. Why did the League hide these facts from him ? Did they consider him a potential threat too ? Or worse, did they find him unworthy of his trust ? Ironically, he had come to find some answers but ended up with more questions. But then he realized that he was no one to question their decisions. Afterall, hadn't he kept secrets of his own ? Hadn't he missed the part in his narration when his family was almost pulverized by a Saiyan whose name was a pun on broccoli ?

"Can I ask you something ?"

"Go on, Saiyan."

"You know about Imperiex ?"

"Certainly !", Zod replied.

"Was he kryptonian ?"

"No why ?"

"Because I felt strong kryptonian ki signatures coming out from him when I fought him. It certainly was very much like yours, Faora's and the two Kara's. Why ?"

"What are you talking about ?"

"It felt as if, as if he was kryptonian." Goku clarified, revealing what he meant to ask.

"Beats me." Zod answered truthfully, shrugging his shoulders. He certainly had no idea what he was talking about ,"You must have felt wrong !"

"That's enough Saiyan ! I think we have told you enough !", Faora answered him with a sharp reply. She was in no mood to further solve his queries. She was concerned about her destroyed planet's resurrection."What about our Krypton ?"

"Yeah I think I kind of forgot.", Goku said rubbing the back of his head ,"But I don't think I'll be doing it alone."

"So who are you referring to ?", Zod enquired still holding the bars. The man was getting on his nerves, to the point of irritation. If not for the red solar rays that had drawn his powers, he surely would have punched him.

"I think you guys could help me out ! Its on Earth."

Zod and Faora looked at each other, wondering whether they just heard what he had said. The key to their lost world, the great Krypton, on Earth ? Either the Saiyan had gone insane or he was just playing around with them. Both of the scenarios were not good for them.

"Pardon me ! But don't you think it'll be a little difficult for us to help you ? Seeing that we are behind these bars ?", Faora asked, raising an eyebrow, mocking him.

"Step back !", Goku instructed them as he held the promethium-made bars firm in his grip. The kryptonians couldn't believe their eyes ! Why was he helping them ?! Obediently they did step back.

CRASH !.

* * *

><p>"Spikey !", Powergirl asked while laughing softly.<p>

Supergirl had told her everything that had happened regarding Goku's arrival.

"I'll have to admit that I am a little jealous of you right now !", Kara-P said poking her in the chest with her index finger, although just to tease her.

"Hey ! Stop it ! It tickles !", Kara-Z giggled, brushing the finger of her taller counterpart aside. She had to admit it, Powergirl was superior to her in many ways; strength, speed, age, stature, experience on Earth, many things. Recently, she was voted by a magazine as the 'most sought after superheroine', eclipsing Kara Zor-El in the poll. But today, being Supergirl was not so bad. Today was so good ! Goku was so cute and had treated her so nicely. She had despised her job of watching over the cruel kryptonians, but the very same job had given her a small glimpse of what she had wished for ! She never thought she would be this lucky !

She was so deeply lost in her own thoughts, that she didn't notice Kara-P observing her.

"Z ?!", Powergirl said.

"Huh !", Supergirl snapped out of her thoughts, looking at her.

"Mind if I ask you something, as an older sister ?", Kara-P asked, crossing her arms and leaning towards the other Kara, her eyebrows now knitted together in concern for the naive girl. Kara-Z had a feeling that she knew what was going to be asked. She just nodded silently.

"Are you having a..."

Thankfully, her question was cut short when Bruce Wayne arrived along with the other core members of the Justice League from a meeting with Lex Luthor.

Bruce was about to resume to his work when he saw that the supergirls were standing there, watching him. He noticed something odd when he saw that Supergirl was not where she was supposed to be, in the Prison Chamber watching over the prisoners.

He slowly marched towards her, a menacing scowl on his face. Kara-Z always hated when he did that, for it always meant that trouble was on its way. The world's most influential man had a knack of being strict about operations, even before the Imperiex war.

"What, may I ask, are you doing here ?", Bruce growled at the soon-to-be core League member.

"Well, I was getting bored sitting all alone there with those maniacs. So Goku came there suddenly and requested to interrogate them. He wanted to do it alone so..."

"You left ?!", Bruce asked her on the top of his voice, shocked by this decision explained in a casual manner, his eyes bulging out of his sockets. Everyone thought his jaw might drop down from his skull.

"Uh... calm down ! I don't think that Goku would backstab us. You saw his heroics a few days back.", Supergirl explained, defending herself and her saviour.

"Who gives a damn about what you think ?!", Bruce barked almost instantly, making her flinch a bit ,"Girl, if anything happens, it's all on you ! You better learn how to think from your head and not your hormones !"

His sudden outburst had stung her a lot, but she knew that it had some valid reason behind it. Goku was surely a hero, a saviour, but for all his traits, he was still a stranger. And strangers were forbidden to enter the restricted areas of the Watchtower, Prison Chamber was one of them. It was one of the basic rules of the League, which she had broken today.

Bruce rushed towards the chamber Kara had foolishly left, tensed in his face. The rest of the League was following him. Reaching the doors of the Prison Chamber he put his hand on the bio-matrix scanner and punched in the codes for entering.

The doors opened, and revealed no one inside. The bars had been pulled out from the prison walls, the red sunlight emitter had been broken to pieces and there were two kryptonite captivator strips lying on the ground.

* * *

><p>"Where has it gone ?", Goku asked himself, bending down to look at the ground. He had been searching it for some time now, but to no avail.<p>

"Don't tell me you hid it under a black cloud !", Zod quipped, mocking his intelligence. He was growing impatient. Although he could have, but he didn't dare double-cross him for two reasons; first he owed him gratitude for releasing him and Faora out of the prison, second, he was more powerful than both of them combined. If they didn't stand a chance in the grey armour how could they now ?

Tired of this search, he decided to use the ki signature. Closing his eyes and focusing, it didn't take him much time to find what he was looking for. A few feet away from him. Pointing a finger at the direction of the ki emission, he blasted a beam that dug a hole deep enough to expose it; a bottle.

Taking out the bottle and dusting it, he handed it over to the kryptonians.

"There you go ! You can always thank me later !", Goku said.

"Is it ? The one ? Is it really it ?", Faora asked him, taking the bottle in her hands. She still couldn't believe what she was seeing, what she was holding. A bottle, but no ordinary one. A jar to be exact, containing what looked like a miniature version of a city.

"I'm only telling you what I felt. It was emitting similar ki signatures to you both and the two Karas. I followed my instincts. Then, I've told you how it came into my possession."

"Yes ! Darkseid ! But I suspect it truly is Brainiac's work. I think the city is Kandor. Yes, I remember, its Kandor ! Brainiac had shrunk it, our capital city !" Zod said eyeing the bottle.

"Brainiac ?! Does he do it often ?"

"A lot."

"But why us ? After all we've done ? Why not the League to hand it over to ?", Zod curiously asked.

"Because I know what it is to lose a home. I've seen the hope, the desperation in your eyes when you mention your planet's resurrection. You need it more than the League, your souls were almost crushed when I saw you earlier today, all hopes lost. I know what true despair is. Maybe this will give you a new reason to live, be once again with... your people."

A lump rose on their throats as they looked at the man who they had made their sworn enemy a few days back. Now, the same enemy had ironically turned out to be their best ally. Who was he ?

"Besides !", Goku said, placing a hand on Zod's back and smiling at him ,"I think after this, you will have enough kryptonian women to bring your population back up ! I hope you will leave the two Karas alone then !"

The two burst into laughter as he joked about their previous misadventure. Even the usually frigid Faora managed to put up a warm smile now.

"Thank you, Goku ! Really !", She said, placing a hand on his shoulder ,"We both were so wrong about you !"

"From now on, you will be a good friend of Krypton !", Zod declared.

And then they both flew off.

* * *

><p>Goku was approached by Hal Jordan sometime later, on his way back home.<p>

"I come on behalf of the League." The Green Lantern spoke.

"So, I can see." Goku said, seeing that he had come alone.

"Why did you free them ?", He asked sternly, trying to hide his fear.

"You want to know ? Tomorrow morning around 11, at the Watchtower."

"How can we trust you ?" He asked floating in the air.

"Trust me on this. You'll get all your answers."

* * *

><p>The clock had struck 6 in the evening. David was busy in his homework, Diana was both helping him and preparing things for that night's dinner. They were in the living room, both busy in their respective works. Goku entered the room, wearing a hooded jacket and tracks.<p>

"See you guys at night !", He waved at them and began reaching to push the door. Diana suddenly appeared in front of it, her arms outstretched to both the ends, blocking his way.

"Yikes !", Goku yelled, springing his hand back instantly, to prevent it from accidently touching one of her breasts. "Hey ! Be a little careful where you stand, Diana ! Anything can happen !"

"It's been a week now !", She said crossly, her arms still stretched ,"You have to tell me where you disappear each evening ! And you have to tell me now !"

"Well, I do come back, don't I ?"

"Tell me where you go ! Are you seeing one of the supergirls ?", Diana demanded crossly, still blocking his way.

"No I am not. And stop throwing tantrums like a child !", Goku answered her.

"I will not stop until you tell me where you go !"

"Why are you so adamant, Diana ?"

"Because, you're..."

Goku leaned in to capture her next words carefully, eager to hear what she thought of him.

"My good friend." She ended up saying, though he wasn't sure she was being honest.

"So, as a 'good friend'.", He said, "I suggest that you have faith in me. When the proper time comes, I will reveal everything to you."

"That's a very lucrative offer, but no !"

Goku sighed in disappointment, his head dropping low and a huge sweat drop appearing on it 'a la anime-style'.

"How does he do that ?!", Diana wondered.

SOLAR FLARE !

The blinding light filled the room, and the mother and son had no time to cover their eyes, as it was totally unexpected. Before both Diana and David could gain their sights back, Goku was gone.

* * *

><p>On the planet Apokolips, Darkseid was in a very bad condition. Miraculously, he had survived the Kamehameha blast that had completey obliterated his moon-sized spaceship and a large chunk of his parademon troops along with it. But, he was badly burnt, his entire three-fourths was, and his one arm and one leg were missing. It seemed his right eye was gone too. All because of one man.<p>

"You lied to me !", Darkseid whispered softly to someone, lying on a huge bed befitting his size with several screens and equipments which had to be medical in nature surrounding him.

"You dared to defy us ! Serves you right !" The voice in his head boomed.

"You never warned that t-the Saiyan was this p-powerful. He c-confronted me before blowing my ship up. The Amazon and her child are o-out of our reach. Heee... is now in possession of the b-bottles too !", The New God was having trouble speaking too, so grave were the wounds inflicted upon him.

"A slight change in plans. We will take care of it. Don't worry."

"Don't worry ?!", He boomed ,"I have only a few days left ! It is i-inevitable !"

"You know that's not true !", The voice said ,"You can be saved, can even become more powerful."

"T-The abomination ?!" He asked disgustingly, before spitting on the ground.

"It's the only way."

Darkseid was looking at what he had kept in his room for five years, in a huge glass column filled with some hazel liquid. Inside it was a strange glowing skeleton, about his size, with spikes protruding from it. He had kept it to keep an eye on it, that as soon as there was even a hint of it trying to regenerate, he would have it completely destroyed. But, it was a good souvenir. Now, it was the only way to keep him alive.

"You know what to do, Uxas. You know what to do."

"B-But we are not even c-compatible ! Fusion is improbable ! And even i-if there is a way, i-it will t-take years for the result !"

"Patience is the key, Uxas."

* * *

><p><strong>Darkseid has a glowing skeleton in his room. But what is it for ? And whose skeleton is it ?<strong>

**Zod and Faora have found the bottled city of Kandor. But what will they do with it ?**

**What's with Supergirl ?**

**How will Goku confront the Justice League the following day ?**

**And where does Goku go every evening ?**

**Find out in the next chapter. Stay close !**

**And your reviews are always welcome !**


	9. Chapter 9 Revelations

**Hmm****...**

**This was supposed to be updated a week ago, but kind of went into depression when Taker lost his streak to Lesnar at Wrestlemania. (Sigh !) Sad day for the WWE indeed...**

**The most controversial of my chapters was in fact the most reviewed one ! ( With OOC being the pick of the word for the reviewers )**

**Some of the reviews were threatening to punch me from the screen if I didn't set things right !**

**Getting back to updates, this is the longest chapter of this story till date.**

**Regarding OOC ( Out Of Character ), I must say I had hoped for something better. This is a mature Goku we're dealing with. He's dealing with the fact that he indirectly caused the destruction of his universe, because HE WAS BEING HIS USUAL KIND SELF, as one reviewer pointed out, and that was what I had in mind when writing this story. A mature and a smarter Goku, though he'll have his usual moments. I was tired of reading the same Goku on every crossover fic, so I did an interesting twist to him, kind of attention-grabbing when someone deviates from his usual self right ?**

**I too, hoped that he wouldn't trick Kara Zor-El, but he did. Kind of made me sad. (-_-)**

**And just because he kept secrets doesn't make him 'impure' of heart. He still has his malevolent nature, still is a little silly and most of all he is noble and a warrior at heart. And that's how Goku is remembered.**

**Well, nuff said. Here is the new chapter, hope you enjoy it. Please leave a review, good or bad. **

**Tell me if you like it or don't. I have shaped some of the chapters to the previous demands and reviews.**

**And here. We. Go...**

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><p>It was quite dark by the time Goku returned. The lights of Diana's house were switched off and no sound seemed to be coming out of it. Crickets were chirping everywhere. But he wasn't surprised by this as it had now been a daily routine for him; going out in the evening and coming back late at night every day.<p>

"They must be sleeping.", He thought before opening the door. As soon as he did, he faced Diana sitting right in front of the door with a stern look on her face, her hands crossed across her chest. By the looks of it she seemed to be pretty annoyed by him.

"Hard luck !", He thought to himself as he gulped down the lump in his throat. Judging by the little amount time he had spent with her, he knew that she was a fierce woman beneath; the reason that she was good to him was because of gratitude, the fact that he had saved her and David. It was what had earned him that many men did not; her compassion. But tonight even that was apparently thrown out of the window.

"Would you care to tell me where do you go ?," Diana asked, not rudely, but still maintaining an authority. Afterall, she was still the boss in her house.

"I'd care to tell you that I'm thirsty !", Goku said with an innocent-looking face, mocking her, acting as if nothing odd had happened.

Diana gave her a vicious squinted look before disappearing in the kitchen, and appearing moments later with a glass of water. She looked on as the Saiyan emptied it the moment the glass touched his lips, drinking its entire chilled content in one single gulp. Then he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. So refreshing !

"I guess the lump in your throat has gone down with the water.", She spoke, after waiting for a few moments ,"Good ! Now you'll be able to answer my questions properly !"

"Oh shit !", Goku thought staring wide-eyed at her ,"How do I get out of this ?"

"Sooo... ! Where do you disappear each evening ?", Diana began.

"I might want to check on David !", He replied, trying to change the topic.

"David is sleeping.", She said flatly ,"You might not want to disturb him."

"How was your day ?"

Diana sighed, disappointed by his stubbornness. Then, an idea framed into her mind. Why not use the Lasso of Truth ? She still had it hidden in a trunk along with her other weapons and the costume. He would surely blurt out the truth upon the lasso's usage. But, she didn't want to do it this way; it would spoil whatever friendship they both had. And she was not afraid to admit that both David and she needed a friend like him; a sweet and down to earth guy, who was always ready to help. But did Goku needed them too ?

"I see Goku that you don't want to tell me anything regarding this.", Diana said, her tone softer and comforting this time ,"And it's okay, since you have already opened your life before us, shared things and all that. But, it would be reassuring for your friend to know where you exactly venture out each evening."

"Sorry Diana ! I wish I could tell you ! But if you knew you wouldn't let me out anymore. And that would prevent me from being a responsible person. I am doing this all for you and David.", Goku thought clenching his fists. He was so angry at himself for hiding the truth from a person who had sheltered her.

"Do you trust me, Diana ?"

"Yes.", She answered him truthfully, although she was surprised by this question ,"But why do you ask this ?"

"Let's say the truth will reveal itself when the time comes right.", He said, looking deep into those pretty blue eyes of her, meaning every word he had just said. Although he wanted to ask her the truth about her Amazon race being murderers, he decided to stall it for the future.

"So, am I to be kept in dark like this ?", She asked.

"Goodnight ! Good friend.", He said on his way up. The silence that followed meant that he had hurt her. He wished he had not.

"I am sorry, Diana ! I am very sorry !," Goku thought.

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><p>They were sitting in the meeting hall, the core members of the League; Bruce Wayne, Green Lantern, Flash, Cyborg, Billy Batson, Powergirl and the most disappointed of them all, Supergirl, waiting for Goku. She was sitting there with her fingers constantly fiddling with each other, her head held low, not sure whether she belonged there or not. Ever since Zod and Faora's escape, the League had been scanning the entire planet for any signs of them. But they were nowhere to be found, as if they had vanished from the face of Earth. Bruce Wayne had pulled in every last resource, had made every possible phone call, and even went as far as to spread the word around every news channel, issue a public warning. All the while giving Kara Zor-El rueful, disgusted looks.<p>

Too ashamed and too angry to stand there, Supergirl had decided to leave. She knew where Diana's house was, and hoped to confront Goku alone, but decided against it when she reminded herself of the meeting about to be held in the Watchtower next day. Kara changed her course of flight and headed for her home, where she lived with her Earth-Two counterpart, Powergirl. She had to take a day off !

He didn't make them wait much, Goku. He arrived in the hall, a slight drag to his walking, a hesitation to confront the people he had betrayed when they had put their utmost faith in him. She was sitting right there, Kara-Z as she liked to call herself, hands folded across her chest. Goku dropped his gaze when she lifted hers, wondering what was going wrong. What was wrong with him ? How could he act like this ? How could he have changed so much after the Imperiex wars ? Had the effortless victory over Darkseid and the kryptonians gotten to his head ? Made him believe that he could do things as he pleased ? So, what if he had saved the Justice League and Earth from certain destruction ? It did not give him the right to betray their trust ! These were the thoughts that were going around his head, as he held it low, waiting for the League to lash out, to yell at him. He was waiting for the accusations to be hurled.

"Come.", Bruce Wayne said softly, to the Saiyan's surprise, getting up from his seat and placing a hand on his shoulder. Then, he led him towards the end of the meeting hall, stopping some fifty feet away from it. Goku didn't know what was happening or what was about to happen, so he remained silent.

The ground beneath shook and hissed as a hole appeared in front of them. And from that hole, popped up a giant statue. Standing about twenty feet tall, it was surprisingly fine in its detail; each strand of the black coloured hair individually stood out, the square face was almost life like; Goku could see that each line and curve of it was carefully carved to give the detailed look. The blue eyes appeared to be shining with moistness as they gave a smug look to the onlookers. Below the face, the statue wore some sort of blue armour with an 'S' symbol embedded on it, a symbol which was a sign of unmatched heroic and sacrifice, hope to the helpless, nightmare to the enemies. Even though it was just a statue, it seemed to radiate a lot of positivity, a feel good factor around it. All in all, Goku deduced that whoever the person was, he must have been someone of great importance. But, what caught his attention the most was the long red cape flowing behind his back, the same colour and length like Imperiex wore.

"This you see.", Bruce Wayne began explaining to Goku who was still marvelling at the statue ,"This is our hero, the man who sacrificed everything, his life, his friends... and much more. There is a reason he holds respect in each and every one of the Justice League member's heart, a reason why he is looked upon as a God on Earth. He is Superman, Clark Kent, Kal-El. Call him whatever you like but he sacrificed himself so that we could all be safe, we could all live our lives, peacefully."

Goku raised his eyebrows and slowly nodded his head, understanding what Bruce wanted to imply.

"Ooohhh...", He said.

"And your most recent actions just put it all in jeopardy."

Goku looked down to avoid making any eye contact, either with Bruce, or with any League member. What if Bruce Wayne was correct ? He had played a gamble when he had released the two kryptonians. So what if the decision came back to haunt him ?

"I only did that because I have a belief.", Goku began, rising his head up and looking in everyone's eyes with surety, his own shining with determination, firmly standing by what he did ,"A belief that people should be given a second chance, that people aren't made out of stone, that they can change. Two of my friends; Piccolo and Vegeta were evil at first, hell bent on destruction, but gradually with our assistance they had a change of heart. Both of them went on to become Earth's finest defenders. I somehow felt that Zod and Faora were only looking for a way to rebuild their planet. I found nothing wrong in that. Although their methods were twisted, to say the least."

"What are you saying my friend ?", Flash asked him, dumbfounded by his ignorance of such an important matter. The Saiyan had experienced firsthand what his ideals had got him into and was still talking about mercy and second chances,"Didn't giving a second chance to a certain someone lead you through so much pain and suffering ?"

Goku gave it a thought for a moment; the red speedster had a very valid point. Afterall, didn't being kind to Imperiex resulted in the destruction of his world ?

"Hmm... you are probably right and I am sorry for breaking your trust, I truly am. But trust me one last time, let Zod and Faora have what they want, I believe they won't cause any more trouble."

"And what if they do ?", Bruce inquired, trying to coax out what he wanted to hear. He knew that the Saiyan would oblige, it was just a matter of mind games.

"Then.", Goku faced his right palm upwards. Some tiny sparks immediately appeared on it, materializing into a small white glowing ball of ki. The League did not have to be ki manipulators to feel the power pulsating from it. They knew what power was concealed within that baseball sized attack. It felt as if it was screaming to be released, to find a target, to destroy. "I will make sure that you don't regret my decision like I did."

Nobody questioned him this time for his eyes told them that his words had true meaning.

"What exactly did you give them to be so sure about the outcome ?", Bruce inquired. He wanted to listen what the Saiyan had to say, to be sure that it was a safe enough bet. If he had guessed right, it would probably open door for so many possibilities.

"I gave them their planet back, or at least a city of it. The bottled city of Kandor as Zod called it."

Bruce smirked internally; he was right. The Saiyan was a useful idiot afterall.

"But as far as I remember, Goku.", Green Lantern said, placing his chin between his index finger and thumb, trying to recollect something ,"It was kept in the Fortress of Solitude, Clark's station in the north pole. And it went missing during the Imperiex war, never heard about again. I contacted the Guardians regarding it, but even they were unaware of its whereabouts."

Goku looked at everyone while scratching his head, giving a silly grin to everyone ,"Uhhh... that's because I hid something from you guys. You see when I was about to blast that ship, I knew Darkseid was eons above moon-busting durability, so I decided to stall the kamehameha wave for some time and personally end him. I broke in his ship and found him through his energy level. You should have seen the look on his face then ! But anyways, he retaliated and I broke apart one of his legs. Then I fired one of my beams at him, I think it hit him directly in the face. But before I could deliver my finishing blow, I felt something; kryptonian ki signatures ! I found the bottle, it was teeming with life, so to leave it to die with the ship was unthinkable. Taking Kandor with me I finally left the ship with Darkseid breathing his last, letting the kamehameha wave do the rest. You saw the after-effects. I hid the bottle somewhere in the woods later to prevent anyone from misusing it. You know the rest."

Goku looked away after finishing. The guilt of betraying the League was still fresh in his mind.

"So Darkseid was the one behind the disappearance of the bottle. I knew we couldn't trust him. His alliance was a deception as proven by his actions.", Bruce said, banging his fist on the table furiously. But inside, he was happy that the Saiyan had made his work much easier.

"But we still have a problem, Goku.", Powergirl said getting up from her seat.

"What ?", Goku asked.

Powergirl pointed towards a very cross Supergirl who was sitting right next to her. She had been making a face for quite some time now, ever since she saw him. With her hands crossed across her chest, she sat there looking down at the ground, apparently lost in her own thoughts.

"Oh I see ! Kara.", Goku called out to her.

Supergirl looked the other way, not interested to hear what explaination the Saiyan had to give.

"Kara !", He called out again. But to no avail, Kara Zor-El remained silent. And so did the League, watching and anticipating what would happen next.

"I am sorry Kara ! Sorry for breaking your trust ! I truly am."

Kara Zor-El now looked at him with an angered look, ready to explode in his face. But then she remembered the day when he had saved her from imminent death so many times, from Zod and from the other kryptonians' powerful heat vision, he had braved it all to save her. Certainly, a man like him couldn't be bad, but what had compelled him to trick her ?

"But Goku !," She said, not angrily but sounding just as sad as he did, as if she was the one who was pleading guilty ,"You made me lose face in front of the League. I felt so ashamed of myself ! Everyone looked at me as if I was the one who broke the cell. The guilt was there all the time and for the first time in my life I felt like running away !"

She immediately realized what she had just said in her last sentence. She saw that Goku did too; the day when she had pleaded to Zod to spare her, trying to run away from there, the day when she kneeled before Zod. But what could she have done against their combined might ? When they had effortlessly pawned the entire League ! Afterall, she was just a girl who still had to learn a few things. Luckily, the League members were all unconscious to see it all, otherwise what would they have thought of her ? A whining, pleading cry-baby ?

"What if your decision doesn't haunt you ? But instead bears you fruit ?", Goku asked after remaining silent for quite some time. Apparently, he had not mentioned about that day regarding that particular event, so he had decided not to bring that topic up.

"Can you be more specific please ?", Bruce Wayne asked. He was done with this Saiyan's secrets.

"The kryptonians of Kandor. They have been freed from their prison bottles. I can feel their ki being amplified."

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><p>Red beams shot from every direction, threatening to break apart the ice of the North Pole. Some of the kryptonians had shut their eyes tight, while others had placed a hand on them. Trapped in a bottle for so many years and then sudden exposure to a yellow sun had caused them to go in a sensory overload. They were seeing things that they had never seen before; like walking skeletons of their fellow Kandorians, or the minute details of the ice crystals beneath them. They were hearing things they had never heard, at least from hundreds of miles away, like the grunts of a seal or the roars of a polar bear. They were never accustomed to this type of power, having spent their entire life under Rao, their red sun. Some of them even fell unconscious as a result of this sudden psycho-traumatic experience. However, a particular general and his commander were ready to guide their people through this.<p>

"(People of Kandor this way, please !)", Zod spoke in his native kryptonian tongue to his people, waving his hands at them ,"Slowly, and no lasers please !"

Several stray uncontrolled heat visions shot out from the alien group towards the general and Faora. They ducked in time to avoid getting hit.

"(I thought we had finally found what we were yearning for !)," Zod said looking at Faora. Both of them were still lying on the ground on their chests, as the streams of heat vision flew above them ,"(Then why is this giving us so much trouble ?!)"

"(What do you expect ?!)", Faora replied, facing her palm upwards, looking at him with surprise ,"(It's from Goku!)"

And then she smiled.

The general smiled back at her and rolled his eyes "(And I thought you were frigid ! But it's good to see you smile for a change ! I can't remember the last time I saw you doing that.)"

"(I have every reason to smile now, General.)"

The barrage of heat visions finally stopped, allowing Zod and Faora to get back up. The still panicking people of Kandor stood in front of them, and behind the magnificent city of Kandor, all skyscrapers seeming from a futuristic advanced world to any human. But to Zod, it seemed exactly the same like the last time he remembered. He was happy to finally find a place he could call home.

"(Breath in slowly, people !)", Faora instructed in kryptonian, doing it herself as a demonstration ,"(And concentrate ! Focus on one thing at a time !)"

It took some time, but the kandorians followed her instructions eventually. A few minutes later, most of them were slowly gaining their composure. Seeing things turn to normal, Zod decided to step forward and announce.

"(Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is General Zod, as some of you might remember. I am here on a mission.)"

The kryptonians listened in silence to their military general, for he was their guide in this alien world.

"(You are on a planet called Earth, some 27 light years away from where Krypton is, or was. Unfortunately, our beloved planet is now gone. Destroyed.)"

Zod could now see the same look of loss,pain and shock upon receiving this news that he felt years ago when he learnt of his planet's destruction. His home world was gone, but some part of it still lived on; in Kandor and its people.

"(You suffered severe anxiety, loss of balance, disorientation and hyperventilation; this is due to immediate exposure to a yellow star Earth revolves around. Yellow sunlight fuels our biology, turning us from mere mortals to beings whose powers rival that of Gods. With proper focus, we will together learn to control this. Having spent some time exposed to Earth's atmosphere prior to your release, I will be very happy to assist my own people through this...)"

BOOM !

Zod and Faora looked back, to the source of the sound which had cut the former's speech midway. They saw the Justice League standing some thirty feet away from them. Both of the convicted kryptonians readied themselves in a battle stance instinctively; even though their armour was gone, they knew that under the yellow sun they would prove a match for the League's combined might.

"If you are here to fight, Leaguers. Let me tell you we do not intend to harm your precious little planet anymore !", Faora said gravely, hardening her expressions and clenching her fists, ready to throw herself at them at a moment's notice ,"But if you still want to fight us and take us back, then you are grossly outnumbered; seven of you against a hundred thousand of us. You think you'll be able to make it out."

She then scanned the League members looking for any potential threat, and found Bruce Wayne wrapped in a thick hooded fur jacket, wearing thick black glasses to protect himself and his eyes from the bone-chilling cold of the North Pole.

"Oh I forgot !," Faora sneered, without taking her eyes off the hooded figure of Bruce ,"Six of you against a hundred thousand of us ! The human bat doesn't count !"

"What about me ?", Goku asked, coming out from behind the League.

"The saiyan, always knows how to make an entrance !", Zod said. He was not sure if the saiyan had come to help them or to fight them. If he wanted a fight, they would last a minute at the most or less, even the Kandorians who were inexperienced with their powers would find it difficult to overwhelm him. The general could only hope that the saiyan was on a peace mission.

Goku however read the thoughts going around in Zod's that were reflected in his expressions.

"Rest assured Zod, I am not here to wreck havoc upon you all ! The League just wants to contact the kryptonians. And some of them are even happy of your work."

Both Zod and Faora relaxed themselves a bit, though still alert on their senses.

"If you say so !", The general said, eyeing the League ,"Which League member though ?"

Kara Zor-El stepped forward, towards the city of Kandor, her eyes wide with wonder and awe. She had seen many beautiful things in her life, but never quite like this one before. She was spellbound by the beauty of the spectacle in front of her. Those tall coloured skyscrapers, taller than any of Earth's, against the shimmering pearl white snow of the North Pole provided a perfect contrast to each other. Add in the bright bursts of sunlight between the megastructures resulting in half-formed rainbows provided a breathtaking view. Even though she was the Supergirl, she felt so slighted against the glory of the capital city of her former planet. The last time she saw it was when she was almost seventeen years old. She had seen the city so many times before, even been inside it when it was bottled, then why was it looking so unrealistically magnificent now ?

Kara, with difficulty, tore her gaze away from the city and focused her gaze on the kryptonians standing in front, her people. A hundred thousand people were looking at this blonde girl now, at her jaw which seemed to touch the ground, at her eyes which seemed to pop out of her sockets, at her strange attire, some of the kryptonians recognized it; a blue kryptonian armour which bore the symbol of the house of El in the chest, a long red cape flowing down the back, but the most peculiar feature was the lower part of her attire; it didn't seem to cover her bare legs, which were exposed in full view. What kind of attire was this ?

Supergirl began turning her eyes away from the crowd when she noticed a very familiar face in it, and her lips snarled automatically in anger and hatred upon seeing the individual. Sure, he had cut his hair short to about shoulder length and covered his muscular body along with the inverted 'S' on the chest, with the traditional kryptonian dress, unlike the wild rags he had wore when she had seen him about six years ago. But he couldn't hide that chalk-white skin of his, which automatically made him stand apart from the rest, nor could he hide those maniacal eyes and neither that tall six feet five inches stature. He was a man who had been inducted into the house of El, and although Kara had called Kon-El, the Superboy, an abomination of her house, the truth was that this person had truly shamed the house of El. He was the true abomination, he was...

"H'EL !", Supergirl yelled and sped towards him at a speed surpassing that of light, with murder in her eyes.

Her fist connected cleanly with his face as shockwaves were felt throughout the area, cracking ice, spewing the liquid water beneath and even misbalancing most of the people standing there.

H'el was sent back flying upwards at breakneck speeds, but she caught him by his legs anyways and dug her fist deep in his gut. This time shockwaves were felt in the air bringing everyone to the their knees. The pale kryptonian was sent crashing into the ice and when he did white boulders weighing several tons were thrown in the air.

"You won't get away this time !", Supergirl screamed and made her descent downwards, effortlessly breaking through the huge boulders of ice into the spot where she saw H'el fall. The red and blue blur connected with the ice and the resultant blast created the most powerful aftershock yet.

No one was left standing, no one except Goku, Green Lantern and Powergirl, the rest were found lying quite a few metres away from where they originally stood. The ice below had crumbled to tiny bits.

"You ! Made ! A ! Big ! Mistake !", Supergirl yelled sitting on top of the fallen kryptonian, each word followed by a punch to H'el's face. The shockwaves kept coming as the ice kept sinking in due to the sheer pressure

"My god ! She's not holding back !", Goku said as he witnessed the display of true kryptonian power.

"If the girl doesn't stop, she will destroy this land along with Kandor !", Bruce thought, for some reason worried about an alien city that he had just seen, that had been enlarged by two of his targets; Goku and Zod.

"Stop that fool before she destroys her own planet's last city !", Zod cried, despair gripping his heart.

"I'll take care of the Barbie.", Faora said getting up and clenching her fists. But before she could fly towards her, she saw a figure reaching towards Kara, who was still pounding her target.

The punches were still raining in on H'el. Supergirl made sure that they did, she meant to finish the threat once and for all, and she didn't care if he had gone toe to toe against four kryptonians last time. She was so absorbed by anger that she never felt a hand place on her shoulder.

"(Kara that's enough !)", A voice called out in kryptonian, from the direction of the hand. Kara Zor-El immediately put a halt to the barrage, the voice seemed so familiar. She turned around to face a middle aged man whom she recognized instantly. And why not ? For she had spent seventeen years of her life with him and his wife, her oldest memories were of him and she had been named after him. He still looked like the last time she had seen him before presuming him dead. Yet somehow, he had defied death and was standing right in front of her. He was Zor-El.

Zod and Faora and some of the Leaguers thought that Kara would immediately leap to embrace her father, having been 'orphaned' twenty three years ago. The joy of having your father back ! But instead, she held him by the neck and threw him to the ground and started choking him with both of her hands, all the while crying,

"Impostor !"

The League members were too stunned by Supergirl's reaction that they didn't notice Zor-El's eyes going white. Spittle formed on the side of his lips as his kicking started to become less and less intense, he was just a few moments away from being choked to death by his own daughter !

"STOP HER !", Zod screamed at the top of his voice. Without any hesitation Faora sped towards the bloodlusted blonde, and with one swift scoop pried Kara off her father, and rolling into the snow.

Kara's first look was that of confusion, but soon changed to rage when she saw the rogue commander facing her. How dare she touch her ?

"(Barbie ! I am warning you ! Be within your...)", Faora never got to finish her sentence as she received a powerful kick to her stomach. When she felt a hollowing pain run through her abdomen she realized how much she was missing her grey armour. But she had to stop the blonde anyways.

Steading herself in mid-air, she watched as Kara launched at her with full speed, kicking up large amounts of snow, with both her fists outstretched. But the commander's experience in combat far outweighed her opponent's, turning to one side, she allowed Supergirl to harmlessly fly by her side and using her sharp reflexes caught one of her legs, pulled her closer and rammed her elbow against the back of her head, causing her to hurl towards the ground at break neck speeds.

But Kara Zor-El was no novice, she landed safely on her legs instead of her head and once again launched at her enemy to deliver a fresh barrage of attacks. The back of her head was still stinging, but she didn't care. Lefts and rights rained in on Faora, though she blocked them easily, after all she was a highly trained kryptonian combatant whose skills could only be matched by General Zod. The kryptonian commander was only on her defences as she was careful of not hurting the blonde Leaguer.

On one instance though, while fighting high above in air, Supergirl slipped past Faora's defences and managed to grab hold of her neck. The commander simply held her opponent's wrist tightly with both her hands, and with one strong twist of her body, freed her neck from the crushing grip and locked Kara's hand between both her legs in a cross arm bar, the torque bringing both of them down to the ground, causing fissures to appear. Faora held on tightly to her opponent's forcefully straightened arm, the tremendous strain on her elbow and on her shoulder causing Kara to wince in pain. Apparently, Supergirl had been subdued.

"How's that for a catfight ?!", Flash said, visibly quite amused by the events unfolding before him, more of an exclamation than a question. He was wondering where all this power of Kara had been the last time. Had something held her back ?

Goku heard what Barry Allen said and turned back to give him a menacing glare, there was a crisis going on right now and all the speedster could think about was a catfight ?

"Are you here to resolve differences or watch two chicks fight it out ?", He asked gravely, his glare growing even more menacing. He took a step towards the red speedster.

Flash couldn't find words to reply, he knew what an angry saiyan meant. Sweat drops appeared on his face despite the chill as he stuttered something,

"N-No ! What I-I meant was that, we should help them instead of j-just standing there !"

Bruce Wayne was smirking inside seeing Flash being intimated by the saiyan. He said to himself ,

"Barry had it coming. It's time he learns to take things a little more seriously ! Good job, Goku!"

Goku had been staring at Barry for quite some time now. Then suddenly he broke a smile at him and winked

"Wanna bet on any of the two?!"

Flash heaved a sigh of relief and laughed loutishly. He seriously believed that the saiyan was going to box him.

"You scared the hell out of me, man !", He said, punching Goku lightly on the chest ,"But if you insist, I'll go with my own team member."

Goku shook his head and voiced his opinion ,"Judging by the vast combat and military experience I'll have to pick Faora this time."

Bruce Wayne thought that his jaw might drop down to the ground. Wasn't one idiot enough ?

Meanwhile, Faora Hu-Ul still had Kara Zor-El in the cross arm-bar, preventing the latter from doing anything. But Supergirl was very stubborn, using her every last ounce of strength she finally managed to get up with the commander still latched on to her arm. Then she banged her arm against the snow, Faora with it and then slapped her arm backwards, and then forward again, all the while making sure that her enemy landed head first into the ground.

When she was done, she simply kicked the limp commander away. Confident of her victory, she stepped towards Faora, only to be greeted by a full powered heat vision to the face. Kara was launched hundreds of feet back, skidding across the surface of the ice below before landing hard on it.

"Enough of playing around !", Faora decided to end it, as she dusted the snow off her suit. She'd show this blonde, this Barbie, what true training could do. No member of the house of El was going to take her down.

Blinded by anger, Supergirl mindlessly launched herself at her target. The kryptonian commander was anticipating his. As soon as Kara was within the striking range, with perfect timing gained from years of experience and training, Faora executed a neat back flip somersault. The result was that the hard toe of her boot connected viciously against the soft area under her opponent's chin, as Kara's over lightspeed progress was immediately halted, causing her body to turn upright in an instant, and her whole head stinging as a result of the strike. But Faora's assault wasn't over yet, quickly flipping back to her feet she lunged at her target who was still disoriented by the attack and rammed her shoulder in her gut. Taking full advantage of the spear, the commander flew straight, still holding her opponent, tearing through the Kandorian crowd and collided against a nearby mountain of ice.

The mountain collapsed with a crumbling sound as it gave in to the sheer amount of power exerted. Slowly but surely, the white boulders began falling to the ground spewing small chunks of ice and some dust in the air.

"Take this !", Faora barked as she held Supergirl by the neck against a frail ice boulder. Then she delivered a punch to her face, the resultant shockwave immediately cleared out the ice and debris in the air, revealing a crumbled mountain, and a floating Faora watching the trail of a defeated Kara, who was sent flying back, landing almost a mile away.

* * *

><p>H'el helped Zor-El back up. The kryptonian scientist was dazed, not as much from the strangling as from the strangler herself !<p>

"(Are you fine, Sir ?)", He asked his mentor, putting his hands on his shoulder for support.

"(Yes. But Kara is more in need of your help now. Go please !)", The scientist said, sounding fearful of his daughter. He knew of H'el's previous exposure to various sunlights, his powers and abilities and his previous encounters with the Superfamily. He knew that this pale man could help Kara, now that he had regained his abilities via exposure to a yellow sunlight.

"(Certainly.)", H'el flew towards the direction of his mentor's daughter...

Zod was the first one to reach Faora.

"(Is she alive ?)", He enquired, worried that his commander might have killed the daughter of Zor-El, one of the few people who could properly rebuild Krypton.

"(She's only knocked out.)", She said, the stoic tone back in her voice. She had received a few bruises on her face from the encounter and a lower lip that was unnaturally red from blood, but other than that, the commander of the kryptonian army was fine, looking ahead with smugness.

H'el was already probing the mind of Kara when the Justice League and Goku arrived.

"Stand back, you !", Green Lantern warned the mutated kryptonian, holding out his lantern ring at him as they cautiously approached him. Hal knew that one punch from this menace would end it all, yet he willed himself to check on Kara, a member of his team.

"I was only trying to help, sorry !" H'el backed away from Supergirl and let her teammates do the rest.

"I see you have not forgotten your English.", Hal said, staring hard at the chalk-white kryptonian, not letting his lantern ring down ,"I wonder if you haven't forgotten why Kara attacked you in the first place."

"Absolutely !", The kryptonian declared sadly ,"I have no one else to blame but myself."

Several thoughts surrounded Green Lantern's mind – Had H'el really changed ? Or was this one of his ruse again ? Was he planning something under that disguised innocence ? He wanted some answers, but knew that there were more important things to tend to right now.

"Kara, would you..."

"Scanned her !", Powergirl said, cutting Hal's request midway ,"She's fine ! I am more concerned about her than anyone of you !" Obviously referring to the way they had treated Supergirl when she was fooled by the saiyan. Powergirl was the only one on her side though, her 'little sister'.

With that she bent down to scoop her Prime Earth counterpart's head in her hand and then looked at Goku.

"Ah yes !", He said snapping his fingers. He reached for the sack tied to his waist and pulled out a senzu bean. Powergirl took it from him and placed it in Supergirl's mouth. Moments later she regained consciousness and sat up holding her head.

H'el, watching all this, was intrigued by curiosity at the green coloured bean's impressive ability. His scientific mind probing him to gain more knowledge about it.

"If it's not much, may I have a sample of whatever you gave to her ?", The pale kryptonian asked stretching out his hand.

Goku studied the strange man's face for a long time, looked into his eyes hard enough, searching for any signs of betrayal or malice, any sign of evil behind that innocent expression. When he found none, he said flashing a smile at him,

"Sure ! I don't have much of a stock left though !"

As the Saiyan was about to grant his request, Bruce Wayne stepped forward and grabbed his wrist,

"Don't !", Was all he said shaking his head.

"But he doesn't mean any harm, Bruce !", Goku defended his action, looking at him wide-eyed ,"I sensed his ki, it's not evil !"

"You are too naive Goku, you don't know what has he done in the past, he wanted to implode our star !"

"And he's partially responsible for Superboy's death !", Billy Batson added, he had lost a good friend of his because of this maniac. He wished that he had enough power to beat him.

Goku gave a confused look at H'el upon this sudden revelation. Was all of it true ?

The pale kryptonian only closed his eyes and nodded silently.

At the very same moment Zor-El arrived, looking a bit worried.

"Kara, are you fine ?!", He asked, stepping towards his daughter.

"Not one step closer, Impostor !", Kara hissed as her eyes began glowing red, ready to launch her heat vision at the supposed 'impostor'. Zor-El froze in his place.

"What are you doing Kara ?! I am your father ! Zor-El !", The kryptonian scientist pleaded with her, sounding near tears. He felt totally helpless by the refusal of a daughter to acknowledge her own father.

"My father was on I'noxia. An evil cyborg, who could recreate from memories. He was there because of him !", Supergirl pointed out at H'el who was standing besides his mentor.

Goku began pulling at his spiky hair. Too much mayhem, and too much confusion ! What was going on here ?

"Uhh, can anyone care to explain what are we talking about ?", He asked, blinking at everyone as if just waking up from a sleep. It was all chaos around.

"After your betrayal, I don't think..."

"It's okay Bruce. He is responsible for releasing of Kandor.", Supergirl said cutting off Bruce's heckles in between ,"I think he deserves to know what's going on around. Plus, you may want him to be prepared for the enemies to come."

Nobody missed the vicious glare she threw at Zor-El and his protégé H'el.

"It all began many years ago. Krypton was in its final days, we weren't of course aware of it, paid no heed to uncle Jor-El's warnings. We were celebrating the birth of a new member in the house of El, baby Kal-El, son of Jor-El and aunt Lara Lor-Van . I was so happy to finally have a cousin brother of my own ! Baby Kal was so cute and adorable ! But our happiness was short-lived as Krypton began tearing apart. I was on Argo then, and my father Zor-El told me that Kal had been sent to a distant planet to avoid impending doom. Father did the same to me, sent me away to escape death and take care of my baby cousin in an alien world.

But I was held in animated suspension for too long. I landed on Earth in Siberia, wearing my costume. Initially I thought I was in a dream because my mother wouldn't allow me to wear this, this 'bathing suit'."

Supergirl pointed down to her kryptonian armour, which did nothing to hide her bare legs.

"I met a man wearing the same armour that I did, except that his legs were covered. He informed me in kryptonian that he was Kal-El. Thinking him to be an impostor, I punched him across the face. Three days ago, I was cradling baby Kal, and now this fully grown man claimed to be the same baby ! After a long fight I finally came to find the truth; I was in statis for eighteen years, enough time for a baby to grow into a man. I accepted him as my guide on this planet. The role of guardian and mentor was reversed !"

"Oh! So that's your story !", Goku said scratching his chin.

"It's a good thing that Clark was not your son.", Flash quipped, trying to lighten everyone's mood ,"Otherwise, he would have been your father's age by the time you'd have arrived !"

He then laughed to the joke of his that nobody else found funny. All he got was some bizarre looks and a cold glare from Bruce Wayne. That killed his laughter.

"It doesn't end here.", Kara Zor-El continued ,"Sometime later, this person called H'el arrived, claiming to be a kryptonian test pilot. He tricked me into helping him to restore Krypton, telling me that I'd get to see all my loved ones back; what he didn't tell me was that he was planning to implode the sun while doing so. With the help of a machine, he'd use the sun's energy to open . He also severely damaged Superboy. A final battle ensued between H'el and our team. With great difficulty we managed to defeat him, sending him through his own time portal back into the days before Krypton's destruction.

But H'el was stubborn. He conquered Krypton back then too, travelling many times through the timeline and causing a temporal disruption in the timeline, which threatened the very existence of our universe. Superman, Superboy and me, were sent through different points in Krypton's past. Superman was sent months before Kryptons destruction, on Kryptonopolis, Superboy was sent to Argo a week before the destruction, to ensure that my younger self escapes it and I was sent at the time of the Great War of the clones. Superboy and me succeeded but the former gave his life when he saved Argo. All my life, I called him an 'abomination', and yet he saved me from death, sacrificed his life for me. Superman defeated H'el when he froze him with his breath, trapping him in limbo. With that we all returned to our normal timeline."

"Then why this murderous attitude towards your father, Kara ? I would have been very happy to meet Bardock, my father.", Goku said, wanting to know as to why Kara wanted to kill her own father.

"I was travelling back from Argo, the now deserted city of Krypton. I somehow chanced upon the planet I'noxia. There I found an evil cyborg, capable of recreating anything from memories. It captured me and revealed that it was in fact, Zor-El.

My father had reverse engineered the Brainiac technology, to build a protective shield around Argo. The city survived, but was slowly poisoned due to the blue star it was orbiting around. Brainiac found Zor-El in Argo and transferred his consciousness to the cybernetic organism I had met on I'noxia. Kal and me eventually destroyed it, with a heavy heart though. That was the end of my father."

Goku thought he saw a trinket of a teardrop in the corner of Kara's eyes, but she looked away when she saw him watching her.

"It is more than you think, my child.", 'Zor-El' said.

"Shut up !"

"It's true that I was on Argo when Krypton was destroyed. It's also true that I had my consciousness transferred to the evil cyborg. But it's also true that after doing so, Brainiac shrunk Argo too and merged it with Krypton. So, we have basically two cities fused into one.", Zor-El said with a calm demeanour that how an adult would use against a ranting child, trying to calm him down, pacify him.

"What are you talking about ? I saw Argo with my own eyes !"

"A mere ruse by the Worldkillers. Surely you must have known about that." Zor-El said.

Kara now looked at her 'father'. Was he really her father ? Was he telling the truth ?

"Then what about H'el ?", She said, suddenly unsure if she knew anything at all. Everything she had known about her home was being falsified.

"If you wish to hear it.", H'el spoke stepping forward ,"After I was send back in time, Jor-El found me. While I was lying unconscious he was talking with someone. I used one of my astral projections to catch on their conversation. I found out that Jor-El intended to send out a ship named House of El, into space containing all the genetic material of Krypton's people. I was created from that material.

Learning of it, I woke up and killed both Jor-El and the young man talking to him. The rest you know, Krypton's conquest, then the battles through different points of time. At the end Kal-El froze me. I watched helplessly as Krypton was destroyed in front of my eyes. I was dejected and broken, until a cosmic being called the Oracle appeared in front of me. He gave me a vision of what if I had succeeded; Krypton conquered and then its inevitable doom, utter loneliness, then the travel to Earth, the defeat at the hands of the El family, then back through time to Krypton, and then the conquest and all over again. It would be a never ending cycle, continuing for eternity. Although I was powerful, I knew I couldn't fight time and natural physics. The Oracle also said that he could free me, if I vow to change for the good. I agreed, seeing what fate awaited me.

I was sent back in time to a week before Krypton's destruction, right after Kal-El won the battle and left for his timeline. Jor-El from the alternate future, who had travelled back in time to help his son, saw me and wanted to fight me again, but I explained him the purpose of my visit, I wanted to save as many kryptonians as I could. I knew when Brainiac would arrive to shrink Kandor, having been told by the Oracle, so gathering as many people I could, people who believed me. The city was shrunk and eventually saved from destruction. Argo was merged with it many years later."

Supergirl just grabbed her head and sat down on the snow. Could this all be possible ? The odds were astronomical. Did H'el really have a change of heart ? The man standing in front of her, was he truly Zor-El ? Did he really regain his consciousness back after the destruction of the cyborg ? Why did the oracle chose to enlighten H'el ? Questions swarmed her numbed mind as her grip on her own head tightened.

"Please stop it.", H'el said grabbing Kara's wrist ,"Stop it before you pull out that pretty golden hair of yours."

"I don't know what or who to believe anymore.", Kara said sounding on the verge of breaking down.

"Believe me Kara !", He said, picking her up effortlessly.

Maybe the other Leaguers had missed the details, but Goku's warrior senses did not. Earlier he was bombarded with planet-shattering punches from Supergirl, crashed through the snow and plummeted down below. Even Faora, who had taken much less punishments from her, had suffered few bruises and a bloodied lip, H'el didn't receive as much as a scratch, despite his pale skin which should have easily shown the slightest of damages. And now this unintentional, but clear overpowering of Kara. Just why, Goku would ask him later.

"The Oracle, did he show you this future too ?", Bruce Wayne, ever the detective interrogated the pale kryptonian.

"He told me that Kandor would be eventually released.", H'el replied calmly, unaffected by Bruce's presence.

"We must tend to the Kandorians.", Cyborg reminded them ,"They must be guided in this new alien world."

* * *

><p>For some hours now, the League had been interacting with the Kandorians now, with Zod and Faora guiding some of them about life on Earth and what all had transpired till now. The Imperiex war and everything.<p>

"We are all so grateful to you, Goku", Zor-El said, shaking the Saiyan's hand when Zod informed him about him handing over the bottle to them.

"There's nothing great I did. Zod and Faora did the real job.", Goku said smiling at him.

"Humble people like you are hard to find, Goku. Such powers, yet such innocence ! You are a gem of a person, always remember that", The scientist said making the saiyan laugh, hiding his slight embarassement.

Then on an accord, Goku's sight reached the horizon; far away there stood a figure. A lady most probably, covered fully in pink, with a hood covering most of her head. Her face seemed to be lined with red marks and her hair was a bizarre white. She was looking at him as if she had been watching him all the time he was there. Goku felt a strange eerie feeling grip him as the pink lady continued to watch him. The sun was still shining bright behind her. He wondered, wasn't it supposed to be evening by now ?.. Evening ? Oh no !

"What time is it ?", Goku asked Bruce.

"It's already four, why ?", He asked suspiciously.

"Gotta go ! Pich David up from school, bye !", Goku flew away. As he turned to take one last look, the pink lady was gone.

* * *

><p>Surprisingly, Goku was heading out today in his orange gi rather than the usual tracksuit as Diana noticed. Her eyes never left him as he reached silently for the door. He was wary enough not to meet her eye.<p>

"Tsk ! Tsk ! Tsk ! Tsk !", Diana tsked, shaking her head sadly as he opened the door to venture out for his daily mysterious outings. He rolled his eyes laughing when he heard her. None of them said a word to each other...

Goku was down on the ground, sweaty and bloodied. The gash on his left breast was bleeding heavily in particular. He was out of his breath and seeing all kinds of stars. He was shirtless. His vision started blurring, his strength betraying him too. He watched with haze as his opponent limped towards him, a spiky axe in his hand. Goku had never felt such pain upon arriving in this universe, but this guy was giving him that. His muscles screamed him to stop, but he knew he couldn't.

"This is no time to give up, fool !", He thought to himself ,"You didn't come all this way to lose ! Think of David ! Think of Diana ! Get back up !"

With new found strength, he willed himself to get up and face his opponent.

Earlier, Goku had found himself facing this opponent, this Golem, as he was named. Standing a scary 6'6" tall, his arms were thicker than Goku's thighs with veins the width of a finger lining them, threatening to blow up any moment.

But the Saiyan was no pushover, he had delivered as much damage as he had received, using his years of training to full advantage. At one instance, he had delivered a powerful strike to Golem's left knee, making him fall to the ground with a thud. Goku thought he had won, until someone had silently slided the axe to his opponent when he was looking the other way. The axe was the reason of the gash, the bruises due to its butt struck repeatedly against his face.

The crowd cheered wildly when the wild spiked warrior got up to his feet. They had turned on the current champion Golem, the moment he had used the axe, booing him madly. Now chants of "Goku !" "Goku !" filled the arena.

Good ! He would need every possible encouragement he could get. With defiant eyes, he wiped the blood off his cheeks, staring at his target.

Golem swung the axe. Goku ducked and struck the same knee he had damaged earlier during the match, the giant winced with pain as he was brought down on one knee. But he wasn't ready to give up too, with all his might, he swung the axe back. But Goku was already within the safe inner arc of the swing, which meant that he could now kick at the handle of the axe without the risk of being sliced by its blade. Golem's hands' own momentum caused him to lose the axe. He was temporarily stunned on losing his weapon.

Sensing an opening, Goku threw a straight jab at Golem's face, who was still on one knee, his head was thrown back, but caught instantly by his opponent and brought forward again, again the punch, again the catch and again the punch. Goku continued till he saw his opponent's nose covered with blood, then a solid knee to Golem's face ended it.

"And here's your winner, Goku !" The announcer declared the winner as the referee held Goku's hand up. The crowd erupted as everyone applauded for this person who had overcome all odds, all critics and all naysayers to beat the reigning champion to win the finals. Not did he win this match, but everybody's hearts too.

Goku began leaving for his locker room a relieved and satisfied man, but met a stoic Diana on the way.

"What the ?", He thought gulping down the lump forming in his throat. How did she manage to find him ? Had she been following him ?

"Hi !", Goku waved at her, acting very innocent, as if she hadn't noticed his shirtless and bloodied state.

Diana silently shook her head in response. He was not going to fool her now. She had caught him red-handed.

"So this is where you end up each evening !". She said, eyeing the whole place, the arena, the cages and the people, the whole thing set inside a warehouse ,"Interesting !"

"Yeah ! Kind of !", Goku finally admitted, rubbing his head.

"Thanks mate !", A lanky blond fellow carrying two big suitcases showed up. He was talking to Goku holding his hand ,"You literally fed me. After today, I might go on a vacation to Bahamas !"

"Oh sure Steve ! Wherever that is !", Goku said as timidly as he could, keeping an eye on Diana.

"And who is this fine lady ?", Steve asked handing one of the briefcases to him. Too tired to even hold it, he began stumbling forward, until Diana caught him.

"Diana. I am a friend of his.", She answered, casually passing him a smile.

"Isn't everyone these days !"

"Actually !", Goku explained, putting the briefcase down and cracking his back ,"Steve is the reason I am here. He is my manager. Helped me through all this."

"You were the one to help me, Goku ! I was out of luck, living a low life before you arrived. Luck has been my lady since then. That and your hardwork and efforts too ! I don't know how I'll be able to repay you ever !"

"Please ! I was in need of it as much as you were Steve ! Let's say we were in some sort of cooperation. Besides I don't think we'll be able to do a role reversal !" With that, Goku rubbed the back of his head and threw his head in a light laughter.

Maybe he laughed too hard, because soon the pain of the fight clawed its way back, tearing at his abdomen. He winced and doubled in pain, clutching his lower left ribcage.

"Man are you alright !", Steve exclaimed. But before he could react, Diana already was supporting him, with his left hand around her neck and putting her right arm behind his back.

"I'll take care of it from here, Steve !", Diana said very politely ,"Anyways, nice meeting you !"

She extended her free left hand towards Steve, who reciprocated the gesture gently.

"Let's go, Goku." She said as she lifted the briefcase. He didn't resist as she took him away from there.

Everyone looked at them as Goku hobbled forward, his walking supported by Diana. They both drew looks from the people passing by, many of them eyeing her down, some of them looking at the bloodied shirtless man. Diana swore she heard one or two whistles behind her back and heard a someone call out "Lucky Bastard !" and "Jap !". But she didn't care, Goku was more important to tend to right now.

* * *

><p>"So, this was what you were up to all these evenings ?!", Diana said standing in front of Goku with her arms crossed.<p>

They were in her room with Goku sitting on the edge of the bed, still shirtless, his blood had dried to brown patches all over his chiselled body. He was flailing his legs like a child. There was a tall stand in front of him, about his chest height, on it was kept a bowl of water with a small white towel dipped in it and to the bowl's side was some sort of first aid box. Although he had no use of it, he kept that question for later on.

"But how did you find me ?", He asked confusingly looking at her.

"It was by mere chance.", Diana answered, looking down at him ,"I was in the town for my shopping, you know for the monthly supplies. Fortunately or unfortunately, I chanced upon one of the posters for that town's street fighting championship. It mentioned today's finale with you and your opponent's faces on it. I arrived at the venue to confirm what I just saw and there you were, gearing up for your fight. You were caught redhanded."

"I see."

"But how come you got hurt by normal people ? With no special powers ?", Diana questioned him, bending down to his face level, her eyes filled with curiosity to know more about him and his powers.

"My ki. I can bring down my ki down to any level I want. Cell's, Freiza's, Nappa's, and if I try hard enough, even to a normal human's. Then, I'll just be on a normal level, hit like normal, run like normal, even bleed like normal."

She nodded silently, before reaching for the wet towel. She squeezed it of all its water and gently dabbed it around Goku's wound on his left chest, where the blood had dried, wiping it away clean.

"Diana what are you doing ?" Goku cried in a mixed tone, half resisting and half enjoying it. What was the Amazon up to ?

"And why would you want to do that ? Fight like a normal person ? When you can easily swat them away like flies ?", She asked, ignoring his outburst earlier and continuing to clean his wounds with the towel, this time on his face.

"Because I wanted to be fair.", He said, his face being continuously cleaned by Diana ,"Wanted to give everyone an equal ground to fight upon."

"How malevolent !", Diana remarked without looking in his eyes, making it hard for him to make out whether she was pulling his leg or if she actually meant it.

But before Goku could think further, Diana dropped the towel back into the water. Then she reached for the box and pulled out an antiseptic lotion and a ball of cotton. Dabbing the ball into the lotion she said,

"This will hurt a bit."

The cotton ,wet with the lotion, touched the wound just above his left eyebrow. Goku sucked air in through his teeth as the liquid reacted with the cut, causing a stinging sensation. He closed his left eye, unable to keep it open, as Diana kept the cotton held in its place.

"What ? Does it hurt ?", She asked removing the ball from his wound. Then, she pursed her lips and very gently blew into his face. A very pleasing fragrance filled his nose as the air from her mouth hit his face. Did she did it on purpose ?

"I don't think it's necessary, Diana.", Goku said, looking at her with his open eye ,"One senzu bean can treat these wounds in a..."

"Shhh !", Diana silenced him midway ,"You could have ended that fight in a moment too, but you didn't. You chose to fight fairly and honourably like a man. It's only understandable that you bear these wounds like a man too."

She eyed his wounds and bruises throughout his ripped torso. If she was really looking at his wounds or at his chiseled frame, he could not tell.

"So this is my punishment for venturing out without your information ?"

Diana looked up at him, a coy smile on her face. Arching an eyebrow, she asked,

"Do you really believe that this is a 'punishment' ?"

Even though Goku was at times naive, he understood what Diana had implied. He watched again as she took out a fresh ball of cotton, dipped it in the same solution and brought it this time on his neck. Again Goku felt the stinging sensation and again Diana blew gently at the wound to ease it. Goku's heart began beating wildly at the Amazon's actions, at one point of time, her lips did rub accidentally against his neck.

"So, tell me now at least.", She said, still sterilizing and blowing at his wounds ,"Why make yourself go through this pain ? Had the saiyan lust for war gotten too much to control ? Was it so much necessary to satiate it ?"

"No, I did it all for you.", He answered softly, for the first time looking into her eyes with a serious depth. Diana stopped tending to his wounds when she heard that and met his gaze, trying to find something behind those large black eyes of his. It came as a shock to her, did he really say that ? She had once or twice caught him staring at her, but she always thought it to be a force of habit of all men, rather than suggesting anything perverted about him. But this ?

"Wha-What do you mean ?", She asked him, shaking her head, a look of shock and confusion clear on her face.

"By you, I mean both you and David.", Goku cleared her doubts ,"The first time I came to your home, I saw the look on your face when I emptied the entire food table in less than five seconds, leaving you both starving for the night. You never said anything about it out of gratitude, but I read every word you meant to say. And that is my usual diet. I know food doesn't come for free and admit it or not, my presence has surely upset your budget. But it's not just about food or budget. Saiyans are very proud people and I am no different, I didn't want to be a liability to you, taking everything and giving nothing in return. I wanted to help you. I wanted to help David. I have grown so fond of that boy. I wanted to give him everything he needed. He kind of reminds me of Gohan, I want to pamper David just like him !

So, one day I was just roaming about the nearby town and saw a poster advertising a fighting tournament. I decided to have a look and entered the warehouse where it was held. Interestingly, I found out that that day was the last day before entries were closed. There I met that blond guy, Steve. He offered to be my manager and since I knew no one around I accepted his offer, deciding to split our share fifty-fifty.

Back home, we used to have a tournament known as Bodukai or World Martial Arts Tournament. The winner at the end would get a huge prize money. This tournament was no different and the thought of having a fight kicked in my Saiyan genes flooding me with nostalgia. The rush of facing an opponent in an arena was ecstatic ! And as you saw, I won all the way to the finals. Golem cheated once or twice, but anyways I won in the end. Steve really wished he had risked more money at the beginning as the betting odds were really high, but as I reached the quarter-finals, I became the favourite to win the tournament resulting in some serious drop in my rate. "Man !" Steve used to say upon hearing the odds.

You see, I used to feed myself a senzu bean before arriving back so that all my scars and wounds would disappear without a trace. The prize money itself was some five million pounds, apart from that the money Steve earned from the bookies was much more than the prize money itself, split in half. So, yeah, quite a huge amount in the end. I'll throw a feast tomorrow. I'm just waiting to see the look on the boy's eyes when that happens."

Diana hung her head in silence, wondering how come she was proved wrong each time against the Saiyan. During his absence, she used to wonder where he'd used to go, forming several theories in her mind; dating one of the Karas was the first that came in her mind, maybe he went out to one of his places, just like it was with Clark in the Fortress of Solitude , perhaps he had been inducted in the League and his new job required him to spend some time in the Watchtower, she would shake her head when a saiyan conspiracy theory came to her mind. But, it was all baseless, as she had witnessed herself. Once again, she was proven wrong regarding the Saiyan.

"Son Goku.", Diana addressed him by his full name ,"I am honoured to have a person like you as a friend. We will continue to know more about each other, but first your wound needs to be sewn up."

She fished out a slightly curved needle from the box along with a reel of thread. Upon seeing the sharp needle, Goku's eyes began to bulge out of their sockets his fear of needles kicking in.

"Yikes !" He cried as he began to get off the bed. But before he could, Diana with surprising strength, grabbed both his hands and pinned him back to the bed. She was looking at him coyly, her hair falling on his face, the softness of it tickling him in a pleasing manner.

"You have faced enemies who can literally blow out a star and you are telling me that you are afraid of a little needle ! Stop acting like a child, even David's not afraid of needles.", She crooned softly to him, so close to him that her breath hit his face.

Goku decided to hand over himself to the Amazon. He watched as his left breast quivered on its own when Diana put a hand on it, examining the cut; it was still leaking a little blood.

"Have a strong heart saiyan !", Diana said, bringing the needle close to his wound, making Goku close his eyes in fear. Then the stitching began, but the pain soon turned into pleasure. He was only afraid that Diana would hear her loud heartbeat while being close to his chest.

Five minutes later, his chest was all sewn and wrapped up in bandages. He had been cleaned of all the blood stains that patched his torso and his face, the wounds reduced to a mere spot of rust brown.

"That's a neat stitch, I must admit !", Goku said, putting his hand over the bandaged chest, admiring the surprisingly fine work of the Amazon.

"I was a warrior back home. And one of my trainings included tending to cuts and wounds and to some degree first-aid. So, it came in handy. I hope it didn't give you much trouble.", Diana said looking at him.

"On the contrary, I enjoyed it. Specially the blowing thing, it eased the stinging sensation !"

Diana smiled and looked away. Of course, any man would have enjoyed that ! But few could have said it on the face like Goku did.

"You are a nice person, Goku. And it's good to have you as a friend."

"I'm afraid I am not so nice."

Diana spun around hearing those words, with a look of confusion on her face. What on earth was he talking about ? Had he something else to reveal ? Something he had hidden from her ?

Goku took a deep breath before explaining him all the details about those two days regarding the bottle; tricking Supergirl, releasing Zod and Faora, the bottled city of Kandor, Zor-El and H'el, then the fights and finally the explainations. He needed someone to get these things off his chest and knew Diana was the right person for it, mature and comforting, she would certainly understand him when no one else did.

"This is what I did.", Goku finally finished, feeling a huge load getting off his chest ,"And if you want to judge me for this, you are free to. But, I hope you at least understand why I did that. I saw good in them."

"I am no one to judge you, Goku.", She said placing a hand on his shoulder, a friend comforting another friend ,"How can I, when my own past is not that bright ?"

Diana then walked towards the window, her hands crossed across her chest, and leaned against it sill. She didn't want to see the disgust and accusation in his eyes when she would reveal the truth about her race to him. Looking out at the dark sky dotted with stars and a shining full moon, she took a deep breath and began,

"The Paradise Island had always been the place for Amazons, my race. They had nothing but contempt for men, seeing how their human counterparts were treated by them. But still, they had to keep their numbers up since they didn't possess the ability of p, to bear a child without the need of a male counterpart.

As fate would have it, sometimes a small ship or a steamer would happen to venture too close to our shores. The Amazons would seize the opportunity. My sisters would strip down naked and swim to the ships, offering their bodies to the sailors. Men, being the lustful creatures that they are, would mindlessly give in to them. It would prove to be their final act of pleasure, for after indulging in intercourse, my sisters would murder the fateful and unsuspecting sailors, throwing their dead bodies into the sea and would then swim back to Paradise Island. How ironic ! Paradise Island harbouring rapists and murderers !"

She waited for some time to calm down her own anger which was rising through every part of her body. Closing her eyes to concentrate on something else.

"And what did they do then ?", Goku asked, although knowing what would happen next.

"They waited.", She replied, still staring out of the window, afraid to meet his gaze ,"For nine months they would wait for mother nature to do her work. After the end of the period, celebrations were made for each baby girl born. The boys weren't so lucky. Initially, my sisters would drown them in the sea. But sometime later, Hephaestus arrived, striking a deal with us to exchange the baby boys for weapons. The deal was made."

"Did you ever...", Goku began asking.

"I did none of that shit !" She barked back, making him flinch a bit.

Goku decided to be silent for some time. Diana must learn to handle it herself, like he did when he learned what the saiyans were actually. Speaking of which.

He too went to near the window, his arms crossed, right next to where she was standing lost in her own pool of thoughts.

"The travesties of the Amazons is nothing compared to those of the Saiyans.", He said, making Diana turn towards him in order to listen to what he said ,"Freiza forced them to work under him, as you know. And under his orders the Saiyans destroyed countless planets by rendering them lifeless. Even I was sent to Earth to devoid it of its life. So, I am not a saint myself. My race makes me a sinner too, Diana."

"What about we two sinners make a good role model for David ?", Diana said.

"Why not ? I hold a special bond towards the child."

"Well then, goodnight friend ! And get well soon."

Diana left his room silently, but not before noticing that Goku was staring down the window at something.

He had seen her again, the lady in pink standing some fifty feet away from the house, just next to a nearby tree. Had she been following him ? If yes, then why wasn't he able to feel any ki signature. She was watching him, observing him before disappearing in a flash of light.

* * *

><p>The lady in pink was silently walking under the full moon's light, when she stopped suddenly sensing something, or someone.<p>

"You never anticipated his arrival, did you ?", A voice behind her said.

Turning back, the lady found a man glowing pale blue in colour, his head covered by a green hood that continued down his back into a long green cape, his eyes were emitting an unearthly white light. Upon his face was a grim expression.

Despite his terrifying presence, the lady didn't even react upon seeing him.

"He has been forced into our universe." She merely said.

"YOUR universe.", The green-hooded man corrected her ,"I know what you have done to this universe, member of the Trinity."

"It's not a trinity anymore. The other two are dead.", The lady informed him.

"Phantom Stranger got what he deserved, he betrayed His son. Question has been put out of his misery I must say. But poor you.", He said taking a step towards the indifferent woman ,"Such powers, but such loneliness !"

The lady blasted the glowing man away, and turned around to leave.

"It wasn't your fault. The sins."

The pink lady stopped, and turned around to find the green-hooded man just a foot away from her.

"Uxas will return. The saiyan was careless.", He said gravely.

The lady in pink almost chuckled upon hearing this. Controlling herself, she reminded him,

"Why are you so worried, Jim ? Uxas is nothing compared to your power. You can kill him now if you wish to."

"And yet, your power surpasses even mine ! But to no use, you are not allowed to interfere directly in the physical realm. It is not the weakling of a god I am worried about.", He said hovering just an inch from the lady's face, his eyes betraying fear and worry ,"Those who control Uxas. They are the real reason behind the reduction of the Trinity of Sin to just one. And I am afraid you are next."

"So, is it me you are worried about ?", The lady asked looking into the eyes of the pupil less man.

"Worried about you, the creator of this universe."

"I merely merged it, strengthened it for an impending danger."

"Yes.", The green man spoke in a light tone ,"And the danger has already arrived, Uxas' masters ! The saiyan's arrival has proved it, he has been brought here indirectly. Indirectly because of the Code of the Cosmics. The only thing that is keeping 'them', from the saiyan's universe from wreaking havoc here."

"Even the saiyan is not a threat to beings like us.", She said ,"What does he use, ki ? Only normal ki. Even we possess it, but the difference is that we have a godly ki."

"Even 'they' do. The ones from the saiyan's universe. If 'they' arrive, even Uxas' masters will be in trouble.", He informed her with a deep seriousness.

"I see, but as long as the Code of the Cosmics is kept intact, we are safe. Unless it is directly breached. What about the ones who control Uxas ? What do they want with the saiyan ?"

"To get close to the Amazon."

* * *

><p><strong>So here I have another chapter in front of you.<strong>

**As usual this chapter too, leaves some questions. ( Even though it is named Revelations ! )**

**Why is Bruce Wayne so happy to learn of Kandor ?**

**Are H'el and Zor-El really** **telling the truth ? Or are they impostors ?**

**So, Goku and Diana have started to get closer. But where will they end up ?**

**Who is the lady in pink and the man in green ?**

**Who are the Uxas' masters who have scared even these powerful beings ? Killed the Phantom Stranger and The Question ?**

**What is the Code of the Cosmics ?**

**And lastly, who are 'They' from the Saiyan's universe that everyone fears ?**


	10. Chapter 10 Trust

**So, this has come after such a long time, and I would like to thank you all fro your reviews. This is basically my idea of a 'filler' chapter, hope you enjoy it.**

* * *

><p>"Can you fix it ?", Bruce Wayne asked both Zor-El and H'el, as they both looked on to the torn piece of armour, multiple calculations and circuitry going in around their advanced kryptonian minds. They surely were taking up the new challenge.<p>

"Surely. We'll see what we can do about it.", Zor-El said after a long evaluation. He had been telepathically taught English by H'el, just how he had done with his mentor's daughter all those years ago.

"Take your time, we are in no hurry.", Lex Luthor told them in a very polite manner, making sure to maintain his diplomatic ways. Looking at the armour kept in front of him he continued,

"And in return we promise you political immunity. No interference from our side."

"That's so generous of you, Mr. Luthor !", H'el said. Despite his crazy appearance, he was calm and well-mannered, unlike his previous 'adventures' on Earth, where he was hell bent on recreating Krypton, no matter what the price.

"So, when do we begin ?", Bruce asked, tapping his feet in excitement and nervousness.

"As soon as I load the statistics on Kandor.", Zor-El replied, handing over the notes he had jotted down on a notebook to H'el ,"And then you'll be able to 'rival his power', as you like to say. Though I doubt it, considering the narration of his feats against our general. And moreover, the armour is merely a vessel; it only amplifies a user's ability, doesn't grant them one. I am sorry to say this Mr. Wayne, but you are not a kryptonian."

"Yes I know I am not a kryptonian.", Bruce said, turning to face both the Kandorian scientists ,"But I am the Batman !"

* * *

><p>"So, you're the new Goddess of War ?!", Goku asked Diana, looking at her with amazement and wonder. He had always known that she was a warrior woman, a strong woman... and a special woman. The way she talked, the way she carried herself, always indicated that she was a person of a warrior nature, fun to be with at times yet fierce and hard-hearted when the situation demands it. He knew that he should most probably not cross her, for it would mean trouble for the Saiyan, and even though he had taken down the alien god who had stomped this God of War, he knew better things than to run around boasting about his above god-tier powers. For one thing he had learned during his time on 'his Earth' was humility, compassion and respect for every person.<p>

"Goddess of War !", Diana said smiling at and correcting him ,"But 'you', can still call me Diana."

"Absolutely Goddess, err, Diana !"

She continued smiling at him. He surely did that on purpose, didn't he ?

They had decided to go on a trip the following day; Goku, Diana and David, on the Saiyan's insistence. He wanted some peace of mind from all the things that had transpired within the past few days, a place where he could just sit back and relax, could just let himself be carried away.

It was Diana who had suggested this place, some thousands of kilometres away from where they lived. The place was located in what used to be Ireland, grasslands ruled the landscape everywhere one could see, and it was particularly sunny that day, with its fair amount of clouds lingering up in the sky.

The terrain was quite often accentuated by small hills, and between them the land was dotted by sporadic clusters of shrubs. On one of the hills they were resting, enjoying the natural scenery that was in front of them. A mile away, they could see an old ruin of an abandoned Irish castle, surrounded by broken walls. Grey in colour and gothic in design, the castle still stood in some of its former glory despite on the verge of collapsing down. It was reminiscent of an era long gone. Just like this whole world.

"You are a such a silly friend, Goku !" She said, laughing softly at him ,"But a friend, nonetheless !"

Goku immediately hopped on to his feet, upon hearing this. That's it ? A friend ? After all he'd done ? How about he revised the definition of 'nice' ? He had been planning this ever since he heard the 'art of war' thing from her mouth a few days ago and the new 'Goddess of War' revelation had now sealed the deal.

"And even a better warrior !", He announced with a warlust lurking beneath his tone.

Diana looked at him with a frown on her face, hoping that he was just playing around. She had no idea what he was talking about.

"How about the Saiyan has a sparring session with the Goddess ?", He teased, walking towards her and extending a hand to help her up. The Amazon took offense.

"Absolutely not !", She said, making a childish face and looking away, her arms crossed in a defiant manner.

"Huuuuh.. !" He sighed. Then, he turned around so that his back with the huge 'kame' sign faced her. Digging his hands into his trouser's pockets, he kept staring ahead into the lush grasslands blown gently by the breeze, the blue sky and the bright sun throwing warmth wherever its rays hit.

It was so quite, so serene, that he closed his eyes and let it all soak in, with a smile. His arrival in this universe had been nothing short of disturbing; lying sleepless in the snow for a night, then the alien arrivals, the fights for money, the freeing of Zod and Faora, and an enlarged alien city. All this had taken quite a toll on him, mentally exhausted him, but right now, he felt at peace. He concentrated hard enough and found that he could actually smell the fresh grass across the landscape, hear the winds whistling past him, the ruffling of his own clothes as a result, and the bright sun lighting up his face, truly peaceful !

Goku opened his eyes to find Diana standing next to him. The breeze was blowing her raven locks across her face, and he seriously wished that one of them fell on to his face. But he couldn't get those thoughts get the better of him, he still was curious to find out exactly how strong was this 'Goddess', her fight with Darkseid didn't count as he had only witnessed her being kicked around, that could have happened for so many reasons.

"So ready, Diana ?!", Goku said, going into a battle stance. He had already begin to form hundreds of counters to her first move.

Diana simply shook her head. "No ! I am sorry but no mortal man gets to touch' this Goddess'." She faked a sense of pride in her tone and face as she said those words, lifting her head up with smugness; a light hearted humour intended.

Goku already had an answer for that, and though he knew that she was merely playing around, he was ready to give it right back to her. For if the Amazon could act snobby, he had no reason to hold himself back.

"Huuuhh...", He let out another sigh of disappointment, much to Diana's amusement, before continuing ,"Tsk ! Tsk ! Another disappointment comes my way from this world. Zod, kryptonians, Darkseid, everyone falls short of being a challenge, everyone disappoints. Even the Gods of this universe have been added to the list (Sigh !) But why am I complaining ?! It's better that I should get used to it by this time !"

He flung his arms wide open at the last line, before crossing them across his chest and turning around.

That stung, or worse, that hit a nerve. Diana's pride took the full blow of it, she could see faces of mockery in his kame sign, as her lips pursed and fists curled automatically. How dare he mock her like this ? She drew back her fist, it seemed the Saiyan would get his wish afterall.

* * *

><p>"What are you saying, Kal has a son ?!", Zor-El said with eyes as big as tennis balls, staring at his daughter, Kara Zor-El. He had previously assumed that the descendants of the house of El had died with the last son of Krypton. Finding out that the last son had a son of his own was something he had never expected. It was hard to imagine someone who he only remembered as a baby, to have a baby of his own.<p>

"Yeah, father ! Kal did leave an heir behind.", His daughter said, standing by his side, one hand on her slender hips and the other on his shoulder, still making sure that he was real. She had never left Kandor since its enlargement, as if she never wanted to let go of it, probably catching up on the lost time. She feared that it was all an illusion, a pretty dream and that being away from the city would shatter them.

"What a news you have given me !", Zor exclaimed, coming to a stop. Then he turned around to face his daughter ,"But who's the mother ?"

Kara gulped in quite an amount of air, and proceeded to tell him everything.

* * *

><p>Diana had made up her mind, the fist was about to connect to the back of Goku's head. Only time would tell how durable he was, because she had given her full force behind the attack.<p>

"Mommy !", David called out finally crawling on to the top of the hill, making her fist stop midway. He was panting heavily, on the verge of collapsing, his t-shirt drenched in sweat. On his back was laden the real culprit behind his condition, a huge backpack almost his own size, filled with all the supplies necessary for their trip.

Unfortunately for poor David, Goku had decided that the little kid alone carry all of it, much to Diana's shock, outcry and absolute refusal. But the Saiyan had explained that it was all part of a program long overdue, something he had been planning for David since Darkseid's invasion.

"Kami's weighted training !" As he had put it.

Diana had still resisted to this idea, "It's outright cruelty and dictatorship to handle a five your kid like that !." She had leaned in on him standing on her toes, making him arch back in surprise.

"Hey easy ! Do you want David to be always dependant on you ? Don't you want him to be strong and beautiful like his mother ?"

"What ?"

"Err, I mean strong and independent like his mother. Why are you trying to prevent him from following his only role model ?"

Diana had fallen back on her feet, considering his words, the Saiyan actually had a point. But still.

"As of late, he has another role model, you.", She had said, looking at him with icy eyes, hands folded across her chest ,"And with that kind of idol, I'm afraid David will grow up to be a careless and silly person."

With that Diana had stormed past Goku, leaving him rubbing the back of his head and flashing a very idiotic grin at her in response.

She had later reluctantly agreed later.

"But I thought this was supposed to be some kind of a trip !", Diana had said, as Goku had begun stuffing the backpack with supplies ,"I thought the three of us are supposed to have fun !"

He had looked up smiling at her when she had said that," We 'will' have fun."

Diana quickly rushed to her son's aid as soon as she saw his sorry state. Pulling the bag off him, she helped him up, dusting his clothes with her hands.

"That ! Climb ! Was ! Hard !", David spoke with each laboured breath, which felt like inhaling fire.

All had been well, they had cruised their way to Ireland, passing above several beautiful sceneries. As usual, he had chose to fly with Goku, latching on to his friend's back as they both took to the air, despite his mother's refusal.

"Catch us if you can !", David had teased her, sticking out his tongue and wiggling his thumb at her, as he felt gravity leaving him. Diana had no choice but to follow them.

On their way through the clouds, David's eyes had caught a flight of ducks flying in a certain formation.

"Get closer please !", The little boy had demanded. As soon he was within an arm's reach, he had plucked at one of the duck's feathered tail. The poor bird had cried in pain and shock as David had laughed to his fullest, satisfied by his prank at the cost of a living creature.

"Now David ! It's not right to harm animals. Please don't do that again.", Goku had said softly, as the boy was trying to suppress his laughter.

"Sorry !" David had said, but not before tickling him on his neck with the feather.

"Hehehe..hey ! Stop.. ha ha.. it tickles ! Ha !"

Goku had begun doubling with laughter, twisting left and right, full three sixty degrees as the little boy continued caressing the saiyan's neck with the feather.

Diana had to intervene and snatch the fear, lest Goku's twisting and turning around might drop her only son miles down into the ground.

David had secretly cursed her mother as she led the way.

Everything was going smoothly until the part where they had reached the base of the hill.

"Wow ! That climb would be fun !", The boy had sounded excited, his eyes gleaming with childish adventurism as he looked up at the top of the hill, almost ready to make a climb.

"And much more fun with this on !", Goku had strapped the ten kilo bag on the little boy's slight frame. David had almost instantly dropped down to the ground. As Diana began helping him up, he had stopped her too.

"Don't ! Let him make the climb himself !", He had said, and he jumped effortlessly to the top of the slant hill and lay down under a sole tree that grew atop the hill. He knew he would earn the boy's hatred for some time, but he was only doing it to make him stronger, to make him realize his full potential. Certainly, the boy would understand.

"Don't disappoint mommy !", Diana had crooned, kissing his forehead, before she too joined Goku.

David didn't understand what had just transpired. His mother and Goku, leaving him like this ?

Diana had barely finished dusting her son, when Goku came up and went down on one knee to face him

"You can damage beings who can survive a star busting attack and you are telling me you get tired of this simple hike ?"

Yes, Goku was going to be hard on him, whenever it would come to training, the way he had been with Gohan. And even though David was not his own flesh and blood, he cared for the boy, cared like a father would for his son. For he had a strong emotional tie to the boy, how he had saved him from the snow, their first flight together; trying to catch clouds and rainbows, the huge whale splashing them with water, how the boy's cries were joyous and filled with genuine happiness when he witnessed these things which were not possible for any ordinary person to witness. Then the Saiyan saw the fire hidden inside the boy, his hidden potential, the courage to stand up to a monster more powerful than himself, his body language never showing any faltering while doing so. That moment was precisely when David had earned Goku's admiration, and respect.

"Ahem !" Goku saw a hand move in front of his face, immediately bringing him back to reality. Shaking his head, he turned towards its source, Diana.

"Where were you lost ?", She asked, her left eyebrow arched ,"I thought you again managed to doze off with your eyes open !"

"I want to share something with you Diana.".

* * *

><p>"Really ? Then he is the descendant of the house of El ! He belongs here !", Zor-El said after listening to everything Kara told about David and Diana.<p>

"I beg to differ, father. I don't think his mother will support your decision. That woman has glued the boy to her chest twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, for the PAST FIVE YEARS !" Kara held out the entire five digits of her hand to emphasize what she meant ,"Blood will be shed if you force your will upon her."

"But, Kara.", Zor-El softly explained ,"Kal-El was part of our family, that makes her and David a part of our family too. We will happily accept them here, where they truly belong."

"Here ?! On Kandor ?!", She gasped, repelled by the shocking decision her father had made. Apparently, he had little to no idea about what he was saying ,"Absolutely not ! Do you even know what Kandor is ? The iconic capital of Krypton, one of the most advanced planets in the universe. And then we have Diana, member of the Amazon race. Father, the race is an uncivilized, barbaric one who resorts to magic and have a reputation to draw their swords on a whim. They are a bloodthirsty race and I am pretty much sure that Diana's presence will have an adverse effect on our culture, our people. Any member of that race does not belong on Kandor. They are all hussies ! Father, we have a reputation to consider !"

Kara knew that she had downgraded the Amazons too much. She knew that the Amazons were not a bloodthirsty race; on the contrary, they were messengers of peace and co-existence, showing their warrior side only in dire situations. She had visited the Paradise Island prior to its destruction some years ago along with the League and found the Amazons quite hospitable and friendly, even offering her their permanent 'citizenship'. But she had politely refused; a world without men ? How boring ! The Amazons were nice to her, though.

But Kara would never forget the day when she was cradling baby David in her arms, with Diana doing the dishes in the kitchen. The Amazon had decided to leave the League by then, and in the light of recent events, the decision was not questioned much. Kara was never much into Diana, but she had arrived at her house to bid her farewell, and to catch up with baby David, her deceased cousin's son.

She was bouncing him up and down, looking into his ocean blue eyes as they shrunk and expanded in synchronization with the bouncing. The baby's face was lit up upon seeing her aunt as he was mumbling something happily in gibberish.

Then, suddenly while David was being rocked, he vomited on Kara's face, more so on her mouth, causing him to accidently drop him on the floor. Apparently the boy had been well-fed before she had arrived. David's wails rang throughout the house as his mother came running at him.

Kara was punched out of the house. Of course, it was not the last time she would see baby David, but things would never be the same again between the Amazon mother and the Kryptonian aunt. It was the reason she despised Diana, but she didn't tell it to her father.

"Still being the stubborn girl aren't you ?", He teased, throwing her a sideways glance, and a warm smile along with it ,"But you shouldn't be so harsh, dear. At least give them a chance."

"Aaaargh ! Father !" Kara stomped away, rocking both Zor and Kador to their very foundations.

* * *

><p>"Absolutely...", Diana said, smiling at Goku.<p>

"Really ?!" He confirmed, his face lighting up by the apparent agreement on his proposal. Surely, the mother must have understood that she just cannot let Superman's, the boy's father's, legacy rot.

"...Not !" She added flatly. It was quite clear by the look on her face that nothing on Earth could change her decision, but still Goku decided to persuade her some more.

He had brought up the idea; David being recruited and joined as a Young Justice. Goku would personally offer him training to gain expertise in combat techniques and battle strategies. The boy would be trained each day under Goku's supervision. Together with his training and the League's mentoring program, David would one day become a formidable member of the Justice League, a hero, a saviour, a protector, just like his father.

"But Diana, the boy's father ! He wouldn't have wanted this, would he ?", He reasoned with her, spreading his palms out.

"Do not talk of would or would not ! It's better to accept the truth", Diana retorted ,"Clark gave his life so that we could all be safe ! And if David's life is put in jeopardy by joining the League, his sacrifice against Imperiex will all go in vain."

"What ?", Diana asked in a very irritated manner when she saw Goku agonized, lost in some painful memory.

"David will grow up to be a powerful person, if fully trained. He will protect you, his mother, from every harm."

"No thanks ! You see, sometime after David's birth, the Greek Pantheon, the Olympian Gods, offered me a place amongst them, since I am the Goddess of War, it was only natural. Apollo told me that the time had come to accept my position as the Goddess of War at Olympus, that I couldn't run away further from my responsibilities. He was partially right. But, our world is a strange place, Goku, one in which even the Gods are not safe; they can be attacked, they can be harmed, and they can be killed. And it has happened many times in the past. Absolutely no one is safe."

"And you obviously refused !", Goku concluded, seeing that her house was anything but 'godly'. Anyone with a brain could tell that she was paranoid enough to refuse to be in the company of the Gods she had once worshipped, out of fear that her son might be somehow harmed.

"It was either divinity or my son. I chose the latter, for I loved Clark Kent more than anyone else in this world, or beyond. David is my last link to him, my son and I am not going to lose that."

"Hmm.. ! Maybe you are right, somewhere. Even I would have said no ! Who wants cheaters and back stabbers for company ? I don't." Goku said shaking his head, an indifferent look on his face. He had despised the Olympians as soon as he had learned about them from Diana. Some Gods they were !

"They are not that bad. Ares, the previous God of War was my tutor, my mentor, until I disappointed him." She didn't care much for the others, but Ares, or War, was the God she was closest to, having learned the disciplines of martial-arts and warfare from him throughout her childhood.

"Hera's a bitch though !", She added after a second thought, a playful smirk on her face.

"Ha !", He joined in ,"I completely agree !"

Then they both began laughing, much to the dismay of young David who had no idea about what they were talking.

"Uhh.. ! Mommy, do I get to join the Young Justice ?", He asked.

"No ! Even though they are called the Young Justice, you are still too 'young', even for them.", Diana replied.

"Then, when do I join, mommy ?"

"Not anytime soon."

Hearing that the little boy slumped over and quickly went on to sit underneath the solitary tree, drawing his knees close to his chest, and began rocking back and forth.

"Why you mommy ?", David thought to himself, his eyes reduced to slits in fuming anger ,"Why do you always have to be the killjoy ?!"

Why did it always have to end like this, with his mother dominating each time, asserting authority like this ? Why did she have to remind him each time that she was superior to him ? Did she like the feel of it, to be in control of things every time ? David's head was swarming with these questions. It strained his mind, to keep thinking how helpless his mother made him feel. Everything else was fine, his mother

As usual, it was Goku who came to the boy's aid.

"How about we play hide and seek, David ?"

David looked up to Goku in surprise and confusion.

"That's not a good idea !", He said ,"You can sense anyone's ki. It's no use hiding."

The boy was smart, Goku had to admit it, and far mature for his mere age of five too. Maybe it was because of his kryptonian genes, or due to the fact that he was raised by a single mother who was a goddess, he didn't know. But he was a kid nonetheless.

"So, what do you suggest ?", Goku asked, looking around.

"We eat !" Diana said, taking out a lunchbox.

"Your training begins tomorrow, David." Goku said.

* * *

><p>"What do we decide then ?", Lex Luthor asked the World Council sitting in front of him, which consisted of the core League members, Bruce Wayne, Shazam, Flash, Cyborg and the Green Lantern, the two kryptonian ladies were not present they weren't promoted to the core members' designation yet, having a few weeks of induction still left. Supergirl was lucky that Bruce Wayne didn't demote her back to the junior league for her carelessness during the security watch over Zod and Faora. Even though he was merely a human, he commanded absolute respect and authority from all the metahumans of the League.<p>

"It's obvious that the hundred thousand kryptonians do pose a potential threat. We must prepare ourselves." He asserted, placing his feat on the table.

"But there's much we could learn from each other. I mean Earth and Krypton. They may possess several scientifically advanced technologies which might help us. 'If' we be nice to them and gain their trust.", Green Lantern said, shooting an irritated glance at him.

"We are not here to play nice, Hal.", Bruce Wayne replied ,"We formed the Justice League so that Earth could be defended from any danger, of any nature. Our first goal was, is and always will be to protect innocent lives, which we have already lost too many. Don't you remember Imperiex ? Do you want another large scale invasion like that ?"

"But what has that got to do with the kryptonians ?" Flash asked ,"As far as I know, Superman was the one to keep Kandor in the Fortress of Solitude. Which means that he 'always' meant to enlarge it on Earth. Which also means that he had complete faith in his people. Sounds like something, Bruce ?"

"He might have released the city on moon, and still couldn't have stopped anyone of them from turning against us.", Bruce said. He was giving every single reason and explanation to support his irrational decision.

"Really, Bruce ?! Is that what you think ?"

"I think Barry is right, Bruce. Look at me !", Cyborg joined in, spreading his arms outwards so that everyone could have a good look at his part man-part machine structure ,"I too am a result of a significantly advanced alien technology, a technology whose sole purpose was to conquer or destroy. Does that make me illegal too ?"

"If that's what you call yourself these days, I can't help it.", Bruce shrugged.

"Hey ! You are not..." Cyborg cried, getting up from his seat.

"Easy Victor, easy Bruce ! Let's not fight among ourselves.", Billy Batson . Shazam interjected, keeping things from getting ugly ,"I say that we decide this peacefully. With the kryptonians I mean."

"Peacefully ?!", Bruce said, his brows shooting upwards ,"Rumour has spread among the masses, Billy, about the alien city, despite our best efforts to keep it confidential. We are bombarded each day with questions about the activities happening in the North Pole. People are lining up in front of our office, demanding revelations, showing banners... sometimes fingers. They want answers because they are afraid, afraid that this may too turn into an invasion."

"Oh please !", Shazam said showing him his hand, he was revolted by the true meaning behind the billionaire's word ,"Kryptonians are far more advanced and civilised than us humans in each and every aspect; scientifically, physically and morally too. They are too noble to carry out a lowly act of invasion of a lesser planet. Especially a planet which has chosen to adopt them. We have Superman as a shining example of this fact."

"We also have Zod and Faora."

"Bruce, I think you are being too sceptical.", Flash said ,"You know it very much yourself that those two are the exceptions, there are always exceptions for god sake ! That's why they both were sentenced to the Phantom Zone's imprisonment. Moreover, I don't think they two will cause any more trouble, seeing that they have found their lost home, and if they do, well, we have Son Goku on our side."

"Still defending that wild, untamed friend of yours, I see !", Bruce sneered at him ,"Despite the fact that he has risked not only ours but the entire planet's life. He tricked one of the most innocent members of our League and not to mention the fact that he is directly responsible for the release of a hundred thousand uncontrolled and unauthorized metahumans too."

The speedster shot back, banging his fist on the table ,"Those metahumans are Superman's own people, his own race. We cannot declare war on them just like that !"

"Gosh ! I never said to declare war on them ! I am just saying what would happen if a few of the kryptonians go rogue. Certainly, we will have ourselves quite a problem. That's why we need to keep a check on them."

"Listen, listen ! Why not do it like this ?", Cyborg suggested ,"Lex can address the world that the aliens in the North Pole are in fact interstellar refugees released from Brainiac's captivity, then he can go on to tell the story behind it, the silent invasion of Darkseid and Zod, then Goku's heroism, it will also explain the reason behind the strange blue light that had baffled scientists and the public alike."

"On top of that." Green Lantern suggested furthermore,"We can ask the kryptonians to chose their representative, an emissary, with whom the World Council can negotiate a truce which will be broadcasted live globally. It isn't required, but the people will feel safer, maybe they will begin trusting the kryptonians after this, thinking that for the first time peace has been negotiated with an alien race, fully backed by the World Council and the Justice League."

The remaining League members and Lex began thinking about the proposal put forward. It was a brilliant idea to calm down the restlessness growing in the public. They had known that the truth couldn't be kept hidden for long so, it was time to put an end to this.

"But there's one catch.", Bruce said, after analyzing several aspects of the declaration ,"We will have to introduce Goku to the world as well."

"What's the harm in that ?", Shazam asked ,"He has proven himself to be a powerful ally."

"But he did betray us, didn't he ?"

"He was only helping to release a city full of sentient life, captured by an evil alien. I believe there's nothing wrong in that." Billy countered.

"Fine, then it's done.", Lex Luthor concluded, placing his palm on the table and gathering everyone's attention towards him ,"Tomorrow I will personally accompany you to the North Pole and meet the kryptonians, then we will further decide what to do."

"_As if you haven't_ !", Bruce Wayne thought, smirking in his mind; Lex Luthor was such a natural actor, had such a straight face !

He was thinking about the previous meeting between him, Lex Luthor, Zor-El and H'el. Earlier, the scientists had informed him and Lex that the armour was an amalgam of Kryptonian and Apokolipan technology, that while the former would pose no problem, it was the New Gods' machinery which might take a little time to crack. H'el had told them that the metal could be duplicated; his powers would make sure of it, but the entire project rested on his mentor, Zor-El's intellect. How he would decode Darkseid's technology, it was up to him. Bruce had told them to do the best they could, and that PhoenixTech would assist them in every way possible.

His thoughts were broken when the meeting was dismissed by Lex, when the League members began leaving.

Bruce hadn't told them anything about the two kryptonians' arrival on the PhoenixTech's R&D facility. And he had deliberately spoken against the released kryptonians and the Saiyan. He knew how the rest of the Justice League felt regarding those two; supportive and pitiful. And he knew that voicing his opinion against both the aliens would further cause the League to root for them even harder. It was all he wanted, for now Lex was accompanying them to the North Pole and a peace truce would soon be on its way, 'legalizing' the stranded kryptonians in people's eyes... and access to full kryptonian technology would be within his hand's reach. And as for the Saiyan, his reign as the most powerful being on Earth would soon come to an end.

Bruce Wayne was the last to leave. As he headed for the door, he turned around to give Lex Luthor a smile, which the bald man returned convincingly.

The initial part of their plan was successful.

* * *

><p>"What are you making my son do ?!", Diana gasped at the sight of what she was seeing. It was 6 in the morning, and the sun had begun to shine. She had woken up to find both Goku and David missing from their beds.<p>

Their trip the previous day was not so eventful, and David had later blamed his mother for that, crying his heart out in front of Goku. The things he had planned for the three, never saw the light of the day.

"Master Roshi's Turtle School training. It's super effective !", Goku said smiling at her.

David had a huge turtle shell shaped disc strapped on to his back, which by the looks of it must have weighed at least ten kilos. And his shirt was dirty, because the Saiyan had ordered him to plough the entire length of the large clearing in front of their house, with his bare hands. The first few digs alone had drawn blood from his fingertips; for the ground was a little harder than expected, but still the boy with his childish stubbornness, kept digging and ploughing.

"My gosh ! Have you no heart ?!", Diana's face was now tensed with worry, she was biting her power lip as a result ,"How can you make a five year old do this ?!"

"Just a matter of child psychology and right manipulation !"

"It's not funny okay !", She lashed back at him ,"Look at his state, he'll faint if he carries on like this !"

"No, he won't ! This training is the most basic one, it strengthens the hands, shoulders and the upper back of the practitioner. As one keeps mastering each level, he advances to the next one where it becomes increasingly more difficult and thus, more effective."

"You mean this is just the beginning ?!", Diana gasped again, her mouth left open by the revelation.

Goku simply nodded in response, giving her a coy smile.

"Were you an executioner back home by any chance ?", She asked him, looking deep into his eyes with fury.

"No, I was a farmer.", He replied blatantly.

"Are you ser..."

"I'm done !", David announced, all sweat and mud as he slogged up to where both of them were standing. He was done ploughing the length of the field, Goku had told him to.

"Let me have a look !" Both of them said, but with different intentions.

Diana went down on one knee and immediately unstrapped the heavy disc off her son's back, and began examining him. He was swooning in fatigue, his brown hair was all dishevelled, lined by a thick layer of dirt and the boy's clothes were wet with his own sweat. Mud seemed to cover the entirety of his body, his trousers, his shirt and most of all, his face. It seemed as if he had indeed fallen She nearly broke down when she saw his hands, swollen to double their previous size and the fingertips all scraped, revealing the red flesh underneath.

Goku however, was simply scrutinizing the ploughed area, making sure that the job had been done. To his surprise, the boy had fared better than what he and Krillin had managed all those years ago. The ploughing was consistent and straight, the mud was dug neatly and evenly and the soil was now aerated. This meant two things; first that the boy had the potential to be a trained and powerful warrior and second, Goku's farming plans could now begin.

The plough was perfect. So, he would now begin planting what he was in serious need of first – Senzu beans. The last time he had checked, there was only a stock of twenty left. He would keep five for himself and the rest he would sow. Then he would probably start with raditz, er, radishes. He laughed at his own silly mistake, on the pun of his brother's name. Unfortunately, Diana took it for something else.

"What are you laughing at ?", She cried ,"Does my son's plight amuse you ?"

She began curling her fists.

"Hey, relax !", He said, bringing his hands to his chest level in defense ,"It's not what you think, Diana ! David, I am happy that you completed your morning training. Now, you can have a shower and attend your school. Don't forget to appear for the evening training though."

"Evening training ?!" Diana gasped for the third time; she thought she might have a heart attack today.

"Yes ! I had six sessions of training with Master Roshi, I have planned only three for David."

Diana swore and cussed under her breath, some of which David heard, as she led her son back to the house to prepare him for his school.

* * *

><p>It was 1 in the afternoon. Goku was shirtless and dripping in sweat because earlier he had trained hard in the Capsule training chamber under a thousand times normal gravity. He heaved a sigh of relief as he planted the last senzu bean and covered it with mud. Then he wiped the sweat off his forehead with his finger and proceeded to water the planted beans. Despite his powers, he was enjoying the pleasure of doing things the traditional way. He began humming to himself as he continued watering the entire ploughed area.<p>

"Hi there, spikey !"

Goku turned around to face a pair of fair slender legs, with red coloured armour boots gaped at the knees. After realizing that he was staring at those bare legs a little longer than necessary, he lifted his head to find Kara Zor-El, the Supergirl, floating a few feet above him. Of course, it was her, he had sensed her ki the moment he had heard her voice. The red cape was flowing slowly to her left, along with her blonde hair as she looked down at him with a warm smile on her face, which surprised Goku; wasn't she supposed to be pissed off with him ?

"Did my legs pass your examination ?", Kara teased as she landed softly and winked at him.

"Aren't you suppose to be mad at me ?", Goku asked, scratching his head.

"I was, I admit. More hurt than mad I must say.", She said,"But then , because of you, I got my father and my people back. So, no. I am not mad at you, anymore."

"I repeat again, Kara. It was not me who freed Kandor, but Zod and Faora.", He urged ,"I merely handed them the bottled city I had found in Darkseid's. Come on, give them some credit, please !"

"Yeah, whatever ! At least now I am ridden of guilt. I thought you had somehow joined the two rogues, and I felt so ashamed of myself. The League made sure that I did." She made a sad face.

"Really ?!", Goku asked worriedly ,"Were they mean to you ?"

"Everybody except Kara-P, or Karen Starr. Karen Starr is her alter-ego. But I usually call her P. She works as the senior scientific consultant at PhoenixTech."

"Oh ! I see !"

"What's with the farming ?", She inquired curiously, looking over his shoulder at the ploughed patch of land, that Goku was watering a few moments before.

"It's for those green coloured beans. One which I gave you, remember ? To replenish your lost strength. I'll grow lots and lots of them."

"Senzu beans, right ?", She concluded, snapping her fingers.

"Exactly !"

"Oh, by the way. I came here to tell you that the Justice League has invited you to the truce negotiation tomorrow, between The World leader, Lex Luthor and a representative of Krypton. You were an integral part in the release of Kandor, so you will be honoured or something like that. I don't know the details, but something huge and unprecedented is going to happen tomorrow, so don't forget to show up."

"Will all the League members be there too ?" He asked.

"Yup !" She replied ,"In fact, as we speak, Lex and the League have already arrived in the North Pole, discussing some vital terms and conditions beforehand, so that no doubt remains in each other's minds when the agreement comes tomorrow. I will join them shortly after. I have a strong feeling that somewhere, my father will be Krypton's emissary."

"_Hal to Kara ! Hal to Kara !" _The telecommunicator in her wrist spoke.

"This is Kara, copy.", Supergirl replied, bringing the device close to her mouth.

"Have you told Goku of tomorrow's events ?"

"Affirmative."

"Good !", Hal's voice spoke through the telecommunicator ,"Kara, your assistance is immediately required in the field. Do you copy ?"

"Copied ! Will be there in a few moments !", Kara said, rolling her eyes.

"Copied, over and out." With that the device went silent once more.

"Tough job, eh !", Goku said.

"Yeah ! Sometimes I just feel like quitting altogether like Diana. At least she is free of all these hassles, now. I really wish I had some more time in my hands.", Kara sighed at her misfortune and began shaking her head slowly.

"Where will the signing be held ?", Goku asked as she began to leave, making her halt her flight mid-air.

"Be ready by ten tomorrow morning, the League will pick you up from here itself.", She said turning around before disappearing into the horizon.

* * *

><p>"Welcome to the early evening session !", Goku said to an eager David as he strapped the disc back on to the boy's back. He staggered a little by this sudden increase in weight, but managed to hold his ground after a few moments. However, his face was showing the strain caused by the extra kilos he was carrying.<p>

"The first few days will be a little difficult.", Goku told the uncomfortable boy, patting him on the back as he was trying to get used to the weight ,"You will have trouble with the training regimes, but trust me, once mastered, you will be much stronger and faster than before. You will find new levels of powers you could previously only imagine. And I am sure you will make your mother proud, and carry your father's legacy forward, which my boy, is far heavier than that disc on your back."

The words seemed to somehow motivate David, as he steadied himself and sucked in a mouthful of air and slowly released it through his mouth, an indication that he was indeed ready.

"Ready ?", Goku asked, sensing the eagerness in the boy.

"Umm-hmm."

"Run."

"Huh ?!", David looked at his friend with surprise. Did he tell him to just run ?

"That's it ?!" The boy asked.

"Here's the catch though. You have to run through the water, on this lake." Goku said, pointing at a lake that was some fifty feet away from where they were standing. David took a look at the shimmering water body in front of him and began wondering how to run through it, or would it even be possible to do such a thing.

"I didn't understand." David said shaking his head.

"Come."

Goku grabbed his hand and took the boy towards the edge of the lake, whereas he himself went inside it, deeper and deeper till the water level reached his knees.

"Now do it like this. I'll keep my speed to minimum so that your eyes keep up."

It was nothing like David had ever seen, the sight of his friend running, or more aptly, cutting through the water in his sprint. As Goku circled the entire boundary of the lake, the boy saw that he left huge splashes about ten feet in height behind him and his speed parted the water up to a couple of feet in front of him, he was practically running on dry land. David could also spot tiny droplets of water quickly rising in the air and almost instantly dying down as well. Although the whole thing didn't last for more than two seconds, it was certainly something to wow at.

"Now you know how to do it ?", Goku asked coming out of the lake, to its shore. Save for the soaked trousers below the knee and a few wet patches here and there caused by some stray water drops, he was dry.

"I don't think I will be able to do, THAT !", David exclaimed, still looking at the wild disturbance in the lake caused by his friend's running over. If it had been carried out with a little more speed, the boy was sure that all the water would have been ousted of the lake.

"No, you won't.", Goku said laughing lightly, a little amused by the boy ,"But I am sure as hell that if you master your training, you will be able to achieve far greater feats."

With that he patted the boy on his back. But forgot to restrain the strength behind it, as a result, David was sent flying into the lake while crying out in fear and surprise.

"Uh-oh !", Goku said to himself as the boy landed with a big splash into the lake. It was a good thing that Diana was not around.

* * *

><p>It was a tough job to merely walk through the knee-deep water, let alone run, and to add to that, the lake-bed was mushy, his little feet sunk in deep inside. Still, David tried to meet this new challenge. After slowly making his way forward to get accustomed to the water's resistance, he immediately tried to gain speed, and fell flat on his face. A sharp rock at the bottom of the lake grazed his face, and gave him a nasty cut on his eyebrow. David yelped in pain as he clutched his forehead, and burst in tears, his eyes fixed on Goku, his face clearly showing that he expected his saiyan friend to come over and help him, as his cries continued.<p>

Goku's initial instinct was to run towards David and scoop him up from his misery, but decided otherwise. The boy must learn to pick himself up, he decided. It was about time the boy toughened himself, for greater challenges lay ahead.

"I'm sorry.", He said sternly, shaking his head ,"But the days of you being pampered by your mother are over."

David was still crying aloud.

Although Goku was acting tough, but he was being ripped apart from the inside by the boy's condition. His soul was screaming at him to go help the boy he cared so much about, but he knew he couldn't. David would only get softer if he did.

"Not as long as his mother lives !"

Goku was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't sense Diana reaching the place and standing next to him.

"Such atrocities ! To such a young boy !", She mumbled ,"I was right about you being an executioner !"

Diana began walking towards her crying son when suddenly a hand was placed on her shoulder; it was Son Goku. She immediately stiffened, a soft gasp escaping her mouth.

Goku had expected that years of actively participating in wars might have hardened her body, just like with him. Yet, when his hand came in contact with her shoulder, it dug in deeper than expected, for she had retained that characteristic softness which was associated with a woman. He held on for a very long time.

Diana tried to step forward but couldn't. She had to admit it, his grip was strong, not as strong as Clark's but strong enough to hold her back. She shrugged her shoulder to a side, causing him to lose his hold on her and began walking towards the lake. This time Goku held her hand. She could take it no more.

"Leave. My. Hand !", Diana hissed through her teeth, looking furiously at the saiyan who dared to hold her hand.

"Please.", Goku pleaded ,"Please let him get back up on his own."

Behind, David's wailing was now turned to soft sobs as his tears ran dry and his bleeding slowed down, one hand on his brow and the other rubbing his left eye.

"Let go !", She screamed, twirling her wrists in order to pry his hand off.

Goku did release his grip off the boy's mother who in an instant was next to her sobbing son, trying to soothe her down. Picking up the soaked boy up in her arms and out of the water, she slowly made her way towards the saiyan, a murderous look in her eyes.

"There is no need for this shit !", She gruffed and with one swift motion, grabbed the turtle-disc on the her son's back, tore it off and threw it so far away that it disappeared in the horizon.

Goku held a solid urge to give it right back at her face. Not only had she demeaned him, she had deliberately insulted his master, the one behind this training, and the one to whom he owed his Kamehameha technique.

"That 'shit', was taught to me by Master Roshi. It's the reason I could save you from becoming a bloody pulp, if you correctly remember.", He said, out flat. He could stand abuses hurled at him, but not at the ones he owed his powers to, the ones he respected the most in his life. He would not take any of it from this thankless woman.

Diana had not expected him to speak like this, those words actually hurt her ego despite being one hundred percent true. Goku had indeed brought her back from the brink of death, and had saved her son too. Although the latter had shown some resistance, she knew that the flurry was short-lived and that Darkseid would have crushed her son eventually, if not for the Saiyan's heroics. Had she just offended his training ?

Swallowing her pride, she said,

"I know ! I have no shame in admitting that you are the stronger..."

"It's not about strength or power, but respect.", He rudely cut her midway, surprising even himself. He had never behaved like this before ,"True, you are a Goddess, and I just a mortal, a tiny speck in front of your eternal divinity ! But the way you view Ares is the same as I feel for all my masters; Grandpa Gohan, Mater Roshi, Mr. Popo, King Kai, you name them. And although I have surpassed their powers by a million fold, even to this day, they are a source of inspiration for me, always making me strive harder towards my goal. I am sure you too feel about your tutor Ares the same way."

Diana nodded silently in response, letting the Saiyan speak whatever was in his mind.

"What you did a few moments ago, insulted not just my masters, but my entire life's worth of training and my tradition as well. From where I come from, these things still matter, Diana."

"I saved your life, and this entire planet's, I shared the expenses of your house by putting my body on the line, I am even training your son to make him strong, like both you and Clark, but still you are ignorant. I don't know what it takes to earn your respect, Diana, I really don't."

Diana began looking the other way. All this while, she thought he was a happy go lucky, goofy guy whom she could twist around her fingers. She thought she could make him do anything to her liking. It was time she found the truth the hard way. She had never seen him exert authority on her like this before, maybe that's how David felt in her presence.

"But what I do know is that you owe me your life and in return I want zero interference from your side while I train your son. David will grow up to be a strong and trustworthy person, who will carry both of his parents' names forward, on whom people can count, not a recluse like his mother. Got it ?"

He leaned over her, forcing each and every word of his into her with authority.

Diana remained silent.

"I said, do you understand, Diana ?" Goku repeated, maintaining a gentle but firm aura around himself.

"Hm !" Diana quickly nodded her head without any resistance.

"Good ! Now hand me the boy."

He hated it, to force his decision on someone as forcefully as like this. But she had left him with no other choice. The way she treated her son as her sole possession made him pity the lonely woman sometimes, for she had lost all her loved ones, but most of the time it angered him. A five year old kid was supposed to live his life to the fullest, enjoy the very small and insignificant things around him, laugh and act on no logical reasoning and most importantly he was supposed to know who his parents truly were.

Diana's overprotective love for David had blinded her, prevented her from seeing that although he was her only son, he still had a life of his own. Goku was going to change that very soon.

Walking away from her, with the boy in his arms, he stopped suddenly and turned around,

"Do you have a wheelbarrow by any chance ?"

"Maybe.", She said softly, so as to not anger the Saiyan.

"Was I too harsh on you ? Was I prying between you and David ?"

"Not necessarily.", She lied. Anything to send him off.

"Then I suppose you are going to fetch that disc you threw miles away back." It was more of an order than a request. Diana didn't refuse.

* * *

><p>David was carrying big pieces of rock Goku had broken for him from a nearby boulder, in a wheelbarrow. The ten kilo turtle disc was back on his back (courtesy of Diana, although the session was delayed by an hour). It was the third and the last training session of the day which consisted of a heap of broken rocks. The boy had to load as many rocks as he could with his hands on to the wheelbarrow and take them to a designated place, some hundred feet away and unload them. Then he would have to take the empty wheelbarrow back and load it with the rocks and unload them again till the entire heap was transferred to the other side. This made one lap. The entire session consisted of five such laps. It was designed to strengthen the entire body.<p>

Although Master Roshi had made Goku and Krillin train in an industrial mining area, it was as close as one could get to that environment. Goku's favourite moment was when both he and Krillin had ended up working faster than the machines.

"Come on, David ! That's the last lap of the session, just one last round of shifting the stones !" He shouted out some words of encouragement for the boy.

David redoubled his efforts upon hearing from his friend and in one last sprint covered the entire hundred feet within a couple of dozen seconds and unloaded the huge pieces of rocks with his hands, finally completing the task.

"I. Did. It.", David panted. Although he was dead tired, but still was able to flash a smile at Goku.

"Good job ! My friend !" Goku said returning the smile, and gave him a thumbs up, something which he really liked to do.

And then the boy fell back flat, too tired to even stand, with his tongue drooling all the way down to his chin, heavily exhausted by the three training sessions.

"Should I tell him that he'll have to repeat this every day ?" Goku thought, placing a finger on his temple.

* * *

><p>They were silently having their dinner, at least the two of them were. Goku had not ventured out to the city in the evening, since that day when Diana had caught him red-handed participating in bloody fights. David was having difficulty with lifting his spoon and bringing it to his mouth as Diana looked on. She saw as the boy's right hand shook violently as he tried to scoop the rice up in his spoon. By the time it reached his mouth, most of the rice grains had fallen down on the table due to the shaking, leaving only a few morsels for him.<p>

Meanwhile, Goku gobbled down a bowl of rice in merely five seconds and proceeded with the chicken drumstick, which he cleanly deboned by simply shoving it in his mouth and pulling it out with a 'pop'. Carelessly tossing the bone aside he set his eyes on the heap of stir-fried vegetables in front of him. They succumbed in a matter of moments. Next victims were some helpless apple pies kept in the centre of the table. Before Diana could count three, they too were gone. She watched in disgust as he noisily chomped down the food stuffed fully in his cheeks with relish. It had taken her two hours to prepare the entire meal.

David had somehow managed a second scoop of rice by this time, using two hands for it, this time.

BURP !

Diana turned towards the obvious source of the sound – Son Goku.

"I'll give this to you. You cook quite well !" Goku said, rubbing his tummy with his hand.

"And you eat quite well !" Diana quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Excuse me ?"

"I mean you eat well and to your fullest, no matter what. That's what a person's diet should be like." With that, she smiled and blinked a few times at him. That was sure to divert his attention.

"I have got some news for you, 'Goddess'.", Goku told her, adjusting himself in his chair.

"Now, that must be something... brilliant, I guess.", Diana said, arching an eyebrow and slowly placing her interlaced fingers on the table.

David fought through his third scoop, in the meantime.

"Kara Zor-El was here.", Goku said.

"How fascinating !"

"Aunt Kara was here ?! Which one.", David asked, dropping down his spoon to pay more attention to his friend.

"Supergirl was here to inform me of something big happening tomorrow, regarding the kryptonians and Lex Luthor."

Diana stopped maintaining her sarcastic demeanour and leaned a little forward in interest. Earlier that day, Lex Luthor, the World Leader had addressed the world, saying that a meeting would be taking place between the World Council and a representative of a 'planet called Krypton' to establish new scientific and cultural relations with the significantly advanced race. He had requested the people to be calm and peaceful, saying that there was no threat from these kryptonians. On a side note, he had told the world that they were Superman's own people, thus ending their worries once and for all.

"The meeting, yes. Everyone knows about that."

"I too am invited in it.", Goku said ,"Something regarding the release of Kandor and an honorary introduction."

"Well, good for you."

"Can I be there too ?", David asked, his big blue eyes begging Goku to take him along.

"What about your school then ?" As usual, it was his mother. She wiped away the few rice grains stuck to the corner of his mouth and to his chin with her hand.

"We'll see what can be done. " Goku said as he left the table and up for his room.

"Then there will be two important things tomorrow.", David chirped, making Goku halt mid-way in the staircase ,"The meeting with Dad's people and..."

"And what ?", Goku asked curiously, sensing some excitement underneath the boy's voice. He saw that David had paused his sentence, and was looking playfully at his mother, rapping his fingers against the table.

Diana was looking the other way, playing with one of her curls and smiling shyly, avoiding any eye contact.

"It's mommy's birthday tomorrow !", David finally let out.

Goku smirked upon hearing that,

"I see. I'll make sure to wear black and mourn the whole day tomorrow."

He immediately heard Diana gasp loudly as he made his way up to his room.

David looked at his mother in confusion, who still had her mouth left open in shock. Did he just say that ?

* * *

><p>Goku was woken up in the morning by strange noises. Rubbing his eyes, he followed the noises and end up in front of Diana's room.<p>

She was trying to wake her son up

"David honey, it's time for your school, wake up !"

"Mommy, I can't move.", David cried in resistance ,"I can't move any part of my body."

He was suffering from cramps it seemed. All that training the day before had heavily taxed his still fragile body.

"Honey, none of those lame excuses."

"He's cramped !", Goku said while entering the room ,"It's not anything extraordinary, only natural. You perform such heavy exercises on day one and you are sure to end up being a robot."

"I don't understand. He once took out Darkseid with a single punch, and now he's affected by these mere peak human training. It's something that defies logic."

"Even I used to think about it the entire time, but now I have reached to a theory."

"And what's that ?", Diana asked.

"I believe his display of power, the awakening of his latent potential, was a temporary thing, a one-shot if you'd call it. Something which was harnessed only in a life-threatening situation, and that it went latent again as quickly as it awakened. I think he has the potential, it's just that he doesn't know how to use it."

Goku's explanation was a fairly believable one, so Diana chose to believe it.

"So, he is much like Gohan, your son. Where would you put my David in your charts ?"

"Judging by that showing a few days back against the New God, I'd say Darkseid is around Super Perfect Cell's level. And David, slightly above him, maybe at Super Saiyan Two Majin Vegeta's level."

"Cell ?! The one who could blow away the entire solar system ?!", Diana gasped, a look of disbelief in her eyes upon hearing her son's potential.

"Yes.", Goku said, confirming what she had just heard ,"He's already the most powerful being you've come across, your son, at a mere age of five. It's high time you should start being proud of him, Goddess."

"It's high time they reinvented the word 'God'." Diana said, clasping her forehead. She was feeling a little disoriented by the level of powers her son possessed.

"Oh yes !" Goku seemed to suddenly remember something, as he slapped his head lightly "Before I forget; Happy Birthday Diana !"

He extended his right hand towards her. Diana was hesitant for a few moments. Didn't she have a minor quarrel with him yesterday ?

"I thought you were going to mourn today." She said, finally shaking his hand.

"I was, but then I remembered that I have a public appearance to make. Showing up in front of the whole world with a grief-stricken face wouldn't be a nice start." He replied, softly winking at her.

"Oh I see ! That superhero thing has already started gotten into your head. But I'll advise you as a friend, do not let that carry you away, Goku. All the glitz, glamour and the fan base might be tempting, but over time they might cause you to stray."

"Hey, Diana ! I was just kidding. No need to take me seriously.", He said waving his hands.

"I suppose the Z warriors remained in anonymity, despite saving the world so many times ? Never claiming any credit for their honourable or noble work ?"

"Exactly, we never forgot our roots, that we all came from a humble background and would have been nothing if not for our masters and their teachings."

"About the masters, Goku.", Diana began letting out what had been in her mind, what she had spent the entire night pondering about, "I am extremely sorry for my rude words and behaviour about you and your teaching principles yesterday. You see, David is my love, my life and I simply cannot see him in any kind of pain whatsoever. What I said yesterday was unacceptable, to say the least, and I completely lost control of myself and overreacted. For that, I have no one else to blame but myself."

She had to do it, for she was wrong on her part back then. This man had saved her life and helped her in so many ways and yet what did she do to repay him, apart from insulting his tradition. But that was not all, she had made a very important decision regarding David.

"And ?" Goku asked, stepping a foot towards her.

"And that David can freely train under you; I have realized that refraining him from doing so would be an insult to Clark's memories. I will personally train him in Amazon warfare too, when he gets a little older. He'll be the first 'man' to learn that, not to forget he will be joining the League when he is of age. You were right; he cannot run away from his parents' legacy forever. Just like so many times, you've proven me wrong yet again."

"That's so cool !", Goku cried pumping his fist in the air, and without any second thought, fully embraced Diana in a tight hug, not caring whether she wanted the same or not. The Amazon was totally taken by surprise, in fact got a little annoyed by this sleazy behaviour, as she tried to distance her body from his. What she didn't know was that he meant nothing improper; it was just his way to express happiness over her decision.

When moments passed and Goku's hug didn't, Diana cleared her throat loudly, making him immediately release her from his embrace.

"I-I'm sorry ! I d-didn't meant to... I-It just happened. God... What would you must be thinking of me ?" He stammered, going red in the cheeks, maintaining an apologetic yet defensive posture. He didn't know how the Goddess would react.

"Let's not make a big deal out of it." She said, casually waving a hand at him ,"After all, people do get carried away sometimes. See, that superhero thing is already having its affect."

"Ah yes !" , He gently slapped the back of his own head, "It's a good thing that you will be around to guide me, O lovely Goddess !"

"Shut up ! And where's my gift ?", Diana asked with an annoyed look, crossing her arms ,"I suppose you are a millionaire now, Saiyan, after all those fights. If you want to make up for that hug, I suggest that you better get me something valuable."

She saw that he immediately turned dead serious upon hearing this

"What would you like to have ? Just name it."

"Ha ! Can't believe you took that seriously ! You are such a gullible person, Saiyan, innocent and gullible, not to mention very cute. Stay true to your nature Goku, that's how I like you."

With that, she patted his shoulders and left the room.

Goku turned back to see whether David had seen that or not. To his relief, the boy was sleeping peacefully on his bed.

* * *

><p>"Where do we go ?" David asked, clutching Goku's index finger as both of them stood waiting outside on the clearing in front of the house. David was not in a physical condition to attend school, so Diana didn't resist any further, allowing him to accompany Goku. By the watch, it was ten past ten and the League still had not shown up.<p>

"I don't know.", Goku said, shrugging his shoulders ,"Your aunt never told me anything."

He was dressed in his martial arts gi, as he believed that the world should see him in his true self.

A few minutes later, Supergirl did arrive, all smiles and red and blue.

"Hello, young man !" She waved to her nephew.

"Aunt Kara !" David cried in excitement, as he staggered towards her.

"What's with that walking ?", Kara asked worryingly, picking up the boy in her arms and examining him with her X-ray vision.

"Your body's all cramped up !" She gasped after a few moments of examination, looking back and forth from David to Goku in hopes of getting some explanation.

"Come Kara. I'll explain it to you on the way.", The Saiyan said, placing a hand on her back as the three flew off to their destination.

* * *

><p>It was a huge gathering , as Goku looked on to the thousands of people standing down below who seemed to buzz and mumble with excited tones. The League, Lex Luthor, the few select kryptonians and everyone else who were supposed to be a part of the truce signing were on the stage. Cameras and flashes blinked at them every now and then. The security was trying to keep pesky journalists and unwanted fans at bay, as cries and shouts, both pleasant and unpleasant were heard from the crowd.<p>

"What do you hear P ?", Supergirl asked, walking up to her Earth-2 counterpart, who was standing on just about the edge of the stage, focusing on the noise coming down from below, trying to make out something from the hodgepodge of sounds.

"Those two boys, standing by that street lamp, they are talking, rather arguing over who the better of us is." Powergirl replied, without taking her eyes off the crowd ,"Something to do with sizes. Do you really want to hear the details ?"

"Kids !", Supergirl mumbled, laughing softly through her nose and shaking her head, before suddenly crying out "Hey !"

"What happened now ?" Kara-P asked, looking at her Prime-Earth counterpart, surprised by her sudden outburst

"The taller one. He is asserting that you do not wear a bra, P."

"I don't, it's a fact. And if they want to degrade themselves by constantly staring at my assets, let them. I am a strong, independant woman, Kara and not afraid of my sexuality. There are more important things I have to tend to than these lowlifes. " She replied, deciding not to react to such lewd comments. She was better than that, she knew it.

"Lucky you, I guess. My father will murder me if I walk around making public something which is that private."

"Ahem !" Someone cleared his throat behind them.

The two Karas turned around to see Hal Jordan and the rest of the League staring at them. Even Goku was looking at them too.

"I hope you two don't mind lowering your voice.", Hal said to them in a stern voice ,"Because we all can hear each and every thing you girls are talking about. A bit softer please."

The Karas looked at the League for a second and then turned towards each other. Unable to control it anymore, they burst into laughter, cupping their mouth with their hands. Green Lantern slapped his forehead, the rest of the League sighed in disappointment and a big drop of sweat appeared on Goku's head.

Lex Luthor stepped on the podium and tapped the mic a couple of times. The sound echoed throughout the speakers, instantly grabbing everyone's attention. Clearing his throat, he began,

"It is so good to be back at Metropolis. I remember the days, when I was a businessman here and a social worker. And like all everyone else, I was afraid of the metahumans when they first arrived, even went to great lengths to stop them and harness their powers.

How ironic it was of us, because these very metahumans we disliked and despised, ultimately saved us from doom so many times. We can never thank them enough. Now, I understand that some of us are still sceptical of the decision to form the World Council with the League as its members, but rest assured they are far wiser and more in control of themselves than we think. The fact that I'm still alive proves it !"

There were some minor laughs and a few claps from the crowd. The World Leader paused for a moment, surveying the people, their mood, before continuing,

"Ladies and gentlemen. They are honourable people, who realise what great powers mean, and not that different from us. It's only unfortunate that we have lost the greatest of our protector, while another has left the League. Speaking of leaving, we have a new protector joining us, henceforth."

Goku could feel what Lex's words implied.

"Remember that bright flash a few days ago covering our entire planet ? Well, we had a silent invasion, an ambush that took down the entire League. All hopes were lost, when suddenly this, this saviour arrived and defeated all the invaders and eliminated their leader. The flash was a result of that. And moreover, not only did he save our race, our planet, he saved the lives of a hundred thousand sentient life forms. Please give it all for Son Goku !"

The crowd roared in a thunderous applause when they learned that a new friendly metahuman would be joining the League. And the fact that he had singlehandedly ended the invasion added on to his supporters.

Lex Luthor signalled Goku to take the podium. However, the Saiyan was too hesitant to go out there. It had been a while since he had face people this huge in numbers, let alone spoken to.

"Goku !" Bruce Wayne whispered softly, but firmly.

Gulping down, he walked up to where Lex was standing, unsure whether his shaky legs could carry him that far. After what seemed like a long time, he was in standing in the podium, looking down at the people. His heart was pounding against his chest and he had started to sweat, but he knew he had to address the people. Taking in a long deep breath, he calmed himself,

"They are just normal people, Goku !"

Thinking that, he exhaled whatever air he had inhaled a moment ago. Unfortunately, the mic was too close to his mouth, as the air connected with it at point blank and screeched throug the entirety of the area, the sharp noise amplified several times by the huge speakers ringing through everyone's ears and forcing them to cover it. The kryptonians, who were susceptible to the softest of noises, had the most trouble with it.

"Idiot !" Bruce Wayne thought, as he covered his ears.

It was a good ten seconds, before the ringing stopped. Goku was standing there, rubbing the back of his head and grinning at his own silliness. However, he dropped that posture as soon as the noise died down,

"First of all let me make it clear. I didn't release Kandor, the kryptonian city. It was these two."

He signalled at the only two people wearing kryptonian military armour, Zod and Faora. At first they refused, but when they realized that thousands of eyes were watching them, they chose to comply.

"To my right is General Dru-Zod, the head of the kryptonian army, and to my left is the lovely Commander Faora Hu-Ul, his second in command. Both of them are responsible for Kandor's release, I merely handed the bottled city to them. So, we can have a round of applause for them as well."

The area was once again filled with a thunderous sound of claps, as the two kryptonians sheepishly looked at each other.

"I believe you'd want to know something about me. Where to start from ? Hello, I am Son Goku, true name Kakarot. I am from planet Vegeta. I have fought people like Raditz, Frieza, Cooler, Broly. I have many friends namely, Krillin, Bulma, Tien, Yamcha etc. I know these are funny names to you, but that's what people get named in my world. And the rest, you'll get to know in time. Thank you !"

Bruce Wayne face palmed himself as Goku stepped off from the podium.

Then, Zor-El was called to address the people, as he gave a long introduction about Krypton, its various cities, houses and how Kal-El or Superman was a part of his house, El. He went on to tell that he is Superman's uncle and in fact, Supergirl's father and in a way, Powergirl's as well. He explained what peace meant in Krypton and how his people would be happy to spread the same message among their new hosts.

'I look forward to a mutually beneficial cultural exchange.", He ended his speech by saying this.

And so, the truce was signed as each proposition was read aloud by Bruce Wayne in the mic.

The kryptonians had agreed to almost everything, assisting Earth in technical advancement, training their scientists, training their armies in advanced combat, and asked just one thing in return,

Political Immunity; that apart from a few emergency situations, the World Council would not interfere in Krypton's internal matters.

When the truce was finally signed, both Lex Luthor and Zor-El shook hands and posed as the cameras flashed at them.

* * *

><p>"So, this is my gift, eh ?" Diana confirmed, holding on to the huge box wrapped in golden wrapper, that Goku had handed over to her. It was so huge that it covered her entire upper body. David could have easily fit in that box, she realised.<p>

"Open it, mommy !" David cried in excitement, jumping up and down. He had never seen such a huge gift in his life.

"Okay !" She said, placing the box on the table, and tearing away the gold wrapper. When she finally opened the box, what she found was another box wrapped in gold too.

"Strange ! A gift within a gift !" Diana mumbled, as her hands began working on the wrap.

Another box appeared from within.

"Huh !"

She began making work of this one too.

And so, it happened; boxes within boxes, until one final palm-sized box remained.

"I hope this is the lost one.", She said, looking at Goku, who simply stood there with his hands behind his back, beaming at her.

What she found inside was a key with a keychain, of some kind. Bright and shiny, it looked something expensive, but still it was just a key, although it felt quite good in her hands. Dangling it in air, she looked at in confusion, at its every elegant curve and space, turning it left and right, not understanding what it meant. Who gives a key for a gift ?

"I didn't understand." She said.

"Remember what you said that day on our trip."

Then, suddenly she did. A soft gasp escaped her throat, and she was unable to say anything further, as it all dawned upon her, as she realized the true purpose of that key. Did he really take her words that seriously ?

"Is it.. is it a car ?"

"Happy Birthday, Diana !"

But she knew she couldn't take it, not this. After all, what had she done to earn this much affection from him ? She was too proud to accept anything this expensive from a person she had disrespected just the day before. It didn't feel right.

"I am sorry, but I can't." She croaked, trying to hand him the key back.

"Hey, you don't so no to a birthday present, Diana." He insisted.

"But not this, Goku. I have done nothing to earn this from you..."

"Shhh ! As you put it correctly, I am a millionaire now; a few thousand pounds won't kill me, I believe." He said, slapping her on the arm.

"But still, that money is yours. You shouldn't waste it on a thankless person like me."

"Diana !", Goku softly said, placing his hands on her shoulders and bringing his mouth close to her ears ,"That money is my blood and sweat, please don't waste it like that. Besides, if you accept that, it will make me feel good."

Diana was silent for a few moments, thinking about the gift. Sure, she had always wanted a car, but she had wanted to buy it from her own hard earned money. And receiving it as a gift from Goku felt totally wrong. It was a hard time deciding for her.

"Fine, you win !" She said, after a long chain of thoughts ,"But that car's as much as yours. You can claim it back whenever you want."

"Sounds fine to me."

"But there's one more problem ? I don't know how to drive." She told him, making a sad face.

"I do ! I can teach you !"

"Really ? Now what impending doom, what catastrophe really compelled you to take up driving lessons ?"

"My wife."

* * *

><p>"Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! The Saiyan is quite funny." The glowing man in green said, watching from far away the events unfolding in front of him. To his right the lady in pink too, was looking in the same direction.<p>

"The tides of events have certainly turned in the favour of Uxas' masters. How happy they must be ?" The lady spoke in a sarcastic tone.

"Yes ! The god killers. They have murdered every single pantheon of Gods, and now have their eyes set upon us." The man said.

"Do not fret, Jim. As long as my powers are there, we'll be impossible to find."

"Uxas' masters got a glimpse of our trail, last time. What's to stop them from discovering our whereabouts ?"

"You seem afraid, Spectre." She looked coyly at him, mocking him for his fears.

"They need me, Pandora. It's you who should be worried. Uxas' masters and the 'two' from the saiyan's universe will definitely hunt you down."

"It will be five years before 'he' wakes up from his natural sleep, and the other one only becomes active in his presence. Moreover, there is something called the Code of the Cosmics, if you remember."

"Two years, lady. His alarm has been set to three years before his hibernation naturally ends."

"If that's so, then nothing can save our place from them. Even the Uxas' masters, the Godkillers, will not be spared." She said sadly, wishing that things could have turned out a little differently ,"What do we do, Jim ?"

"We wait."

* * *

><p>Two years passed since then, and Earth had been in peace for that period of time, science and technology flourishing as a result from the aid of the kryptonians. There was nothing to protect the Earth from, so the Justice League's role was reduced to the World Council members. The two Karas finally became core members of the League, however, as their superpowers would have it, they didn't age a day.<p>

And so didn't Diana, despite having turned thirty one, she still looked as youthful and pretty as a twenty three year old. She deduced it was something to do with her being part-goddess.

Goku's Saiyan genes had prevented him from ageing much. Each time he took his shirt off, he looked not a day past his prime. In the two year's time, he had taken farming, and enjoyed it too. First, he had started off with raditz, err, radishes. Then, he went for carrots, broccolis, and asparagus. Each time the harvest was declared vintage by the local market, and as business picked up, he had finally decided to start farming on a full commercial scale.

David had grown a lot in those two years, gaining a full eight inches and as many kilos. He had grown from a lanky boy to a well-built one. He had also, mastered Master Roshi's training and as a result had ten pounds of weighted clothing attached to each of his four limbs during his training. Kami's weighted training would begin anytime soon, he was told.

Goku had somehow got bored of his daly life, his saiyan genes craving battle.

However, his wish was about to be granted.

* * *

><p><strong>SECTOR 506 (KAHNDAQ)<strong>

A boy named Jon Lane Kent had revived the one known as Black Adam once again, slaughtering several military men on his way.

Although he hated every metahuman, he knew he needed this one to accomplish his mission; to once and for all, eradicate all metahumans. He looked up to Adam as he slowly made his way to him.

"Does this world have any rulers ?" Black Adam asked Jon, looking down at him, glaring at him with threatening intentions.

"Yes !", The boy replied calmly ,"They call themselves the World Council. They act as if the world belongs to them, you are our last hope."

"THIS WORLD BELONGS TO NO ONE !", Adam roared as blue lightning bolts surrounded him and incinerated everything around,

"Lead me the way, boy."

Jon Lane Kent could only smile.

* * *

><p><strong>So I have fast forwarded the story to two years.<strong>

**Black Adam debuts here, and as you might have noticed, I have ignored the trinity war and forever evil storylines.**

**So a quick recap of things since, I won't be updating until the last week of May to mid week of June. A power level comparison  
>(This is the new 52 just to remind you )<strong>

**Superman (deceased) pre-training - Final Form 100% Frieza level**

**Post training - ******Super Saiyan 2 Majin Vegeta/ Super Saiyan 2 Goku****

**Darkseid - Super Perfect Cell/ SSJ2 Kid Gohan**

**H'el - SSJ Goku Cell games saga**

**General Zod ( Grey Armour ) - Same as above**

**Without armour - 50% Final Form Frieza**

**Diana - Same as above**

**Faora - 40% Final Form Frieza**

**Supergirl - 25% Final Form Frieza**

**Powergirl - Same as Faora, but untrained**

**Shazam - Same as Zod without armour**

**Green Lantern - Depends on will**

**Goku Base - SSJ3 z**

**SSJ - 50 X**

**SSJ2 - 2 X SSJ**

**SSJ3 - 4 X SSJ2**

**SSJ Goku Cell games saga - 6 x SSJ Goku Trunks saga ( Due to training in hyperbolic time chamber )**

**SSJ Goku Trunks saga SSJ Goku Frieza saga ( Zenkai boost, stopped Trunks' sword with one finger. Trunks' sword cut clean through Mecha Frieza who was more powerful than organic Frieza )**

**Super Perfect Cell is a confirmed solar system buster by Akira Toriyama. **

**Solar system busting Supernova ( But to avoid flamewars, I'll put SPC on supernova level - 10^44 J, or 10^28 MT, Solar system busting - 10^31 MT )  
><strong>

**David (Awakened ) - Super Saiyan 2 Majin Vegeta/ Super Saiyan 2 Goku  
><strong>

**Lady in pink - Pandora**

**Glowing man in green - Spectre**

**Skeleton kept in Darkseid's room - Doomsday's**

**All the pantheons - deceased**

**Darkseid's masters - Unknown**


	11. Chapter 11 Unaware

**After a long break I am finally back with this new chapter. **

**Special thanks to Kazuma Bushi, superiornite, ClarkVal, masenko56 and basically everyone who put their valuable insights to this story and helped me guide my course. For all the reviews, whether good or not-so-good, I love y'all.**

**This cahpter would be basically focusing on what all transpired between those two years and how it affects the current state. Also, the two new characters I introduced previously will get more of a screentime.**

**Also, one complain I heard from everyone was that Goku is too overpowered. If that's so, I'll certainly work towards it.**

* * *

><p>"Now, be a little careful, it's brand new.", Goku said as both Diana and Diana examined his newly bought car, which was nothing too fancy, just a simple grey Ford model standing in front of the garage, that reminded Diana of the times when bell-bottoms and walkmans used to rule the world. She knew that the purchase ill-fitted the wealth the Saiyan had now accumulated in these two years, courtesy of his successful farming ventures. She was still wondering how a man of such power had lived his life so humbly; in both the worlds. The job as a League member had required all the members to maintain an aura of mysticism and authority around them, for they had the burden of saving their world and keeping it intact.<p>

And yet, this man, this Saiyan, had no such thing, he had told her about his life on his Earth and how they lived as a family, united and strong, how he had won the World Martial Arts tournament and earned millions and still lived in a tiny capsule which would have been an equivalent of a trailer in this world, his teachings and his principles reflected in his way of life. Diana had seen this much herself, how disciplined Goku was, never deviating from his routine, never forgetting to wake up at five in the morning, never forgetting to wake David up at five in the morning, never forgetting to water his crops at the right time and most importantly, never forgetting to greet Diana with a smile when she arrived home after the day's work.

Goku was nothing like Clark Kent in his last days, bragging about the strength he had acquired during his training to anyone who would listen. He would deliberately find ways to flex his muscles in front of her, find excuses to flaunt his powers like once tanking a nearby explosion of a star which had gone supernova and telling everyone about it or the times when he would play tag with Barry Allen, the Flash and nearly kill him almost every time. And the most irritating part was the time, the times, when Clark would treat her as a damsel in distress, a woman who was heavily dependent on him for everything, something you could keep as a trophy; very pretty and a lot to brag about.

Shaking her head, Diana came back to present time. The first thing she saw was David's face and just like that, all her annoyance was wiped away.

"Hand me the key. I'd like to take it for a test drive.", She said, signalling Goku to pass the key to her. Anything to get rid of the painful thoughts.

"Are you sure ?", Goku asked, squinting and eyeing her suspiciously ,"I still wonder as to how you got your driving license."

Those were words which had weight. It was true, she was a pretty bad driver and her car was there to prove it. Scarred with jagged lines which began from the hood and ended at the indicators, it was a sorry sight in itself. To add to its plight, one of the two headlights was missing and the bonnet was caved in. Every other week, she would receive a ticket from a patrolling officer and every other month she would have to get the suspenders and brakes checked or hauled. This was all despite the fact that Goku had been very detailed in explaining the nuances of driving and dropped every other work during her driving lessons. But Diana didn't learn much.

"I'll be careful." Diana said reassuringly looking into his eyes.

"Fine, then."

They both slid in, with Diana to the left, in the driver's seat.

"Okay. I know you are like, not such a good driver, but a little more attention might be helpful in making you a passable one.", Goku began, looking straight ahead at the garage door which was just a few feet in front of the car, Diana rolled her eyes, mentally preparing herself for another lecture from him ,"But as is the standard procedure, I'd like you to start with inserting the key."

"Check." Diana said as she slid the key in its slot, and revved up the engine. It roared to life letting out smoke from its back.

"Now, check for all the gears." He instructed further ,"David move out of the way !"

David was running his fingers all over the car's bonnet, treating it like one of his toys. He was watching his own image reflected on the shining surface, squeaking his thumb over it, playing with his own reflection. He was having a good time with the car.

"Ignore him. He'll get out of the way once the car starts moving.", Diana said, shaking her head and clutching the steering wheel hard, determined to improve her driving skills.

"Are the gears in their proper place ?" Goku inquired, taking a cursory look around.

"They are."

"Each one, P, R, N, D and L ?"

"Yup !"

"What about the rear view mirrors ?"

"I- uh, well, the one on your side is not out.", She replied, pointing towards the left mirror ,"Can you-"

"That's for you to do, not me. I won't be there every time you drive, Diana.", He said crossing his arms and staring straight ahead, which meant that Diana had to fix that one herself.

Getting up from the driver's seat, she leaned across Goku and using her tall frame, reached at the rear-view mirror and began adjusting it to the correct angle, all the while keeping an eye on him, in case he let his instincts get the better of him. After all, the way she was at that point of time, bent over and leaning across him, it would have been very easy for anyone to get away with a gentle graze against any part of her body.

"Now you know that your fears were baseless.", Goku said still looking ahead with his arms crossed across his chest, as she got back to her seat.

"Although I'll say that you smell nice today.", He added after a moment's pause.

"I was only making sure that you don't try anything 'smart' or 'out of order'." Diana replied, although she felt guilty the moment she did.

"I am sorry you feel that way.", He sighed, finally looking in her eyes with disappointment ,"After two years of living... 'together', you still don't trust me. But it's your call, whom to trust and whom to not. I respect that."

Diana cringed internally when she heard those words, 'I respect that', this man, this Saiyan, had respect for a person's decision and judgement. What did she have ? She remembered all those years ago when she had threatened to rip Orion's balls off if he didn't respect her. It was needless to say that he had complied.

"I shouldn't have said that, damn !" She thought.

"Getting back to driving lessons, I'd like you to reverse this car. Take it backwards, please !"

"Diana, Goku's a nice and trustworthy person. For how long can you be mean to him ? He did nothing to deserve this from you !", Diana thought again as she rested her elbow on her seat's head and craned her neck over to have a look at the car's backside. Nothing. The path was clear. Her foot reached for the accelerator as her hand firmly gripped the steering wheel.

Outside, David was mischievously banging his small palms against the bonnet. He was unaware of what was about to happen to him.

"Hey wait a sec ! Did she put the car on reverse drive ?!" Goku thought to himself as he saw Diana's foot slam the accelerator pedal forward and her head turned in the opposite direction.

NO WAIT !

Too late. The car screeched forward; Goku was slammed against his seat and Diana never knew what happened, she simply let go off the steering wheel in shock, letting the car take its own course.

Eventually, the Ford model did stop, but a few metres ahead, right where it had slammed into the garage door, caving it in by at least a foot.

For a moment, both of them were silent, staring ahead blankly, their mouths partially opened, neither of them even blinking, in shock of what had just happened. Goku couldn't believe what had just happened, couldn't believe it was the Goddess who did this. Then he recalled something, a moment ago David was happily playing around in front of the car !

"Oh no ! David !" He cried as he got out of his Ford and in a jiffy reached where the bonnet of the car was dug in the garage. Using his right hand, he casually pushed the car back, finding David stuck to the shutter.

"Ouch !" David mumbled, as he dropped to the ground.

"Oh, I am so sorry !" Diana came running in to her son's aid. Picking him up, she began frantically searching for any wound he might have sustained, frisking his hair, head, arms, and any part she could catch hold of. Mercifully, she found nothing.

"Thank god !", She whispered, closing her eyes. Then she turned around to have a look at the condition of Goku's car.

Both the headlights were gone, nowhere to be found. The part which had sunk in the garage shutter was marred by jagged lines of white, the paint being scraped off by the sudden wreckage. The hood of the car was poked with a few dents here and there, and one could clearly see a puff of smoke, slowly rising from beneath. All in all, Diana had continued her streak as a terrible driver.

"I am sorry for your car.", She said in an apologetic manner. She remembered the beaming look on Goku's face when he had showed them his brand new car and within a few minutes, the 'brand new' car had turned into scraps, all thanks to her driving skills and absence of mind at that particular point of time.

"Not a big deal." Goku dismissed her apology with a wave of his hand "Just be thankful that David is not your average kid. Otherwise, he would have been a splat on the garage door."

Although Goku didn't show it, but by the look on his face Diana knew he was saddened by the fact that within a span of a couple of minutes, a newly bought car of his was wrecked by her. He didn't deserve this, it was all her fault and she would make sure that it was something she didn't have to live with.

"Goku... Hey, wha.. !?" Diana began, but stopped abruptly when she saw the Saiyan laughing softly to himself.

"What's the matter ?" She asked, stepping closer to him, with a limp David in her arms. "What's so funny ?"

"You are !" Goku replied, placing his hands on his waist while still laughing a bit.

"How ?" Diana asked, raising an eyebrow. Despite the fact that she had just damaged his newly bought car, she couldn't say she was not irritated by his behaviour. She had an amazonian pride to tend to. Did he think she was stupid ?

"I mean, just give it a thought ! You can run and fly at speeds rivalling that of light. You can lift mountains like somebody lifts flowers. You have fought and won against foes capable of ending this world on a whim. And on top of that you are the Goddess of War. And you can't drive ?! That's just so funny ! The Goddess of War who can't drive !"

"Hmmm... Maybe you are right !" She said, looking upwards in a thoughtful manner "Driving a car just makes me nervous. It's like, so constricting inside, and feels like you are not in total control of it. I tend to lose focus a lot. But the thing is..."

Diana handed David to him, and looked at the car and the damage she had caused earlier.

"... I am Diana of Thermiscyra. Daughter of Queen Hippolyta. Daughter of Zeus. An Amazon. A Goddess. I am better than any man at any task. All my life I was trained to overcome the odds..."

She made her way to the dilapidated car and helped herself in the driver's seat, slamming the door a little harder than required.

"... So why should this be different ?"

With that, the engine once more roared to life. Goku understood why she did that. His simple, harmless remark had hit her pride very hard.

He watched as the car was reversed with perfection, slowly like it should be. The car made it past him.

KRRRUUNCH !

"Yikes !" Goku yelped in pain, as the rear tire rolled on his foot, he had lowered his ki to normal level at that point of time. If David had not been in his arms, he would have immediately clutched his foot and hopped up and down. But for the child's sake, he bore the shooting pain, and watched as Diana swerved the car effortlessly to the right and drove away from them.

* * *

><p>"This is Billy to the Watchtower ! We have a situation here !" Shazam spoke on his communicator as he stood over an unconscious figure, noticing him very carefully, and ready for any assault.<p>

"This is Hal. What is your situation ?" Green Lantern's voice blared through the communicator.

"I have a badly injured person here, bloodied and bruised, heartbeat is very faint and he is barely breathing. I am bringing him up to the Watchtower. Please dispatch the entire core League for assistance."

"Why is that ?"

"Because I think it is Black Adam." Shazam informed him.

* * *

><p>It was late afternoon, about six. Goku was tending to his senzu bean plants, with David by his side for any assistance. In the two years, he had grown a roughly room-sized patch of the beans, in case a humongous amount was required at a moment's notice. Most of the yield, he had given away to the Justice League, Bruce Wayne had insisted that he receive some payment for it, but Goku politely had politely refused.<p>

"Just keep it !" He had said with a smile "The League needs it more than I do. I will be glad if I can be of any help."

Still, Bruce did do him a favour. The very next day, he brought with himself something the Saiyan was in need of, ID cards. Son Goku, it read. From Tokyo, formerly in Japan, now in a sector whose name he forgot. Why did everyone think he was from Japan ?

Further thoughts were cut short by the sound of an engine approaching him. Before he could turn around to see what exactly was it, David ran in that direction crying MOOOMYYYY !

It was Diana, and his car. He saw as the Goddess swooped down and picked up her son and began swinging him wildly till he began screaming. But Goku wasn't really looking there; his Ford model behind the two was what had really caught his attention. In the morning, after Diana drove it through the garage, it certainly was scraped all over, now it was spotless and scratchless, shining exactly like when he had bought it. How ?

Diana read the perplexed look on Goku's face, when she saw him looking in the direction of the car.

"That is your car. I got it fixed by a town mechanic, when I drove all through it all." She explained, pointing at it with her thumb "I must admit I created a serious ruckus out of it. I am such a bad driver, that's why I spent the entire day honing my skills."

"And how many people did you flatten in the process ?" Goku asked jokingly.

Diana gave him an intense rude look and the Saiyan thought that she might be pissed off again. But then, the Amazon simply smiled back at him,

"I almost did one toddler. Stupid ladies were chatting by the pavement and never noticed that one of their children slipped out of their hand and wandered on the street. Luckily, I slammed the brakes at the right time."

"Huh ?! That's so careless !"

"I know, some people do not fully understand the value of a child." Diana said, placing a hand on her beloved son's head and caressing his soft brown hair.

* * *

><p>They all stood around him, the monitors were beeping and keeping a check on his heartbeat. The Justice League stood prepared when the person kept under observation began fidgeting in his bed. They were ready for any assault.<p>

The person opened his eyes and immediately stood up and began shaking his head in order to remove any dizziness or signs of fatigue. His powers of regeneration were doing their work quite well.

"Don't try anything stupid, Adam. The entire League's here." Shazam warned him in a grave tone. He perfectly knew what powers Black Adam possessed, and what he was capable of, having it tasted first-hand in a physical fight against the former Kahndaqian eight years ago. The entire League was prepared, especially Shazam, because at his fullest, Black Adam was above Superman in all physical aspects.

"Where have you brought me, child ?" The Kahndaqian questioned, taking a look around at the beeping gizmos of the Watchtower.

"You are at the Watchtower, the base of operations for the Justice League.", Shazam informed him, hands crossed across his chest. He was not one bit interested in having a conversation with this person ,"Batman picked something up in radar. Systematic analysis lead to the conclusion that it was magical in nature. That's why, I was sent in to check. I ended up finding you, which is strange because we never detected anything which might have indicated your revival. Anyways, when I found you, you were all battered and bruised up. And despite your past atrocities, we decided to take you in to heal."

"Which brings us to this one question. Who could have possibly done this to you ?" Bruce Wayne continued from where Shazam left off, inquiring about each and every detail as usual. Who could have left the Kahndaqian in the condition he was found in ? Did he encounter Goku on the way ?

Black Adam dropped his head a bit and closed his eyes for quite a while, a signal that he was trying to recollect something. They waited patiently.

"His name is Jon Lane Kent. He is the reason I had to be put to bed.", He finally said, keeping his eyes still closed.

The mere mention of Jon drew a few astounded looks from the League. Did he really say Jon Lane Kent ?

"You mean the Superboy ?" Flash asked, wondering what went wrong with the child.

"If that's what you call him, yes. But I don't think he is fit to carry on the heroic name you gave him." Black Adam said, looking at each and every member of the League, as if accusing them for his state,

"Besides he tricked me." He added, gritting his teeth so hard, the two kryptonian blondes swore they heard something crack.

"Serves you right, Adam !", Shazam hissed, making everyone momentarily turn their attention from Black Adam to him ,"After what you did to your own nephew, this is what should happen to you ! And a hundred times over !"

"Billy, calm down ! What are you so mad about ?" Powergirl said placing a hand on his shoulder, trying to pacify the fuming god-empowered hero. She had never seen him raging like this before.

"He is a backstabbing murderer !", Shazam explained, pointing a finger of accusation at Black Adam ,"He killed his own nephew, Aman to satisfy his own greed. So that he could have all the powers of the Gods for himself. Poor Aman never expected his own uncle to be such a tyrant ! And I took Adam here to be Aman, only when I approached him, he revealed his true identity and attacked me. He is very powerful, and evil and I was only able to defeat him by using my brains."

"Indeed, I did that.", Black Adam accepted the truth with a sombre look in his eyes. His past was something even he, with all the powers of the Gods could not change ,"But it's a little unfair of you to jump to a conclusion without hearing the entirety of the truth.

Saying that he got up from the bed he was lying in a minute ago battered, and walked effortlessly to the nearest window. His walk was smooth, there was no indication that a couple of minutes earlier he had cuts and bruises running over his entire body and that an hour ago he had been brought back from the brink of death. Shazam certainly didn't lie about the 'powers of the Gods' part.

"You see, before I was a saviour, I was a slave. A slave in what you now call Kahndaq. Me and my nephew, Aman were bound to slavery for all our lives, subjected to unimaginable horrors during that time. However, we eventually escaped doomed imprisonment, but not without a price. I was mortally wounded by the guards, I did so because my nephew Aman could escape. But he refused to leave without me, and so both of us magically ended up in the Rock of Eternity.

We were greeted there by the greatest wizard of all time, Shazam. He offered Aman his powers for he saw purity in the boy, also stating that any member of his family could access the power of the Gods. Returning to Kahndaq, both of us eventually discussed the way to free all those who were enslaved by the merciless rulers. I wanted to kill them all to exact revenge for the murder of our entire family, however Aman simply refused stating that such a thing would not make us any better than the tyrants we fought. We ended up disagreeing. He eventually got killed by my hands in an unfortunate turn of events.

I ended up freeing Kahndaq of all the oppressors it had and established peace. However, the wizard Shazam, saw the bloodshed and murders I had committed and sealed me away."

"And then you were revived again by Dr. Sivana.", Shazam blared, his voice was filled with disdain, his eyes exposed hatred and contempt "But you tricked me into believing that you were Aman, and then you attacked me. I only won because I managed to revert you to your normal state, and you instantly aged thousands of years in a single moment and dropped dead."

"Yes ! But don't think I had it easy. Killing your relative is never easy, but I had to make the hard decision, for the greater good, for my people." Black Adam's voice revealed something which nobody previously thought he possessed; remorse. If that was true, perhaps he was not the man the League had made him out to be. Maybe they wouldn't regret the decision to save him. Maybe they ought to listen to the full story.

"But that doesn't still change the fact that Aman died by your hands." Bruce Wayne gruffed, giving him a mean stare ,"Now, will you please care to elaborate on Jon Lane Kent ?"

Black Adam let out a long sigh of disappointment before beginning to explain "There are so many timelines running simultaneously, each parallel to each other. He comes from an alternate timeline, a timeline of future; where Superman, or Clark Kent marries Lois Lane and they conceive a child. They happily name him Jon Lane Kent, Lane for Lois and Kent for Clark. They celebrate pompously when he is born, for an abomination between a kryptonian and a human is not possible to survive.

Their happiness is however, short-lived as the boy is ill-formed from inside, nature's punishment for going against her. The half-kryptonian succumbs to an earthly respiratory disorder, and dies. Clark and Lois moan for their only hope of furthering their lineage for they know that such a thing will never happen in the future. Completely heartbroken, they retreat to the Fortress of Solitude, never to be heard from again."

"That's so sad !" Supergirl murmured, bringing a hand over her mouth, she could feel the pain of her cousin's loss of his son. It brought back the pain when she had lost her own cousin in the Imperiex wars. A slight drop of tear formed in the corner of her eyes.

Supergirl felt a hand softly and reassuringly placed on her shoulder. She didn't have to look in the direction to know it was Powerfirl, her Earth-2 counterpart, spending so many years with each other had turned them into mind readers. She gently took Powergirl's hand in her own.

"That isn't the end, is it ? There must be a catch !" Green Lantern asked. He was certain that it had to do something with Kon-El, the previous Superboy.

"Huh ?! Why would there be a catch ? Have I thrown something ?" Black Adam queried, giving him a surprised look. His thousands of years of absence from the main world had left him totally oblivious to the lingos that the people of the modern world had developed.

Green Lantern slightly shook his head and corrected himself when he realized this,

"I mean, Jon is back in our timeline. So, he must have been revived by someone, like you were by him."

Black Adam threw them all a sinister smile before speaking,

"From here it gets interesting. A time traveller retrieved the disgusting child's body, and found that he was in a state of induced hibernation rather than death. So, he used his future technology to blow life back into him and took him as his own son. As it turned out the time traveller had a personal vendetta against all metahumans, I believe that's what you are called by the lesser beings you so diligently protect. From then onwards, he bred and fed the abomination known as Jon hate towards all metahumans, the child was brainwashed into believing that one day he would rid the world of them. The fool apparently forgot that he too belonged to the same category he despised.

So, yes. He was the one to revive me, but he did so for himself and his adoptive father, and their genocidal campaign. Jon told me of his origins and tricked me into believing that the World Council was evil and oppressive, and that its foundation members, the Justice League had proclaimed itself the ruler of the masses, despite tremendous criticism and opposition from the world. I was made to believe that they were the tyrants I had vowed to fight as long as I breathe. However, when I actually entered the main world, I found otherwise, that you people stood true to your name, just and fair. I refused to join him in this madness. The jackal then revealed his true intent, genocide against this timeline's entire metahumans so that the future timeline, his timeline, would be wiped clean of them as a result. We ended up disagreeing, and the rest you know."

"So people get hurt every time you end up disagreeing." Flash quipped, trying to lighten the damp and serious mood of his team members. He flashed a grin towards Black Adam, hoping that the hero of Kahndaq would get his sense of humour rekindled by that remark.

Unfortunately, Black Adam did not find that funny, on the contrary, he held back a strong urge to hit him. But he didn't, for he owed a debt to the League for saving his life. He let out a slow sigh before turning his head towards the window once more and spoke,

"You know, the most important thing I forgot to tell you, the time traveller's name. It's Harvest, N.O.W.H.E.R.E's founder, must have heard of it. And Kon-El was created by combining the genes of Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Jon Lane Kent."

The information stunned the League as Adam heard some gasps and tsking, and a few shocked whispers from the League. He didn't have to turn around to know the looks on their faces.

* * *

><p>"Ma'am ! I request that you state the reason for your unappointed visit !" The soldier spoke gently yet firmly, maintaining an aura of authority around him. And why not ? For he, along with two hundred other people were entrusted with the protection of the greatest city in the universe, Kandor. Having spent so many years inside a bottle, the kryptonian soldier was not ready to let any potential danger slip past him. He had no reason to fear for his life, for being in the proximity of a yellow star had him gain super powers. Also, a woman with a child didn't necessarily scream 'danger'. But, she could really be a threat given those killer looks of hers.<p>

"How about this, I am Kal-El's wife, and here with his son." Diana had certainly lied about the 'wife' part, but she wasn't going to tell a patriarchal conservative society that she had a son out of wedlock with their greatest citizen ever.

"Ah ! What shameless lies are they using nowadays to get inside the city !" The soldier chuckled in grave disappointment.

Despite a strong urge to slap his head off, Diana knew that being Goddess of War was not to promote war. It was something much more intricate. She wished Goku was here, those spikes and the big eyes would have been enough to gain a pass for them without a question. But having visited Kandor a week prior, he chose to stay back and tend to his precious crops. She decided to try something else,

"I would suggest that you mind your tongue, Fil-Do."

"What the... How did you know my name ?" The soldier was certain that he was not bearing any name tag with him.

_I am War, you fool. _Diana thought, smirking inside, satisfied with the result she got _I would know every soldier on Earth by name, even if he is not 'from' Earth._

"I will take it from here, Fil."

The soldier turned around to find General Zod approaching them with his commander Faora Hu-Ul in tow. They both stopped right next to the unsuspecting soldier.

"You are no longer required here, soldier. You may leave." Faora commanded her subordinate. Fil-Do immediately complied, for he knew better things than to disobey his commander. Fierce and forceful, Faora had made quite a name for herself in the kryptonian military faction. And exactly what did she do to earn that, many army men found out the hard way, when they tried to hit on her. For some, she was even more feared than General Zod.

"Diana what brings you here ?" Zod greeted her with a warm smile. Those two years and Goku had smoothened some of the rough patch between her and him and Faora.

"I guess David was missing his grandpa, so I decided to take him for a trip." Diana answered placing her hands on her son's shoulders.

"And I believe our bumbling Saiyan is back home." Faora said, with a hint of interest.

"Taking care of his farming, I guess." Zod interjected, throwing a questioning glare at the Amazon.

"Yes. He told me he was a farmer back home, he used to farm in between, you know, blowing up planets. A farmer-cum-martial artist-cum-z warrior-cum-family man, that's how he put it." Diana recalled raising a brow, tapping her chin with her index finger.

"If you ask me, he cummed a lot in that one sentence."

Diana couldn't believe her eyes and ears as to who said that; Faora ! Of all people who could ! A choked cry was about to escape her throat when Zod interrupted,

"Interesting, a farmer ! Even after two years, the Saiyan continues to intrigue me !" Zod rubbed his beard while saying that, with a slight glint of interest in his eyes, over the years he had developed a fond liking to Goku, akin to what a warrior has towards his comrade, for both of them were proud warriors. But it was his good-hearted nature that had him. "Such power, and yet such humility. Previously, I always thought of these two as immiscible liquids, but after being humbled by that man, I feel I could learn a thing or two from him."

"Goku is a very good man. It would be best to leave him to his ways." Diana said nodding her head at both Zod and Faora, the latter whom she caught smiling.

"What is so funny ?" Diana was certainly annoyed by the kryptonian commander's behaviour. What did she possibly say to make her smile like that ?

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but is that care for him we hear in your words ?"

Diana silently walked past them towards Kandor's doors, towards Jor-El, and away from the question. As she closed in to the city, both Zod's and Faora's sharp senses picked up this from David,

"Mommy ! Why are your cheeks red ?".

* * *

><p>Black Adam was standing with the League, watching as they monitored the entire planet, looking and hoping for any signs of Jon Lane Kent, their latest adversary.<p>

"Where was the last time you saw him ?" Cyborg questioned him, while simultaneously working on the monitor screens.

"Oh ! It was under a big black cloud !", Adam replied sarcastically, seeing how odd and unintelligent the question was, "What kind of question is that ? How am I supposed to know which place it was ? Do I look like I am accustomed to your world ?"

Victor Stone, or better known as Cyborg, flashed him a look and grumbled something under his breath before getting back to his work.

"He has a point, Vic." Flash placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a tight-lipped reassuring smile "He doesn't know our world."

"Maybe, I can help." Supergirl stepped forward, clear and confident. It looked as if she really meant what she said.

"And how is that ?" Bruce Wayne asked, a slight frown in his eyebrows. He was not doubtful of Kara's capability, but still wanted to know what she had to offer, especially when everything else was failing.

"My super hearing !" Kara Zor-El announced loudly with a smile, snapping her fingers while doing so "I remember Jon's voice and his heartbeat vaguely . And since kryptonians in general have eidetic memory... "

Then she turned towards Black Adam, whose facial expression clearly showed that he didn't understand the term,

"... which means that they can perfectly recall everything they see, hear, touch, taste and smell, I might be able to find him in general. Pinpointing his exact location would be a different story altogether. That is because there might be hundreds to thousands of other heartbeats and voices around him. Although, starting at N.O.W.H.E.R.E Labs would be a good start. However given his obvious link to the facility, I highly doubt that he would be dumb enough to hide there. Especially since he knows each of our capabilities in general, I think he must be taking refuge somewhere in a densely populated area, which makes our work more difficult than previously predicted. I might have to start from San Francisco to all the way to Sydney, such is our astronomical odd. It would be like finding a needle in a haystack. However, if Goku would have encountered Jon prior to his latest appearance, we would have had a head start given his ki-locating ability. He claims it to be accurate to any degree. But since he is not aware of Jon Lane Kent, I believe we have..."

They agreed to send her to locate Jon in the end, more so to shut her up.

"Beginning at Sector-100, copy." Supergirl spoke in her communicator, which in turn fed the signal to the Watchtower orbiting miles above in outer space.

"Copied, this is Bruce, Kara. I don't want you to do anything stupid, okay ! The guy is a sociopath, just inform us the moment you have a hit on him. I repeat, do not engage directly !"

Kara rolled her eyes in frustration at that. Even after seven years since the Imperiex War, even after proving her worth countless times, even after celebrating her twenty-fourth birthday a couple of months back, she was still considered an adolescent girl by many in the League, despite the fact that she had gained a couple of inches and a couple of Ds in those seven years.

"Fine. This is Kara, over and out !" She grunted, sticking her tongue out at Bruce, and beginning her search worldwide.

Supergirl began by floating within the stratosphere, some fifteen kilometres above sea level, where the entire continent of America was in view. How many times had Kara flown over this piece of land, and yet today when she was hovering above it, for the first time she got to witness how beautiful it looked from above. Those lush green grasslands stretching for miles, frequently accentuated by small no-name mountain ranges; she said hello to the Alaska Range when she recognized it. The rivers ran throughout this continent in a random manner, criss-crossing each other, meeting their demise when they met with the oceans on both the sides, she saw the Mississippi river stream almost vertically down into the Atlantic Ocean. To the southwest, in what used to be Arizona, her sharp vision caught a glimpse of the Grand Canyon, a marvellous wonder of nature stretching for a good 447 km across the state. Even after all these years the Canyon never ceased to awe her by its sheer magnificence. Maybe someday she ought to bring...

Brrrrr ! Kara shook off all these thoughts in an instant.

"You have a task at hand, you fool !" She said to herself. Closing her eyes, she focused on the continent's entire population, her hearing making sure that nothing goes unnoticed. She got a lot of things she didn't want to hear, a couple making love, some teenagers talking crap, a woman accusing her boyfriend of cheating her and so on. Immersing herself deeper into the sea of sounds that flooded her ears, she tried to focus and filter out one specific sound, one particular heartbeat.

The continent of both North and South America brought her no luck even though she scanned the entire landmass, so Europe was next in her plans. Flying on to the continent, she informed the Watchtower of it. It took her a less than three seconds to reach the tiny continent.

Supergirl closed her eyes and let her ears catch everything they could. She instantly got hit by a barrage of different accents.

* * *

><p>Unknown to her, in the northern part of Europe, where there's perpetual cold, a teenage boy was sitting inside a warehouse near the port. Wearing an indigo and black armour, it looked as if he was waiting for someone, for he had his fingers crossed and placed in the lap of his knees. He smiled as the cool wind blew on his face and slightly pushed his jet black hair back, it eased the growing tension within him a bit.<p>

"Too bad you won't be able to enjoy this place's weather as much as I do." The teen said to himself "You're dead Kara, and your fellow Leaguers. You just don't know it yet."

He knew that Supergirl was flying above looking for him, the whining girl had forgotten that he was part kryptonian too and that he had developed senses akin to her. The words he had just uttered would most certainly get noticed by her sharp senses and she would came for her. He stood up and walked out of the warehouse, where his armour immediately got everybody's attention. Ignoring them, he looked up at sky.

* * *

><p><em>You just don't know it yet ! <em>Kara Zor-El's eyes immediately sprang open upon hearing those words, she recognized the voice, it was indeed Jon Lane Kent. Finding him didn't prove so difficult after all.

"This is Kara to the Watchtower. Do you copy ?"

She got no reply. Strange.

"I repeat this is Kara to the Watchtower, do you copy ?"

Silence again. She tried her x-ray vision on the communicator, which revealed that the transmitters had been fried, which she presumed was through an Electromagnetic Pulse. How ?

"Jon !" She concluded, squinting her eyes in annoyance "That jackal !"

She was now presented with two choices, either she could go back and personally report to the Watchtower and risk losing their target, or she could engage Jon against Bruce's orders. She was not sure if her alternate nephew would prove any threat to her. After all, wasn't he weak the last time she encountered him ? She decided to pick the second choice; Jon would not get his wish fulfilled.

* * *

><p>Supergirl landed about a hundred feet away from Jon. She saw that he had grown into a teenage boy who strongly resembled his father in contrast to David who looked more like his mother. Jon had his father's face and his eyes too, also he sported the same hairstyle as Clark's and was about the same height as him when he was his age. But what disgusted her the most was that he wore the 'S' the symbol of the house of El on his armour.<p>

"You !" She cried, pointing a finger at him "Do not deserve to wear that symbol !"

"Don't panick." Jon replied calmly with a mocking smile, tilting his head a bit "In a short while, I will be the only one left to wear this symbol, 'Aunt' Kara."

Supergirl charged at him with full force upon hearing that; she wanted to end this as quickly as possible.

The force quickly sent the teen flying away breaking through the warehouse, but she was not satisfied yet. Quickly, she flew above his trajectory and delivered a hard knee to his gut, finding a weak spot in the armour.

Jon broke and skidded across the asphalt for quite a distance before coming to a stop, he was thrown back into the city.

Supergirl eyes widened when she saw him getting up and simply dusting his armour off. Apparently, she had misjudged the force required to knock him out, or he had grown more powerful in these years.

"That's it ?" Jon uttered, looking slightly amused "I thought after Dad's demise, you would have been able to fill in his shoes."

Kara blitzed across the distance between them and threw an Earth shattering punch at him; but it was simply blocked by him. The resultant shockwave crumbled the ground to bits beneath them and threw away cars in its path.

"But even after all these years, you still let your house down." He said looking straight into her eyes.

Supergirl tried to pull her fist back, tried to pry it off, but she couldn't as the teen's vice grip held it in place. Then he increased the pressure on it, and Kara felt something she had not felt in a long time; pain. She winced as the pain kept growing.

"But do not worry, 'Aunt'. I have just the right thing to strengthen you up."

Kara watched in horror as the armour around him turned inwards and pulled out something from within; something green and shiny, something that was crippling to all kryptonians.

"Kryptonite !" She cried, as she saw Jon's entire armour being lined by the radioactive rock. Sickness and fatigue immediately gripped her. She tried to fight it off, but knew she couldn't, it was futile. She had fallen right into his trap. It wasn't long before she began slumbering to her knees, too weak to stand, or even cry in pain as she felt her weakened knuckles crack under his grip.

Catching Supergirl before she could fall, Jon embraced her, crooning soothingly in her ears, stroking her hair gently,

"No ! No ! No ! Aunt Kara, please don't die on me ! Here, let me comfort you. Let me hug you !"

His arms tightened around her ribcage in a bid to expel all air, and life out of her now fragile body. Two ribs immediately gave in to the unbearable pressure. Kara regretted facing him all alone now, had she not been this overconfident and brash and informed the Watchtower about his hideout, none of this would have happened.

Jon released Supergirl after he was pretty confident she was done for. She dropped down by his feet, all broken up, coughing blood, the kryptonite's radiation denying her any strength, any utilization of the solar energy for her gain. Close to being completely paralyzed, she watched as the genocidal teen pulled out a dagger, twirling it in his hands, shining it at her, letting her have a full view of the instrument of her impending death.

"Don't worry, Aunt ! I will find you a grave besides Dad." He bent down pulling the dagger back as far as he could. Then, just like that, he was gone. Supergirl saw a blur of gold, white and red as Jon vanished into thin air. She smiled realizing who it was,

"P !"

Jon Lane Kent had not expected this, for Powergirl to discover her Prime Earth counterpart so quickly. As a result, he was completely taken aback when she sped across the globe with him and bombarded him with punches he actually felt pain from. He had his calculations right, Powergirl being a full grown and older woman than Supergirl had absorbed more solar radiation than her, thus she was superior to her in every physical aspect.

"You. Will not mess. With. Her. Ever again !"

BAM ! BAM ! BAM !

Each furious punch rocked his head back, causing intense trauma to his neck and spine. He began worrying at this point, despite him emitting kryptonite radiation she seemed to be totally unaffected by it. Was she immune to it ?

However, his worries proved baseless when unexpectedly they both crashed hard on the ground, causing mounds of earth and rock to form, and rolled over. Jon was the first to get up, and take a look around at the people who had gathered around them. They had reached the Sector which formerly used to be in China.

"Not bad !" He mumbled, wiping his bloodied lip and examining the crimson red on his fingertips appreciatively.

To his relief, he saw Powergirl lying motionless on the ground, her back faced towards him. She was not immune to kryptonite after all. It was just her flight's previous momentum that she had used to tackle him away and deliver those hurting blows. As soon as she came in contact with the kryptonite-covered armour, she ran out of juice and puff, they landed here.

Using his foot, Jon turned Powergirl to face him. She slowly gained consciousness, but due to the ill-effects of the kryptonite was unable to do much.

"Impressive !" Jon said, kneeling besides her "That's the most impressive feat by a kryptonian I've ever seen ! I admire your willpower, Aunt. Isn't it funny ? How my aunts keep popping up out of nowhere ! How much you love the other Kara, diving into a person armoured with kryptonite for her ! How touching !"

Powergirl felt his steely hands tighten around his neck as he began choking her to death. In the presence of a kryptonite she was nothing but a sick human. She tried hard to clasp free of his grip, kicked and clawed, but given her weakened state and his superhuman strength, it was pretty much impossible.

Jon's eyes glowed with madness when he saw Kara's eyes turning white and spittle forming around her mouth. Yes ! He was so close to exterminating one metahuman ! A maniacal laugh escaped his throat when he heard her heart beating its final few beats. Then, he felt a strong concussive burning sensation throw him back.

Smoking from his chest, he saw that the 'S' on his chest was burned. Furious, he looked towards the source of the attack. Supergirl.

She moved in quickly for the attack, but was stopped just about a foot from him, unable to move, unable to do anything. But how ?

"You fool !" Jon snarled, madly looking at her "You haven't seen all my powers ! I am now basically Superman with telepathic powers !"

With a mere thought, he flicked her away.

TZZZZZZ... !

Jon was brought down to his knees when several bolts of electricity passed through him. But it didn't feel right, how could mere electricity hurt him ? Unless it was...

"Magic !" Jon hissed, raising his head and facing his ally-turned-enemy; Black Adam. He saw his gold-bordered black cape flowing gently through the wind, and the lightning bolt on his chest spewing blue coloured electricity. The rest of his dress was black, save for a golden belt tied around his waist.

"You came here to die again ?"

"Hardly, weasel ! Your armour has been destroyed by the combined assault of the two Kara's and my magic. You will certainly lose now." Black Adam said, forming his magical attack in his hand.

Jon removed what was left of his armour and decided to engage his adversary in a physical duel.

The first magical blast hit him hard, as he doubled upon receiving it. Then, Adam's magically-empowered fist connected with his jaw. Jon was sent flying upwards, where Supergirl was waiting for him. Driving a hard kick to his chest, she sent him back down below. This time, she used her heat-vision to make sure that he remained in his trajectory. The rays were burning and didn't allow him to move. Black Adam saw his opportunity as the teen was falling back and with one vicious clothesline, turned him inside out and knocked him deep inside the ground. Supergirl followed with a two-fisted hard strike, descending all the way from up above. It was all over, Jon lay unconscious within the crater.

"Good job ! Adam !" Powergirl said slapping Adam's chest with the back of her hand.

"What ? Am I supposed to return that ?"

She just shook her head in reply "No !"

"Looks like we won't get to see a second Hitler, after all." Supergirl said, picking up the knocked out Jon and placing him on her left shoulder.

* * *

><p>He was sitting in a dark room, somewhere unknown, lit by a small bulb.<p>

He had waited for this moment, trained for this moment, his entire life. He had just received the news that Jon Lane Kent was captured, and it was a good thing. Everything was going as per the plan. Black Adam's defection would cause the League to relax a bit, and the teen would strike right at the moment they felt the safest. Jon would finally get what he always wanted- extermination of the metahumans. A plan which he himself was a part of. The man would himself eliminate each metahuman that stood in his way, in his way of his goal. For reasons unknown, he was interested in one particular metahuman - Diana.

The one who fancied herself a Goddess, would soon face the wrath of this monster. Although, she hadn't done anything in particular to him, she was the last surviving Amazons. A race which he had hated all his life. Because of them he never got to know his father, because of them, he lost his mother.

_Avenge the your mother, my little sun and stars ! _Were his mother's final word, which drove him mad every time he heard them. Amazons had destroyed his life, drove him to become the raging monster he was today. Their countless horrors over the centuries in the name of a cruel, barbaric ritual had given birth to him, the ultimate Frankenstein. And since Diana and her son was what remained of those barbarians, it was only natural for them to be eliminated from the face of Earth.

It was tough, finding her. It took years, but finally he got what he wanted. Only a matter of time, before Diana would pay for the heinous crimes of her tribe. He took out something that had chosen him a few days ago, and rightly so; he would fit it perfectly. The game had just begun. Slipping it on to his ring finger, he swore in the oath, letting out his years of grief, madness, frustration... and rage :

_**"With blood and rage of crimson red,**_

_**Ripped from a corpse so freshly dead,**_

_**Together with our hellish hate,**_

_**We'll burn you all-that is your fate"**_

* * *

><p><strong>So, this chapter is finally out too. Once again, thank you for all your reviews.<strong>

**Before you guys burst out on me, I say that Diana's inability to drive properly is not something I intended, but it's just for some fun. Take it lightly and enjoy the chapter. It is a filler scene anyway.**

**Black Adam has helped the League capture Jon Lane Kent, who badly beat him up and left him for the dead in the first place. But has Jon's plans really been thwarted ? We'll find out.**

**Who is this person who hates the Amazons so much, and why so ? How is he planning to target her ? Find out in the next chapter. Before you jump to any conclusion, let me tell you he is something I freshly created for this story. And he would not just be having the power mentioned in the fic, it is just a tool.**

**Till then, take care and please don't forget to review !**


	12. Chapter 12 Inception

**Hey, friends ! I am back with this new chapter. Thank you for the encouraging reviews I received from you guys the last time. Please continue supporting me and god bless you all !**

**Special thanks to Kazuma Bushi, superiornite, ClarkVal99, itachisdbzgurl, .50, 15songoku, SSGoku270, and basically everyone who reviewed this fic ( Oh yeah, the guests too !). To them I say thank you, the responses to the following reviews are ( in order of appearance ) :-**

**Guest (s) – Yeah, the Goku in this fic is a fly compared to the end of BOG Goku. He is basically a godly ki user even in an SSJ form. No matter how strong a mortal ki user gets, he is nothing compared to a godly ki user.**

**Kazuma Bushi – Yup, it was intended to be that way, some good humour tossed in with a lurking danger. As I said, Diana's incompetence at driving should be taken lightly and not for some serious flame wars.**

**Superiornite – That is pretty much the idea not just for this chapter, but this entire story arc. ( Since everyone complained that Goku is overpowered. )**

**ClarkVal99 – Yeah thanks. And I promise there will be some serious interaction between Goku and the Leaguers in the next chapter as the danger closes in.**

**Itachisdbzgurl – You read it right girl !**

** .50 – Uh... not red lanterns, but just a red lantern would be the core of this arc. **

**PlrStaley – Thanx !**

**15songoku, SSGoku270 and 400croc – You've got to be patient, two year's time is nothing. I'm not blowing anyone off.**

**To the sex scene and Fasha guests – I'll see what can be done.**

**So, without any further delay, enjoy !**

* * *

><p>Lois Lane was amazed by the crop belt that was growing besides the house. Her leads, which in this case were the local vegetable sellers, had been right about the crops, she didn't need to be an expert to tell that, one look and anyone could have deduced that the yield was of the finest quality. She wondered if a goofy-looking character like Goku could produce such crops. It reminded him of Clark Kent and his farming heritage and she choked back the lump that was forming in her throat. Quickly grooming herself to look presentable, she rapped on the door thrice to announce her arrival.<p>

Finding Goku's home was the toughest challenge of her life so far. Ever since the treaty signing with the Kryptonians two years ago, he had successfully managed to evade the media. Given his sporadic public appearances, it was a prized moment to get a click of him, let alone an interview. The guy who saved the world from another destructive invasion, that's how he was introduced, the person behind that dazzling blue light which had every person on earth in awe at its sheer scale. Rumours started surfacing that he was Superman's replacement in the Justice League, but his origin and intent still remained a mystery. But now he was within her reach, this man with spikes poking in every direction from his head, courtesy of Perry White's full backing. There was nothing that could escape her investigation.

The door opened and Lois' jaw dropped to the ground. She perfectly knew who had attended her,

"Diana !"

"Lois !"

Was she dreaming ?

"What are you doing here ?!" Was Lois' first question, still staring at her wide-eyed.

"Me ? This is my house. It would only be obvious for one to find me here." Diana replied, holding on to the door with one hand.

"And what about Goku, then ?" Lois queried, throwing both her hands up in the air.

"I see you are acting the reporter straight away." Diana smirked, crossing her arms "Come inside, you like you could do some good with a rest."

Five minutes later, Lois Lane and Diana were sipping some black tea with crackers.

"Hmm... ! I see London has infused you with some of its traits." Lois remarked putting down the cup of tea in her hands. The tea had some sort of exotic flavour which hit her palate very pleasingly.

"That's Darjeeling Tea, very famous in London, and England." Diana replied.

"Except that it's not England anymore, just a sector with some number. Anyways, don't you feel strange about letting a complete stranger live in your house ?"

"Uhhh... ! Where I was brought up, things like these didn't matter. He saved me and my son's life, so he can stay as long as he wants. I have no problem with that."

"_Of course, you don't ! That's because there is something going on between you two, otherwise no woman let's a man in her house like that !" _Lois thought to herself, all the while maintaining a smile on her face "I see ! He seems to be a nice person. When did you meet him ?"

"You remember the Darkseid's invasion, he accidently fell close to my house a few days before that. It's been two years. Has been living with me since." Diana told the Daily Planet reporter.

"_Two years_ _!? Now there's definitely something going on between you two !" _

"Are you two, like together ?" Lois asked.

Diana tried her best to avoid any eye contact,

"Uh... well... no... ! Not exactly ! The thing is..."

Suddenly the door burst open,

"TADAAA... ! God ! I had to go get those fertilizers, the crops need them at this point of time. Oh, by the way Diana, I got those Chinese vases you asked me to. Very exotic I must say, and very hard to find too. Had to visit so many shops to get those, and endure what not; dust, smoke, sweat, abuses, everything, the shopping area in the nearby town is so crowded. But if you asked for something, it had to be done, for the princess. Boy, how much would I love to have that strawberry shake made by your hands !"

Lois looked from Diana to Goku and back to Diana, cocking an eyebrow when her gaze met the Amazon's,

"You were saying ?"

"I paid for the vases !" Diana replied sheepishly, defending herself.

That left a perplexed Goku in the mix.

"Hey ! I think I know you, miss !" The Saiyan seemed to recognise the brunette visitor, rubbing his chin with his index finger and thumb, trying hard to remember her.

"Lois Lane from the Daily Planet." The journalist extended her hand towards Goku, who immediately took it into his, an expression of recognition on his face.

"Ah yes ! Miss Lane ! Daily Planet ! I see you came to visit an old friend of yours.", He said, turning to look at Diana.

"Not exactly, I came here for you." Lois replied, pointing a finger at him.

"Me ?!"

"What do you expect ?" Diana interjected, looking at the confused Saiyan "Lois Lane is a reporter ! A media personnel ! Media, who has been dying to fish out any information regarding you or your personal life. I told you the day you went for that treaty signing, that this would happen. All the ones, you carry The media and the public would glorify you, glamorize you; something which you had never desired in your entire lifetime ! Son Goku, I don't know what you would decide, but don't let it carry you away !"

"Huh ?! That's strange ! Such a long speech, and miss Lane here barely spoke a word about her purpose of visit !" Goku said scratching his head, and staring wide-eyed at Diana.

"_That's because she cares for you, can't you see that ! Are you as stupid as you look !"_

"Lois, what are you thinking ?" Diana shook the reporter slightly.

"Uh.. well ! I think I would like to have a talk with Goku." Lois said, snapping out of her thoughts. This just might be the gossip fodder around the world. And she would be the one to get it printed, Lois Lane, the Daily Planet reporter. Perry had a few months left of his job, and after him, it would definitely be...

"Lois !" Diana tapped on her shoulder, seeing that she was lost in her own thoughts.

"Ah yes ! So, Son Goku, right ? Which part of Japan are you from ?"

"Hundred and twenty fifth !" Goku spread all his five fingers in front of her face.

"Excuse me ?!" Lois certainly didn't understand what Goku meant to imply.

"One hundred and twenty fifth time someone has called me a Japanese. Frankly speaking, I am tired of all these assumptions regarding my ethnicity. True, my family name is what you might presume to be from Japan in your world, but that does not automatically mean I hail from Japan."

"Whoa ! Wait a sec ! "in your world" ?! That means you are not from this planet, like Superman ?"

Goku began looking here and there.

"Are you from this planet Goku ?"

"You are quite observant, aren't you ?"

"My job requires me too." Lois answered proudly.

"How far is Metropolis from here ?"

"About a four-hour long flight from here ! Why ?" She queried, since there had to be a reason behind that question.

"Because neither this time nor this place is appropriate to conduct an interview." Goku replied, stretching out both his hands "I believe the Daily Planet's office is better suited for such a thing."

"No ! No ! No !" The reporter cried, widening her eyes "Perry will kill me if I go back empty-handed ! You don't know the old man, he will not take this too kindly, for there was a lot of time and money spent in locating you. Just imagine, Son Goku, the mystery man, who successfully evaded the media for two years, now been finally found by the Daily Planet. Our sales will reach an all-time high. If you could just.."

"Miss Lane ! I understand your concern, but I promise, I will be there at Metropolis tomorrow, your editor will not be mad at you. I am a little busy right now, my crops really need those fertilizers.", Goku replied calmly, trying to soothe the hyperventilating reporter down.

"_And you really need some time with Diana !"_ Lois thought, eyeing the two standing next to each other, "Please Goku ! It was very tough finding you, and now that I am standing right in front of you, I wouldn't like to let this opportunity slip by. It would be nice if you cooperate a bit. I mean, come on..."

"Lois, you can stop whining, seriously !" Diana cut her midway through the incoherent rant "Goku is a man of his word, if he says he will show up at the Daily Planet, then he will. I know him, he never turns back on his promise. Do you Goku ?"

The Saiyan silently shook his head like a child in agreement.

"See ?"

"But, it's not about me ! It's the Planet. It's the paper. Perry will rip me in half if I return empty-handed ! He really has high hopes from this project."

"What if I say I will accompany Goku ? To your office. Will that stop your boss from ripping you in half ? Do you trust me on this one Lois ? As an old friend, I promise that... Goku will come for the interview."

"But... Okay fine ! But Goku better show up tomorrow at the office." Lois said, pointing a finger at him.

"Okay ! Till then, be my guest !"

* * *

><p>Bruce Wayne walked slowly towards the containment chamber, his eyes carefully watching and studying the solitary prisoner held within. He stopped just a few feet away from the unbreakable glass wall that separated him from Jon Lane Kent, the latest prisoner of the Justice League. He had been kept under the red sun radiation, the one which had similarly held Zod and Faora when they were held captive. He wasn't sure of the radiation's effectiveness, seeing that Jon was part-human too, but according to him, it was the safest bet, one which he didn't regret. For the Superboy from the future seemed powerless inside the chamber.<p>

"The Batman !"

"Jon !" Bruce rasped, staring hard at the captured genocidal teen.

"Must be really happy, to see me in a state of powerless. To see yourself as above me. Isn't that what you have always cared about ? To be above everyone and control everything ? Lex Luthor is just a name, I think we both know who the World Leader really is, don't we ?" He followed his remark with a wink, flashing a smile along with it.

"Why do you want to wipe out the metahumans ? Despite the fact that you are one of them too ?" Bruce asked, feigning a neutral expression in spite of a strong sense of annoyance within.

"My father, Clark Kent, Superman, a metahuman, the shining example of righteousness and hope, left me for the dead when I was in a coma, when I needed him the most ! He could have used his super-senses to easily find out that I was not really dead, but no ! He didn't do that ! The truth is that he was ashamed of me, of what I was, a weakness. My human genes are not compatible with my kryptonian ones, resulting in a severe respiratory defect, which still troubles me sometimes, but I have learnt to control it."

"We both know Clark would never abandon his own son, if he knew that you were still alive, if you were still breathing. Even if there was a slightest hope that you could be saved, he would have taken it." Bruce replied adamantly. He was just not ready to believe in Jon's accusations.

"Ah hope ! The damnest of all illusions. But for all the hope, the fact is that he did nothing. And it was my adoptive father Harvest who eventually saved me from certain death. He taught me the truth about these so called 'superheros', showed me their true side. Join me, Bruce. I can offer you something you had always desired – complete control, over everything. Specially over that Saiyan you view as a threat."

"I do not see him as a threat !" The billionaire lied "It's just that he is..."

"Unpredictable ?" Jon completed his sentence, bringing his head forward "Aren't all of them just like that ? Unpredictable and uncontrollable ? Admit it Bruce, you wish for complete control over everything. That is the desire you harbour in your heart. I speak nothing but the truth."

"You speak nothing but rubbish; it's truly sad that you are indeed Superman's son because he was ten times the man you are, Jon. In fact, you are just a shadow of your father's greatness, not even a shadow, you are just a ghost, from a reality and purpose that have no valid explanation in our world. Just like your mentor, Harvest." It was Bruce's turn to mock the other guy. He had had enough of his trash talks, it was time to leave, time to tend to the last part of the project he had undertaken two years back. He had to occupy himself with something, anything.

Turning around, he slowly began walking away from Jon Lane Kent when he heard his voice from behind,

"You're no hero, Bruce. You are just a man hell bent on vengeance, for the murder of your parents. The League is a way, a channel for directing your thirst for revenge. You say you carry out justice, but the truth is that in every foe you face, you see the murderer of your parents. That's why the passion, the determination for your work, Bruce !"

Bruce Wayne kept on walking.

* * *

><p>Black Adam was pacing up and down restlessly, while the League members waited for Bruce to return. Shazam however had his eyes fixed on his nemesis all the time, readying himself for any mishap. Despite Adam's vital role in capturing of Superboy he still didn't completely trust him.<p>

"You can stop doing that, you know. Bruce will only return when he has questioned Jon to his satisfaction." Shazam mouthed in a stern voice, giving Adam a hard stare.

"It is not Bruce I am worried about, but the entire League, all of us." Black Adam replied, addressing every member of the Justice League present in the room.

"But hasn't Jon Lane Kent been neutralized ?" Powergirl asked with a look of concern on her face. She was pretty sure that she had seen Kara Zor-El deliver the unconscious Superboy to the League where he was put in the chamber he was currently in.

"As long as he is alive, the threat looms over all of us."

Black Adam didn't need to say anything more, the grave and serious tone in his voice was sufficient in itself to explain the meaning behind his words. Everyone turned towards him upon hearing him, looking directly in his deep black eyes, searching for his intent, whether he had really meant what he had just said. The entirety of the League's face hardened when they found out that he did.

"No way, mister !" Flash was the first to protest, killing was something he had stood against throughout his tenure as a Leaguer "Look, I know you are like, super pissed off at Superboy, after all, he handed you your ego, along with your ass, but we are the Justice League, not the Executor's League, we bring criminals to justice and stop whatever threatens Earth, that and nothing more."

"And moreover, we should not be too quick to judge the boy." Cyborg joined in, looking towards the former champion of Shazam "By what we have heard, he was raised by Harvest, someone who is famous for his hate for metahumans. Jon was a four year old, without a father, when Harvest adopted him. The psyche of an emotionally broken and dejected child is very dangerous, Adam. Imagine a kid waking up to find that his parents left him, alone in the world it is only natural for him to turn towards the person who took him in, sheltered him, treated him as his own son; it is only natural for him to treat that person with a ferocity nothing short of religiousness."

"I hope none of your personal experiences are influencing your words and your judgement." Black Adam said, glaring at him.

"Cyborg and Flash are right !" Bruce Wayne barged in the room, catching everybody's attention as a result "We have a code of ethics, Adam, a moral compass. We will not sink ourselves to the depth that our foes have. People around the world look up to us, we have to set an example for them to follow, so we choose morality over madness. Sometimes you feel like snapping the person's neck in front of you for all the horrors he has unleashed on the society, but doing so would only instigate and promote anarchy. You of all people must know that."

The painful memories of Black Adam's time as Teth-Adam in Kahndaq thousands of years ago were brought back. It was during his time as a slave that he had become vengeful and bitter. The lashes, the beatings, the ill-treatments, everything had contributed towards him ultimately murdering the tyrant dictators of his nation.

"But sometimes, you just have to cross the line you have drawn for yourself. Sometimes, for the greater good, you have to unleash the monster within. I murdered those dictators of Kahndaq because with these powers I had a duty towards my people. I didn't want anyone to suffer anymore, you think I am a murderer ? I gave my oppressors a chance, but they simply refused. I saw vengeance in their eyes, towards my people. I had to kill one of them, the rest of them surrendered. I acted for the greater good, and was branded as a tyrant no less than the ones I killed.

I too could have spared them and easily been a hero in everyone's eyes, but then I made the hard choice. That's what I have been trying to say that sometimes you have to look beyond than being just a role-model, sometimes you have to cross the line, strike fear in your opponent's hearts, let them know what awaits them if they cross paths with you. Being a hero is very easy."

"That's the only thing we can expect from you, Adam.", Billy spoke, looking mistrusting. He never believed anything that his nemesis had said, and why not ? A person who could murder his own blood relative in the greed for power could do many things, "Don't believe him folks, he has tricked people many times before. We are the Justice League and we stand for everything that is right and just in this world. Jon Lane Kent shall not be killed."

"I must say that killing is something which is not in our resume, and we'd like to maintain it that way. I am sorry Adam, but it doesn't work like that, Superboy is not going to be killed just because you hold a personal grudge against him." Bruce was as cold as ever.

"Do you what you please, but I'll warn you, that abomination is going to get us all killed. He will not stop until each and every single one of us is dead. You say I should abandon my old murderous ways ? Well, the question here is not what line I should draw for myself, but what you are ready to cross.".

* * *

><p><strong>THE NEXT DAY<strong>

Zod and Faora were running towards the main citadel, running as quickly as their feet would allow them. They wore tensed and surprised expressions on their faces, for one of their subordinates had just delivered the shattering news to them, something which was very rare to a utopian world like Krypton ; the highest council member, Tyr-Us, of the Kryptonian Council was found dead this morning in his chamber. It was his attendant who had found the body when the councilman didn't respond for a very long time.

Pushing through the crowd that had already gathered in the chamber, they finally broke through it. Zod was left wide-eyed and a soft gasp escaped Faora's mouth as they witnessed the scene, despite the fact that being high-end military personals they were hardened to such gruesome sights.

The councilman's body lay down on the floor, covered in his own pool of blood, carrying a horror-stricken expression on his face; his eyes wide and staring in to nothingness and his mouth shaped into scream. With limps bent at unnatural angles and covered with blued bruises, it seemed like someone had grabbed him by the head and legs and simply snapped him in half, his body arching impossibly backwards rather than lurching forward.

"(Rao ! Who could have done this ?)" Faora mouthed in kryptonian, still staring at the mangled corpse in front of her. It was more of an exclamation than it was a question.

"(We don't know, Faora ! But we soon will, and when we do, the swine will be begging for his life ! The councilman was a good person, his death was unwarranted !")

Then, Zod turned towards the soldiers that were standing there alongside the crowd,

"(Soldiers ! I want you to secure this room, keep everyone out until further orders ! Nobody comes in except the people I personally select. All councilmen and the personnel associated with the High Council will be interrogated. This is a high-level threat, fellow kryptonians, I know you are afraid at this time, nothing is more dangerous than a mole within our limited numbers. But with your support I promise to bring whosoever carried out this heinous crime to justice. I need the top minds at this point of time. Where are Zor-El and H'el ?)"

The room was emptied within a matter of seconds save for Zod, Faora and a few select soldiers and forensic experts he had chosen.

"(General, the forensic team has retrieved zero evidence so far.)", Faora informed her general after the experts had concluded their search "(They say they have not seen such a thing in their entire careers. They have used every piece of equipment, the best in the galaxy, but there's nothing they could get; no strand of hair, no patch of blood, not even a piece of dead skin. They say that further details can only be revealed if the body is sent for autopsy. Until then, we have no leads.)"

Zod's eyebrows knit themselves in a frown as he thoughtfully evaluated Faora's words.

"(No hair, no blood, no skin.)", He said, placing his chin between his index finger and thumb ,"(Sounds like we are up against a ghost.)"

"(My general ?)"

"(Yes my Faora ?!)" He queried, sensing an uneasy feeling within his lover.

"(I have a hunch. Just a feeling, that this is not the end, general. I don't know why, but something is just not right, I have felt nothing like this, ever.)"

Zod silently nodded his head, keeping himself from making any remark, he had never thought that Faora could act like that, women and their premonitions !

* * *

><p>(A MEMORY)...<p>

...

"Then where ?" I asked, head placed in his broad and strong chest.

"Hmm...! Ever visited Bahamas ? It's a slice of heaven, they say, but I never got to admire its scenic natural beauty. I have been there a few times as Superman, so you can imagine that I never had the time." He said, softly running a hand through my hair. We had been like this for hours; him, placing his back against the bedboard and one hand underneath his head, the other playing and twirling my curls and me, my head rested on his chest and my hands on his lap, teasing the insides of his thighs with my fingers, keeping him interested, keeping him aroused, letting him know that tonight, he was just mine.

"I also have heard a lot about Rio de Janeiro and its beaches. I believe they are exotic too.", I suggested, moving my hand an inch up his thighs, he adjusted himself in the bed.

"Whatever you want, Diana. Whatever you want. Because I love you."

"Tell me, Clark." I asked, stretching myself in his lap "When I will get old and ugly, will you still love ?"

He leaned in close to my ears and I prepared myself for a very romantic answer,

"Don't I ?"

That kryptonian !

"You –" I got up and went after him, wanting to make kryptonians go extinct. For a very long time, we circled around the bed, whooshing past everything and knocking down a few of the things we had bought.

"You won't get away with that !" I hissed at him, giving him a cold stare. Clark returned that with a goofy smile, and a satisfaction in his eyes at his triumphant mischief ! That further raged me.

"I don't want to." He said, spreading his arms out like Jesus, inviting me to hit in. It was too tempting to resist. With blinding speed, I rushed in and knocked him down and myself along. But he swerved at the last moment and before I knew it, he was atop me, his strong grip keeping my hands pinned to the ground despite my best efforts.

"Now, I can do whatever I want with you !" Clark hushed, his eyes crawling over my body, specifically at my heaving chest, signalling a strong outburst that was about to come.

"Go ahead !" I panted, completely submitting myself to him. Anyways, he looked too irresistible in those glasses.

"I promise I will return from the war, then we can go wherever we want, wherever you want." Were his words before he leaned in for the kiss. A fire burst inside me as our lips met, setting the foundation for something of much more significance. We both went in for our clothes, hastily removing it, then we devoured each other. The tenants downstairs did not get sleep for the night.

"I love you Diana. And I promise I will return."

"Of course you do and you will."

...

...

"Diana !" Goku shook her shoulder slightly, jolting her back to the present, to reality.

She came to her senses. They were in Smallville, where Clark Kent was adopted, raised, buried. There were thousands of graves in the graveyard, all memoirs of the loved ones that once were a happy part of someone, a father, a brother, a mother, a friend, a lover. Each had his or her own special place in the interwoven net of life they were a part of; some may have brought joy, some may have made other's laugh, others might have been a shoulder to cry on, but they all had been special in their own way to people who had buried them. Now, they were just names embedded on a tombstone, their mortal bodies long decomposed, leaving behind only memories, happy, sad, optimistic, angry, hopeful...

For Diana, the most prominent of Clark's memories were that of them lying next to each other that unforgettable night, when they had discovered what they could do to each other's bodies, which spots made them tickle, which made them cry in pain, how they could fully unleash their passion on each other without holding back. That was the night when Clark had left his precious seed in her welcoming womb, that was the night when they had been together for the last time.

Wiping the small drop of tear from the corner of her right eye, she gazed at the tombstone of Clark's grave –

_In the loving memory of _

_CLARK KENT_

_The man who was everything in our life._

_Love you :- Diana, David, Bruce, Kara, Karen, Lois, Lana, Hal, Billy, Victor, Barry, and many more who owe you._

There was nothing left of him to bury, so they decided to place his clothes and spectacles inside the coffin. Then she dropped her gaze to the fresh roses she had placed on the grave a few moments ago, Clark would undoubtedly like them, it was his favourite flower. She had made sure to buy them from the best shop possible.

"Rest in peace, Clark ! Rest in peace ! Someday, I will see you again." She whispered, closing her eyes and uttering a silent prayer she had been taught in Thermiscyra.

"And thank you for David." She added, getting up.

Diana never expected Goku to fish out a bunch of flowers of his own and silently place it on the grave; her eyes never left him during the entire process.

"Clark Kent, Kal-El, Superman." He said softly, getting down on one knee "I never got to know you personally, but there are legends of you being told throughout this world, stories of your valour and your ultimate sacrifice for the world which you loved, for the people who you loved. If you can hear this, I want you to know that your sacrifice did not go in vain, Earth is gradually recovering from its wounds, your home planet has been found and released, Zod and Faora have changed, and most of all, David is there with his mother, Clark. I promise that I will take care of both as long as I breathe, I will train your son to become a formidable adversary, to lead a new generation of guardians, so that the current ones, your friends, who have worked day in and day out can finally rest and live a peaceful life, they deserve that much. Clark, if you had been alive, we could have been good allies, even great friends, that much I can be pretty sure about. You need not worry; I will take care of everything precious to you. I promise, Clark."

He got up after a minute's silence, keeping his head bowed in respect to that world's hero. Diana would always admire that.

* * *

><p>"(It's impossible !)" Zor-El gasped as the surveillance report showed nothing "(There has been no trace of any intruder whatsoever. No one came in, no one went out. I haven't seen anything like this in my entire career !)"<p>

The holographic video in front of him continued to show councilman Tyr-Us' room untouched by any outside force the previous night. Eight hours of taped holographs starting from the councilmen entering their respective chambers to the attendant finding the unfortunate councilman's body, showed no anomaly or mishap occurring within the corridors of the hall which contained different chambers of the councilmen. And that was something which had never happened before.

"(These holographs are as accurate as the kryptonian senses under the effect of a yellow sun, sir." H'el remarked, looking tensely at the recordings. Like his mentor Zor-El, he too was baffled by the results they got "(That means that even microscopic particles cannot escape the sight of the accessor. Thermo-optic camouflage or invisibility would be redundant given the range of X-ray, infrared and ultraviolet wavelength the scanners possess. But these holographs are showing nothing from the outside.)"

"(And the holographic scanners were never installed inside the chamber due to privacy reasons, right ?)" Faora added, her hazel-brown eyes fixed to the three-dimensional images appearing in front of her "(Which makes our work very difficult.)"

Zod, who was till this point of time lost in his own pool of thoughts, finally spoke,

"(High councilman Tyr-Us was the person behind the dome around Kandor. He passed the proposal to have a red sun emitter installed atop it, to render all the citizens to their normal states, otherwise it was getting increasingly difficult for them to carry out their daily work with these superpowers. The soldiers however were allowed to soak in the yellow sun outside though. If there was no one going in or coming out from his chamber, then who could possibly be Tyr-Us' enemy ? Or where could he be ?)"

Zor-El, Faora and H'el stared at each other, hoping for someone to come up with an answer.

"(Are you suggesting, General, that the killer is still inside this chamber, because I personally searched the entire chamber of councilman Tyr-Us, and found nothing. And you know it better than anyone else, I take my work very seriously.)", Faora asked frowning her eyebrows and crossing her arms, tilting her hips at a killer angle.

That annoyed Zod a bit. After all, she was his subordinate who was supposed to show compliance towards him, not her attitude.

"(No ! I am just implying that someone who is smart enough to dodge our best in the galaxy technology, must be really evasive to catch hold of by conventional means !)" The general leaned in on her, exerting his authority over his commander girlfriend. As he did so, he saw his own reflection in her big brown eyes; that eased him a little bit.

"(You are just like the rest of them Zod, aren't you ? I thought you were different from other men, that's why I chose you. But you consider me just another pretty woman incapable of doing anything properly. It's sad, Zod, after all these years of being beside you, this is what you think of me !)"

Faora's words hissed with annoyance as she glared at Zod, her eyes accusing, her form fuming.

"(You must learn to control yourself a little bit. Things like these can certainly land you in...)"

That was the point when Zor-El silently craned his neck to reach H'el's ears and softly whispered,

"(Slowly and silently, we leave this room right now !)"

The two tiptoed their way out as the general and the commander carried on their heated argument.

"(By Rao ! Zod, you have no respect for a person other than yourself ! Talk to me only when you learn some !)"

With those words, Faora stomped out of the room, leaving a stunned Zod to his thoughts. The killer had murdered the highest councilman of the Kryptonian Council, which was something very rare for a utopian society like Krypton, the murder had left the council without a leader, there were no leads, no evidence left, fear had spread out throughout Kandor, and the worst part of it was that his love, his Faora was now mad at him as a side-effect. The killer had to be apprehended soon.

* * *

><p>"You could have taken some rest at least !" Perry said to a restless Lois Lane pacing up and down in front of him, carrying a very tensed look on her face. She had landed in Metropolis just three hours ago, having been promised a visit from Goku yesterday. Depriving herself of even a nap, she had headed straight for her apartment, taken a quick shower, made herself presentable and headed straight for The Daily Planet. She had been pacing ever since.<p>

"And what for ? Miss this opportunity of interviewing him ? If he shows up, that is." Lois replied, throwing her eyebrows and hands up in the air. With each passing second, she was growing tensed and irritated internally. With an ugly scowl, she fished out her cell phone and punched in some random numbers.

"Who're you calling now ?" Perry queried, leaning on his desk.

"It's him. I had to force him to give it to me, just in case. Oh damn... come on, answer the goddamn call !" The reporter was about to bash her phone against the wall when someone called from behind.

"Lois !"

"What is it Cat ?" She asked looking over her shoulder at her colleague.

"I think you got your man, Lois. Son Goku, all dressed up like a karate champion with those wild hair. Clark's girlfriend Diana Prince is there too. That's strange ! I wonder... whoa !"

Cat Grant never got to finish her sentence as Lois Lane sped past her and out of the editor's office.

"They both arrived ?!" Perry White got up from his seat, and began hurrying towards the commotion that had gathered outside in the main office area "Then why didn't I get anything on my screen ?"

"That's because they never came in through the door, Mr. White. Our Jimmy spotted him floating by the window peeping inside."

* * *

><p>The three were surrounding him; Skallox, Zox and Guy Gardner, in order to make any escape impossible. They had been informed of the newest Lantern recruit via their rings, and had decided to personally contact him as soon as possible, for a 'rookie' has a lot of trouble trying to control the power of rage.<p>

"I don't want to go anywhere!" The man retorted, the ring in his hand glowing a hellish red, warning them to back off.

"But you must accompany us to Planet Ysmault, the home of the Red Lanterns, for the dip in the red lake is essential for a new recruit !" Gardner insisted, stepping forward cautiously, raising his hands to the chest level, showing him that he was no threat.

"DON'T !" The man roared before firing a fist-shaped energy construct at him. The unsuspecting leader of the Red Lanterns caught it full on his chest and was flung backwards several feet as a result.

Skallox was the first to charge at him with the round Zilius Zox in tow. As they reached within striking distance from him, the man swiftly drew a red barrier between himself and the incoming Lanterns; they both took the collision head-on with a loud thud that was heard for a great distance.

"I said, I don't want to go anywhere." He repeated his words as he arched his right leg back and kicked both of them away from himself like a trash can, towards Guy Gardner who was just recovering from the blow he had received. The three of them fell on top of each other, rolling and sliding across the ground for several feet before coming to a stop.

"The guy's so stable, so much in control !" The fully round Lantern, Zilius told his leader "He is showing no sign of the rabid dog characteristic that is associated with a new recruit. It's like, he has complete control over the ring."

"Complete or not we must stop him before he snaps out of control. I have a reading from my ring, it tells me that our new recruit is an Amazon." Gardner said looking at the man in front of him.

"But that's not possible !" Skallox gasped, looking shocked at his leader "A male Amazon, alive and well !I believe the boys were killed shortly after birth or sold to slavery ! How is he even here ?!"

"I guess that explains the cause of his rage." Gardner concluded, getting up "But if misdirected and uncontrolled, everything on Earth will cease to exist. We must stop him. Skallox, you go in from the left. Zox you charge from the right and I will make sure to face him directly. The threat must be contained."

The three flew towards the Amazon at great speeds, and at the last moment broke off into the discussed formation, attacking him from three sides. The man created yet another energy barrier to shield him from the assault; triple energy conduits.

Guy, Skallox and Zox converged their red energy conduits at one focal point; three red beams focusing on a single red barrier, spewing out copious amount of red coloured sparks, the area around caught fire on its own. The trio watched as the new recruit was being slowly pushed back by their powers, albeit still on his feet, cracking the earth below by his efforts to obtain a solid ground.

"It's working, folks !" Zox cried to his teammates, watching their combined might bear fruition.

"Harder !" Guy ordered.

They gave in all they had against the energy barrier created by the man. The ground beneath him gave in to the tremendous force exerted and slowly began glowing red and melting under the man's feet as he was pushed further into the liquefying ground. The three Lanterns amplified their beams in an attempt to push him into the hot liquid.

However, it seemed to have an opposite effect of what they had expected. The Amazon came to a halt suddenly, unaffected by immeasurable heat and pressure forced upon him. He just stood there taking all the Lanterns had to offer. Slowly, raising his head he looked them all in the eye; his fiery amber meeting their crimson red, a bloodlusted snarl very typical of a Red Lantern finally appearing on his face.

_With blood and rage of crimson red,_

The man's barrier began expanding as he uttered the oath, forcing his adversaries' conduits back.

"No way he's doing that !" Zillius Zox stated in a shocked manner.

_Ripped from a corpse so freshly dead,_

The energy barrier expanded some more, the beams shortened further.

"I have never seen any rookie do this, it cannot be !"

_Together with our hellish hate,_

The barrier was now on the brink of exploding like a balloon, threatening to engulf everything within its range. The three Red Lanterns could feel the blistering heat of their own energy beams closing in on them, the sparks falling on and marring their outfits with specks of burns.

"His rage !", Guy Gradner stated in a strained voice ,"It's impossible ! The intensity ! The ferocity ! The control !"

_We'll burn you all, that is your FATE !_

The last word ended with a scream as the barrier turned into a bomb explosion, colouring the surroundings a blood red, burning everything down to ashes, knocking the three Lanterns away like mere specks of dust in the face of a storm. Everything eventually settled down, the fire, the heat and when it did, the man was still standing there, fuming with smoke.

It took a while for the three Lanterns to regain their senses, for the blast was quite powerful and taxing on their durability.

"I think we have been defeated." Zilius said, rubbing his head.

Skallox rolled his eyes in reply, Guy Gardner merely grunted, partly due to his comrade's words and partly because he felt a burning sensation in every muscle fibre of his body which, judging by their stiff movements, his teammates shared too.

"I felt, no, saw his rage when the blast hit us ! It was as if it was not an explosion, but a vision." The Red Lantern leader stated, looking at the man who soloed his team of three "Now I know the reason behind it. This Amazon is boiling with rage, like a volcano lying dormant for so many years now on the brink of an explosion. And when he does, his rage will consume everything in its path. How he has controlled it till now is beyond my understanding, someone else would have certainly come under the Justice League's radar by now. But he is different. His rage is justified, years of torture only begets terrible vengeance upon the perpetrator. I don't think it would be wise to get in his way."

"So what do you suggest ?" Skallox asked, trying to slacken his stiff muscles.

"What about the blood from the Lake ? It worked on the judge." Zox suggested.

Gardner simply shook his head in reply,

"That blood pacifies down an uncontrollable rage. But he is already in control, can't you see ? He might be at the level of Atrocitus, probably higher. I think the best option is to leave him be and wait for him to exact his revenge. Then he might listen to us."

* * *

><p>"I hope you travel was not very exhausting." Perry White took Goku's hand in his, giving it a very firm and enthusiastic shake.<p>

"Oh, no ! Not at all, Mr. White !" Goku replied, rubbing the back of his head with his hand and giving him a very wide smile "As a matter of fact, I flew in from my home."

"Gosh ! Then your arms must be pretty tired !"

"Ha !" The Saiyan laughed at the lame joke out of sheer courtesy rather than the humour itself.

"Cat !" Perry called out to a tall smart blonde woman standing among the Daily Planet employees. Stepping out of the rank, she flashed a smile at the keen Saiyan, revealing a perfect row of pearl-white teeth "It would be really nice of you to take a break from the blog and show our guest around !"

"Sure, Mr. White !" She said, maintaining that smile of hers "Goku, I guess ?"

She extended her right hand forward which the Saiyan eagerly took into his, returning a smile of his own to the pretty blonde. He found that he could see his own image reflected back in her lively green eyes and that she actually smelt good, a scent which tantalized him, played with his senses.

"Then Goku it is."

"Follow me, then."

Some distance away, Lois lane was having a conversation with Diana.

"How's David ?" The reporter asked.

"David's fine. He's in school as we speak. Brilliant young kid, I must say. Clark would have been proud of him."

The mention of the Daily Planet's beloved reporter brought back some memories.

"Speaking of Clark Kent, isn't today his death anniversary ?"

Diana saw that Lois had grown into a grief-stricken one, she understood. Clark and Lois had once been close to each other, maybe or maybe not romantically involved, but they had certainly been very good friends throughout, supporting each other emotionally and morally at any time. She understood.

"Yes." Diana was sympathised towards her "I left a bunch of flowers at his grave in Metropolis, where he is resting besides his parents."

"I will make sure to do that after I leave for the day." Lois Lane seemed to promise herself.

"... and this is where all the desk work is done." Cat showed Goku the entire room by stretching her arms out.

Diana and Lois turned towards the Saiyan on a sightseeing tour led by the blonde.

"Goku ! I thought you were preparing for the interview !" Diana stated looking back and forth at Goku and Cat, who apparently were getting around quite well.

"Miss Grant here is showing me the Daily Planet's office. Hope you don't mind, Diana !"

Something burned inside her, something vicious. He said that on purpose, didn't he ? Teased her.

"Diana, stop gritting your teeth so hard, they're going to break off !"

Lois' words jolted her back to reality. She slackened her jaw and eased her expression upon realising that her emotions were for everyone to see.

"Let me show you some more interesting places, Japanese hero !"

"One hundred and twenty sixth !" Goku outstretched his five fingers of the left and one of the right hand in front of her face, leaving Cat Grant gasped and confused,

"Excuse me !"

Goku was about to explain the reason behind that absurd behaviour of his when suddenly something behind her caught his attention, a framed photo of someone behind her on the wall. He squinted his eyes to get a closer look and instantly recognised it; the rock-like topaz blue eyes, the rectangular face accentuated by the broad chin, the way he parted his hair and the thick neck atop his broad shoulders. It wasn't something one could miss, it was Superman. But why was he wearing those nerdy glasses ? And why the business suit ?

"Hey, Diana !" Goku cried out in joy, like a child in belief that he has made a great discovery, pointing at the photo hanging in the wall "Look ! Do you see ? That's Supe - ... mmmm... mmmm... !"

Before he could have uttered the full word, Diana's strong hands reached and clasped his mouth shut tight. She had turned him around and wrapped the hook of her elbow around his neck and kept one hand sealed tight on his mouth, preventing him from saying anything stupid.

"He he ! He he !" Diana flashed a sheepish grin at Lois and Cat, sweating at her temples and blushing profusely over head to toe "I am sorry but he doesn't have control over his mouth ! He he ! Excuse us for a moment ! Will be back in just a while !"

Saying that she dragged him across the office with her hands still wrapped around him, drawing baffled looks and gasps from everyone they passed by. Jimmy Olsen wasted no time in clicking a photo of the two. It was something worth appearing on the front page.

After having dragged him safely out of the office, Diana finally released her grip from his mouth.

"What was that for ?!" Goku finally managed to say.

"You nearly blurted the truth out, Goku !" Diana said, staring at him wide-eyed "What do you think you were doing ?"

"What truth ?! That was Superman, wasn't it ?"

"Yeah ! But, nobody here knows that Clark Kent was Superman. Secret identity, you see. Just like Gohan was the Saiyaman."

"Wha... ?!" Goku nearly choked himself at this piece of bizzare information "Are you serious ! You are telling me that all he did was put on a pair of stupid glasses and a suit and nobody recognized him for all those years ! You must be joking, right !?"

"No I am not !" Diana replied sternly "And I don't know what all this fuss is about, Superman looked pretty unrecognisable in those thick glasses."

WHAM !

Goku fell down hard on his head, pretty taken aback by what he had just heard. Really ? A pair of glasses ? And a business suit ? A five year old kid could easily recognise who Superman really was ! These people didn't look dumb, so why did they act like one ?

"_How does he do that ?" _Diana thought to herself.

Getting back up, Goku dusted himself, shook his head and declared,

"Fine, I won't reveal Superman's identity to these people, you have my word. Now let's go back there lest they come looking for us."

They both went inside the office again where everyone especially Lois and Perry were tensely waiting for them.

"Oh, you nearly scared me when Diana dragged you out of the office ! I thought you both left, and I was left numb !" The Pulitzer prize-winning reporter heaved a sigh of relief at the saiyan's return.

"Hey, don't worry ! I do not turn back on my promise ! Sorry for making you wait a while." Goku said, flashing an innocent smile at them.

"Care for an interview ?"

"Ah ! I almost forgot ! When do we begin ?"

"Now would be pretty good. I must complete it as soon as I can, given that Brainiac's mind invasion has left me with sporadic migraine attacks."

"Brainiac ? The green, intelligent alien ?" Goku asked, scratching his chin. He had heard about the being's affect on the reporter's life.

"Yes, him." Lois lane replied, seemingly lost in some memory "The 12th level intellect, the most intelligent being in the universe. He was so intelligent that within weeks, he deduced Superman's true identity."

Goku looked at Diana upon hearing that, a wide-eyed baffled expression on his face. She bit down her lower lip and dropped he her head in order to prevent any laughter from escaping her mouth.

Luckily for them, Lois was too lost in her thoughts to notice that. She asked Goku to follow her to the room where the interview would be held.

He had hardly taken a step towards the door when he suddenly felt something really strong, something really vengeful.

"Whoa !", The Saiyan exclaimed, halting his second step in mid-air.

"Now what ?" Diana asked looking at him.

"I sense something, someone." Goku informed her, still trying to exactly locate the emotional energy "It's pure, unadulterated rage ! Have you ever been really mad at something ? Just multiply it by a million. That's what I sense right now !"

"Just go on inside ! You have an interview to give ! And I have a son to tend to when I return ! We don't have the entire day !"

It wasn't Diana that pushed Goku inside room, it was her fate. For if she had let him pinpoint and confront the energy source, she would have saved herself, her son, Goku, the entire Justice League and the city of Kandor from what awaited them. She would have saved all of them from the catastrophe that lurked round the corner if she hadn't pulled him inside, if she hadn't ignored his concerns. Because when Goku tried locating the energy again after a few minutes, he couldn't. He decided to continue with Lois' interview.

* * *

><p>"So are you ready ?" Goku asked an uncertain seven year old David standing in front of him.<p>

"I am not sure !" Was all the boy could reply to his mentor. Sure, he had been training under the Saiyan for the past two years but that didn't mean he was prepared for what was planned.

"Do this honey, while the sun is still out ! It will be dark within an hour. Show the world that you are Superman's son, don't be afraid. You can do it ! If you do it, I'll start training you from tomorrow !" Diana lent some words of encouragement of her own, to her son.

Hesitatingly, the boy walked towards the Saiyan, his eyes fearful of what he might inadvertently unleash. He had been told that he possessed more than enough power to wipe out the entire solar system. That would be greater than an output of a supernova, greater than 10 octillion megatons. All packed into this one small body. Dangerous !

"Come. Don't be afraid, David. I will always be there for you." Goku reassured the fearful boy "Pinkie swear, remember !"

He held out his pinkie finger to the boy, reminding him of what he had promised two years back.

"But, I am afraid. What if people get hurt ? What if I hurt them ?" David croaked, thinking about the time when he had almost blown the whole Watchtower apart. It was Goku who had calmed him down that day.

"Listen David. You have an ocean of power lying untapped inside you, greater than your mother, greater than your father, even greater than me. How you use that power, it's up to you. Just remember that you are the son of Superman, the world's greatest hero." Goku said, placing both his hands on his shoulders. Personally, he too was excited about unlocking David's full potential and how he would fare against it.

"Just relax, and trust me." He continued his reassurance "Come here. It's a little trick I learned on planet Namek when I was there."

Goku placed a hand on David's head, and closed his eyes, placing two fingers of his free hand on his forehead, apparently lost in some deep meditation, focusing on something. As each second passed, his focus grew harder.

"That's remarkable, David !" Goku said, still keeping his focus on the boy's powers "I was right, your powers are beyond that of even Cell ! I can only hope that you learn to control it."

It was then that David felt something inside of him grow and expand to the entirety of his body. It emerged from within and burst forth in a form of a white aura.

David was taken aback by the raw power that had been unleashed from his body. He backed off a bit, startled by the powerful white aura that had now engulfed every part of his body as he watched with his mouth hung open. Exactly how much power had been unleashed ?

It was then that David felt a heightened elevation of senses, a great increase in his metabolism, felt like every cell of his body tingling with energy, ready to explode outwards. It was also then that he started hyperventilating, his breathing becoming more ragged with each passing second. His vision blurred and started fluctuating, brightening and dimming on its own accord, seeing muscle fibres and skeleton of his mother standing in front of him. Also, he began hearing strange noises, different noises from around. His hands immediately went up to his ears in a frantic attempt to block out the sound. His eyes began burning, as if someone had pressed red hot coals to them, the hands went from his ears to his eyes, but that wasn't enough; two fiery red beams shot forth and into the ground, burning a hole through it.

"Oh no, Diana !" Goku gasped, for he felt the energy of the heat vision that David was emitting uncontrollably "If we don't stop the beam, it will most certainly burn a hole through this planet within a matter of moments !"

No longer had the Saiyan said these words that Diana sped towards her troubled son and with a swift strike to the side of his head, knocked him out cold.

Catching her son before he could hit the ground, she picked him up in her arms and went towards her house.

"Aren't you coming in ?" She asked the baffled Saiyan.

David slept through the entire night.

* * *

><p>Jon Lane Kent suddenly became excited in his prison cell. He could feel it, the boy, David's potential finally being unlocked by the Saiyan. He had waited for this moment for so long, his entire plan was counting on it; the deliberate capture of him, the murder at Kandor, the Amazon's revenge, everything he had done so far.<p>

He telepathically connected to all those who were a part of his scheme, one of which was the vengeful Amazon.

"Target is ready to be dropped, initiate Phase Two."

* * *

><p>"I will." The Amazon replied as he came to a stop right outside a door.<p>

The night was eerie and surprisingly cold for that time of the year. The full moon hung in the sky, veiled by the dark clouds resulting in partial moonlight across the city. The wind blowing was cool, pleasing to his face. He took a quick glance towards his left and right. Nothing, except for a solitary crow cawing upon a rooftop. Pointing at it with his ring, he fired an energy conduit. The poor bird cringed just once, before dropping dead silently on to the ground, its body badly charred and smoking to the bones. He hated crows.

The man knocked on the door thrice.

"You ?!" Hessia was surprised to see him, not exactly expecting a guest at this point of time.

"It's okay if you don't want to see me now. I believe it is inappropriate of me to arrive out of nowhere." The man said, turning around to leave.

"Wait ! We both know that's not true. You are always welcome here, Antonis !"

Antonis stepped inside Hessia's home, where she held karate classes for little girls.

"I see your scar is still there." She said, staring at the deep gash that was lined across the back of his neck "I wonder why ? When I can completely erase it."

"Let it be. It fuels me, reminds me of why I am doing all this."

"But why ?"

"Because I found out where she lives !"

A soft 'no' escaped her mouth, as she realised the meaning behind his words.

"No, please ! You can't possibly do this !"

"I can, and I will !" Antonios said, clenching his fist hard.

"But she has nothing to do with what happened to you, or your mother. She is unaware of what transpired all those years ago. She is innocent." Hessia was now beginning to plead.

"And so was I, and so was my mother !" He shot back "She named me Antonis, the invaluable. She said I was the best thing that could have happened to her, and she was murdered right in front of my eyes. Can you imagine the torment and agony of a child who witnesses the murder of his own mother ? Have you ever been angry, right down to your very fabric ? Felt like burning this whole world down ? I have ! And let me tell you it doesn't feel good, not one bit !"

Hessia knew that there was nothing that could change his mind. She saw the rage, the hatred, the determination in his green eyes that were so much like his mother, but still she tried reasoning with him,

"But Diana isn't like the rest of the Amazons. She never raped and killed an innocent person, she never participated in that madness ! She is just and noble. Diana is an ideal person. She is the embodiment of whatever little good Thermiscyra had !"

"Apparently, not good enough ! For all I care, she and her son are the last surviving Amazons. I have a great thirst for vengeance inside me, and only that woman's blood will quench it. I am sorry, but it was decided the moment I lost my mother; she dies. And along with her, the entire race of the Amazons."

"NO SHE WON'T !" Hessia's words were followed by a punch.

Antonis swiftly avoided it and replied with a jab of his own. It connected with her face and threw her head backwards. He grabbed her by the throat and pulled her. Hessia felt his knee sink deep in her solar plexus as she doubled over with pain, the wind being knocked out of her. Before she could recover or even react, she felt the heel of his boot land hard on her left temple. As she was thrown away by the vicious kick, she felt the warm blood from the side of her head run down her face.

Regaining her strength, Hessia charged back at Antonis. She went in for a kick this time, but the Amazon caught it and used her own momentum to turn her around and knock her down on her chest, all the while keeping her right leg in his grip. Next, she heard her shoulder give in as his foot smashed against it.

It pained a lot, but she knew that she couldn't give up so easily; it was Diana she was worried about. Spinning around, she freed her leg from his grasp and got up, blood dripping from the side of her face, and assumed a warrior stance.

Hessia's lefts and rights were casually blocked by Antonis, and at one instance, when she went for a straight right, he simply spun a bit, allowing it to pass through harmlessly and hit her nose with his elbow. The sickening crack was again heard, as she was left temporarily dazed by the stinging sensation, and the tears forming in her eyes. Taking advantage of the temporary blindness, Antonis rushed in and drove his knuckles in her windpipe, blocking access to air. Acting on pure instinct, she swung her left leg ferociously at him, but he was ready. Before the kick could reach him, he very nimbly heeled the solitary right leg she was standing on, knocking her off-balance and bringing her down to her knees, her face within the perfect striking ranges Clasping the back of her head with both his hands, he drove his left knee in her face, producing a crunching sound.

It was all over when he connected his hard shin with her head. It was enough to end the one-sided fight.

"You should know." Antonis stated calmly, as he watched the struggling Amazon trying get up to her feet "That engaging someone who surpassed War in warfare and martial skills is not a wise idea."

"And what about Diana, who was trained by War himself ?" She countered, trying to slowly crawl back up.

"I will use those same skills against his former pupil, to give her a slow painful death, watch the fear in her eyes when I cut open her only son, make her beg to spare his life as I once did for my mother. And then, when I slit her throat and savour her blood, I shall cherish the sight of her damned life leaving from her eyes !"

"You are ... a monster !" Hessia said, as she spat a large amount of blood onto the floor and a few broken fragments of what appeared to be her teeth.

"Indeed I am." He replied, staring hard into her eyes showing no remorse or guilt for his actions "I am the Frankenstein, and the Amazons, Dr. Victor. I need you to do one thing for me."

"You believe I will after all this !" She barked back.

"You know, you forget that you too are an Amazon, the race I plan to terminate. The only thing keeping you alive is the fact that you took me in like a son when I lost my mother. You took care of me when I needed someone the most. You taught me to live in this world, control my rage, master it, and channel it to achieve great tasks, away from the entire monstrosity back in Thermiscyra. Yet, you still loved your sisters, despite being aware of their horrendous crimes. You hid my existence from Diana for all those years so that she wouldn't have to confront the truth about her race. So, for her sake, do this, if you want to give her a fighting chance. Otherwise, I'll just decide to pay her a surprise visit someday."

Antonis then leaned in, and whispered something in Hessia's ears.

"Are you mad ? You are an Amazon too by blood, bone and soul !"

"I have replaced my blood with rage, the marrow in my bones with hatred and traded my soul for vengeance, Hessia. And with this new gift of the Red Lantern ring which amplifies my anger, I shall burn everything in my path, Hessia. I shall burn everything !"

* * *

><p><strong>So, this is what I consider a prelude to the next major story arc.<strong>

**As you noticed, it is in contrast with the last chapter's fun-filled background. This one is dark and gritty, and a bit questioning on the morals. It serves a catalyst for the coming chapters. That's why I named the chapter 'Inception'.**

**Black Adam wants to kill Jon Lane Kent, it is obvious that the League members have refused. Killing is against their code. But will their ethics get them doomed ?**

**The highest councilman of the kryptonian Council, Tyr-Us has been found dead in his room. But who exactly murdered him ? And what technology was he using to escape the kryptonian one ? And how is this going to affect the relationship between Zod and Faora ?**

**We finally have a name for the vengeful man; Antonis, which in Greek means 'invaluable'. He has defeated the three Red Lanterns; Guy Gardner, Zilius Zox and Skallox. How dangerous does that make him ? And why is he exactly hell-bent on exterminating the Amazons ? His vengeance being so extreme that he didn't even spare Hessia, who treated him like a son for all these years ?**

**And most importantly, with David's potential finally unlocked, how is this going to affect the relations between Diana and our Goku ?**

**As always, reviews are welcomed from anyone. Please feel free to leave one; I am always open to both acclaim and criticism. Point out if anything odd strikes you, as I always strive towards excellence.**

**On a side note, I'll add that the second chapter of my other work, A hope for tomorrow, is also in progress.**


	13. Chapter 13 Game: Part 1

**First of all, a Happy Dusshera to you all. May the good prevail in all your lives.**

**I know it has been a long time, since I updated, but believe me, I was busy. So, I kind of made that up by introducing this long chapter, the longest one yet.**

**Your reviews were supportive and encouraging like always, so thanks everyone again ! ^_^**

**As for this chapter it is going to be a twenty thousand worder. Yeah, I know it is too long, but please bear with me, I promise that it will be the only 20k chapter I will post. My chapters will not be this long in the future ever again.**

**It is with great relief that I announce that the 'Doomed' crossover finally concluded on last week with Brainiac defeated. It was about time the never-ending arc wrapped up, but the Doomed #2 issue is exhilarating, to say the least.**

**Response to reviews time !**

**ArianniOokami – I know. Like you will find out in this chapter, Diana's fate is holding something else for her.**

**ClarkVal99 – Thanks ! And the sub-plots will converge in this chapter. As for the villain's powerlevel, just wait for another chapter.**

**SaiyaStyles – Pretty much, yeah ! 0_0**

**PlrStaley – Thanks bro/sis !**

**15songoku – Thank you again !**

**Astroman1000 – I am glad you like it !**

**Sabere Commander – Bruce is paranoid indeed, and Super Saiyans might take a while.**

**Ulqouirra Schiffer 007 – Just wait and watch.**

**Superiornite – Guy Gardner was strong enough to defeat Atrocitus, someone who is arguably stronger than Superman.**

**XxAnimusxx2016 – I will certainly follow your advice.**

** and 1inA – Thank you and love you both**

**Kazuma Bushi – JLK is pretty much planning to use David as a weapon. And please give Goku and Diana some more time !**

**Caspian123 – Yeah sure !**

**To the random guest asking for sex scenes – I'll see what can be done.**

**To all the other guests – Thank you all and please continue supporting me.**

**And please don't forget to review !**

* * *

><p>( A MEMORY )<p>

...

...

My mother was having a hard time preparing our meal. It was especially hot at that time of the year; pearls of sweat covered her entire face as she swirled the ladle within the pot. She coughed up a couple of times while making the stew, which made me worry. She had been coughing a lot during the past few days, something was wrong. I closed the book I was studying from, and stepping closer, began fanning her.

She stopped doing whatever she was doing and turned around to look at me. Her lips upturned into a big smile upon seeing me. I smiled back and she continued with her work. Not a single word between us, for that smile had said a lot of things.

Later, we enjoyed our lamb stew with some bread. On days we had lamb, we felt rich. We even acted rich, with me being the king and my mother the royal attendant.

"Bring me some more of that ! It tasted good today !" I ordered authoritatively, raising a spoon in the air.

"Certainly, your highness ! I'm glad you liked it !" My mother bowed down in respect. Little did I know that she really had hands on experience in that.

Later that night, we were lying in the bed, facing each other, her hands entwined in my hair, as she softly crooned a lullaby in my ears; her sweet voice music to my ears.

"Why don't you play with the other kids ?" She suddenly asked.

"I don't want to, mother. The more I play, the hungrier I get, the more I eat. And the harder you have to work. We don't have enough mother and I don't want you to work so hard !" I replied, looking up at her.

My mother must have swallowed a lump of throat, must have cried inside, because I saw her pretty green eyes moisten as she hugged me tightly to her bosom and kissed the crown of my head. For a few moments, I could only hear her soft sobbing as my face was dug in her chest.

"Oh my little sun and stars ! I love you so much ! You are the best thing that could have happened to me !"

"I love you too mother !" I told her, playing with one of her blonde curls.

...

My mother was doing her chores when I burst in.

"Mother !" I announced with a wide smile "Look what I have got you !"

I handed over the cold box to her. She took it in her hands, before frowning over its temperature.

"What is it ?" She queried turning it over.

"Just open it !"

I saw her eyes widen with both surprise and joy as she found out the content of the box. It was not something we had very often.

"Ice cream !" She cried in amazement.

"You once told me that you loved ice cream. So nothing else seemed befitting." I said, beaming over her joyous expressions.

"But where did you get the money from ?"

"I earned it. Mr. White needed a couple of kids to help him pack all his things up, so I volunteered. I bought this on my way home."

"You are the best child Hera could have given me !" She said, locking me in a tight embrace. She was quite strong for her frame.

...

"By Hera ! What happened to you, Antonis ?" My mother's voice was carrying genuine worry as she went crazy over my wounds. My lower lip was cut open, my arms and knees were scraped and my left cheekbone was bruised. All thanks to a fight that I had started.

"Answer me ! What happened ?" She demanded.

"They called me a bastard ! The kids." I finally let out "They said bad things about you. So bad, that I cannot repeat those words in front of you. I couldn't control my anger, so I beat every single one of them. Now they won't be say anything bad about you ever again !"

She didn't say it, but at that point of time she loved me the most, as much as it was possible between two individuals. She loved me for protecting her honour. She loved the fact that I would always be there for her, like all these years she had been for me. Her face said it all.

But she knew that she had to act responsibly too.

"Antonis, part of me is screaming to hold you tight and never let you go. But you should know, all this fighting gets you nothing. All this hatred, this violence, this bloodshed is futile, at one point of time you will have to learn to be forgiving. Without that, there is no peace, without that you will live your life in loneliness or in hatred. Trust me my little sun and stars, I know !"

She took me by the hand to lead me inside the bathroom.

"No !" I cried, prying my wrist off her grip causing her to look at me in shock "This is not the first time this has happened ! I've been teased in school about this for as long as I can remember. Every time they ask me about my father, I am left speechless. They make fun of me. You've always described my father in one liners. But today, you've got to tell me about him."

"Antonis, why are you suddenly acting like this dear ? After all these years, now you ask of him ? Your father was a great person, that's all you need to know. We loved each other very much and you were born forth from our love. Now that he is gone, you are the only one left I love."

"Tell me, or I will never talk to you again. Or worse I will run away from you and never return."

I hated this, to emotionally blackmail her. I knew that she loved me a million times more than I loved her and on several occasions, I had misused that love to get things I wanted, things that she couldn't afford. But those were insignificant things; this wasn't.

"You aren't prepared to hear this, my little sun and stars, maybe some other day."

"I want to know about my father."

She took a deep breath before letting out her past, my truth and my world came crashing down.

...

They are wrong when they say that you can bury your past. The truth is that the past always finds its way towards you. The same would go for my mother, because right now, my mother held her past in a shoulder lock. The blonde bitch tried hard, but I knew my mother was stronger than she looked. It wouldn't be easy for the blonde to free herself from my mother's grip, especially now that her two companions were knocked out cold by her.

"Run Antonis ! Save yourself !" My mother's voice was more of a desperate plea than an order.

The blonde desperately wriggled in my mother's grip as she said those words. But, I knew I couldn't obey my mother, not this time. Earlier, the blonde had arrived with her two soldiers carrying weapons. I don't know how but those Amazons found my mother, an Amazon herself. Even then my mother bested those three with just a steel rod.

Now, the lone enemy was in her grip.

"(Eva ! I won't let you win ! You killed so many of your own sisters because of this child ! Their souls will not rest in peace until I end this aberration.)" The blonde hissed in Greek to my mother. I did pick up on the language during the initial years of my life.

"Hippolyta ! They left me with no choice, I didn't want Antonis to end up like him !" My mother spat back in a defiant tone, her grip tightened around the blonde's neck as her head slid at a dangerous angle. A few more seconds and I was absolutely sure that her neck was going to snap.

"You choose a male child over your entire family ? Over Thermyscira ? What kind of an Amazon are you ?!" Hippolyta cried as she tried to pry herself off.

"The kind who does not know blind hate ! I made a different choice Hippolyta, and you shouldn't have been so conservative, not to mention envious. You are a queen but you had no right to play with my life."

Then, I saw something move behind her and before I could warn, it struck her. As it turned out, one of Hippolyta's subordinates was back to her senses.

Taking advantage of my stunned mother, the blonde rolled to her side and picked up her giant axe and slashed the blade against her chest. I watched in horror as a spray of blood left my mother's body and soared a few metres up in the air before showering the two with crimson. The subordinate who the blonde called Phillipus took a sword and slashed it against the tendons of her ankle; another spray showered the grass red. My mother fell. Now, I definitely couldn't run.

"Lord Zeus help us ! Our father, please protect my mother for she is a child of yours !" Was all I could murmur. Earlier when the three Amazons had arrived, my mother had eloped with me and all the while prayed to every single Olympian god she knew. Seeing me dead scared, she assured me that help would soon arrive; that the gods we prayed to each day without fail would come and help us. Where were they now ?

"Noooo... ! Mother !" I cried as I ran towards the bloody scene.

"No, please ! Please leave my mother !" I begged with tears flowing down my cheeks, clutching the blonde's leg as she raised her axe for the final strike.

"Please leave my mother alone ! I promise we will not trouble you anymore ! We will not hurt anyone ever again ! I promise that we will go far away from here ! I promise ! Just leave my mother alone ! Please don't kill her. She is all I have !" I croaked, begging the blonde to show some mercy. I didn't know if I could live without my mother, I would soon find out. I wept at her feet as she kept her axe poised above her head.

"Your pleas fall to deaf ears, child ! She will not see the end of the day. Your mother killed so many of her own sisters." The queen stated flatly, without showing the slightest emotion.

It infuriated me beyond comprehension; her matter-of-fact tone. Picking up a fist sized stone nearby, I slammed it against her knee. As she bent down in pain, I struck her left brow ridge with all strength I had. Like a wild animal, she howled in pain as she backed away clutching her bloodied blow.

No sooner had this happened, something struck me hard in the back of my head with. I immediately fell down, numbed by the attack, but not before seeing my mother grasp Hippolyta's leg.

"Please, not him ! It is me who you want to exact revenge upon. Antonis is a completely innocent party in this. It is me you want, not him ! Take my life, but spare his, I beg you !"

Hippolyta looked furiously at her.

"Please my queen, I beg of you to spare him !"

I hated to see my mother like that; bloodied and begging. Remembering the few verses I learned from my mother, I began praying,

_Great Zeus, Father Zeus, Master of Olympus,_

_I call to you for I am alone; I stand in the sphere of strangers._

_Friend of the kind and noble, protector of the innocent,_

_I pray to you, help me through this ordeal and protect us from this evil. I pray to you._

The sky didn't crack and no lightning bolts struck the three women as my mother had assured. I realized it was an adult's lie to comfort a child. Zeus or his fellow gods would not be arriving today. But still I continued with the prayer in a glimmer of hope.

"Too little and too late, dear Eva ! I am sorry but it ends today." The blonde queen said, as she drove the blade of her axe deep into my mother.

I stopped reciting those verses like an idiot and crawled towards my mother, crying "NOOOOOO !" with tears running down my cheeks. My worst fears had finally come true as I watched my mother spew blood from her mouth. My crawling was halted as Phillipus placed a foot over my legs.

"Mother !" I wailed as I extended my hand towards her, trying to reach for her, wanting to assure that her little sun and stars was with her.

My mother, Eva, in a final act of love rolled over to her stomach and extended her hands too, in an effort to reach my hand. There we were, so close to each other, our hands just an inch away from each other's. I wanted my mother to have one last happy memory.

SHIIIK !

A sword drove through the left side of her back, as her hand went limp and fell down. I stopped keeping track of their actions when this happened. The only thing my stunned mind registered was that my mother was dead. I watched in horror as her emerald green eyes slowly flickered and finally dilated, her life leaving her suffering body. Then I saw it; her lips were still mumbling, still mouthing some words, the very last reserves of her life spent into something meaningful, something important. I leaned in to listen to her last words.

"Avenge your mother, my little sun and stars ! Avenge your mother !"

It would become the goal of the rest of my damned life.

"Mother no ! Don't leave me !" I mumbled incoherently knowing fully that she had very well left me. Then I broke into a fresh burst of tears as the truth dawned upon me. Wailing and sobbing as much as I could, I picked up her head and put it in my lap and softly caressed her pretty face, and kissed her brow. Earlier she used to smell lovely even with all the hard work, now she just smelled of the rust of blood.

Crying over her lifeless face I saw that two drops of tears fell on her eyes and trickled down her cheeks. I was completely devastated. Who would now call me her little sun and stars ? Who would now embrace me when I would be sad, dejected or crossed with her ? Who would now kiss me each night before sleep and pray to Zeus and Hera for my safety ? Whose lovely face would I now wake to each morning ? I poured all my grief and sorrow through my eyes.

Further crying was cut short when a powerful hand gripped my hair and dragged me away from my mother. It was Phillipus.

I kicked and screamed to get out of her clutch, but she was far stronger than me – at that point of time. I saw that the blonde bitch and her second subordinate were walking menacingly towards me. I screamed and kicked some more.

I was thrown face first into the dirt and felt a foot placed on my face, keeping me from getting up.

Hippolyta came to a stop right in front of me, and knelt down to look me in the eye.

"Bitch !" I mustered up the courage to hurl that at her, knowing that I was going to die anyways.

"You see, Antonis. She had it coming." Hippolyta said calmly "Your mother, Eva killed so many of us. We are a warrior race , child, and revenge befits a warrior. What would I have said to my fellow sisters if I had just let her be ? Surely, the Amazons were thirsty for revenge and we three quenched it. But you see there is one loose end left."

I understood what she meant; seeing my mother murdered in front of my eyes had matured me ten years in an instant. I didn't reply back, I just kept staring daggers at her.

"You, child. You are the reason behind all this. The reason all these killings took place, is because of you. So, there must not be any loose ends left."

She raised her axe once more to settle one final deal. I didn't beg or cry this time, it would only sweeten the moment for her. I closed my eyes and waited for the end.

"Stop !" It was Phillipus.

"What now, general ?"

"My Queen, don't you think this is all too easy on him ? Don't you think that he should suffer like we did all these years mourning for our loved ones ?"

"What are you trying to say, Phillipus ?" Hippolyta asked.

"Give this abomination a slow and painful death. It will be a lesson to all those who dare act against Themyscira, our Paradise Island."

"I think we should not let him suffer. He has suffered so much already."

"My Queen, with all due respect, you didn't lose a blood sister when Eva fled our island, I did. I know how much I suffered. I have served you loyally for all these years, if any of that matter to you, then let me have my revenge. You don't have to do this, I happily will."

The Queen reluctantly agreed.

The foot was lifted of my face and in its place, I felt a knee push against my skull, not allowing me to move my head anywhere. I heard a sword being drawn from its sheath. I decided that I wouldn't scream in pain to heighten their pleasure.

In the end, I screamed a lot when the blade broke the skin of the back of my neck and connected with the tissue below.

"Mother help me !" I mentally cried out to my dead mother "Help me mother !"

...

...

"Mother !" Antonis woke up screaming with a sudden jolt, sweating all over and hurting at the back of his neck. He finally realized that it was the nightmare, the disjointed dreams he had quite often. He felt something tight and cringy at his cheeks. Salt. He realized that he had been crying in his sleep.

When he was done, he got off his bead and went straight in front of the mirror to have a look at himself. He was a perfect specimen of an Amazon; tall, reaching at six feet five, he towered over most of the people. His shiny black hair reached down to his shoulders and the emerald green eyes which he inherited from his mother shone with determination. And the perfect body with each curve and cut prominent and well defined, was accentuated by his sweat. He had earned that body through years of rigorous training and a vengeful, fiery passion, waiting for that right moment and now nothing could now take that moment from him. Automatically, his eyes fell upon the Greek inscription that he had tattooed on his chest,

_My little sun and stars._

Once again, a surge of fresh rage burst from within him as the Red Lantern ring in his right hand began to glow

POWER LEVEL RISING

10 %... 50%... 100%

Antonis yelled in rage as the Red Lantern form consumed him.

* * *

><p>Zod barged into Faora's chamber without asking when he had seen that the door was left ajar. His mind had been too preoccupied that morning, for yet another case of murder had been reported from Kandor; this time of two young scientists working under Zor-El. They had been found in the same state as the high Councilman Tyr-Us had been found, battered and bloodied to death.<p>

"(I am so sorry to have come in uninvited. But there is something you must see.)" Zod said, barging in. His eyes caught a bare shoulder disappear at a corner of the chamber. He realized that she was undressed at that time.

Faora did take a look over her shoulder to see who it was, but said nothing upon seeing him. She quietly went to another room and moments later came out wearing a full figure hugging body suit that kryptonian warriors wore beneath their armour.

Zod couldn't help himself but feast his eyes over her figure.

"(I am sorry for entering earlier unasked.)" He said avoiding her gaze.

"(It does not matter, Zod, not if it is your eyes that are crawling over me.)" She murmured sexily, running her index finger over his chest. She closed the gap between them. By the smell of it, she had just bathed.

"(Aren't you mad at me ? We had a spat yesterday if you remember. I wouldn't have the courage to enter your chamber, if it wasn't really important.)"

"(I was unnecessarily angry, I now realize. You were just doing what a General like you was supposed to do. There is nothing wrong in being extra cautious. I was being presumptuous, Zod. Now what grave news you bring me ?)" She breathed.

"(Those two young minds under the tutelage of Zor-El, remember ? They were both found dead this morning in their chambers.)" The general informed her.

"(How many of our kind will fall before this ends, Zod ?)"

"(I don't know, my love. But whoever is behind this, is avoiding direct confrontation. I feel it is all part of an elaborate plan.)" Zod said, rubbing his beard.

"(I think I have a suspect. Just give me a day's time. He will regret what he has done.)" Faora stated with a stoic tone in her voice.

* * *

><p>"Remember. The key is to focus. Focus hard enough and you will eventually come in terms with your power." Goku told an attentive David after just finishing the training routine. The Kryptonian-Amazon hybrid had begun to control his powers.<p>

"Did you read it ?" Diana said as she handed that day's paper to Goku. It was The Daily Planet.

**A CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE SAIYAN KIND**

**By Lois Lane**

**Thinking of that day two years ago still sends a shiver down my spine. The bright flash that engulfed our world had certainly created a temporary worldwide panic. Not since Brainiac's invasion seven years ago had caused people to think that the world was going to end. But on the contrary, the flash was the beginning of something positive in our world. As it turned out, the evil god known as Darkseid decided to invade our beloved Earth once more, in hopes of vanquishing it this time. He carefully executed his plan, only to be thwarted by a saviour named Son Goku. He has only been respected and thanked countless times over in the past two years. **

**Now, as is with his introvert nature, our saviour found it really hard to give a media appearance, but as is with our detective nature, the Daily Planet managed to track his whereabouts. Living in a humble home in the outskirts of London, I found that he has developed a knack for farming, feeding millions in the process. After some persuasion, I managed to invite him in the Daily Planet's office followed by a rendezvous. Hope that this helps us all in knowing our mysterious saviour a bit more.**

Goku read the interview down below, which spanned a full two pages. Lois Lane had been true to her words, she didn't print anything that wasn't in their conversation or 'spice' things a bit. And she had definitely left Diana out of the picture, a good thing for all of them.

"So, you're a front-pager now !" The Amazon remarked as Goku folded the paper and handed it back to her.

"Yeah, I guess."

"Can I have an autograph please ?" Diana smiled, mocking him.

"You can have anything you want."

"Then, David and I will meet you in the house in another thirty minutes." Saying that, she took David with her.

Goku felt it again; the rage he had sensed the day before. It had the same intensity, the same power, without a slight drop in it. Last time, it was Diana who had stopped him from confronting its source, this time there was no one around to stop him from doing so. Focusing really hard on the rage he was sensing, he put his two fingers on his forehead and disappeared using his Instant Transmission technique.

It got him nowhere in the end, only to a small abandoned room with murky walls.

"Jeez ! The air smells funny !_" _Was the first thing he noticed as he cringed his nose at the odd smell.

"_Where the hell am I ?" _He thought to himself as he inspected the room around him. It was nothing much, save for a bed, a table, chair and a wardrobe with a mirror. He slowly and carefully began examining the room, searching for the energy source.

To his dismay, he found that he couldn't sense the unexplainable rage anymore.

"_But it was so clear, so intense just a moment ago ! It was screaming to be found ! Where has it gone ?!"_

Searching the room was useless as no one seemed to be in it. So, he stood firm and placed his two fingers on his forehead and began searching for the rage, which was something he had never sensed before. Even if the person was hiding somewhere, it would be very easy to pick out its intensity, like a sore thumb.

But even after five minutes of concentrated searching, he found out that he couldn't locate the source. Defeated, he decided to head back to Diana's home. Little did he know that it wasn't just foul air he had been breathing, but his planned death, a certain toxin that had been designed especially for him.

* * *

><p>"It's been so long, Hel. When are you gonna wake up ?" Powergirl asked, stroking the hair of the person known as the Huntress to the world. In reality, she was Helena Wayne, the daughter of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle, from Earth-2, a parallel universe ravaged by Darkseid and his parademon forces. After witnessing the murder of Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman of their universe, they had accidently landed on this universe twelve years ago.<p>

Kara very sadly looked at the beeping monitors and the IV tubes that lined Helena's body. It made her furious; all of Karren Starr's wealth and all of Powergirl's power could not bring her back from her comatose state. A tear drop started forming around the corner of her eye.

"I am so sorry, Hel ! I can do nothing for you but pray." She croaked.

"You are being too hard on yourself, woman."

The vaguely familiar voice made Powergirl turn around to its source. Black Adam was standing at the door, hands crossed across his chest.

"How did you get in here ?" She queried.

"I always knew that you harboured a secret, woman. It is something I can recognise." He began walking towards her slowly.

"So what put her in this ptitful state ?" Black Adam gazed sombrely at the comatose Helena Wayne.

"It was because of me !" Powergirl finally let the tear drop roll down her cheek "I should have never left her during the Imperiex War ! I left her alone to fight so many enemies. I should have watched her back, but I didn't ! And now she is here because of me ! Neither I, nor Bruce could do anything to bring her back !"

"And you blame yourself for that ?"

"I do !"

"I consider the League as the leaders of the world. Helena only did what anyone other Leader would have done. She made sure that her people survived. She thought that you were of more use somewhere else, and you have to respect her decision." Black Adam said.

"But I should have saved her !"

"That is there is so much angst, so much tension within the League. You think you can save everyone, but you can't."

"What do you mean ?" She stared at him in confusion.

"Even when I became Black Adam, my short battle with Kahndaq's tyrants cost many lives. It was something which broke my heart. I felt useless. But with your friend, things might be different."

Black Adam advanced towards the comatose woman. However, before he could touch her a powerful force halted his progress.

"Don't !" Powergirl cried, as she tightly grabbed Adam's wrists. A crunch was heard.

"There is nothing to be afraid, woman. I have the magic of the wizard Shazam, far more capable than that of Billy. I might be able to help her."

She let go of his hand, realizing what he meant. She backed off a bit, while still keeping a cautious eye on him.

Black Adam's hands began charging as he turned them towards Helena. Then with the glowing palms of his, he ran them all over her body.

The monitors showed signs of functional brain activity.

"Yow !"

Black Adam turned towards the squeal.

"Sorry ! Got a little excited !" Powergril blushed.

"There." He said after a minute "It is not something I can be sure of, but with the wizard's powers, it must work. She should be awake by tomorrow. The Gods' powers will be tested. I must go now, leave you alone with her."

He began departing from the room.

"Wait !"

Black Adam stopped abruptly as Powergirl appeared right in front of her with an apologetic face.

"Sorry for cracking your hand, Adam and sorry for mistrusting you. It's just that me and Hel are very close, or were. I would be forever thankful to you if she wakes up."

She dropped her head low.

"About the hand, I have regenerative powers, remember ? And thank me when she is cured." He placed a soft hand on her shoulder. She raised her head to find a caring look on his face.

"Till then, keep smiling." He added "What is it you people call it ? Ah, yes ! Take a 'chill-pill'."

Powergirl laughed softly.

"There, that was what I was talking about. Keep smiling, it looks good on your beautiful face."

Saying that Black Adam left the care unit, leaving behind the smiling Kryptonian. It would be some time before she would be able to shrug off thoughts about him from her mind, especially the caring look that she saw in his face. Maybe Billy was wrong, Black Adam didn't seem to be that bad afterall.

* * *

><p>"The monster then took its victim to the forest with it." Diana recited the story to her son. They both had their breakfast and David had taken a leave from his school. They had nothing much to do for the day, so David demanded a horror story to be told. Diana obliged as she drew curtains all over the windows and closed the door, creating a dark and gloomy environment that would suit the macabre, and seated herself and her son on the dining table.<p>

"And then what happened next, mommy ?" David asked curled up with his knees drawn to his chest, at the same time wanting and not wanting to know the poor victim's fate.

"And then, the monster reached for the man's heart and ripped it out, still throbbing in its heart !" Diana said in a lowered grave tone, curling up her hand and rising it up in the air, to denote the monster's gory action as her son listened to the gripping story, fear slowly gripping him.

"The monster did this because the man had ventured into the forbidden forest. And to this day, no one dares to go there, for the monster is always on the hunt appearing right in front of an unsuspecting person ready to rip his heart out. Appearing out of nowhere, and disappearing with its victim. Appearing and disappearing. Tshk ! Tshk ! Tshk !"

She inched closer to David with each sound she made.

TSSSHHHK !

Goku appeared right on the table.

"Yaaaa... !" The mother-son duo screamed in surprise and shock as they both fell to the ground along with their chairs.

"Huh !" Goku tilted his head in confusion.

"You could have told us before appearing ! You scared the hell out of us !" Diana lightly threw a cushion at his face.

"He he !" The saiyan laughed nonchalantly rubbing the back of his head "Even King Kai got freaked out once by that ! Sorry princess !"

"Forgiven, dragon !" She said smiling at him as she extended her hand towards him.

Pulling Diana up, he asked,

"Gosh, I'm starving, Diana ! What's for lunch ?"

"It's always about food with you, right ?"

"And fighting powerful opponents !" Goku clenched his fists and blasted a flaring white aura around himself. The whole house shook as a result. Diana barely managed to catch the Chinese vase Goku had brought, from falling on to the ground and shattering.

"You know, I was like that too, a long time ago." Diana said, wiping her brow with the back of her hand "When I first entered the man's world, that is. I was how much, eighteen years old at that time. All brash and ready to draw out my sword at a moment's notice. I gradually learned to control myself. You should try doing that too."

"And end up having a boring life like yours !" He grinned, spreading out his hands "No thanks ! Nothing out of ordinary has happened in these past two years. I am bored to death !"

"That's how life is for us, saiyan. We chose it."

"Out of acceptance, not choice, Diana. You are a warrior blood yourself, hell, you are War. Ask yourself, how you feel when your fingers are doing the dishes rather than striking against flesh ?"

"That's true. In my youth, I used to crave war. When I learned to restrain myself later, I found that I had become War itself. Funny how life works !"

"Ha ! Let's not get so gloomy. What's for lunch ? I feel like eating a T-rex, too bad your world doesn't have one alive."

DING ! DONG !

"I think she is here !" Diana cried out in joy, as she hurried towards the door with a jovial look in her eyes.

"Nice to see you !"

Goku saw the Amazon warmly hugging her visitor.

"Goku !" Diana turned towards him, with a jovial look in her eyes "This is my sister, Hessia !"

The saiyan immediately double-checked the sentence when she said those words. He looked on from Diana to her 'sister' in a confused manner; from the former's fair, smooth and youthful skin to the latter's dark and wrinkled one. From Diana's long raven locks to Hessia's short cropped blonde hair. The Amazon's exotic Caucasian features were a sharp contrast to her 'sister's' Negroid ones.

"Really ?" Goku asked with a poker face.

"Ha ! Ha !" Diana gave out a hearty laugh which Hessia followed with a smirk "Not exactly, silly ! She is an Amazon, and we all address each other as sisters."

"Ohh ! I see !" He nodded his head understandingly.

"Your friend is quite gullible !" Hessia remarked with a smile, as she extended her hand towards the saiyan.

"Son Goku !" He reciprocated with a handshake.

"I know you ! Everyone knows you, Son. Though, I have yet to find a family going by the name Goku."

"Actually, my family's name is Son, and my first name happens to be Goku. Where I come from, the surname is taken first followed by the person's name." The saiyan explained Hessia in a gentle manner.

"Now, I remember yes ! Son families are quite prevalent in the eastern parts of our world. Which explains you being a Japanese."

"Hundred and twenty seventh !" Goku shot out seven fingers towards a shocked Hessia. Diana had to intervene to explain.

**Later**

"Hello, child. How are you ?" Hephaestus said placing one of his huge hands on the boy's head, covering it completely.

"I am good, Hephaestus. How are you ?" David replied.

"As usual, Working and all that."

"Brother, you have been very generous and kind to me all these years." Diana said greatfully.

"You know why we come here ?" Hessia asked.

It is time for your yearly Themysciran visit, to ensure that the destroyed island does not unleash monsters upon this world." Hephaestus stated as he brought his hammer down upon a red hot piece of metal.

"You are right, brother."

"And I suppose you may need a new lock. The previous one has run its course" The God of technology brought his hammer down once more upon the metal.

"That is correct, Lord Hephaestus." Hessia humbly said.

"Then a new lock I shall provide. But first, a question." The god stopped striking, and pointed his hammer at Goku's direction "Who is this lousy, unkempt man ?"

Everyone turned towards the saiyan as Hephaestus kept his hammer pointed at his direction.

"I am Son Goku !" Goku beamed at the scowling god.

"So, Goku. Who saved Earth from the Apokoliptan's invasion two years ago ? You are a subject of constant gossips and arguments among Olympians. Apollo views you as a threat, even fears you to a certain extent."

"I am the nice guy, why would people fear me ?" Goku asked, frowning his eyebrows.

"Because Apollo is not a person, Goku, he is a god. He has his worries." Hephaestus replied, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"And also because he is not nice." Diana added with a cold, steely undertone, reflecting her feeling for the king of Olympus.

"Anyways, this the first time we have met, it is an honour, Son Goku." Hephaestus shook his hand.

"The honour is mine, Lord Hephaestus. Diana always speaks highly of you."

"Do you know Hephaestus, Goku owned all the five kryptonians that attacked him ! Swish ! Swash ! I couldn't even see him ! He made the ugly monster pay for what he did to mommy ! Goku is very strong ! And he will always be there with us ! Pinkie swear !" David zealously narrated the event to the smiling god.

"Strong, did you say ?" Hephaestus queried with curiosity and then he raised his hammer, ready to land a strike.

"Here we go again." Diana mumbled as she rolled her eyes. It was a déjà vu sort of thing; she was absolutely sure that the saiyan was going to catch that hammer easily like Superman did.

"What is Hephaestus doing ?" Hessia gasped as she saw the god raise his hammer. She was sure that the Olympian would crush the saiyan's head with the hammer.

"_He ! He ! Goku will beat him before the hammer comes down !" _David thought smirking internally.

To Hephaestus, it was a matter of test. If the man caught his hammer, like Superman had back then, then he would surely live up to all the rumours surrounding him; rumours that he was much stronger than the kryptonian. But there was something else that mattered to him. Diana was his sister, and if Goku passed the test, Hephaestus could be rest assured that the saiyan would always be there for her. He could be sure that in time, Goku would be the right person for his half-sister. Thinking that, the mighty god brought his hammer down with all his might.

ZIIIP !

Goku disappeared just a fraction of a second before the hammer could impact him. It seemed that none of the three's predictions came true; the saiyan just disappeared in plain sight ! However, Goku's disappearance was the least of his worries as he had put all his strength behind his hammer's swing. Not finding a target surely meant that the giant weapon would end up toppling its user with its unstoppable momentum.

"Oooophh !" Hephaestus grunted uncomfortably as his jaw hit the ground with a loud smack. He never saw it coming.

"Are you alright, Lord Hephaestus ?" Goku helped him up.

"I- I never expected it !" The god stammered while clutching his head with his free hand "You didn't catch the hammer, but evaded it !"

"That certainly is my approach towards battle. I try to avoid as many strikes as I can."

"You are quite different than the kryptonian. Can you do me a favour ?"

"What ?"

"No one needs to know about this." Hephaestus stated "And as for the lock you can have it."...

**Later in the evening**

_Cena goes in for an STF ! _

_But Orton quickly counters with a lock of his own. _

_Now its Cena's turn to withstand the torture applied on his body. But the former champion is in no mood to give up. He is outpowering the current champ._

_An Attitude Adjustment ! The Viper is unmoving on the ground !_

_Cena has covered him and one... two... three !_

_It's over ! John Cena is our new champion !_

"Woooo !" Goku and David jumped on the sofa, hugging each other, upon seeing their favourite wrestler win the title.

"It's always the violent wrestling you watch ! Can't you see anything else ?" Diana quipped as she walked past the two of them.

"But Cena is our favourite hero, Diana ! And look at him, he is the Superman of wrestling don't you think ?"

"You can't see me !" David waved his hands in front of his face.

"Maybe you should try the news for a change." Diana suggested, crossing her arms.

"Fine." Goku said as he tuned in.

_... and this concludes our news bulletin for tonight. Thank you !_

"Sorry !" The saiyan teased as he exposed all of his teeth at her.

Diana walked away shaking her head.

"Goku, let's watch Pokémon !"

_This is a major breaking new we are airing ! This is not a hoax ! I repeat, this is not a hoax !_

_We have a confirmed report from our reliable sources that Krypton, the city in the North Pole, has suffered some tragic losses in the form of their top councilman and scientist's murders !_

_Our reporters have reached the area where the military and the Kryptonian army has currently sealed off any land within a mile radius of the city. When contacted, their temporarily functional leader, General Dru-Zod did not confirm the reports, but didn't deny it either._

"My god ! Is that Clark's home ? Krypton ?" The dark-skinned woman asked her Amazon friend.

"Yes, it is."

_Krypton has peacefully co-existed with Earth in these two years of its rehabilitation, helping our world make some significant technological and medical advances. We tell them, that at this time of desperation and need, we are there to help them in any way that we can._

"I don't believe it !" Diana gasped, clutching her head "What is happening to Clark's world ? Kryptonians are really good people. Exactly who could do this to them ?"

"Have heart, little goddess." Hessia comforted her, placing a hand on her shoulder "Maybe tomorrow we pay them a visit, if they allow it. Offer them some help."

"I don't know how Clark would have reacted, I mean, his world is getting marred slowly and there is nothing I can do about it. Oh ! Maybe I should have never left the League ! I suppose they must be getting to this now. You are right, Hessia, I shall contact either Zod or Zor-El when we leave for our Themysciran guard tomorrow. The Kryptonians should know that they are not alone, that we..."

CLINK ! CLANK ! CLANK !

SLUUURRRP ! CRUNCH ! CRUNCH ! CHOMP ! BURP !

"Where is that sound coming from ?" Diana looked here and there in confusion for its source.

"Uh, Diana. I think it's there." Hessia pointed towards the table.

"Way to go, David ! Pass me the dimsums ! And don't forget the noodles too !" Goku cried out to his protégé with his mouth stuffed with food.

"Sure, Goku. Noodles are certainly my thing !" David bolstered in agreement.

Diana watched in horror as both of them devoured their food with absolute delight, oblivious to the tragic news which had just been broadcast. The saiyan brought the soup bowl to his mouth and slurped its entire content in one single go. David passed the dimsums and noodles which vanished in the span of three seconds. The rolls were the next to go as the saiyan stuffed three of them simultaneously in his mouth, all the while making loud noises.

Diana also watched as her son, David, tried to ape his mentor as much as he could. Clumsily, he stuffed the entire bowl of noodles into his mouth and tried to chew it down all at once with a handful of rice balls ready to go. But try as he could, he didn't match the rate at which the saiyan ate, nor could he match his appetite. Nevertheless, he continued his assault on the food with utmost devotion.

Diana had had enough, she caught hold of the closest thing she could; a frying pan and swung it hard against the saiyan's head...

"Hey, Diana ! You look so ravishing !" Goku said as Diana came out in all her glory in her armour. It wasn't her Wonder Woman outfit, but something she had worn when she had invaded Hade's realm once. It consisted of an upper shiny red armour with a golden eagle right in the middle of it. One of her arms were covered with chains of metallic flaps, while the other was open in order to properly hold up the shield she was carrying. She wore both of her silver bracelets. The golden belt she was wearing around her waist had a red star embedded on it. Below that, she wore a blue leather skirt with knee-high strap-on metallic shin guards covering her legs. Contrary to her Wonder Woman appearance, her hair was tied in a bun with just a couple of bangs hanging down below, although the silver tiara was in its rightful place.

"Really ?! You should have a look at my Wonder Woman attire." She said adjusting her leather skirt.

"When would we be leaving ?" Hessia inquired, the Amazon was completely covered in a golden armour.

"In a minute." Diana replied as she inspecting the blade of her sword with her thumb.

"Wow, mommy ! I didn't know you could look so cool !" David cried out, marvelling over her attractive armour.

"Yeah thanks !" She grumbled sarcastically.

He watched as Diana and Hessia left for their annual Themysciran guard, waved by a cheerful David, leaving to perform their last duty as Amazons.

* * *

><p>Zod had been waiting outside the medical room for hours, holding his tears back. It was in the morning that he had received the crushing new of Faora being the latest in the line of the unfortunate victims. But thanks to her military training, she managed to save herself, but was gravely injured in the process.<p>

"(Wait !)" Zod grabbed the doctor's hand as he and his team exited the medical chamber "(What news you bring ?)"

"(General, the victim managed to survive the attack.)" The doctor replied.

"(Please, let me have a look !)" The relieved general literally begged. At least Faora was alive.

When the pod was opened, Zod found a bloodied Faora lying inside. Her left eye had been bruised closed, and blood seemed to leak from her mouth.

"(Who Faora ? Who did this to you ? You know I thought I had lost you when I heard the news.)" Zod spoke with a lump in his throat as he stroked her hair. A tear drop of his fell on her left cheek as he kissed her forehead.

The bloodied commander silently motioned the broken general to lean in, and when he did, whispered a single word which would bring chaos and destruction in a very short while.

"(Excuse me, sir. But she needs immediate medical attention.)" Zod was sided as the pod closed and the patient sealed inside.

The general now knew who was behind all the murders, someone who had tried to usurp both Earth and Krypton in the past, someone who had murdered innocent people before, someone who had disguised himself as a hard-working scientist under Zor-El.

"Soldier !" Zod barked "Where is the Blue Star Armour ?".

* * *

><p>"HAIYAAA !" Diana screamed as she thrust her sword through the monster's throat. Slickly retracting the blade from its bleeding form she proceeded to place it down on the ground when she heard a cry behind her.<p>

"Behind you !"

The goddess of war turned around as she swung her sword in one fluid motion and decapitated a red reptilian monster.

"That was impressive Diana !" Hessia remarked from under her red stained golden armour "You are still as impressive as the last time."

"Which was a year ago. Still makes no sense given that I had zero training for all these twelve months."

"Maybe the fact that you are a god helps, princess. Well, if you do not believe me, the death toll speaks for itself. And I only managed to kill six out of the hundred and six that perished under your prowess."

The golden warrior pointed out at the landscape now dotted with many slain monsters to back up her statement.

Diana gave a long smug look to the death count before wiping the blood stains off her face and proceeding towards their destination.

**Sometime later ( After locking the gates to Tartarus )**

"Mother, forgive me, for I couldn't save Themyscira from the invasion." Diana mumbled as she knelt beside the grave of her mother, Hippolyta and all the other Amazons that had perished in the Imperiex war. Although the bodies were traditionally burned in accordance with Themysciran rituals, she and Hessia had chosen to bury the ashes as a token of remembrance.

"Forgive me sisters !" Diana said as she turned around to face all the graves. Suddenly, she felt a soft hand being placed on her shoulders,

"Diana, we visit Themyscira once a year to perform an Amazon duty. That the gates are well locked and no demon escapes them. But we also visit it to rekindle old memories. We visit the place we were born and brought up in, the place which made you the goddess you are today. You are the embodiment of everything good and just in us. Queen Hippolyta knew it and you know it too, Diana."

Diana then turned around to give the elderly woman a broken look,

"I wish mother was alive, I wish Themyscira was alive, I wish none of this had ever happened, Hessia. I left my home vowing to never return and when I wanted to, it was destroyed. How cruelly ironic !"

Hessia was quick to give the younger Amazon a tight motherly hug.

"Now, princess ! I wish I could change everything, but I can't. But I can suggest you a place."

"What ?"

"How much time has passed since the last time you went to a discotheque ?"

"You are seriously not suggesting..." Diana trailed off.

"Come on, I know you love a place like that. I will come along. What say you ?"

"Uuummmm. Fine, it has been a long time. But I have a son to tend too so I must leave early lest I be late."

"With that flying ability of yours ? Sure !" The elderly Amazon sneered, earning a playful punch on her cheek.

**Later in the afternoon**

"Hey, I didn't know you liked that place for hooligans." Goku said as Diana prepared to leave with Hessia. The young Amazon truly looked stunning in the white vest worn underneath the sleeveless dark blue denim jacket beneath which she wore a tight hugging jagging, which accentuated the curve of her hips and her toned legs.

"Just because we dance care-free to loud music doesn't make us hooligans." She replied putting her hands on her hips and swaying her free raven locks to one side. The silver jewellery in her ears tinkled.

"Mommy, when will you come back ? Please don't go like this !" David pleaded as he tugged his mother's hand, making a very sad face while doing so.

"Uh, David." She seemed to be out of words "Your mother is going to a place she enjoys, after a very long time. I wish I could take you with me, but I can't. It is not a place fit for children like you."

"Then why are you going there if it is too bad for David ?" Goku whispered coyly in her ears.

"Uuummm... well... the... thing is that... we are only going there to enjoy ourselves. You know, stress-buster." Diana somehow managed to answer.

"But, mommy, don't we enjoy together, you, me and Goku ?"

"I'll see you in the evening, honey, bye ! And I will make us all some apple pie tonight and we will have lots of fun, I promise." With that, she planted a kiss on his forehead and began to leave.

"Hey, won't I get a kiss too before you leave ?" Goku asked, tapping his forehead with his index finger.

* * *

><p>"I hope that you enjoyed your stay." Lex Luthor said, as the four of them; him, Bruce, Zor and H'el reached the surface.<p>

"I understand you built the facility deep underground, but why in a barren, desolated city ?" Zor-El asked as he took a look around. It was a ghost town by all means. The tall but deteriorated skyscrapers were long abandoned as they took on a much darker shade than they had been when once teeming with life. Wild shrubs sprouted sporadically wherever they felt like on the broken asphalt, most of the structures, now long ignored had either fallen or were on the verge of collapsing. Rusted cars, once belonging to someone, now lay haphazardly wherever one could see, as if their owners had left it on the wake of a terrible emergency. It was needless to say that the entire barren city gave the impression of just one dull colour; gray.

"You will find many cities like this all over the world, but this particular one had it bad." Bruce answered as he looked on with sympathy over the city's horizon "These are remnants of a war which cost us a lot, relics. We are gradually recovering from it, though."

"What city was it ?" The kryptonian scientist queried.

"Detroit."

Zor-El didn't question anything further.

"But why a ghost city like this ?" H'el asked.

"Because nobody looks for living people in a ghost city, do they ?" Bruce said, looking over his shoulder.

* * *

><p>Zod had been standing outside Kandor, soaking in the sunrays for quite some time now. His sole purpose now was to locate a very particular voice and heartbeat among millions using his super hearing. Both would be silenced the moment they were found out, for the person had dared to murder his love, his Faora, it was because of the murderer that she was now battling for her life. The person would not be spared.<p>

_But why a ghost city like this ?..._

Zod finally found him as he looked at the direction of the voice. He was wearing a greyish black armour with blue lines running across it in a circuitry manner.

"H'el."

The general took flight with blinding speed, leaving an upturned landscape of snow behind him.

* * *

><p>"I certainly hope that this is a step towards our relation being strengthened further." Lex said digging his hands in his trousers.<p>

"Yes, and I firmly believe that Krypton and Earth can..."

WWHHISHHHH ! KRAKOOOOOOM !

H'el never got to finish his sentence, as a matter of fact, none of the four registered what happened. One moment, the kryptonian was standing next to Luthor and the nexxt, he found himself being plummeted deep into the ground. Bruce, Luthor and Zor-El didn't fully understand what happened when H'el vanished in front of them, not until the ground beneath them shook violently, not until the loud boom almost deafened their ears.

"I will kill you, monster !" Zod cried as he struck H'el with three consecutive punches.

THOOM ! THOOM ! THOOM !

The ripples were felt like tidal waves, even through the solid ground, as it crumbled under the shattering force. It was needless to say that the three onlookers were toppled by the shattering force.

"DIE !"

Zod's punch made full contact with H'el's face as it drove him further down below.

THOOOM !

The fourth punch was the most powerful one as the fragile buildings around were rocked to their foundations; some had their glasses shattered, while the very weak ones crumbled like a pack of cards. Then the ground could hold no more. With a spew of dust, it began collapsing downwards consuming every structure in its path.

"Save yourselves !" Luthor's screamed at the top of his lungs as he saw the ground giving in to the force, but he knew that they were doomed, with nothing to save them, they would surely die.

THOOOM !

Zod landed a hard kick on his H'el's gut, making him cough up blood. Grabbing hold of his target's hair, the general brought him to his face level and connected his hard foot with his chin.

H'el was thrown back to the surface into the landscape consisting of crumbled buildings and ruptured ground.

"You should have never attacked my Faora !" Zod hissed grabbing him by his robe. A stunning left hook followed, then another and another, until the kryptonian could take it no more. Two years ago, it was Kara Zor-El, the Supergirl and Superman, and now, it was Zod. He was sick and tired of being beaten around.

"ENOUGH !" H'el used his telekinesis to swat away Zod; the nearest skyscraper was floored in an instant.

Rising up from his slumber he flew towards the crash site to check on Zod. As soon as his foot touched the ground, a pair of red beams hit him full on the chest.

H'el felt a searing pain course throughout his body as he was sent flying away by Zod's heat vision. It felt like the general's powers had been amplified by the armour he was wearing.

Zod never left his heat vision off the mutant kryptonian as the latter was cornered into the debris of the havoc being wrecked. The heat from the scorching twin beams began melting away the concrete and the metal around him as Zod closed in with each passing second.

"You will have to answer for your crimes, monster !" The general doubled the intensity of his beams. Now everything around began catching fire.

H'el felt that if he didn't do something about it soon, he too would burn in it. Focusing hard on saving his life, he created a telekinetic channel of his own, pushing the heat vision a safe distance away from him. Zod redoubled his efforts too, increasing the output of his attack. Both their projections fought for supremacy.

However, the will to survive proved to be stronger than mindless vengeance as H'el's telekinetic channel began pushing back the twin beams back to their source.

Seeing himself losing the battle, Zod, in a frantic attempt, struck down the ground below with his fist, channelling all his might and vengeance into that earth-shattering strike.

KRAKOOOM !

The ghost city of Detroit had suffered a lot during the Imperiex war, and digging a research facility underground for PhoenixTech had further weakened, hollowed the already fragile state of the entire city. The super-powered punch from Zod was the final nail in the coffin. With one violent shake, the Detroit's foundations sunk in, along with all the deserted structures upon it. Within a span of a few moments, the ghost city was no more.

H'el had managed to evade the catastrophe by a whisker by flying away from the site. It wasn't that he had anything to fear from a crumbling ground or falling boulders atop him, but he was pretty much sure that if he hadn't avoided it, the shockwave from the punch would have shattered the bones of his legs like glass.

H'el was so busy absorbed in his thoughts that he never saw a skyscraper being hurled at him from down below, until it was too late. Broken pieces of glass and concrete surrounded him as he was concealed inside the gigantic structure. Barely a second later, he felt a tremendous force land on his chest; the skyscraper broke into several pieces as a result. It was Zod.

Another solid kick to the chest sent H'el flying far away from the city.

"Are you both fine ?" Zor-El asked, placing both Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor to the ground. Luckily, just a moment before the city ahd crumbled to solid waste, the kryptonian scientist had levitated off the ground carrying the two and hid somewhere else, waiting for the fight to subside.

Now that the two were gone, he had placed them back on the ground. But they had sustained some serious injuries.

"Yes, thank you. We will take care of it from here on." Lex said wiping the dust off his suit "Can you tell who attacked us ?"

"It was Zod." Bruce answered, reaching for his League's communicator "And he didn't attack us, his target seemed to be H'el. We just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. We need to call in the Justice League."

"I think you should call in the doctors first." Zor-El suggested.

* * *

><p>Hal Jordan had recently been back from his mission on a far away planet concerning the Green Lantern Corps.<p>

"You wouldn't believe what I saw ! Forget Themyscira, I encountered an entire planet full of women !" The Green Lantern announced to his fellow Leaguers "They thanked me several times for my corps' aid. Their queen declared that I was free to visit the place whenever I wanted !"

"Really ? You are one lucky bastard ! Do we get to visit too next time around ? Did you befriend any inhabitants ? I mean did you befriend any of them ?"

"That would be cool..."

"Hey, we can discuss that later, Bruce is beaming a distress signal. And my communicators are relaying me reports of sudden earthquakes near the Detroit area." Cyborg informed them.

THOOOM !

"What was that ?" Shazam gasped, as the Watchtower shook mildly "Did any of you sense that ?"

"Sense that ? I felt it all the way through my heart !" Green Lantern told him.

* * *

><p>"You are not going anywhere !" Zod tackled H'el in mid-air and wrestled him to the ground.<p>

It was a normal day in Paris. People were strolling around, having their afternoon tea in the open, relaxing in the lush green parks. Everything was fine, then it happened.

With a loud bang, the streets within a mile were completely upturned in an instant. The fortunate cars crashed onto each other, the unlucky ones hit the protruding sections of the road or fell into the crevices that had opened up.

Zod had come unhinged, even when fully aware of the innocent civilians surrounding them, he continued his assault on H'el, pounding him down to the ground.

"(Murderer ! I won't spare you today !)" The general cried.

The city of Paris was under siege as the ground shook violently from each strike that Zod landed on the unfortunate kryptonian. Then he proceeded to strangle his target, spittle forming in the corners of his mouth.

"(STOP IT !)" H'el finally responded with a right hook of his own, and a straight shot to the area between Zod's eyes left him stunned, loosening his grip from the kryptonian's neck. A well-placed kick to his chest sent him soaring up in the air. Then, his ascension seemed to halt all of a sudden.

The general fidgeted, kicked his feet and tried hard, but he couldn't move his arms, couldn't move his torso. It felt like someone had thrown invisible ropes, strong invisible ropes, around him.

H'el levitated and met him at face level. His right hand was extended towards Zod and his fingers spread out. It dawned upon the general, that the kryptonian mutant had telekinetically bound him.

"(Before this, let us go to some other place before any more damage is done.)" H'el said to a furiously struggling Zod.

Blue sparks appeared around both of them and in an instant they were floating above a barren dessert, the sun shining bright above them.

"(Now, tell me why did you attack me ?)" The pale kryptonian asked the general, wiping the blood off his mouth. His face was marred with bruises on his cheekbone, above his brow and under the chin.

"(Do not act innocent, mutant ! Your pretended innocence won't fool me anymore ! The murders you committed, you are exposed, H'el, and you will be punished for your crimes !)" Zod said through clenched teeth.

"(What are you talking about ?! I was in the human world most of the time helping Bruce and Luthor.)" H'el seemed perplexed by Zod's accusation.

"(Astral projections, to which, I have a witness. Faora. She saw you when you pounded her. Now she is fighting for her life. You should have never touched my Faora !)" It was a pained cry from the general.

"(Stop these baseless accusations ! Why would I hurt Faora ? Or kill any of my own people for that matter ? Astral projections are intangible, they cannot hurt anyone. I did none of those things you accuse me of !)" H'el stated firmly.

"(You couldn't rule Krypton the last time. Kal-El and his family foiled your plans, maybe this time you saw a chance, now that Kal is gone. Maybe you have your eyes on his cousin, Kara.)"

"(Stop it !)" H'el tightened his telepathic grip around him, causing him an uneasy situation.

"(Stop it ? Never ! It only stops with you being dragged back to Kandor !)"

"(Perhaps you did not notice but I have you in my telekinetic bound. You are the one who can be dragged right now.)" H'el was confident of his prey's condition, even giving him a slight mocking grin.

"(Perhaps. But you are the one not to notice. We are in a desert, the richest source of solar radiation on this planet. We both are kryptonians. So what does solar radiation do to a kryptonian ?)" Zod's eyes begin to glow red along with the fumes.

The fact suddenly dawned upon H'el as he realized his mistake.

"(It gives them the power to burn !)" The general replied to his own question by breaking apart the telepathic constricts and firing a charged heat vision, a technique he had used on Goku two years ago. A heat vision blast.

KKRRAAAKOOOOM !

The twin beams erupted in a wild explosion upon contact with their target. The entire vicinity was flooded with a blinding flash of red light followed by intense heat and crushing pressure. The sand dunes were flattened and turned into glass as a result of Zod's attack.

The kryptonian general blew away the dust using his super breath, and to his satisfaction found H'el on all fours, badly injured.

"(Not so strong now, are you ?)" The general grabbed a fistful of the mutant's hair and swinging him wildly, threw him with enough force into the outer atmosphere.

Reaching upto him, Zod delivered a double-axe on his back and using another heat vision blast, propelled him downwards at break neck speeds...

The city of Mumbai had been very busy that particular day, it was raining hard and the traffic was stuck for hours thanks to the heavy downpour. Suddenly, something came crashing down from the sky, toppling many buildings before reaching the ground.

Unfortunately for the people, it crashed close to the shore. With a loud and tremendous quake, the city's foundations caved in, and coupled in with the heavy rainfall, it broke off into several blocks and began sinking like a crashed ship into the Arabian sea, as people ran helter-skelter for their lives.

It was not long before Zod flew to the sinking city, reached down into the rubble and pulled out a wounded H'el.

"What h-have you... done ?" H'el breathed exhaustedly, taking a look around. His lower lip was pounded open, so was his left brow, and an inch long cut on his right cheekbone scarred his face. His nose appeared to be broken too.

"Broken two of your ribs." Zod added to the toll of his injuries.

It stopped suddenly then, the tearing apart of the city, its sinking, and the flood that was aiding its demise. The perplexed General took a look around to see what exactly had caused this, it seemed as if some invisible force was keeping the falling Mumbai from plunging into its watery grave.

"You are a powerful telepath, H'el." Zod concluded, turning towards his target once more "I didn't know that the extent of your powers reached this ! You have certainly impressed me."

"Power is not always for destruction, Zod. I have learned it the hard way."

"You should have learned this too, NEVER HURT MY PEOPLE !" Zod raised his hand to deliver another blow, but instead of landing it on his adversary's face, he quickly turned around and grabbed an incoming Shazam by the neck.

With a simple flick of his wrist, the magical champion was thrown onto the incoming Justice League. Everyone moved out of the way, except Supergirl, who caught him full on the chest, and they both were sent crashing into a nearby slum.

"Hey you !" Powergirl stood firm, pointing a finger at the disgruntled general "You have caused enough damage for the day ! You don't value these people's lives, it seems ! I don't know why you are pissed off at H'el but this stops right now ! People are getting hurt !"

"And what about my people ?!" Zod roared, stepping away from H'el "Which happen to be your people too ! Kara ?! Don't you want the killer of Kryptonians to be punished for his atrocities ?"

"How ?" Powergirl demanded.

"H'el is the perpetrator. Faora herself testified that, unfortunately she is fighting for her life right now."

Kara Zor-L felt pity towards the general when he said that last part with a grimace, reflecting the pain he was currently going through. Seeing a loved one's life hanging in the balance is never an easy thing to do.

"But you can't go around wreaking havoc like that Zod." Green Lantern countered "If it wasn't for H'el's telekinesis, Mumbai would have sunk into the sea by now. Not to mention that he was plummeted before doing so. I don't think a murderer would do that."

"And moreover, Bruce and Luthor have sustained quite some injuries because of you !" Flash added "Do you think that all this was worth it ? The destruction you caused ?"

"I exist to protect Krypton. That is my first and foremost duty. And I will protect my people at any cost. Whether the Justice League likes it or not." Zod had made a statement.

The moment Zod bent down and reached for H'el, he found himself instantly enclosed in a shining green sphere.

"You are not going anywhere Zod, except the Watchtower." Hal Jordan firmly stated, maintaining the sphere with his lantern ring.

"It's funny." The general replied with an evil smirk "I had an armour back then too, the last time we fought. And you lost."

KRRAKOOM !

With a simple backhanded chop, the sphere was shattered into several green shards, and Hal Jordan was thrown away by the resultant force.

"NOOO !" Powergirl lunged at Zod with a blinding speed.

Zod simply tackled her and pinned her hands to her back.

"Stop it, Kara ! Don't make me do this, don't make me hurt my own kind !" He had his fist cocked back, ready to strike her if necessary.

ZZZAAAP !

He felt a powerful shock to his back, sending him flipping over. Turning back, he faced Black Adam.

"Do not touch her !" Adam warned, producing sparks from his hands.

"Seems like I will have to suffice with you."

Black Adam only saw Zod leaning forward, and only felt a wrecking force on his stomach as he doubled over in pain. A well placed uppercut was enough to send him soaring into the sky as the ground beneath broke off into chunks.

Powergirl took the general from behind and into the air, and let their momentum do the rest as she let her grip off him.

Supergirl flew in as fast as she could and delivered a shattering punch on his chest. The clouds dispersed within a mile of the striking point.

Shazam delivered his most powerful lightning bolt, the two Karas went in for their heat visions, and Green Lantern fired a huge green ball of energy upon the direction of Zod's projectile.

The general landed somewhere in the forests of China, with a blast that triggered an earthquake for miles. The League flew in there to check out on the aftermath, the forest had been reduced to ashes.

The result was a severe blow on their morale. Zod was down on one knee, smoking a bit, but otherwise completely fine. He raised his piercing onyx eyes to meet every League member's.

"I gave you children enough time to play around. Now leave before things get serious. I do not want to hurt anyone of you, trust me. Despite our differences, the Justice League has always aided me in building a better Krypton. Leave before my duty forces me to lay my hands upon you."

Zod's look was as determined as his words, they could easily tell. He was dead serious about taking H'el with him, no matter what.

"Look Zod ! Contrary to your belief, we started nothing." Shazam began explaining "You came crashing into our cities, beating H'el to a pulp as if you caught him making out with Faora. Bruce and Alexander almost died by your hands, Paris is completely upturned, there is a thick sheet of glass in the Sahara desert, and Mumbai almost sank into the sea, for which Hal Jordan along with Barry have been send back. You decide who is the culprit."

"Hmmm. I know there is still a child behind those muscles, so I will let your indecencies pass. But know this, never speak of Faora in that manner. Ever again ! Only a true man like me is fortunate enough to have her."

"Listen Zod !" Powergirl said, pointing a finger at him "You better take your ass back along with that shiny suit of yours. H'el is a saviour as far as we are concerned !"

Zod approached her with a furious demeanour and grabbed her finger with a crushing force, causing her to wince in pain,

"Listen Kara ! You think that..."

KRAAAKOOOM !

Zod was suddenly struck with a powerful lightning that everyone felt the tremors of. As he fell down, Black Adam descended from the sky.

"I warned you to not touch her, alien !"

"Magic." Zod's voice was barely above a whisper as he stood back up. Magic was something the blue-star armour did not provide resistance against.

"Magic of the wizard, alien, the leader of the Rock of Eternity, Shazam !" Black Adam told him.

Within a split second, they clashed with the rest of the League joining forces as well.

Black Adam, Shazam, Powergirl and Supergirl threw in all different kinds of punches in an attempt to hit Zod. But the general, being vastly more skilled, and superior to strength and speed thanks to his armour, had no problem in blocking their attacks and delivering his own.

Within a few moments, they all fell to the ground, defeated by the general. Torquasm-rao had quickly incapacitated the League members. Now they were lying helpless on the ground, unable to move a muscle.

"You won't get in my way now, I believe. H'el is Krypton's to prosecute." Declaring that, he took to the sky.

He barely flew a few feet up in the air when something with an insane speed brought him back to the ground. The trail left by him consisted of separated earth.

It was H'el, back to stop Zod from wrecking more havoc.

Green Lantern and Flash joined in.

"Aren't you supposed to evacuate Mumbai before it falls into the sea ?" Green Lantern asked.

"_This is Cyborg. I might inform you that H'el has safely teleported the entire city further down south, somewhere in the Andaman is no need to worry. It is safe as of now." _Victor delivered the news through the communicator, as he monitored everything from the Watchtower.

With a snarl, the general got up from the crater he had accidently created upon falling hard, and lunged at H'el.

* * *

><p>"When will mommy be back ?" David questioned Goku, as the saiyan transferred the contents of a nachos pack onto his bowl. The salsa followed next.<p>

"Don't know, son." Goku replied, placing a hand on his head "She has been acting strange these past few days, especially when I am around. Don't know why. Could it be the food ?"

He began scratching his head, thinking hard to come to a solid conclusion.

"If she doesn't come home early, can you teach me the kame style that you have mastered ? It looks great !"

"Master ?!" Goku feigned a bit of surprise at the boy's question "Let me tell you that I am as much as a student as you are, David. Remember this, there is always someone stronger than you, someone who has trained harder and will humble you. Don't let pride consume you, it led to the downfall of both Frieza and Cell."

"Okay, then you can 'share' your knowle..."

"Wait a minute !" Goku seemed to have gone in some kind of stasis, staring blankly into the wall straight ahead.

"What ?"

"Two energy signatures, Zod and probably H'el, colliding with each other. Some League members are there too but severely weakened, something's wrong, David ! The two kryptonians' powers have never been this amplified before ! I must go and check it out ! Place a hand on my shoulder."

David did as he was told.

The saiyan pinpointed the energy signatures and with two fingers placed on his forehead disappeared.

* * *

><p>"Where are the... oooohhh !" Goku appeared on the scene and immediately had his breath knocked by two punched delivered simultaneously on his gut and his back.<p>

Both H'el and Zod looked baffled as the punches meant for each other landed on the saiyan instead. Too weak to float above, Goku fell down to the ground with David.

"W-What's happening... aah !" He asked clutching his stomach to the nearest League member, in this case, Supergirl.

"H'el and Zod have been duking it out. I don't know why, but for some reason the general is really pissed off at H'el. If they are not stopped, I don't think our planet will exist." Kara told her.

"Then it is time to get back to action, been so long !"

The saiyan in him seemed to rejoice at the prospect of facing a real challenge for the first time since his arrival. How good it would feel to finally flex his muscles in a fight !

Standing with his legs apart and hands bent, he let out a loud yell, unleashing his full power as a white aura surrounded him. It felt good to let his strength flow through without any restriction as he continued to scream at the top of his lungs. The ground began trembling and the wind started blowing wildly as a result when Goku had reached his maximum potential.

"It's time you end your catfight, girls. People are getting hurt." Goku declared, flying up to them.

"Listen to me, this monster has led to our downfall. Krypton is being butchered each day by him !" Zod's words were furious as he pointed a finger at H'el.

"You know fully well that I didn't do it ! I was with Bruce and Alexander the whole time ! If you want..."

"Shut up !" Zod's uppercut ended H'el's argument abruptly as Goku rushed in to stop the general from causing any further damage.

The saiyan fanned out his fingers in front of his face.

SOLAR FLARE !

Zod covered his eyes, temporarily blinded by the flash. A knock from Goku sent him crashing into the ground.

"I urge that you stop this madness, Zod !" H'el pleaded, but maintaining a firm stature "Otherwise, I won't hesitate to break down your DNA."

"I urge that you please give it a try." The general said with a sick smile plastered to his face "Me and Faora have been keeping an eye on you since the very beginning, H'el. We are aware of your powers, and designed this armour likewise, to withstand any type of psionic or telekinetic attack, the one you use in your strand-breaking ability."

H'el's reply was a gentle invisible nudge at Zod.

"Told you it won't work. You are a child and I am certainly your better."

The mocking sneer from Zod and his unharmed state pushed H'el further to redouble his efforts. Concentrating his entire power reserves into the attack, he fired an invisible wave which tore through the ground as it made its way towards its target.

Zod was waiting for that, he knew that taunting the mutant would result in him unleashing his full power. And in doing so, he would be left completely vulnerable during the assault, everyone is. So, he swiftly moved out of the way and sprang at H'el from an angle.

However, this left a certain League member completely in the line of destruction; Powergirl. Her eyes widened as the DNA-splitting wave missed its target and came for her; the time to react was long gone, her life too would be within a short span of time.

Then a miracle happened, Powergirl saw a blur of black and gold from the corner of her eyes and come to a halt right in front of her. In an instant, the figure was thrown back by the tremendous force. Turning her head around in that direction she saw Black Adam stumbling on his fours, stunned but very much alive.

Zod had been right, H'el never anticipated him to speed towards him and deliver a well-aimed punch in his gut. The strike drove the wind out of him, a swift kick to the legs misbalanced him and a powerful fist to the face drove him into the ground.

"Enough !" H'el cried and producing bright sparks, teleported Zod off the planet.

"Well done !" Goku said as H'el lay on the ground "I will try to talk some reasoning into him."

Then the saiyan turned towards Diana's son,

"You sure you want to be here ?"

"Absolutely ! The fight was awesome !"

Locating Zod's energy signature, Goku disappeared to find him.

"Tell me where am I ?" Zod demanded as Goku appeared in front of him.

"Perhaps you are on... Mars ?" The saiyan replied taking a look around at the reddish, hazy landscape.

"Then I must return, Krypton needs to judge H'el."

"But not at innocent lives' cost." Goku firmly said, standing right in front of him. He knew his breath wouldn't last long, but he was still willing to try as much as he could, for Earth.

"My priority is my own people."

"Zod, I freed the bottled Kandor from Darkseid's trophy room, I freed you and Faora from the Justice League's prison, I have acted as a liaison between you and the League ever since. If any of that matters, I plead that you stop this wanton destruction. People are getting hurt and even I cannot be everywhere. You must understand this. We will together find the murderer, Zod, I promise."

Zod stood there studying Goku's face. From the looks of it, the saiyan was not fooling him, he actually meant every word that he had just said. It left him in a dilemma; Goku was as honourable as a person could be, and yet Zod's duty was forcing him to capture the person he believed was guilty, and that person was not the kind to go down without a fight.

"Fine, I have made up my mind." Zod announced sighing. It was indeed a tough decision to make.

* * *

><p>The Justice League stood where they were, all their eyes on H'el, ready to strike him down if necessary. There would be no more destruction today, they had decided.<p>

"Stand easy, friends. It is settled, there would be no more fights today."

Goku's voice made everyone turn around in his direction. Standing next to him was the armour clad Zod.

"Yes, no more fights." The kryptonian general said softly, nodding his head in agreement.

Nobody expected what followed next, staring directly at H'el, Zod fired a pair of twin charged red beams at him. Neither Goku, nor the League and least of all H'el had registered what happened. The blast incinerated the area into nothing but dust and ashes as the beams hit their target. The silhouette of H'el was seen dropping to the ground as the general cut off the supply of his heat vision from his eyes.

But not before feeling a hard strike land on a very sensitive area of his exposed neck as the force paralyzed him and dimmed his surroundings. It was lights out for Zod.

* * *

><p>The music was certainly good, and so were the lighting, food and drinks. The two Amazons were watching from their seats in bar counter as several people danced wildly to the trance that had been playing for the couple of minutes.<p>

"You were right, Hessia. This place is rocking !" Diana said as she took another sip of her wine, then she proceeded to tap her glass in sync with the beats being played. She certainly liked it, she had always liked it; the loud music, deafening everything around her, so she could be all to herself, free from all the worries in her life. She was free to dance all the night, letting her true self loose after so many years.

"And what about that guy ?" Hessia asked pointing out in the direction of a group of men sitting on a couch across them. One of them was staring straight at them and quickly averted his gaze when Diana turned to face them.

"Yeah, what about him ?" She asked, knitting her eyebrows a bit.

"He has been staring at you since we have arrived here. Looks interested in you, goddess !" The elderly Amazon gave her a playful smirk.

"Oh please ! Those days are over. I am a mother now !" Diana said adamantly.

"But he's damn handsome, Diana ! And he seems decent enough."

"Sorry not interested."

"I see it is another alien that has caught your eye." Hessia proceeded to finish her drink while maintaining a poker face, all the while feeling Diana's seething gaze on her.

"You know how to play well with me, don't you ?" The young Amazon narrowed her eyes to a slit while saying that.

"He ! Sorry goddess ! Was I wrong about the saiyan ?"

"Hmmm. Goku is a good person, an honourable person." Diana began "He is everything a woman would want in her partner. He saved me and my son from Darkseid, has helped free Kandor, is my son's mentor and his best friend as well. He really takes care of everyone. But."

"But what ?"

"But the thing is that he is a bit shy, an introvert. He really never displayed any kind of emotion towards me. I know he has something in there, that's why we did go out together a few times. But he just wasted both of our times always making silly excuses."

"Do **you** feel anything towards him ?"

Hessia hit right on the spot with that question. Diana looked unblinking at her for a moment, and saw that gone were the playful smirks and poker faces, in its place was a dead serious expression, one that of an older sister counselling her sibling.

Diana was undecided on what to say; should she give a diplomatic answer to it, or should her reply be more honest and straight-forward ?

"About him, I want to say that ..."

"I hope you ladies are enjoying your time."

Both the Amazons quickly turned towards the voice to find the same man Hessia was pointing at standing there, wearing a warm smile on his face.

Diana realized that Hessia was not wrong afterall; he was handsome, with a tall and muscular physique that showed through the fitting turtleneck shirt he was wearing, upon which he donned a party wear jacket. His hair was neatly parted and when his radiant green eyes met Diana's ocean blue, she was left speechless for a moment.

Sensing the uneasiness among the ladies, he cleared his throat,

"It just happens to be that I own this disco-bar. And as a host, it is my foremost duty to ensure my guests' wellbeing at my place."

"And do you welcome all your guests like that or are we someone special ?" Diana flashed a smirk at him.

"But you were certainly the last one to fall from the heavens."

The line left an awkward silence between the three; Diana felt her cheeks reddening a bit, sure she was as pretty as a goddess, but no one had said it to her like this since Clark's death.

"Oh boy ! I am outta here ! Excuse me, princess ! I need to go to the restroom !"

Hessia left her seat.

"Hey, Hessia ! Be back quick !"

"Is she your guardian or something ?" The man asked as he took his seat besides Diana, she immediately smelled his exquisite perfume, there was something strongly appealing to it, just the kind of smell that Clark used to wear on their dates.

"Actually she is my sister." Diana prepared herself for a perplexed expression from him.

"Really ?!" And a perplexed expression he gave, as his eyes shot up and he nearly choked on his own drink.

"Yes and no." She replied tilting her head a bit "I come from an all women's society, where we were raised together and taught the ways of justice, equality and righteousness."

"Ha ! That sounds like Wonder Woman of Themyscira, you know !"

"You've got no idea !" Diana murmured under her breath.

"Excuse me ?" The man frowned a bit.

"So tell me, mister. What inspired you to open this discotheque ?" She quickly changed the topic, smiling at him.

"George Washington."

"Really ?"

"On a dollar bill."

"I see."

"But it is not just about the money, you know." Now, he turned towards her "Before that, I have had several successful ventures like these. I just decided to give the people what they want, you know work hard and party harder kind of thing. You can call me lucky if you want."

"Okay, you're Lucky !"

"Ha !" He laughed softly "That was smart, Diana !"

"I see you took the liberty of knowing my name beforehand from your staff."

"Not really." He replied "I heard your 'sister' call out your name when you came into this place. Speaking of which, I have something for you."

He signalled the bartender and he promptly fished out a dark coloured bottle from below the counter.

"This, is Olympus." He declared, cradling the bottle in his hands " Our very own wine from our vineyards. Made from carefully selected grapes from the fertility of Greece herself, a drink truly fit for the gods. Hence, I present it to you Diana, the true goddess."

"What ?" The last line came in as a blow; how did the seemingly unknown man know such a thing, it was a well hidden fact until that she was the goddess of war.

The man saw the strange look on her face and queried,

"What happened ?"

"How did you know it ?"

"Diana, the roman goddess of hunt and moon ! Don't you know ?"

"Oh, silly me !" Diana lightly slapped her forehead "But why me to taste it ? Don't you have sommeliers for that ?"

Wait ! Why was she saying that ? Why was she even letting the man this close to her ? She barely knew him, but the truth was that there was something about him that she was attracted to; the way he talked, the way he smelled, so much like Clark Kent.

"I have, but none of them is a Greek. That's right, I deduced your ethnicity the moment I heard your accent. So a Greek asks his fellow countryperson for approval."

With that, he began pouring the wine into two glasses.

"You are a Greek too ?!" Diana was surprised " What's your name ?"

"Antonis."

* * *

><p>Zod slowly opened his eyes to find himself in prison of some sort.<p>

"Where am I ?" He demanded the League members he saw.

"The Watchtower containment cell." Green Lantern answered "And this time, Goku has promised not to break you out."

"You broke my trust, Zod." Goku said, crossing his hands across his chest "I thought that you were better than that, I thought you were an honourable person. But you destroyed cities in the wake of your own presumed justice, in order to apprehend the alleged murderer. The truth is that you are as much a monster as you claim H'el to be."

"You forced me to do this, Goku. I had to punish the killer. There was no other choice left."

"Sorry to disappoint you, but he is still alive albeit unconscious." Supergirl told him, staring daggers at the general.

"Kara, you know how dangerous he is ! He wanted to wipe out the entire solar system once !" The caged Zod pleaded.

"I know, but he has changed, and I have seen it in his eyes."

There was nothing more left to say as the daughter of El left the room.

"Does it hurt ?" Black Adam asked as he approached Powergirl, who was clutching her shoulder in pain.

"No, it tickles." She replied, irritated by the dumb question "Of course, it does ! Didn't you feel Zod's punches; I caught one straight on my shoulder. It cracked at that moment, but now I believe it's healing. What questions you ask Adam ? Don't you have..."

"What ?" The former champion of Shazam queried, hearing the kryptonian trail off.

"I am sorry. I am in pain, but I should have remembered that you saved my life. If not for you, I would have been disintegrated genetic material. For a moment I was too stunned to do anything; I saw my entire life flash in front of my eyes, I thought I would never see Helena again. But you saved me. Thank you."

"You are welcome, daughter of El."

"But why did you take it square on your chest ? And why didn't it affect you ?"

"Krypton is a world without magic, it seems. I am protected by the Rock of Eternity's magic. It defies every rationale, every logic, and every science that you take so much pride in. Magic has its advantages." Black Adam replied.

"You didn't answer the first part of my question, Adam." Kara playfully raised an eyebrow with a sly grin on her lips. She crossed her arms and tilted her hips and saw Black Adam's eyes fall on her slender waist and drift upwards.

"I am sorry. I must leave." Black Adam said when he saw that he had been caught staring at her window.

"He digs you." Flash said blitzing right in front of her, wearing a silly grin on his face "I can't blame him, with that dress of yours !)"

Powergirl attempted to hit the speedster with a punch, but it phased right through.

"Ooops !" Flash mocked putting out his tongue and zipped out of the room.

"You won't get away with that, prick !" Powergirl cried as she flew after him.

"Ten bucks in Flash's flavour. Karren won't catch him, like ever." Green Lantern said when only he and Cyborg were left in the room.

"But Powergirl's kryptonian powers are diverse. She just might be able to." Victor Stone countered with logic of his own "Besides I have only five with me in cash right now."

"Hey no need to worry !" Hal slapped Cyborg's metallic back "You can always buy me a beer anytime."

"Yeah sure !"

They both exited the room with their hands around each other's back.

Zod was watching all this in utter disbelief.

"Welcome to the Watchtower." Jon Lane Kent said from his cell across the chamber.

* * *

><p>"This does remind me of Greece." Diana said after taking a sip of the wine. By Greece, she meant Themyscira "It is neither too dry, nor too sweet and leaves a subtle aroma long after you are done with it."<p>

"So, goddess, did it pass your test ? Would you like to test something else ?"

"You can call me Diana, Antonis."

"So, Diana, the music is good, the wine was great and your sister is gone too ! Care for a dance ?" Antonis held out his hand towards her, waiting for her approval.

This was when Diana decided to draw the line.

"I am sorry, Antonis. But I am getting late, my son would be waiting for me."

"But a dance won't hurt your son, I guess."

"Just a one-time thing, Diana. I don't think we would see each other ever again. I would like to keep this dance as a token of remembrance for the most beautiful woman I have ever met."

His face showed his emotions; he really meant what he said.

"(Antonis, thank you for the drink and thanks for spending your time with me, I enjoyed it really.)" Diana began reasoning in Greek, hoping that their native tongue would knock some sense into him "(But, I have a son to tend to. And I have someone waiting for me.)"

She had spoken about Goku without even knowing it.

"(You are not going anywhere ! You are mine now !)" Antonis daringly grabbed Diana's wrist.

"Hey ! Would you care leaving my ha…. Aaaah !"

The searing pain was too strong to ignore; it felt like someone had pressed hot burning embers to her hand. With a slight jerk she pulled her hand off his grip, and saw that a small but serious burn had been etched into her pale skin. But what on earth could have caused this to her, a goddess ?

"How ?" She looked at the man confusingly, holding her wrist in the other hand.

Antonis slowly showed him the cause of the burn, a glowing red ring worn in his right hand.

It was then that Diana felt an uncomfortable feeling within her, it started from her stomach and quickly reached her head, giving her a nauseatic and a dizzy feeling as the world around her began swimming. She shook her head to neutralize the feeling, but it only grew stronger with each passing second.

She fell a table as she clamoured it for support.

"Tsk ! Tsk ! Tsk !" Antonis tsk'ed slowly as he swayed his head side to side in pity "Stupid girl ! Didn't your mother tell you to never expect drinks from strangers ?"

Diana gave her a furious look as she somehow managed on her fours.

"Ooops ! I forgot, your mother's dead and you are completely alone !" He mocked "And I mean literally !"

The Amazon staggered back to her feet with much difficulty and took a look around; the discotheque had been completely deserted, all the people who were once wildly dancing a few moments before were nowhere to be seen now, the bar counter was totally empty leaving no sign of any occupant and even the music had stopped altogether.

"Swine ! What did you mix in my drink ?" Diana barked.

"A very potent toxin, meant for the gods." Antonis replied, lifting the wine glass in a toast, and smiled to himself as he saw her fighting to maintain control over herself.

"And as a consolidation." He continued, keeping the glass in the air "I have some company for you !"

With a loud ruckus, a horde of men broke in through the door. But they were not ordinary men, Diana saw. Every one of them was covered in traditional martial Greek armoury from head to toe, and each one of them was carrying either a sword, a spear or an axe, not that it would harm her much, who was War herself.

"How does it feel Diana ? To not be in control ? To be lonely ?" Antonis teased "That's why I brought these people for you."

"You brought pigs to slaughter !" Cried Diana as the people wildly rushed at her.

"Enjoy !"

What a fool he was, she thought as the men closed in. He clearly didn't know who she was, even with the strangely effective drug taking its toll on her; she could own them all with a single –

SLASH !

"Aaah !" Diana let out a cry of pain and surprise as one of their swords cut through her skin right above her triceps.

She quickly placed a hard kick on her attacker's chest; a crunch was heard and a blur was seen, followed by a hole in the wall behind.

The rest of the attackers held their advance as Diana drew her fist back, even with the toxin affecting her, she still looked formidable.

"Oh and I forgot to mention !" Antonis said from behind the group "These weapons can harm you. I amped my brothers to a superhuman level, a gift I received from a pantheon much different than Olympus, War."

Diana felt another bout of dizziness as she swayed to a side to maintain her balance. It was enough to light a matchstick to the fuel as the men swarmed in on her, their weapons ready to mutilate their target. There was a reason she was War, the men would soon find out.

The first of them charged in with a short sword; War quickly locked his sword arm in hers and with a swift blow to his neck, crushed his windpipe.

Another one came crying in with a jab of his spear, the Amazon turned to a side, allowing the tip to harmlessly pass through, and redirected it to pierce another attacker's neck, while simultaneously delivering a knee to the spear wielder's face, causing it to cave in.

The rest of them floored her with a barrage of punches and kicks. Their blows never bothered her, but she knew that they were still much above an average human's level. She deliberately allowed their hits to land on her, doing so would keep the weapon wielders at the back of the horde.

However, one axe did manage to make it past the clamour and slash at her shoulder.

War grabbed the axe and pulled it out along with the wielder towards the centre of the melee and within a span of a second, delivered ten punches straight to the side of his head, followed by a full forced strike in the end.

THOOOOM !

The shockwave sent through fell the assailants immediately and turned the floor into nothing but bits and pieces of concrete, marble and wood. Nothing and no one was left standing, except Antonis, who looked amused.

War utilized the timeframe in the meanwhile to gather her senses a bit, the toxin had not worn off yet, and the blurry vision and the swimming sensation were not gone. But her immediate concern was Antonis and why his sudden despise towards her. And who were these men ?

The men who were left in a condition to fight decided to engage her once more. Picking up their arsenals, they one by one made their charge at her.

Two men simultaneously grabbed her by the waist from the front and behind. A third tried to slash at her neck with a knife but she blocked the attack and pried it away from his hands. It only took three stabs to drop them all dead.

The moment she turned around, a giant axe slashed across her chest, spraying blood all over the floor. The toxin had taken its toll on her reflexes as well.

Another mean swing was averted by War as she ducked underneath the blade and took both of his knees out with the knife. As the man fell down, he felt the knife stick to his temples.

She saw another group of seven people unarmed standing just a few feet away from her.

They were blitzed in no time as she took out each one of them in a single blow.

A spear was thrown from behind, and it found its target on her back.

"Aaahhh !" War stumbled a bit as the tip of the weapon latched to her back. Her face met a hard swing of the side of a shield stunning her, but not enough to completely lose control.

The shield wielder went for another swing, but this time the goddess caught the shield and using her superior strength rammed the side of it in his mouth, right between the upper and lower jaw.

Pulling out the spear from her back, she quickly threw it at the first person she saw. The attack was too swift to react to as the spear completely passed though the man's chest and took another person behind him with it.

Rolling over, War caught a leg each of the first two people she could hold on to and pulling their limbs up with herself, misbalanced them completely. A spear was thrown her way, but this time she caught it, snapped it into two and stabbed the two fallen men with them.

As a man charged at her with a sword in his hand, Diana simply kicked a huge chunk of the floor at his face.

* * *

><p>"It is too late, I am hungry." David complained as the League members tended to their respective assignments "And when will mother be back ?"<p>

"Even I can't answer to that question, David." Goku replied, feeling disappointed "I have stopped feeling her ki a while ago. Can't reach her without knowing where she is."

"Even my scans can't find out where she is." Cyborg added looking from the computer screen towards them "It seems as if she has... disappeared."

"She is a not a little girl, I believe that she will be back." Supergirl said.

"Then what do you suggest we do ?" The saiyan queried, scratching his head.

"How about this ?" Shazam raised his hands in the air and wiggled them.

ALAKAZAM ! SHAZAM !

Lightning and smoke appeared and quickly parted, to reveal an apple pie placed on the table.

"You can do that ?!" David's eyes lit up upon seeing his favourite dessert appear on the table. He quickly sat down on the chair and began gobbling it up.

"Perhaps if you don't mind..." Goku trailed off, clutching his stomach and smiling sheepishly at Shazam.

ALAKAZAM ! SHAZAM !

This time, a bowl of soup noodles appeared on the table.

"Soba noodles ! For the Japanese in you !" The magical champion declared with delight.

"Hundred and twenty eighth. But never mind I am hungry." Goku thought as he reached for the bowl, but grabbed only thin air.

"Where is it, gone ?" The saiyan turned in time to see Flash slurping the last bit of the noodle.

"Sorry !" The speedster grinned at him.

"That's not a problem ! Billy can always make me a new one !"

"Here we go."

ALAKAZAM ! SHAZAM !

This time, red pasta was created out of thin air. But just like the last time, it went to the speedster instead of the saiyan.

"Why don't we do it the proper way, then ?" Goku pretended to give him a hard stare as the room fell silent.

"What ?" Flash asked as he chomped down the last morsel.

"An eating competition !" Goku declared with a sinister smile on his face. The crowd gathered around the two as everyone left their work and arrived to the scene.

"I say yes !" Green Lantern chimed in "But Goku you are asking for trouble ! Flash here has some serious appetite."

"What say you, are you in ?" The saiyan mockingly challenged the red speedster.

"Let's see how much saiyans eat." Supergirl said as she joined the discussion "All that planet-busting must be taxing. I say spikey has a real chance in here."

"It really depends upon how much energy one requires." Cyborg chimed in "But I say the energy required to travel at the speed of light is more compared to a solar-system busting. So, I would conclude that Flash wins."

"So what's it gonna be ?" Goku asked once more.

"Say yes !" Everybody cried out "Yes ! Yes ! Yes !"

"Fine." Flash decided, taking a chair for himself.

"But there's a problem." Shazam told everyone "I am only able of producing one item at a time, and we have two competitors."

"That's not a problem !" Powergirl said, stepping forward "We have another one like you, Billy."

"Who ?"

"Adam." The Earth 2 kryptonian pointed out at Black Adam standing passively outside the group. He seemed to be taken aback a bit when she called out his name.

"What ? Me ? I don't think..."

"Shut up and come here !" Powergirl ordered with authority as she grabbed his wrist and pulled him right next to Shazam.

"Eat ! Eat ! Eat !" Everyone cried out.

ALAKAZAM ! SHAZAM !

ALAKAZAM ! SHAZAM !

The two magical champions would soon find out how much food they would have to produce.

* * *

><p>The slash drew out blood from her lower back as she arched in pain, but only momentarily. Regaining her senses, she landed a full-forced backhand on her assailant's neck, snapping it instantly.<p>

War's demeanour was furious, her form perfect, as another one fell to her fury. There were at the most ten people left, and even they were now hesitant in attacking her.

She felt a sudden jab of pain on her shoulder. Someone had stuck a knife in it, all the way to the handle.

Turning quickly around, she grabbed the neck of the individual, lifted him off the ground and threw him to the vacant bar counter, which was across the place. Launching herself upon him on her knees, she rammed his back against the edge of the counter, crashing it down as a result.

She felt it, the sword and the axes trying to maim her back in every way possible, but the strength behind the weapons was not enough to cut right through. Ignoring the pain, she pulled out the knife from her bloodied shoulder and going berserk, stabbed the fallen man relentlessly in the neck, over and over, crying loud while doing that, until blood forced itself out of his mouth.

"Everyone away !" War cried, as a single swoop threw them all off-balance. The toxin had taken a toll on her vision, her control, her balance, her reflexes and now it was affecting her strength too.

One of them managed to duck and evade the strike. Holding his sword firm, he went in for a jab. Diana spun around, missing the blade and grabbing him from the nape of his neck, stabbed him several times in his back.

War threw the knife at the rushing men, catching one of them in the head. There were eight remaining now. One was quickly taken out owing to the fact that he had no weapon and no armoury with him.

Swords and axes and knives followed soon after, each trying to get a piece of their target, each trying to 'kill' War.

She grabbed the axe by the stick and crushed the windpipe of its wielder with a simple chop and using her strength, she tossed him into the trying attackers. She missed out on one though.

Even in the intoxicated state, War managed to block his sword and tripped him forward with her leg. A sudden jerk was enough to make him land face-first on her knee with a crunching sound.

Grabbing his leg and using the dead man as a club, she hammered two other assailants with it; each blow spurting out blood, each blow landing a kill. This followed until only one was left standing.

War silently studied her final prey; covered from head to toe in armour, he was carrying both a shield and a sword and standing in a traditional battle stance.

She realized that the hard part was getting past through the weapon, which could somehow cut her, their bodies would provide no defence even against her weakened strength, even with the 'amp' they had received.

The armoured warrior went in for a diagonal cut, War evaded it but received a full forced blow from the side of the shield on her face. Thinking that she was stunned, the man went in for a jab, but lost his sword when she somersaulted backwards, connecting her foot with his hand.

War avoided another swing of the shield but found herself pushing against it a moment later when it was rammed into her.

A solid punch tore right through the metal as she pulled it out of his hands and tossed it aside. Then she felt herself falling as the person tackled her to the ground. It was grappling time.

Catching hold of his punch from the person on top of her, she locked both of her arms onto his and flexed her muscles. The arm broke like a twig under her strength.

Using her right hand, War pushed his head downwards and twisted herself in the same direction, an instant later she was on top of him. A left hook shattered the man's jaw and propelled his teeth in numerous directions.

Lifting his head up, she slammed it back to the ground viciously, not holding back. Then she lifted it again and slammed it back, the process was repeated again and again until the helmet was nothing but a crumbled piece of metal oozing out red and grey.

It was over, the final assailant had fallen. Or so she thought.

"Well, well, well. I must say that I am impressed." Antonis broke the deathly silence within the room, approaching her steadily "Such a fine display of skills. But I have a question. How will Hephaestus react when he finds out that you have killed his men ? How do you feel upon murdering your brothers, Diana ?"

Diana felt her head swim again, and she was not sure if it was the toxin this time. Was it really true ? It couldn't be, because just yesterday she had met Hephaestus and his men. They were all kind to her. It couldn't be.

"You are lying !" She hissed, trying to fight over the nauseatic feeling of the toxin.

"If I am, then check their faces. Those that you left intact, that is."

The sly grin forced her to take a look around.

She nearly fell down when the truth came crashing down upon her. In her fury and intoxication, she only saw her targets, it never occurred to give them a second look.

"You... you murderer ! You tricked me !" Diana shrieked, which was a mixture of anger, grief and shock.

"Me ? Trickster ?" Antonis feigned surprise, pressing his fingers to his chest "Let me introduce you to the real trickster. And she is standing right besides you."

The heaving Amazon tried to turn her head. It hurt a lot, now that the adrenaline had worn off. Every cut, every bruise and every scratch hurt like hell when she tried to move her muscles. And to make things worse, the toxin was still effective.

But she somehow managed to turn her head, only to meet Hessia.

With an emotional blow more stunning than anything she had faced from her attackers, it dawned upon her; Hessia's insistence upon visiting this place, Antonis' plan, the attack, it was all planned from the very beginning. But why ? The woman she shared the last ties of her culture with, the woman she shared many memorable moments with, the woman she called 'sister', the woman who guided her at every point of time. Why did she do it ? And what dark secrets and fantasies of hers had Hessia shared with Antonis ? Did the fact that Antonis attracted her in ways that Clark had, had anything to do with Hessia ?

"Why ?" Was the only thing Diana managed to utter.

"For you." Hessia replied, clearly trying to choke back her tears. What she said was beyond the rationale of the younger Amazon at that time.

"Sorry to interrupt your private sweet moment, ladies." Antonis spoke, clearing his throat "But I have some good news and some bad news for Diana. You see, the good news is that these men didn't know what they were doing, they were under a spell, so your conscience is clear. The bad news is that Hephaestus had forged these weapons, albeit reluctantly. You have to face me, now !"

The vengeful man removed his jacket and dropped it on the floor and motioned her to move in.

Diana knew she had to, even if every cell of her body cried against it. Who knows when the monster would stop ? And moreover, she could not run away from there, she could not make a 'strategical retreat' , she was in no condition to. The only choice left was to fight.

The badly injured Diana struggled to reach to her jacket's inner pocket; the slashes and cuts had severed some very critical tendons and nerves, and the loss of blood didn't help either. With trembling hands, she fished out a tiny silver locket, and opened it to face David's photo inside. The radiant smile of her son splashed her with a much needed warmth and comfort. His brilliant blue eyes beamed with hope just like his father's had did.

Diana remembered she had promised him to make an apple pie tonight, and just like that, a simple dessert gave her a reason, the courage to face Antonis. She proceeded to fumbly wrap the chain of the locket around her hand. But there was one last thing left.

Closing her eyes she remembered Clark, his blue suit with an 'S' right in the middle of his chest, a symbol of hope for so many people, including her, and never giving up even in the most adverse conditions.

But apart from him there was one more person she remembered and took strength from at that moment; Son Goku, the stupid yet adorable saiyan. She remembered the time he saved her and David from Darkseid, remembered the time when he had broken his body on a regular basis in order to share a hand in her expenses, the time when he had offered to train her son. She also remembered his voracious appetite, his willingness to always help people, his kindness, his benevolence, his wide innocent smile which could soften even the devil's heart, and how he used to rub the back of his neck whenever he did something stupid. And his physique, it was something to die for ! Especially after he came back from his training chamber !

All this time, he never disrespected her, never hurt her; physically or emotionally, and never ever gave her an improper look, in return she always yelled at him or disagreed with him. She know knew the answer to Hessia's question, whether she felt anything towards him.

Yes, even though she never showed it, but after two years of living under the same roof, she felt something more than a friendship towards him, Son Goku. He was her saviour, in every sense. Hell, he even slept with his eyes open for her once !

A soft laugh escaped her mouth when she remembered that instance.

"What ?" Antonis asked in confusion.

Kissing the trembling locket containing her son's photo with her quivering lips, she used all her strength to get up to her feet.

"_I'll be coming home, David and Goku. Just wait a bit longer."_

With each shaky step, Diana approached the madman, and with each confident stride, Antonis closed the gap between him and his target.

"Father Zeus,, watch over me and protect me !" Diana muttered a prayer under her breath.

"Ha ! You know someone usually dies when that prayer is uttered." Antonis told her, laughing bitterly.

The Amazon threw a right haymaker, only to be blocked and a fraction of a second later, her hand was sliced up in three different places.

Retracting the now useless limb, she paused to have a look at his weapon; a sort of crescent knife, with one side a normal blade and the other side serrated, held in each hand. She recognized them immediately; Karambit, a deadly arsenal of Indonesia's Silat fighters.

"Do not look so shocked." Antonis said, studying her expressions "Hephaestus himself forged it, as well as the weapons your brothers were carrying. I find this weapon the deadliest of all in short ranged combat."

Not caring for the 'deadliest of all', Diana threw a left hook, Antonis ducked and slashed at her abdomen, then at the base of left patella, and then the right knee was taken out too. The Amazon's legs gave out as they buckled in under her weight.

Still willing to fight more, she once again jabbed her left at him. It was effectively blocked and the wrist sliced open. He connected a right hook of his own, followed by a swing of his left fist. Both blows drew out blood from her lips and left her concussed.

Antonis bent down to Diana's level, staring her hard in the eyes. It was a look of disdain and contempt that he had.

"Any last words, Amazon ?" The two traits were heard in his voice as well, as if he was doing her an unwanted favour,

"Die, you motherfu..."

Diana's cussing was cut short as she saw Antonis' hand swing and felt a sharp sting in her throat. A wet warmth filled it as she passed out, falling to the ground.

"Never speak ill of my mother."

Were the last words she heard from Antonis, as her sight dimmed and finally blacked out, she could feel her life leaving her body.

_Forgive me David ! Forgive me Goku !_

* * *

><p><strong>I know it came in as a shocker, but Diana had it coming.<strong>

**Powergirl/ Black Adam pairing is something which has never been attempted before and I shall try it.**

**What were H'el and Zor-El doing with Luthor and Wayne ?**

**Now that we know what had caused Antonis to hate the Amazons like this, the question is - What on earth caused the benevolent Hippolyta to avenge the Amazons like this ? And what had Eva, Antonis' mother exactly done ?**

**Find out in the next chapter.**

**And yeah, the discotheque scene is inspired by a certain movie, little known but widely acclaimed as the best action movie ever made. Any guesses ? ( Special preview to anyone who gives the right answer ) This entire arc will continue to be inspired by that movie.**

**Thank you for being patient and please do review. At least tell me whether you liked the chapter or not, it is frustrating to get so many hits and so little reviews. I do make sure to review every fic I read, so why don't we all join the review revolution ? **

**Please leave your thoughts regarding this chapter.**

**Once again, thank you and god bless you all !**

**And once again, A HAPPY DUSSHERA !**


	14. Chapter 14 Game: Part 2

**Hello guys, I am back with this chapter.**

**First of all I'd like to congratulate 15songoku for completing the challenge. The scene is from The Raid 2 and I highly recommend it for all action buffs ! **

**Thank you once again for the wonderful reviews and bearing the long 20k chapter ! It is nice to know that you have faith in me.**

**The responses to the reviews :-**

**Is Diana dead ?**

**You will have to read to find out.**

**Superiornite – We sorted it out.**

**SaiyaStyles and Sabere Commander and mdhunter111 – Thanks !**

**Plasmic – Thanx !**

**Ulquoirra Schiffer – Thank you once again.**

**XxAnimusxx2016 – You are the man !**

**Guests – Stop insulting each other's mothers please !**

**Ahlerot – I replied.**

**RR – Here is the update.**

**Kazuma Bushi – I am glad you liked it bro !**

**Anyways, enjoy guys.**

* * *

><p>HAAAH !<p>

David charged at Goku with full speed, but the latter casually evaded it. Seeing his mentor standing to his side, the son of Superman launched a punch at him which Goku had no trouble deflecting. Another strike was effortlessly blocked as the saiyan held it firmly in his hands.

David tried to kick hard, but Goku's arm length was more than enough to keep him at bay. The next instant, the boy was toppled off his feet.

Not deciding to give up, he once again launched at the saiyan, this time deciding to use his flight.

He missed again, but instead of coming to a halt, he kept propelling forward in the trajectory.

"Help !" David cried, seeing himself moments away from crashing into a solid metal wall. Thankfully, Goku caught him by the leg in the nick of time.

"Gosh ! That wall would have had a brand new hole torn through it !" The saiyan said, placing his protégé softly on the floor. By the looks of it, Diana's son had not yet mastered his full potential. Nor did he expect him to in such a short period of time.

David remained silent, making a sad face.

"What ? Why the long face ?" Goku queried, sensing his sadness.

"Am I useless ? Would dad be ashamed of me right now ?" The boy seemed saddened by his lack of control over his powers.

"Hey, who told you that ?" Goku face showed worry upon seeing the boy upset.

David began playing with the hem of his shirt, avoiding the question.

"David, who told you that ?!" The saiyan repeated, this time a bit firmly.

"Jon Lane Kent." David told him "I was curious to see him after learning of his origin and father. So, I sneaked up to him and he let out all dirty kind of things."

"Oh, David !" Goku held him close to his chest for quite some time before letting go "Remember this, never let others influence you or berate you. Because at the end of the day what matters is who you are, not what others tell you to be. Diana is pretty much proud of you and so would have been Superman if he was alive today."

"But dad is not alive. So, are you proud of me ?"

* * *

><p>It was all dizzy for Helena Wayne when she finally woke up from her comatose state.<p>

Cyborg, who was in charge of daily operations and machinery and who also happened to be part machine himself, was the first to note the positive changes in her vital signs' reading. He was quick to inform it to the other league members.

"_All League members report immediately to the medical bay !"_

It was not long before the Justice League arrived at the ordered designation. There were smiles, ecstasies and relief all raining down upon Helena as she stared with half-closed eyes at them, unaware of her surroundings.

"Where am I ?" Helena Wayne quizzed clutching the side of his head.

"Hey, Hel. Welcome back !"

Powergirl did nothing to conceal her feelings, proceeding to hug her tightly and rock back and forth. It was not until her Earth 2 companion squealed to let go off her.

"Sorry, Hel. I just got a little excited. But since you are back with us, the party's on me." Powergirl declared, pumping her fist in the air.

"Come, there is a lot I have to show you." She continued, catching hold of her wrist and pulling her off the bed.

However, a loud thump made her stop.

Helena Wayne was on the ground when Powergirl turned around to have a look.

"Wasn't that a bit rushed ?" Flash said, looking at the Earth 2 kryptonian, while helping Helena up "Shouldn't you wait for the post coma effects to subside ? I mean, she has been comatosed for the past five years, her motor neurons would be all shut down and..."

"Oh my god !" Helena gasped at the revelation "I have been out for five years ?! I guess I can kiss my youth goodbye now. What all did I miss by the way ?"

"Nothing much." Green Lantern quipped, as Cyborg produced a hologram of all the major events that had occurred in the past five years "As you can see, our time was quite peaceful. But two years back, Darkseid decided to pay us a visit, and he brought friends along in the form of amped evil kryptonians, whose leader was Zod. But a certain saviour defeated him and managed to send the ugly bastard running back to his momma."

"Who defeated Darkseid ?!" Helena once again queried, not believing what she had just heard. In her frame of mind, 'defeat' and 'Darkseid' were never put together in a sentence.

"Son Goku !" Supergirl excitedly pointed out "Is our saviour ! For that, we will be forever thankful to him ! Especially me."

"Can you come a little closer please ?" Helena requested, which the saiyan didn't deny.

As Goku passed through the group of superheroes, he was patted on the back many times for his legendary heroics. He felt sticking a knife to his eye; two freaking years and it still was not over.

"A little closer please ?"

Helena's request seemed odd as she motioned with her finger to lean a bit more.

Goku was expecting another kiss; afterall, that was what he got from Diana and both the Karas after he was done with the evil god.

SMACK !

A hard fist landed across his cheek.

Goku let out a yelp, more out of surprise than the force, which he barely felt. The collective gasps of the League nearly sucked the air out of the room.

"You defeated Darkseid ?" Helena's face was distorted in rage and disgust "You should have killed him ! He will be back for revenge !"

"But I don't kill unless there is no other way ! Hey, that was mean !" Goku backed off a bit, seeing the woman cock her fist.

Hearing that, the daughter of Earth 2's Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle dropped her head, lost in some thought of her own, her long raven hair masking her expressions.

"That was rude, I know. I am sorry. Waking up to find that you have lost so many years of your life is not a mood-maker by any means. And thank you for saving Earth." She let out after calming herself down.

"So ? Kara ! When do we party ?" She asked, looking at her childhood friend.

"That's my Helena !" Powergirl gave her a side hug.

"Welcome back to the League !" Billy beamed, waving at her.

"Ah yes ! Billy Batson, the man-child right ? SHAZAM ! I see you have grown older."

"But not as old as you." The magical champion was quick to reply.

"_There will be revenge !" _Helena Wayne thought, seething within.

"Child, I want a word with you." Black Adam, motioned him with his head to walk with him.

Billy and Adam quietly left the place as the League members were busy with the woken Helena.

It was quite some time before Black Adam spoke,

"So, I suppose you witnessed the destruction and mayhem caused yesterday."

Billy gave him an annoyed look before crossing his arms across his chest,

"I guess you were there too. What's your point ?"

"Our powers."

The young champion did not understand,

"Our powers ? What of it ? Stop talking cryptic and be specific !"

"Fine." Black Adam sighed heavily "You were there in the fight when our world was being ravaged. The world the Wizard entrusted us to protect. Yet, we failed. It was the alien that saved us. You do realize that our powers were outmatched. And there was nothing we could do."

The younger champion nodded slowly in understanding. After thinking for quite some time, he let out his thoughts,

"Yes, they were scary strong. So what do you want to say ?"

"I want to say that our adversaries are getting more powerful, child. You and me, we may not be able to protect our world much longer and the saiyan is not from our reality, you do realize."

"What do you suggest then ?"

"We are the last two who tap into the magic of the Rock of Eternity. Perhaps if you could channel your power through me, we will be able to keep up. Keep up with their armours and strange powers. If you know what I mean."

"If it comes to that, we will think about it. But it can be done the other way round too. If you know what I mean."

The Kahndaqi champion let out a soft laugh through his nose, amused by his younger counterpart's defiance,

"Child, I have more centuries of experience with these powers than you have in years. I am certainly your better, at least until the point when you do not learn to fully harness it. Till then, you should learn to act responsibly. These are not the times for foolish pride."

"I will..."

"Hey, Adam !" Powergirl waved at him, disrupting the two champions' conversation.

"I wanted to say something." She said, approaching him with a smile.

"I must leave now." Billy Batson excused himself from the scene, flashing a disapproving look at the kryptonian.

"I wanted to introduce you to Helena." Powergirl said, turning towards Black Adam "But you left without a word. Anyways, I came in here to say thanks. You saved my girl. Now the duo is back, World's Finest ! And all thanks to you, Adam."

Black Adam felt her curvaceous figure wrap tight around his masculine body. He could smell the subtle perfume that she wore at that time, its fragrance arousing something deep inside him, something which he had not felt over so many years.

"I am sorry !" Powergirl suddenly broke her embrace as she backed off, surprised by her own actions "I was just so thankful ! I mean, it has been for so long that I and Hel wanted to go back to our own world, where we grew together. And she fell into a coma when one of the experiments went wrong. I would have blamed myself for my entire life if Helena hadn't woken up. And I would certainly have been a steaming pile of flesh yesterday if you hadn't intervened. But thank god you came !"

"Hmmm ! I think that makes me your saviour." Black Adam said, flashing a lopsided smile at her.

"Yeah kind of ! Consider yourself lucky, ancient man !" She chirped, returning the smile "Your Voodoo saved both me and Hel. Which makes me ask, why are you doing this ?"

Black Adam fell into an awkward silence, clearly reflecting upon something from his past life. Powergirl saw as his face turned from a powerful champion's to that of a grieving man, someone who had lost everything dear to him. She understood; the war that he had witnessed.

"You know I had a wife, a family back then ?" He spoke, breaking the silence and letting his grief out "That was before Ibac, leader of the invaders came to Kahndaq, my home. They were ruthless and quickly took over. Slavery and death followed. Many men were killed or enslaved, women suffered a worse fate. The invaders took my wife too, and raped her to death in front of my eyes. My children were snatched away from me and bludgeoned till they were lifeless.

I myself suffered a fate worse than death as they threw me into slavery. Day and night, I was forced to labour the heavy work, until one day I met my nephew Aman. You know the rest. Billy Batson told you of the horrors I committed, did he tell you of the horrors I went through ?"

"I am sorry for your loss, Black Adam; your wife and children taken away from you in the worst way possible. You didn't deserve the life you got." Kara's voice was heavy with sympathy as she placed a hand on his shoulder, offering him comfort. She could only imagine what poor Teth went through.

"Why do you care ? I mean, it happened four millennia ago. Perhaps the house of El wasn't even thought of back then."

"But the pain never dies down, Adam. I saw both my family and friends killed in war. I know how it feels."

"You know why am I doing this ? Because back then, I couldn't save the ones I loved, but this time I have pledged to !"

Black Adam threw an aura of electricity around him as he charged himself to his fullest. Powergirl watched in amazement as the former champion basked her with an awe-inpsiring blue light.

"By the way, do you like coffee ? We have a few good coffee shops down there on Earth. Or perhaps you would like some shawarma ?"

"Thank you, Kara. But some other day."

The saviour of Kahndaq slowly turned around to leave the room leaving behind a smitten Kara lost to her thoughts.

* * *

><p>"What are you doing, Goku ?" Supergirl asked as she witnessed the saiyan focused in a deep meditation, his two fingers placed on his forehead.<p>

"Searching for Diana. She hasn't returned since yesterday." Goku replied, keeping his fingers placed on his forehead "Can you help me please ? I mean she is your cousin's wife."

"She is not his wife, they never married. And they have a child ! Only if uncle Jor and aunt Lara could know !" Kara Zor-El was quick to complain.

"Diana is not what you are implying her to be, Kara ! So, please can you help me find her ?" Goku was a little stern with his request, not making it sound like one.

"Okay, fine ! Just don't be mad at me." Kara backed off a bit, raising her hands in defence.

She then proceeded to leave the Watchtower orbiting high in space and rocketed towards Earth, leaving behind a trail of fire.

**30 minutes later**

"Sorry ! I found no sign of her." Supergirl told the Justice League as soon as she arrived on the Watchtower.

"Did you check it properly ?" Shazam asked.

"I am pretty much sure, Billy. My senses are kryptonian. I could hear a lot of people talk down there, could listen to their heartbeats. And trust me, I found no voice or beat pattern that matched Diana's. I even scanned the entire planet with my telescopic vision, blitzed the world with super-speed, but to no avail."

Supergirl had done what she had said.

"And I have hacked into every live camera, every database and every satellite. If Diana shows up, we will know." Cyborg added.

"Will mommy be back ?" David asked, worrying over his mother's absence. During the last thirty minutes that his aunt had gone searching for her, his face had saddened, turning him from a jovial boy into a tensed one.

"Don't worry David, we will find her." Goku assured him, placing a hand on his back.

"What did Diana tell you when you last saw her ?" Cyborg inquired, apparently running some program internally.

"She told me that she and Hessia were going for their yearly Themysciran visit." The saiyan told him, hoping to find a solution "You know to pay their last respects and ensure that the gates to Tartarus are well sealed. After that she came back and went with Hessia once again to some discotheque. They never told me where, though."

"Bruce would have been helpful, with all his reserves." Green Lantern thoughtfully said, placing his chin between his thumb and finger "But he and Lex are currently not in a state to help, they are resting in the medical bay. So there is only one option left; my Green Lantern ring."

With that Hal Jordan brought his ring finger up for everyone to see.

"Ring, scan for Diana of Themyscira." He gallantly ordered.

_Scanning... scanning... scanning... Diana of Themyscira, not found. _

_Current location: Unknown._

The ring blipped off with that piece of information.

"That can't be ! The ring knows everything ! It should have been able to find Diana. What's wrong ?!" Hal Jordan couldn't believe that the ring had failed to locate her.

"Uhh.. guys ! Care to check this one out ?" Cyborg's voice called out from their communicator.

Rushing to the monitor room, they were immediately floored by a wild array of images. They were in reality, broadcasts from around the world, from various news channels across the world in various languages showing various locations. But they all had one thing in common; people protesting outside the regional headquarters of the World Council.

Cyborg effectively put one of the channels to full-screen mode.

_...as people continue to display their absolute intolerance for yesterday's events. As you can see the police are barely able to keep the protestors at bay._

The camera view shifted towards the barricade that the armoured cops had put up to shield the headquarters from getting swarmed by the horde. The fact that they had to arm themselves with visors, batons and shields suggested that the situation was very bad around there.

_Meanwhile, we have confirmed reports of riots breaking in various parts of the world demanding an answer from the World Council and the Justice League regarding the incidents that took place yesterday. The event resulted in at least three cities; Detroit, Paris and Mumbai getting wrecked, leaving hundreds dead and a few dozen lot missing. We have unconfirmed reports that the source of the tragedy, the beings who caused the catastrophe, were kryptonian. But as of yet, nothing has been confirmed._

The camera was forcibly swung to a side by someone, revealing it to be a bearded man with a firetorch in his hands,

"Down with the aliens ! Down with the diplomats !"

Twenty more people joined his hooting, throwing their hands repeatedly in the air, as the female reporter was pushed and nudged from the sides.

_As you can see,_ _the situation is clearly getting out of control. People have taken to the streets, angered by yesterday's destruction. _

Her voice was clearly showing fear and distress as twenty more 'protestors' joined in from behind.

"Down with the Council ! Down with the Council !" The chanting grew louder and louder as more people swarmed in.

_People are getting out of control ! I fear for my own safety, but I say this; it is only a matter of minutes before chaos ensues and takes over this entire place. We all hope that the World Council does keep..._

Her quivering voice was drowned by the shouts of the men, as they flooded the screen, completely drowning the lady reporter in the crowd. The camera was knocked over, and the only things one could see and hear were the feet of people running helter-skelter and a tear gas being released. The feed went off soon after.

"We must do something, this is getting out of control !" Green Lantern gasped after understanding the gravity of the situation "Cyborg, coordinate all our headquarters ! I will head for our premier headquarters in London, Supergirl might be needed in Washington, Shazam; you calm the people in Moscow. I believe Flash can handle Melbourne by himself."

"Where do we both go ?" Goku asked Hal Jordan, ready to help at any cost.

"You and David can head for New Krypton. I am pretty much sure they would like to know why their top scientist and military leader are missing."

"Hey, can I join them too ?" Supergirl chimed in "Seeing that I am the link between Earth and Krypton, I might be able to help."

"Yeah, fine." Green Lantern agreed and proceeded to turn towards Cyborg,

"Victor, once you are through contacting the allies, make yourself present in Washington."

"And I can be back here, guard the Watchtower." Powergirl added, raising her hand "Helena needs some tending. Bruce and Lex are not in a state to travel as well."

"It is done then. League, off to your duties !" Green Lantern ordered them as they dissipated to their assigned destinations.

* * *

><p>"So, how is H'el ?" Goku asked as the three of them; him, David and Kara Zor-El teleported inside Krypton.<p>

"Zod's blast was pretty nasty. He is still knocked out." Supergirl answered, leading them towards the High Council.

"Pretty bad, I must say. Aren't you like, together or something ?" The saiyan asked, locking his fingers and placing them behind his head as he continued to walk forward.

"Yes, but we broke up a few months back. H'el is a busy man."

"But he is a good man".

* * *

><p>Karen Starr a.k.a Powergirl a.k.a Kara Zor-L was alone in the Watchtower monitoring the earthly activities and as well as guarding the League's headquarters; the rest had been assigned peace-keeping duties on Earth. That left her with the following people onboard; a still knocked out H'el, a temporarily paralyzed Helena Wayne, and injured Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor, along with some deadly prisoners like Jon Lane kent and Dru-Zod.<p>

"Great !" She said to herself, grunting over her luck "I have cripples and criminals for company ! Well done Kara, well done !"

Powergirl decide to end the sarcasm and focus on the monitor when suddenly her sharp senses picked up something, or someone.

"I hope adding a powerful magical champion to the list won't hurt you." Black Adam halted his approach upon seeing her turn.

"But I thought..."

"Hal forgot to assign me a duty, and since he didn't assign you too, I chose to remain silent." He said.

"Hmmm. Is that so ?" The kryptonian queried with a tempting smile, crossing her arms.

"What if I say yes ?"

"Then be it." She stepped closer. The two of them stopped barely an inch from each other, and proceeded to...

TWEEK ! TWEEK !

"Oh crap ! Now what ?!" Powergirl complained as the monitor rang.

"Uh, Adam. I think H'el has woken up. We better check on him." She said, sprinting towards the medical chamber.

Upon reaching the chamber, they both found H'el lying in a pod with all kinds of monitor and syringes tending to him, much like an Intensive Care Unit. The screen showing his brain readings had spiked up. Upon seeing the two, H'el passed them a weak smile,

"Hello Kara, hello Adam."

He tried to get up but was quickly put back to his pod by Powergirl.

"Now you rest as much as you can. It is good to finally see you woken up." She said.

"Zod's blast was wicked, I can't believe I am waking up the day after ! And so many people injured because of the fight ! How cruel is that !"

"Don't think too much about it, H'el. You saved an entire city from being drowned. You are a saviour. You need anything, just let me know."

"Can I see the other Kara, Kara ?" The pale kryptonian requested.

"I am sorry but the rest of the League is off to quell the anger that has risen amongst the people for yesterday's events. You won't believe it H'el, but people have taken to the streets demanding action to be taken against the Kryptonians. The League won't be back by tomorrow morning and Goku and Kara have gone to Krypton to inform about the true happenings, you know, Zod and stuff."

H'el nodded slightly as he digested the piece of information, deciding to spend the rest of his time alone, he requested them to switch off the lights on the way out.

* * *

><p>"How are you, Faora ?" Kara Zor-El asked, accompanied by Goku, Zor-El and a doctor and two medical attendants.<p>

"You didn't kill him, did you ? My Zod ?" Faora asked Goku directly, a pleading look in her eyes.

"No, I didn't. But he most certainly killed a lot of people." Goku said, trying to avoid her gaze as much as possible "He wreaked havoc for no reason yesterday. He almost killed Bruce and Lex yesterday. He destroyed cities yesterday. He beat H'el to a pulp yesterday. I say he deserves more than just being locked up in a safe place."

"I know his actions were clouded by his love for me, and his thirst for vengeance." The injured kryptonian spoke in an understanding manner "And I know what he did is unacceptable, and probably unforgivable. But ask this to yourself; if it was Diana in place of me lying on this bed, would you have let it pass ?".

* * *

><p>"We will bring Zod in tomorrow, if that suits you, father." Kara Zor-El told her scientist father as he, Kara and Goku discussed matters unfolding on Earth. In the absence of a Council leader and a military general, it was Zor-El who had been nominated as a temporary Council leader, granting him somewhat of a complete authority over Krypton.<p>

"We share our concern with people of Earth." Zor-El said, nodding his head "It is only natural for their trust to waver in these difficult times. But rest assured, Krypton will always be an ally to this planet."

"Then I shall reprimand Zod before you, personally." Goku made sure to stress on the last word.

"About the ally thing father, I am not sure they think of us that way." Kara Zor-El said, taking a trip down memory lane "This world is not kind to outsiders; Kal-El was tortured by Lex Luthor, the very same person who is now the World Leader, WRAITH was treated merely as a weapon, and even I was subjected to various hostilities before things settled down. Humans fear what they cannot understand, what they cannot control and today's events have solidified my belief."

"And that is where you are incorrect Kara." Goku spoke almost as soon as she had finished, waving his finger side to side "My time in this world may have been short, but it has been observing. I stood as Earth's defender watching over its people. They are just afraid of another invasion.

You guys are supposed to help them for you are the House of El, the house of hope. Don't you think that a little hope at this time might be useful ? Kal-El stood for it, and now that he is gone, it is your duty to carry his legacy, and in time David will. You just need to set an example, an ideal to strive forward, something to look up to, like they did to Superman."

* * *

><p>"This is something serious that is happening, we need to act as soon as possible." Lex said as he got up to sit on his bed, which was alongside Bruce Wayne's.<p>

"This was bound to happen, Lex. Wrecked up cities never leave happy people behind. Regardless of our condition, the first thing we do tomorrow morning is address the world. Where is the rest of the League, Karen ?"

"They will be staying in their respective destinations for the night, you know to cool the hotheads down there. If I had my way, I would throw them all into the sea." Powergirl replied, clenching her fist. The image of the reporter being assaulted was still running fresh in her mind.

"Very well then, we act tomorrow."

The kryptonian turned off the lights and silently crept out of the room.

"What is the situation then ?" She was greeted by Black Adam as soon as she exited the room.

"The World Council would be addressing the world tomorrow morning. Bruce and Lex are using the night to rest as much as possible. Goku and Kara would be staying at Krypton, and the League isn't coming back till tomorrow morning."

"So we have the night to ourselves." Adam joked, passing a smile.

"Oh please ! Do not take pride in yourself." Powergirl returned the smile.

"So, what is the world going to hear from the League tomorrow ?"

"That only grumpy ass and baldy freak can tell."

"I hope you are not referring to Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor."

"Actually, I was." She said "I am really sick of Bruce's constant bossy behaviour, always ordering things; it really gets on my nerves."

The kryptonian then pretended to pull her blonde hair apart.

"You know, he might not be as bad as you think him to be, Kara." Black Adam's words caused her to look at him in doubt and disbelief "He is a man who lost everything, his love, Selina Kyle, his children and even his best friend, Clark Kent. I doubt he would be risking any future losses, he just wants everyone to be safe."

"Didn't you lose everything too ?" Powergirl questioned him, looking deep in his onyx eyes "That didn't make you grumpy and irritating. You don't mask your vengeance with a false sense of responsibility."

"Actually, I miss her everyday, my wife." Adam confessed, looking down at the ground "I remember the look in her eyes when she died, I couldn't do anything. I remember how my children looked at me for help, but I couldn't do anything. But I sympathize with Bruce Wayne, never again shall any harm, direct or indirect, come to this world."

Powerful electric bolts exited from his eyes and the huge thunder sign across the length of his torso. Powergirl knew that he was now dead serious.

"So you'll end up like Bruce, you mean to say, Teth."

The lightning bolts stopped running as Black Adam looked at her,

"Nobody has called me Teth since my wife."

The simultaneous look of both joy and sorrow in his eyes made her pity him.

"I know the feeling, Teth." Powegirl said, placing a hand on his shoulder "I saw my loved ones die too before my eyes, Kal-El, Lois Lane, Bruce Wayne, Diana, everyone. I eventually learned to move along, use my rage, my power for the betterment of the people."

She stepped closer to him,

"How long has it been since you held a woman in your arms, kissed her in the lips ?"

"Very long, Kara." He replied, staring into her jewel-like blue eyes, and then drifting down her full red lips.

They hesitated for a brief moment, but quickly embraced each other in a hot blooded kiss. Black Adam quickly wrapped his arms around her meaty waist and pulled her close, close enough for his heart to beat through her bosom. As he quickly gained the advantage in ferocity, they both stumbled to the ground, still locked in the lustful kiss. The night would be theirs.

[ To know what happened, read In the realm of senses ]

* * *

><p>She wasn't sure what woke her up, but what she did feel was a distinct wet and cool sensation over her face, forcing her to open her eyes. Her vision still seemed blurry when she tried to focus on something, anything. The dizziness, although not severe as before, was still there. Her hands were now tied behind her back and upwards, causing her to dangle at least a feet in the air. She took a look down and was shocked to see that she was wearing a white flowing Greek robe much like the one in Paradise Island. How much time had passed since then ? A day ? A week ? A month ? Where was she ?<p>

"Hey whore ! Wake up." She felt someone slapping her face lightly.

Her dazed vision slowly corrected itself to reveal Antonis standing in front of her, with a devious grin on his face.

Diana immediately struggled hard to break her bonds off, the fury building within her too much to handle. Once free, she would have great pleasure in snapping the cowardly man's neck !

"Cut me lose now !" She barked, twisting and turning in an attempt to free herself.

"Listen, Diana. You better..."

Antonis' sentence was cut short when a kick was placed under his chin by Diana. Swishing his tongue within his mouth, he tasted something warm and salty; his blood.

"Never do that again." He warned.

"Cut me off !" She again began kicking and writhing until he held her tight by the nape of her neck and pulled her face close to his, producing a knife out of his pocket.

"You see this ?" He hissed furiously "Another weappon forged by Hephaestus. You stop your little tantrums princess or I will slash this blade across your pretty face so many times that your son won't be able to recognize you. You stay still and we can talk about this, got it ?"

Diana stopped struggling, but didn't stop staring daggers at him as he let his grip off her.

"Good." Antonis said smiling "It seems to work on every woman !"

She noticed a familiar figure standing behind him; one with dark skin and short cropped blonde hair.

"Why did you this, Hessia ?" Diana asked her painfully, bordering near tears. All the cuts and bruises did not hurt as much as the older Amazon's betrayal. She was the only one Diana trusted completely, and now because of the same trust, she was tied up.

"I did this for you, Diana." Hessia said, not making any eye contact with her "He swore a fate worse than death for you, if I hadn't done this. At least you are alive."

"Alive ?" The princess mocked her explanation "I am tied up and helpless, at the mercy of a madman threatening to distort me. There aren't many things that can be considered worse than this for an Amazon."

"Speaking of Amazons..." Antonis decided to interrupt their conversation, having heard enough from a distance "The reason you are here is because of your heritage, Diana, because you are an Amazon. The reason I am here is because hate your very existence. The Amazons, I mean."

"Why are you doing this ?" Diana asked as soon as he turned around "What do you want ? And where are we ?"

"Why ? Yes, now we're talking !" Antonis replied with a sinister grin on his face "We are in a place separated from time and space, where your saiyan cannot sense us. So tell me, have you ever heard of Eva ?"

"Rings a bell, yes." She said flatly "My mother and our queen Hippolyta shared the story with us, about Eva and how she betrayed her fellow Amazons for a man. She was an outcast by all means. I believe she had been executed, but I don't think that it was a fair decision."

"It doesn't matter what you think !" Antonis roared, causing everyone in the room to flinch. Realizing that, he quickly calmed himself.

"You have no idea what secrets your mother took to her grave." He continued, albeit in a composed manner "Lies were what fed to you and your sisters while you skipped around. Let me tell you the story.

Once upon a time, a long time back, we don't know how or why, an injured man washed up to the shores of Themyscira or 'Paradise Island' as you like to call it. The queen was new blood at that time, desperately wanting a child at that time, so the man was decided to be kept as a lamb for slaughter. To be done away with once used, as is the tradition with the Amazons. Hippolyta's personal guard was kept to watch over and nurse the man back to health."

"And that was Eva." Diana declared.

"That is correct ! And also, she did kill her sisters. But do you know what drove her to that ?"

The Amazon remained silent, unable to answer the man's question. The story had been told to her just once, and that was long time ago, never to be mentioned again.

"Well then, if you don't know, I'll tell you. Eva was then assigned as the man's caretaker, in charge of nursing him back to health and protecting him from any outside harm, for he was to be submitted to the queen after getting fit.

Now, each day of caressing and tending to his wounds had an effect; they both fell in love. And one fateful night, the caretaker betrayed her queen and slept with the man, finally unleashing all the love and passion she had for him, not knowing what crisis she was bringing upon herself.

The Amazons found out the next morning, and caused a furore among the Hippolyta's close ranks. Everyone cried for blood, and branded Eva a traitor. But the queen was kind and benevolent, she killed the man for his insolence."

"No !" Diana refused to believe him, looking defiantly in his eyes "My mother would never do such a thing !"

"Stupid girl, how can you be so ignorant ? Don't you know that the Amazons were always evil, reclusive low-lives despite whatever greatness they proclaimed ? Don't you know that your so-called legacy is built upon nothing but secrets and lies ?

But getting back to the story, the benevolent queen Hippolyta had the man killed but spared Eva on one condition; if it was a boy it would be thrown off a cliff to be eaten by the sharks while still alive, or a harpy eagle might feed it to her chicks.

So nine months, the poor woman spent locked in a prison awaiting her fate, during which she was kicked and spat on for her 'darings'. But she never retaliated, for she had a child to whelp. And after suffering months of torments, she finally found her antidote in the wailing child, knowing that her womb had fed it for nine months. So lost was she in her joy that she completely forgot that it was a boy.

It was then decided, the cursed child could live no more. Eva could not bear it; her own flesh and blood snatched away and thrown into the rocks. So began the massacre at Paradise Island. Two guards were killed initially, then twenty more followed. The mother slaughtered anyone who stood in her way and successfully left the island."

"And let me guess, you are the child." Diana concluded, her face a bit less harsh than it was a few minutes before.

"You are a smart lady, Diana, I will give you that. But this story doesn't end here." Antonis continued "You see, my mother found shelter in the man's world, the same world she was taught to hate, and raised me.

It was in front of her that I took my first steps, that I first learned to speak 'mother' and feel her warm kiss on my cheek. My mother was my world as I was hers. She never failed to pray to the Olympians, thanking them for me and the peaceful life we had; we were poor, but we were happy. I still remember her face muzzling into my neck during bedtime, tickling me all over.

But it is wrong what they say about the past; that you can bury it. Because the thing is, that your past always finds you out.

As it did me and my mother. We were eventually found out by those reclusive whores, lusted by revenge. Even then the three of them, your mother included, were no match for my mother. But one of them took a cheap shot and fell her.

I watched in horror as my mother's life was ended in front of my eyes, as I kept begging for them to stop. I was next; the back of my neck sliced open and left to bleed to death."

Diana said nothing as she realized the atrocities he had gone through, the sight of his mother murdered, and then the mortal wound. She had somewhat began sympathising with Antonis, making his actions a little more justifiable than before. However she still had her doubts,

"I am sorry for your grievances, Antonis. But that's not my mother would do !" Diana was pretty much sure that the woman who gave birth to her, who brought her up, queen Hippolyta was incapable of such horrors. All her life, she had shown kindness and benevolence.

But wasn't it true that she had hid the truth about Diana's birth from her ? Or the fact that it was under her rule that the Amazons had gone around murdering innocent men and discarding unwanted baby boys ? So was it too farfetched to imagine that she could have led such an assault ?

"I had to hold my neck in place within my shoulders in fear of letting it fall off." He ignored her "For three days and three nights, I sat like that under a tree. Without a morsel of food, without a drop of water, without a moment's sleep, just to keep my head from falling off, all the while watching crows feed on my mother's corpse."

"No !" Diana countered, refusing to believe the presumed lie "My mother cannot do that !"

"I got up on the fourth day with numb legs and stiff hands; thirst, hunger and sleep haunting me and caught the first crow I could and smashed it with a rock and again and again until it was a grey smear against the ground. I have hated crows ever since.

So, I had to burn my mother's body as I bade her a tearful goodbye. Placing two coins on her eyes for the ferryman, I kissed her brow for one final time, before setting the pyre on fire. I vowed to have my revenge as the fire's heat touched my face.

Salvaging everything I could, I reached Hessia's home, where she took me in like a son and sheltered me."

Diana saw a tear stream down his eyes as he told his story.

"And for obvious reasons, I could not reveal his existence to you, Diana." Hessia explained, more of urged her to understand "You wouldn't have been able to handle it. Antonis wouldn't have spared you if he found out."

"My life is a lie." Diana sobbed softly, fresh tears ready to burst forth from within as she hung her head in grief and shame.

"And you have no one to blame but your sisters." Antonis said "See what I told you about the Amazons ? It is funny that I know them better than you."

"I am sorry, Antonis !"

"For what ?"

"For everything; for your loss, for the pains you suffered, for your ruined life. I apologize for that, I know it doesn't set anything right, but still, know that I feel your grief. Just like you, I have seen my loved ones die."

"But not the way I have seen my mother butchered, you whore ! I was a weed since my birth, unwanted and despised. My mother braved everything to make sure that I lived, giving up her family, giving up her home and your mother killed her ! She took away the only person who ever loved me ! And your father Zeus, I prayed to him each day and the dog didn't show up when I needed him the most, in fact none of the Olympian swines came to our help that day.

If it wasn't for the caring Hessia, you would have died a long time ago. I have spent a great deal of my time training under a variety of pantheons of gods; the Hindus, the Chinese, the Aztecs and so on. I have mastered skills that you have never seen. Add in this Red Lantern ring, and you have an adversary not to be taken lightly."

He held his ring up, glowing in full crimson as the heat emitted caused Diana to back away from the source.

"Now you know what rage lies within my heart, see how much I loved my mother ? Speaking of which, come let's meet her."

Without any warning, Antonis grabbed a fistful of Diana's hair and dragged her by it towards the undisclosed destination.

* * *

><p>"Okay, so let's go wake the two of them up." Green Lantern declared as the rest of the League met at the meeting hall.<p>

All of them had been back from their respective assignments, even Goku, Supergirl and David had been back form Krypton to report to the meeting.

"Fine, let us then deliver Zod to Krypton." Goku said.

"And the blue star armour along with it." Supegirl added, nodding at him.

"I would suggest otherwise." Black Adam said, lightly shaking his head.

"And why so ?" The kryptonian was quick to cross her arms.

"Because I have a feeling that whoever or whatever is murdering the kryptonians, is still in there. Taking the armour there would further complicate matters I believe."

"Done then, the armour stays here." Hal decided.

"Okay then, Kara, David, let's deliver Zod to Krypton." Supergirl and her nephew placed a hand on the saiyan's shoulder and within a blink of an eye, they disappeared with Zod.

"So, now what ?" Shazam asked, looking at Hal.

"We get Bruce and Luthor." The Green Lantern answered, turning around to head for their room.

"I would advise against it."

Jon Lane Kent was there, free from his cell, wearing a sinister smile on his face.

"How the hell ?" Cyborg gasped. He had double checked all the security firewalls the moment he had arrived and found everything perfect. There was no way anyone could have escaped unless...

"Don't look so surprised all of you." Jon sneered "You thought you imprisoned me ? The only way that was possible was that Iet you. And as a token of appreciation for your warm hospitality, I have a gift."

Floating out of nowhere, the blue star armour stopped right behind him, and the kryptonian hybrid from the alternate future smoothly slipped inside it.

"I hope you enjoy it !"

An instant later, Flash found himself frozen, unable to move a muscle. He budged hard but failed to improve his state.

"H'el's powers are quite impressive, I must say." The kryptonian hybrid said "His telekinesis and telepathy are top class. Too bad he isn't alive anymore to receive my gratitude."

A shocking expression filled everyone's face as the truth dawned upon them; the time travelling Teen Titans had once informed them of Jon Lane Kent's unique ability to absorb the powers of the metahumans he kills. And his latest victim was now H'el, killed in his sleep by the mad teen.

"You... you murdered H'el !" Flash coughed as the telekinetic grip around him tightened.

"Yes ! And your powers will be mine too once I am through with you. Your Speed Force is formidable, making you the most dangerous metahumans present in this tower, and hence the obvious choice as my first target."

"No !" Green Lantern cried as he fired a fist shaped green construct, only to be broken upon contact with the armour clad Jon.

"Your light poses no threat to me, Lantern. Nor do any of your fellow members. As for the speedster, he is mine."

Without a word, the Leaguer members charged at him. Shazam was the first to receive a shattering blow to the ribs, knocking the wind off him.

Powergirl lunged at Jon only to have him disappear and reappear behind her, delivering an elbow at the nape of her neck.

Green Lantern and Black Adam were taken out in one hit each and Cyborg, being physically the weakest, fared no better.

"That was easier than I thought !" Jon Lane Kent mocked, clutching his fist "The great Justice League now at my mercy !"

"Billy, this is the moment I was talking about. It is a threat none of us can overcome alone. Please, for all of us, channel your powers through me ! It is the only way." Black Adam pleaded as Shazam tried to get up from the powerful blow.

"No !" Shazam gruffed, spitting blood.

BAM !

Hal Jordan was sent flying across the room when Jon Lane Kent landed a hard toe on his ribs. Cyborg was punched in his head, caving the metal side of it in.

"Look at it ! Your friends will be no more if you don't. Don't waste yourself over your pride. Just do it !"

"Please Billy, it is our only chance." Powergirl joined in.

Shazam saw something from the corner of his eyes, Flash lying unmoving on the floor and Jon slowly approaching him like a stalking predator.

Billy then saw that Black Adam was already on his feet, ready to save his teammate. He was right, there was no time to have a battle of egos.

SHAZAM !

Black Adams muscles bulged as Billy's powers struck him, ready to be infused. Electricity and smoke around him went to a blinding degree as his figure disappeared in the haze.

It was enough to catch Jon Lane Kent's attention as he turned around to the source, awestruck by the sheer display of power.

Powergirl smirked internally "Way to go Teth !"

The smoke quickly dispelled and revealed a quite different looking Black Adam, with increased muscle mass and some reds in his black costume, especially near the arms and legs.

Green Lantern and the rest of them joined beside him.

"So we can do it now ?" Jon said, staring hard at the transformed champion.

"Absolutely."

Nobody anticipated what followed next; with one swift backhanded punch, Black Adam threw Hal Jordan off the site causing everyone to wheel in the direction.

"Adam, what are you doing ?" Powergirl cried, shocked by the sudden act.

"I am sorry, Kara."

ALAKAZAM !

Lightning bolts struck the standing League members except Powergirl, knocking them out instantly.

"You missed one, Adam." Jon Lane Kent pointed out at the solitary Justice League member standing.

Black Adam didn't say a word, just kept staring at the ground, avoiding the kryptonian's gaze of shock and disbelief.

"Fine then." The alternate Superboy turned towards her "Hey, boob window ! Don't look so shocked. Yes, Black Adam was the mole in your team. I knew that you would take him in. And I deliberately let you people capture and imprison me, for your Watchtower has pretty useful resources.

And guess what ? It was mine and Black Adam's combined efforts that committed the murders in Krypton ! My psionic abilities and his magic ensured that we went undetected in the place. And Faora was our ultimate target. Attacking her did bring out the beast in Zod, I must say and along with it, the things I was looking for; the Blue Star armour and H'el.

Knowing Goku, we were sure that he would end up bringing both to the Watchtower. And Black Adam here got the boost he required thanks to Shazam and your persistence, dear Kara. And don't bother about Goku, he won't be coming to your aid this time. He is rather busy somewhere else.

So, how do you feel upon being used like a puppet ?"

"Let me tell you !" With one swift stride, Kara Zor-El from Earth 2 lunged at him and with one quick blow to the side of her head, was dropped down unconscious.

"They are not strong enough." Black Adam said, carefully picking Powergirl up and placing her on his shoulders.

"I know, but I am." Jon smirked.

"It is not always about physicality." Black Adam shook his head "I was referring to their will. This Justice League lacks the will to make the tough decisions, that's why I cannot leave this world's protection on it anymore."

"Speaking of which, I have one last unfinished business."

The teen then proceeded to head for a particular room, the medical chamber.

"How did you escape your cell ?" Lex Luthor gasped, startled by Jon's arrival.

"Just say that I had a little help from the inside, going by the name Black Adam." He replied, approaching him steadily.

"If you think you can make me do whatever you want by your death threats..."

"Death threats ?" Superboy laughed lightly, raising his eyebrows "Who says I want to kill you ? You are more important to me than anyone, Lex. From now on, you work for me."

Instantaneously, Lex Luthor froze, his eyes staring into nothingness as is mind was taken over by the psychopath.

"And now, to eliminate the biggest threat."

With one quick strike, Jon Lane Kent broke the Bruce Wayne's bed in half, killing the dark knight in the process. Only to be infuriated beyond any point, because what seemed like the playboy billionaire sleeping with a blanket covered over him was nothing more than some folded cushions arranged in a manner to give the impression.

"Interesting, I will find you nonetheless."

**A few minutes later**

"So you tried to kill Bruce Wayne ?" Black Adam questioned Jon as he walked in with Lex Luthor in tow.

"No." He lied "It just happened that he had anticipated our attack and fled this Watchtower, using the teleporter pads. I believe Helena Wayne is with him too."

"I hope you remember me joining your cause on one condition; you will not kill any of the Justice League members." The former champion reminded him.

"Of course. You have my word." The teen assured.

_You ancient ass ! Once I am done with the second phase of my plan, you shall be needed no more !_

'I sense that you have something going on in your mind." Black Adam caught him by the neck and pulled him closer, sparks flying out of his eyes "If you plan on betraying me, then trust me, you will regret it for the rest of the few moments you would have left."

"F-Fine, now, can we proceed with our plan ?" Jon coughed, trying to get the grip off his neck.

Black Adam reluctantly let him go, throwing him away like an unwanted weed instead of letting him down.

"Brace yourself."

SHAZAM !

A titanic lightning bolt struck the Watchtower from an unknown source, frying its circuitry. Small explosions dotted the outside of it, as the lights went out. With nothing to keep it orbiting around Earth, the Justice League's headquarter began its monstrous descend down towards the planet.

* * *

><p>"Here we are, whore." Antonis finally let go off Diana, throwing her down by her hair "Look what your mother did. Look !"<p>

She could see it; the grave of Eva, the woman who ended up dead in front of her own son just because she took a stand against the horrors and injustice of her society. If Antonis' story was true that is, she had her doubts regarding its veracity. But still, the person seemed to believe a lot in it.

"Antonis, I am really sorry regarding the trauma you suffered in your childhood but..."

"Shut up bitch ! Just stay down !" He cut her sentence short by placing a foot on her head, pinning her down to the ground "You belong at my feet, I don't need your sympathy. Wonder Woman dies today, and with her the whole damned Amazon race. I will cut up your son too for double measure."

"No ! This is between you and me, no need to drag an innocent child in between !"

"And why was I dragged ? What possible crime had I committed to watch my mother getting murdered ? What did I do to deserve this ?"

Antonis exposed the huge mark at the back of his neck, where it had been cut open to let him bleed.

"I... I... I know your grief, Antonis."

"I shall go and find your son. Then you can see him getting chopped to pieces. And only then, will you know my grief." He said through closed teeth, his foot driving her skull further into the ground.

"_Oh no ! He means to harm David ! That I cannot allow ! I must do something."_

Then she realized that they were in the real world now, she had an idea.

"My son ?! My mother should have cut you to pieces, you jackal !" Diana spat back.

"Do you realize how many Amazons your mother slayed ? Had that bimbo heard of anything called an assembly ? A meeting ? No."

"Shut up !" Antonis cried, increasing the pressure on her head.

"You call us whores ? Have you ever considered your mother ? Sleeping with someone else's man." Diana continued her verbal assault on his mother, hoping to infuriate him further "None of this would have happened if she had kept her hormones in control' the killings, the exile, and most of all your, pathetic life would have never been, jerk ! The truth is that your mother's the whore, she's the bitch !"

"You will pay for that !"

Diana saw a bright red burst of energy as Antonis transformed into a Red Lantern, letting out all his rage and fury. The next moment she felt a powerful blow to the side of her head, causing her to momentarily lose vision.

After what seemed like a few moments, the Red Lantern pulled Diana up once again by her hair, only to find her chuckling weakly.

"What's so damn funny ?" Antonis demanded, cocking his fist back.

"He's behind you."

He dropped her and turned around, and came face to face with Son Goku standing in front of him, with the breeze swaying his spiky hair in one direction.

Diana's plan had worked.

[ The following events take place during Jon Lane Kent's attack on the Watchtower ]

"Finally found you." Goku said, breaking the silence between them "But your rage sort of blew your cover."

"Witch !" Antonis glared back at her.

"I wouldn't turn my back on me if I were at your place."

The Red Lantern turned his head back to face Goku.

"You must be the Amazon's newest fascination." He mocked, eyeing the saiyan from head to toe.

"I would choose my words carefully Lantern, if I were you." The saiyan warned him, keeping a stoic face.

"Choice is a luxury I was not offered, saiyan. And those kind of people are very dangerous, you should know that." Antonis answered back, inching closer.

"Maybe, but you made a big mistake by abducting Diana." Goku stated, his expressions dead serious.

"Why ?" A sick grin appeared on the Red Lantern's face "No one to keep you warm last night ?"

KATHOOOM !

It was enough to unleash the abstaining saiyan. With a strong right hook, Antonis was propelled away from the site.

"You say that again and next time you lose your jaw." Goku heard Diana chuckle at that.

"You are strong, saiyan." Antonis spat some blood after getting up from the blow. Then he proceeded to wipe the remaining blood off his mouth.

"And I haven't even used my full power yet." Goku told him.

"I see, but the thing is that power won't be of any use against poison."

A moment later, Antonis pointed his hand towards Goku and it began glowing.

"Remember you sensed me yesterday too ? And came looking into my house ? And found the air odd-smelling ? Well, it was all a trap."

"What do you mean ?" The saiyan queried, frowning his eyebrows.

"The funny smelling material was a potent toxin that you were breathing, inhaling in your system." Antonis told him "It was made by an oriental god, to keep a check on the mortals. What it does is that interferes with one's life energy, which in your case would be ki, and makes it go haywire, uncontrolled."

Goku could feel a strange sensation within, like ants crawling inside of him when Antonis finished speaking. Then the sensation grew, growing into an unbearable current like feeling. In no time, the saiyan was on his knees as his insides felt liquefied.

Diana watched in horror as he glowed white; his aura suddenly engulfing him, then from it burst a beam heading straight forward and blasting everything in its near vicinity into oblivion.

"You won't have control over your powers anymore." Antonis said "I will leave you here with her and see how long it is until she is vaporised. Let's see how much can you hold yourself back ! But I am truly sure that you will not let any harm come to her."

Turning to towards Diana, he said,

"If you survive this, and I am sure you will, meet me where it all started. We will settle it once and for all."

With that the Red Lantern flew off.

NNAAAAARGHH !

Another beam of energy escaped Goku's body dissipating a huge chunk of land nearby.

"Goku fight it, I know you can !" Diana pleaded, though she couldn't do much in her bound state. It seemed to have sapped her off her divine powers, rendering her powerless.

Goku let off another painful cry as he did his best to contain his powers gone wild, another beam shot forth from his body.

"I- I must do something ! If I don't, I'll end up killing Diana."

Suddenly an idea struck him, it would require lots of strain and skill, but was the only viable option. Gathering himself up with great difficulty, he lifted himself all the ground and with one last shout, let out all his ki to his body.

Diana had to squint her eyes in order to protect them from the bright light that followed. And as quickly as it started, it ended as the flash was absorbed back into the source.

Goku dropped limp to the ground.

"Goku !" Diana cried as she raced towards him with her hands still tied to her back "Are you okay ?"

"No, just a little exhausted." Goku grunted, clutching his sides. Grabbing her shoulder, the saiyan finally managed to get up and untie the Amazon.

"I am glad you came. I knew you were looking for the rage source for the past couple of days, so all I had to do was make him angry, you would find him. What did you exactly do to counter the toxin ?" She asked, rubbing her sore wrists.

"I suppressed and isolated my ki. It will keep the toxin in check for the time being."

"Great then ! Welcome back hero !" She exclaimed joyously, embracing him strongly.

"I am afraid not." Goku stated.

"Why ?" Diana queried backing away, her eyebrows knitting in surprise and tension.

"The toxin is very potent. I can barely keep my powers under check, for I have completely lost control over them. I can feel it, my wild, unsuppressed ki, rising each second, about to burst forth."

"Uuh... what are you trying to say ?" She asked confusingly.

"If I don't do something soon, this entire solar system will be gone." Goku told her, looking down below.

"But, but you just said that you had it under control !"

"For a brief amount of time. But the toxin is really affective. I can't hold back much longer. I am sorry Diana, but there is no other way."

"What are you saying ?" Asked a stunned Diana through numb lips, although she already knew the answer to that question.

"I'll have to go kamikaze."

* * *

><p>The Watchtower crashed with a loud bang along the sea side of what used to be Australia, as the entire structure crumbled upon itself, releasing copious amounts of metal and beach sand into the air.<p>

"And this is the day when the League fell." Jon Lane Kent remarked as he and Black Adam landed on the ground. The sociopath teen was carrying the fallen League members via his telekinesis and he dropped them on the floor.

"I suppose, there was no one inside when the machine fell." Black Adam's voice was filled with concern as he visually searched the dilapidated Watchtower. Killing any member of Earth's protector team was something he did not wish to do.

"Not a single soul." Jon answered as he scanned the debris with his x ray vision.

As they immersed themselves in their discussion, they failed to notice a certain kryptonian rustling herself from the pile of fallen heroes, gaining her powers from the nourishing sun.

It was not until they both noticed from the corner of their eyes.

"Kara !" Black Adam exclaimed, his cry pregnant with shock and shame.

"I trusted you." Powergirl said, standing in her torn costume.

"Listen, you do not fully understand it." Black Adam stepped towards her.

"I gave you everything I had, my mind, my body, my love."

"There is a bigger picture to this, Kara !" He pleaded, holding her by the shoulders "What I did was for your good !"

"Then let me repay you !"

She was too close to Black Adam for Jon Lane Kent to react. In one sweeping motion, the champion was picked off the ground and taken to the air.

Several booms were heard as the former champion of Shazam was rained with punches and kicks, as Powergirl snarled angrily. No part of his body was left untouched as the strikes kept hitting their target.

Jon Lane Kent heard one loud boom before seeing Black Adam hit the ground at breakneck speed, causing it to shake violently. The teen then caught a glimpse of a red and white blur as it hit the exact same spot with a thunderous bang.

* * *

><p>"No please !" Diana begged, grabbing Goku by the shoulder.<p>

"I am sorry Diana, but this has to be done. I am no good now, I will end up destroying this solar system." He replied, his head hung in rejection.

"Please don't leave David alone."

"That is David's concern." Goku bluntly replied.

"Please don't leave me alone like Clark did. I won't be able to handle another loss. I will be destroyed !"

Goku stood still for some moments, his mind backtracking if he really heard that. Part of him was elated to another level but the other part knew that it didn't matter anymore, he would die in a short while, taking an entire solar system somewhere with it.

"Please don't make it harder for me than it already is, Diana. I can't risk the entire planet." Goku's voice was heavy with grief and disappointment.

"We will sort it out, Goku. Together we will, the League can help; they have Cyborg, Flash, Batman, the most brilliant minds in the world. I am sure..."

"I don't have much time left."

"But, this doesn't have to be like this ! I need you." Diana's voice was breaking now, as she desperately clung to Goku's gi. "You have supported me through thick and thin, filled the void that Clark left, and have been a great friend to my son. You just cannot leave us like that, please !"

Goku stood there unmoving, as the goddess of War kept on persuading him to stay,

"I beg you, saiyan. I was a fool to ignore the gem of a person you are for all these years. You have been kind to us, you have been a blessing to us. You are the true god, Goku, and I ask for your forgiveness, but please don't do this to me !"

"Thank you for everything Diana, I will always remember you and David." Goku brought his two fingers to his forehead, avoiding her gaze.

"No please ! Goku don't, I will never swing the pan on your head, I promise." Diana dropped down to her knees as she waited for the moment when the saiyan would disappear. She was numb; all those years living with Goku and she never realized how much a part of her life he was and now that part was about to be lost forever.

"Don't go. I beg you ! We will go to your favourite restaurant !" She sobbed at the thought of losing him. The idea of losing him was certainly taking its toll, making her rant incoherently.

"Goodbye, Diana. Tell David I am sorry. But he will witness me in the form of a bright star."

He closed his eyes and began searching for a far away weak ki signature.

"Please Goku-san !"

Goku's eyes shot wide open when he heard that; for a moment he was damn sure that it was Chi chi who said that. Turning around, he faced a teary faced Diana, kneeling and looking at him in grief and anticipation.

"What did you just say ?"

"Goku-san !" A smile appeared on her lips, for hope was running strong in her heart.

Never since Chi chi's demise had someone addressed him as Goku-san, it was pleasingly surprising that it came from Diana. Turning around he was met by a smiling Diana.

"How much time do you need ?" Goku asked worryingly, he was putting the entire fate of this world in her hands.

"Only a little. But you may have to swallow your pride for the sake of this planet, for my sake."

* * *

><p>"Why ? Why ? Why ?" Powergirl kept hooking lefts and rights at the fallen Adam with tear drops at the corner of her eyes. The bastard had faked everything last night.<p>

Jon decided that it was enough, the stupid woman had been allowed to believe longer than necessary that she was in the same level of power as theirs. But he never got to even inch a step further as a powerful red blast hit the kryptonian full on her chest.

"Aaaah !" Powergirl cried as she was knocked down by the attack.

"So it is you." Jon turned towards Antonis "I didn't know your rage surpassed a kryptonian's power level."

"My rage surpasses everything, Jon." The amazon replied, balling his fists.

"You should have told me, child, that you were going to kill H'el." Black Adam said, approaching them unharmed by the previous assault.

"Without that, I wouldn't have been this strong. We will need all the power we can gather against the saiyan. Speaking of which, have you successfully planted the toxin, Antonis ?"

"But if you want to beat Goku, why not now ? When he is at his weakest ?" Black Adam wanted to know.

"He is nothing but a carrier of the divine toxin." Antonis answered "It was never meant for him, but those Olympian swines. Once Diana swallows her pride and takes him to Olympus, it will effectively spread to those bastards and kill them all. Only the saiyan and the whore will be spared, the latter will be mine."

"And I believe you need to beat Goku in full public view, only then will your actions be effective." Black Adam concluded looking at Jon.

"That is why you are the champion !" The teen smiled.

"And your better, child."

"What do you plan with Lex Luthor ?" Antonis asked, looking at a drooling Luthor standing there.

"Him ? He is the most essential part of our plan."

* * *

><p>"Hera !" Diana let out a long cry upon entering Olympus with Goku in tow.<p>

One by one, the Olympians came out of the mount except the one who was called.

"How great it is to see you back, sister !" A joyful Strife said, spreading her arms wide in a welcoming gesture. The pink-skinned Olympian embraced Diana warmly.

"As glad as I am to see you, Diana, Olympus is no place for mortals, especially someone as foolish as him." Like always, Apollo's words were like poison as always, cutting through her sharper than anything as she tightened her jaw muscles.

"You are no one to command me, brother ! This place is as much as mine as it is yours. Remember that I am the goddess of war." Diana hissed, leaning over the god of sun.

"A mantle you accepted reluctantly, that I remember."

"We can cool off our tongues." Aphrodite, the goddess of love, intervened "After all, we are a family. There is no need to fight."

The goddess's totally naked form made Goku yank away in surprise, even though she was prettier and curvier than Diana.

"Of course, sister !" Apollo smiled at her "Diana is always welcome, after all, we shouldn't care who she sluts around with."

"The person I 'slut' around with is a million times better person than you !" Diana barked "Not to mention much more powerful ! You are the god of sun ? If you don't help us, there will be no sun left for you to be a god of."

"Well then we will find another star and..."

"Enough !" The strong feminine voice cut through their argument "I have heard enough of this nonsense."

Everyone turned around to find Hera, the queen of Olympus standing a few feet away in a green peacock coat. But what concerned Goku was the fact that she was not wearing anything beneath. He once again turned his head away from her figure fearing that he would very soon have a nosebleed. What kind of gods were they ? Had they no shame ?

"Diana comes back after so long and you welcome her like this ?" Hera continued scolding Apollo "Do you forget that she got rid of the First Born for us ? Do you know that she is an equal among us gods now ?"

Then the queen turned towards Diana,

"So good to see you back, War ! What you did all those years back can never be forgotten in the entire godhood."

"Hera please ! You can thank me later ! First you have got to treat him !"

Hera looked at Goku when she saw and heard real concern in Diana's eyes and voice. It was not often that she brought people to Olympus; let alone a man.

"The Jade Emperor." Hera deduced after taking a quick look at him.

"Can he be treated ?" Diana asked, clasping her hands together.

"Hard to say." Hera's face was concerned "The toxin in his body is very much like ink dispersed in water. But I believe we did prepare for this day. Come mortal, come with me. Diana stay back, my children will entertain you till then."

"But Hera, helping an uninvited mortal..." Apollo began complaining.

"I AM HERA ! THE QUEEN OF GODS !" She roared in defiance "I am in charge here ! And you will do as I order !"

"Okay." The sun god reluctantly agreed.

"It is done." Hera announced a few minutes later as she walked with Goku following him with his head tucked between his hands "The poison is extracted, and it is no more a threat. Earth's hero is alive and well."

"Really ?!" Diana beamed with excitement, almost jumping with joy as she ran towards him.

"Actually yeah, Diana !" Goku flared his arms enthusiastically, showing off his regained strength. The feeling of a balloon ready to burst inside him was now gone "I can now use my powers like before."

"See, a little trust goes a long way !"

"Actually, you were kind of begging me to stay, if I remember. I even saw you crying like a little girl."

"Well, uuhm, something must have gotten in my eyes."

"Ahem ! You are welcome saiyan." Hera's tome was pretty sarcastic.

"Almost forgot, thank you, Lady Hera ! You saved my life along with this entire planet's." Goku thanked her by bowing slightly, a polite formal gesture as a token of gratitude.

"Thank you Hera ! I have a question; is Antonis telling the truth ?" More than the Red Lantern's veracity, she had to know about her people's past.

Hera closed her eyes for a few moments before replying in a rasp voice "Yes."

"But why did not anyone tell me the truth ? I am not a child !"

"You are a god now, Diana. Such things shouldn't matter." Artemis, the twin goddess of Apollo, said "Your past is irrelevant. What matters are your actions."

"And your godhood, which you seem to take for granted, 'sister'." Apollo was not the one to give up so easily.

"Lives were taken so long ago. But the soul and memories live on." Demeter spoke in a cryptic manner.

"Shall I give you my guns, sister ?" Eros offered "They will instil love in his heart, the hatred shall be gone."

"No use. I have seen it in his eyes, the pain and suffering caused to him by my people. Even your weapons will not work against the ocean of rage he is harbouring within his heart."

"So your people left their sins for you to bear ?"

Apollo's coy smile was getting on Diana's nerves.

"True words, Apollo." She agreed "But what's also true is that the mother was only protecting her child, and the child was a completely innocent party in the grudge. He prayed to the Olympians for help, for mercy, he prayed with a pure heart and you answered by letting him witness his mother's brutal death ! Why Hera ?"

She turned to the queen of Olympus for a reasonable explanation, but she quietly turned her head away.

"It was not us who killed the child's mother ! As gods, we do not intervene in petty spats." Apollo answered for Hera.

"And look where it led to ! I don't think it would have killed you to help the poor kid. He was just a child, a child who wanted nothing more than to live and grow up with his mother, feel her kiss over his head to be soothed, or hugged close to her bosom to be comforted. Do you think it was too much ?"

"As much as I hate it, Apollo is right." Hera said backing her step-son's claim "We only intervene if it is on a grand level. Otherwise, we just watch over the humans like silent guardians."

"That is shocking !" Diana gasped "I thought you and War to be the wisest ones, but what you just said, debunked my claim. I was only human when I sheltered you from Apollo, and made sure that you were looked after. I was only human when I first defeated your son, the monster First Born.

Goku is right, you are no gods. You are just a bunch of over-powered, self-centred, thankless fools who think everyone else to be below them. That's why you are worshipped by only a handful of people now.

You were scared to put my mother off, that if you helped the child , the Amazons would abandon your worship. You are no good."

"Can anyone please explain what's going on ?" Goku quizzed, scratching his head. What the hell were they all talking about ? The child, the mother, the Amazons ?

"Come Goku, our work is done here." Diana grabbed his hand and made her way towards the exit, giving Hera one last look. The queen had a sombre look in her eyes.

"Acting like a thankless fool yourself, aren't you ?" Apollo remarked as she walked past him, muttering something under her breath.

"I saved this entire palace you stand upon from First Born, I saved everyone here. You all owe me your lives." Was the last thing she said before flying off with Goku.

"At least have a glass of wine with me, sister !" Strife called out from behind.

Unknown to War and saiyan, as soon as they left, a certain figure walked out in the open. With a tall muscular frame, his long hair folded itself in dreadlocks, and his unkempt beard was accentuated by his piercing lightning eyes. The god was wearing nothing except a shroud over his shoulders.

"It seems we pissed her off, father." Apollo said, still looking on to the direction.

"It is only what I would have done. I cannot blame her, my family hasn't been one of saints itself has it ?" The lightning bolts from his eyes threatened to burn him down.

"But why so oblivious to the threat ? This Antonis will take down Diana, that I am sure of. He parcelled the cancerous toxin in the fool's body to us, but misjudged our powers severely. We are no more at the same level of power since your return father. The toxin is obsolete to us now. Let me intervene, I can end him with a thought !"

The god let out a soft ironic tired laughter through his nose,

"We didn't intervene when the child needed us, we didn't intervene in all these years, what makes you think we should now ? That man deserves his revenge, and nothing in this entire creation can take that right away from him. Moreover, I think that my daughter would only get stronger if she survives this, and I am sure she will. For it is necessary in this divine plan. She must not know that I have grown from my child form. Now enough, everybody back to your chambers !"

The king's order was enough to send them scattering away.

"But,husband ? Why did you not tell the truth ?" Hera approached him, holding an arm of his "Why did you not tell everyone that you had mercy on the child and stopped him from dying when his neck had been sliced open ?"

"Because that is a decision I now regret."

* * *

><p>The news was broadcast all over the world. It was the announcement that the World Council was due to make that day regarding the Krypton crisis. The screen showed Lex Luthor's face as he gave the official word,<p>

"Friends, we stand in a moment of crisis. For years, we have been ravaged by otherworldly forces resulting in countless tragedies. One such tragedy occurred yesterday, when two forces from Krypton clashed and wrecked havoc upon our world. But this one is different; we will not stand helplessly and watch. We will retaliate.

What is disappointing is that it was from the world our greatest hero, Superman was from. That's why we will give them some time. But know this, Earth is not a weak world anymore. Today, Krypton will know that."

The screen returned to the various newsreaders of the respective channels that was airing the speech.

"What do we do now, not-dad ?" Helena asked Bruce Wayne.

The two had escaped moments before Jon Lane Kent had reached the medical chamber.

"This is not Lex, he is under someone's control, maybe Jon Lane Kent's. But I have an idea." Bruce told her.

"And what is that ?" She asked.

"Go to Krypton."

* * *

><p>"We have several incoming bogies and movement about a kilometre off our borders, sir." A kryptonian foot soldier informed his commander.<p>

"With our general captured and undergoing a trial, we are not sure how to respond. Do they seem hostile ?" The commander asked.

"It seems to be in connection with the World Leader Lex Luthor's announcement, sir."

"Then we must act quickly."

Outside, Jon Lane Kent was standing in his blue star armour, the sun fuelling him, as he ordered the forces behind him to stop. Lex Luthor had recently appointed him as the general of Earth's army.

"Anything you need, Jon ?" The bald man queried, shielding himself from the bone chilling cold outside.

"A loudspeaker would be sufficient."

The due arrangement was made.

"_People of Krypton !"_ His voice blared across the distance, reverberating in the closed dome of the city of Kandor, as everyone dropped their work to pay attention. "_Lend me your ears, for your fate depends upon it. Yesterday, two of your citizens destroyed our world, which will not be tolerated by people of Earth. In retaliation, we come here."_

The threatening tone of his voice seemed to do the trick as a few kryptonian soldiers stepped out into the open, ready to protect their world.

"_One of those two, H'el, has been executed for his crimes. The other lurks within your boundaries, probably enjoying a treat. We don't want him, you can keep him. But you have something that is ours. Kara Zor-El, Supergirl, I speak directly to you."_

"What the hell ?" She exclaimed as she held David closer to her. First, Goku disappeared without a trace and now this; she had a feeling that things would get ugly real soon as a knot formed in her stomach.

"_We have enough evidence that you are working on Krypton's behalf, in their mission to take over our world. And to fulfil that purpose, you have kidnapped a boy named David Kent. Hand him back to us. This is no threat, it is a warning."_

"No way, I am giving you up, David. Let that fool talk !" Kara assured him, patting his head to comfort him.

"_We are currently wielding a kryptonite bomb, Kara. If you recall correctly, you will know what damage it is capable of to your kind. Hand us the boy or we'll detonate the bomb upon Krypton. From here on, whatever happens will solely be your responsibility. You have five minutes."_

"Oh crap !" Supergirl cursed under her breath; choosing between two equally important things was the worst situation to get into. It would be the longest five minutes of her life.

* * *

><p>"You look... amazing !" Goku said, for the lack of better words. He had seen photos of it, but Diana in her Wonder Woman costume was something he had never thought of seeing in real life.<p>

The red one-piece armour which ended in a dark blue underwear with two white stars, revealed a lot of skin, leaving her shapely legs completely uncovered. The chest plate at the top of her armour was in the standard 'W' shape, revealing a considerable amount of her ample bust. Her sleeveless arms ended in two silver bracelets in each arm. The neckpiece was silver too and so was the tiara on her head with a red star embedded on it. The overall impression was of a warrior woman but still maintaining her feminine figure.

"Thanks." Diana shied away from the look he gave her. She was about to face the most dangerous enemy of her life and she couldn't stop thinking about him.

"Then Antonis you will face, I suppose." He said. He could see in her eyes that something was troubling her.

"Won't you be coming with me ?" She asked in a husky voice, stepping closer "I might need you. He is a powerful enemy."

"As much as I want to, Diana, I can't." Goku was straining himself from the 'no' he gave her "Jon Lane Kent is threatening to destroy everything and our friends need help.

Moreover, you always complained that nobody ever let you face an enemy alone. Here is your chance to shine. I want you to face this threat alone, independently, and overcome it. Just remember this; it is not an enemy you are facing, but your past. You'll have to learn to deal with it on your own, there is no other way."

"Well then, if there is no other way." Diana held a fistful of his wild unkempt hair in her hand and with the other, brought his head closer to hers.

"No !" Goku put a hand between their lips, causing her to open her eyes in surprise "That must be saved for the time when we reunite. For now, concentrate on your war, War."

"Thank you, Goku-san."

"David will safe, I promise. The person you love will be returned to you safely."

"I want both my loves to return safely." Diana passed a smile and then embraced him in a loving hug that lasted for a very long time until she was content.

"Thank you for everything." She repeated before they both turned away to head for their respective destinations.

She heard Goku teleport from the scene and soon after, she was soaring in the air too with a wide smile on her face, already eager to meet him again.

* * *

><p><strong>Yes, the chapter is bit rushed and all the plot holes will be closed in the next chapter.<strong>

**As you can see, the epic showdown will be there in the next chapter out of which 80 % would be pure action scenes.**

**As for Black Adam, let's say that Jon Lane Kent has been hiding many things from him.**

**I have added a few power level comparisons to get a clear picture -**

**Jon Lane Kent ( With Blue Star Armour and Hel's powers ) - SSJ 3 ( Buu saga )**

**Black Adam - Super Buu ( Base )**

**David ( Unleashed ) - SSJ 2 Goku/Vegeta ( Buu saga )**

**Goku base - SSJ 3 ( Buu saga )**

**With this chapter done, I can begin reading the other wonderful stories that have been updated. And also begin work on the third chapter of A hope for tomorrow. ^_^**

**Please don't forget to review !**

**God bless you all !**


	15. Chapter 15 Checkmate

**Sorry for keeping you waiting for so long friends, but the chapter itself is interwoven so it was hard to come up with the length.**

**With this, the arc comes to an end. I have bigger things planned ahead.**

**The fight scenes here will not be traditional ones where they go all WHAM! BAM!, there will be some mind applied to it.**

**Once again, thanks for the reviews !**

**Kazuma Bushi – Shit is gonna get worse in here my friend. Just read for yourself.**

**Plasmic, 635385... – Thanks !**

**Cubical – Here is your update friend, and thank you for the kind words !**

**Presence – Thanks, and I will take care of your points in the future chapters. By the way, I know that you are the same guy who keeps posting himself as prominent DC characters like Darkseid, Superman, Anti-Monitor etc.**

**RagingEntity – You are so nice, thank you. But I have to improve a lot.**

**Superior Knight – Well er... thanks ?**

**Guest – Here's the update. And a big thank you !**

**XxAnimusxx2016 – You are always kind. Goku and Diana it is.**

**15songoku – Dude, it won't end anytime soon.**

**Innocentsmilehehe – Dhanyavad dai !**

**Mdhunter – Here's the chapter.**

**Eu sunt Dracul 1 – Black Adam was tricked into working with Jon. Darkseid will return. Good Luck for your Board Exams !**

**SSGoku270 – Yes he is.**

**SuperGoku1999 – Maybe in the near future.**

**Caleb Hastings – Flash won by a French fry. Goku and Diana 4ever ! ^_^**

**Before you read further, let me tell you that this chapter might be depressing to some people.**

**Enjoy !**

* * *

><p>Diana was flying with her mind full of thoughts and doubts, even though she was about to face the single greatest threat of her life; Antonis. Not just because he was the most dangerous foe she had faced yet, but because he left her in a state of dilemma. She was known to the world as Wonder Woman; the epitome of feminism. Ideally the perfect woman, she had sworn in to compassion, sympathy and justice. But what compassion, sympathy and justice could she provide to the man who was denied those three things because of her people ? And what wonder could Wonder Woman establish against a monster created by the very person she called her mother ?<p>

With determination, Diana increased her velocity towards her destination; Themyscira or Paradise Island. However, instead of seeing her island, what she saw was a thick blanket of smoke hovering over.

"What is this ?!" She said to herself.

It was difficult to see in the smoke and ash that filled the air, but still somehow managing to cut her way through she landed on the grounds of Paradise Island; only to witness hell.

Roaring flames seemed to engulf everything in sight; the long abandoned homes, the palace, even the statues of the Olympians that her sisters used to worship, all given in to the burning fire. Diana turned to look at the graveyard she had made long ago for her dead sisters. Her eyes widened as she saw that the graves had once again been gouged opened and was coughing up burning embers, each one of them burned as the fire inside them crackled intensely.

The sight brought Diana to her knees as she was left grieving over the monstrosity. Her fingers dug deep into the earth, the anger rising within her. A tear drop rolled down her face as she shook with rage and disgust.

CRRAAAAAAANK !

The Amazon lifted her head to see a huge silhouette appearing out from the smoke. She was greeted by a giant marble head of her father, Zeus, carried by none other than Antonis.

"Accept my gift, o goddess of war !" He flashed a smile at her.

"You bastard !" Diana heaved and hissed, the fury inside causing her to shake violently once more.

"Come, Diana. Let us end this."

Antonis didn't waste a second as he rushed towards her, Diana too displayed her speed at the exact moment, holding nothing back. The shockwave created extinguished most of the fire on Paradise Island.

* * *

><p>Goku instantly appeared on the North Pole, not very far from Krypton and Jon Lane Kent's army. Closing his eyes, he remembered his encounter with Hera, when she had rid him off the toxin.<p>

( A MEMORY )

...

...

I was lying shirtless on the ground when the final part of the poison was removed from my body. It felt like my bowels had been emptied. ( I guess that's what it feels like to release something unwanted out of you )

Then Hera came with her almost naked form and I had to look away. What kind of a goddess was she ?

"You are strong, mortal, I found out. Where did you get such power ?" She demanded.

"Well um, I guess I just trained hard." I replied.

"And what did such training get you ?" She asked once again.

It was getting increasingly difficult to keep maintaining eye contact with her.

"It made me a lot stronger than I was initially and gave me new transformations to further boost my power."

"About your transformations, mortal..." Hera trailed off.

"What about it ?"

"The toxin that you were poisoned with, it was created by an Oriental god. It interfered with your life force, your ki, the thing which fuels your incredible powers. It also infected your transformations, rendering them useless. I am afraid to tell you that you won't be able to transform anymore."

"No way ! I'll have to get back in the line. Fighting Jon Lane Kent will be difficult."

"Sadly, it is the truth." Hera said, looking apologetically at me "I know what Diana feels for you and I wish we could have done more. But we are as helpless as you are. Although, you will have your normal state's powers."

Great ! What a way to enter a battle !

...

...

Goku shook his head hard as he tried to concentrate on the upcoming battle. His Super Saiyan states were lost, but fretting over it was not going to stop Jon Lane Kent. He sensed Kara, the Supergirl, inside the dome and teleported there.

"Oh Goku !" Supergirl put her arms around him as soon as he appeared inside Krypton "Jon Lane Kent is hell bent on killing us all."

Goku saw a hint of fear in her pretty blue eyes as she looked at him. It meant matters were quite bad. The entire population of Krypton seemed to converge on him.

"You've got to help us !" Zor-El urged, as did many of the others.

"Jon has blackmailed them; hand me over to him or face death. He is releasing kryptonite in the air."

"I'll think of something." Goku said seriously.

"We have only five minutes." Kara told him.

* * *

><p>"Ah ! And here he comes !" Jon Lane Kent looked as a certain figure came out of the kryptonian dome, the one he wanted to see; David Kent. The teen saw the young boy approach him with unfaltering steps. He wasn't going to take him back, he was going to kill him and absorb his powers. Then there would be no one to stop him; not even Goku or Black Adam, as he would lay waste to all the metahumans as well as the entire kryptonian race. The sociopath smiled at the thought.<p>

"So we finally meet, officially." The teen said "Only for you to die by my hands unfortunately."

As Jon reached for David with his hands outstretched, he heard a quick hiss and suddenly, the light in front of him was blocked as Son Goku had appeared in front of him. A sharp kick to the chin sent him soaring high in the air.

"David, head to safety !" The saiyan said as he flared up to his maximum. Large chunks of ice defied gravity and levitated only to be disintegrated a while later. The frozen ground below ruptured like blots.

"Good Luck ! I believe in you." David said to his mentor.

The charged up saiyan nodded his head in response, and prepared himself for an incoming and furious Jon Lane Kent.

As David flew away, he heard a deafening BOOM from down below.

"Oh god ! What behemoths clash beneath us ?!" The boy wondered, seeing snow and dust fill up the air "I felt that right to my heart !"

* * *

><p>"I thought you might have been dead by this time !" Cried Jon as he jabbed at Goku with his right, but it was blocked.<p>

"Sorry to disappoint you, boy." The saiyan replied, keeping his defence tight "But your ally always and only cared for his personal revenge, nothing more, and nothing less."

In anger, the sociopath teen landed a swift heel to his opponent's chest and propelled him far away from himself at inhuman speed, parting the ice on the way. It was a good thing that Goku gained control of himself and halted his progression at the right moment, otherwise he would have crashed into a group of snow capped hills.

Seeing the saiyan recover, Jon seized the opportunity to strike him again and quickly rushing towards him, went for a powerful blow. But it was only the mountains that his fist connected as the afterimage quickly dissipated. However, the hills in front of him gave in to the force.

A concentrated blow from Goku's elbow to the back of Jon's neck momentarily stunned the latter, enough for the saiyan to deliver a devastating double-axe on his back. The teen was sent crashing down at breakneck speeds onto the base of the crumbling hills. Upon impact, the ground caved in and the entire debris weighing billions of tons fell over him. The saiyan fired a barrage of ki blasts for extra measure, turning everything into dust.

Goku relaxed a bit when he stepped on the ice below, keeping a sharp eye and his senses on the site of impact. He could still feel the teen's energy, and as Jon levitated off from the melting crater, carrying only slight marks on his face which quickly healed, the saiyan's doubts were confirmed. They had a brief stare-down for some time before Jon spoke,

"You certainly are as powerful as they say. I'll give you that. Join me, and together we will exterminate the meta-humans."

"That's so tempting... but no. I guess I'll just have to beat you."

"Well then, let me show you my full power. Too bad it is going to be the last thing you'll see."

Jon lunged at Goku and once more, they engaged in a colossal exchange of fists and kicks, rattling the entire frozen landmass.

As they stood still far from each other after a brief battle, the teen shot his heat vision, blocking their release at fixed regular intervals. The result was a barrage of red energy bullets shooting out from his eyes, much like a machine gun.

Of course, the powered saiyan had no trouble swatting each and every such bullet effortlessly to his sides, at a speed that made his hands blurred.

"That's it ? I was hoping for something more impressive." Goku said in a stern voice as Jon looked on.

"I'd say you took the starters well, but let's see how you handle the main course."

"You are clearly not aware of a saiyan's diet !"

Goku's words were backed by a straight punch that Jon barely dodged and getting down on one hand, he swept his leg at his opponent's. The saiyan levitated in the air, missing the kick, and brought down a barrage of punches. Jon was quick to put up a defence but each strike sent the teen further into the ice and one particular blow slipped past his defence and connected with his jaw, rattling it upon impact.

Acting on pure instinct and fury, Jon unleashed a vicious backhand at Goku, and sent him soaring high in the sky. Diving in like a bullet, the saiyan went for the kryptonian-human hybrid, but the teen evaded him by sliding on the ice sheet as his opponent went through the frozen mass.

Not giving up his resolve, Goku flew out from the insanely deep burrow that he had created and accelerated towards his opponent, only to catch a clothesline full on his throat.

Flipping and rolling, he crashed his way through the thick sheet of hard ice. As he lay dazzled by the attack upon the crushed ice, he felt a stinging pain throughout his body which began burning his skin.

As Goku cried in pain, Jon intensified his heat vision, which he had widened to cover his opponent's entire six feet frame.

"I'm not stopping until the entire North Pole is ice slush !"

The spiky haired hero knew that if he didn't do something soon enough, the area would most certainly be. Concentrating hard enough, he placed two fingers on his forehead and disappeared.

And reappeared behind his enemy and struck a knee to the back of his head, forcing him to put on an end to the heat vision. Then, Goku grabbed him in a full nelson, wrapping his arms around the teen and launched himself along with his capture into the air, only to dive back onto the ground head first. Jon, being the superior of the two in raw physical strength, broke the grip as soon as he came back to his senses and banged the back of his head against Goku's face. Following it up with an arm lock, he wrestled the saiyan to the ground and laying him on his back, smashed his foot hard against his gut, driving his opponent very deep through the ground.

Following the saiyan inside the crevice, the teen met a hard fist on his face although he recovered quickly enough to see Goku throw another punch at him. The hybrid was quick to retaliate with a blow of his own.

The blows missed each other, but not their targets as both of them caught it on their chests. The force created was enough to launch them in opposite directions as they took the respective sides of the ground with them, forcing the crevice to widen apart for miles.

Goku came out of the debris, seemingly short of breath and clothes as they lay in tatters, the orange gi nearly falling off his shoulder. Jon Lane Kent on the other hand, although injured, did not seem exhausted.

"Wondering, right ?" The teenage teased "As long as this armour is intact, I will never tire."

Quickly covering the distance between them in one single leap, he dug his fist hard in Goku's solar plexus and when he wrenched forward in pain, a sharp uppercut to the chin was enough to launch him upwards. Spittle of blood landed on the sociopath's face; a proof of the damage done.

Goku stopped when he felt he had reached enough height to give him the time to charge his attack. He had purposely let the teen hit him with such blows that would propel him away from Jon. Only then would his opponent be a bit laid back, smugness causing him to grow careless. A bleeding chin was not too bad a price to pay for it.

Levitating on the limits of the stratosphere, he felt Jon Lane Kent's energy and concentrated on it. It was time to cup his hands to the side and charge up a formidable attack that spelled nothing but doom for his enemies.

"KAME- !"

The blue sparks in his palms didn't take long to fuse into a glowing ball.

"HAME- !"

The ball grew to a tremendous size.

"HAAA !"

* * *

><p>Diana was thrown across the ground, the dirt smearing her face and hair. A solid blow had already busted open her lower lip and the silver neckband had been punched in, slicing the skin somewhat and there were several scratches in her bare arms and uncovered legs. She coughed a couple of times before managing to stand on her feet.<p>

"A few strikes and you are faltering. I thought whores were more tolerant to pain !" Antonis snickered as he walked towards her. Diana had managed to hit him only a couple of times, leaving behind just a bruised cheekbone. And even that was healing quickly thanks to the lantern physiology.

"You will pay for what you have done today !" Diana said lunging at him. Grabbing hold of him, she took him to the ground and hooked lefts and rights across his face.

Antonis blocked her hand after a few strikes and turned to his side, bringing her down to the ground. A giant red fist-shaped construct hit her in the face as she was flung far away by the force of it. She barely managed to get herself back up when a giant boulder was thrown at her.

Catching it steadily, she realized that it was a trap. Antonis leaped and struck through the boulder, shattering it. Diana was sent back once again by the force. She braced herself for another strike as she crossed her arms in front of her in a x, upon seeing him cock his fist back.

The unbreakable bracelets did shield her from the killing blow, but not from the vibration that such force unleashed. Her teeth rattled as her entire body shook with the ground below. The two resumed their fight a moment later.

Antonis' red conduit was blocked by her bracelets as she flipped and connected the toe of her foot with his chin. He decided to make the fight airborne, as he took to the air and once again fired another energy conduit at her. She sidestepped narrowly evading the searing beam as she too rocketed upwards, aiming for his skull.

The blow connected to the side of his head as he spiralled back to the ground.

Diana approached him, seeing that he was clutching his head in pain.

"Aaaargh !" She cried in agony upon receiving a blast from his ring.

Spearing the dazzled Amazon, Antonis flew with her towards the burned palace breaking through the marble pillars and walls, and finally threw her off him once they were inside. The momentum gained was enough to send her crashing through several chambers and land on the other side of her former home, into the main Themysciran village which was still burning.

"You monster !" Diana growled, using all her fours as support to get back up. She was bleeding from her mouth and was scraped from several places "You burned my entire village, my entire heritage !"

"I will burn it down to the last fabric !"

Grabbing the stumbling woman by the neck, he forced her onto a house, shattering it like dust upon impact. Diana was quick to cough out some blood.

"I will leave just alive enough to watch your son die as I slowly and painfully cut him open and rip his heart out. And then from the still pumping organ I shall satiate my thirst for blood and just when you will open your mouth to scream in horror, I will place it inside yours too and then with great pleasure..."

"GET OFF ME !"

Diana hard heel under Antonis' chin shut him for good, and launched him away from her.

The Red Lantern picked himself up quickly after the attack and wiped the blood off his lip as he stared coldly at his prey.

Antonis was quick to shoot a devastating red energy conduit from his ring.

However, to his surprise, the beam was blocked much earlier than expected as Diana approached with her hands crossed in front of her face in an X; the bracelets shielding her from the powerful conduit.

Seeing that, Antonis pumped more rage into the beams thus increasing the force behind it. Wonder Woman's progression was significantly slowed down as it required more strength with each passing second to step towards him. This continued until her muscles tensed, flexing to their maximum, her feet began sinking into the hard ground as effortlessly as in soft mud and she felt the side of her armour crack open a bit.

She could feel the heat, the rage behind the conduit as it forced her to stop where she stood, her bracelets her sole saviour from getting blasted through. Still, the heat was getting to her and the power behind was growing continuously. She knew that she had to do something soon enough, before her body would give in.

With a loud shriek, and every bit of strength her muscles could provide, Wonder Woman deflected the conduit to the ground, the blast decimating it as they both sunk into the crater that was created as a result.

Antonis felt a hard uppercut connect to his chin, and as his body fell backwards, a shot straight to the face threw him to the edge of the crater. Wonder Woman launched at him and delivered a kick to his chest sending him crashing through the solid ground beyond and out into the open.

"Good !" He said after getting up, smiling through bloodied lips "So you were holding back the entire time !"

"We don't have to do this, Antonis." She said adjusting her bracelets "There is a better life beyond this madness."

"Yes ! And I am living it !"

Diana never saw the strike come in.

* * *

><p>"HAAA !"<p>

The giant Kamehameha wave literally filled the entire area with blue light as it raced its way through Jon Lane Kent. With precise timing however, Goku defelected the wave off the ground, so that it only struck Jon and not the surface of the planet, which would most certainly blow upon impact.

Goku watched with tense expressions as the Kamehameha left Earth with a giant roar, shaking everything to its core while doing so.

"That was a nice trick !"

The saiyan felt a hard jab on his kidneys as something powerful hit him; he might have lost his breath. Then something caught his hair from behind, arched him back and hit hard on his skull, sending him turning and flipping back to the ground.

"I admit I would have been caught off-guard." Jon Lane Kent said upon landing back on the ground with the saiyan lying next to him "But you are not the only one with teleportation, are you ?"

The teen then proceeded to lift his feet high and brought it down upon him.

However, Goku deflected it at the right moment with his hand and the momentum behind it brought Jon unwillingly down to his knees. It only took a grip on the hybrid's neck and a little swerve to the side for him to be on to top of him. With devastating might, the saiyan brought his fist down upon the human-kryptonian hybrid, the side of it connecting square with his chest.

THOOM ! THOOM ! THOOM !

The entire planet shook under the force exerted by the assault.

It was not until Jon fired his heat vision that the blows stopped coming.

"I am currently wielding a Blue Star armour, under a yellow star's light." He said getting up from the decimated ice as he looked straight at Goku "I have roughly calculated my physical stats to be in the same range as yours, maybe a bit higher and yet you managed to dent the highly durable armour in some places. I must say I'm impressed."

"Then you'll be amazed by this."

Saying that Goku raised his two fingers to his forehead and disappeared, only to appear some distance away from the site with a glowing spinning disc purely made out of yellow light in his right hand.

DESTRUCTO DISC !

With a herculean swing, the saiyan threw the disc at his opponent who stood and watched as it approached him. Then just an instant before the impact, Jon swerved to his left, allowing the cutting attack to harmlessly pass by him. However, instead of carrying on its path the disc simply stopped in mid-air. Turning fully around, the Destructo Disc flew back at the saiyan.

"You forgot I have tricks of my own **!** Like my telekinesis; it has made your toy mine !" Jon revealed.

The cutting attack raced towards the shocked saiyan, tearing at the ice sheet beneath.

Goku took off to the air, missing it by mere inches. However, the disc soon followed him as it turned at a sharp angle and returned. He had to swerve to his right this time to avoid getting cut open.

The Destructo Disc followed him soon after, as Jon adjusted its course in mid-air. Telekinesis was not something new to him, although the powers absorbed from H'el was beyond anything he had ever acquired.

"Die !"

Jon yelled as he increased the speed of the disc and so did Goku. Curving towards the atmosphere, his figure began diminishing until he completely disappeared from sight, with the spinning death in tow. However, it was no big deal for the kryptonian-human hybrid's heightened senses to catch up on his adversary.

"Run as far as you can but I'll ultimately catch you !" The sociopath cried "There is no escaping today !"

"_Damn !"_ Goku thought as he began leaving the Earth's atmosphere "_The kid is really smart ! I must avoid the Destructo Disc at all costs !"_

He stopped and disappeared out of harm's way with his Instant Transmission.

"You know you are getting predictable !" Jon Lane Kent said as he trapped Goku in his net of telekinesis.

Just an instant earlier he had caught the saiyan placing his two fingers on his forehead and teleporting. The teen was smart enough to deduce at once what his foe was up to. Almost simultaneously he had spread out an invisible web of telekinesis over a huge area in every possible direction; very much like that of a spider. And as soon as his 'prey' appeared within the web, he got caught like an insect and the teen simply converged the entire network onto him; freezing any of his movements whatsoever.

Jon watched in delight as Goku tried hard to get rid of invisible shackles, but the latter simply lacked the raw strength to break them apart; he was no kryptonian after all.

"I knew what you were about to do." The sociopath teen said tightening the telekinetic bind around the saiyan's body "You would fly towards me with that disc following you, and then you would disappear at the last moment, leaving me vulnerable to the attack. Ha ! I am way too smart to fall to such a childish trick, monkey !"

Then with a mere wave of his hand, he brought the Destrcuto Disc back towards the surface of the planet as his opponent kept struggling to break free. A moment later, the disc was approaching Goku from behind with Jon keeping him bound from the front.

"It is only ironic that you die from your own weapon !"

Jon pulled the weapon the faster, making sure that his adversary would not escape this time. He smiled when he saw the disc a mere foot away from the saiyan.

To Jon's utmost horror however, the weapon suddenly broke into four separate spinning discs, missing Goku completely and raced towards him standing just a few feet away.

The shocked teen could somehow manage to deal with one, but the successive assault of four Destructo Discs was too much. He managed to create a force field to block the discs, but they were too powerful to deal that way. The field managed to filter two, before breaking apart and allowing the other two discs to reach him. Jon launched off the ground to move out of their path, however, one of them did manage to leave a long gash across his cheek as he bobbed his head to a side to avoid being decapitated.

"Now !" Jon heard his loud cry before a stunning blow hit him on the base of his neck, rendering him dazed for a mere moment.

And in that moment, the now free Goku shot up towards him faster than he had ever shot and delivered an uppercut to his chin; Jon's neck sprained by the intense trauma generated by the force. As he began soaring upwards helplessly, something caught hold of his leg and flung him back to the ground.

Goku caught Jon, and added his own speed to the teen's exponentially increasing momentum; they both instantly caught fire. And with precision and accuracy acquired over years of on-hand experience, he drove his fist in his opponent's armoured gut at the exact same moment the boy hit the ground.

If there was something known as a 'snow holocaust', it would precisely fit the very situation that the place was in. There was a gargantuan crater, much larger than the one in Mexico, that had formed with the assault and while Zod's blows on H'el had taken out large portions of a city, this attack would have consumed it entirely had the fight taken place in a populated area; the death toll would have been in millions. But the collateral damage had not ended there, the edge of the crater was all cracked along with the ice sheet for many a mile. And the crater was still spewing out powdered ice and snow up in the air as far as the human eye could see, forming a thick blanket in the atmosphere and blocking the sunlight. It was slowly but surely turning into a gloomy evening in the North Pole.

"Where were you, David ? I was beginning to worry." Goku said as Diana's son landed to his side. Both of them were standing at the edge of the crater, keeping an eye on it.

"Had to wait, didn't you tell me ?" David looked puzzled.

"I mean right now, after you attacked Jon and I drove him to the ground."

"Oh that !" The boy remembered "The force you generated kind of blew me away."

"Ha ha !" The saiyan laughed at his friend's explanation, placing a hand on his head "Fair enough."

"And remember that you promised me a chocolate shake afterwards. I know a place just a few miles from our place, we can go there."

"I'm afraid not, because our friend here is still standing." Goku said in a grim tone, as he saw a silhouette stumbling from the icy smoke that had filled the crater, gaining a distinct figure as it neared. And he didn't even need to see to know, he could sense the teen's life force from a distance; it was Jon Lane Kent.

"You... you might be no more intelligent than a primate..." The teen's laboured breaths were affecting his speech "But when it comes to a battle you sure know what... you are d-doing.

You had it all p-planned. Youuu... knew about my powers and you knew how I would act, you knew that I-I would possess your disc. I fell... I fell into your traaap."

"So I beat you. Now why don't you give up ? It is worthless to keep fighting, you'll hurt yourself." Goku said frowning upon him, and crossing his arms.

Too weak to stand properly, Jon dropped on one knee to catch his breath, the giant hole in his armour was the exact spot where Goku had struck his fist with all his might along with a few dents that he had left earlier. The hybrid had most definitely coughed up some blood, looking at his crimson drool that he was letting out. His hair was dishelmed and his exposed face had tiny bruises on it, all in all, he looked very much like defeated man.

"Not today, primate !" Jon looked at him furiously, shooting daggers through his eyes "My father taught me to hate your kind, trained me how to kill you. You may have won the battle, but the war rages on."

With madness filled in his eyes as he flashed a hysteric smile, he reached to the communicator rooted deep inside the hem of his neck and barked the order,

"Release the kryptonite bomb !"

* * *

><p>"Aaaargh !"<p>

The strike was fast and hard; Diana wrenched forward in pain. The pain was further increased when Antonis grabbed a fistful of her hair and swung her around many times at inhuman speed, before flinging her through many of the burning houses that were barely standing there.

When even the purposeless structures failed to stop her course, a spiked chain made of pure red rage did, wrapping around her leg. Catching her in mid-air outside the village with a sudden jerk, Antonis pulled her back towards himself. As Diana reached him, a knee was dug in her gut, driving the wind out of her lungs. An elbow to the back of her head knocked her down to the ground.

"Feels like it, doesn't it ? The pain !" Antonis cracked up, as he crushed Diana's neck with the heel of his boots, letting her pick herself a bit before pinning her down once more.

"You will not die this soon, I assure you." He hissed "You will suffer like I did. I want to hear your screams before I kill you ! So please, scream !"

"Never." Diana spat back, refusing to give in even though she was badly injured.

"Yes ! Show me the monster Amazons truly are ! Embrace your legacy !"

"Antonis, last chance." Diana said firmly, raising a finger at him "I don't want to fight you anymore. If you want, I can drop to my knees and admit my defeat, if that is what you would settle for. But stop this madness ! It won't get you anywhere, your mother won't come back and your childhood won't be restored. So please, let the past go, let that damn weapon of rage and hatred go. I've seen good men driven mad by it. You can be much better than that."

Antonis stood there, apparently pondering over her words. Diana saw his face twitch through a variety of thoughts and emotions before it settled to a grief stricken expression.

"I saw my mother being murdered in front of my eyes." He said, his face saddened by the memory.

"I know. And trust me, my heart bleeds for your loss. I felt your pain when you told me the story." Diana approached him with a soothing demeanour, the one of the Wonder Woman who loved and cared for everyone.

"There was nothing but hatred and vengeance in my life afterwards." His voice wavered when he said that. Wonder Woman quickly sought advantage of the situation as she placed her hands on his shoulders,

"I am so sorry that my people, my mother and sisters were the one to cause that; the Themyscira I grew up on concealed so many secrets within itself. I will do whatever in my power and beyond to make your life better. Take a look around, do you want the rest of your years to burn like this ?"

Antonis screened the island he had set on fire; burning structures and roaring flames was all he could see. A soft gasp escaped his throat as he realised what his adversary meant.

"You're- you're right !" He exclaimed "These fires truly show me how my life has been. They represent the fires within me. Like a painter, I have painted Paradise Island with my imagination. How sick of me !"

"Everything is not lost yet, my friend." Wonder Woman said as she extended a hand towards him; a sign of trust and welcome "I will love you like I love everyone else. Hades was changed by that, so there is still hope for you."

"You don't want to kill me, for the things I have done ?" Antonis wondered, staring at her with tired shock "I tricked you, poisoned you, called you a whore, and even burned your memories and relics. Aren't you mad at me, like I am at your kind ?"

"Not if you promise to give up this madness." She replied with a smile, hoping to invoke a sense of positivity, a hope for a better life in him.

"I am nothing but a ghost now, my life cannot be any worse. So why not ?" He took her hand in his. The Red Lantern uniform immediately faded away, providing a look of a confused, but calm person.

"And for a little initiative !"

Wonder Woman pulled out something she had refused to use earlier, but had brought it with her nonetheless in case it proved handy; the gun of Eros, the god of love. She had saved it for this exact moment, wherein the mad Lantern would drop the emotional shields of rage around his heart and open himself up to reason and logic, that there were better things than being an agent of hatred and vengeance. Pulling the gun out swiftly while keeping his hand firmly held in hers, she aimed right at his heart, which was hard to miss given the close proximity. She was absolutely positive that the weapon of love would work, after all it proved successful on Hades, didn't it ?

Antonis saw it as something else; a cheap shot to get him when he was at his vulnerable most. As soon as the bullet hit his chest, he made up his mind on Diana's fate. Curling his lips in seething fury, he once again burst into his Red Lantern form as his ring was fuelled to its maximum, burning the part of her hand it was in contact with. He was quick to draw out a weapon of his own, a pair of kerambits that he had earlier sliced her neck with. He swung the weapon again, hoping to produce the same result again.

Wonder Woman was fast, but not fast enough to avoid a slash across the side of her neck. She backed away a few feet, clutching it tightly with her hand. Fortunately, no critical vein was sliced.

"You lying bitch !" Antonis cried as her divine blood dripped from the blade "I knew you would betray me the moment I would had my guard down. You think you can sway me from my goal ! I was merely testing you, I had never fallen for your words."

"You got me all wrong !" She said as blood trickled from between her fingers "That was the gun of Eros, god of love ! You could have been saved had you not resisted !"

"F*** Eros." Antonis bluntly replied, staring coldly at her.

Diana knew at that moment that there was no further hope for salvation, that the madman had come with a goal and no force in Heaven or Earth could move him. So, she readied herself by brandishing her sword from her bracelets, preparing for a bloody battle just waiting to start. She was War, and every fabric of her being begged and screamed for it.

Just then, the ground began rumbling with a growl as the foundation shook to its very core.

"I suppose that's your boyfriend in display of his power." Antonis sneered, revealing his teeth when he said 'boyfriend' "They start as being with great power, and then they start thinking of themselves as gods. With great power comes great responsibility, it is said. In the beginning the responsibility includes watching over the weaker ones and helping them, but in the end, the gods become care-free and self-absorbed, caring either too little or too late. Power corrupts everyone, Diana. It will not leave your lover untouched either."

Wonder Woman was quick to reply as she pointed at him with the tip of her sword and declared out loud,

"There will be a time when fire will cease to burn, heavens will bleed and the land will spit back the dead. Even in that time, the man named Son Goku will be as innocent and pure-hearted as a child, that I can assure you of Lantern! And yes, I love him, if that is what you want to know !"

She swung her sword to a side, adding weight to her statement.

"Ah ! Love is in the air !" Antonis mocked as he tightly clutched on to his pair of kerambits, one on each hand.

They started out with a few step towards each other, and then the attack began.

* * *

><p>"Yes, run ! Run for your lives !" Black Adam cried as the people of Gotham ran to protect themselves. Lightning bolts rained from the sky, striking at random places.<p>

The shrieks and cries were rampant throughout the city.

"Your hero Batman has joined forces with the enemy Krypton !" The Kahndaqi told them as he hovered above in the sky "Only your cries can draw out him out. The Dark Knight must face justice !"

KRAKOOM !

A missile hit him on his back, exploding with a deafening blast as it broke the glass of the surrounding skyscrapers. Black Adam however, barely seemed to take note of it, but he did turn around to take a look. He got what he was looking for; Batman stood there. However, he was in a buffed up metallic suit of some type.

"You met my expectations, traitor !" Black Adam said, as he lowered himself to the ground.

"I am not the one betraying the world I pledged to protect." The electronically modified voice from within the suit said.

"Really ? Then let's decide who the better protector is. You think your suit can defeat me ?"

Black Adam had not trouble overpowering Batman, his possession of Billy's powers had made him ultra-e powerful. He rammed the armoured Batman's head against the nearest building, tearing it up lengthwise as the dark knight got thrown through it. Another punch threw him hundreds of feet away, crashing through the building.

The former magical champion finished things off by ramming himself on to him, shaking Gotham to its foundations, all the structures within a mile of radius collapsed.

"Get up !" Black Adam picked Batman up, as he seemingly won the fight. The armour was all cracked up in places, short circuits leaking sparks were apparently visible throughout.

"You will not enslave this world like others !" The Kahndaqi added as he gripped the giant helmet and ripped it off, exposing his face.

"Hi handsome !" Helena Wayne sheepishly grinned as she waved at him. Black Adam was shocked to see the woman inside the armour, having been disguised as Batman for all this time.

"You troll !" Adam pulled her out without any difficulty by her neck, as she coughed in discomfort.

"No way to treat a woman, old man !" Helena coughed again.

"I woke you up from your coma !" Black Adam seethed "If you don't tell me where the real Batman is, I will make sure to put you back into one !"

"My not-dad will be mad at you if you do that." Helena said, somehow managing to speak through the grip.

"What ? Not-dad ? What is that ?"

"I am"

The familiar gruff made Black Adam turn around as he came face to face with the real Batman.

* * *

><p>Goku immediately heard the loud cry of the engines of the missile roaring to life, he didn't need super hearing for that. The small contingent of troops was barely a mile ahead, and along with them, the kryptonite bomb. The saiyan saw as the flames of the missile propelled it slowly to a certain height and immediately leapt for the Krypton a few miles ahead, a miniscule distance given the speed the arsenal would soon acquire.<p>

"Nooo !" Goku screamed in horror as he dug his right foot deep into the ice, preparing to launch himself in the direction of the fired missile.

"Begone, pest !" Jon Lane Kent cried.

It was a strange feeling for Goku; one moment he was lunging at the missile in the perpetually snow covered North Pole, and the next instant he found himself speeding through the black of the deep space towards deep space. He scratched his head in confusion as he turned to take a look around, all he saw was stars and a few unrecognisable planets.

"Gosh ! How did I get here ?!" He wondered. Unknown to him, Jon had used one of H'el's powers to teleport a person away to any place, in this case, the deep void of outer space many light years away from Earth.

Not losing hope, the saiyan concentrated on sensing the teen's enormous power level, and using his Instant Transmission technique to reach in time to stop the bomb.

Goku appeared within the missile's reach by the time the technique worked; a mere hundred feet away. So he lunged at the speeding weapon in hope to catch it.

Just as he was about to grab the missile by its wing, something hard struck and deviated him from his flight.

"You won't foil my plan !" Jon Lane Kent cried as he flew downwards and tackled his to the ground. Then he took off once more in a gigantic leap, reaching to the blanket of snow vapour and beyond, as he held Goku by the ankle. For a few silent moments, he absorbed the radiance of the unfiltered yellow sun rays as gravity took time to work on them at that height. Then the ground pulled him back in a curved trajectory. As he fell down tearing through the snow vapours, he saw a huge mountain beneath, giving him an idea.

Jon held Goku high in the air, above his head while falling down and at the right moment, slammed his adversary face first into the gigantic natural structure of rock and snow. The force created slowed the momentum on his side, and brought it fully on to the saiyan's exposed body. Just like that, the behemoth made of snow and rock that once stood proudly was no more, crumbling into a million pieces as they fell on top of each other.

Jon Lane Kent used his X-ray vision to look inside the pile of gigantic stones and found Goku lying motionless. He returned back to the visible spectrum. The teen thought that it was over, but it was not as a hand burst forth from the mammoth debris and clutched his face tightly in a crushing grip. Before he could pry himself free, a knee was brought forth to his face, right between his brows.

With eyes filled with tear and nose with mucous and blood, Jon was sent crashing onto the ice far away, causing it to break into several slabs.

It didn't take long for Goku to speed towards the kryptonite bomb, still locked on to its target.

But just when he was within arm's reach from it, he suddenly found himself stiff, unable to move at all. It didn't take him much time to realize that it was the teen's telekinesis.

"Krypton ends today !" He heard a cry from far away "Watch as you fail a hundred thousand souls !"

With a harrowed heart, Goku watched helplessly as the missile closed in the distance between it and Krypton.

With a delightful heart, Jon Lane Kent watched as the first phase of his plan was being carried out.

However, his joy was short-lived as a punch hit him to the face. It didn't hurt so as to say, but it was definitely stinging since the blow was placed on his damaged nose.

The telekinetic grip on Goku once again broke apart and the hero was back to chasing the missile.

"Hey, you monkey !"

The saiyan didn't stop at the voice, thinking it to be a mere distraction from his current target.

But he did halt his flight when he heard a loud howl of pain, from a voice he recognized and loved; it was David's cry.

Quickly wheeling around, he witnessed the sight of Jon Lane Kent standing with one fist cocked back, and the other hand was wrapped around the throat of Diana's son.

"Move and I swear I'll break him apart !" He said, as he lifted him off the ground "You will not move until the bomb find its target."

Goku clutched his fists and gritted his teeth, feeling angry over his own helplessness; he had promised Diana to keep her son safe.

"Stop it ! You'll not get anything out of all this !" The saiyan cried.

"How about strands of broken hybrid DNA ?"

"You're sick !"

The missile was now a few seconds away from impact.

"Sick ? That's not sick." Jon arched an eyebrow and smiled, shaking his head from side to side "Sick would be breaking the boy's genetic material apart, and reducing you to the size of a mouse to step on you !"

Goku looked at him with all ferocity his saiyan heritage provided him with, his blood boiling at the mentality of the teen,

"Do that and I promise, I promise that I'll teleport inside you and mess up your entrails. It would be your insides this time turned into slush."

The smile vanished from the teen's face as he weighed his adversary's words. The saiyan was very much right, he could do what he had just said. The shrunken size would certainly allow him to fit inside him.

"But in case you didn't notice, I'm the one in control of the missile, which should go off at any time by now." Jon replied.

He rejoiced in ecstasy as a loud crash was hard and expected a bright flash couple with a green mist to follow any time soon. What he saw was a blue and red blur and loud thump on the floor.

Everyone then realized that it was Kara Zor-El, the Supergirl, and she was holding a metallic box surrounded by wires of all kinds.

"You thought you would destroy Krypton and we'd all just stand and watch ?" She cried, holding the box above her head "My father is one of the greatest scientists on our world. Together with his brother Jor-El, they accomplished wonders back home. I was trained by them for many years, learning highly advanced and complex Kryptonian technology and science. Breaking your bomb apart harmlessly in a matter of seconds was a child's play to me."

"And as we speak, Zod and his soldiers have taken care of the small troop you had brought; they all are defeated and held captive." Goku added "You have lost, Jon, so let go off David now !"

"Perhaps you didn't notice but I am the one holding the boy's neck." Jon reminded them, as he tightened his clutch on David's throat, causing him to cough in discomfort.

David was part kryptonian, which meant that he had the necessary brute strength, but even after trying hard enough, he was not able to break the grip off his neck.

"Stop writhing, you !" Jon growled at him, flinching his nose in irritation.

Diana's son knew that he had to do something in order to prevent his windpipe from being crushed like a disposable glass.

SOLAR FLARE !

Jon had not expected the move from his prey, the light stung him in the eye as if someone had rubbed salt against them. The flash flooded the entire area for quite some time before fading away, all the time needed for David to hold on to a certain pressure point on his enemy's wrist and twist it. On its own accord the teenager's fingers straightened, allowing the boy to slip away from his grip.

Goku had anticipated the move when David spread out his fingers, so he avoided direct gaze from it. Seeing David out of harm's way, he delivered a boot to Jon's face and proceeded to throw a giant ball of ki in his direction which engulfed and carried him away with it. The resultant explosion took some distance away.

"I will kill you all !" Jon emerged a few moments later, aiming straight for them.

Goku delivered an uppercut to his face, and as his opponent launched upwards, he caught his legs and pulled him back down. A blow to the back of his head rendered him motionless.

"It's over." Supergirl said as she stared at Jon, her eyes glowing a fiery red. Goku had a small ball of ki formed in his hand which he kept aimed at the enemy.

"Ha !" The teen let out a tired laugh "You think you have won ! I knew something like this would happen. We are not alone you see, Krypton had made its reputation two days earlier with the titanic battle. People are out on the streets protesting. Right now as we speak, the capturing of my troops by Zod and his soldiers is being streamed worldwide along with you fighting alongside Supergirl.

People are not going to take kindly to this, their hero siding with the enemy. Riots will tear this planet apart, and orders will be passed. In a few hours, more kryptonite bombs will be deployed, that I can assure you. I have my men hanging around there for that. And as the situation worsens, the meta-humans will arrive for help. That is when me and Black Adam will slaughter them all; it will be easy to kill them all in one place !"

"You're sick !" Supergirl hooked a right across his face. The filtered sun rays had drastically reduced her powers, otherwise the blow would have definitely knocked out a tooth.

"Sick ? That's gonna be you !" Jon let out an evil cackle from his lips as he kept his eyes fix on the box in her hands.

"What do you mean ?" Goku questioned him.

"You see the box ?" The helmet of the teen's Blue Star Armour automatically came on, covering his face "It can still go off !"

Using the highest form of telekinesis he could, Jon created a small vacuum inside the box containing aerosol kryptonite. Within a fraction of second, the vacuum bubble expanded till it burst the contents out. The kryptonite bomb had exploded right on Supergirl's face.

* * *

><p>Diana swung her sword in a sweeping arc at Antonis, who leaned back to avoid the blade. The demi-goddess followed with a reverse roundhouse, connecting with his jaw.<p>

The Red Lantern leaned back, but only to absorb the force and quickly gathering himself back, delivered it back to her in the form of a straight kick to her ribs.

Wonder Woman heard an unmistakable crack when she was sent back and down on the ground, the area of impact on her body burning like fire.

She stuck her sword outwards, seeing Antonis advance. He reacted in enough time to lock the blade with his kerambits. They struggled for supremacy for a brief amount of time, pushing each other as hard as they could. Then, Diana slackened her muscles and let him fall down towards her. A well aimed strike to the gut knocked the wind out of him and a fully extended kick soon followed, throwing him high in the air.

Wonder Woman quickly rolled to a side, even though her ribs still hurt, because Antonis came crashing down with a devastating double kick. Although it missed her, the island was left badly shaken as the trees were uprooted from the ground and every standing structure within the immediate vicinity was blown away like a feather.

The two flew towards each other once again, locking arms, with Diana gaining the advantage this time, pushing him back slowly.

The blow to the face was quick to draw blood, and the hard kick on the cheek threw him back to the ground. She quickly recalled her sword.

It was not long before a red energy blast raced towards her, but a mighty overhead swing quickly took care of it, cutting it half as the two pieces exploded behind her. Next a giant boulder was flung at her, Diana had no trouble slicing it up too.

But even before the pieces could fall to the ground, Antonis sped towards her and her sword was once again aimed at him. This time he was able to catch it by blocking it with his kerambit, with the hilt caught in between the blades of his curved knife, with the tip of the sword touching his head. Removing one of the knives from the hilt, he quickly slashed it against Diana's wrist, who winced in pain as a result dropped the sword. He kicked it away to the sea for extra measure.

Antonis dropped a barrage of left and right hooks by the kerambits, as the curved knives' blades desperately searched for flesh. Diana saw slash rain from above, her bracelets instinctively went up for defence; the blades clanked against the metal as it harmlessly bounced off with sparks. She placed a well-aimed kick at his guts, rollicking him a few steps backwards.

Wonder Woman ducked a right blade and evaded a left jab as she quickly placed herself behind him and aimed for the hook of his knee. The Red Lantern was down on his left knee in no time, which prompted Diana to wrap her insanely powerful arms around his neck, blocking any access to the wind.

A few quick elbows to the ribs loosened her grip over him, then clutching her left arm and swiftly bending his body, he threw her over his shoulder.

However, Diana quickly rolled to a side and gotten up. A fierce kick was launched by her.

With extreme precision, Antonis caught her leg in his hands and immediately sliced the inside of her knee, severing major tendons and fibres.

"Aaaargh !" The cut was clean and sharp, even though Diana was accustomed to a considerable amount of pain, the blade still made her wince. Clutching her knee, she limped a couple of steps back as blood oozed out from the wound falling inside her boots.

"That's it ? Baby, there's more pain to come !" Antonis mocked, his words stinging worse than the knives.

Wonder Woman fumed internally at the insult, her fists clenching automatically at his words.

Antonis was ready to finally settle his score against the sole survivor of the race which ruined his life.

They stood there like that for some time, staring at each other's faces, waiting for the other to make a move, waiting for the right moment to strike. In the meantime her wound healed by the virtue of her divine blood, and just for a split second, he dropped his gaze to look at it. Diana rushed in like a goddess of war.

Being the goddess of war, Wonder Woman could sense the increasing adrenaline in him, allowing him to reach levels of combat she thought was not possible for anyone except her, and Goku.

A face high kick from Antonis was blocked and she countered with a kick of her own to his chest, throwing him on his back due to his vulnerable state of balance. It was a mistake, because the next moment she felt a sharp pain at the base of her foot where the kerambit met. She was brought down on one knee, and a spinning back kick was delivered to her face, the heel of it to her tiara. The blow was so powerful that it actually caved the silver headpiece in, with the blade cutting her forehead viciously. As with every cut, it began leaking blood.

Antonis charged in with a left jab from his knife which Wonder Woman had no trouble in blocking as she held his wrist firmly and safely. Another mean swing from the right was blocked and then countered with a shot between his eyes, stunning him in the process. In blind fury, he delivered a bladed haymaker. She ducked at the right moment to deliver a shattering blow to his knee, forcing him to lose balance on that leg. As soon as he was down, she twisted the wrist she still had a hold on and climbing upon his shoulders, placed her legs over his arms and rolled her entire body a one eighty degree.

The torque threw him to his back without any trouble and soon she had him in a cross arm bar with his left arm fully taut in order to inflict maximum damage. She quickly snatched one of his knives away from him.

It was time to show him what prowess War had.

They both swung their knives at each other; Antonis missed, Diana did not. Ducking under the blade, she quickly slashed at his stomach, drawing a spray of blood. A kick was soon placed on the wound, the heel of her boot deepening it further.

As the Lantern fumbled backwards, the goddess followed him with the blade poised to strike. Out of pure instinct, he swept his blade through the air, hoping to connect with flesh. His hand was caught by her and she promptly stabbed him in the shoulder with the knife; the blade easily displacing the bones and sticking in between.

Antonis grunted for a moment, then kicked Diana so hard that the knife was automatically removed from his shoulder. The goddess of war tried delivering another strike, but was caught this time and thrown to the ground. And had she not bobbed her head to her left at the right moment, his knife would have certainly cut her face in two through her nose, all that was cut right now was her cheek bone.

The Red Lantern went for a kick to her ribs, Wonder Woman promptly blocked it and smashed her elbow hard against the base of his knee. A takedown soon followed and before he could comprehend anything, Diana was on top of him. The blow to the head was devastating, shaking the ground below as well as his senses, white dots leaped in front of his eyes after the blow landed.

Shaking off the dizzying sensation, Antonis punched Diana off him. She landed on her buttocks right next to the decapitated giant head of Zeus's statue. Seeing her enemy lung at her, she threw a straight jab. He simply deflected it away from himself using his free hand and placed a kick to her head. The impact rattled her head when his shin connected to her skull, which in turn obliterated the statue head with the carried over force.

Wonder Woman rolled backwards to a safe distance, in order to have enough time to shake off the disorientation. The Red Lantern was not willing t provide her with that luxury.

He jumped at her with the kerambit raised over his head, wishing to deliver a fatal wound. The goddess however saw an opening in his guard. Nimbly avoiding the knife she thrust the tip of her knife to the side of his belly, the Lantern's own momentum did the rest; tearing through the flesh and muscle. A short groan of pain escaped the madman's mouth.

Diana raised her kerambit to show him what it contained, a torn piece of his flesh, an inch long, dangling from the tip. Antonis was in no mood to relax himself, and the sight further angered him and fuelled his desire for the goddess' blood. They both resumed their duel of martial skills.

At one point, Wonder Woman had stopped Antonis' strike and driven her knee through his gut twice, with the second blow almost touching his spine. He fell down due to the force and pain generated as a result. Diana swooped down to pick him back up so she could punish him some more.

SLASH !

It earned her a long gash across her bare chest as she was left completely open for his attack, some of her blood splashed on his face.

Ignoring her pain, Wonder Woman blocked the blow with her free hand, and she used her kerambit to retaliate. The Lantern simply ducked underneath in a circular motion and swung his blade diagonally across her legs; the cut began from her the middle of her left thigh and ended at the base of her right knee. Without pausing, he rose back to his full height and aimed at her throat. The goddess blocked and they briefly countered and exchanged a few blows. Antonis spun again and delivered a back handed slash at her shoulder. Diana was lucky that her instincts had forced her to move from her current spot, or else the knife would have lopped her arm bone off the shoulder. Still, she received considerable damage in the form of a sliced pectoral.

The cut hurt, in fact it was the deepest that had been inflicted up to this time. Diana clutched the sliced part to ease the pain she was feeling. Sensing an opportunity, a slash was aimed at her throat. She merely avoided it by an inch by leaning backwards. Another mean swing followed, this time at her gut. The blade missed again and the Lantern attacked again. Their knives finally met with a spark when the curved blades hooked into each other.

Being the goddess of war, Diana could sense the will to kill in Antonis. The air between them was as taut as a cable wire. She could see the murder in his eyes, hear the blood thumping from his heart and the adrenaline that run through his blood; every sense of hers was flooded by an aspect of war. And justly so, because it was the people she called 'sisters' that had turned an innocent child into the monster she was currently fighting.

But was it worth the redemption to let everyone she loved die ?

Would the madman stop at just her ?

Could she let David turn into another Antonis ?

The answers were 'no', and with new found resolve, the goddess of war cocked her elbow back and unleashed it with all the strength she had.

The Red Lantern wasn't the one to give up so easily, his hand caught the ball of her elbow, thus nullifying the attack, and when the goddess tried to reel her hand back, he gripped it tightly refusing to let go. The two still had their blades locked on, as they parried for supremacy from their free hands, playing a dangerous tug of war.

Antonis finally managed to turn Diana when he tugged hard enough. Before she knew it, the blade sliced vertically through her bare back, leaving a half a foot laceration on it. It made her cringe in agony, the pain certainly stung.

Acting out of wild fury rather than any skill, Wonder Woman quickly turned around and unleashed two successive strikes. Luckily, both of them caught flesh in their path, slicing it up with little effort.

Even with blood leaking from the wounds, Antonis swept his knife at her head, the goddess ducked and rose back up for assault, only to find the weapon lash back at her, this time over her head and straight to her left shoulder. The sharp blade easily lodged itself in the space between her arm and the rest of her body.

The pain was excruciating, as the Lantern began applying force to his weapon, trying to rip the limb off her.

A knee from Wonder Woman struck his chest, right on his heart; it seemingly had no effect. Elevating the strike, she connected it to his face. The blade still did not come off, in fact the kerambit slid deeper in the bones.

When all else failed, Diana raised her knife and brought it down upon Antonis. The devastating cut began from his chin, spared his throat but ran through the entire length of his torso; she was sure she felt the blade of her kerambit touch his breastbone.

With a wounded cry, the Lantern went down on his knees, but still he had the blade stuck in her. Using it to get back up, he raised his own knee to strike her. It was blocked as she dug her blade at the base of it with the other hand keeping his leg hanging in the air.

Antonis had the blade lodged beneath her shoulder, and Diana had his knee hostage. She saw that his heart was throbbing at an intense rate, the blood spurting from his open knee with each beat was a proof of it. She shuffled her grip on the kerambit's hilt; all the blood was making the weapon slippery. The stench of the rust iron from the bodily fluid was filling her nose, but the adrenaline rush made the pain irrelevant. For some time they stood like that, bleeding from each other's strikes.

Further thoughts were put to an end, when she received a blow to her face, then to her tiara, the headpiece cutting her forehead afresh. It was then she decided to rip open his knee, the knife tearing the patella open. On an accord, the blade from her deltoid was violently gouged out, leaving a gaping red hole there.

Diana dug her knife in his ribcage, sliding between the empty space. A twist, a turn and a pull, and she sliced two of his ribs, turning him around in the process. A numbing pain soon followed when her blade caught his spine. The force with which it was delivered was enough to turn him around to face her once more.

The wounded Lantern tried to lash out at her with his own kerambit. His clumsy attack was easily blocked and the right wrist was sliced open. A left punch aimed to her face was stopped with the tip of her curved knife, the blade sinking in a couple of inches within the flesh. The kerambit ran through the entire length of his arm as it tore its way through, leaving a lengthy and gory two inch deep gash. It stopped when it reached his chest and Diana twisted the blade a bit to maximize the damage before pulling it out with a loud rip.

At that point of time, both of them had been drenched in blood; their own as well as each other's. It was impossible to tell who was winning. But at that very moment, Diana knew that she had the upper hand, that her enemy was in no position to retaliate with both his arms cut open, and one knee being ripped.

With a blood-curdling cry like a true warrior, Wonder Woman of Paradise Island prepared to deliver one final strike to him, hoping to put an end to his miserable life.

The blade stopped short an inch, dangerously close to his throat. She had reconsidering her decision to kill, the defeated Antonis would be no more threat to her now, and even his kerambit was lost to him now, the severed muscles and tendons denying him any grip.

"You only live because you were once an innocent child." Wonder Woman was finding it hard to speak, the wounds were beginning to take its toll "I sympathise for your loss, for the pain my mother and sisters have caused, but their crimes are not mine. Just like you were innocent in all the hatred and vengeance, I too was unaware of my past until you came. Let's forgive and forget each other."

With a slight push, Diana threw him to the ground as she turned around to limp away, hoping to see the last of him.

"Goodbye friend, hope we never meet again."

"Oh we will not, don't worry !"

She halted her steps upon hearing his sarcastic words.

"Now !"

They came with shrieks and cries, burning everything in their path. The monsters that arrived were all wearing red, with a Red Lantern sign bearing on their suit.

"They are my little lanterns !" Antonis said, gloating over the sight of them "Each one carefully picked from the darkest pits of Hades' collection. Combine them with the ring, and you have the most dangerous pets on the planet."

"I've had enough of your nonsense !" Diana cried, as she reached for her bracelets "I thought that sparing you would solve the problem, I was obviously wrong. You wanted the goddess of war, right ? Here, have her."

The bracelets were dropped to the ground with a thump, she removed the now distorted tiara off her forehead, and the boots were taken off to reveal the blood covered feet of eyes lit up with a blue light, crackling thunder from it. A godly aura surrounded her, lighting up the remaining accruements. Her god form lying dormant for so long was now been awakened. Absorbing the aura into herself, she became even more powerful.

It only took a few quick strikes to decapitate them all.

_Ring bearer terminated. Searching for a new host._

She then directed her fury towards the culprit. Grabbing him by the throat, she banged him against a nearby tree.

"You fool !" She hissed, holding her sword against his neck "I want to end this madness, not you ! Why don't you understand ?!"

"I shall take your ring, the weapon of your rage." She added, and with a quick swipe, snatched his ring off him.

Wonder Woman tilted her head in surprise when she saw him laughing softly, revealing crimson coloured teeth.

"What's so funny ?"

"You are." Antonis replied "Your ignorance amuses me ! Don't you know how a Red Lantern ring works ? I'll show you."

Diana had not anticipated what happened next, that's why she was shocked to see the events unfold. The host-less Red Lantern rings now seemed to be headed towards Antonis.

_Antonis of Earth. You have great rage in your heart._

A single ring arrived, floating in front of him. It had chosen a host.

_Antonis of Earth. You have great rage in your heart._

Another ring followed.

_...You have great rage in your heart._

_...You have great rage in your heart._

_...You have great rage in your heart._

"Oh shit !" Was the only thing Diana managed to say as many more rings followed. She knew she had been tricked; the monsters were merely temporary ring carriers.

"You didn't happen to notice that there were nine of the Hades' demons, did you ?" Antonis asked, as he smoothly slipped the rings into his fingers; until the only one left was the middle finger of his left hand "Add the one in your hand and it makes ten."

He showed her the empty finger, and Diana's hand was seared to a great degree of pain as she opened her clutch; the Red Lantern ring in her clutch was eager to return to its host. At last, all his fingers contained a ring each.

His eyes now glowed a fiery and an aura of burning ambers surrounded him.

"Behold !"

All the rage within him burst forth in the form of a bright red flash, burning anything within the light's reach. Wonder Woman was blown away like a dry leaf.

The entire island of Themyscira caught fire, as Antonis shrieked and shrieked in an uncontrollable rage. Whatever power he previously had was amplified many times now. The entire island shook and burned under his rage and the water surrounding it reached its boiling point, killing the lives within. The marble statues turned red and gave in to the temperature, and the mighty gusts of winds blew away the final few remains of Themyscira.

Gathering herself back in this inferno, Diana drew out her sword. She knew what to do.

* * *

><p>Goku had not reacted this quickly in his life, nor did he fly this fast ever. No one, not even the amped Jon had caught his movements. Before the hybrid could even fathom anything, he was thrown into the orbit by a very powerful blow.<p>

The saiyan had flown with Supergirl and David as fast as he could inside Krypton, before the soldiers could even understand what went past them.

"Oh Rao ! What happened to her !" Zor-El gasped as he witnessed his daughter lying green on the ground, visibly in agony.

"The kryptonite bomb exploded in her face." Goku told him.

By this time, Zod and his troops had arrived back in the dome too.

"The aerosol is quickly approaching. We better do something or face extinction." The general said, eyeing Kara as she twitched in pain and agony.

"What is happening ?" David cried, tears rolling down his cheeks as he watched his aunt suffer.

"The kryptonite level in her blood is too high ! We have a medical centre."

"I'll take her there." Goku opted and within a blink of an eye, all of them had reached there.

"Goku..." Supergirl breathed, her voice barely audible. She locked his hand in hers "I wanted to say thank you... for everything. For saving me, for being a friend... and for being someone I could love. All this time I was alone in this world, and then you came along."

"Kara, I..." Goku was nearing tears too.

"It's okay." She smiled understandingly "I know you are not obliged to reciprocate my feelings... it is me who owes you everything. Thank you!"

With that she passed out and was quickly taken to the medical room.

As Goku stood there with his head hung low, the turmoil eating him from the inside, he felt a hand placed on his shoulder.

"I know it is not the best place to discuss this, but it is important." Zod said "This world is not fit for us anymore."

"What do you mean ?"

"Not just the kryptonite, but the people as well." The general elaborated on his sentence "Humans have now given up their trust on us. They are openly protesting against Krypton, demanding that we account for the destruction. I can feel their fear and hatred. Now I know how Kara, and Kal-El to some degree, must have felt up till now. Krypton will oblige Earth's request."

"What are you talking about ?!" Zor-El exclaimed "We can't just leave the planet !"

"Oh yes we can !" Zod shot back "I was working on a project title Exodus, while you and H'el had secret meetings with Bruce Wayne. Don't look so shocked ! You thought I wouldn't know ?! Nevertheless, Project Exodus was designed for this particular type of situation, need Krypton had to face such outrage. I and Faora had our own team of scientists working right under your nose, preparing for impending doom. We will leave this planet right now, all necessary arrangements have been made."

"What are you trying to imply is that you are taking over Krypton ?" The scientist bluntly asked him.

"Precisely. It is for the greater good, you'll see. My soldiers will see you to your chamber, Zor-El."

"This is insane, Dru-Zod !"

"Insane ?" The general's face twitched in disgust "Insane is dropping bombs on peaceful people like us. My job is to always be prepared. And do not worry, your daughter will be safe."

"So that means bye-bye Krypton ?" Goku asked the general, after Kara's father had been escorted by the soldiers. For some reason, he chose not to interfere in Krypton's internal matters.

"For the time being, yes. But we both have the ability to visit each other." Zod said, extending a hand.

"And fight great enemies together !" The saiyan shook his hand "Speaking of which I sense Jon Lane Kent approaching ! I must take care of the matter."

"Goodbye my friend."

"Goodbye. I'll come back for David once the kryptonite is out."

Saying that, the saiyan left for the outside, ready to face the enemy once more.

_Initiate Project Exodus._

The engines roared to life as the entire dome lifted itself and vanished into the space.

* * *

><p>Black Adam saw that it was no regular batsuit, rather a peculiar one. The unmistakable 'S' symbol was definitely there, and so was the red cape. But the rest of the armour was designed in typical Batman style with the pointy ears and the jet black colour. The metal was not too thick, allowing for quite some mobility. The overall impression was that of a lean, agile and yet at the same time strong fighter.<p>

"So that is what you were designing, Bruce Wayne ? A copied ideology from borrowed technology." The former champion gave a sarcastic impressed look at the billionaire's achievement.

"Superman was a close friend and I mean to carry forward his legacy with the help of this armour the kryptonians helped me and Lex make. I will stand up against anything false and unjust." Batman said.

"I am afraid that you are going to let him down."

Lightning bolts struck Batman, affecting him for a moment. A sharp blow to the head-piece sent him dragging along the ground, chipping it up in the process. A kick to the chest sent him crashing into a fallen building. It didn't take long for the structure to crumble.

Before the Kahndaqi could think of something else, a pair of red beams burst from the debris and went straight for him. Teth barely managed to hold it back as the beams intensified. Batman emerged soon after and it was revealed that the heat vision was coming out from his hands rather than the eyes.

Black Adam directed the heat vision downwards and the ensuing blast spewed out dust. The Dark Knight took advantage of the reduced visibility and leaped where the magical champion was, thanks to the X-ray vision the armour provided, hitting him square on the chest.

The Kahndaqi was thrown away this time as he too crashed on to the group of destroyed buildings piled upon each other.

Batman found out that his opponent would not give up so easily, as evident by the entire buildings thrown at him from great distance. Thankfully, they were the ones that had already been broken so there was no worry. The added strength that the armoured suit provided would now come into play.

WHAM ! WHAM ! WHAM !

It took one punch each to finish off the buildings, the amped strength doing its job.

Bruce felt a shock, his insides rattling at the force of Black Adam's magically amped punches struck him in the face. The dark knight replied with a backflip, connecting his toes with his opponent's chin. That stunned the magical being for a while, as he backed off clutching his bleeding lip.

"Your strength is in my league. Impressive !" Black Adam remarked, as the cut quickly healed itself. In a flash, he had the dark knight's head in his grip and an instant later, the head was banged into a nearby wall and the armoured vigilante was then thrown through a pile of fallen buildings.

"But you lack the viciousness to face your enemy !" Adam said, picking Batman up from the rubble and holding him high in the air "The Justice League has a moral code which will eventually be their downfall. Your enemies will not share your compassion !"

"Maybe not, but at least we won't have blood on our hands, like you have of your nephew's."

"That is not your matter !"

Batman took to the sky, taking Black Adam with himself and they both engaged in a duel once again with the people of Gotham looking down below.

Helena Wayne was hurt, but she knew that she couldn't give up, not with everyone's lives on the line. The person who could kill his own relative could do anything. The man had the Justice League trapped in a magical orb placed on top of the Wayne tower for everyone to see, as he displayed the defeated heroes like a tyrant warlord.

Helena quickly reached the top of the building as Batman and Black Adam kept fighting. The magical orb was now in sight, perhaps if she could-

"Wait !" A voice from behind stopped her. Turning around, she saw someone she recognised.

"You must be Pandora !" Helena said.

"If you touch that orb, you will turn to dust. Black Adam is a powerful magician having the powers of the Wizard." The immortal woman told her "Batman asked for my help, only I can end this."

"But from what I've heard, you are not supposed to interfere in matter of the world."

"I'm afraid that if I don't, there will not be a world left." Pandora said "I almost destroyed this world once, I won't let such a thing happen again. Besides, the Rock of Eternity is no more to watch the Trinity."

Saying that, the cursed woman lifted her hands to weave a magical spell, her lips uttering an ancient language.

"Nooo !" Black Adam cried, sensing the spell. It would spell doom for the Kahndaqi. Before he could react, Batman took care of him as he flung him down below.

The magic took its effect as the orb vanished and the League members were free once more.

"Save the world, champions." Pandora said phasing away.

"Oh Hel, you are okay !" Powergirl hugged her best friend upon seeing her.

"Time to end this !" Billy said as he watched Black Adam battle Batman once more.

SHAZAM !

The lightning restored back whatever power Black Adam had tricked him into lending him.

"Sorry but the loan's over !" Shazam said as he rushed at his nemesis. The rest of them followed. With Black Adam weakened, he stood no chance.

"So that was what you were building ?" Green Lantern gave a long look at the new kryptonian suit.

"I guess Zor-El helped you build this." Cyborg said.

"He did, and H'el gave quite a few useful insights. "Bruce let out "Look, if you are expecting an apology from me for keeping this hidden, don't. I was sick of watching around and able to do nothing. I wanted to be physically involved in a fight. When Zod was defeated, it provided me with the perfect opportunity."

"But the suit merely amplifies one's abilities, that doesn't automatically put you on Goku's league ?" Powergirl wondered.

"I lined the inside of the suit with a skin graft from Superman's DNA, obtained from David. I guess that was necessary. God forbid Goku ever turns rogue, the armour would be our only chance. This is the saiyan's kryptonite, this is my prep."

"You're such a devil, aren't you ?" Powergirl said.

* * *

><p>"Why did you do that ?!" Goku gritted his teeth, his face all shrivelled up with anger at Jon Lane Kent's doings. He drove his fist in the teen's face, the impact sending him far beyond into the now green horizon. The kryptonite aerosol had polluted the atmosphere, rendering it unfit for the Kryptonians.<p>

Jon responded by quickly appearing before Goku and firing his heat vision. The saiyan managed to put up his ki shield at the right moment, preventing the red beams from hitting him. Although, it was not an easy job as he had to throw in his entire strength in keeping them at bay, his muscles were bulged up dangerously, threatening to rip out of the scarce clothing covering them.

It was after a few moments of initial struggle that the sociopath decided to up the ante. Stretching both his hands forward, he unleashed a powerful telekinetic wave towards his opponent. The wave struck the force shield and added on to the already tremendous force exerted by the heat vision. Goku was being pushed backwards now, his speed increasing with each passing second. Even desperately digging his feet in the ground proved futile as the ice cracked under the pressure.

The saiyan was eventually thrown into a mountain with the combined effect of the heat vision and telekinesis pushing him further in, tearing through the rock like tissue paper. Then he stopped being driven any further and the mountain began collapsing upon him; the boulders hitting him from all directions, even from down below. It was Jon Lane Kent using his telekinesis to crumble the mountains onto him.

The broken pieces stuck on to him, refusing to fall off. The entire mountain was down in a matter of seconds, compacted and enclosed tightly around the saiyan. Along the crushing force, came the scorching heat. Jon was firing his heat vision at the telepathically squeezed mountain, adding temperature and heat to the rock prison, turning it to something much denser and harder. When he thought he had done enough, Jon Lane Kent lunged at it and with a swift blow, shattered the dense material effortlessly, the force and heat acting together and maximizing damage.

Goku was nowhere to be seen in the vicinity, having been thrown back by quite a distance. There were fresh wounds and burns on his skin, the spiky hair dishelmed by the impact of the strike and the clothes of his upper torso were completely gone, revealing a perfectly chiselled body.

"Now I see what Diana sees in you !" Jon remarked as the saiyan landed in front of him once again, referring to his chiselled form that stood gallantly in front of him.

"Not even half compared to what I'm about to show to you."

Goku charged at him with blinding speed, making a mess of the snow below. Seeing his progress, Jon tried to pull up a telekinetic shield of his own. A full powered blow from the saiyan broke the guard and went in to hit the teen square on his head. Jon saw stars as fist connected face, sending him down to the ground.

Jon attempted a punch of his own, but the saiyan quickly blocked and engulfed him in a sphere of pure energy. Then Goku proceeded to launch the sphere far away from him with the hybrid inside trying to break through, into a giant mountain that stood tall.

The sphere exploded upon contact with the solid rock, the light produced was so bright that it darkened anything luminous as far as the eyes could see. The ground quaked madly under the force, trying to shake off the unearthly power as it fissured.

"_That must be it !" _Goku thought, as he heaved in exhaustion "_I don't think I can put up much longer."_

He wasn't lying; the battle was indeed very taxing on his body. After all, it wasn't fuelled by a constant source of energy like the sun.

"Goku !" The saiyan turned around to a very familiar and adored voice. She stood there, with her red armour gleaming proud, the tiara raised high on her head, and the sword gripped with might. Wonder Woman stood tall, the daughter of Zeus.

"Diana ?!" Goku tilted his head in confusion "Weren't you supposed to be fighting Antonis ?"

"I was." She replied, stepping towards him "But now he has been taken care of."

"You killed him ?!" The saiyan's eyes widened in surprise, somehow he found it hard to believe.

"No silly !" Diana added, shaking her head lightly in amusement, adding a smile to her demeanour "That man is now being held by Hessia, bound by my Lasso of Truth."

Goku then eyed her from top to bottom, scrutinizing, scanning, and even fretting over each of the little cut that painted her body. It must have been a bloody and gruesome fight with the vengeful man, no doubt.

SHHHHWAACK !

The blast was at point blank range, there was no way anyone couldn't have felt it. Even Goku himself who had delivered the ki explosion was pushed back by it. With his hands a couple of inches from her chest, he had let out his life force in the form of an explosive blast. Diana was blasted away a great distance, crashing on to the snow and heaping it up.

The image of Wonder Woman lying on the snow slowly faded away, and morphed back into a steaming Jon Lane Kent's.

"That's cheating, you know ! It isn't fair if you use your illusions of Diana." Goku said, then he began rubbing his chin with his index finger in a thoughtful manner "But it was a pretty neat trick, if you ask me. Almost had me fooled !"

"How ?!" The angered and confused teen snarled, demanding to know an answer.

The saiyan pouted his lips at him, disappointed by the outburst,

"I may not be a rocket scientist like Kara or her father, but you forgot that I can sense anybody's energy signature. I could sense Diana's energy when you cast yourself as her and I could sense Antonis' ki when you said that he was defeated. Hell, I can even sense her right now !"

Goku then proceeded to expose his teeth as he flashed a smile at him. The teen went berserk with rage. With whatever little strength he had left, he launched at his adversary. The saiyan side stepped and avoided the attack. A dizzying flurry of punches from him sent him fumbling backwards; as the teen lurched forward in pain, Goku drove upwards and connected his knee to his chin.

Jon was sent soaring into the sky, not in control of his body. He spurted out some blood, after feeling a hard jab to his gut, propelling him further upwards.

"_I'll lose if this keeps up !"_ The teen thought, fretting over the outcome. He would surely be defeated if he didn't do anything.

Gathering himself up, he stopped his trajectory and left the Earth's atmosphere, heading for the source of his power; the sun.

Goku however, was keeping track of his every move by sensing his life force.

"So he's headed for the sun." He said to himself "Not a bad move."

A split second later, he appeared in front of the dumbfounded hybrid, both just on the edge of the atmosphere.

"No ! C-Can't be !" Jon uttered a shocked cry, terror reigning in his eyes.

"Time to end this, Jon."

The saiyan then went on to cup his hand to a side, and release the Kamehameha wave when suddenly he fell short, something entirely else catching his senses.

A sudden outburst of rage was what he felt, the power level beyond anything. It was so intense that he could feel the burning emotions behind it, eclipsing every sense that he had. It must have been the Red Lantern, his powers somehow amplified beyond comprehension; David's power level was a joke compared to it right now.

"Diana !" The dreaded thought ate him from the inside as he dropped his hands, fretting over the goddess' well being.

Jon being the opportunist that he was, delivered a kick on Goku's face, ending his chain of thoughts. It was followed with a head butt and finally topped by a heat vision to his opponent's chest. Clutching the stunned saiyan by the hair, he swung him around many times with blurring speed and tossed him back to Earth as he made his way towards the sun.

Goku landed back in the North Pole, cracking the ice sheet he hit, the quake was felt throughout the world, sending everyone and everything into frenzy, and still the saiyan was worrying about something else.

* * *

><p>"You wanted to fight your monster ! Here it is !" Antonis cried as he let out his amplified rage, expelling roaring fires and wind that consumed everything in their path.<p>

However, the god-form Wonder Woman was still standing, albeit barely able to shield herself from the fire that was specifically created to destroy her. With hands crossed in front of her face, she kept herself from being charred alive.

"Antonis, stop it !" She cried.

"Never !" The scream ripped the ground, tearing through the land and destroying everything on the way.

Wonder Woman's god form had been protecting her from his wrath, but even that was slowly beginning to peel away. Still she had enough resilience to inch forward, shielding herself from the burning winds.

A powerful beam from Antonis was released from him towards her. Diana knew that if she didn't move, it would certainly bypass her durability even in the god form. Quickly summoning her sword, she placed it in front of her face. The beam was sliced in two, passing harmlessly through her side. Like a scissor tearing through a cloth, she ran through the Lantern's conduit using her sword.

She could see the hatred in Antonis' eyes when she was within a foot away from him, not having shrunk the least iota.

"Forgive me." Wonder Woman said softly, regretting what would soon follow.

The Red Lantern's rage was increasing exponentially, she feared that it would soon claim not just the island but the entire planet. The Lasso of truth was quickly drawn out and wound around him. Even then, Diana knew that it was not done yet as the rage merely slowed down. The guns of Eros soon followed, emptied until they were left smoking, the combined effect of the two temporarily gave her a window of a couple of seconds, to make a choice.

Diana was no stranger to taking hard decisions; she had done that to Ares, she had done that to First Born. She was ready to take a life when absolutely necessary. But killing him felt like killing an innocent life, and though Antonis was no innocent, she knew that he was a victim of savage traditions and grudges. A man who swore vengeance against the perpetrators wasn't necessarily guilty, but nor was she.

The sword went through his chest, promptly ending his fury. A loud gasp escaped his mouth as his hands automatically dropped down. The rings were swiftly removed. Closing her eyes and begging for forgiveness, she dug in the blade deeper.

* * *

><p>It was not until he felt a familiar ki approaching towards him that Goku snapped out of his trance. But it was the speed at which the energy was approaching him that surprised him.<p>

It was not long before the figure appeared in front of him; a bat-shaped figure that carried the 'S' symbol of Krypton's House of El family. The rest of it looked like an armoured version of Batman except that the usually exposed mouth area was covered.

"Bruce ? Is that you ?!" Goku called out, getting up and dusting the snow off his clothes.

"Yes." Was the only voice that came out of him. It sounded to be little electronically altered.

"You seem different." The saiyan said, scanning him from top to bottom "What's up with the new suit ? And gosh, your power level is amazing !"

"It's kryptonian." Batman replied "And if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

Batman took off to the green kryptonite haze that had covered the sky. Releasing a metallic ball of some kind, he threw it to the green clouds, and a few moments later, they were entirely gone.

"Whoa ! Did you just do that !" Goku stared wide-eyed at Batman when he landed.

"It is a gas absorbent." Bruce replied, holding up the orb which had now taken a shade of green "The suit is what I had been keeping away from everyone for so long. It was designed after Zor-El and H'el helped me and Lex reverse engineer Zod's grey armour. Coupled with Clark's DNA, it grants the user an astronomical boost in power, much further beyond any kryptonian."

"So this is what you had been planning all along." Goku said, his eyes marvelling over the genius of the billionaire.

"It wouldn't have been necessary if not for you and your powers." Batman replied, his eyes accusingly set on the saiyan.

"What ? I didn't get you."

"Never mind, he's returning."

THUMP !

With great difficulty, they managed to hold their feet to the ground as the land shook with brute force upon the arrival of the powerful villain.

"Guess, I have a bat and an ape to deal with !" Jon Lane Kent remarked, rising from the cracked ice sheet "But it would mean lesser problems to deal with later."

Goku didn't need his ki sensing to see that every cell of his body was radiating with power, the teen's bio-matrix aura now blazing like fire, crackling intensely.

An immeasurable force to the gut knocked the wind out of the saiyan, a hard elbow to the back of his neck as he lurched forward sent him deep into the ground. Batman tried to capitalize on the momentary distraction, but a backhanded fist knocked him away too.

"There is nothing a few minutes of sun dip can't fix !" Jon marvelled over his powers, as he checked himself out "I am back at my power level when I fought the saiyan, probably higher !"

Grabbing Goku by the nape of his neck, he lifted him up to face level.

"You thought you could beat me ?!" Jon snarled, looking deep into his eyes. As Batman launched at the hybrid, the latter stopped him by casually holding him by his neck too.

"And you seriously thought your fake strength could match mine ?" The teen tuned towards Bruce, hissing in fury, as the armoured superhero tried to break the grip.

"No, but I thought that theirs could."

Jon felt a sharp stab on his back, forcing him to loosen his hold on the two. David and Supergirl had arrived. Unknown to the sociopath, Bruce Wayne had sent a signal to Krypton as soon as the kryptonite had been removed from the atmosphere. The two had returned to avenge the wrongs done to their planet.

Goku delivered a kicked to Jon's feet, Batman went for a blow to the head; the simultaneous attacks managed to flip him a three sixty as he landed on his chest.

Before he could recover, he felt a steely kick to the temple, probably Batman's, cutting it open. The teen dragged sideways for a moment before stopping.

"You'll pay for that !" Jon growled as felt the blood with his hands.

"That's exactly what I had in mind when you started causing trouble !" Supergirl said, preparing for another attack. She sped towards her opponent and clutched him in a full nelson.

"Ha ! Your strength is nothing compared to mine !" The teen laughed, ridiculing her attempt "I will break this hold of yours like nothing, and then snap your arms like-"

WHAM !

Jon had not noticed that David had quickly covered the distance between them, and before he realized, a hard fist was slammed onto his face. The boy then wrapped his arms and legs around the enemy's neck.

But his troubles didn't end, a sharp blow to the back made him wince. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Zod, and his crackling bio-matrix aura. Apparently, he had sun-dipped too.

Still, none of them were a match for his strength, just a neat swing of his arm would do the job. However, he never got to do that as he felt a flurry of punches delivered at an unbelievable rate; it was Flash. Soon, every League member showed up; Green Lantern rammed a gigantic green train onto him, Cyborg blasted him with continuous sonic booms, Powergirl's punched were heat vision too was raining down upon him, and Shazam's magic bolts had bypassed the suit's invulnerability.

"Get off all of you !" Jon Lane Kent raged, getting rid of everyone from him. All the heroes were swatted away like flies.

"Can you do the Spirit Bomb, Goku ? Like the one on Imperiex ?" Batman asked, seeing the scales tip in the favour of the villain.

"I can't." Goku told him, seemingly angry at the fact "Jon had the entire fight broadcasted worldwide without me knowing. Since I was fighting for Krypton, the world thinks that I have turned my back on them."

"And they won't give you their energy. Hmm, I see." The Dark Knight concluded, lost in some deep thought.

"Everyone, regroup !" He ordered.

The League members did as they were told, even Zod.

"What's the plan ?" Shazam asked.

"I have one." Zod suggested "All of us save Goku mob this hybrid and give the saiyan a chance to prepare for the final attack. Jon will be completely taken by surprise.

"Let's do it then." Green Lantern said.

"All for one and one for all !" Shazam raised his hand up in the air expecting everyone one to follow, but the rest had already taken off.

Jon had no trouble keeping track of all their blows, all the strikes were caught and countered easily. Eventually, he had the entire League held in his telekinesis.

"Die !" He cried, firing his heat vision at Goku.

The saiyan leaped upwards, avoiding the beams as it blasted on the ground. It was time for another Kamehameha.

"KAAMEEEE..."

Zod fired his heat vision at Jon's face, disrupting his concentration and in turn his telekinesis.

"HAAMEEE..."

The assault began once more as the heroes converged on him. Jon simply swatted them away with a stroke of his hand and turned his attention towards Goku, only to find him gone from his place.

"HAAA !"

It was only after the word was uttered and the flash was seen that Jon realized that Goku had transmitted himself right in front of him. However, as he was prepared for this, a little sidestepping was all that was needed to avoid the wave.

"Heh ! I can hear people talking across continents. Don't you think I could have heard your 'plan' from a few feet away ? I find your lack of common sense disturbing." Jon remarked slyly as the beam passed him. Indeed he had heard everything that they had discussed.

Goku already had something in mind, but was a bit sceptical. It was not that he hadn't performed a bending Kamehameha before, the likes of which follows its opponent, but never had he performed it of this magnitude. It would take nothing less than his fullest to break through the armour, and that was the catch. Bending a fully powered Kamehameha would be nothing short of a miracle, which he would have to pull off at any cost.

Concentrating on every single moment of training he had yet received and combined with his mastery over his powers, he quickly commanded the wave to bend and take a U-turn.

It was all done in a fraction of a second, Jon Lane Kent never realized it until the light of the beam hit him in the corner of his eyes. The teen managed to quickly turn around and stop the wave with a telekinetic shield, the strongest one he had made yet.

"Impossible ! How do you keep doing that ?!" The teen cried in frustration and fear.

"Like this !" The saiyan replied by pumping his reserved energy into the Kamehameha, increasing the size of the beam in the process. The ice sheet beneath Jon cracked. The teen slowly turned around to face Goku, with the shield and the beam still engaging in a duel. With the energy projection now straightened, Jon had a better chance at holding it back.

"What are you thinking, let's help him !" Zod said, as he turned his eyes red and unleashed his sun dipped power at the invisible shield. The two other Kryptonians followed suit.

Shazam struck Jon's shield with the single most powerful lightning he had ever produced.

Green Lantern channelled his will into a giant freight train, which rammed into the telekinetic barrier.

Cyborg supplied a continuous source of sonic boom from his cannon, giving his hundred percent.

Flash joined in when he began vibrating his fist, growing in frequency with each microsecond that passed. Charging at the teen with the speed of light, he struck with an Infinite Mass Punch, wreaking havoc on the landscape around.

Batman was the final one to attack, concentrating his suit's energy in the palm of his hands, he blasted an amped version of the heat vision at the teen.

The entire continent shook as a result with the ground beneath them beginning to buckle. The flash could be seen for miles and the deafening roar even further beyond.

However, Jon, although barely, managed to ward off the combined attack, fighting within an inch of his life. He knew that he had no other option, so he put all his strength behind the telekinetic shield, lest he be destroyed. So for his life, Jon Lane Kent kept it at bay.

"We won't win this if it keeps going !" Goku said "I am running on my final reserves, my strength will soon give out !"

David caught on to that. His mentor, his friend, his father figure needed help and what a better way to repay him than help him out in this battle. For that, he would have to focus and train on the things the saiyan had taught him. He had seen him do it just once, right now, but he was pretty confident that he could replicate it.

With that, he cupped his hands to a side, making sure to do exactly what Goku did. The rest came naturally to him, the flow of his ki in his body, intensifying, and finally releasing in the form of an explosive blue beam when he stretched his hands. His 'Kamehameha' cry cut clear through the noise; defiant and determined.

Jon gasped as the wave made its way towards him, sensing doom already. The Kamehameha hit and combined with the might of the other strikes, shattered the shield away like thin glass. The ensuing blast engulfed Jon, and soon only a silhouette of him was visible, a dark shadow, slowly being peeled away bit by bit.

* * *

><p>Diana held Antonis to herself as she pulled the sword out of his chest, giving him comfort in his final few moments. She could hear the gurgling of his blood in his ragged breathing. With wet eyes, she muttered a prayer for him as he slowly slid down her chest and collapsed to the ground.<p>

"I am sorry." She croaked, as Antonis looked at her.

"I hate you !"

"And rightfully so, I do not expect anything else." Diana said. Only she knew the turmoil she was feeling right now, the relief and the grief.

A bright light ended her dilemma, as the rays splashed all over the island. Wonder Woman turned around to find a beautiful woman approach them.

"M-Mother ?!" Antonis gurgled, confused at the sudden appearance of his deceased parent.

"Yes, my son." Eva said, pushing his hair back with her hand, her mere appearance soothing him "I came to take you with me, to be at peace."

"I-I f-failed you, mother. I-I am sssorry." His voice was begging for forgiveness.

"You fought bravely, son. That is all that matters. You proved that you are my son." She told him.

"You k-killed sso many of those whores, while I-I couldn't kill one. Forgive me m-mother, for I couldn't avenge you." A tear rolled down his eye.

"Let us not talk of things that are past, son." Eva landed a soft kiss on his brow "You will soon join me in a better world and that is all that should matter now."

"B-But they wronged us ?!" Antonis queried.

"And they got what they deserved." Eva told him, smiling at her dying son "Look around, your rage has left not even a single relic, a sole memento to tell the coming generations of the Amazons. Nobody will know in the coming years that they ever existed. The Amazons have been wiped from the history."

Wonder Woman took a look around to see if that was true. Indeed it was for she could see nothing but red ash. What was once a lively, colourful land teeming with life was now a barren waste land. The whistling of the winds was the only sound heard, and no movement could be seen for miles. It looked nothing like the 'Paradise Island' the Amazons claimed it to be. A lump rose to Diana's throat when she realized that Antonis had actually accomplished what he proclaimed.

"Mother ! I can sense darkness taking over !" The dying man said, holding on to his mother.

"Have heart, my child. It will be over soon."

With a sigh, life left Antonis as he breathed his last. His limbs went limp, and his pupils dilated, fixing on to death.

_Ring bearer terminated, searching for new host._

"And so it ends !" Eva declared, getting up as she placed Antonis on the floor. Suddenly she shined bright, as her form got totally engulfed by the light, and then the light moulded and reshaped itself. Diana choked on to herself when she saw that it actually had been Strife, the goddess of chaos, all along.

Wonder Woman lashed out almost immediately, as she held her sword against her half-sister's throat.

"What's the matter, sister ? You fell some inches short !" The goddess smiled.

"You swines !" Diana snarled, her face twisted in disgust, her hands still holding the uncaring goddess "Couldn't even spare a dying man ! Have to use trickery whenever possible !"

"It was your 'sisters' that started this." Strife reminded her, breaking the grip off her throat "Don't you think a dying man should be offered peace, a sense of serenity ? You call us swines ?! If I recall correctly, the Amazons were the ones who ran raping and killing people around."

That shut up the Amazon for good, she would be hearing that for as long as she would live.

Suddenly, the ground began to shake madly.

"What's happening ?" Diana asked as she levitated off the ground.

"You thought the battle would be without its price. The pressure was too hard on this tiny piece of land, hence it drowns to the bottom of the ocean. Your paradise is sinking, sister !"

* * *

><p>"Whew !" Goku heaved a sigh of relief as he flopped to the ground "That was the last bit of energy I had spent, I can carry no more ! This is it."<p>

"Is it over ?" Green Lantern asked, lowering his ring "Even I need to recharge."

"I doubt it." Batman said, looking over to the giant crater that was smoking with the attack.

A figure was seen limping out of the smoke, and as it drew closer it took the form of Jon Lane Kent minus the armour.

"I thought you said it was over !" Flash gasped, still not believing that the horror wasn't over.

"Trust me it is." Goku told him, throwing his head back casually and enjoying the sunlight on his face.

The teen stumbled forward and fell to his knees, and finally on his chest having no more strength left.

"I give up." Was all the strength he had left to say.

"You should." Shazam said, pointing a finger at him.

"Go back where you came from !" Supergirl cried, kicking him in the face. She still was mad at him for causing Krypton to leave Earth.

"And take your friend with you." Huntress appeared, holding a knocked down Black Adam with her.

"Is that..." Powergirl stepped furiously towards him before being stopped by Batman.

"Remember, no killing." He dryly said, reminding of the code of the league.

"Okay." She reluctantly agreed "But..."

WHACK !

A kick to the groin was enough to wake the Kahndaqi up, as his face twisted in pain and agony. However, it soon changed to the one of shame.

"I do not even have the right to ask you for forgiveness anymore." Black Adam said, looking at Powergirl and immediately dropping his gaze.

"It makes no difference to me, Adam." Powergirl said crossing her arms and looking the other way "You used me and then dumped me like trash, you almost had Krypton killed and you broke our trust. I will never forgive you !"

"What do we do of him ?" Batman interrupted, throwing Jon Lane Kent at their feet.

"I say we execute him ! He is far too dangerous !" Zod suggested. Faora's injured state was still paining him emotionally.

"You know we can't let that happen." The Dark Knight objected, staying true to his moral codes.

"What about the Guardian prison ?" Hal Jordan said.

"People have escaped before." Supergirl reminded him "I have a better idea; the Phantom Zone. The existence between life and death is a befitting punishment for this scumbag."

"Sounds good enough." Goku said with a smile, approving the idea "But who will send him there ?"

"I can." Cyborg stepped up "Kara and Zod can provide me with the coordinates."

It was done then, a few minutes later, the teen known as Jon Lane Kent was no more, having been banished into the reality known as the Phantom Zone, but not before an all too familiar warning of "I will return !".

With the sociopath gone, the rest of the saviours turned their attention towards Black Adam.

"You were a hero once." Batman said looking pitifully at him "Why did you choose this path ?"

"The boy, he showed me worlds, worlds that have heroes corrupted to their very core, the Seven Sins infecting them like any other human. I know that you saviours are noble, and much better than I ever could be. The Wizard sealed me for a reason. But remember this, even in the dark times that definitely lie ahead, in the storm that will rip your moral grounds you proudly stand upon; never betray yourselves like I did.

You have been warned. It is coming."

"Coming ?" Everyone murmured with a puzzled look, looking at each other for an answer.

Black Adam remained stoic, his expression unchanging.

"What is coming ?! ANSWER ME !" Batman roared, holding him by the collar.

SHAZAM !

Black Adam's figure turned to an old man's before slowly turning into dust and collapsing away.

"That was creepy !" Flash remarked.

"He does that." Shazam told him.

"And once again, David is a hero !" Supergirl placed him on her shoulders and cheered. Everyone soon followed, throwing him up in the air repeatedly as the boy reddened with blush.

"We need some time off. That was tiring !" Hal Jordan said.

"I need a day off." Shazam told everyone.

"Hey Goku !" Supergirl beamed "Don't you need something ?"

The saiyan rubbed the back of his head while flashing a smile at everyone else,

"How about a double-decker sandwich ?"

* * *

><p>Diana watched as the island got swallowed by the ocean, forever lost to mankind. And with it, her memories she held so dear. There was nothing she could do, nothing except save Antonis' body from sinking into the water too.<p>

"Diana !" Goku called out, appearing behind her "Is it over ?"

"It is, and taken everything with it."

"What do you mean ?" The oblivious saiyan asked.

"Even when my sisters were killed in the war, I would found solace in the island. Me and Hessia kept it alive, knowing that the cherished memories would give us hope. Now those memories are gone, the hope is gone, Antonis sunk the island. I truly feel alone now !"

She hugged him for comfort, holding Antonis' body with one hand. Goku lovingly wrapped his arms around her.

"Everything's gonna be fine, trust me."

Later that evening, they buried Antonis alongside his mother on Diana's insistence, with the goddess even offering a prayer for his soul and placing some flowers on his grave. Then she turned around to leave, never to visit the place again.

"May your soul rest in peace friend." Wonder Woman softly and genuinely mumbled as they left.

The three then decided to retire for the night.

* * *

><p>"So it has begun." Pandora said, as she stood near a certain hooded figure.<p>

"What else did you expect ?" Spectre questioned "They have so much in common. It was bound to happen. Two lonely warriors finding solace in each other."

"Does their relationship have a future ?"

"Does our reality have ?" The hooded power countered with another question "I doubt it. I can sense him awakening. Destruction might be on its way soon."

* * *

><p><strong>DBZ DIMENSION<strong>

The alarms were ringing diligently, perfectly doing their job. Some distance away, a blue-skinned man with straight white hair carrying a sceptre walked humbly. The temple was just like how he saw it the last time; shabby and disoriented. It would take some time to set it back straight. But his immediate worries were regarding waking up a certain individual, his student.

In normal times, he would have threatened him with his singing, but the sceptre-wielder was in a dilemma on whether to wake him up or not. The thing was that his student's role was not much required. The man heard an irritated groan from above.

He finally decided to end the sound of the alarms. With a single wave of hand, the hourglasses blasted off, leaving nothing behind. Sighing heavily, he left, a little angry on himself regarding the decision he took at the last moment. It would be three years before his student would have to wake up again. But what work did the god of destruction have when everything in your universe is already destroyed ?

* * *

><p><strong>Can you guess who will be arriving ?<strong>

**To those wondering if Goku is that smart, he is. He is very smart when it comes to a fight, it has been shown throughout the manga and anime. And the Black Adam thing was swiftly dealt with because of word limit. Sorry.**

**Goku x Diana in full swing now ! The next chapter will be dedicated to that !**

**The next arc is going to be bigger and better with a familiar foe returning. David and the rest of the Justice League will have meatier roles. **

**Please don't forget to leave a review !**

**Thanks !**


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Dragon Ball Z, Justice League, Fantasy, Hurt-Comfort