The Teen Titans arrived in New York, landing on a rooftop overlooking the chaos below. The city was under siege by parademons, and the situation was dire. Robin stepped forward, his face set with determination.
Robin: (authoritative) Listen up, everyone! We need to split up and tackle this head-on. Raven, Starfire, you two take to the skies and hunt down as many parademons as you can.
Raven and Starfire nodded, their faces reflecting the urgency of the mission. They prepared to take flight.
Robin: (to Beast Boy) Beast Boy, can you transform into a pterodactyl? We need aerial support.
Beast Boy: (grinning) You got it, Rob!
Robin then turned to Kid Flash, who was already vibrating with anticipation.
Robin: (serious) Kid Flash, your priority is saving civilians. Get them to safety as fast as you can.
Kid Flash: (saluting) On it!
Robin then faced Ethan, who looked hesitant. Before Ethan could speak, Cyclops interrupted.
Cyclops: (firmly) Just follow his orders, son.
Ethan nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Robin: (to Ethan) You're with me.
Robin handed Cyclops the last Mother Box, his eyes filled with trust.
Robin: (sincerely) Protect the Mother Box, Zack.
Cyclops: (nodding) I will.
The Titans were about to disperse on their respective missions when Cyclops rushed over to Raven, grabbing her hand. She turned to him, her expression curious.
Raven: (calmly) What's going on, Zack?
Cyclops: (urgently) Raven, I need a favor.
Raven: (nodding) What do you need?
Cyclops: Do you have teleportation abilities?
Raven: (with a slight smile) Yes, I do. Why?
Cyclops: (determined) If things get out of hand, I need you to....
Raven looked at him, understanding the weight of his request. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Raven: (seriously) I'll do it. Just signal me if you need an extraction. But remember, we're a team. Don't hesitate to call for help if you need it.
Cyclops: (sincerely) Thank you, Raven. I won't forget this.
Raven: (softly) Be safe, Zack.
Cyclops released her hand and nodded, his resolve strengthening. They both turned back to their respective tasks, ready to face whatever came next. The Titans were a united front, and they would fight to the last breath to protect each other and the world.
Steppenwolf materialized through the portal, the ominous glow of the Mother Boxes in his grasp casting an eerie light in the dim chamber. He surveyed the room until his gaze settled on Cyclops, who sat calmly in a plastic chair, facing away from him, holding the last Mother Box.
Cyclops remained silent, his gaze fixed on a point in the distance. Steppenwolf stepped closer, the air thick with tension.
Steppenwolf: (demanding) Give me the Mother Box, boy, or suffer the consequences.
Cyclops: (casually) I'd rather not.
Steppenwolf's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. He raised a hand, a dark energy crackling around his fingers.
Steppenwolf: (growling) You dare mock me?
Cyclops: (nonchalantly) What happened to that guy?
Steppenwolf hesitated for a moment, his expression briefly clouded by a shadow of uncertainty.
Steppenwolf: (grimly) Dead.
Silence hung heavy between them, neither willing to make the first move. Then, with deliberate slowness, Cyclops grasped the chair and swiveled it around with an annoying screech, facing Steppenwolf.
Cyclops: (with cold tone) If you want this Mother Box, you'll have to take it.
Steppenwolf's eyes narrowed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features before a malicious grin spread across his face.
Steppenwolf: (mocking) Very well, boy. Prepare to die.
With a snarl, Steppenwolf lunged forward, the Mother Boxes glowing ominously in his grasp. Cyclops braced himself, ready for the inevitable clash with the tyrant from Apokolips.
On the chaotic streets of New York City, civilians fled in panic as the relentless assault of parademons sent shockwaves through the city. Police cars screeched to a halt, officers stepping out in disbelief at the sight before them.
Officer 1: (incredulously) What the hell is happening?!
Officer 2: (staring wide-eyed) Look! Those... things!
Kid Flash streaked through the chaos, civilians grateful and bewildered as he whisked them to safety in the blink of an eye. Raven and Starfire, their powers ablaze, cut through the parademons with precision, protecting those unable to defend themselves.
Meanwhile, Robin and Ethan coordinated from the ground, guiding their team through the mayhem.
Robin: (over communicator) Raven, Starfire, keep them off our backs. We're on your 3, heading northwest.
Raven and Starfire nodded, their focus unwavering as they continued to fend off the invading forces.
Above them, Beast Boy, in the form of a hawk who was fail to transform into dinosaur, soared through the air, drawing the attention of a swarm of parademons.
Beast Boy: (shouting down) I'm going to lure them away! Cover me!
Robin: (alarmed) Beast Boy, wait! We need to stick together!
But it was too late. Beast Boy's form darted away, leading the parademons on a chase through the city skyline, diverting their attention from the vulnerable civilians and his teammates below.
Ethan: (urgently) Now what, Uncle?
Before Robin could respond, a deafening explosion shook the ground, the sound emanating from Cyclops' location. Both Robin and Ethan whipped around, their eyes widening in alarm.
Robin: (shouting) What the?
Back at Cyclops' position, chaos erupted as he unleashed his full power, his optic blasts tearing through everything in their path.
Steppenwolf, caught off guard, took a direct hit, causing him to stagger and drop the two Mother Boxes he held.
Steppenwolf: (roaring) You little shit!
Despite the damage, Steppenwolf managed to endure and retaliated swiftly, delivering a punishing blow that sent Cyclops crashing to the ground. But Cyclops, driven by determination and adrenaline, countered with a swift kick, knocking Steppenwolf off balance.
Cyclops staggered to his feet, his vision blurry and head pounding from the brutal exchange with Steppenwolf. Blood trickled down his brow, but his determination burned bright as he faced his adversary.
Cyclops: (gritting his teeth) We're not done yet.
With renewed resolve, Cyclops launched himself at Steppenwolf, throwing a powerful punch that connected squarely with the tyrant's jaw. Steppenwolf staggered back, but quickly retaliated, aiming a counter punch. Cyclops, quick on his feet, ducked under the blow and landed another solid hit to Steppenwolf's midsection.
Steppenwolf, fueled by rage, lashed out with an elbow strike that sent Cyclops flying across the room, crashing into the wall. The impact left him dazed, but through sheer willpower, Cyclops managed to shake off the disorientation.
Cyclops: (struggling to stand) No...
He spotted Steppenwolf advancing towards the Mother Boxes, determination flaring in his eyes. Summoning every ounce of strength, Cyclops unleashed a barrage of optic blasts at Steppenwolf, striking him repeatedly and forcing him to drop the Mother Box he had just picked up.
Steppenwolf snarled in pain and frustration, but Cyclops didn't hesitate. With a burst of speed, he lunged towards the fallen Mother Box, scooping it up just as Steppenwolf recovered and lunged for the other two Mother Boxes.
Cyclops: (breathing heavily) Not this time...
Cyclops cautiously approached the trio of Mother Boxes, his gloved hand reaching out to grasp the powerful artifacts. The air was tense with anticipation, the only sound the faint hum of the alien technology.
Cyclops: (whispering to himself) Almost there...
Suddenly, the ground beneath his feet trembled violently, throwing him off balance. Cyclops staggered, gripping the edge of a console to steady himself.
Cyclops: (alarmed) What's happening?!
Above, Steppenwolf's laughter echoed ominously through the chamber, the sound sending a chill down Cyclops' spine. It dawned on him with sudden realization.
Cyclops: (realizing) No... Don't tell me
Before Cyclops could react, the ground ruptured beneath him as Steppenwolf burst through the floor with terrifying force. Cyclops barely had time to react as the monstrous villain seized him in a vice-like grip.
Steppenwolf: (menacingly) You thought you could outsmart me, boy? I will crush you and claim victory for Apokolips!
Cyclops, defiant even in the face of danger, reacted instinctively. With a quick twist, he forced Steppenwolf's jaws open, his visor glowing with the telltale red energy of his optic blasts. In a desperate move, Cyclops unleashed a powerful surge of energy directly into Steppenwolf's face.
The blast erupted with blinding intensity, but Steppenwolf managed to twist aside at the last moment, avoiding the worst of the attack. Enraged, Steppenwolf retaliated swiftly, slamming Cyclops into the ground with bone-shaking force.
Steppenwolf: (mockingly) Is that all you've got, human? Pathetic!
Cyclops struggled to regain his footing, his ribs aching from the impact. Determination burned in his eyes as he glared defiantly up at Steppenwolf, refusing to yield despite the overwhelming odds.
Cyclops: (gritting his teeth) You won't win, Steppenwolf. We'll stop you, no matter what it takes.
Steppenwolf's laughter echoed through the chamber once more, the sound reverberating with malice.
Steppenwolf: (smirking) Brave words, but futile. Soon, Apokolips will reign supreme, and your resistance will be nothing but a memory.
With that chilling proclamation, Steppenwolf raised his fist, ready to deliver another punishing blow to Cyclops.
.
.
13 Yrs old Zack Summers sat on the floor, his loyal pet landshark Jeffrey nestled beside him. He looked down at his newly completed suit, a mixture of blue and yellow with a distinctive skullcap and pirate boots. Zack's mind raced with excitement and determination, but one thing eluded him the perfect hero name.
Zack: (thinking aloud) Alright, Jeffrey, it's time to choose a name. This suit won't mean much without a name to go with it.
He gently placed Jeffrey on the nearby table and grabbed a pen and paper. As he pondered, he scribbled down various names, each one seeming less fitting than the last.
Zack: Blue Man? Nah. Mr. Spandex? Definitely not.
Minutes turned into a futile search for inspiration until Zack turned to Jeffrey, hoping his pet would offer some insight.
Zack: (sighing) Jeffrey, bark if you like any of these names.
But Jeffrey remained silent, clearly unimpressed with Zack's suggestions.
Zack: (frustrated) Come on, buddy. I need your help here.
Zack racked his brain, desperate for a name that would resonate. Finally, in a moment of clarity, he spoke.
Zack: Cyclops.
Jeffrey perked up, letting out a series of excited barks.
Zack: (smiling) Cyclops, huh? I think we have a winner.
Jeffrey's enthusiastic response confirmed Zack's decision. With newfound confidence, Zack Summers, now known as Cyclops, was ready to step into the world and make a name for himself as a hero.
.
.
In the aftermath of their intense battle, the cavernous chamber of Steppenwolf's fortress was filled with an eerie silence. Cyclops lay sprawled on the ground, battered and bruised, while Steppenwolf triumphantly raised the three Mother Boxes, his victory seemingly assured.
Steppenwolf: (boastfully) The Anti-Life Equation, the key to controlling the multiverse, is finally within my grasp! With this power, Darkseid will-
Before Steppenwolf could finish his declaration, a sudden movement caught his attention. Turning sharply, he saw Cyclops rising from the ground, his posture defiant despite the recent beating.
Cyclops: (laughing incredulously) For real?
Steppenwolf narrowed his eyes, taken aback by Cyclops' unexpected resurgence.
Steppenwolf: (disbelieving) You're alive?
Cyclops grinned mischievously, his eyes glowing with determination.
Cyclops: (confidently) For real. And I'm alive and kicking!
Steppenwolf's brow furrowed as he scrutinized Cyclops, sensing something peculiar about his demeanor.
Steppenwolf: (thoughtfully) There's something different about you... Wait don't tell me your in high.
Cyclops' grin widened into a disturbingly eerie smile, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Steppenwolf.
Cyclops: (sinisterly) Oh, you have no idea...
Steppenwolf's suspicion turned to caution as he slowly reached for his axe, a glint of uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
Steppenwolf: (grimly) Our fight is just getting started.
With a sudden burst of energy, Cyclops let out a primal shout, his voice echoing with defiance and a touch of madness.
Cyclops: (roaring) HUUHH! AH YEAH. I GUESS SO! I GUESS YOU'RE RIGHT!! BECAUSE I'M THE GOD DAMM FUCKING CYCLOPS!!!
Steppenwolf lunged towards Cyclops, his massive axe poised to strike. Just as the deadly weapon was about to connect, Cyclops shouted urgently.
Cyclops: (shouting) Raven, now!
Raven, appearing in a swirl of dark energy behind them, acted swiftly. With a powerful surge of her teleportation abilities, she enveloped Cyclops, Steppenwolf, and the three Mother Boxes in a swirling vortex, transporting them away to an unknown location.
Meanwhile, Ethan and Robin rushed to Cyclops' last known position, confusion and concern etched on their faces.
Robin: (frantically) Where's Zack?
Ethan: (looking around) What happened here?
Raven, her expression solemn, turned to face them, the gravity of her actions weighing heavily upon her.
Raven: (quietly) I... I had to send him away.
Robin: (demanding) Where did you send him?
Raven hesitated for a moment, a flashback washing over her Cyclops' determined plea to her, asking her to send him to hell if necessary to protect the Mother Boxes.
-FLASHBACK-
Raven: (calmly) What's going on, Zack?
Cyclops: (urgently) Raven, I need a favor.
Raven: (nodding) What do you need?
Cyclops: Do you have teleportation abilities?
Raven: (with a slight smile) Yes, I do. Why?
Cyclops: (determined) If things get out of hand, you have to send me away. Send me to hell if you have to, but keep them safe.
Raven looked at him, understanding the weight of his request. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Raven: (seriously) I'll do it. Just signal me if you need an extraction. But remember, we're a team. Don't hesitate to call for help if you need it.
Cyclops: (sincerely) Thank you, Raven. I won't forget this.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
Raven's voice broke the silence, her words heavy with the weight of her decision.
Raven: I sent Cyclops... and Steppenwolf... to hell. Along with the Mother Boxes.
.
.
Steppenwolf crashed to the ground with a thunderous impact.
The hellish landscape around him quivered with malevolent energy, casting an eerie glow on his armor-clad form as he struggled to rise.
Steppenwolf: (gritting his teeth) Damn it!
Steppenwolf staggered to his feet, his eyes scanning the fiery horizon. In the distance, he spotted Cyclops sprinting away, the three Mother Boxes clutched tightly in his arms.
Steppenwolf: (roaring) Get back here, you fool!
With a growl of rage, Steppenwolf lunged forward, intending to pursue Cyclops and reclaim the Mother Boxes. But before he could take another step, a blazing beam of energy cut through the air, striking him squarely in the chest.
The force of Cyclops' optic blast sent Steppenwolf sprawling backward, the impact silencing his furious shout. Smoke and embers sizzled around him as he struggled to regain his footing, his pride wounded and his determination inflamed.
Steppenwolf: (seething) You dare challenge me?!
But Cyclops had already vanished into the fiery landscape, his mission clear and his resolve unshaken. Steppenwolf's eyes burned with fury as he plotted his next move, vowing to reclaim the Mother Boxes and unleash his wrath upon those who dared defy him.
-DAYS AGO-
Inside the training room of the T-Tower, Zack and Dick stood amidst holographic simulations of battle scenarios, preparing for their mission to retrieve the three Mother Boxes. The tension in the room was palpable, but Dick took a moment to engage Zack in conversation before they departed.
Dick: (looking at the simulations) Steppenwolf, he's not just some cosmic thug. He's one of Darkseid's top generals, wielding power beyond most beings in the universe.
Zack: (listening intently) Where did he come from? How did he end up working for Darkseid?
Dick: (gesturing as he speaks) Steppenwolf is from Apokolips, a dark world ruled by Darkseid. He's driven by conquest and the desire to prove himself to his master.
Zack: (nodding) So, he's basically Darkseid's right-hand man.
Dick: (smirking) Exactly. But you know, Zack, belief is a powerful thing.
Zack: (raising an eyebrow) What do you mean?
Dick lightly smacked Zack on the back and grinned.
Dick: If you believe in something in your mind, like you did back in elementary school.
Zack chuckled, pulling out his phone and showing Dick a picture of cartoon Hades from Disney's "Hercules" (1997) movie.
Dick: (gesturing as he speaks) Steppenwolf is from Apokolips, a dark world ruled by Darkseid. He's driven by conquest and the desire to prove himself to his master.
Zack: (nodding) So, he's basically Darkseid's right-hand man.
Dick: (smirking) Exactly. But you know, Zack, belief is a powerful thing.
Zack: (raising an eyebrow) What do you mean?
Dick lightly smacked Zack on the back and grinned.
Dick: If you believe in something in your mind, like you did back in elementary school.
Zack chuckled, pulling out his phone and showing Dick a picture of cartoon Hades from Disney's "Hercules" (1997) movie.
Dick watched from the control panel, impressed by Zack's control and skill. As Zack destroyed the last robot, Dick spoke up.
Dick: (calling out) Zack, hold up!
Zack paused, his visor still glowing faintly, and turned to face Dick, who approached with a serious expression.
Dick: (seriously) You're good, really good. But there's something I forgot to ask you.
Zack tilted his head, waiting for Dick to continue.
Dick: (cold tone) What if... what if things went differently? What if, one day, you found yourself on the other side? What if you became a villain?
Zack's brow furrowed in contemplation as he considered the question. He lowered his visor, the glow fading, and looked straight at Dick.
Zack: (confidently) I wouldn't. No matter what happens, I wouldn't betray everything we stand for.
Dick nodded approvingly, acknowledging Zack's resolve.
Dick: (smiling) Good answer. Just had to make sure. Let's keep that focus, alright?
Dick: (smiling) Together?
Zack looked at Dick, a nod of agreement on his face.
Zack: (nodding) Yeah, together.
They simultaneously extended their fists toward each other, their fists meeting in a solid, affirming fist bump. It was a brief moment of unity, reinforcing their partnership and shared commitment to their mission.
Dick: (grinning) We've got this.
Zack: (determined) Absolutely.
Their eyes locked briefly, mutual respect and trust evident between them as they prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Meanwhile to Raven stood silently, her cloak swirling around her as she observed Zack Summer and Dick Grayson inside the training room.
Her empathic senses tingled with unease, detecting something unusual about Zack. As Zack unleashed his optic blasts on the holographic robots under Dick's watchful eye, Raven felt a faint but distinct presence, like a whisper in the darkness.
Raven's violet eyes narrowed as she focused her empathic powers, trying to discern the nature of this presence within Zack. Images flickered in her mind—flashes of darkness intertwined with moments of fierce determination and unwavering loyalty. She couldn't quite grasp it fully, but she sensed an entity lurking within him, something ancient and formidable.
As Zack and Dick continued their training, Raven couldn't shake the feeling that Zack was more than just a mutant with optic blasts. There was a deeper complexity to him, a darkness veiled beneath his brave exterior.
Raven whispered softly to herself, her voice barely audible in the quiet of the T-Tower.
Raven: (whispering) What are you, Zack...?
Her thoughts lingered on the enigma before her, knowing that uncovering the truth about Zack Summer could lead to revelations both extraordinary and dangerous.
-CRURRENT-
The hellish landscape around him quivered with malevolent energy, casting an eerie glow on his armor-clad form as he struggled to rise.
Steppenwolf: (gritting his teeth) Damn it!
Steppenwolf staggered to his feet, his eyes scanning the fiery horizon. In the distance, he spotted Cyclops sprinting away, the three Mother Boxes clutched tightly in his arms.
Steppenwolf: (roaring) Get back here, you fool!
With a growl of rage, Steppenwolf lunged forward, intending to pursue Cyclops and reclaim the Mother Boxes. But before he could take another step, a blazing beam of energy cut through the air, striking him squarely in the chest.
The force of Cyclops' optic blast sent Steppenwolf sprawling backward, the impact silencing his furious shout. Smoke and embers sizzled around him as he struggled to regain his footing, his pride wounded and his determination inflamed.
Steppenwolf: (seething) You dare challenge me?!
But Cyclops had already vanished into the fiery landscape, his mission clear and his resolve unshaken. Steppenwolf's eyes burned with fury as he plotted his next move, vowing to reclaim the Mother Boxes and unleash his wrath upon those who dared defy him.
Steppenwolf: (roaring) Stop running, you puny-human! Hand over the Mother Boxes!
Cyclops gritted his teeth, his determination fueling every stride as he refused to relent. With a swift glance over his shoulder, he saw Steppenwolf gaining ground, his massive axe gleaming ominously in the dim light.
Cyclops: (shouting back) Not a chance!
Without breaking his stride, Cyclops pivoted on his heel, unleashing a torrent of optic blasts towards Steppenwolf. The concussive force of the blasts sent debris flying, temporarily halting Steppenwolf's advance.
Steppenwolf: (growling furiously) You will not escape me, BOY!
The air crackled with tension as Cyclops continued to navigate through the treacherous terrain, his mind racing with strategies to outmaneuver his relentless pursuer. Each corner turned revealed more challenges, but Cyclops remained resolute, knowing the fate of Earth rested on his ability to keep the Mother Boxes out of Steppenwolf's grasp.
As they raced through the hellish landscape, Cyclops's thoughts briefly flashed back to his training with Dick and the team, recalling their words of encouragement and trust. With renewed determination, he pushed forward, his focus honed on protecting the powerful artifacts that could determine the fate of the universe.
Cyclops: (muttering to himself) I won't fail them. I won't fail Earth.
Behind him, Steppenwolf's furious pursuit continued, the relentless predator determined to reclaim what he believed rightfully belonged to Darkseid.
Steppenwolf: (bellowing) Your resistance is futile, Boy! Surrender now, or suffer the consequences!
But Cyclops, member of the Teen Titan's!! refused to yield. With each step and every optic blast, he reaffirmed his commitment to the greater good, knowing that the battle for Earth was far from over
Cyclops's foot slipped on a loose piece of debris, causing him to lose his balance. With a gasp of horror, he watched as the three Mother Boxes slipped from his grasp and clattered to the ground.
Cyclops: (cursing) Oh, shit!
Before he could react, Steppenwolf closed in swiftly, his massive foot slamming down on Cyclops's leg with brutal force. The sickening sound of bone snapping echoed through the eerie silence as Cyclops cried out in agony, clutching his shattered right leg.
Cyclops: (gritting his teeth) Aaaaah!
Steppenwolf loomed over him, his eyes filled with contempt and superiority.
Steppenwolf: (tauntingly) Pathetic hero. Thought you could outsmart me? You're nothing but weak flesh and bone.
With a sneer, Steppenwolf delivered a punishing blow to Cyclops's face, sending him sprawling to the ground. Blood trickled from Cyclops's split lip as he struggled to regain his senses, the pain in his leg radiating through his body.
Cyclops: (through gritted teeth) You... you won't win...
Steppenwolf grabbed Cyclops by the collar, lifting him effortlessly off the ground.
Steppenwolf: (menacingly) I already have. And now, you will watch as I take what I came for.
With a cruel laugh, Steppenwolf turned towards the fallen Mother Boxes, his grip tightening on Cyclops's throat.
The air thickened with despair as Cyclops fought to stay conscious, his mind racing for a way to turn the tide against this relentless adversary.
Steppenwolf's grip tightened around Cyclops's throat, ready to deliver the final blow. But suddenly, both Steppenwolf and Cyclops felt a strange surge, a primal urge that was unfamiliar to them both.
Cyclops: (thoughts racing) What the hell... I've never felt this before!
Steppenwolf, momentarily distracted by the unexpected sensation, released Cyclops and scanned the surroundings, his senses heightened.
Steppenwolf: (roaring) Who's there?!
Steppenwolf, sensing the same strange energy, hesitated for a moment, his grip tightening on his weapon. Before he could strike, a voice echoed through the eerie silence.
???: (calmly) Who's there?
Steppenwolf whirled around, dropping Cyclops to the ground with a growl of frustration. His eyes narrowed as he faced a figure who materialized from the shadows. The newcomer was tall and imposing, his appearance striking and enigmatic. He bore a specially-designed eyepatch over his right eye, contrasting sharply with his long, stylish silver hair spiked in various directions.
A leaf-like pattern adorned his forehead, and he wore a spiked choker necklace and a bead-like earring on his left ear, with numerous smaller piercings. His attire was formal and extravagant, with a collar extending to his upper chest, adorned with badges on both sides of his coat. Long white jeans and intricately patterned shoes completed his distinctive ensemble.
Steppenwolf: (demanding) Who are you?
The man regarded Steppenwolf with a calm demeanor, a hint of amusement in his piercing gaze.
???: (smirking) I should be the one asking who you are.
Steppenwolf's brow furrowed in confusion and frustration, his grip tightening on his axe as he assessed the mysterious newcomer who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
Steppenwolf: (growling) You dare interfere with Darkseid's plans?
The man's smirk widened slightly, a glint of challenge in his eyes.
???: (confidently) Darkseid's plans don't concern me. But this... (he glanced at Cyclops) ...this does.
Cyclops, still on the ground and struggling to regain his footing, watched the standoff with a mixture of pain and curiosity. He recognized the gravity of the situation but remained wary, unsure of the newcomer's intentions.
Steppenwolf, driven by rage and frustration, charged forward with his massive axe, aiming a deadly strike at the mysterious man who had appeared before him. With lightning reflexes, the man caught the axe mid-swing, the sheer force of Steppenwolf's attack shaking the ground beneath them.
The man's eyes narrowed with cold intensity as he effortlessly twisted the axe from Steppenwolf's grip and hurled it across the battlefield. The axe sailed through the air, embedding itself in the rocky terrain on the far side with a resounding crash. Steppenwolf staggered back, momentarily stunned by the display of strength.
???: (with a chilling tone) Yo-yO-You dare to attack me?
Steppenwolf, recovering quickly, bellowed in defiance, readying himself for another assault. But before he could react, the man spoke again, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
???: (calmly) I am Hades, god of the underworld.
Cyclops, still recovering from the shock of Hades' sudden appearance and display of power, couldn't help but interject.
Cyclops: (jaw dropping) Are you... Are you bluffing? Hades wasn't exactly handsome in the 1997 movie "Hercules"....
Cyclops: (stammering) Wait... but... Hades wasn't... I mean, in the movie...
Hades smirked, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Hades: (mockingly) Don't believe everything you see in Disney, my friend. They're fond of princesses and handsome princes.
Cyclops could only stare in disbelief, his perception of mythology shaken by the reality before him. Meanwhile, in Hades' mind, a flicker of recognition stirred as he scrutinized Cyclops.
Hades: (thinking to himself) This boy... there's something different about him. It feels like there's an entity within him.
Suddenly, Hades turned his attention back to Cyclops, his expression hardening with seriousness.
Hades: (demanding) By any chance, are you the one who destroyed and killed Meru two months ago?
Cyclops hesitated, his mind racing as he recalled the events.
-FLASHBACK ABOUT MERU-
Meru recoils in shock and fear as she beholds the transformed Cyclops, her eyes wide with disbelief as she struggles to comprehend the magnitude of his newfound power and presence.
Meru: What... What are you?!
With a steely gaze, Cyclops meets Meru's gaze head-on, his voice resonating with newfound authority and determination as he reveals his new identity to her.
Cyclops: I am not just man anymore, a man who call himself Cyclops. I am something greater. You can call me Phoenix Cyclops.
Meru, her confidence shattered and her resolve faltering, takes a tentative step back as she feels a sense of dread creeping over her. Her hands tremble as she struggles to comprehend the overwhelming power that now stands before her.
Meru: What... What's happening to me?
Phoenix Cyclops, his gaze steely and unwavering, advances towards Meru with a sense of grim determination. The flames of the Phoenix flicker around him, casting an ominous glow as he confronts his terrified adversary.
Phoenix Cyclops: That, Meru, is fear. It's what happens when you come face to face with true power. And right now, I'm the one in charge.
Meru recoils in horror as Phoenix Cyclops's words sink in, her eyes wide with terror as she realizes the gravity of her situation. She stumbles backwards, desperately seeking an escape from the overwhelming force that now looms over her.
Meru: No... This can't be happening...
With a menacing voice, Phoenix Cyclops raises his hand, summoning the fiery essence of the Phoenix into his palm. The flames dance and swirl, casting an eerie light as they pulse with raw energy.
Phoenix Cyclops: You wanted power, Meru. Well, now you're about to experience it firsthand. But be warned... From the ashes, you will be reborn as nothing.
Meru's fear reaches a fever pitch as she realizes the true extent of Phoenix Cyclops's power. With a panicked gasp, she turns and flees, her mind consumed by the overwhelming terror of facing such an unstoppable force.
Meru: No! I have to get out of here!
Meru, her screams echoing through the hellish landscape, frantically tries to flee from the relentless pursuit of Phoenix Cyclops. Tears stream down her face as she cries out for her mother, her voice filled with desperation and fear.
Meru: Mother! Help me! Save me!
Her pleas go unanswered, and Meru's cries grow more frantic as she realizes that no salvation will come to her aid. Her heart pounds with terror as she stumbles through the fiery inferno, her every step a desperate attempt to escape her inevitable fate.
Phoenix Cyclops, his eyes ablaze with determination, forms a flaming arrow in his hand, the fiery energy crackling with power as he takes aim at his fleeing adversary. His voice is firm as he prepares to deliver the final blow.
Phoenix Cyclops: Goodnight Sara, my imaginary friend.
Meru: Please don't Zac-
With a swift motion, Phoenix Cyclops releases the flaming arrow, sending it hurtling through the air towards Meru. The arrow blazes with intense heat as it streaks towards its target, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
The flaming arrow strikes Meru with a devastating impact, engulfing her in a swirling vortex of flames. She lets out one final, piercing scream as the intense heat consumes her, reducing her to nothing more than ash and dust in the fiery maelstrom.
-END OF FLASHBACK :( -
Cyclops: (slowly) Yes... it was me.
As Cyclops confirmed his role in the demise of Meru two months ago, Hades nodded solemnly, a flicker of acknowledgment in his piercing gaze.
Hades: (nodding) Thank you for ridding us of that little slut devil.
With a subtle motion of his hand, Hades summoned his weapon, the Bident, a formidable spear with a presence that echoed through the desolate landscape. He turned to Cyclops, his voice firm and reassuring.
Hades: (to Cyclops) Don't worry. You're safe here.
Cyclops, still grappling with the revelation of Hades' identity and the weight of his actions, nodded hesitantly. He watched as Hades, with deliberate steps, approached the recovering Steppenwolf, who was rising to his feet with a snarl of defiance.
Hades: (in a cold & measured tone) I consider myself proud... to have the opportunity to face you, intruder.
Steppenwolf, his eyes burning with renewed fury, responded with a guttural growl as he flexed his massive frame.
Steppenwolf: (menacingly) I will enjoy tearing you to pieces.
The air crackled with tension as Hades and Steppenwolf squared off, their energies clashing in a battle of wills and powers that reverberated through the eerie landscape. Cyclops, still seated on the ground and nursing his injured leg, watched with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, uncertain of what would unfold next in this otherworldly confrontation.
Cyclops: (thinking to himself) I'II wonder whos gonna win handsome Hades or Steppenwolf??