**** Last one for the week probably as bonus goals were not met yet. Atleast I can relax a bit. đ*** The portal took them into a world full of chaos. Earth-3's sky was the wrong colorâsickly yellow-green, choked with smoke and the remnants of fires burning across the horizon. Where Earth-1's cities had shown signs of order even in crisis, Earth-3's twisted reflection was consumed by revolution. Edward stepped through first, boots crunching on shattered pavement. Behind him came the Justice LeagueâBruce, Diana, Clark, Faora, Barry, Hal, Arthur, Shazam, and Hank. Earth-3 Luthor emerged last, his expression shifting from grim determination to something like hope as he surveyed his world. "Well," Edward said, taking in the burning skyline and distant explosions. "Looks like someone redecorated while you were gone." Explosions dotted the horizon. The remnants of the Crime Syndicate's fortress smoldered in the distanceâa massive crater where their headquarters once stood. Smoke pillars rose like funeral pyres across the devastated landscape. Luthor's lips twitched into a rare smile. "After Shazam and J'onn destroyed the Crime Syndicate's headquarters and took out most of their minutemen, the resistance found their courage. Uprisings in every major city. Our people are finally fighting back." Diana observed the chaos with tactical precision. "The Syndicate won't take this lying down." "They're already responding," Hal said, his ring scanning the area. "I'm reading massive energy signatures converging on population centers. They're trying to crush the rebellions. The Syndicate's back, and they're not happy about the home renovation." Barry's expression darkened. "They're going to kill thousands just to send a message." "Not if we stop them first," Arthur growled, red lightning crackling around his clenched fists as it darkened into a pitch black sheen. Edward whistled. "Nice Artie. You have actually learned basic infusion. Remind me to teach you the the good stuff later." Arthur puffed up proudly. "Thanks master. It took a while, but I finally understood the concept. I'll test it when I punch those fuckers." As if summoning them by name, three figures descended from the polluted sky. Ultraman landed with enough force to crater the street. Johnny Quick ran beside beside him, his power still not stable after the previous incident. Power Ring floated above them, his twisted construct armor pulsing with sickly green light. Ultraman's face was a mask of barely contained rage. "You destroyed everything we built here!" His heat vision flared, scorching the ground. "We return to find our fortress gone, our control shattered, our world in rebellion!" "Sounds like a skill issue to me," Edward said casually. Ęá´á´á´ Ęá´á´á´sá´ á´Ęá´á´á´á´Ęs á´á´ đťđźđđ˛đšâ˘đđđŁđâ˘đđ˛đ Luthor stepped forward, addressing the Syndicate with cold authority. "It's over. Your reign ends today. Surrender, and maybe you'll live to see tomorrow." Ultraman laughedâa harsh, bitter sound. "Surrender? To you ?" His expression darkened. "No. If we can't rule this world, we'll destroy it. Then we'll move to another universe and start fresh. We still have our secret weapon." Edward's eyes sharpened. "Secret weapon?" Luthor's face went pale. "No. They wouldn'tâ" "Explain," Edward commanded, his casual demeanor evaporating. "Now." Luthor turned to Edward, his voice urgent. "There's something else you need to know. The Crime Syndicate has a secret weaponâsomething they've been holding in reserve." Edward's casual demeanor evaporated instantly. "What kind of weapon?" "A being named Dr. Manhattan, capable enough to remake the universe." Luthor said, the name hanging in the air like a death sentence. "The Crime Syndicate somehow managed to trap him in a quantum isolatorâtechnology that shouldn't exist. They wiped his memory, weaponized him. If they activate him without proper containment..." Edward's expression went cold. "That's not just a weapon. That's a reality-ending event." Bruce's jaw tightened. "How did they capture someone that powerful?" Edward went completely still, his mind racing. The temperature around him seemed to drop. "That's not possible if it's just them. Jonathan exists on a quantum levelâtrapping him would require technology that shouldn't exist in this universe." Bruce's eyes narrowed behind his cowl. "Which means someone else provided it." "Exactly," Edward said quietly, his mind racing. "The Syndicate isn't smart enough to pull that off alone. There's a bigger player involved. Someone on Multiverse level." Ultraman's smirk widened. "We are smarter than you think, hero. Our powers and intellect provided everything we needed. And nowâ" "So you are also clueless. Then piss off while the adults are talking. Maybe cool your heads first and think about what's actually happening here." Edward waved casually, and the 3 villains were sent flying through the sky towards the north pole. He looked at Luthor sharply. "Where are they keeping him?" "Their secondary facility, underground near what used to be their fortress," Luthor replied. "But if they trigger the containment breachâ" "It won't just destroy this world," Edward spoke with anger bubbling. "Manhattan's quantum nature means he could unravel reality across multiple dimensions." He exhaled slowly. "Wait, Owlman. That bastard's planning to use Manhattan to destroy Prime Earth, which would collapse the entire multiverse." Edward's expression was grim. "Owlman's not here. He's too smart to stick around for the losing fight. If he has access to the quantum isolator, he's going to use Manhattan to destroy Prime Earth. He's probably there already. We need to stop him before he triggers an extinction-level event." Clark stepped forward. "Then we split up. Half of us stops the Syndicate here, the other half goes after Owlman." "No," Edward said firmly. "Luthor takes the League to retore peace here. You stabilize this world, stop the Syndicate from triggering their weapon, and help the resistance succeed. I'll handle Owlman, and whoever's the real mastermind. I have a bad feeling about this." Diana immediately protested. "Father, you can'tâ" "I'm not going alone," Edward interrupted. He looked at Bruce. "Batman's coming with me." Bruce straightened slightly, surprised but not questioning. Diana frowned. "Why him specifically? I thought you would need Barry , in case something goes wrong. " Barry nodded. "I can travel back in time if we're too late." Edward's smiled gently. "Because Owlman thinks like Bruce. I need someone who can predict his moves, counter his strategies. Plus..." He glanced at Bruce. "He's earned the right to punch his evil twin in the face. Maybe this will be some proper character development." Bruce's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. "I appreciate the consideration." Arthur crossed his arms. "And the rest of us handle the Syndicate and their goons?" "Luthor knows this world," Edward confirmed. "He'll coordinate with the resistance forces. You provide the muscle. Fast, brutal, decisive. Don't give them time to think." Luthor nodded sharply. "I can work with that. The resistance has been waiting for a real chanceâwith the League's help, we can end the Syndicate's reign today." Hal powered up his ring, green light swirling around him. "Then let's get started. I've got some anger to work out after what they did to OA." "For the fallen," Hank said quietly, his Martian form shifting in preparation for combat. Shazam cracked his knuckles. "Time to save a world!" Barry vibrated with barely contained energy. "And maybe punch Johnny Quick a few more times. For science." Faora's eyes glowed red. "Finally, proper targets." Diana gripped her sword, looking at her father. "Don't take unnecessary risks." "Me? Never," Edward replied with false innocence. Then his expression sobered. "But seriouslyâbe careful with Manhattan. If that containment fails before you can stabilize it, run. Don't try to fight him. But I have a feeling that won't be an issue since Owlman probaly took him away." Luthor rubbed his chin. "It makes sense. Owlman isn't interested in being with the syndicate right now. And they will probably stop it if they knew what he's up to." Clark nodded. "Understood. What will you and Bruce do?" Edward's eyes narrowed. "Earth-1. Prime Universe. Stop this before he triggers it. Owlman's going to set up his device where it'll have maximum impact. somewhere isolated, with access to quantum infrastructure and symbolic weight." He paused. "The Moon. He's going to use the Moon." Bruce considered for a moment, then nodded. "It's what I would do. Away from interference, close enough to Earth to amplify the cascade effect." "See?" Edward said. "This is why I'm bringing you." He raised his hand, reality beginning to ripple around them. "Luthor, keep them alive. I'd hate to explain to their families that they died to discount villains." Diana rolled her eyes but smiled. "Just hurry back." Edward's portal tore openânot golden this time, but edged with silvar and grey light, the color of starlight and quantum uncertainty. He looked at Bruce with a smile. "Ready for some action, Bruce?" "Always," Bruce replied simply. They stepped through together, the portal sealing behind them with a sound like distant thunder. For a moment, the assembled heroes and Earth-3's last hope stood in silence. For a moment, the remaining heroes and villains simply stared at each other across the ruined street. Then with a thundering impact, Ultraman and the other returned. Ultraman's eyes blazed red. "Kill them all! Then I'll go after that smug bastard! And for god's sake, look for Owlman and Superowoman. Where the fuck are they!" Luthor turned to the Justice League, his voice carrying the weight of command. "Alright. Time to take our world back." The battle erupted with the force of a collapsing star. Meanwhile: On Earth- X Back on Earth-X, the battlefield was finally quieting. Waller stood atop the remains of a ARGUS command vehicle, coordinating cleanup efforts. Medics rushed between fallen heroes and soldiers. Engineers worked to restore power grids. The world was battered but breathing. Cassie landed beside Waller with a heavy thud, her armor scorched a little but intact. Behind her, Black Adam descended with his usual regal bearing. Hawkman and Hawkgirl circled overhead before landing to join them. "The eastern sector's clear," Cassie reported. "Found a few stragglers trying to loot. I convinced them that wasn't a good idea." "By 'convinced,' she means she threw a car at them," Hawkgirl added dryly. "It was a small car," Cassie defended. "And I aimed for next to them, not at them. That's Growth!" Waller allowed herself a small smile. "Good work everyone." She looked at the assembled powerhouses before her. "I have a proposal that might be beneficial for all parties." Black Adam crossed his arms. "We're listening." "The Crisis exposed our weaknesses," Waller said bluntly. "Normal humans can't contain threats like the Crime Syndicate. The meta-human community needs structure, but not without control." She paused. "I'm proposing a new team. Not ARGUS, not government-controlled. Independent, but with some oversight. Dedicated to containing dangerous meta-humans who threaten humanity. Able to intervene in any nation's crisis, approved by UN itself." Hawkman frowned. "You want us to police our own kind." "I want you to protect both sides," Waller corrected. "Humans from rogue metas. Metas from human stupidity. A team that answers to the people, not politicians." Cassie tilted her head, interested. "And you want me on this team?" "You're strong, capable, and people respect your strength and efforts in this crisis," Waller said. "Plus, you're THE Edward Elric's daughter. That name carries weight." Cassie grinned. "I'll help if it means I get to fight strong people. But I don't follow orders like a puppet. I'm not your soldier." Waller met her gaze steadily. "I have no suicidal desire to try controlling the daughter of the most powerful being on Earth. You'd have full autonomy. We'd provide resources and intelligence. You provide the muscle when needed." "Smart woman," Black Adam noted approvingly. Hawkgirl exchanged a glance with Hawkman. "We'd need guarantees. No bombs in our heads, no kill switches. No bureaucracy to hold us back." "Agreed," Waller said immediately. "This only works if it's built on trust, not coercion." Before they could continue, Waller's aide approached nervously. "Director, the UN representatives are demanding an update." Waller's expression hardened. "Tell them I'll send a full report after I fix this mess. But first, relay Sir Edward's message exactly as he gave it. Tell them if they don't agree, they can personally chat with him about their complaints." The aide paled slightly. "Ma'am, are you sure? This can cause global unrest." "Do it," Waller commanded. "I have seen my methods are not suitable. So I'll trust the man who has single handedly saved our asses on multiple ocassions." The aide swallowed and spoke into her communicator. "Message from Director Waller to UN Assembly: Sir Edward Elric will be available to discuss recent events and future meta-human policy after resolving the current interdimensional crisis. His schedule is flexible. Your cooperation is expected." There was a long pause. Then frantic chatter erupted from the communicator. Waller allowed herself a cold smile. "And make sure they understandâthis is a courtesy notification, not a request." Within the hour, reports came flooding in. France withdrew its support for the Meta-Human Conduct Protocols. The United States Senate voted to suspend enforcement. Russia proposed a formal apology to the Justice League. China offered reparations for damages. One by one, governments that had supported controlling meta-humans performed complete reversals. The Meta-Human Conduct Act was cancelled entirely. A joint resolution was passed: all future policy regarding powered individuals would be determined in consultation with Edward Elric upon his return. Cassie whistled. "Damn. Dad didn't even show up and they're already folding." "Fear is a powerful motivator," Black Adam observed. "As is respect." The final piece came from an unexpected source. Vonarland and Eternia, the two nations that had remained untouched during the Crisis, issued their first joint statement to the UN in decades. The message was simple: "We stand with our Savior. His guidance is our compass. His wisdom is our foundation. Whatever he decides regarding this world's future, we will support. Even if it means standing against the whole world." The weight of that statement couldn't be understated. Two of the most powerful, advanced nations on Earth, nations that had remained isolationist for centuries, had just thrown their full support behind Edward Elric's authority. Not to mention their full strength was a mystery to the rest of the world. "Well," Waller said quietly. "That should settle things." Hawkman nodded slowly. "Our world is fortunate to have him." "And terrified of losing him again," Waller replied honestly. She looked at Cassie. "Think about my offer. Talk to Sir Edward and your family. We'll talk details after this is over." Cassie grinned. "Sure thing. But first, let's make sure Dad doesn't break the multiverse or something." "Does he do that often?" Hawkgirl asked. "You'd be surprised. Why do you think Earth has been so peaceful until now?" Cassie laughed. Above them, the sky was finally clearing. Earth-X was wounded but alive. And thanks to one man's reputation, the politicians had finally learned their lesson. The lunar surface stretched endlesslyâgray, lifeless, beautiful in its desolation. Earth hung in the black sky like a blue marble, peaceful and unaware of the threat forming above it. Edward and Bruce materialized on the Moon's surface in a shimmer of silver light. The lack of atmosphere didn't affect either of themâEdward through sheer power, Bruce through the advanced suit modifications Edward had applied during transport. "Rather onvenient," Bruce noted, his voice clear despite the vacuum. "I'm not letting my dear student suffocate," Edward replied. "That would be embarrassing for both of us." Bruce shook his head. "Yet you would kick me down a mountain and told me to climb up everyday." Edward gasped. "Tha't cultivation 101! How dare you mock the way of the ancient's!" In the distance, near the edge of a massive crater, two figures stood beside a device that hummed with impossible energy. Geometric patterns folded in on themselves, quantum probability calculations made manifest in metal and light. Owlman turned first, his armored form reflecting the Earth's light. His expression behind the cowl was unreadable, but his posture spoke of cold determination. Beside him, Superwoman stretched languidly, her corrupted lasso coiled at her hip. "Well, well. The hero followed me across universes after all." Her smile was sharp, predatory. "I knew you couldn't resist my charms." Edward sighed deeply. "I really, really don't want to be part of your fucked-up love square with three dudes. Get some therapy." Superwoman's smile faltered. "Excuse me?" "You heard me," Edward said flatly. "You're sleeping with Ultraman and Owlman, seeing Lutor on side, while flirting with me. That's not seduction, that's a cry for help." Bruce's lips twitched as he controlled himselfâthe closest he'd come to laughing out loud in years. Owlman stepped forward, his voice calm and cold. "Your mockery is irrelevant. In approximately six minutes, this device will send a quantum disruption pulse to the nexus of Prime Earth. Every universe will collapse simultaneously. Existence itself will finally be silent." "You really think that'll work?" Edward asked, his tone almost curious. "I've calculated every variable," Owlman replied. "Every possible outcome. This is the only logical conclusion." Edward tilted his head. "Did you calculate me?" Owlman paused. "You're an anomaly. But even anomalies follow patterns. You'll try to stop me. You'll fail. The math is absolute." "Ah, math. Never was my strong suit." Edward said slowly, "forgot one thing." Edward's eyes blazed gold. "I don't give a shit about your math. I got the bigger fist." He turned to Bruce. "Owlman's yours. I know you've been itching to fight your evil twin since this started." Bruce stepped forward, cape billowing in the non-existent wind. "With pleasure." Owlman's expression shiftedâsurprise, then calculation. "You think you can beat me? I am what you could have become if you'd embraced the truth. We think identically." "No," Bruce said quietly. "We think similarly. But I have something you don't." The two of them launched at each other, a blur of dark armor and calculated violence. Edward turned to Superwoman, who had shifted into a combat stance. "So. You planning to go quietly, or do I need to break something?" She smiled, pulling her lasso free. "Oh, I'm planning to make this very personal. I've wanted to test myself against the legendary hero since I first heard your name. Shame you chose violence over passion." "You're going to regret that, you crazy bitch." Edward said simply, cracking his knuckles. Superwoman laughed, her voice carrying across the lunar wasteland. "Darling, I regret nothing." Her lasso snapped forward, wreathed in dark energy. Edward caught it with one hand, the corrupted magic sparking uselessly against his aura. "Round two, then," Edward said, his voice cold. "Let's see if you're better at fighting than you are at life choices." The Moon's surface cracked beneath their feet as the battle began in earnest.