The Anti-Matter Universe - The Throne of Mobius
It existed in the space between spaces, a pocket of anti-matter reality where the laws of physics were under control of a single being, Mobius sat on a throne.
The Anti-Monitor was a colossus of cosmic terror, his body radiated power that made the very air around him tremble.
Yet he was recovering.
The wounds were visible, cracks in his armor that glowed with faint light. His breathing was labored, each exhalation sending ripples through the fabric of the anti-matter universe. His hands, resting on the armrests of his throne, trembled.
He cursed under his breath.
"Darkseid..." His voice was a low growl, carrying a grudge that had been festering for eons. "That scheming... coward.."
His hands clenched.
"I remember. I remember everything."
He did not explain.
He simply sat in silence, his rage simmering beneath the surface.
And then he sensed her.
She stepped out of the shadows, her hair cascading over her shoulders, her eyes carrying the same terrible fire as her father's.
Grail.
She knelt before the throne, her head bowed.
"Lord Mobius."
The Anti-Monitor's eyes narrowed.
"Your father is still my enemy," he said, his voice flat, cold. "And yet you wish to serve me instead?" He leaned forward, his form casting a shadow around her. "How can I trust what you are saying? How can I not take this as another one of his schemes to destroy me?"
Grail's head remained bowed, but her voice was steady.
"I have one wish only," she said. "And it is to destroy my father. Once and for all." She looked up, meeting his gaze. "But I am not foolish enough to think that I can pull that off on my own. I need a powerful ally." She paused. "And that is where you come in."
Mobius's eyes flickered with interest.
"My father sought to destroy you," Grail continued. "Just like he sought to destroy everyone who threatens him. He has too many enemies.. and none of them are bold enough to strike first." Her voice hardened. "Even when he appears weakened, they still never dare to strike, they know he is very unpredictable."
She paused.
"I hoped that the Shadow Monarch would have done something about him. But he too refuses to strike Apokolips. He has killed one of his New Gods and he has slaughtered a good portion of his army across the universe. But nothing really changes unless Darkseid dies." Her fists clenched. "My father grows stronger still."
Mobius's lips curved into a smile.
"And yet, you provided him with extra firepower."
Grail's smile was sharp, knowing. "I did. One that would cause great destruction." She leaned forward. "But I intentionally installed something within what I gave him. They will be under my control whenever I desire." Her eyes gleamed. "So his new army will be my own."
She straightened.
"If we band together, we will have something within Apokolips that we can use against him, the choice is yours of course."
Mobius laughed. "How wonderful..." He shook his head slowly. "You really think Darkseid is that foolish? I am sure he is aware of your treachery and deceit. He simply allowed it to happen because he knows."
Grail's jaw tightened. "No, he does not. He is aware that I do not enjoy him, or his New Gods. But that is about it. I have managed to fulfill all of my tasks successfully and without trouble. He sure suspects something, but he has no proof." Her voice hardened. "I think you don't know my father's methods for traitors. He does not forgive or turn a blind eye, especially those of his own blood."
Mobius was silent for a long moment.
Then he spoke, "And what of this Shadow Monarch?" His eyes narrowed. "I know that he uses Planet Qward as home for his Lantern Corps. They have been causing quite the trouble in the universe. But they don't operate here in the anti-matter universe at all." He paused. "Strange.. He obliterated the Yellow Lanterns some time ago and took my Qward without my permission." His voice hardened. "An odd god, this one."
Grail's brow furrowed. "A god? The Shadow Monarch is a human from Earth, he is no sort of god, he is not even an Olympian."
Mobius's laugh was sharp and dismissive.
"Then you are a fool, Daughter of Darkseid."
Grail's eyes widened. Her mouth opened to respond, but she said nothing.
Mobius leaned forward, his eyes fixed on her.
"I assume you want me to do something. Speak it."
Grail's composure reasserted itself. "My father is at war with New Genesis, the Shadow Lanterns, the Shadow Monarch, and with you." She paused. "Practically, he is at war with everyone." Her eyes gleamed. "But someone else came to his attention. Someone he wishes to kill, because he would obtain great power after doing so."
Mobius's eyebrow rose. "And who might this be?"
Grail's voice was quiet. "The Dragon Monarch. He is a being my father detected not long ago. One with great power." She paused. "But I don't know much about him, I had hoped you do."
Mobius's eyes narrowed. "I have detected no such being." His voice hardened. "Does he have a relation with the Shadow one?"
Grail shook her head slowly. "My father believes so. They seem to be some sort of kin... possibly belong to the same race of 'godly beings.'" She paused. "Since you just confirmed to me that he is no human."
Mobius's smile turned cold. "I know what you will ask of me," he said, "before you even speak. You want me to attack Qward, the current home of the Shadow Lanterns, the one they call Nyx now. You want me to let the Shadow Monarch think it is Darkseid. So you will hasten their confrontation."
Grail's silence was confirmation.
"And then," Mobius continued, "we will take advantage, we will strike while they are weak."
"Yes. That is exactly what I want." She paused. "You have enough power to destroy Nyx." Grail said.
Mobius's laugh was low, bitter. "No, I do not. I am still weakened." His eyes burned brighter. "But I can still do serious damage to a measly Lantern Corps."
He leaned back on his throne.
"One thing you should understand, Daughter of Darkseid: the Shadow Monarch is also no fool. He will know it is me, and not Darkseid." His voice hardened. "But considering even he has too many enemies, this is a great chance to disturb the current conflicts."
Grail's smile was sharp. "That is all I ask of you." She paused. "So you agree to my partnership?"
Mobius's eyes bore into hers.
"You will be working for me," he said, his voice flat. "Not as a partner. So do not forget yourself, Daughter of Darkseid." He paused. "Until we reach our common goal... then yes, you may think of it however you wish."
He raised his hand.
Grail's eyes widened.
Power gathered around his fingers, a swirling vortex of anti-matter energy, white and terrible. It grew, expanding.
"Then let us begin."
He released it.
The wave shot across the anti-matter universe, traveling faster than light, faster than thought. It was a column of pure white radiance, a weapon of erasure.
Grail watched it go.
Her eyes widened.
And for the first time, something flickered in her expression, a shadow of doubt, perhaps, or the realization that she might have made a deal with something far more dangerous than she had anticipated.
Mobius's smile was cold.
"Let the Shadow Monarch feel my presence first, but I will not reveal my location to him yet.." he said. "This is just to let him know that I am here, that I am watching."
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