Flashback - Two Days Earlier
Eleryc had been alone on the observation deck, trying to meditate away the whispers in his mind, when Supergirl had found him. The voice of Zamasu had been particularly insistent that day, filling his thoughts with visions of a "perfect" world cleansed of mortal weakness.
"You're fighting yourself again," Kara had observed, settling beside him on the rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean.
"It never stops," he had admitted, his hands trembling with barely contained power. "The voice tells me that mortals are flawed, that they deserve judgment. Some days I almost... almost believe it."
Kara had been quiet for a long moment, studying his profile. "Show me," she had said suddenly.
"What?"
"Let me hear what you hear. Let me see what Zamasu shows you."
"Kara, no. It's too dangerous-"
"Trust me."
Against his better judgment, Eleryc had let his mental barriers slip just enough for her to glimpse the corruption within. Through their brief connection, Kara had seen the visions Zamasu projected-a world without conflict because there were no mortals left to create it, a universe of pristine emptiness where only "pure" divine beings existed.
When the connection broke, Kara had looked directly into his eyes. "That's not perfection," she had said firmly. "That's death. That's the absence of everything beautiful about existence."
"But the logic is sound," Eleryc had argued, his voice carrying Zamasu's influence. "Mortals cause suffering. Remove mortals, remove suffering."
Instead of debating the point, Kara had done something unexpected. She had taken his hand in hers, her touch warm and steady.
"Do you know what I see when I look at you?" she had asked softly.
A blush crept up Eleryc's neck even now as he remembered her next words.
"I see someone who chooses compassion every single day, even when hatred would be easier. Someone who fights against the darkest impulses not because he's weak, but because he's strong enough to know the difference between justice and vengeance."
Her thumb had traced across his knuckles gently. "Zamasu's voice isn't you, Eleryc. It's just noise. And you've been drowning it out with your own choices for years without even realizing it."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because," she had said with that radiant smile that could light up a room, "a truly corrupted being wouldn't be sitting here agonizing over whether he might hurt someone. He'd have already done it."
That's when she had leaned closer, close enough that he could see the gold flecks in her blue eyes. "The voice tells you that mortals are flawed. But flaws aren't weaknesses, Eleryc. They're what make us real. They're what make love and friendship and sacrifice mean something."
She had pressed a gentle kiss to his temple then, and for just a moment, Zamasu's whispers had fallen completely silent.
"Your power doesn't define you," she had whispered against his skin. "Your choices do. And you've been making the right ones all along."
Present - Mount Justice
Robin's voice crackled through the comm again, more urgent this time: "Seriously, people! Amazon warships on approach! This is not a drill!"
Eleryc blinked, pulled from his memory by Cassa's hand on his shoulder. The blush was still warming his cheeks, but now he felt something else-a quiet certainty that hadn't been there before.
"You're thinking about what she told you, aren't you?" Cassa observed with a knowing smile. "About the voice just being noise."
He nodded, glancing at Supergirl, who was already moving toward the door with characteristic determination. "She was right. We get to choose who we are, regardless of what we carry."
"Even if the Amazons see us as threats?" Cassa asked as they hurried down the corridor.
"Especially then," Eleryc replied, his voice gaining strength. "We prove her right by choosing to protect instead of destroy, even if they won't let us."
As they reached the main hall where the other warriors were gathering, Supergirl caught his eye across the room. She gave him a small, encouraging nod-a reminder that she believed in the choice he would make, whatever came next.
Cassa watched this silent exchange with a mixture of relief and understanding. Over the past few days, she had witnessed a remarkable transformation in her brother. Where once Eleryc had been constantly tense, shoulders hunched as if carrying an invisible weight, now he moved with quiet confidence. The dark circles under his eyes-a result of sleepless nights fighting Zamasu's whispers-had begun to fade.
Kara is his anchor, she realized. She's helping him remember who he chose to be, not who the corruption wants him to become.
"Cassa?" A gentle voice pulled her from her observations.
She turned to find Blue Beetle approaching, his scarab-enhanced armor gleaming in the artificial light. Jaime Reyes had arrived at Mount Justice the day before as backup, and something about his presence had immediately put her at ease.
"You looked troubled," he said with genuine concern. "The whole Amazon situation has everyone on edge, but you seem... different. Like you're fighting more than just external threats."
Cassa felt her walls instinctively rise. Only Eleryc knew the full extent of what they carried, the poisonous legacy that threatened to consume them both.
"It's complicated," she said carefully.
"Try me," Jaime replied with that disarming smile of his. "I've got a sentient alien weapon fused to my spine that occasionally suggests I blow things up. I'm pretty familiar with complicated."
Despite herself, Cassa found herself almost smiling. "Your scarab talks to you?"
"Constantly," he said with exaggerated exasperation. "Sometimes I can't tell where Khaji Da's thoughts end and mine begin. But I've learned something over the years."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice as the chaos of preparation continued around them. "The voice in your head-it's not you. Whatever it's telling you, whatever it wants you to do, you get to choose whether to listen."
Cassa's breath caught. How could he possibly know?
"The way you flinch when you think no one's looking," Jaime explained gently. "The way you hold yourself like you're afraid of your own strength. I recognize the signs because I've been there."
"Destroy him," Zamasu's voice whispered suddenly in her mind. "He knows too much. He threatens our purpose."
Cassa's hands began to glow with divine energy before she could stop them. Jaime noticed but didn't step back.
"That's not you," he said firmly, his scarab armor activating in response to the energy but maintaining a defensive rather than offensive posture. "That's whatever's trying to control you. But you're stronger than it is."
"How can you be so sure?" she whispered, the same question Eleryc had asked Supergirl.
"Because you're fighting it," Jaime replied, echoing Kara's wisdom. "Because you're here trying to save people instead of hurt them. Because when that voice tells you to destroy, you choose to protect instead."
The divine energy around her hands flickered and stabilized as she regained control. "It tells me that mortals are weak. That they deserve judgment."
"Yeah? Well, my scarab used to tell me that the best solution to any problem was maximum firepower," Jaime chuckled. "Turns out we both had to learn there's usually a better way."
He gestured toward where Eleryc stood near Supergirl, both of them reviewing tactical displays with focused determination. "Your brother found someone who helps him remember who he really is. Maybe you don't have to face your demons alone either."
Cassa looked at him-really looked. Jaime Reyes, Blue Beetle, a young man who had learned to work in harmony with an alien weapon that could have easily consumed his identity. Someone who understood the daily struggle of maintaining your true self against a powerful external influence.
"The voice gets stronger when I'm stressed," she admitted quietly. "When I'm afraid or angry."
"Then we work on keeping you grounded," he said simply. "Together. If you want."
For the first time since arriving in this timeline, Cassa felt something loosen in her chest. The constant vigilance, the fear of losing herself to Zamasu's corruption, seemed just a little more manageable.
"I'd like that," she said softly.
Jaime's scarab pulsed gently on his back, and he grinned. "Khaji Da approves. Says you have good tactical instincts and strong moral resolve."
"Your scarab can sense that?"
"Among other things. It's actually pretty good at reading people once you get past the whole 'blow everything up' phase." He paused, his expression growing more serious. "Cassa, whatever you and your brother are carrying, whatever you're afraid you might become-you're not walking that path alone anymore."
The shadow that detached itself from the corner went unnoticed in the chaos, carrying word back to its master that the final phase had begun. But what the Observer's spy couldn't report was the growing bonds of trust and support that were already beginning to undermine his carefully laid plans.
Main Hall - Strategic Planning
"Amazon warships are maintaining course toward the Eastern Seaboard," Robin reported, his fingers dancing across holographic displays. "ETA approximately four hours."
"What's their intent?" Batman asked, his voice cutting through the chatter.
Wonder Woman's image appeared on the main screen, her expression troubled. "My mother believes the assembled warriors represent a divine threat that must be contained. She's not responding to my attempts at communication."
"Contained or eliminated?" Nightwing pressed.
Diana's silence was answer enough.
Eleryc stepped forward, his newfound confidence evident in his posture. "Then we go to them. We meet them before they reach populated areas and prove we're allies, not enemies."
"That's incredibly risky," Daikon warned. "If we're seen as aggressors approaching their fleet..."
"Then we go in small groups," Supergirl suggested. "Non-threatening formations. Show them we want to talk, not fight."
Cassa moved to stand beside her brother, feeling Jaime's reassuring presence nearby. "Eleryc's right. We can't let fear and misunderstanding start a war. Not when that's exactly what the Observer wants."
As the heroes began planning their approach, neither Eleryc nor Cassa heard the whispers of Zamasu that had once dominated their thoughts. For the first time since inheriting their dark legacy, they had found something stronger than corruption: the choice to trust others, and to let themselves be trusted in return.
Across the Mountain - Unexpected Connections
While the main strategic planning continued, smaller groups had formed throughout Mount Justice-displaced warriors finding unexpected kinship with Earth's heroes.
In the training room, Houjin stood perfectly still as Wonder Girl circled him, studying his massive frame with professional interest.
"Your power is incredible," Cassie Sandsmark observed, "but you hold back constantly. Even now, I can feel you suppressing it."
"Legendary Super Saiyan power isn't meant to be unleashed carelessly," Houjin replied, his voice a low rumble. "In my timeline, I watched what happened when warriors like me lost control."
"But that's just it," Cassie said, stopping in front of him. "You don't lose control. I've been watching you for days. Your power responds to your will, not the other way around."
She placed a hand on his arm, feeling the tremendous energy contained within. "My strength comes from Zeus, but I had to learn that power without purpose is just destruction. You already know that lesson."
For the first time since arriving, Houjin's expression softened slightly. "In my world, they called me a monster."
"In this world," Cassie smiled, "we call you a hero."
In the tech lab, Winter watched with fascination as Static manipulated electrical fields with casual precision.
"The way you control electromagnetic force," she said, her own energy crackling between her fingers, "it's similar to ki manipulation but more... refined."
Virgil Hawkins grinned, creating a small light show with dancing sparks. "Yeah? Well, your energy control is way more versatile than anything I can do. You're not just moving electricity-you're creating it from life force itself."
"It's harder to control when emotions run high," Winter admitted. "In battle, the power wants to consume everything."
"Tell me about it," Static nodded. "First few months with my powers, I fried half the electronics in Dakota City. Had to learn meditation, breathing techniques, the whole nine yards."
He demonstrated by creating a perfect sphere of contained electrical energy. "Control isn't about suppression-it's about understanding. Want me to show you some focusing techniques?"
Near the memorial hall, Pan sat cross-legged beside Aqualad, both of them in quiet meditation.
"Your mental discipline is impressive," Kaldur observed. "For someone so young to carry such tremendous power with such composure."
"Grandpa Goku taught me that strength without inner peace is meaningless," Pan replied, her ki stable and serene. "But sometimes I wonder if I'm strong enough for what's coming."
"Strength is not always measured in raw power," Aqualad counseled. "True strength comes from knowing when to fight and when to protect, when to lead and when to follow."
Pan opened her eyes, studying the Atlantean's calm demeanor. "You make it sound simple."
"Simple, yes. Easy, no," Kaldur smiled. "But you are not facing these challenges alone. That is what makes us stronger than the sum of our individual powers."
In the communications center, Goten was engaged in animated conversation with Power Girl, both of them laughing at something on the holographic display.
"No way!" Karen Starr exclaimed. "You're telling me you learned to fly before you learned to walk?"
"Saiyan children develop differently," Goten grinned. "Though I did crash into a lot of trees at first."
"Join the club," Power Girl chuckled. "I put three holes through the Daily Planet building my first week on the job. Clark was not amused."
Their easy camaraderie was interrupted by the proximity alarms, but neither seemed fazed by the approaching threat.
"Ready to show these Amazons what real teamwork looks like?" Karen asked.
"Born ready," Goten replied, his carefree attitude masking the tactical mind of a seasoned warrior.
On the observation deck, Trunks worked alongside Stargirl to calibrate her cosmic staff for detecting temporal anomalies.
"The energy frequencies are similar to what I encountered during time travel," he explained, making minute adjustments to the star-powered weapon. "If the Observer is manipulating time streams, your staff should be able to detect the distortions."
"It's incredible technology," Courtney Whitmore marveled. "In the right hands, this could prevent paradoxes before they occur."
"Or create them," Trunks warned. "Time travel is dangerous even with the best intentions. But sometimes it's the only way to prevent a greater catastrophe."
Stargirl nodded solemnly. "Like you coming here to escape your universe's destruction."
"Exactly. Though I'm beginning to think our arrival here wasn't as random as we believed."
In the depths of Mount Justice's meditation chambers, Daikon sat across from Raven, both surrounded by an aura of controlled dark energy.
"Your connection to demonic forces," Daikon observed, "it's similar to what my cousin and others carry-dangerous power that could corrupt if not carefully managed."
"The difference," Raven replied in her quiet voice, "is that I chose to reject my father's influence. It sounds like they're fighting inherited corruption they never asked for."
"And you don't judge them for it?"
"How can I?" Raven's eyes glowed briefly with contained power. "We are not defined by what we inherit, but by what we choose to do with it. Their struggle to remain good despite their burden makes them heroes, not threats."
Daikon nodded with newfound respect. "Perhaps there is wisdom in this timeline's approach to redemption."
In the auxiliary command center, Bulla worked with the newest Robin-Tim Drake-to analyze the Amazon fleet's approach patterns.
"Their formation suggests they're prepared for a siege," she noted, highlighting tactical positions on the holographic display. "But there are gaps in their coverage here and here."
"Good eye," Tim acknowledged. "Though I don't think we want to exploit those weaknesses unless absolutely necessary."
"Agreed," Bulla said. "But it's good to know they exist. My mother always said preparation prevents poor performance."
"Your mother sounds wise."
"Bulma Brief-smartest woman in the universe," Bulla said with obvious pride. "She'd love to study the technology here. Batman's equipment especially."
Tim grinned. "Something tells me she and Bruce would either get along perfectly or drive each other completely insane."
Most surprisingly, in a secured holding area, Tarro sat across from Blackfire-who had been captured during her latest attempt to conquer Tamaran.
"You keep visiting me," Komand'r observed, her violet eyes studying the Saiyan time patroller. "Most heroes would simply forget I exist."
"I've seen what uncontrolled anger and desire for revenge can do," Tarro replied calmly. "I've also seen redemption where others saw only corruption."
"And you think I'm capable of redemption?" she scoffed.
"I think you're capable of choice," he corrected. "The question is what you'll choose when it matters most."
Their conversation was interrupted by the facility-wide alert, but neither moved from their positions.
"The Amazons come to destroy people you've grown to care about," Blackfire noted with cruel amusement. "Will you choose to protect them, or will survival instincts prevail?"
"I already made my choice when I came here," Tarro replied. "The real question is what choice you'll make when the time comes."
Main Hall - Final Preparations
As the displaced warriors and Earth's heroes gathered for final mission briefings, the bonds that had formed over mere days were evident in their coordinated movements and shared glances of understanding.
Batman observed this development with his typical stoic approval. "Emotional connections strengthen tactical cohesion," he noted to Superman over their private comm channel. "These partnerships may be our greatest advantage."
"Or our greatest vulnerability," Superman replied grimly. "If the Observer is manipulating events to turn us against each other, these bonds could become weapons against us."
"Then we make sure that doesn't happen," Wonder Woman interjected, joining their conversation. "Whatever my mother and the Amazons believe they're protecting the world from, we show them they're wrong."
As the teams began moving toward their departure points, none of them noticed that the Observer's surveillance had intensified. The ancient being watched with growing interest as bonds of trust and affection formed between the displaced warriors and Earth's defenders.
"Curious," the Observer murmured to his shrouded master. "They form attachments more quickly than anticipated. This could complicate our plans."
"Or accelerate them," came the dark reply. "Love makes heroes predictable. And predictable heroes are easily manipulated. When the time comes to choose between personal bonds and universal salvation, their hearts will betray them."
The Observer nodded, but privately wondered if his master truly understood the strength that love could provide. In his millennia of manipulating realities, he had seen love drive beings to impossible acts of heroism just as often as it drove them to tragic mistakes.
Perhaps this timeline would prove more interesting than anticipated.
To be continued in Chapter 4: The Gathering Storm part II