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Dark clouds loomed over Gotham. Sirens wailed around the perimeter of Arkham Asylum, smoke thick in the air.
The Joker's maniacal laughter rang out clearly in the chaos. He stood on a blown-up police car, his green hair blazing in the firelight.
"Hahahaha! Where's the Bat already? I can't wait to show him my new toys!"
He waved a remote in his hand as his gang exchanged gunfire with the cops.
Poison Ivy whipped up vines to toss aside vehicles, while Bane was literally ripping armored doors off by hand.
Harley Quinn darted nimbly through the bullets, her baseball bat knocking out cops left and right.
Suddenly, a dark figure dropped from the sky. Batman's cape flared in the firelight as he landed and kicked Harley's weapon clean out of her hands.
"Party's over," he said in his deep, cold voice. The Joker's gang froze for a beat.
"Batsy!"
Joker spun around excitedly—only to see three figures slowly descending from the sky. Clark, Jiro, and Wanda hovered above the battlefield.
Batman glanced up, his brow furrowing under the cowl, but he said nothing and focused on taking down the next enemy.
Clark cleared his throat awkwardly, just about to jump in, when Jiro raised a hand to stop him.
"Training's over. This is the real thing now," Jiro said to Wanda.
Wanda's red lips curved into a smile, a glint of excitement in her eyes.
"Got it."
She floated into the air, her red hair swirling in the chaos of her magic as her hands traced graceful arcs.
Scarlet energy surged across the battlefield.
"Hey! What the hell is that? A new superhero?" Harley looked up—only to get wrapped up tight in crimson energy, completely immobilized.
The Joker's laughter died on his lips as he found himself paralyzed. "What is this sorcery?!"
Poison Ivy's vines withered the second they touched the magic, and Bane's hulking muscles were completely useless against it.
Within seconds, all the villains were strung up like puppets, lined up neatly in the air in front of the stunned police officers.
"All yours."
With a flick of her hand, Wanda dropped them right at the cops' feet. "I figured you'd want these guys back."
The officers stared at each other in disbelief until the chief finally stammered, "Cuff them! Quick!"
But Wanda wasn't done. She raised both hands, and the red energy spread across the entire battlefield.
Destroyed cars rebuilt themselves. Shattered walls reassembled. Even the craters in the street vanished.
Wonder Woman had just arrived, her golden Lasso of Truth still in hand—only to witness the aftermath.
She hovered mid-air, stunned. "By Zeus…"
Batman watched in silence, then turned and disappeared into the shadows.
Clark flew over. "Diana, let me introduce you—this is Jiro and Wanda. They're from a parallel universe."
Diana landed in front of them, putting away her lasso, curiosity in her eyes. "Diana Prince, Amazon warrior. It's an honor. Miss Wanda, your power is… impressive."
Wanda blushed lightly. "Thanks. Just a few little tricks."
"That was no trick," Diana said sincerely. "Your power is… unique. No one in this world has anything like it."
Clark glanced around at the slowly returning order. "This isn't really the best place to talk. I know a decent restaurant nearby."
Ten minutes later, the four of them were seated in a private booth at a fancy restaurant.
Diana had kindly ordered for everyone and even recommended a dessert for Wanda.
"So…" she said, cutting her steak and turning to Jiro, "You said you're Kryptonian too, like Clark?"
Jiro nodded and gave a brief explanation of his background.
Diana nodded from time to time, occasionally adding her thoughts.
"That's pretty incredible," she said, setting down her knife and fork. "The Amazons have always believed in the multiverse, but we've never had solid proof."
Wanda took a bite of chocolate cake and her eyes lit up. "This is amazing!"
Then she added shyly, "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt."
Diana laughed. "It's fine. Good food deserves your full attention."
She turned to Wanda again. "So, your power—is it magic?"
Wanda nodded. "Yeah. It's magic. I can alter reality."
Diana looked thoughtful. "That might rival the gods of Olympus."
Clark, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke. "Jiro said they came here by accident. I think we should help them get back."
Diana nodded. "Maybe Zatanna could help? Or Doctor Fate? They've got experience with dimensional travel."
Jiro set down his wineglass. "No need. Wanda can open a portal back. We just wanted to explore this world a bit first."
Diana smiled knowingly. "Then you've got to meet the rest of the League. Barry would freak out—he's always going on about multiverse theory."
Clark's face suddenly shifted. "Bruce… might not be in the mood for a meetup."
Diana sighed. "He's still like that? Ever since General Zod, he hasn't been the same."
"He's even more withdrawn now," Clark admitted with a bitter smile. "I do feel sorry for what happened."
Jiro picked up on the tension. "Batman doesn't trust Superman?"
Diana and Clark exchanged a look.
Diana finally spoke. "Two years ago, during Clark's battle with Zod, part of Bruce's company building was destroyed. Some employees didn't make it out…"
"Three months later, Bruce found a prophecy mirror. It showed a possible future—fuzzy, fragmented—but we all saw it. Clark turning dark, ruling the Earth."
Wanda blinked in disbelief. "You're kidding, right?"
Clark shook his head. "No. It's possible. With my power…"
Jiro suddenly laughed. "So Batman thinks the nice guy Superman's gonna take over the world?"
Diana nodded. "Bruce always prepares for the worst. But I know Clark's heart. He'd never let that happen."
Clark gave her a grateful look.
The restaurant lights dimmed softly as their dinner wound down.
Diana checked her watch and stood up. "Sorry, I've got to head out," she said with a smile. "Got a few things to take care of."
Clark nodded. "Thanks for coming, Diana."
She gave Clark a light pat on the shoulder, then offered her hand to Jiro and Wanda. "It was a pleasure meeting you. Hope you enjoy your time in Gotham."
Wanda shook her hand with a smile. "Thanks for the dessert rec. That was amazing."
Diana winked. "Next time, come to Themyscira. I'll have the chefs make you some real Greek sweets."
With that, she turned and left gracefully.
Clark watched her go, then turned to the other two. "Do you guys have a place to stay tonight?"
Jiro nodded. "We're thinking of finding a hotel."
Clark gave a warm smile. "Gotham's a little… chaotic at night. I can recommend a few safe ones."
Wanda raised an eyebrow. "You come here often?"
Clark smiled. "Sometimes. I help Bruce out now and then—though lately, he hasn't exactly been open to working together."
Jiro gave a calm smile. "It's fine. We'll manage."
Clark hesitated, then finally said, "If you need anything, you can contact me anytime."
He handed Jiro a business card. "This has my info."
Jiro took the card. It said Clark Kent, Daily Planet Reporter, but in the bottom corner was a tiny 'S' symbol.
He found it a little funny—two Kryptonians exchanging business cards like this.
"Thanks," he said, pocketing it. "We'll stay in touch. Might go sightseeing in this world tomorrow."
Clark nodded and stood up. "Alright. See you next time."
He waved goodbye and walked out of the restaurant."
"....."