Chapter 14: Beginning of the End....

Hey guys, welcome to chapter 14. We are closing in on the end of the first season and you may like the ending to this season, or you may not. It's all up to you to see how you like it. 

Also, I said I was going to release the first chapter to a new DC story, but I still haven't quite figured out the direction I want to take the story and I don't want to stretch myself too thin and lessen story quality. So, it will come out when it comes out. Enjoy.

Someone has also addressed to me that they didn't know how to join my server. So, all you have to do is scroll down on the left-hand side where all the servers are. At the bottom, there there's a green plus sign that says "Add a server". Then click join a server. Then type in this h t t p s : / / d i s c o r d . g g / S h N 2 j Y w U. That's the code thing to my server

"It is better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war." -Miyamoto Musashi

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The aftermath of the battle in Machine Head's penthouse was a scene of utter devastation. Broken furniture, shattered glass, and scorch marks marred the once opulent interior. The luxurious office now bore the marks of a fierce confrontation, with debris scattered everywhere and the faint scent of burnt ozone lingering in the air.

As the dust began to settle, the GDA's medics and soldiers moved in, securing the area and rounding up the unconscious villains. Battle Beast lay among them, his massive frame seemingly lifeless. Cecil Stedman directed the operation with his usual calm authority, ensuring every villain was restrained and every hero received the necessary medical attention.

"Get these people to the med bay, now!" Cecil ordered, his voice cutting through the chaos.

"Another mess to clean up," The scarred human muttered to himself, his voice tinged with frustration. He glanced around, noting the damage with a critical eye. "We'll need cleanup crews and damage control teams. Get me a full report on casualties and injuries."

Beerus floated amidst the ruins, his posture tall and imposing. His eyes scanned the room, assessing the damage with a critical eye. Despite the brutal fight, he remained composed, exuding an air of superiority and detachment.

As the cleanup began, Cecil approached Beerus, who stood amidst the wreckage with an air of authority. "Impressive work, Atlas," Cecil commented, his tone measured. "You certainly know how to handle yourself in a fight."

Beerus tilted his head, a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "Of course. It's what I do best," he replied, his voice dripping with confidence. "It is impressive, isn't it?" Beerus continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Your world's penchant for self-destruction never ceases to amaze me."

Suddenly, Battle Beast's eyes snapped open. With a guttural roar, he sprang to his feet, claws slashing through the air. Beerus barely had time to react as the powerful feline warrior was upon him. The two titans clashed once more, but this time, Battle Beast's ferocity took Beerus by surprise.

In a blur of motion, Battle Beast's claws raked across Beerus's face, leaving three deep, jagged scars. Blood trickled down his cheeks, but he didn't flinch. His eyes burned with a cold fury as he countered with a powerful beam of energy, sending Battle Beast flying back.

Before Beerus could press the attack, a portal opened behind Battle Beast. With a mocking grin, the beast stepped through, disappearing into the unknown. The portal closed with a snap, his new scars a testament to the fierce encounter. (AN: Think Vandal Savage's face scars)

Cecil stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Beerus. "Are you alright?"

He wiped the blood from his face, his expression unchanged. "I've had worse," he replied, his voice steady and dismissive. "Your enemies are tenacious, I'll give them that."

Cecil nodded, signaling the medics to continue their work. "We need to understand what happened here. Why did this…Battle Beast attack? And why did he target you specifically?"

Beerus shrugged, exuding a casual arrogance. "Battle Beast seeks worthy challenges. He must have seen me as one. As for why he targeted me... perhaps he recognized true power when he saw it."

Cecil's eyes narrowed, but he didn't press the issue. "We appreciate your assistance. Your strength is invaluable."

The larger being smirked, a hint of condescension in his gaze. "I'm sure it is. But don't mistake my presence here for loyalty to your kind. I have my own reasons for being on this planet."

Cecil raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what might those be?"

"Let's just say," Beerus replied, his voice low and measured, "that Earth has piqued my interest. There are things here worth observing... and perhaps protecting, for now."

Cecil nodded, understanding the subtext. "We won't pry into your motives. But know that any help you offer is welcome."

Beerus inclined his head slightly, a gesture of acknowledgment. "Just remember, Cecil. I'm not here to serve humanity. I'm here because it suits me. Don't forget that."

As the GDA continued to secure the scene, Beerus turned his attention to the fallen villains being dragged away by soldiers. Despite the victory, the scars across his face throbbed—a painful reminder of Battle Beast's ferocity. He didn't worry about it. It had been a worthy battle, a testament to his strength, and a stark reminder to never let his guard down.

He watched as Furnace's broken suit was hauled off, its once-imposing frame now a crumpled heap of metal. Magmaniac, now contained in a specially designed thermal cage, hissed and sputtered, his form barely holding together. Tether Tyrant's limp body, entangled in his own tentacles, was being carefully extracted from the rubble, while Kursk lay unconscious, restrained by heavy-duty electromagnetic cuffs.

Medics worked swiftly to stabilize the injured heroes, their faces etched with worry and exhaustion. Invincible, still unconscious, was being lifted onto a stretcher, his injuries severe but not life-threatening. Monster Girl, Black Samson, and the rest of the New Guardians were similarly tended to, their battered bodies evidence of the brutal fight they had endured.

Cecil stood nearby, watching the scene with a grim expression. He turned to Beerus, his voice low and serious. "We need to get to the bottom of this. Machine Head, his mercenaries... There's more to this than meets the eye. And now with this Battle Beast in the mix, things are getting even more complicated."

Beerus nodded, his eyes glinting with a mix of disdain and curiosity. "Your planet is a magnet for chaos, it seems. But I didn't come here to play detective. My interests lie elsewhere."

Cecil sighed, rubbing his temples. "I understand that. But any assistance you can provide, even if it's just in moments like this, makes a difference."

Beerus regarded Cecil with a calculating look. "Your kind fascinates me, Cecil. So fragile, yet so stubborn. I will continue to observe and intervene when necessary, but do not mistake my actions for altruism."

Cecil met Beerus's gaze, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "We're not looking for saviors, Atlas. Just allies. As long as our goals align, we can work together."

Beerus allowed a small, enigmatic smile to touch his lips. "For now, our paths converge. But remember, Cecil, I am not bound by your rules or your morals. My actions serve my interests."

With that, Beerus turned and floated away, his presence commanding and untouchable. Cecil watched him go, a mixture of relief and unease settling over him. The arrival of beings like Atlas brought both hope and uncertainty, and the future of Earth depended on navigating this precarious alliance.

XXXX

High above the city, Beerus soared through the night sky, his keen eyes scanning the streets below for any signs of trouble. The aftermath of the battle with Machine Head's enforcers was evident even from this vantage point, the sounds of emergency sirens and distant shouts echoing through the air.

As he hovered, Beerus caught sight of a figure floating nearby, silhouetted against the backdrop of the city lights. With a flick of his wrist, he propelled himself closer, his expression unreadable as he approached Omni-Man.

"Nolan," Beerus greeted, his voice carrying a note of authority. "I trust you had a good view of the proceedings down there."

Omni-Man turned to face him, his expression impassive. "Indeed I did," he replied, his voice calm and measured. "Your performance was... impressive."

Beerus's lip curled into a smirk. "High praise coming from you, Nolan. I suppose that means I'm on the right track."

Omni-Man's gaze narrowed slightly, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Maybe. But there's still a lot to do if we're gonna make this work here on Earth."

Beerus nodded, his demeanor shifting to one of contemplation. "Agreed. Our approach needs to be strategic. We must assess the strengths and weaknesses of our enemies, as well as those who might be potential allies."

Omni-Man nodded in agreement. "And what of Mark and his performance tonight? He seems to be coming into his own as Invincible."

Beerus's expression darkened slightly, a hint of disdain creeping into his tone. "Mark has potential, that much is clear. But he lacks the discipline and focus necessary to truly excel. He lets his emotions cloud his judgment, a weakness that could prove costly in the long run."

Omni-Man floated silently for a moment, the city lights casting long shadows across his stern features. "Maybe I was wrong to raise Mark like a human. He's too soft, too sentimental. I should have prepared him better for the reality of what we're here to do."

Beerus's expression remained impassive, though a flicker of understanding passed through his eyes. "You wanted him to understand Earth, to see it from their perspective. But it has only made him weak. Attachment to these humans clouds his judgment. If we are to succeed, he needs to embrace his true nature."

Omni-Man nodded, his face a mask of determination. "You're right. We need to start with the GDA. They're the ones keeping the world in check, coordinating the heroes, and maintaining order. We dismantle that, and we cut off the head of the serpent."

Beerus crossed his arms, his eyes glinting with a predatory gleam. "Agreed. But we must be strategic. A direct assault will only rally them against us. We need to undermine their authority, make them appear weak and ineffective. Once their credibility is shattered, we can move in."

Omni-Man's lips curled into a smile. "Discredit them. Turn the public against them. I can work on that from the inside. I've built trust over the years; I can start planting seeds of doubt. Suggest that the GDA is hiding things, that they're not as competent as they seem."

Beerus nodded approvingly. "Meanwhile, I'll focus on the New Guardians. They're the GDA's frontline defense. If we can sow discord within their ranks, make them doubt each other, they'll be less effective. I'll exploit their weaknesses, turn them against one another."

Omni-Man's eyes flashed with approval. "Perfect. And while we're at it, we should keep an eye on the world governments. They're fractured, divided by politics and power struggles. We can use that to our advantage. Encourage those divisions, play them against each other."

Beerus's smile was cold and calculating. "Divide and conquer. Classic strategy. Once the GDA and the Guardians are in disarray, we move on the governments. Offer them solutions to their problems, solutions only we can provide. They'll welcome us as saviors."

Omni-Man's voice lowered, his tone almost conspiratorial. "And Mark... he needs to see the truth. He needs to understand what we're doing and why. If we can bring him around, he'll be a powerful ally. But if he resists..."

Beerus cut him off, his voice firm. "If he resists, we deal with him as we would any other obstacle. He's strong, but he's not invincible. He'll either join us or fall."

Omni-Man's expression hesitated but hardened. "I hope it doesn't come to that. But you're right. We can't afford to be sentimental. The mission comes first."

The two floated in silence for a moment, the weight of their plans settling over them. Below, the city carried on, oblivious to the looming threat.

Beerus broke the silence. "We'll need to move quickly. The longer we wait, the more time the GDA and the Guardians have to prepare. We strike first, and we strike hard."

Omni-Man nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Yes. We will start within the next year."

With that, the two Viltrumites parted ways, each heading off to prepare for the next phase of their plan. The night was quiet, but the storm brewing on the horizon was anything but. The fate of Earth hung in the balance, and its defenders had no idea what was coming.

XXXX

Mark's eyelids fluttered open slowly, the harsh fluorescent lights of the GDA medical center momentarily blinding him. As his vision adjusted, he became aware of the sterile white walls and the steady beeping of machines monitoring his vital signs. He caught a whiff of the distinct smell of antiseptic. He tried to sit up, but a wave of pain washed over him, reminding him of the brutal battle with Battle Beast.

"Easy there, Mark," a familiar voice said from beside him. Mark turned his head to see his parents, Debbie and Nolan, standing by his bedside, concern etched into their faces. "You took quite a beating out there," Nolan added, his voice tinged with worry.

Mark managed a weak smile. "Yeah, I guess I did," he replied, his voice hoarse. Despite the pain, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. He was alive, thanks in no small part to Beerus's intervention.

Debbie reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from Mark's forehead. "We were so worried about you," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "You scared us half to death."

Mark's heart ached at the sight of his mother's tears. He reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm sorry, Mom," he said softly. "I didn't mean to worry you."

Nolan placed a comforting hand on Mark's shoulder. "You don't have to apologize, son," he said, his voice gruff with emotion. "You did your best out there. That's all we can ask for."

As Mark lay there, the sterile scent of the hospital room filling his nostrils, he couldn't shake the image of Beerus from his mind. The memory of his cousin's effortless strength and skill haunted him, a constant reminder of his own shortcomings. Despite his best efforts, it was Beerus who had ultimately saved him from Battle Beast's fury, and the realization left a bitter taste in Mark's mouth.

A pang of jealousy pierced his heart as he compared himself to Beerus. While Beerus had dispatched their enemies with ease, Mark had struggled to keep up, his powers faltering when his teammates needed him most. He couldn't help but feel like a disappointment, a failure in the eyes of those who depended on him.

Guilt washed over him like a tidal wave as he replayed the events of the battle in his mind. He was supposed to be Invincible, one of Earth's greatest heroes. But when the chips were down, he had fallen short, unable to protect those he cared about. The weight of his failure pressed down on him, suffocating him with its relentless grip.

Closing his eyes, Mark tried to push away the self-doubt and darkness threatening to consume him. He knew he had to be strong, for his family, for his friends, for himself. But deep down, the fear lingered like a shadow, whispering doubts and insecurities into his mind.

With a heavy heart, Mark forced himself to take a deep breath, steeling himself against the onslaught of negativity. He couldn't afford to give in to despair, not now, not ever. He had to find a way to rise above his doubts and fears, to become the hero he was meant to be. And as he drifted off to sleep, he vowed to do whatever it took to prove himself, not just to others, but to himself.

XXXX

Cecil stood outside the hospital room, his keen eyes fixed on the tender scene unfolding within. The Grayson family shared a touching moment, but despite the warmth of their embrace, a cold sense of suspicion gripped his heart. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Nolan than met the eye.

Turning his gaze towards the most powerful hero on Earth, Cecil's mind buzzed with doubt and uncertainty. The excuse Nolan had provided didn't quite add up. An asteroid the size of South Dakota? It was certainly a plausible threat, but the timing seemed too convenient. And why hadn't Omni-Man been able to assist the New Guardians in their time of need? As the guardian of Earth's safety and security, Cecil had dealt with his fair share of extraordinary circumstances, but this situation felt different. There were too many unanswered questions, too many inconsistencies in the narrative presented to him.

And then there was Nolan's abrupt departure from the solar system right before the old Guardians were killed. It was all too convenient, too suspicious. Cecil's instincts told him that there was more to this story than Nolan was letting on, and he was determined to uncover the truth.

Despite their two decades of camaraderie, Cecil knew better than to let sentiment cloud his judgment. He had ascended to the position of director of the GDA not through blind optimism, but through cold, hard realism. And in the cutthroat world of superhero politics, trust was a luxury Cecil couldn't afford to indulge in.

With a firm resolve, Cecil extinguished any lingering flickers of optimism. He had a duty to uphold, a responsibility to the countless lives that depended on the GDA for protection. If Nolan Grayson thought he could pull the wool over Cecil's eyes, he had another thing coming. The director of the GDA was relentless, unfaltering, and he would stop at nothing to ensure the safety and security of Earth and its inhabitants.

With a resolute nod, he squared his shoulders and turned to leave the hospital corridor. He had work to do, secrets to unravel, and a world to protect. And if Nolan thought he could outmaneuver the keen mind of Cecil Stedman, he would soon find himself sorely mistaken. Enlisting the help of Damien Darkblood, the demon detective with an uncanny knack for unraveling mysteries, seemed like the logical next step. They would peel back the layers of deception and uncover the truth that eluded them.

XXXX

Nolan stood at the top of a summit, the jagged peaks of the mountains stretching out before him like the teeth of a titan. The wind whipped through his hair, tugging at his cape and billowing it behind him like a banner of defiance. His heart thundered in his chest, each beat echoing in the silence of the mountain.

"Mark," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "Beerus and I... we killed the Guardians of the Globe." The words hung heavy in the air, echoing off the surrounding cliffs. He paused, bracing himself for the imaginative reaction.

But before he could continue, a surge of emotion threatened to overwhelm him. He raised a hand to his brow, willing himself to stay composed. "Wait, before you say anything," he pleaded, his voice strained with desperation. "Just... listen, please."

Nolan took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. "I'm not a monster," he insisted, his voice trembling with emotion. "I didn't want to do it, but it had to be done. It was my responsibility." The words tasted bitter on his tongue, a bitter reminder of the choices he had made.

He glanced down at the valley below, a sense of unease gnawing at him. "Other people won't understand," he continued, his voice barely audible over the howling wind, "but I know you can. What I'm about to tell you... it will change everything."

A heavy silence descended, broken only by the distant cry of a lone bird. Nolan closed his eyes, struggling to find the right words. "Just remember," he finally said, his voice thick with emotion, "you're my son. And I love you and your mother more than..." His voice trailed off, the words catching in his throat.

With a heavy heart, Nolan sighed exhaustedly, the weight of his confession threatening to crush him. "What am I doing?" he muttered to himself, his words lost to the wind.

With a final, resigned sigh, Nolan blasted off from the mountain peak, his thoughts swirling as he soared through the sky. Below him, the world stretched out in all its beauty and chaos, a tapestry of light and darkness, hope and despair.

But for all its complexities, for all its mysteries, Nolan couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that gnawed at him. He had conquered countless worlds for Viltrum, each one falling beneath his heel without hesitation. But this one... this primitive piece of rock held a power over him that he couldn't quite explain. And as he soared through the sky, he couldn't help but wonder if he was making the right choice. 

Unknown to him, a formidable figure clad in a sleek black costume, emblazoned with a striking symbol on his chest, hovered high above, shrouded within the shifting clouds of the sky. Every word of Omni-Man's revelation reverberated through the air, reaching the ears of this enigmatic observer. His fists clenched tightly, knuckles whitening with the force of his grip, while his eyes blazed with an intensity that seemed to ignite the very air around him, threatening to unleash a torrent of energy upon the mountain summit below.

As Omni-Man propelled himself away from the rugged peak, leaving behind a trail of echoing words and swirling emotions, the figure remained suspended in the heavens, an imposing silhouette against the backdrop of the cloudy sky. Despite his outward stillness, a tempest of conflicting feelings raged within him, a storm of anger, confusion, and determination swirling tumultuously within his heart and mind. With every fiber of his being, he grappled with the weight of his superior's perceived weakness, his resolve strengthening with each passing moment as he contemplated the path that lay before him.