Capítulo 58: Order & Chaos
Mark's vision faded to black as he placed the helmet on his head. Darkness swallowed everything—he couldn't see, couldn't feel, just a void all around. Then, without warning, a spotlight blazed down on him, bright and blinding. He shielded his eyes, blinking as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. But there was nothing—just darkness and the circle of light illuminating him. Then he heard it. A voice, deep and rumbling, like the earth groaning under pressure. "A new host has donned the helmet." The voice came from everywhere, echoing all around, the words repeating and overlapping like a chorus.
"Chaos has arisen."
"The natural balance has been disrupted."
"Order must be restored."
Mark turned around frantically, looking for the source of the voice, but there was nothing but blackness. "Who's there?" he shouted, the echoes of his own voice swallowed by the darkness. "I need the power to defeat Trigon!"
"Trigon," the voices whispered back, repeating his name over and over. "An agent of chaos... A harbinger of destruction. He must be purified."
"This is fate."
"Your body shall be a conduit for order."
The words crashed down on him like thunder, each one pulling tighter around his mind, sinking deep into his bones. "Give me your power, and I'll kill him," Mark growled, desperation clawing at his throat.
"You cannot wield this power as the previous host did," the voice boomed, the tone shifting from low and guttural to high and ethereal. "Though your body and strength are far greater."
Mark clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. "And you can't use my abilities the way I can," he shouted back. "It takes skill to control them."
Silence. Then, a rumble, like an earthquake beneath his feet. "Guide me, work with me, and together, we will kill Trigon," Mark demanded, his voice a growl of determination.
"This is... acceptable." The voice boomed, and then the world exploded with light.
The darkness split open, and Mark was slammed back into reality, gasping for air. His head throbbed with pain as a flood of knowledge and power poured into his mind, filling every corner, every thought. He felt a presence settling inside of him, guiding his movements, showing him possibilities. A golden glow radiated from his body, and he felt the armor shift around him, molding into something new, something powerful. A golden cape flowed from his back, and intricate designs crawled up his arms and chest.
Mark floated above the ground, the power of Fate thrumming through his veins. The void around them shook as he raised his hand. "Instrument of chaos," he boomed, his voice layered with the echo of Nabu's, deeper and more powerful. "Your actions have disrupted the order of the universe. Prepare to be purged." He lifted off the ground, floating high above the plateau, his arms spread wide. "Let these shadows crawl back to the abyss!" he declared, his voice echoing throughout the darkness. He held out his hand, and a golden Ankh appeared, growing larger and brighter until it was three times his height, its light cutting through the darkness like a blade. The Ankh flew to the center of the ruined city below, hovering in the sky. It shone with a brilliance that pushed back the darkness, illuminating every corner of the city within the barrier. The creatures below cried out, shielding their eyes from the blinding light.
Trigon's head snapped toward the light as he blasted Superman away, sending him crashing into the ground. His eyes narrowed, locking onto the floating figure of Doctor Fate. With a surge of energy, Trigon rose into the air, flames trailing behind him as he met Mark's level. "A Lord of Order has no place here," Trigon spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "Leave now, or I will destroy you."
Mark didn't respond. It was Nabu who spoke through him, his voice steady, unyielding. "A bluff," he said. "The Trigon I remember would never reason... unless he is afraid."
"Scared?" Trigon's voice rumbled like a storm, low and furious. "Scared... SCARED!" Power erupted from him, darkness and flame twisting around his form. His body changed—horns burst from his head, curling upward like the crown of a demon, and his skin turned deep red, veins pulsing like rivers of molten lava. Shadows spiraled around him, swirling flames mixing with black smoke.
Mark's eyes glowed bright gold beneath the helmet, and he raised his hand, summoning his own power. A beam of pure golden light shot from his palm, the Ankh symbol forming in his hand. Trigon countered with a blast of red energy, the beam blazing forward. The two streams of power clashed in mid-air, golden light and red fire grinding against each other, creating a maelstrom of raw energy between them. Mark pushed forward, trying to force Trigon back, the golden beam crackling with power as he poured everything more power into it. But Trigon's strength was immense, and he leaned into the clash, pressing his power forward.
Then Trigon's mouth twisted into a cruel smile, and he gave one last, mighty push. The red beam swelled, growing thicker, stronger, and it crashed into the golden light, overpowering it. The red energy surged forward, shoving Mark's beam back. The golden Ankh began to flicker, cracks forming along its surface, and then, in an instant, it shattered.
The red beam struck Mark full force, and he summoned an Ankh shield in front of him, the golden symbol trying to absorb the attack. It held for a heartbeat, but the power of Trigon's blast was too much—the shield cracked, then shattered like glass. The force of the impact sent Mark hurtling backward, slamming into the stone plateau, hitting the ground hard enough to shake the earth.
Trigon roared, the flames around him burning hotter as he flew straight toward Mark, his form cutting through the air like a missile. But before he could reach his target, Superman rocketed from behind, joining his fists together and slamming them down on the back of Trigon's neck. The blow caught the demon by surprise, driving him down with a thunderous crack. Trigon's body plummeted, but Mark was ready, summoning his power and firing a golden blast of light that smashed into Trigon's chest, sending him careening sideways through the air.
Diana was already there, moving faster than a bullet, her shield raised. She bashed it into Trigon with all her might, the metal slamming into his jaw and throwing his head back. The impact sent Trigon flying toward Hal, who grinned as he formed a massive green baseball bat with his ring, stepping forward and swinging it like he was going for a home run. The bat connected with Trigon's side, the impact sending a loud crack through the void as Trigon was launched back to Mark.
Mark's fists glowed with golden light as he infused them with magical energy. He flew forward, meeting Trigon in mid-air, and drove his fists into Trigon's stomach in rapid succession, each punch a brutal, thunderous blow that bruised ribs and made the demon wheeze. The final punch sent Trigon crashing to the ground, cratering the stone surface of the plateau. But Mark wasn't done. He raised his hand, conjuring a massive golden Ankh above the downed demon, the symbol shining like a miniature sun before he hurled it down. The Ankh exploded as it struck, golden light bursting out in all directions, creating a shockwave that shook the void itself. Mark raised his hands, casting a shield around the blast to contain the energy, the golden barrier flickering and cracking under the strain, but holding just long enough to contain the explosion.
When the light cleared, Trigon was still laughing, his deep, guttural voice booming through the air. "Is this the power you bring against me?" he taunted. With a snarl, he unleashed a pulse of energy, shattering Mark's force field and summoning the flames around him to swirl tighter, darker, more intense. The firestorm raged around him like a tornado before exploding outward in all directions.
Mark's eyes flashed as he conjured golden shields around himself and his allies, the barriers flaring to life as the firestorm crashed into them. Superman braced against the shield, his jaw clenched, while Wonder Woman raised her bracers in defense, and Hal reinforced the shield with his ring's energy. The flames battered against the shields, and Mark could feel the pressure, the strain, as the heat and force cracked the barriers. Golden light fractured, but they held.
"It's pitiful to see you so weak," Nabu's voice said from within Mark, using his voice. "Barely a fraction of your former strength. You were once a being to be feared. Now look at you—a pale shadow."
Trigon's eyes flared with rage, the red glow turning brighter as he clenched his fists, his body burning with fresh power. "YOU DARE INSULT ME?!" he bellowed, the ground beneath him cracking from the force of his voice.
"Stop making him angrier!" Mark growled at Nabu, his eyes darting around, trying to assess their next move.
But Nabu didn't reply. He stayed silent, forcing Mark to act on his own.
Trigon burst forward, moving with terrifying speed. He drove his knee into Superman's stomach, folding the Kryptonian in half before grabbing him by the cape and spinning him like a ragdoll, throwing him toward Wonder Woman. Superman collided with her, and they both hit the ground hard, skidding across the stone.
Hal formed a massive green gauntlet around his fist and tried to strike, but Trigon reached out, catching the construct, and with a flex of his hand, he crushed it into green shards. Trigon's fist shot out like a piston, slamming into Hal's face and sending him tumbling through the air. Trigon followed him, throwing a barrage of punches that Hal could barely keep up with, each blow shattering whatever defenses he tried to throw up with his ring. Hal's ring flared, but the power of Trigon's strikes broke every shield, every wall, until Hal was on the ground, panting and bleeding.
Mark rushed forward, conjuring golden chains to bind Trigon's limbs, each link reinforced with magical energy. The chains snaked around Trigon's arms and legs, tightening, holding him in place. Mark gritted his teeth, focusing on tightening the hold, but Trigon only smirked. With a flex of his muscles, Trigon shattered the chains, the golden links disintegrating into dust.
Trigon's eyes glowed, and he shot twin beams of fire straight at Mark, who threw up a golden Ankh shield in front of him. The beams struck the shield, and Mark grunted as the force pushed him back, his feet digging into the stone. The beams cracked the Ankh, red flames pouring through the cracks, and Mark could feel the heat seeping through. Wonder Woman came in from the side, her sword in hand, and sliced at Trigon's arm. The blade bit deep into his flesh, and Trigon roared, swinging his arm around to backhand her. Wonder Woman's head snapped to the side as the blow connected, sending her tumbling away. But she recovered quickly, flipping back to her feet, blood dripping from her mouth as she charged again.
Superman flew in low, trying to sweep Trigon's legs out from under him. He managed to catch one leg, pulling with all his strength, and for a moment, Trigon's balance wavered. But Trigon growled and kicked Superman in the chest, launching him backward. Superman slammed into the side of the plateau, the impact cracking the stone.
Hal flew up on him forming a massive drill with his ring, aiming to pierce Trigon's chest. He sent the drill forward, spinning at high speed, but Trigon slapped it away, the green construct shattering on impact. Trigon grabbed Hal by the neck, lifting him off the ground, and squeezed, his claws digging into Hal's throat. Mark charged in, his fists glowing with golden light, and he drove them into Trigon's side, hitting again and again. The blows forced Trigon to release Hal, but Trigon's arm swung around like a club, catching Mark in the ribs and knocking the air out of his lungs. Mark gasped but didn't fall back, firing a burst of golden energy directly into Trigon's face. The light exploded against the demon's head, forcing him back, but only for a second.
Trigon let out a roar, his body swelling with power as his flames surged higher. He raised his hand, and from the ground around him, shadowy tendrils erupted, wrapping around Superman, Wonder Woman, and Hal. The tendrils tightened like snakes, lifting them into the air and squeezing, forcing them to struggle against the crushing pressure. Mark's hands glowed as he tried to sever the tendrils with golden blades of energy, but the shadows reformed as quickly as he cut them.
The darkness around them grew thicker, swallowing the little light that remained, and more shadows erupted from the ground like tendrils, reaching for Mark. The shadows clawed and slashed at his golden barrier, pushing it to its limit. Mark's breath was heavy, eyes narrowing as he focused all his energy on holding the light against the encroaching darkness. Sweat dripped down his face as he gritted his teeth, forcing back the black tide. Superman, Wonder Woman, and Hal stood their ground, but they were unable to fully free themselves from the ever-growing shadows.
Trigon floated above them, grinning like a predator, his eyes glowing with fire. "Is this the so-called power of Nabu?" Trigon's voice rumbled like an earthquake. "A Lord of Order who cowers behind a mortal? How low you've fallen."
The darkness pressed harder, and Mark could feel his barrier cracking under the pressure, light flickering as the tendrils forced their way in. But then he saw something—through the shadows, a faint glint of light. The Spear of Destiny. It lay on the ground, just beyond the darkness's reach. Mark's eyes fixed on it, his breath catching as he stretched out his hand. He focused, reaching out with his gravitational power, and pulled.
The spear broke free from the rubble, flying through the air and slamming into his hand. The moment his fingers wrapped around it, power surged through him like a supernova. The golden light of his barrier blazed, turning into fiery white, burning like the heart of a star. The shadows screeched as the light intensified, recoiling, and Mark's barrier exploded outward in a flash, vaporizing every dark tendril that touched it.
Nabu's voice filled Mark's head. "The Spear of Destiny is an object of purity and power. It enhances every aspect of the one who wields it—their strength, their power, their magic. That is why Trigon wished to corrupt it."
Mark's body glowed like a living flame, and the shadows retreated as the spear's power burned them away. Superman, Wonder Woman, and Hal rushed to his side, the light cutting a path through the darkness. "We have to hit him now!" Mark shouted, feeling the surge of power through his veins.
Nabu's voice spoke through him. "We must work together. This creature of chaos cannot be allowed to live."
The others nodded, ready to fight. But Trigon's face twisted with rage, flames swirling around him. "You think a shining stick will stop me?!" He growled, spreading his arms wide. "You will learn the meaning of despair—"
Mark didn't wait. He raised the spear, and a bolt of blinding light fired from its tip, piercing through the air and slamming into Trigon's chest. The beam burned a hole straight through the demon's body, white light searing through flesh and muscle, exposing bone. Trigon let out a pained grunt, staggering back as he looked down at the gaping wound in his torso, fire and blood pouring out.
"You will die screaming!" Trigon roared, and his form began to change. His muscles bulged, his skin darkened, and his human appearance twisted into a larger, hulking form—a miniature version of his true self. Even more horns sprouted from his forehead, and flames wrapped around his body like a living cloak.
"Hit him now!" Mark yelled as they all charged.
Mark rushed in first, the spear blazing in his hands as he stabbed it into Trigon's abdomen, pushing deep and letting the light flare from the wound. The spear sizzled as it cut through flesh, and Mark twisted it violently. Trigon let out a bellow, grabbing for Mark, but Superman flew in from behind, ramming both fists into Trigon's spine. The impact forced Trigon forward, and Mark used the moment to rip the spear free, slashing upward and carving a burning gash through Trigon's chest.
Wonder Woman darted around, shield raised, smashing it into Trigon's legs to destabilize him. She was fast, darting in and out of his reach. Hal stayed in the air, forming giant green energy gauntlets around his fists, hammering down on Trigon's head and shoulders to keep him off balance. Trigon howled and fired beams of red power from his eyes, aiming at Mark. Mark swung the spear in front of him, creating a white golden Ankh barrier that deflected the beams, scattering the energy into the sky. Superman flew in low, grabbing Trigon's ankle and yanking with all his might, throwing the demon off his feet. "Diana, take it!" Mark shouted, tossing the spear to Wonder Woman.
The moment the spear touched Wonder Woman's hand, white light engulfed her, flooding her body with strength. She jumped up high, thrusting the spear down, driving it through Trigon's shoulder, pinning him to the ground. White flames erupted from the wound, and Wonder Woman dragged the spear through his shoulder, tearing through flesh and bone as Trigon roared in pain. She yanked the spear free, slashing it across his neck in a deadly arc, and tossed it to Superman.
Superman caught the spear, and it burned even brighter in his grip. His eyes glowed pure white as he focused the energy into his heat vision, firing two concentrated beams directly into Trigon's chest. The heat vision, enhanced by the spear's power, blasted through Trigon's body like molten metal, tearing chunks out of his torso. Superman followed up with a series of brutal punches to Trigon's face, each blow amplified by the spear.
"Hal!" Superman called out, throwing the spear into the air.
Hal formed a giant green whip with his ring, grabbing the spear mid-air and swinging it down like a blade, cutting deep into Trigon's leg. The demon's blood sprayed out in a burning arc as the light cleaved through him. Hal's constructs glowed with a white hue from the spear's power as he swung the spear back and forth, each hit slashing at Trigon's limbs and forcing him to stumble and falter. His healing was working overdrive to put his body back together; it also had to overcome the stain of light that the spear left behind.
Mark rushed in again, grabbing the spear out of Hal's construct, and thrust it back into Trigon's side. He focused his gravity powers, pulling Trigon up and slamming him down, pinning him to the ground. The spear glowed with all its intensity, and Mark pushed deeper, white flames flaring from every new wound. Trigon snarled, pushing back against the gravity, struggling to his feet. He swung wildly at Mark, but Wonder Woman blocked the blow with her shield, her muscles straining as she held back the demon's strength; Superman having to come behind her to stop her from flying off. "Keep going!" They yelled as they parried the next swing, creating an opening. Mark stabbed the spear upward, piercing through Trigon's ribcage, the light burning through bone. "You won't touch her ever again!" Mark yelled, twisting the spear as he pushed deeper, letting the white flames sear into Trigon's body.
Superman flew in next, smashing into Trigon's jaw with an uppercut, followed by another punch to the gut. The hits sent Trigon stumbling back, the spear still embedded in his ribs. Hal summoned a giant green battering ram and slammed it into Trigon's back, keeping him from recovering. Mark pulled the spear free, and plunged the spear deep into Trigon's back, the blade sinking to the hilt. Trigon's roar was deafening as the power of the spear flooded his body, forcing him to his knees. "Now!" Mark shouted. Superman, Wonder Woman, and Hal rushed in, fists, swords, and green constructs battering Trigon from all sides. Every blow cracked bone, tore flesh, and drove the demon down further.
Trigon, in a fury, released a shockwave of scorching fire from his body. The flames exploded outward. Superman and Wonder Woman were thrown back, shields and arms raised in defense. Hal's constructs flickered and shattered as he was forced away. Mark flipped backward through the air, but before Trigon could recover, Mark's eyes glowed, and he extended his hand, summoning the force of his gravity powers. Trigon's body was yanked back toward Mark like a ragdoll, his wounds pouring fire and blackened blood.
With a shout, Mark threw the spear, the blade whistling as it sliced through the air. It pierced Trigon's chest, the force of the throw so strong it burst out through his back. Before Trigon could react, The Flash was there, catching the spear as it came out. The moment the spear touched Flash's hand, he vanished in a blur of light, moving so fast he seemed like a living lightning bolt. The Flash circled Trigon, stabbing him millions of times per second. The speed of each strike caused shockwaves, the spear puncturing Trigon's body, each thrust drawing more blood and flames. Trigon's flesh tore apart like paper as the spear carved into him over and over, and all the while, Flash moved faster, the air around him igniting from the sheer friction of his speed.
Mark focused, reaching out with both hands and summoning golden chains of light. They shot out like whips, wrapping around Trigon's limbs and torso, constraining him, binding him tighter with every second. A giant golden Ankh symbol formed around Trigon's neck, locking him in place as Flash continued his assault, the spear stabbing deep, ripping through muscle and bone. Trigon roared in frustration, his eyes glowing bright as he released a wave of heat so intense it melted the stone beneath him into bubbling lava. The lava spread like a pool, forming into hands that reached for Flash, but he was too fast, darting between the grasping molten claws, dodging every attempt to catch him. The hands swung wildly, missing by miles as Flash stabbed Trigon over and over.
Superman and Wonder Woman flew in, fists cocked back. They both slammed their fists into Trigon's skull with a sickening crack, the force of the hit echoing across the void. Trigon's head snapped back, a dent forming in his cranium, flames spewing from his mouth as he bellowed in pain. "He's weakening!" Nabu shouted through Mark.
Mark didn't hesitate—he flew towards Trigon, increasing the gravity around the demon's body, pressing down on him like the weight of a mountain. The chains tightened, the Ankh constricted, and Trigon was forced to his knees, struggling to break free. Flash continued stabbing, each hit cracking bones and tearing wounds wider. Superman and Wonder Woman took turns bashing Trigon, each hit forcing him down further. Hal added to the assault, creating giant green chains to wrap around Trigon, reinforcing Mark's bindings. But even restrained, Trigon fought like a monster. He flexed his muscles, the chains groaning and cracking. The Ankh around his neck flickered as Trigon's power surged, and with a bellow, he shattered the restraints in an explosion of red light. His eyes burned bright, and he conjured a complex illusion—an invisible web of red magic beneath Flash's feet. When Flash moved to stab again, the web activated, and the ground erupted into spikes, stabbing through his leg and trapping him in place.
Flash screamed in pain, his leg twisted, and he barely managed to throw the spear to Mark before the spikes could impale him further. Mark caught the spear, and Superman was there in an instant, grabbing Flash and dragging him out of the spikes.
"Now!" Mark yelled, gripping the spear with Superman. Superman's eyes burned white as he fired heat vision, the beams scorching hot, like the core of a star. Mark thrust his free hand forward, unleashing a blast of pure light and power. The two attacks combined, a blazing beam of energy that tore through the air and slammed into Trigon's chest. Trigon tried to conjure a shield, red energy swirling around him, but the combined blast cracked through it like glass, shattering the barrier into shards. The energy burned through his flesh, sending flames and blood flying in all directions, forcing the demon to stumble back, roaring in agony.
"Keep him busy!" Mark shouted. Superman nodded, dashing forward, his fists tightened as he laid into Trigon's torso with relentless blows. Wonder Woman flew above, her sword raised, slashing at Trigon's eyes and head to blind him. Hal formed green constructs—spikes, chains, and maces—smashing them into Trigon's arms and legs. But without the spear's power, their hits weren't enough to keep the demon down. Trigon fought back, each blow sending his attackers sprawling. He grabbed Superman by the arm, flinging him into the ground so hard it cratered. Hal's green constructs shattered under Trigon's fists, and Wonder Woman was caught mid-air by a backhand that sent her crashing into the ruins.
Meanwhile, Mark raised the spear, and with his free hand, summoned two spheres—one blue, one red. The spheres spun around each other like orbiting stars, crackling with power as they fused at the tip of the spear, forming a swirling purple energy. The spear pulsed, the energy growing denser, more chaotic, as it gathered at the tip. Mark looked up just in time to see Trigon grab Wonder Woman by the throat, lifting her high, ready to crush her windpipe. Mark's eyes narrowed, and he fired a red sphere from his free hand, the force of the blast slamming into Trigon's head and forcing him back. "Get off her!" Mark shouted as Trigon stumbled.
Trigon growled, letting go of Wonder Woman and turning his rage on Mark. "I will break you!" he roared, charging forward, flames trailing behind him like a comet.
Mark pointed the spear directly at Trigon, and the purple sphere at the tip grew brighter, expanding until it was the size of a house. "Not this time," he muttered. The sphere erupted into a concentrated stream of purple light, tinged with white light. Trigon's eyes widened in panic. "No!" he screamed, throwing up shield after shield in front of him. But the beam tore through them, one after another, each barrier shattering like glass. The force of the blast pushed Trigon back step by step, his body starting to smoke and burn as the beam tore through his defenses.
"Come on!" Mark's hands shook with the effort of maintaining the beam as Trigon's last shield shattered, and the energy hit him full force, burning through his chest, flames and light eating away at his flesh. The beam forced Trigon backward, pinning him against the firmament of the void. The solid barrier cracked under the strain, splintering like a mirror.
"Shit," Mark whispered as he saw the cracks spread.
"No, no, no!" Trigon howled as the barrier shattered, and he was forced out into the endless darkness beyond. The void creatures—colossal, writhing masses of eyes, teeth, and tentacles—descended upon him immediately. Trigon roared in rage and desperation, blasting them with all the power he could muster, throwing flames and dark magic, trying to kill them. But it was useless; the creatures devoured the energy, their tentacles absorbing every bit of power. They latched onto him, claws and fangs tearing into his flesh, ripping him apart piece by piece, his screams echoing through the void.
Mark, panting and shaking, stabbed the spear into the ground, and a massive gravitational field erupted from the point of impact, pushing the creatures back. The creatures snarled, trying to fight against the pull, their massive forms clawing and biting, but the field held them at bay—for now.
"Everyone out!" Mark shouted, summoning a golden Ankh-shaped doorway behind him, leading back to the original gateway to Earth.
Superman, injured but still moving, picked up some of the cultists, ferrying them through the portal. It was instinctive for him to save lives, even if they were the enemy. Hal flew above, creating a green sphere to scoop up the remaining cultists and move them to safety. Flash, despite his broken leg, limped over to the altar, carefully picking up the crying baby. He handed it to Raven, who clutched the child tightly, her eyes wet with tears. Wonder Woman helped Raven stand, guiding her to the portal. As they passed Mark, Raven turned, eyes pleading. "Come with us. Please."
"I will," Mark said, forcing a smile. "As soon as you're all safe."
Raven hesitated, her gut twisting with unease, but she nodded, rushing through the portal with the others.
Mark's grip on the spear tightened as the creatures pressed harder against the gravitational field, their eyes boring into him like he was prey. Beyond them, he saw something move—a shadow larger than any he'd seen. It emerged slowly, its body covered in writhing tentacles, a face filled with countless eyes and fangs.
"Now!" Nabu's voice rang out in urgency. "They have all crossed through the portal. The spear will hold the creatures back, but only for a moment."
Mark's hands shook as he nodded, and finally let go of the spear. The gravitational field exploded as he rushed through the Ankh-shaped portal, darkness rushing in the moment he left. The last thing he saw was the spear's light being devoured by the creatures as they tore through everything in their path.
Mark came out the other side, breath ragged, the glowing Ankh closing behind him. He could see the creatures slamming into the golden barrier, the last of its light being consumed.
"Close it, now!" John shouted.
Mark pulled Houdini's key from his pocket, jamming it into the air where the portal was and turning it clockwise. The portal blared to life one last time, then collapsed in on itself, sealing the rift. Mark raised his hands, light pouring out as he tore the gateway from its anchor in reality, disintegrating it into nothingness. The air fell silent. Mark, Superman, Wonder Woman, Hal, and Flash all stood in silence, breathing heavily, covered in sweat and blood, their bodies battered. They all glanced around, seeing the cultists either unconscious or contained. Finally, they breathed a sigh of relief.
Raven rushed over to Mark. Her arms wrapped around him tightly, face buried against his chest. Her whole body shook, relief and joy flooding through her. "You're here... you're okay," she whispered, holding onto him like he might vanish again. But Mark didn't move, didn't return the hug. He stood stiff, face blank, eyes distant as if looking right through her. Raven's brows furrowed as she pulled back, searching his eyes. "Mark...?" she asked, confused, reaching up to touch his face.
A voice boomed from Mark's mouth, deeper, colder—Nabu. "The Justice League has failed to maintain order. This world has fallen to chaos. I will not allow it to continue." Mark's body stood straighter, the golden aura around him flaring up. "Using this vessel, I will begin to bring true order to the world."
"No!" Raven shouted, stepping back in horror. "Please, let him go! Mark isn't yours to control!"
"He is mine," Nabu's voice responded flatly. "This body allows a greater output of my power than my previous hosts. It is necessary."
Raven's eyes filled with tears, desperation taking over. She looked at Mark, trying to find any sign of him, but his face remained blank, devoid of emotion. But then something changed. Mark's arm began to darken, the veins turning black. The darkened arm reached up slowly, fingers brushing against the Helmet of Fate, and yanked it off his head in one swift movement. The helmet clattered to the ground, and the golden glow around Mark vanished instantly. His clothing reverted back to his normal suit, and his body sagged as he fell to one knee, panting, the exhaustion clear on his face.
[Analysis complete: The entity's influence stemmed from the Helmet,] Eve's voice spoke crisply in his ear. [Are you pleased with my interference?]
Mark blinked, still disoriented, but as the control faded, he nodded slowly. "Yeah... yeah, good job," he breathed out, voice hoarse.
Raven didn't waste a second—she grabbed Mark, pulling him into another hug, this one tighter than before. "I thought... I thought I'd lost you," she whispered, her voice trembling as she held him close, trying to be careful not to hurt the baby. Her fingers dug into his back as if afraid he might slip away again.
Mark wrapped his arms around her this time, pulling her closer. He looked down at the baby cradled in her arms, the tiny face peeking out, the dark tufts of hair on his head. Mark's eyes softened, and he reached out, gently brushing a finger against the baby's cheek. "I've... I've never seen something so perfect," he whispered. His voice was raw with emotion as he leaned down and kissed Raven deeply, their foreheads pressed together as he held her close. Raven's eyes fluttered shut as they kissed, feeling his warmth, feeling him there. For a moment, there was nothing but the two of them, their baby nestled safely between them.
The moment was broken by a loud, awkward throat clearing. Mark's head snapped up, breaking the kiss, and his eyes met a familiar face—Kara, standing a few feet away, arms crossed, her face a mix of shock, confusion, and anger.
"Oh... fuck."
(AN: That's it buddies this is the end of the Arc. Next arc is the Interstellar war arc, but before that a mini arc where Mark finally gets his full memories back and learns to adjust to life as a father as well as living with the death of his friends. Other stuff that I've teased will be happening as well such as Galatea and the Viltrumites attacking. Anyway I hope you enjoyed the arc. I'm out.)
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