SHATTERED WORLDS | DC (2022)

Year 4: Trial by Combat

Regime

The remaining members of Superman's regime, including Sinestro, Adam, Cyborg, Lex, and the Yellow Lantern corps, were left feeling like abandoned children in the aftermath of the abrupt teleportation. They quickly regrouped inside the Hall of Justice, slamming the doors shut just in time to stave off the horde of reporters already descending upon the scene.

Sinestro's eyes were ablaze with anger, frustration lining his face. "Where the hell have they gone?" he demanded, the question echoing ominously in the empty hall.

Black Adam, his features drawn in thought, was quick to respond. "They've been taken to Olympus, Sinestro. The realm of the gods."

"And just how are we supposed to get there?" Hal asked, his voice betraying his trepidation at the prospect of venturing into the gods' realm.

"There is a portal in Kahndaq," Adam explained, "An ancient gateway that can lead us there."

A sense of urgency infused Cyborg's words as he issued the next command. "Well, what are we waiting for then? Let's move out. Kahndaq it is."

With a shared nod of agreement, the regime's remaining members mobilized. The decision had been made, and they knew their next destination was fraught with unknown perils. But for the sake of their leader and the world they believed in, they were ready to confront the gods themselves.

Superman/Gods

In the heart of Olympus, within the magnificent palace of Zeus himself, the heroes found themselves subjected to the sheer force of divine power. An intangible pressure, emanating from the divine figures seated high above, forced them to kneel. Even Superman, his pride and strength known across universes, was brought to his knees, an unusual position for the Man of Steel.

All the gods were present, save for Hera, who navigated the opulent palace with an air of reserved grace, heading towards the imposing throne at the center of the chamber. Her figure, bathed in ethereal light, approached the vacant throne reserved for Zeus, the king of the gods.

As if responding to an invisible signal, a thunderous rumble reverberated through the palace, the very walls seeming to tremble in fear. It was as if the palace itself was bracing for the arrival of its lord. With a crackle of divine energy, Zeus materialized before them all. His aura, as intense as a thunderstorm, filled the room, his mere presence enough to make everyone present feel infinitesimal.

Zeus, embodying the majesty and fury of a storm, looked down at the assembly with an expression of vexation. His piercing gaze landed on Hera, the only one amongst them who stood unbowed, her expression steadfast and serious. Her quiet determination seemed to remind Zeus of the gravity of the situation at hand, tempering his annoyance. For all his divine might, even Zeus had to lend an ear to the plea of Hera, his queen.

"What prompts this summons?" Zeus questioned, his voice thundering through the opulent hall. Hera swiftly explained the situation, detailing the trial by combat that Diana had proposed.

"And what wager is placed?" he inquired, his attention shifting to the mortal heroes. "Earth's liberty from divine interference," Diana responded, her voice resonating with confidence. All eyes turned to her, the audacity of her statement hanging heavily in the air.

Zeus' gaze moved from Diana to Hera, realization slowly dawning on his features. "I seem to recall deeming this matter inconsequential," he commented, his words carrying an unspoken accusation. "Indeed, you did, but it seemed pressing to others among us," Hera retorted, an undercurrent of defiance in her words.

Confronted by Hera's resolve, Zeus knew better than to dismiss the request outright. "Very well, this trial by combat for Earth's stewardship is approved," he finally conceded. "Choose your champion," he ordered.