Where there's doom there's also salvation

The second coming

Metropolis – Seven Years Earlier

"Hell."

That was the only word that could describe Metropolis.

Flames rose from crumbling buildings as smoke choked the streets, and the city skyline was scarred by devastation. Screams of terror mixed with the rumbling explosions and the monstrous roar echoing across the ruined cityscape. Overhead, the Batwing and Green Lantern zipped through the air, weaving around debris as they honed in on the destruction below.

"Flash, come in! Flash!" Batman's voice crackled over the comms, cutting through the noise.

After a tense moment of silence, a strained voice answered back. "I'm here, Bats. Don't get your cape in a twist," Flash replied, voice breathless and punctuated by a cough.

"What's the situation?" Batman demanded.

"We're taking a serious beating. Diana's out cold, and Martian Manhunter's down. He's... stronger than before," Flash replied. "Feels like every punch just makes him angrier."

Batman clenched his jaw. "And the kryptonite?"

Flash's frustration was clear. "No effect. He's completely immune now. Like he's... evolved or something."

"Keep stalling him," Batman ordered. "Green Lantern and I are on our way with the Phantom Zone Projector. We're almost there."

"Good, because Supes and I are dying out here—literally," Flash said grimly.

"Hold tight. We're coming." Batman shut off the comms as the Batwing and Green Lantern streaked forward, slicing through the haze over the battered city.

On the ground, Superman crashed through the glass facade of a high-rise building, his body slamming through steel beams before he was finally thrown out the other side, tumbling down the street before skidding to a stop. His cape lay tattered, and his breaths came heavy, a rare sight for the Man of Steel.

He heard footsteps, slow and heavy, crushing the pavement beneath them. Superman pushed himself up, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, eyes narrowing as he watched his opponent advance. A gray-skinned giant of unbreakable muscle, eyes burning red with primal rage—Doomsday.

Superman was no stranger to strength, but Doomsday's power was something else entirely. Unrelenting, evolving, unstoppable.

Before Superman could get his bearings, a blur of red appeared at his side. Flash skidded to a halt, panting and bruised, but his trademark smirk still intact. "You alright there, Big Blue?" he asked, eyes darting warily at Doomsday.

"I'm fine," Superman replied, rolling his shoulders with a grim determination. "He's stronger, but I'm not about to let him turn Metropolis into a graveyard."

Flash nodded, a spark of defiance igniting in his eyes. "Bats and Hal are on their way with the Projector. All we have to do is keep this guy busy until they get here."

A roar cut through the air as Doomsday fixed his murderous gaze on the two heroes, his muscles tensing as he prepared to charge.

Superman braced himself, his fists clenched, his voice a low growl. "Let's give him something to remember, then."

Flash grinned. "Now you're speaking my language."

As Doomsday charged, Superman flew forward to meet him, the two titans colliding with an impact that sent a shockwave through the city. Superman planted his feet, straining as Doomsday pushed him back, the ground cracking beneath their feet. Superman shifted his weight, twisting to lift Doomsday and throw him, sending the creature crashing into a row of buildings that crumbled upon impact.