Age of Powers X DC Universe crossover : Guardians Beyond Time.

Chapter 16: Shadows of the Incoming War

As the sparring match ended, the warriors regrouped in the Justice League Watchtower. The air of camaraderie was palpable, but so was the weight of the impending threat. Each hero understood that the skirmish was only a glimpse of their combined strength—yet none could ignore the dark forces gathering beyond their perception.

Batman sat at the central console, his sharp eyes scanning through interdimensional reports and cosmic energy readings. "I've detected unusual spikes in energy near the Phantom Zone and another in an uncharted dimension. These anomalies are connected. Whatever's happening isn't isolated—it's converging."

Kei crossed her arms, her frosty aura faint but present. "And let me guess, it's not going to be something we can solve by sitting around."

Superman, standing nearby, nodded solemnly. "No. It's escalating. These rifts we've been encountering aren't just random—they're the precursors to something larger."

Ignis, leaning against a pillar, her flames gently licking her fingertips, added, "And let me guess... the mysterious figure we saw back in the other dimension isn't done playing games yet?"

Wonder Woman stepped forward, her lasso glowing faintly. "We don't know who or what this figure is, but they're clearly testing us. And if the sparring match earlier proved anything, it's that we still have gaps to fill in our unity."

A Tense Arrival: Lucifer Morningstar

Suddenly, the Watchtower's alarms blared, cutting through their conversation. The main screen lit up, showing a portal forming just outside Earth's orbit.

"It's him," said Batman, his voice grim. "Lucifer."

The group tensed. They had only recently worked alongside the enigmatic and powerful being, but his motivations remained murky. Kei and Ignis exchanged a wary glance. They could sense his immense presence even before he materialized.

With a flourish of black and golden light, Lucifer Morningstar appeared in the Watchtower, his presence dominating the room. His signature smirk was in place, but his eyes held a deeper, darker intensity.

"Well, well," Lucifer drawled, surveying the group. "What a collection of mortals and immortals we have here. I hope I'm not interrupting."

Kei's icy demeanor immediately sharpened. "What do you want, Lucifer?"

Lucifer's smile widened as he clasped his hands behind his back. "What I want, dear frost queen, is to ensure that this little alliance of yours doesn't falter when the real threat comes knocking."

Superman, ever direct, stepped forward. "And what do you know about the threat?"

Lucifer tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Oh, Kal-El, I know more than you could imagine. But telling you everything would spoil the fun. Let's just say the mysterious figure you encountered is the least of your concerns. You'll need every ounce of your power, every shred of your will, and even then... victory is not guaranteed."

Ignis, her flames flaring slightly, scowled. "If you're here to taunt us, you're wasting your time."

Lucifer's expression darkened. "Oh, Ignis, how little you understand. I'm here because I'm the only one who can help you navigate the chaos to come. But of course, you're free to dismiss me. Let's see how that works out for you."

The Rising Tensions

The room grew heavy with unspoken tension. While Superman and Wonder Woman were focused on the bigger picture, Kei and Ignis found themselves bristling against Lucifer's cryptic arrogance.

Batman, ever pragmatic, cut through the tension. "If you have information, Lucifer, share it. We don't have time for games."

Lucifer sighed theatrically. "Very well. But understand this: what you face is beyond dimensions, beyond time, and beyond even the petty definitions of good and evil. The figure you saw? They're a herald—a pawn in a much grander scheme. Their master is something ancient, something that defies all logic and order."

The group listened intently as Lucifer continued. "They seek to collapse the boundaries between realms, to merge all existence into a singular void. You've seen the rifts. They're only the beginning."

Flash, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. "So what's the play here? How do we stop this... master or whatever it is?"

Lucifer's grin returned. "That, my dear speedster, is where I come in. There are artifacts—powerful relics scattered across dimensions—that hold the key to sealing this threat. Of course, obtaining them won't be easy. Each one is guarded by forces that make your little sparring match look like child's play."

An Uneasy Alliance

The Justice League members exchanged glances. While Lucifer's knowledge was invaluable, his motives were far from clear.

Kei stepped forward, her frosty aura crackling around her. "If we're going after these artifacts, we'll need to know exactly where to look. No riddles, no half-truths. If you're helping, you're all in."

Lucifer chuckled. "Oh, I like you, Kei. Fine. No riddles. I'll lead you to the first artifact myself. Consider it my... gesture of goodwill."

Ignis, still wary, muttered under her breath, "Goodwill from the Devil? That's a first."

Lucifer's smile turned sharper. "Oh, Ignis, you wound me. But I assure you, my intentions—at least for now—align with yours. After all, if existence is erased, I'll have no one left to play with."

Wonder Woman, her gaze piercing, added, "If you betray us, you'll answer to me."

Lucifer inclined his head, his smirk unfaltering. "Noted, Princess."

The Journey Ahead

As the group prepared for their next mission, the weight of their task loomed over them. The first artifact awaited, hidden in a realm of shadows and chaos. Each hero knew they would need to push their limits to succeed—and that trust, no matter how fragile, would be their greatest weapon.

And in the far reaches of the cosmos, unseen by the heroes, the mysterious figure watched, their gaze fixed on the Watchtower. Their lips curled into a sinister smile.

"It begins," they whispered, their voice echoing through the void.

To Be Continued...