Adorable Murderbeasts: The Epilogue

Author's Note: After a vote that ended in 90 percent of voters agreeing on it, I decided to end this version of the story and reboot the story. I'm sorry if anyone thought this was a new chapter, but I feel like I needed this.

With that said, I hope you all enjoy this epilogue. The end of Adorable Murderbeasts, with the reboot already in the works. If anyone still edits the tvtropes page, please let people know about the ending.

July 4th, 2034

Trainer Red:

Do you know how long it takes to try and create a peaceful world in a DC comics universe? Decades. And it's a hit or miss kind of thing. After so long in this business, fighting supervillains, monsters, demons, and wanna-be gods, I'd gotten so used to combat that the idea of peace was as far away from me as the Source Wall. Which was one of the worst places a guy could go to for vacation.

It was one of the first things I thought of when I woke up that morning. Pele was sitting up and reading on her tablet, my immortal wife quirking an eye at me as I groaned.

"Good morning," she said with a smile.

"I hate morning," I groaned.

"Oh please," she rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Come on. We have work."

I chuckled and forced myself up, my hair falling about my eyes. When I went to kiss her, Pele stopped me, a single finger on my face. "No. Brush your teeth first."

"You're such a spoilsport this morning," I grumbled, rising up to my feet. As I did, I caught sight of myself in the mirror.

Pele hadn't changed since we first met. She was still a beautiful Polynesian goddess, her long black hair flowing behind her, muscles tight under her dusky skin.

I, on the other hand, was very different from when I'd first appeared in Metropolis. My beard was long and braided Viking style. My hair was long again after it had been cut close from a literal near shave by a rampaging Ultra Beast. And my hair was just as black as ever. Years of insanely good medical care and magical healing left me in the prime of health for a 47-year-old man. My naked body was covered in scars. A burn mark from a Charmander rested on my stomach. A scar where Ra's Al Ghul had stabbed me in the heart rested on my chest. A few smaller one, bits of history of battle, covered me.

But the biggest change was my new arm. Starting at my shoulder, it was a prosthetic made for me about eighteen years ago. It had been updated a few times over the years, the formerly silver arm becoming red like my trademark color, the simple human tech replaced by alien and magical parts. It was as much a weapon as it was a limb.

Funny thing was, the arm hadn't come from an enemy. Kaldur had done it. He had to maintain his cover and I'd given him permission. I didn't mind. The new arm felt like the old one. Just more so.

Huh. I was feeling pretty nostalgic today. Then again, it was an anniversary.

I went to take a shower.

Over the years, I'd lived in a lot of places. Happy Harbor, New York, Hawaii, Themyscira. But my current home was the Moon.

I walked down the halls of the Watchtower, the view of Earth outside the window giving me some comfort. Chesnaught was standing down the hall, the old bear giving me a wide grin. He had gained a scar over his eye, and wore black armor nowadays. Other than that, the knight hadn't changed at all. He was still my badass bear in armor.

"How's it going bud?" I said while I closed in, Chesnaught moving to join me. He barked, the sound echoing in the halls. Apparently, a certain young Pokemon trainer was causing a bit of a stir. "Oh… I guess we should check in on-"

"Dad!"

Speak of the devil.

My daughter poked her head out of a room down the hall. And… I don't know man, I couldn't help the warmth that came with the thought. My daughter. My little girl, grinning at me. Well, more of a teenager than anything.

She was short, even for her age, with long hair like her mom. Her wide grin though, with that gap between her teeth? That was all me. She had a necklace on her neck that she'd won from a battle with her aunt Hi'iaki, with a shark tooth amulet connected by a string made of running lava that glowed. She was also dressed in a black shirt and red skirt, with a pair of red sneakers. She had a look in her eyes like she was in trouble and didn't mind too much.

The fourteen-year-old girl ran up to me. Behind her came a small Pokemon. The Pokemon came up to my daughter's knee, and looked like weasel or otter, with a green piece of armor surrounding his head, going along his back, before wrapping around his tail. Chesnaught looked down at his son, who had the grace to wince. My own kid barely flinched when I eyed her.

"Oliana," I said slowly, crossing my arms while looking down at her. "You went on a mission. Without permission."

"...We stopped Inertia?" she said while rubbing the back of her head.

"You fought a speedster!?" I said, horrified.

"Not by myself! Superboy helped!"

"You went out with Jon? Oliana, he's ten!"

"That's how old I was when I went on my journey," she pouted up at me. "I heard Inertia was robbing a store, so I had to do something!"

"..." I placed a hand on her head, ignoring her glare as I rubbed that head of long curly hair, her nose twitching. "Sweetie, you can't just run off without telling anyone. What if you'd been hurt? Or worse?"

"I was fine," she grumbled.

"Yeah?" I grabbed her by the chin and forced her to look at me. "Then be fine while others know where you are and what you're doing. All the heroes older than you make sure to keep the rest of us informed. Because this is dangerous. A simple robbery with Inertia can turn into a fall into Apokolips before you know it."

"That wouldn't-"

"Happen? Oliana, that exact thing has happened. It's always happening. This is a dangerous business, an unpredictable one," I said in my dad voice. "I've trained a lot of heroes. Lost a lot of friends… Please. Don't take risks like this."

"...Okay, daddy," Oliana said despondently.

I opened my arms up. She rushed in and hugged me. She tried not to squeeze to hard. That's the problem with a demi-god daughter. Her hugs can crush boulders. She may not have been as powerful as Clark's kid, but she was up there.

"'M sorry," she said into my chest. I held her close, smiling.

Chesnaught and Chespin watched us, before looking at each other.

"Chespin," the small Pokemon said to his father.

Chesnaught didn't speak.

"Chespin?"

His dad glared.

"...Chespin…" the tiny Pokemon strolled forward. His dad leaned down and took him into his arms, hugging him close.

Chesnaught was way better at the dad thing than I was, sometimes.

Oliana let me go and backed up a bit. "Is Jon in trouble too?"

"Depends on if he's going to come out and face me or not," I looked at the door my daughter had come out of. "Well Jon?"

A tiny voice gasped. I quirked an eyebrow. To a child with X-Ray vision, it would have looked like I was staring at him. Which, I was, basing my glare on a combination of where his voice had come from, his height, and some simple mathematics. After a moment, he came out.

Jon Kent was a little shorter than my daughter. His hair was inky black, and his eyes, like that of his father and uncle, were a blue almost too shiny to be real. He was wearing hoodie with the 'S' logo that had a short cape waving behind him, a zipper going down the center. He also had a tattered pair of jeans on and some red sneakers. He chuckled while looking up at my.

"Hi Unca."

"You're both grounded," I said in response.

"AWWWW!/CHESPIN!" the trio of troublemakers said. I hid my grin.

After sending my daughter to her room and texting Pele, I walked with Jon down to the Cafeteria. There we met Clark and Lois.

"You fought a supervillain!?" Lois said, running a hand through Jon's hair.

"Mom, I'm fine!" Jon grumbled.

"But you could have died, Jon," Clark said sternly. "You need to be more careful."

"I told him he's grounded," I told my fellow parents.

"Oh, he is so much worse than that!" Lois grabbed Jon by the cheeks and looked in his eyes sternly, purple eyes flashing. "You little scamp!"

"Mom!"

Clark hid a smile while Lois continued to bully her son. As they did, I looked around.

The Watchtower Cafeteria had changed. A LOT. The once almost empty room had become a gathering place for hundreds. I took in the wide range of people around us.

A Charizard was speaking to an Indigo Tribesman near one corner, the dragon-shaped Pokemon growling earnestly to the tentacled alien in wearing a power ring and carrying a staff.

A Thanagarian and the current Black Lightning spoke at a table, the winged alien blushing as she spoke to the young woman in her dad's garb.

High above, a whole lot of flying Pokemon were resting across various stoops that had been installed, joined by those aliens and heroes who liked being up there.

A Snorlax was resting in a section of the room near a large pond, where water Pokemon played about, and a few mermaids and other Atlanteans were eating or playing with them.

A Pikachu sped past following a blur that I barely recognized as a speedster. Iris, maybe?

Pokemon, superheroes, aliens, genomorphs, even magical entities like Etrigan, who was telling a story to a laughing Primeape. It was something I'd gotten used to. But the nostalgia led me to smile at the mess around us. Things had changed. Massively.

The battle against the Light had almost taken a backseat when Luthor had finally found a way to the Pokemon world. Ultra Beasts, Team Rocket and Galactic, the various crime organizations entering the Pokemon world to try and loot or steal whatever they could. It had been absolute chaos.

It took everything we had to take on that crisis. The Dex Holders, from Red and Leaf to Gloria and Victor, the Justice League, Pokemon League, the Team, every Gym Leader, superhero, and various people good and bad that we could get into the fight. Years of combat in two universes, battles between us. This peace we had found. It was earned, through sweat and blood.

"Thanks, Red," Lois said, drawing me from my thoughts. "Is Oliana okay?"

"She is," we all turned to see Pele, holding Oliana firmly by her shoulders. My wife had a very stern look on her face. "And she has something to say."

Oliana winced, looking up at me. When I quirked an eyebrow, she sighed. "I'm sorry I took Jon with me, Mr. and Mrs. Kent. I won't do it again."

"But she didn't take me!" Jon wiggled in his mom's arms, being as gentle as he could with his superstrong limbs. "I followed her!"

son

"Jon, I was trying to help you!" Oliana yelled.

"You went on your own!?/You lied to me!?" Pele and Lois said in unison to their superhuman children.

Clark and I shared an awkward look as our kids and wives argued. Seriously, why hadn't my first kid prepared me for this? Oliana was so different from her big sister and little brother. Salma was currently on a mission with the current Titans, but she'd become an exemplary superhero. Even if I didn't approve of her dating Damien…

As for Kal'dur, he was about to go on an adventure of his own. Huh. Maybe that was why I was feeling like this? Man.

There I was, thinking way too much about the current sequence of events. Shaking my head, I stepped forward to be a parent.

Later that day, I rode atop Latias at high speed alongside Conner. We weren't really doing anything other than patrolling Metropolis, but I wanted to take an hour to myself. I loved my family, but I missed this.

"It's been a long time," Conner said, flying to match Latias' speed. "You spend so much time in the Watchtower training everyone."

"This from the man who covers the entire Northern hemisphere as part of his patrol?" I asked with a laugh. "I barely see you these days!"

Conner gave me a small smirk. The former teenage superhero had grown. Something we'd all worried would never happen. But when he'd been struck with a curse, Jirachi and Doctor Fate (A young man by the name of Khalid Nassour, who I really found to be a great kid and a good student), had used wish magic to not only cure the curse, but fix the genetic instability that kept him trapped in a 16 year old body.

Now, Conner stood as tall as Superman ever had, his abilities stronger than ever. He wore his own take on Clark's suit, with fingerless gloves, a top that was more like a t-shirt, a shorter cape, and darker blues. He cut a good figure in that suit.

I was wearing my own costume. As the years had passed, I stopped wearing the hat and coat, sticking with a simple red and black armored chestpiece that held the Pokeball symbol on my right pectoral, and jeans that were made of New God materials.

Mahmoud, Latias said, her eyes narrowed. I sense someone robbing a bank.

I almost fell off of her. "Seriously? In Metropolis!?"

"I haven't dealt with a bank robbery in years," Conner mused.

We looked at each other for a moment, then shrugged. "I guess we should see if the cops are going to be able to handle it."

Latias grinned. What fun! I haven't been on a mission in so long!

"Weren't you battling demons with Salma like a week ago?" I asked with a blink. My eldest daughter had inherited my Eon Flute before she had gone on her first journey. Salma tended to prefer using Latios, but she and the current Titans had taken on Trigon again, and she'd summoned every Pokemon she had to combat the threat.

That wasn't fun, Latias scoffed. I miss fun missions.

"...Me too," a little grin grew on my aged face. "Come on Latias!"

Woot!

Conner rolled his eyes, but followed us as I clenched my knees around Latias' downy soft feathered neck.

When we got to the bank, the first thing I saw was the police cordoning off a crowd of curious human, alien, and genomorph civilians. I jumped as we came in, landing on my feet while Latias came to a hover behind me and Superman landed next to me.

The three of us walked through a crowd of cops surrounding the large Greco-Roman-styled bank. One turned to yell at us to stand back. I could see it in his eyes. Then he realized who we were. The Growlithe on his shoulder stared at us in shock. Another cop, partnered with a Corviknight, gaped at us.

The three of us strolled past until we were standing before the chief of the Metropolis police department.

"Hey Maggie," I said with a grin. "How's the wife?"

"Pissed that I'm not home, like always," Maggie Sawyer was a hardboiled detective to her core. She had short red hair, a pair of sunglasses on, and classic leather coat, a cigarette bouncing in her hand. "Glad you guys are here."

"You are?" Conner crossed his arms. "Usually you tell me to let you all handle it. Blastoise is still glaring at me."

It was true. Maggie looked behind her. A big old turtle tank rumbled behind her. The Blastoise was in his Mega form, his usual two cannons replaced by a massive one on his back, and two smaller ones on his arms. He was also wearing the exact same glasses as Maggie. The two sunglass-wearing cops scoffed.

"Usually, we could handle it," Maggie said. "But today, we have a real problem. They've got a Legendary in there."

Conner and I stilled. Latias closed her eyes.

"What class?" I asked. Something small tier, like normal Legendary? Something confusing, like the Ultra Beasts? Or maybe it was a Mythical. People still got those confused.

"I don't know," Maggie said. "But the hostages inside confirmed it over the phone. These guys have Apokiliptian tech as well."

"Luthor up to her old tricks?" Conner asked.

"I can neither confirm nor deny my suspicions of that woman's involvement," Maggie said dryly. Her Blastoise grumbled.

"Well… Let's go say hi," I said with a grin.

Superman grinned back. Latias let out a small giggle. The three of us stepped past Maggie, who was smirking at us as we went.

"Who do you have with you?" Conner asked me.

"Some new kids I was teaching," I explained. "Latias, you might need to back them up, but let them get a sweat going until real danger pops up, okay?"

Of course, Latias bumped her head to mine.

The second we were past the police line, a single red laser blast erupted from the bank. Conner caught the blast in his palm. At the same time, the police line was suddenly shining with dozens of protective spells, Pokemon moves, and force fields, the standard layers of defense. People screamed when the laser fired again, then again. I tapped a Pokeball at my waist.

"Slowpoke!" the daughter of Slowbro said with a placid rage in her eyes. Without my prompting, she raised her head, then opened her mouth. A storm of water mixed with red lights blasted forth, smashing into the bank doors like a contained tsunami. The young slowpoke roared, her red ring shining on one of her claws.

"Control your anger," I reminded her gently. "Your dad focused it, channeled it. Don't let it make you it's bitch."

"SLOWPOKE!" she shouted, glowing red, plasma flowing from her lips in tandem with water.

Despite the increase of volume, I could tell she was listening. The red shining pink cat sent water steaming with red liquid through the doors as she floated alongside me.

Latias? I asked mentally.

The hostages are safe, Latias said.

Good. Slowpoke, go in and shield them.

Slowpoke nodded, cutting off her stream. She floated up, then slammed into the ground, Digging her way over to the hostages.

We walked into the bank, the sounds of screams and curses coming from the doors. As we entered. I took in the scene.

"Well looky here, Supes," I said in surprise. "Looks like a bunch of idiots have decided to join up."

"Shut the fuck up, old man!" a man in a tattered Rocket uniform shouted, his clothes soaked. He was also carrying a rifle that looked like a battered combination of Apokoliptian tech and Macbook. "Interrocket will take over this city!"

"...Interrocket?" I asked, looking around. A combination of Intergang and Team Rocket?

Slowpoke was floating in front of a crowd of people and Pokemon, surrounding them in a bubble made of psychic power and Rage energy, making it look like they were in a bubble of aggressive red and white lights.

"Interrocket is the dumbest name I've heard in a long time," I mused.

"Better than the Galactic Corps," Conner noted.

The Interrocket's (so dumb) were a bunch of men and women of various ages dressed in the same Rocket gear as the first kid. Their Pokemon were stereotypically dark, poison, and ghost-type in nature. I noted the Pokemon. Some Koffings, a Salazzle, one guy with a Garbodor, a Haunter that was sticking its tongue out at me. Something balanced would be needed then. Hm...

"Shu-" some kid raised his hand to shoot at me with one of those red beams.

Conner sped forward and punched him, a red forcefield around the kid shattering under his superhuman fists.

All hell broke loose. Latias idly blocked the shots that came at her, while I side stepped a few, and got into close combat, my robotic arm smashed a gun to pieces before shifting into a blade, which I used to slice apart more weapons while my other hand dropped to my waist. Ghost, Poison, Dark. I had a young one who needed exercise against those very types.

In a flash of red light, she erupted forth with a cry. "Mawile!"

She was tiny, looking like a young girl with a yellow dress. Cute as a button. She also had a massive mouth stretching from the back of her head, like a lethal ponytail. I blocked a punch from a Salazzle, then shifted my arm from a blade to a shield to block the Flamethrower that was thrown at Mawile. As I punched the Salazzle back, I focused energy into the necklace around Mawile's neck. She gasped in joy.

And Mega Evolved.

She grew a little bit, gained a few extra pounds of muscle. Her bangs got longer, her yellow 'dress' gained a purple hue to the skirt. The biggest change, however, was the mouth sprouting from the back of her head. It split apart, then grew outwards, becoming two massive jagged toothed jaws.

Mawile smiled. So did the mouths.

A Pawnaird rushed towards her. Mawile spun around and leapt forward, her fist smashing in the Dark/Steel type with a Sucker Punch. When someone shot a laser at her, it bounced off one of her mouths. Mawile continued her assault on the Pawnaird, her mouths lighting on fire. They smashed into the other Pokemon and sent it flying back unconscious.

I ducked under a punch and knocked out an Interrocket idiot with a right cross. Superman flew past ducking around a Dazzling Gleam fired from an Morgrem to smash a fist into the Pokemon. Latias hung back with Slowbro, watching Mawile to keep her safe while the petite powerhouse began to unleash hell.

Mega Mawile had one incredible advantage in battle. Huge Power. An ability that doubled her attack stat, making her the strongest Pokemon in terms of attack if she was trained correctly.

Mawile had been trained by me. She had also been trained on Themyscira by the Amazons. She was trained correctly.

She smashed a Weezing into a brick wall with a scream of rage, ignoring the poisonous assault of a Venoshock, dodged around a Night Shade attack from a Haunter, then rushed forward with a battle cry. Absolutely adorable.

"This is going well," I said to Conner. I ducked under a punch and spun to kick the guy away, then blocked a blow on my forearm.

"Too well," Conner said to me, frowning. "Where's this Legendary everyone was worried about?"

We felt a psychic assault on our minds. We pushed it back in tandem, and I looked over at the Malamar that had done the move. The tentacled Pokemon stared at us. I clenched my fist, while Conner's eyes flashed. She had enough time to be embarrassed before I punched her in the beak, letting Conner finish her with a light freeze breath.

"Enough!"

Everyone froze, looking upwards. Someone was standing on the second story. He was wearing a black suit and tie, had a single Master Ball in his hand, and a sneer on his face. He was also very familiar.

"Metallo?" I said, confused. The blond cyborg had been destroyed a few years ago by a battle with Captain Atom. Back in 2016 for crying out loud. "Where the hell has your metallic ass been?"

"Getting rebuilt from scratch," Metallo glared down at us. "You have any idea how long it takes to repair from getting atomized?"

"A lot shorter than what it took you," I answered without a hint of sarcasm. Seriously, it took me a couple of weeks, why did Metallo take so long?

"What do you want, Corben?" Conner asked, a single fist clenched as he floated next to me.

"What I always wanted. To kill Superman," Metallo spun the Pokeball in his hand around before tossing it forward, jumping towards Conner. "But I'll settle for you!"

Conner and I knew immediately what to do. I reached for my waist while jumping for Conner, who tossed me towards Metallo. As I released the big gun, Conner rushed for the Pokeball, ready to take on whatever came forth.

Metallo hadn't expected. I think, on some level, he expected to be taking on Conner no matter what. So when my bearded self came speeding towards him, he removed his suit to reveal the Kryptonite battery within. Which did nothing but make me squint against the light inside it.

"Back off, small fry!" Metallo raised a hand and lashed out, his arm shifting into a chainsaw. I blocked the chainsaw on my robotic arm, turning it into a shield midway.

"Back off? Come on bud, we have so much in common now!" I said with a grin while flipping over him. "But hey, if you don't want to fight me…"

The sounds of two Pokeball's opening filled the air. Two Pokemon sprouted out in flashes of red.

"Huh. That's an odd coincidence," I mumbled to myself.

"You're telling me," Conner said as he floated before his new opponent.

Metallo's Pokemon wasn't a Legendary, but he was often thought of as such. The Pokemon was covered in purple metal of various shades, his eyes massive and scarlet. His insectoid eyes traced across us, glaring angrily.

"Genesect…" Conner said softly. The clone had a real soft spot for Pokemon that had been genetically modified to become weapons.

And Genesect's had popped up a few times. Extremely expensive to clone, but more affordable than Doomsday, the Bug/Steel types had shown up enough that Conner had a real problem with those who would use them as killers.

Funnily enough, the Pokemon I had brought into play was also half-Bug. He had massive muscles bunched under a red and black carapace. While his upper body was built like Bane's, he had four muscular legs, insectoid wings on his back, and a head like a mosquito. He flexed as he landed on the floor with an earth shattering crash.

"Buzzwole!" my latest Ultra Beast roared, glaring at Metallo. He also started JoJo flexing, popping his pecs and taking bodyguard poses with a proud series of grunts. "Raaagh!"

Latias facepalmed in the background while Mawile stared in awe before she was forced to battle once more, ducking under a punch to kick a Vullaby in the eggshell.

"Hammer Arm, now!" I shouted while ducking a chainsaw slice.

"Buzzwole!" the insect titan rushed for Metallo, who had time to blink before his face was smashed by a fist as big as a tire wheel. A loud 'schiff' sound of something tearing came from the air.

Metallo's face had been ripped off, replaced by a Terminator-esque robotic skeleton. He snarled, his voice even more robotic. "You son of a-!"

I punched him in the gut with my robotic arm, then pushed him back with a kick, Buzzwole coming down at him with a Hammer Arm again, which Metallo blocked on chainsaws, the blades grinding sparks as they battled Buzzwole's carapace.

Conner and Genesect, meanwhile, flew outside at superhuman speed. The half-Kryptonian and half-steel combatants began speeding around outside, hitting each other again and again, heat vision and freeze breath intercepting or blocking Signal Beam's and Zap Cannon's, before Conner and Genesect would slam into each other. The two speedy combatants laid into each other as Buzzwole and Metallo pressed against each other.

Slowpoke, you doing okay? I asked the Red Lantern as she defended the civilians under her.

She sent me a wave of anger tempered by worry. She wanted to let loose, to help everyone. To help me.

I ducked under Metallo, ignoring his screaming rants as he blasted Buzzwole back with a blast of Kryptonite radiation.

Yeah. I guess you've been patient. Latias, take over protecting the civvies. Mawile, get ready to provide back up to Buzzwole. Slowpoke… light 'em up."

In a single moment, everyone shifted. I jumped onto Buzzwole's back, flipped over him to land next to Metallo. The cyborg tried to attack me, but Buzzwole grabbed his arms, keeping him still as I ripped Genesect's pokeball off Metallo's waist.

At the same time, Latias dived towards Slowpoke's force field. The pink cat flew past her, replacing the rage force field with Latias' own. Mawile jumped to Buzzwole's side and lashed out with her two mouths, the jaws lighting on fire right before hitting Metallo like a pair of missiles, sending Metallo into a desk.

Then, Slowpoke smiled. Her eyes came alive. And red light glowed from her entire body.

I think, right then, one of the Interrocket guys and their Pokemon let out a squeak. Couldn't blame them. Red Lanterns had a rep. And any Slowpoke, bro, or king that was associated with me had a worse rep.

Slowpoke attacked with a wave of ice that burned red, sending three Pokemon flying out the windows. Genesect and Conner paused in their battle to watch as Slowpoke slammed her head into a man's stomach, the poor guy throwing up as he flew back.

I took a hold of the pokeball I'd stolen from Metallo and pulled something from my pocket. A box like device, which I opened to reveal a ball-shaped slot. I placed the pokeball inside and closed it.

"Conner, bring him down towards me!"

"On it!"

I had a brief view of outside the windows Genesect flying after Superman, the insectoid robot having shifted into it's speedier flight form. Then Conner spun to kick it out of the air as gently as he could. The insect Pokemon squealed in pain as it landed inside the bank, crashing in front of me. The box in my hand sent out a wave of blue light, surrounding the Genesect. Realizing what was happening, Metallo screamed.

"Goddamn it you stupid bug, help me!"

Genesect tried to struggle to his feet. Conner dropped from the sky and hit him with a massive blow, knocking the Pokemon into a daze. The box in my hand turned the wave of light into a scarlet red. Genesect was turned to energy and absorbed into the box, forced back into his ball.

"No!" Metallo screamed.

"Buzzwole!"

"Mawile!"

The two Pokemon swung outwards. Blows like that of a titan smashed into the robotic menace. His chest caved inwards. At my mental command, Mawile ripped the Kryptonite from his stomach, her Steel-typing allowing her to hold it in one of her mouth's without worry of the poisonous radiation affecting her.

"NOOOOOO-" Metallo's voice was cut off as Buzzwole raised two fists.

"SUPERPOWER!" I shouted.

"RAAAAGH!" Buzzwole crushed the cyborg under his powerful blow.

"...Ugh," Metallo laid on the ground, his form destroyed under the attacks of two Pokemon.

"Just like old times," I said to Conner, who smirked at me.

"I'm going to guess it was Lena," I said to Conner as we walked through the satellite Watchtower, the sister base to my home on the moon.

"Of course it was," Conner scoffed. "Lex is still pulling her strings. My 'sister' is just hiding behind the law."

"She got more of his ruthlessness than you did," I noted idly.

"I think Clark's half messed with it," he said without a hint of humor.

After wrapping up team Interrocket (dumb name) Metallo, and Genesect, we didn't have to be involved with the clean up. Maggie would work with our investigation into who had provided the Apokolips tech and Genesect, as well as rebuilt Metallo, but actually finding something to do with the wayward Pokemon was my job.

Thus why we were on the satellite. Conner and I entered the next room. And as soon as I did, twin blows hit me in the stomach. I staggered back, gasping, and a third blow followed, a massive being landing on top of me.

"Dad!"

Master!

The sound of lava purring filled my ears.

I gazed up at Conner. He had enough time to smirk. Then another blur smashed into him, sending him onto his back.

"Daddy!" said Conner's attacker. I ignored his attacker to look at mine.

Jirachi and Heatran grinned at me. My Steel girls hadn't changed. Jirachi nuzzled her head against me, while Heatran let out adorable grumbles of happiness.

The last of my attackers wrapped his arms tight around me, smiling up at me. "Did you bring me a present?"

"A present?" I pulled my son up to look at him as I lay on my back.

Ted was a cute little guy. He'd just turned ten, though he was covered in the muscles his demi-god heritage afforded him. He had a smile with a single tooth missing, wide brown eyes, and long hair pulled into a ponytail. Jirachi had a single ribbon wrapped around him, and Heatran pressed her head to his before going back to burbling happily.

"You'll get a present, I promise," I told my little guy, rubbing his head with a grin. I rose up and looked over at Conner, who was holding a small blue-eyed, pale skinned boy with short cropped black hair. "Hey M'comm," I said to the child in Conner's arms.

"Hi, Unca Red!" M'comm said happily.

"Sorry guys," M'gann flew down towards us, her skin the same pale white as her sons, her bald head shining in the light. "They're excited!"

"I'll bet," I got to my feet, Jirachi landing on my head, while Heatran pushed her head under me. "Today is the day after all. You two ready?"

"Mhm!" Ted said, clenching his fists tight. "It's gonna be great!"

"I'm more nervous, but I'm ready," M'comm said as his mom flew to give Conner a kiss.

"Should be fun," M'gann said with a smile of her own.

"Is Salma and Oliana gonna be there?" Ted asked, looking up at me with wide eyes.

"Of course they are… Are you wearing a Booster Gold shirt?" I said suddenly, staring at my son. Yeah, he was wearing a shirt with a cartoon image of the guy grinning as he held up a thumb.

"Yeah, he gave it to me!" Ted said proudly. "He said I should wear it today."

"..." I knew, immediately, what that show boating asshole was doing. He knew my son was going to be on camera today. And if he was seen wearing Booster's merchandise…

"Sadly you'll have to take it off for the armor we're giving you," I looked over at M'gann, who looked as annoyed as I felt. "Come on bud. I wanna show you something. Jirachi, you know the way."

Yes! Jirachi floated off my head to float around Ted. Come on, Teddy! It's over here!

"Okay!" the eternal child and current child rushed off, heading in the same direction.

"Thanks for watching him, M'gann," I said with a sigh. "As for Olianna-"

"She hates me," M'gann said sadly. "Everytime I watch her, she wants to run away."

I raised an eyebrow at the mind-reader.

"...Fine, she doesn't hate me. She just wants to go on another adventure."

That made me frown. I looked down at Heatran. She nodded her metal enshrouded head, burbling at me.

"...Yeah. Makes sense why she snuck out today. I have a plan for that."

"Good. Because I'm tired of chasing her," M'gann rubbed my head with a grin, Conner smirking. "Now go give your son the speech."

"On it. Later M'comm!"

"Bye, Unca Red!"

Ted and Jirachi were waiting for us in the Memorial Garden. Jirachi was floating in the center of the Garden, watching as we came close. Ted, in the meantime, was staring up at two men's holographic images. He jumped when he realized I was coming towards him, only to calm as I smiled. I came to a stop behind him and looked up at the images.

One was a tall bronze-skinned man, stacked with muscles. He shared Ted's hairstyle, my son looking almost like a smaller version of the man. He wore a loincloth made of red cloth and a necklace of shells. He was smiling, as he always had in life. Kane Milohai, my father-in-law, had been a man who loved life voraciously. And loved his children and grandchildren even more than that.

Next to him was the hologram of someone no less worthy of respect. Dressed in the black suit that had carried him from battle to battle for centuries, the panther's mask covering have his face, Wildcat was smirking just a bit.

Ted stared up at his namesake and grandfather as I placed a hand on his shoulder. We stood in silence with Jirachi and Heatran.

There were more holograms around us. Shayera Thal, Ralph Dibny, Steve Rogers of a Earth near our own, Lance, Jay Garrick, Samantha Hawthorne, Ethan Gold, Dubbilex. Names I'd been familiar with in my homeworld, some that had only become heroes in this universe. But heroes. The memorial garden was made for those who had fought for what was right.

Ted looked at me. "Olianna said you brought her here too."

"I did," I said softly.

"She said you told her she had to learn…" he frowned up at me.

I kneeled down. "Ted. Do you know what I hope for you?" he shook his head. "I hope you live a peaceful life. That you'll never face pain, heartache or sadness," I held his chubby face in my hands and felt my heart break at the mere sight of him. My son. My child, who I had held in my arms. Salma, Olianna, Ted, how did they all hold so much power over me?

"That is impossible," I whispered. "You'll get hurt. Life isn't easy. If you follow me and become a superhero, like Salma did, or even if you decide to just become an accountant. Life is amazing, wonderful and beautiful. But pain is part of it. And so is death."

I rose to my feet and stared up at Wildcat. "You'll face it. Even as safe as where you're going has become, you'll face a lot of pain. But be strong," I looked down at him. "You and your friends need to have each others backs. Protect each other. And remember you have me if you need me."

Ted was looking confused. I lowered back to his level. "I can't always protect you."

God. Everytime those words left my lips I wanted to die.

"But I'll do everything I can to teach you. The same way I teach all my students. To prepare them for what is to come."

"Okay dad," Ted whispered.

"...Okay," I reached for my belt and pulled out three things. He stared at them.

"Those are-"

"Pokemon," I said softly. "Your first. You can pick one," he opened his mouth excitedly, and I shook my head, stopping him. "Before my time, people would simply pick what they thought was the 'coolest' or best Pokemon. That doesn't work. Ted. You need to pick the Pokemon you work with best. And these three, out of all the Pokemon you've ever encountered the last six months, are the ones you got along with…"

I rested one on the ground. "Bulbasaur," the next one. "Scorbunny," and the last. "Azurill," I chuckled. "Funny. Salma got a Geodude, a Fletchling, and a Jangmo-o. Olianna got Chespin, Hawlucha, and Wurmple. You're the first of my kids to end up picking out of a traditional fire, water, grass trio…"

Ted frowned. "Is that bad?"

"No," I rubbed his head. "It's a funny coincidence. That's all. What really matters is that you pick who you get along with. And you respect your partner. Teach them, and learn from them."

Who do you pick? Jirachi asked curiously, floating close, Heatran letting out a small noise of inquiry.

"I…" Ted stared at the three pokeballs. "These are Pokemon I've already met? Then… this is the Scorbunny?" he pointed at the middle one.

He stared at it. Then, slowly, his hand reached out and took a hold of the Scorbunny's pokeball. Without prompting, the pokeball snapped open and released a red beam of light that coalesced into his chosen Pokemon.

Scorbunny was the son of my friend Gloria's Cinderace. He looked like a cartoonish bunny rabbit, small, barely a foot in height, with pale white hair across most of his body, a yellow band shape across his nose like a bandage, and orange and yellow markings across his body and ears. He blinked, yawning as he stood in front of my son.

Then he and Ted met eyes. The two grinned at each other, Scorbunny raising a hand.

"Scor, Scorbunny!"

"Good to see you again!" Ted shook hands with Scorbunny. "You want to be partners?"

Scorbunny nodded, his eyes glowing just a bit, and playfully punched the air, little trails of flame sputtering from his paws.

Ted looked at me for approval. I nodded at him, smiling. Well. He'd picked his partner.

"You two will be together for a long time," I said softly. "Work together. Protect each other and your teammates. Okay?"

"We will, dad," Ted said with a ten-year-olds gravest look on his face.

"Scor, Scor," my son's first Pokemon clenched tiny paws under his chin and nodded.

"Good… then go meet your mom and Olianna in the Zeta Bay. We'll talk soon."

"Okay! Come on Scorbunny!"

"Bun!"

The two ran off, leaving Heatran, Jirachi, and I behind. Soon, Ted left the room. The three of us stood alone in the Memorial Garden for just a moment.

She showed up a moment later. She always did, when I was patient enough.

"Hey, Red."

"Hey, Death."

I turned around to look at her. She had an umbrella under her arm. Otherwise, she looked the same as always. Short black hair, pale white skin, a black tanktop, a pair of black jeans and boots, and her little ankh symbol on her necklace. Still the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen.

Death! Jirachi flew past me.

"Hey little sis!" Death said fondly, wrapping her arms around Jirachi, who hugged her tight. "Keeping our boy safe?"

Always! Jirachi said with a smile. Is Delirium here?

"Not today sweetie," Death said sadly, patting Jirachi's head. "But she said she'd visit you as soon as she was done with her quest. Which, knowing her, could be a grand battle with a dragon, or going out to get chips."

Jirachi pouted cutely.

Death looked around at the Memorial Garden. "Hm… How long has it been?"

"Three months. When I visited the Black Lanterns."

"Oh right," Death chuckled. "They've gotten so cute!"

"Yeah, after they didn't have to follow that idiot Nekron anymore," I said with a smile. "...You doing all right?"

"Of course," she gave me a knowing look. "How about you?"

"I'm fucking terrified," I admitted immediately. "It doesn't get easier. Sending the kids on a journey. I know the reasoning behind it. I know it's safe. But I hate this."

Death gave me a sad look. "You know that they'll be okay even when they do die? I'll watch over them."

Only she could talk about my kids dying in that way and somehow be comforting. I nodded.

Heatran bumped her head into my leg, drawing my attention. Pele had entered the garden. With Olianna, Chesnaught, and Chespin.

My wife and daughter walked over, until Olianna saw Death and Jirachi. She immediately ran over to the goth goddess. "Hey!"

"What's up, Oli?" Death said, lowering down to hug my teenage daughter.

"Lady Death," Pele said with a smile of her own. "Will you be joining the festivities?"

"I doubt I'd be welcome, to be honest," Death said with a wince. She ran a hand through Olianna's hair. "Is Salma here?"

"She's on her way," Pele said with a smile.

"Then I'll meet you guys later," Death said with a grin. "Besides, I have a little brother to visit. Daniel's taking care of something."

"He doing all right with Darkrai and Cresselia?" I asked curiously?

"Yep…" Death looked off to the side. So did the rest of us.

Near the entrance to the Memorial Garden, where people could see him immediately, was a hologram of a man. He was tall, and thin. His skin was the same shade as Death's, his hair black and wild. His eyes were distant stars. His coat was space itself.

"I miss him," Olianna said sadly, my daughter looking up at Death.

"...Me too," Death hugged her close.

Then she was gone. Olianna kept her back to me for a moment, holding nothing. Then she looked at me. When I smiled, she hid her tears and smiled back.

Surrounded by the images of those we lost, we all walked away. Chesnaught placed a hand on my shoulder, and I gave my partner a nod.

Time for Ted's first journey to begin.

The Watchtower had been revised dozens of times over the years. Battles that had ravaged the inside forced repairs, for one thing. But it had also been improved and updated with more and more exotic attachments. The inclusion of magic and physics breaking powers or technology helped advance that further, until the whole place was barely recognizable.

The wing I stood in now was one of those new advancements. The Dimensional Bay. Created after Lex Luthor and Latias finally cracked the equations, then made them accessible, with Hoopa and other Pokemon aiding until we had the process down, the Dimensional Bay was a large room filled with large circular portals made of metal dotted around, with large signs over each saying where they went. One that we had needed to destroy led to a universe where another version of me had been dropped into. We'd fix it soon. Weird to see me wielding an Omnitrix. Not as weird as the Saiyan one though…

All that aside, the room was full of people. There were reporters, of course. Since this tradition began there always were a bunch of cameras and news anchors watching. But most of the people within were friends and family.

There were those I was only familiar with professionally, like Black Lightning, Gypsy, and Terra. There were some I was close too, like Stargirl, who gave me a wave and a grin, or Wonder Woman, her blonde hair flipping as she floated overhead.

And then there was my family. We gather behind a cloth to give us some privacy.

"Heya, Bats," I said with a grin.

Dick gave me a wide grin that would have surprised most of Gotham, giving me a happy hug. The former Robin had really come into his own. He'd taken the path a lot of his others had, from Robin, to Nightwing, to Batman. But his process had been a lot more fun to be a part of.

"Excited?" I asked him as we pulled apart.

"You kidding? This is a big day," he pulled his cowl down, letting me get a look at his face in full. He'd matured a lot. Not just in terms of muscle, but in the look in his eyes. I had to look harder to see the rambunctious youth he'd once been. "How about you?"

"I'm overwhelmed," I smirked. "Not whelmed, not even a bit."

He groaned. "I regret saying that man."

"I don't," Wally patted him on the back and chuckled. The retired former speedster was wearing casual clothes, looking as happy as he'd ever been. He was still thin, but had gained a lot more height and muscle as the years passed.

"How long has it been since we were all together?" I asked, looking around. For the moment, it was just the original Team with their family behind the curtain.

Wally and Dick looked around as well. Kaldur was talking to Artemis while his husband played with his daughter and M'comm. Artemis had her hair in that familiar ponytail, a scar across her eye twisting a bit as she laughed, the bow on her back bouncing. Kaldur had shaved his head again, and wore his Atlantean armor, the red scales shining in the light as he smiled gently.

Conner and M'gann were with Kaldur's husband, watching as M'comm played with Kaldur's daughter. The two of them were holding each other close as they smiled fondly at their son shapeshifting to the amusement of their playmate.

I looked over at Olianna and Ted. Ted was proudly lifting Scorbunny in his arms as she pet the adorable rabbit Pokemon. Chespin was sitting on her head and petting Ted at the same time. Scorbunny and Ted had the same hilariously adorable disgruntled look on their face as they begrudgingly accepted the headpats.

Pele and Heatran were with the latest Robin, Batgirl and Batwoman. Carrie Kelley was excitedly explaining something while a Crobat flew over her head, her blue eyes shining all the while. Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain were similarly chuckling with Pele as the trio of adult women listened to the young teenager, a Medicham resting in Cassandra's arms while a Swoobat floated serenely over Stephanie.

Wally's daughter, on the other hand, was talking to Jon Kent. Unlike in the comics I'd known, Wally only had one kid rather than twins. Iris West was a tiny spitfire, with her dad's red hair and mom's glare. She was also blushing just a bit while talking to the current Superboy. Jon was talking at literal superspeed, and she was nodding and responding back just as fast. As Wally, Dick, and I watched fondly, Carrie and Ted walked over to join them. Then M'comm flew over.

Our kids man. Gathered together for their big day.

"We've come a long way," I mused.

"How are you going to start your speech?" Wally asked with a smirk. "You've done this, what? Ninety times? I think you've done the same speech over and over. Starting to get stale."

"I doubt it's been that many," I said with a shrug. "But if it works, why fix it?"

"You've gotten so old," Dick said with an eye roll.

"According to you, I've always been old," I still remembered a tiny Robin making fun of my age, right before he became the new Batman and started infecting the nightmares of all criminals. Good days. I shook my head. "Then again, I know for a fact that the kids have been calling you two 'ancient'."

Wally and Dick stared at me like I had accused them of a sexual act of deviancy. "No they haven't."

"Yeah, they have," I patted the younger men on the shoulders sympathetically. "I'm sorry boys. You are now old-timers."

"In all my years-" Wally began to say, horrified with a hand on his heart.

"That's exactly what an old person would say," he gaped at me, though I could see the twinkle in his eyes of a future prank. "Age gracefully bro. It's the only way."

Before I could make more fun of them, my phone alarm started to ring. It was time.

"Okay guys, show time!" I called to everyone.

We split into two groups. Those who were going to the podium, and those who would head back to join the audience.

Pele gave me a kiss on the cheek before heading off with Olianna. My daughter reluctantly accepted a hug from me, though she hugged Ted more gracefully.

Kaldur kissed his husband and daughter. His husband gave me an awkward look. The two of us kind of… didn't get along. Wyynde had tried to kill me once, and we'd just kept fighting since. He was a good man. I knew that. But the long haired Atlantean and me would never find a way to get along. Well, I didn't need to like the man to accept Kaldur's love for him. Wyynde and his daughter headed off.

Dick spoke with his Batfamily for a moment. Cassandra and Medicham spoke to him mostly with a combo of telepathy and body language. Steph and Swoobat gave Carrie and Crobat some final words, then rushed off to meet the rest of the Batfamily. Cassandra traded some quiet words with Carrie, then left as well.

And seriously, there were way too many people in the Batfamily. So, you know, some universes never change.

Wally left next. He kneeled down to give Iris a hug. Then he glared at Jon, the half-Kryptonian blinking in surprise at the hostility. Finally he kissed Artemis.

"You ever going to stop trying to intimidate little kids?" she whispered to him.

"As long as Iris has a crush on him," he grumbled.

Artemis pinched his arm with a grin. Wally gave her a shameless smile. In a blur, he was gone.

As they left, my mind reached out for who we needed to show up now.

Chesnaught and Heatran straightened as my mind touched theirs. Latias flew down from the ceiling. Jirachi appeared in a swirl of lights. Chansey showed up out of nowhere to poke me in the back. She gave me a smile, then waddled over to the kids, giving them each an egg.

For a moment, things were quiet as I waited. Dick, Artemis, Kaldur, M'gann, and Conner waited patiently behind me. Jon, Ted, Iris, M'comm, and Carrie seemed more nervous.

A red portal opened in space. Slowly, he came forth. Over the years, he'd changed in a lot of ways. His Shellder had become red in shade, covering in more spikes. His overall form was larger now, pink replaced with a darker shade. But Slowbro still felt the same to me. All tranquil fury hiding beneath a dopey grin. His Red Lantern ring glowed as he moved to press his head against me. I scratched his ear.

"Sloooowbro," he said with a sigh, sending me waves of happiness. And underneath, his rage continued to flow, an ocean that was calm despite the raging currents beneath.

One more.

The lightning dropped from the ceiling. Iris squeaked in surprise, while Jon jumped in front of her and Carrie. Ted didn't flinch.

As the yellow sparks faded, the man before us appeared. He had tanned skin, furious yellow spikes, and wore an orange vest over a bare muscular chest. His pants were made of soft cloth, and a cloak of gold rested over his shoulders, a black sword at his waist. When he looked at me, it was with the fierce gaze of a bird of prey, black eyes gazing past a long thin nose.

Another bolt dropped from the sky. The man disappeared. And Zapdos floated in his pace.

"Showoff," I said with a smile.

Zapdos didn't deign to give me a response, though Latias smiled while Chesnaught chuckled and Kaldur sighed.

"Come on," I led the way out.

We walked out to thunderous applause. Hundreds of Pokemon, heroes, and family, all clapping as we strolled out. I got to the podium and waited as my friends and family slowly got into position. As they did, I looked out at the sea of faces.

Bruce was there, gathered with Commissioner Barbara Gordon, Tim Drake in his Red Robin gear, Jason Todd in his Red Hood suit, Cassandra, and Stephanie. He was arm in arm with Selina Kyle. Both he and his wife had aged gracefully. The silver-haired man was looking at Dick and Carrie with well hidden pride.

Gloria and May were cheering on my son. The two Pokemon Trainers were in fancy dresses, sitting with Olianna and Pele as the four women screamed, Pele the most boisterous by a far margin. Dawn's Piplup clapped cutely while smiling, and May's Blaziken nodded with a cool smile. Gloria said something just a bit rated R, the Scottish trainer's rough accent making me grin. She could never stop from cussing.

Clark and Lois were holding notepads in their arms as a red haired man took pictures at high speed beside them. Barry and Iris were with Wally. They roared along with Green Arrow, Speedy, Red Arrow, and Arrowette when Iris and Artemis stepped out, though none of them was as loud as Cheshire and Paula Crook.

Orion and Big Barda were clapping all the while.

At the back, I saw Dawn's friend Lucas. He stood in the center of a group of Legendaries and Mythical Pokemon. The Sinnoh natives were well known to be from a land that walked arm in arm with gods and myths. His arms were crossed as he met my gaze, nodding at me respectfully. A Giratina behind him floated calmly, the Ghost/Dragon watching quietly while we all situated ourselves.

Cynthia and Wonder Woman were sitting with Diana and Troia. The original Wonder Woman hadn't changed since she'd become queen of Themyscira. She wore a toga and a crown, and had a wise look on her face, a twinkle in her eyes. Same for Troia, who looked a lot like her sister. Cynthia and Cassie had become older, though not in any normal human way. Seriously, Cassie was immortal. Why was CYNTHIA looking younger than me? Anime, that was the only reason I could think of.

I looked across the sea of people from different worlds and dimensions, from Zatanna to Charizard.

The kids lined up on one side of me. M'comm, Ted, Carrie, Iris, and Jon. The adults and my original Pokemon lined up behind me. Once the applause calmed, I began to speak.

"Sup," the audience chuckled at my familiar opening statement. "You all know me and the current hero council," I waved behind me. "And you know what we're here for. For the past 20 years, after the Two Worlds Crisis ended, we've worked across both our universes to rebuild. To create a peace for our children, after war and death almost tore us apart…"

Those among the crowd who had been involved stilled slightly. Zapdos, floating overhead, narrowed his bird like eyes.

"But since then, we've come closer to that dream. Closer to making a peaceful world. I'd like to think I have some small part in that. But all of us did," I pointed to the side. In the direction of the Memorial Garden. "We've all lost someone in that time. And ever since, our universes have become one. Well, as much as they can be without that Amalgam garbage happening again."

A combination of laughs and uncomfortable grimaces spread across the room. The Pokemon, Marvel, and DC universes should not become one. Not again.

"But now, we're part of a new tradition. The beginning of the Journey," I gestured to the kids, who all looked nervously out at the crowd. "When children age ten and up go out into the Pokemon world and begin their path. This practice has been called barbaric by some, even with all the safeties we've instituted, the teachers we have going along…"

I paused. Wait. Where was Trainer Green? She was supposed to be back with Salma and her team. Trainer Green was going out with the kids to teach them. I hadn't thought of it till now because she would usually show up a bit late, but…

I nonchalantly connected my mind to Dick's through our mental link, then Chesnaughts. As I sent my worries to the two, they sent their own minds out to find out where they were. A shot of worry filled me. Pele frowned in the audience, reading my worries.

"But this Journey is an important step in the life of a trainer. Of a hero. Dozens of children have found their paths on the journey. They've become doctors, gym leaders, CEO's, and some have become Justice Leaguers. And I'm proud of those who I've taught on this journey."

Dick sent me a brief message. Something was wrong. No one knew where Trainer Green, Salma, Damien, Bart Allen, Raven, or the rest were.

"Today, a new team will enter the world of Pokemon. Professor Karen Beecher is waiting to give the team the resources they'll need for their journey."

Some people blinked. I was skipping parts of the speech. Couldn't help it. Dick and I sent a message roaring to the other heroes as the Porygon's in the Watchtower sent a warning.

An attack was imminent. I held my worry back. There were dozens of civilians in the room. They took priority. I'd worry about Salma in a moment. My daughter knew what to do. That must be why she hadn't shown up.

Please. Let that be the reason.

"As of right now, the young boys and girls beside me should be walking through…"

I paused. Okay. The Porygon's had found the threat. They had tried to hack the Watchtower on the moon, then the one we stood on. Based on the code, we now knew our enemy.

I met eyes with Lucas. He nodded at me. I looked over at the resident Green, Blue, and Pink Lanterns, various people, aliens, and Pokemon led by Jessica Cruz. Slowbro and her began to organize.

Okay. These guys were obviously trying to attack us while we were all gathered together. That showed that they had both planned this for some time, and that they were trying to make this attack kill as many of Earth's defenders as possible. Why wait?

One of the Porygon's found an unknown program connecting to the cameras. Ah. So they were watching the livestream of my speech. Waiting for a dramatic moment to attack us. If they killed us at a specific moment in the speech, while the whole world was watching, they could strike a massive blow to the world's morale. Okay. Enough of this.

"Sadly, I've got to cut my speech short," I said with a sigh. "Apparently, some idiots have decided to attack the Earth."

There was a stir in the room. Only the heroes didn't flinch, but the reporters and civilian friends and family stared at me uncomprehending.

"They apparently didn't understand that it's really damn hard to hack a system that is protected by a combination of the strongest AI and Pokemon in two universes."

I stared at a camera. "You get one shot. Don't miss."

That was when the missiles and lasers struck.

"How did they find us!?" the Leader cried. He was a tall, thin alien, with yellow skin, and elongated head, and a dark red circle in the center of his forehead. While the other aliens around him looked similar, none had a circle as large as his. He flashed his fangs at another alien.

"I don't know!" the other alien protested. "We took every precaution! These humans still discovered our attack!"

"They were looking for us!" the Leader snarled. "No matter. Earth and it's metahumans will fall nonetheless, beneath the power of the Dominators! CONTINUE FIRING!"

The last was said proud and loud, the other aliens around him cheering. The Dominators Leader gazed out of his ship. Outside the window, he could see his fleet assembled before the Earth. They were pouring thousands of rounds into the Watchtower Satellite.

"This should have worked," the Leader snarled to himself.

Gather a force of ships, infiltrate Earth's systems, discover how to stop the rising threat of Metahumans and Pokemon. In recent decades, humanity had become a horrific threat to the rest of the galaxy. They had defeated everyone to ever come against them. The Reach, Apokolips, the First Lantern.

But the Dominators were different from those plebian threats. They were an empire of millions, capable of decimating galaxies. Humanity may have been a threat, but they didn't compare to them! Not if they killed them before they could become a true menace!

That was why this had been perfect! The foolish heroes gathering in one place, filming themselves like proud peacocks. All of humanities strongest metahumans and Pokemon in one place, ready to be killed. He had planned this assault for months. Now, at last, they would-

"I said you had one shot."

The Leader staggered back as the voice hit his ears and mind at the same time. His viewscreen popped up in front of him, displacing a single image. Trainer Red, Batman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Superman, Artemis, standing before a hall filled with heroes and Pokemon. All alive! How!?

Then the Leader looked outside his window. The cloud of explosions that had been covering the Watchtower faded away. And he saw the satellite.

Enveloped in a massive force field. The field glowed a rainbow array of colors. Just behind it, he could see those damned Lanterns! They had failed!

Batman spoke. "You missed."

"Now," that damned Trainer Red said with a grin. "It's our turn."

The screen shot off. And one of the Dominators said what they were all thinking.

"Fuuuuuuu-"

I turned from the camera to watch as a black spirit in the form of a bird smashed into the ground, becoming a portal.

Salma stepped through the portal first. My eldest daughter looked so much like her mom. God, I remembered her being so short. Now she had a foot on me. She was wearing an Atlantean set of armor, her hair shaved on one side of her head and long on the rest. Her chocolate eyes met mine with a grin. She was followed by a Kommo-o, the gold scaled dragon sharing her smile.

"Hey dad," Salma said with a grin. Raven followed the Dragon Pokemon, then Damien in his Nightwing uniform, Kara in her Power Girl uniform, and few other members of her team.

And civilians. More civilians, all wearing what looked like prison jumpsuits. They had the look of the abused and chased, though many seemed to fall apart with relief at the sight of us.

When I gave my eldest a look, she grinned a bit wider, her Pokemon clattering happily. "You wouldn't believe the day I had."

"Salma!" Ted rushed forward to hug his eldest sister.

"Report," I said seriously. My daughter winced.

"Sir," Trainer Green stepped out of the portal last, Raven shutting it behind her. In another world, Kori would have been known as Starfire. Here, she was my first Pokemon student. She stopped before me. "The Dominators prevented us from contacting anyone. We discovered them attempting to kidnap people to experiment on them. In point of fact, we shut down a prison they were using."

I looked between Kori and Salma.

"It's true, sir," Damien said, stepping forward. "They aren't going to stop their atta-"

I held a hand. Damien stopped speaking. "Salma. Kori. Damien. Do you have a plan?"

"Yeah, dad," Salma said seriously.

"Good," I looked out the window at the fleet in front of us. "Ted."

"Dad?" Ted said, sounding scared.

"Go on your journey."

Ted stared at me, shocked. So did his friends.

"What!? But dad, I can help! Me and Scorbunny can-"

"Son, you don't need to help," I said with a smirk. "It's an alien invasion."

"It's Tuesday after all," Wally said, speeding to join us.

"You aren't in danger?" Ted said worriedly.

"Maybe if they had actually played this smart like the Reach did," I admitted freely. Looking out at a fleet of ships flying towards us, I smirked. "But right now, they're more nostalgic…"

"All ships, launch!" Bruce said, walking past with a hand to his ear.

"See you at home," Clark said with a kiss on Lois' cheek.

"I'll make you pie," Lois said, watching her husband fly off to join his fellow superhumans.

A Mew wearing a Star Sapphire ring came up to me. "Mew, Mew?"

"Yeah, call them in. I don't want to give them a moment to breath," I agreed immediately.

"Come, Diana!" Pele said excitedly as she and Heatran sped to the doors. "Once more!"

"Like old times," Diana said fondly.

"Bet I break more ships!" Cassie teased.

Diana smirked, a sword appearing in her hands.

Cynthia chuckled as her Garchomp showed up next to her. "I'll take that challenge."

"Dad!" Olianna ran over to me. "Can I help?"

"No," her face fell. "I need you to go with your brother and the others. Take the civilians over there. Let the Pokemon side know what's happening and to prepare refugee bays just in case… we may need Red and Ash."

"Aren't you Red?" Wally asked with a smirk.

"Don't even start," I said with a smirk of my own. "We'll need those overpowered Pikachu's of theirs."

"Come on Dialga!" Lucas said, the Sinnoh trainer rushing past on his space-shifting Pokemon.

A sea of colors flew past, rushing out of the Watchtower.

"Are you sure?" Ted asked, Olianna looking worried.

Salma put a hand on their shoulders. "Donm't worry… It's dad, remember?"

I grinned, then looked out at the fleet again. "Go… I've got an Invasion to beat."

"...Bye dad," Ted said softly.

They rushed for one of the portals, which snapped open to let the people though. I turned to watch my youngest rush through, Ted crying just a bit as he ran. Jon, Iris, and the other children did the same.

"Ready dad?" Salma asked me softly.

I nodded. Then I leaped into the air. Latias flew to join me. I landed on her back and the swirl of Megaevolution surrounded us. We headed for the doors with Salma flying behind us on her own power.

We hit the cold vacuum of space. Dozens of jet fighters, ships, Pokemon, heroes, Lanterns, and so much more. All flying out in formation. I felt our minds link together. The Watchtowers weapons began to unleash hell.

I smiled just a bit, just before we hit our latest enemies.

"And the Adventure Continues."