With thanks to the Continuum Worlds Chief Editor: HipKarma
Suppose you throw a pebble into a pond. From the moment it breaks the surface, it forever changes the pond. Ripples expand outward from the point of the break and continue until the surface calms. Yet that is only on the surface. Beneath the surface the ripples are felt as well. Even though the pebble eventually reaches the bottom and its direct effects can no longer be felt, it becomes a part of the pond and the pond is forever altered.
The same could be said if that pebble is removed. The alterations can once again be felt throughout the pond. Since it is almost impossible to remove the pebble without disturbing the bottom where it found rest, these changes could be more profound than the introduction of the pebble, in the first place.
Now, suppose we are not talking about a pebble at all. Suppose this pebble is a person and the pond is an unsuspecting Continuum. Just how much change could one individual person cause?
Case in point, Kara Zor El. From the moment Kara entered the universe, designated Marvel, she forever changed it. Befriending the lawyer, Jennifer Walters, and becoming lovers with the woman known as Rogue, she changed their lives and those around them. Then came the Daxamite, Lar Gand and the twins, and Zal El more pebbles in the pond.
Then the ripples spread beyond the Marvel Universe. Another universe was found. Dubbed the Otherverse, Kara and company soon made it their home and more ripples were sent out. Ripples that caught the attention of the gods. Only someone didn’t want the gods to see. A goddess that had in fact tossed the woman, Kara, into the continuum to start with. Though perhaps ‘toss’ is not the best term since that suggests that Kara was placed without purpose.
So the woman was removed. Only the woman had been there too long. The gods of the Marvel Universe were aware and they were determined to alter the goddess’ plans to their own ends. So all memory of the woman must be removed as well. Only, as it has been said, she had been there too long.
Kara’s companions were now her family and she would not leave them behind and some of those companions had ties to their home world. If Kara’s family were left behind, she would have insisted on finding them and if they were taken, their friends would insist on finding them. So every ripple that was created by Kara’s entrance must be erased and her family replaced so that Kara would not lose all she had earned.
Only once the pebble was removed, the ripples began again. Only the effects of these ripples were far more extensive than the first. The Marvel Universe was left as it had been before her arrival. Unchanged by Kara’s appearance. Rogue and Jennifer were replaced without the alterations in their lives that had been brought on by meeting Kara, and as for Kara’s true companions, they came with her.
However the alterations of the ripple didn’t end there. Other universes were drawn in and a new continuum was formed. Only this time the universes were chosen. Some were even hand selected for a specific purpose.
What purpose you might ask?
Well that is another pebble and another story. There may yet be ripples that we have not seen. Ripples that will alter this new continuum even further. For there are players that the goddess didn’t anticipate and now there is a fight for the very existence of the Continuum and all its worlds. And the ripples move outward. .
Continuum Wars
Mordru stared into the wide-open nothingness of his prison. How he hated this place and those responsible for putting him here. He searched high and low for any source of magic. His only hopes for escape lie in finding that. He had found an opening. The small portal was there but without magic he had no way of using it. There had to be a source of magic somewhere within these dimensional walls and he would find it.
However, nothing ever changed here. It was the monotony of this blank existence that was driving him mad. Nothing ever happened here. Until one day, it did.
There was a ripple in space-time. Mordru sensed it, the moment it entered the dimension of the Amulet. Any change would have been noticeable but this one was mind-blowing. For, as Mordru was staring into the nothingness, he found that he wasn’t alone. He was staring at himself.
Then there were more. Four Mordrus stood facing each other in a circle. The only difference were the robes that they wore. Black, Red, Gray and White were the colors.
“What is going on?” The Black demanded.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Asked the White. “There has been a change in space-time.”
“That much is obvious.” Said the Black. “I merely wish to know who you are?”
“I’m you, of course.” Said the White. “We all are.”
“Stop telling me what I already know.” The Black screamed. “Why are we all here?”
“I don’t know.” Said the White. “I’d wager none of us do.”
“I don’t.” Agreed the Red.
“Nor I.” Said the Gray.
“I suppose the question is how do we use this to our advantage?” The Red asked.
“I agree.” Said the Gray.
“Yes.” The Black replied. “Between the four of us, surely we can find the means of escape.”
“Escape?” Asked the White. “Why would you need to escape? Are you not here of your own accord?”
“No, I am not.” Said the Black.
“Nor I.” Said the Red.
“It would seem that you are the only one that is here of his own accord.” Said the Gray with a leering grin.
“You’re evil!” Said the White. “You’re all evil. How can that be?”
“I wouldn’t go so far as to say evil.” The Black replied. “Yet we do serve our own needs.”
“Oh, I think evil would be a fair assessment.” The Red stated. He glared at the White and began draw power from his flesh.
“You can’t.” Said the White.
“Yes we can.” Said the Black catching on and joining the Red.
“Brilliant.” Said the Gray. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“You did.” Said the Black. “Now shut up and help.”
Within a few moments the White Mordru became a dry floating husk within the Amulet. The other three now had the power they required.
“What now?” Asked the Black.
“Now we go find those that placed us here and make certain that they never do it again.” Said the Gray.
“Wait!” The Red warned. “I sense that the one who imprisoned me is gone and another wears the mantle.”
“So do I.” Said the Black.
“Mine too.” Replied the Gray. “Nothing quite like dealing with inexperience. Revenge will be far too easy.”
“Don’t underestimate the Champions of Nabu.” The Red Mordru said as the three escaped.
“Who is Nabu?” Asked the Black as portal opened and the three passed through the veil.
The Fatalist watched with interest as the goddess moved her children about. The chaos created by the woman Kara Zor-El was intoxicating. Imagine the alterations in reality because of the movement of one woman throughout the continuum.
“If only I could create such chaos.” The Fatalist said. “Then again, perhaps I can.”
Fatalist searched the timeline of his own world. He needed another. One like the woman the goddess had used. Then he found her. A young Kara Zor-El rocketing toward Earth. Then he found another. Not Kara but she still wore the symbol of the ‘S.’
It was too delicious to pass up. The loyalty of the woman, Linda, and the fears of the girl, Kara, could only end one way. Then, as he made his plans, he found a tower and the being known as Xenon. This was better than he had hoped. It would take forever for the followers of order to clean up this mess. That is, if it could be cleaned up.
Oh, the goddess was going to be upset with him. So was the Spectre. He could already feel the Wrath of God. It didn’t matter though. He hadn’t earned his position by worrying about the plans of others. He produced Chaos. That was his job and he did it well.
And so another pebble was tossed, and once again the ripples moved outward.
“We do not have much time.” Said Victor Von Doom. “We have been given a crucial task. Trust is essential if we are going to succeed in our mission. Yet I detect distrust among us already. Don’t I?” He turned to Sherri.
“I suppose you do.” Sherri Pennison said. “The name of Doom is still remembered in Otherverse. It is not a pleasant memory.”
Victor smiled from beneath the mask. “That is unfortunate.” He said as he removed the mask. “As you can see I do not bear the scars of that Doom. Physically and Emotionally, I am a different man.”
“That doesn’t mean you won’t turn on us later.” Sherri said. “Just because you haven’t done the things he has done, doesn’t mean you won’t”
“Hang on just a minute.” Stephanie Strange defended. “What right do you have to question, Victor?”
“She has every right.” Victor said. “She has seen much that you have not.” He turned to Sherri. “If you cannot trust me, then trust Nabu.”
“Nabu?” Sherri asked. “What does he have to do with this?”
“You wear the helm because you are worthy to do so.” Doom explained. “Do you truly think he would allow me to wear it if I was not?”
“If it could be done, Victor Von Doom would find the way.” Sherri said.
“I have earned this mantle.” Doom replied.
“Have you?” Sherri asked.
“Allow me to show you.” Doom said. He replaced the helm and sent out a vision showing everyone the trials he had faced to earn the mantle.
(See The Apprentice Chapter 1 in The Realm.)
“You failed one of those tests.” Sherri said.
“Yes, I did.” Doom said. “Yet I still have the helm.”
“Ok.” Sherri agreed. “I’ve seen enough. You are not the Doom that I know. Nor are you like him. I will follow you although I do not know why you were chosen to lead.”
Doom smiled once more beneath the mask. “I was chosen because I have a plan.” He said. “I have a special talent with divination. I see futures and possible futures. I also have a familiar with the capacity to run the numbers. He has checked every possibility and every probability.”
“Which tells us what?” Stephanie Strange asked.
“That with Doom’s current plan we have a 15% chance of success.” The Vision said. “That is of course with a 0.6% chance of error.”
“Here I thought it was hopeless.” Mary Marvel said. “Can’t we do better than that?”
“One moment.” The Vision said. He closed his eyes. “No.” He finally said.
“Then why are we doing this?” Stephanie asked.
“There are a number of reasons.” Said Victor. “The first is because we are heroes. Heroes fight even when the odds are against them. Second because a young girls life is in danger. Third because if this Kara is not returned to her proper place, Team Sentinel’s mission to restructure the timeline could fail.”
“How can it fail?” Billy Batson asked.
“If Kara is not where she is supposed to be the timeline could skew. There could be two timelines or even three. There could even be an infinite number, simply because she isn’t there.” Victor answered.
“Would that really be so bad?” Asked Stephanie.
“Yes.” Victor replied. “If more than one timeline results then it won’t matter if Team Powerhouse succeeds in their mission. The Anti-monitor could still succeed in another timeline and if he succeeds in even one, all will be lost.”
“What about Linda, shouldn’t she be returned to her world?” Stephanie asked.
“No.” Victor replied. “As long as she is in the Anti-matter universe she will not affect the timeline. She will have to return to her world afterward.” He paused for a moment. “I think.”
“Will she have to stay?” Sherri asked. “She has made a life for herself on Earth-1. She has a child.” She caressed her abdomen protectively.
“That remains to be seen.” Victor said. “It depends on the magic that Team Sentinel can produce.”
“Any other reasons you can think of before we go?” Jeffrey Nelson asked.
“Reason four.” The Vision said. “Because it seemed like a good idea at the time.”
Victor glared at the Vision from beneath the mask. Though the android couldn’t see Victor’s expression he knew what it was.
“If there are no other questions, we should go.” Victor replied.
“Where?” Mary Marvel asked.
“To MHR Earth-1.” Victor answered. “That’s where we need to bring Kara out. That is where the Spectre will be waiting to place her in proper sequence with her timeline.”
An insane woman ran north from Denver with her young daughter. Barely clinging to her sense of self, the woman found herself trapped by the locals—locals who would kill both her and the little girl.
Holding on to her sanity, the Thorn covered her daughter’s escape…and the girl fled northward towards a place that might protect her...expecting her mother to catch up to her.
An insane woman, killed by the locals she feared…simply for being a meta.
Still her influence didn’t end there. A prophecy told the story of a new generation. The Inheritors of power and responsibility.
The child found the Wood and the Wood found her. Urchin grew to local legend…and then more…as the Emerald Fire claimed its heir.
So Faith, the Huntress of Huntress Wood, stood to face the challenge and the ripples moved outward.
Team Magic arrived on the troubled planet. Stephanie Strange knelt exhausted from the teleportation spell.
“That was much easier than I expected.” Victor said.
“Said the guy who came along for the ride.” Said the Vision.
“Mary! Vision! Fly out and do a quick perimeter search. Make sure we’re alone.” Victor ordered.
“You got it.” Mary said.
“As you command.” Responded The Vision.
“As for the rest of you,” said Victor, “if you would be so kind, I need a little assistance. If you could draw some of your mystic energy and allow me to use it, that would be most useful.”
“What are you doing?” Asked Sherri.
“I’m contacting the mystics of this world and the surrounding worlds.” Victor replied.
“Why?” Jeffrey Nelson inquired.
“Five very powerful mages just landed in their domain.” Victor explained. “Such occurrences are rarely a good thing. I’m letting them know were here so we don’t have to add them to our list of opponents unnecessarily.”
The four mages gathered around Doom and drew forth their power. It flowed into Victor freely. Then it poured out, passing through the entire world. As it traveled it was felt by many. Dr. Fate, Jason Blood, The Phantom Stranger, and many others received the message, including a visitor named Mordru wearing a red robe.
Mary Marvel and The Vision returned.
“We’re clear for at least ten miles.” Mary said.
“Good.” Victor said. “That should give us enough time.”
Victor reached at his neck and removed the Ankh shaped Amulet.
“What is that?” Jeffrey asked.
“The Amulet of Anubis.” Victor replied.
Billy and Jeffrey moved their hands to the round discs that hung around their necks.
“Why does it look like that?” Asked Billy.
“I don’t know.” Victor said. “Who’s to say why Anubis made his Amulet in the shape of an Ankh in my world and not in yours. Perhaps Anubis was more artistic in my world.”
“Or a show off.” The Vision said.
Victor turned on the Vision. “I swear if I ever find Henry Pym, I’m going to kick his ass for giving you that personality.”
The Vision smiled.
Victor tossed the Amulet into the air and it levitated in front of him. Slowly it grew, forming a portal.
“There’s our door.” Victor said. He hesitated a moment and looked at Sherri. “Now I need one of you to stay here and keep it open.”
“Which one?” Sherri asked noticing his gaze.
“You.” Victor replied.
“I don’t think so.” Sherri said. “Don’t think you can exclude me from this mission. I have far more combat experience than either of them.” She pointed Stephanie and Billy.
“I realize that.” Victor said. “I still need you here.”
“Why?” Demanded Sherri.
“Because you’re carrying a child.” Victor said.
“I can still hold my own in a fight.” Sherri insisted.
“No one doubts that.” Victor agreed. “However, the child that you’re carrying is far too important to risk. You hold a Legacy within your womb.”
“I’m not happy about this.” Sherri said.
Victor smiled. “I know but someone still has to keep this door open so we can return. I also need you here to make sure Xenon doesn’t escape. If he realizes there’s a door he may run for it. You can’t let him pass.”
“You blow this and I’ll bring down this universe on your head.” Sherri warned.
“My dear, if I blow this, I’ll be dead.” He said as he turned to the others. “As for the rest of you!” Let’s move!” Victor ordered.
One by one they passed through the door leaving Sherri behind to hold it.
The Mordru in red laughed. “Four Dr. Fates and a Sorceress Supreme.” He said. “They can only be up to good.”
He reached into his robes and pulled out a round disc similar to the ones that Billy and Jeffrey wore.
“My brothers will be most interested in this.” He said and with a wave of his hand he was gone.
The Black Mordru flew out of the Orb of Agamotto.
“Strange!” he called out. “Where are you?”
Only there was no answer. For Steven Strange was dead. However all was not lost. His daughter was here. Mordru searched high and low for Strange’s essence. If he could find that he would become Sorcerer Supreme. He could rule this world for all time. But he didn’t find it and Strange’s daughter was uncooperative.
The simple truth was that Stephanie didn’t know. Mordru knew that but he couldn’t have the former Sorcerer’s daughter running around trying to defeat him. After all she might get lucky and succeed. So put her away for safe-keeping and into the arms of Victor Von Doom. And the ripples moved outward.
Team Magic floated into the barren desolate land. The only structure in the skyline was a stone tower. A familiar ‘S’ emblem was carved into the stone.
“There’s our target, people.” Victor said. “The sooner we hit it, the sooner we go back home.”
“Doesn’t look so bad.” Billy Batson said.
“Oh really.” Jeffrey said pointing to the base of the tower.
The team followed his finger to the base. Bones littered the ground. The skeletal remains of an unknown number were piled around the tower. Torn pieces of fabric were among the bones. Mary shivered when she noticed the tattered remains of an ‘S’ shield among them.
“Are we too late?” Mary asked.
“No.” Victor replied. “That was another. In fact all of these were others.”
“All of those bones belonged to a Supergirl.” Stephanie said.
“In one form or other.” Victor said. “Supergirl, Superwoman, Powergirl. Let’s just hope he doesn’t discover Team Powerhouse.”
“What have you pulled us into?” Stephanie asked.
There was no answer as they approached the tower.
“Vision!” Victor said. “Go in and give us a little recon. I want to know exactly what we are walking into .”
“As you command.” The Vision responded.
Xenon bent down in front of the blond girl that was chained to the wall. Her head was bowed and costume torn. Bruises and abrasions covered her broken body. Yet she still breathed for no other reason than to defy her captor.
“It is tired.” Xenon said. “It is so fragile without it’s yellow sun.”
He reached down and took her face in his rough hands. She looked up at him in defiance.
“Does it not know another look?” Xenon said. “It will know defeat. It doesn’t matter how it looks at me.”
“Go to Hell.” The young Kara said.
Xenon laughed. “It is amusing.” He said. “Has it not looked around? This is Hell.”
Kara glared at Xenon with contempt.
“It did not send me here.” He said. “But I sense that it would. If it could send me here through the sheer power of its words it would.”
Xenon drew back his hand. “I am bored with it.” He said. “It is finished.”
Xenon pulled back his fist for the final blow, but he stopped.
“Who is there?” He asked. “I cannot see you or smell you but I know you are there.”
Xenon spun around searching for the disturbance. “Do not run. You cannot escape. There is no escape from this place.” Then he sensed it. There was a door. “It can wait.” He said. “I have more pressing business to attend to.”
“Yes you do.” Said Victor Von Doom as he entered the tower.
“Dr. Fate.” Xenon said. “Do you really think you can defeat me?”
“Not alone.” Victor said.
Jeffrey flew in to Victor’s left and Billy Batson flew into his right.
“Three Dr. Fates?” Xenon said. “It is special if it merits this kind of attention.”
Eldritch fire extended from the three Dr. Fates. As the fire moved forward it took the form of an Ankh and struck Xenon. Xenon fell to the floor.
“Is that all you have?” Xenon asked as he stood.
“Not at all.” Came a voice from behind him.
Xenon turned into Mary Marvel’s fist. Xenon’s body slammed into the wall and he landed on the floor.
“You’ll need more than that.” Xenon said as he punched Mary.
The force blow drove Mary through the wall and into the desolate land beyond. Victor watched with horror.
“What are Mary’s power levels?” He asked. “Can she withstand a blow like that?”
Jeffrey Nelson smiled. “Just watch.” He said.
Mary flew back in through the hole at full speed. She struck Xenon in the abdomen, knocking him into the opposite wall. Victor and Billy followed with Eldritch fire while Jeffrey shot lightning from his fingertips. Xenon struggled to rise. Mary approached but was backhanded. Her body fell directly into the path of the Fates’ spells.
Mary rose to all fours. A thin trail of blood ran down her chin. Xenon kicked her in the stomach and she rolled onto her back. Xenon started to stomp her when he felt an indescribable pain.
“And here I thought you didn’t have a heart.” The Vision said. “I’m certainly glad I was wrong.”
The Vision pulled his intangible hand from Xenon’s chest. Xenon fell to his knees.
“Stephanie?” Victor called out. “How’s it going with Kara?”
“She’s stable.” Stephanie said, suddenly becoming visible next to Kara.
“Good.” Victor replied. “Can she travel?”
“We’ll have to go slow,” Stephanie said, “but we should be okay.”
“Okay.” Said Victor. “Jeffrey, you and Stephanie are in charge of transporting her. Mary, Vision, scout ahead and make sure the path is clear.”
“What about me?” Billy asked.
“You and I will be watching the rear.” Victor replied. “Just in case Xenon wakes up and tries to follow. Let’s move.”
Odin watched as the young Kryptonian girl threw Mjolnir across the sky. Thunder roared and lightning flashed. She was already hooked by the power. She reveled in the storm. Odin was amazed. He had seen Thor do the same thing many times before.
Odin expanded his gaze. In the distance Loki was watching and laughing. Odin shook his head. Would Asgard survive Loki’s newest scheme?
“Will you ever grow up, son?” He asked.
Kara pulled back the hammer and threw it once more and the ripples moved outward.
The Red Mordru smiled as he caressed the Amulet of Anubis that he held in his hand. He had used it to open a small portal so that he could see into the Tower. So that was it. All this trouble to rescue one girl. There had to be more to it than that.
“You had better have a good reason for summoning me here.” The Black Mordru said.
“I agree.” Said the Gray. “I have business on other worlds. I have no time for nonsense.”
“Brothers,” the Red replied, “look.”
“Three Dr. Fates?” Said the Gray.
“And a fourth holding the gate.” The Red told them.
“Who is this Dr. Fate.” The Black growled.
The Red and Gray turned to him.
“Don’t you know?” the Gray asked.
“Didn’t he cast you into the Amulet of Anubis?” Asked the Red.
“No.” the Black answered. “Dr. Strange imprisoned me within the Orb of Agamotto.”
“Curious.” Said the Gray. “The Orb that you speak of must be connected to a similar pocket dimension.”
“Obviously.” The Black said. “Now if you will excuse me I have an essence to find and this does not concern me.”
The Red smiled and opened the portal a little larger. “Look again.” He said.
The Black Mordru peered into the hole. “How did she escape?” He demanded as he spotted Stephanie Strange. “I imprisoned her.”
“The orb was still connected when you imprisoned her.” The Gray replied. “Obviously she was rescued.”
“I can fix that.” The Black said. “Let me in there.”
“Very well.” The Red said with a sinister smile. “We shall all go.”
The Red Mordru opened his gate wider. Soon an oval shape door stood in front of the three wizards.
“What is that?” Asked the Gray pointing to the Amulet.
“The Amulet of Anubis.” The Red replied. “It belonged to our White brother.”
“How did you come across it?” The Black demanded eyeing the Amulet greedily.
“When I attempted to escape my path led to the Rock of Eternity. Only it wasn’t there. I searched for another and found a new wizard, not that idiot Shazam.” The Red wizard grimaced. “This one had an Amazon with him and he was very alert. I was forced to retreat back into the Amulet because I was still too weak to fight him. Then I discovered that our White brother left the door open to his amulet. I walked right out.”
“Onto this earth, I get it.” The Black said. “Can we go?”
“No not to this earth.” The Red said. “I ended up on a world that had been designated Earth-3. A twisted world where evil was good and good was evil. The world’s greatest hero was Lex Luthor.”
“I like the sound of this world.” The Gray said and laughed.
“You wouldn’t now.” The Red replied. “It’s gone. I barely escaped with my life. In fact this world and five like it are in danger of a similar fate. I think that if we stop those Dr. Fates we can send these worlds into oblivion.”
“The entropic energy off of destruction like that would be immeasurable.” Said the Black. “We could become …”
“gods.” Finished the Gray.
“Exactly.” Said the Red.
“I’m beginning to like having brothers.” Said the Black.
Sherri felt the power as another portal was opened. She desperately wanted to investigate but she could not leave her portal.
“What do I do?” She asked aloud.
“I could carry a message.” The Spectre offered.
“Oh.” Sherri said. “I forgot you were with us.”
“Not surprising.” The Spectre replied. “Most humans would rather forget the Wrath of God.”
“I don’t doubt that.” Sherri responded. “Do you think you can find out who just opened another portal into this dimension. Then give Victor and the others the heads up.”
“I believe I can perform that service.” The Spectre replied.
The alien known as Matrix knelt beside the dying girl, Linda Danvers. The alien was confused. She had taken the name Supergirl though she had never felt she had earned it. It had been Lex’s idea. Now she had a chance. The girl could be saved but only at a loss to herself.
Matrix shook her head. She was a hero. She would save this girl no matter the cost. So she began merging her alien DNA with the human girl. The healing process began instantly but both women were forever changed. A new Supergirl was formed. One born out of sacrifice. And the ripples moved outward.
“You and I will be watching the rear.” Victor said. “Just in case Xenon wakes up and tries to follow. Let’s move.”
“Xenon following will soon be the least of your worries.” The Spectre said as he appeared on the scene.
“What are you talking about?” Victor demanded.
“Behold.” The Spectre said pointing to the window.
Mary, The Vision and Stephanie all peered out the open window.
“Oh…” Said Mary.
“My…” Said the Vision
“God!!!” Finished Stephanie.
Victor rushed to the window. “Oh Shit!” He said as saw them.
Rising from the base of the tower, the skeletons of a hundred dead Supergirls rose. In the distance three Mordrus celebrated.
“Heads up people.” Victor said. “We’ve got incoming.” He looked around the room to access the situation. “Stephanie, You and Jeffrey chain Xenon in Kara’s chains. We don’t need to add another wild card to this game. I have this door.” He said pointing the right. “Billy you take that one.” He pointed to the left. “Vision and Mary, you have the window.”
The heroes moved into their positions.
“Jeffrey you’re in charge of Kara.” Victor said. “I don’t want one of those skeletons to touch her.”
“I’ll do my best.” Jeffrey replied.
“Stephanie?” Said Victor
“Yes.” Stephanie said as she closed the final manacle.
“Remember what I taught you about control?” Victor asked.
“Yes.” Stephanie answered.
“Forget it.” Victor ordered. “Get to the roof and fire blast those wizards out there.”
“Yes sir.” Stephanie said with a grin.
The first of the skeletons started pouring into the window. Mary met them crushing the bones with her fists, but the Kryptonian physiology still existed in them. For every skeleton she crushed, three more took its place.
The Vision went immaterial and entered one of the skeletons. He re-materialized within the skeleton. It exploded sending fragments throughout the room.
The blast from the explosion took down several of the skeletons but also hit Mary. She took a step back allowing more of the skeletons to enter. The Three Fates cast shield spells at the same moment.
“Watch it.” Victor ordered.
“Sorry.” Said the Vision. “Perhaps I should take that trick outside.” He waved a salute and passed through the wall.
Meanwhile Billy was casting enchantments on the door. “This one’s secure.” He said.
“Mine too.” Victor replied.
The two Fates looked at each other and nodded. Eldritch fire burst from their fingers but had no effect.
“The Mordrus were ready for us.” Victor said. “They’ve protected their toys.”
“What do we do?” Billy asked.
“I don’t know.” Victor replied. “We have far too many mages and not enough muscle.”
“Muscle is what you need?” Asked the Spectre. “If I might make a suggestion.”
“Stop being polite and speak, Wrath of God.” Victor growled.
“Shazam.” Said the Spectre.
“Shazam?” Said Victor.
“Shazam?” Said Billy.
The lightning bolt crossed the sky. It burst into the tower taking several skeletons in its wake and it rested on Billy Batson. Dr Fate was gone. Now Captain Marvel stood in his place. He didn’t ask any questions. He just jumped in beside Mary and began pounding.
“What was that?” The Wizard Shazam asked.
He searched the five earths but the answer was just beyond his sight.
“I don’t have time for this.” He griped. “I have a world to save.”
Without another word, the wizard returned to his work.
“What is going on in there?” Sherri asked. “I hate this.”
She concentrated on the portal. Experimentally she moved it a few inches. It moved with the Amulet.
“Of course.” She said. “The portal is tied to the Amulet.”
She grabbed the amulet and levitated. “I can guard two gates just as easily as I can one.” She said and started toward the other gate.
Stephanie planted her feet firmly on the roof. She reached within herself and pulled the power. Her father had given her the essence freely and, now that she knew how to use it, she would not let him down.
She released the power and a twenty foot fireball appeared in front of her. It blasted at full force at the three Mordrus. The impact knocked Stephanie from her feet and she almost fell into the wasteland below.
The Mordrus barely escaped the fiery blast but it did separate them. ‘
“This one’s mine.” The Black Mordru said as he flew toward her.
“Brother, we need you to hold the enchantment.” The Gray insisted but the Black was gone.
“It’s looks like it’s time to wreak havoc on our own.” Suggested the Red.
“Yes, Let’s.” Agreed the Gray and they moved toward the tower.
When Sherri reached the other portal she peered inside.
“Why can I see through this one?” She asked. “Why didn’t Victor leave mine open so that I could see?” She considered the question for a moment. “Because he knew I’d jump in at the first sign of trouble.” She said with a sigh. She shook her head. “Damn him.” And she closed Mordru’s portal.
Sherri Pennison left her badge on the desk, the day Washington D.C. fell. She never once forgot her oath to protect and serve. She never once shied away from that duty. She merely knew that the symbol that the badge represented no longer existed. From that point on she had to make her own law and hope that she made the right decisions.
A chance meeting made her scout and guide to a band of heroes in a world that desperately needed them. Only chance didn’t end there. She earned her rank in Raines army, so that she could continue to be the hero.
Then came the greatest chance of all. An ancient helmet fell into her hands. Then she learned that it was not chance, but Fate. Dr. Fate to be exact.
For Sherri Pennison placed the Helm of Nabu on her head and the ripples moved outward.
Skeletons continued to pour into the tower.
“There’s just too many.” Mary said.
“I know.” Victor agreed as he faced one of the skeletons with an enchanted sword. “Nevertheless we cannot fail.”
“I’ve been at this a lot longer than you have.” Mary said. “Don’t talk to me about failure.”
As they continued to fight a cry came from behind them.
“No.” Xenon screamed. “It lives again.”
Xenon rose to hid feet and pulled the chains from the wall.
“It’s a good thing we chained him up.” The Vision said.
“Shut up.” Victor said as he turned to face Xenon.
Only Xenon had no intention of fighting Victor.
“I must escape.” Xenon cried and he fled through the window taking out several skeletons as he ran.
“We have to stop him.” Jeffrey said.
“We’ll have to rely on Sherri to do that.” Victor replied. “We have more pressing matters here.”
Then the assault of the skeletons stopped. Stephanie fell through the ceiling and landed on the floor.
“Stephanie!” Victor called out and ran to her side.
Stephanie stood and brushed herself off. “I’m fine.” She said with a determined look.
The Black Mordru flew in through the hole in the ceiling. The Gray and the Red flew in through the window. The heroes watched them. Exhausted from their battle they still stood defiantly.
“What do we do now, Victor?” Stephanie asked.
“We fight to the last.” Mary said. “Like we always do.”
Victor closed his eyes within the helm. “I could use some help here.”
Then he saw it. He didn’t understand it but he still saw it.
“Jeffrey.” He said. “Open your Amulet.”
“Open my Amulet?” Jeffrey asked. “How?”
“Just think of it like opening a door.” Victor said. “Trust me.”
Jeffrey caressed the Amulet of Anubis at his throat and white light burst from it. The Wraith appeared.
“Oh brothers.” The Wraith said as it took the form of Mordru in white robes. “We have business to discuss.”
White spectral energy burst from the Wraith’s fingers striking the three evil Mordrus. The energy bound them.
“Come brothers.” The Wraith commanded. “Let’s not bother these nice people anymore.”
A white flash of light filled the room and the four Mordrus were gone.
“It’s about time.” Sherri said as Team Magic stepped through the portal.
Xenon lay at her feet bound by red bands of mystical energy.
“How?” Victor asked as he looked at him.
“They’re called the crimson bands of Cyttorak.” She explained. “Remind me to teach you that spell later.”
Stephanie carefully laid the young Kara into the Spectre’s arms.
“Take care of her.” Stephanie warned.
“I shall do my best.” The Spectre replied.
Billy Batson breathed in the air. He was Dr Fate once more. “As it should be.” He whispered.
“What we do with him?” Sherri asked, pointing a Xenon.
“Give me a hand.” Victor said.
The two mages lifted Xenon with mystical energy and returned him to the tower.
“You can’t leave me here.” Xenon said.
“Yes we can.” Victor replied.
“Then I will kill it.” Xenon replied. “I brought it here once. I’ve brought it here thousands of times. I will bring it here again.”
“You’ll be far too busy for that.” Victor said as he stepped through the portal.
“Busy?” Asked Xenon.
“Yes.” Victor replied and he snapped his fingers.
As he snapped the skeletons of a hundred Supergirls rose once more and moved into the tower.
“You can’t do this.” Xenon screamed as the skeletons grabbed him.
“Can’t I?” Victor asked and he closed the portal.
Before, we asked you to consider a pebble. Only this pebble was actually a woman. We even asked you to consider the woman Kara Zor-El. Now we ask you to consider another.
The young Kara opened her eyes. She was surrounded by strangers but she did not fear them. They were her protectors and defenders and someday maybe even her friends.
Her fate was forever changed. All because those with power to do so, chose to remove a pebble.
The laws of science have taught us that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Do such laws apply to the gods?
Only time will tell. As this young woman takes her place in the Continuum, only time will tell.
And the ripples continued to move outward.
-- Story written and copyrighted (C) 2004 by John Phillips, Dylan Clearbrook, & Eldric
-- and may not be reprinted without permission.
-- The Continuum Worlds Concept is a joint creation of
-- Dylan Clearbrook and Eldric. Othervers ,and Multiverse,
-- as depicted in the Continuum Worlds, are original creations of Dylan Clearbrook.
-- Alterverse and The Inheritors, as depicted in the Continuum Worlds,
-- are original creations of Eldric.
-- The Realm, as depicted in the Continuum Worlds,
-- is an original creation of John P.
-- Some characters in Continuum Worlds stories are original creations
-- of Dylan Clearbrook, Eldric, Michael Liebhart, Jake H., Jason G.,
-- Andrew Shields, Kyle M., Brian, or Jason Froikin and may not
-- be used without express permission of the respective author.
-- All DC characters are property of D.C. Comics.
-- All Marvel characters are property of Marvel Comics.