Eternity

[lord_mordru]

Even for one as powerful as he, The Dark Lord has been put to the test. The Rock of Eternity long stood as a keystone for the shifting realities of the multiverse; as stabilizing element if you will. Having been shattered, it’s orderly influence upon ‘reality’ had begun to wane. Even now, other powers vied to wrest control over the nature of

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[_man_of_steel_]

Out of the lighning streaks a bolt of blue...that slams into Darkseid at near light speed. Within seconds, they're miles away from the fight.

[jla_apokolips]

For a moment, Darkseid forgets the plan. His plan. He decides that giving the Kryptonian the beating he soundly deserves is a better plan.

He hammers Superman with bodyblow after bodyblow until he decides to use Superman's momentum against him by flipping him in midair and throwing him downward.

He then unleashes the Omega Effect.

[_man_of_steel_]

Superman twists as the beams barely miss his face. He them smells something burning...

The Omega Effect has effectively disintegrated Superman's spitcurl.

Superman retaliates by unleashing a blast of super-breath that encases Darkseid in ice. This only lasts a second as Darkseid muscles his way free...

...but not in time for a Super right cross that sends him even further away from the fight. That's it. Get him away from the crowd. Make this one on one. You can do this, Clark.

[jla_apokolips]

Even a New God would smart from that shot. The kryptonian is much more "savage" this time around, although even before he had more of an "edge" than I remember. I must remember to research this further.

Darkseid knew he has a little while longer to play. He manages to right himself, then waits for Superman's approach.

[_man_of_steel_]

The Man of Steel obliges, streaking towards him like a comet.

[jla_apokolips]

Darkseid has perched himself on one of the larger fragments of the Rock of Eternity. As Superman closes, he pushes off the fragment while firing another Omega beam.

Superman, as expected, dodged the beam. However, the slowdown to
do so was enough for Darkseid to kick a small fragment of the Rock right into the back of Superman.

[_man_of_steel_]

Normally, a move like that would sting, given the velocity of the toss, but the rock would shatter.

However, the magical properties of the rock not only cause the rock not to shatter, but to have more impact. Superman feels the effects of what could be termed a "bruised spine" as he falls straight down onto another large fragment of rock.

[jla_apokolips]

Darkseid then displays something that people forget he's known for - cunning in battle.

Quickly, he Omega beams two small fragments of rock. He then grabs two larger ones and, with a speed that belies his size, leaps onto the Man of Steel and smashes both rocks into each of his wrists. Then, using the unique ability of the Omega Effect to recreate what it destroys, he recreates the rock pieces as an attachment between the larger rock fragments and the fragment he lays on, effectively binding his hands to the Rock fragment.

Darkseid eyes glow, and he smiles.

[_man_of_steel_]

Superman struggles - whatever force shattered the rock transcends mere strength, and even Darkseid's omega beams only seemed to "displace" the rock. Coupled with his general issues with magical restraints, and Darkseid literally has Superman dead to rights.

He lets loose with the strongest heat vision he can muster, hoping to keep Darkseid at bay for just a moment.

[jla_apokolips]

Darkseid sidesteps the heat vision with near ease, then slams his hand over the eyes of Superman.

It would be so sweet to end this here. But unfortunately, the situation couldn't dictate that. Bottom line, he would need Superman to find his way home.

"Listen to me, Kryptonian, for I will only say this 'once'. As much as my desire remains to use your skeleton to beat my minions with, there is a more immediate 'issue' at hand that will require the both of us to 'solve' - that issue being that arrogant lout Mordru."

[_man_of_steel_]

Superman continues to struggle...but internally smiles. "And why do you need me? You've never had a 'need' of anyone before."

[jla_apokolips]

"Two reasons, Superman. You are the most powerful being on your planet. I am the most powerful being on mine. And 'power' is what it needed. The second is that when this is all said and done, you are the only one that I 'trust' to see to it that my price for my aid in defeating Mordru is 'met'."

[_man_of_steel_]

"Don't tell me...let me guess...you want us to let you walk off into the sunset."

[jla_apokolips]

"There is no 'sunset' that I am aware of where I am going. I simply wish to return home, with no further 'conflict' between you and your allies and myself on this day."

"Mordru is this close to reshaping reality to his whim. This is something neither you nor I wish to see happen. This 'reality' is mine to rule."

A pause. "Of all those you call 'heroes', you are the least likely not to violate an agreement in good faith. We can agree to a 'truce' until Mordru has fallen, at which point I return to Apokolips, or we can fight until your death, and I can assault those who remain. The 'choice', Kryptonian, is yours."

[_man_of_steel_]

Superman looks at Darkseid. "As much as I despise you and all you stand for, you are unique in that you value the concept of honor...in your own way. For the sake of the greater good, I agree to your terms, but if you attack or try to harm any of my allies in all of this, I will put you back into the Source Wall, rear end first." A pause. "If we have a deal, release me."

[jla_apokolips]

Darkseid stands there for a second. He had the Kryptonian right where he wanted him.

And he was letting him go. Within seconds, Superman was free.

"Time is 'short', Kryptonian. Listen carefully - we will need the element of surprise for this to work."