Judgment of the Endless (MarvelxDC)

A/N: There was a whole chapter dedicated to Verity and co exploring Mount Justice but I wanna move this story along so I just omitted it.

Last side story and back to the actual plot. 

=========================================================

Whimsy prepared to teleport Verity, Aurama, Zuri, and himself to their next adventure, his usual mischievous grin widened. "Alright, everyone, hold onto your paws, tails, or whatever else you've got. Let's see where the winds of whimsy take us!"

Verity clapped her hands excitedly. "I hope it's somewhere super fun! Maybe with lots of shiny things!"

Aurama, perched on Zuri's back, gave a small smirk. "As long as there's no one else like that grumpy boy, I'm good."

Whimsy waved his paw dramatically, and with a swirl of glowing energy, the group began to dissolve into the ether.

But halfway through, something unusual happened. The glow around them shifted, turning from Whimsy's playful blue hues to a deep, celestial gold.

"Uh-oh," Whimsy muttered, his grin faltering. "That's... not me."

The group reappeared in a vast, ethereal realm. The ground beneath them shimmered like liquid starlight, and towering above was Eternus himself.

His form was colossal, stretching beyond the visible horizon, yet every detail was precise—his flowing white beard, golden eyes that seemed to hold the entire cosmos, and robes that shimmered with the light of countless galaxies.

"Whoa!" Verity gasped, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Grandpa is HUGE!" She cupped her hands around her mouth and called up to him.

"Hi, Grandpa! You're so big! Are all grandpas this big, or is it just you?"

Aurama blinked, her mismatched eyes taking in the scene. "He's... definitely bigger than I imagined," she muttered.

Zuri, for once, lowered herself into a respectful bow, her massive frame dwarfed by Eternus. Whimsy, too, floated down, bowing deeply, his usual cheeky demeanor replaced with reverence.

"Lord of All," Whimsy began, his voice uncharacteristically serious. "Please forgive this intrusion. I didn't mean to bring us here."

Eternus's deep, resonant voice filled the realm, but it was calm and kind, lacking any trace of anger. "There is nothing to forgive, little one. I summoned you here. I wished to meet my granddaughter."

Verity's face lit up even brighter. "You wanted to meet me? Really? Oh, this is so exciting! I've never met a grandpa before. You're my first!"

Eternus chuckled softly, the sound like a symphony of stars. "And you, Verity, are my precious first granddaughter." His immense gaze shifted to Aurama. "And my little grand-niece. Welcome, child."

Aurama blinked, feeling both awe and a strange warmth. "Uh... thank you, sir," she said, a bit shyly.

Verity wiggled excitedly in Zuri's fur. "Grandpa, this is my cousin, Aurama! Isn't she cool? She's super strong, and she helped me punch a mean boy today!"

Eternus gave a nod of approval. "I know of her strength, just as I know of the boy who dared to lay a hand on you. You both handled the situation well."

Aurama puffed out her chest a little, feeling proud under Eternus's praise.

Verity began to bounce in place, her excitement spilling over. "Oh, Grandpa, I have so much to tell you! So many things have happened since I was born! Or made. Or whatever!"

Eternus chuckled again. "Then tell me, child. I would hear it all."

Verity took a deep breath and launched into a whirlwind of stories. "Okay, so first, I got to meet my dad—he's the best, you know! And I have a super cool room in the Agency, and Zuri is my favorite-ever panther. Isn't she pretty? And Whimsy's always making jokes, but sometimes he's really helpful too! Oh, and Aurama and I had the best day ever today—there were games and snacks and a big grumpy boy we didn't like, but it turned out okay!"

Aurama tried to interject. "Verity, maybe slow down—"

But Verity was unstoppable. "And did you know there's a whole sector in the Agency with just shiny things? Like, really shiny! And sometimes Dad plays with me and Aunt Diana and Aunt Ororo, and they're so nice! Aunt Ororo can control the weather, and Aunt Diana is super strong—kind of like Aurama but different!"

Whimsy, floating nearby, smirked. "She's got the energy of a collapsing star, doesn't she?"

Eternus smiled warmly. "It is a joy to hear her speak. Continue, Verity."

Encouraged, Verity pressed on, now dragging Aurama into her tale. "And Aurama's the best cousin ever! She's strong and brave and doesn't let anyone push her around. Right, Aurama?"

Aurama blushed slightly under the attention. "Uh, yeah. Thanks, Verity."

"And guess what, Grandpa?" Verity said, leaning forward eagerly. "Aurama and I are gonna go on so many adventures! Maybe even as many as Dad did! Do you think we can? Will you watch us?"

Eternus's golden eyes softened as he gazed at his granddaughter. "I will always watch over you, Verity. And you too, Aurama. Your adventures will shape the worlds around you, just as your father's have."

Verity beamed, her smile brighter than ever. "Yay! Thank you, Grandpa! You're the best!"

Aurama gave a small smile of her own. "Thanks... Grandpa," she said, testing the word for the first time.

Eternus reached down, his immense hand gently brushing the space above them like a father's protective gesture.

"You are both a part of something much greater than you can yet understand. But never forget, you are also loved beyond measure."

Whimsy, now back to his usual self, grinned mischievously. "Alright, heartwarming family reunion aside, does this mean we're free to head back to adventuring?"

Eternus gave a soft chuckle. "Go, little ones. The cosmos awaits your laughter and light."

With a wave of his colossal hand, a soft golden glow surrounded the group.

As they were gently transported away, Verity called out, "Bye, Grandpa! I'll tell you all about our next adventure!"

Aurama waved as well, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced before. "See you, Grandpa."

Zuri let out a soft, respectful growl, while Whimsy gave a dramatic bow. "Until next time, your cosmic majesty!"

And with that, the group disappeared into the ether once more, ready for whatever adventure awaited them next.

-

-

The golden expanse of Eternus's realm shimmered in an otherworldly stillness after Verity and her companions vanished into the ether. The warmth in Eternus's expression faded like the dying glow of a star, replaced by a gravity that could crush worlds.

The stars within his robes dimmed as he gazed into the infinite void and called out in a voice that reverberated across existence itself:

"Darius Caelum Veritas!"

"Harmony Celestia Concordia!"

"Vitae Lux Aeterna!"

"Come to me, my children."

The air seemed to tremble as three distinct presences appeared before him, each carrying an aura of immense power.

Darius, as always, carried himself with a casual confidence, his long white robes flowing around him. He met his father's gaze with a mixture of respect and nonchalance, though the weight of the summons was not lost on him.

Harmony, clad in a flowing gown that seemed to shift colors with every breath, immediately brightened upon seeing her brother. "Darius!" she exclaimed, rushing to embrace him. Her touch was warm, her expression soft and filled with the affection only a sister could muster.

Darius returned the hug with a chuckle. "Missed me that much, huh?"

Harmony pulled back, her smile dimming as her gaze shifted to their sister. Life stood a few paces away, her crimson eyes gleaming with an icy intensity. Her elegant form radiated power, but her expression betrayed an unease she rarely displayed.

Harmony's demeanor hardened as she locked eyes with Life. "So, you're still here," she said coldly, the warmth from moments earlier evaporating.

Life's lips curved into a faint smirk, though it lacked her usual confidence. "Charmed, as always, Harmony."

Before their exchange could escalate, Eternus cleared his throat—a low, thunderous sound that echoed through the vastness. All three siblings immediately turned their attention to him, their father's displeasure suffocating the air around them.

For a long, tense moment, Eternus said nothing. He merely stared at them, his golden eyes piercing through their very beings. The silence stretched into eternity, and even Darius, who prided himself on being unfazed by anything, felt a flicker of unease.

Harmony shifted nervously, glancing between her father and her siblings, while Life stood rigid, her expression carefully neutral.

Finally, Eternus broke the silence, his voice carrying the weight of galaxies. "Do you know why I have called you here?"

Darius shrugged lightly. "Figured you wanted a family reunion. Been a while, after all."

Harmony shot him a glare, though her nervousness remained evident. "I doubt this is about catching up, Darius."

Eternus's gaze settled on Life, his golden eyes narrowing. "No, it is not."

Life's composure faltered slightly, her jaw tightening. "Father, if this is about—"

Eternus raised a hand, silencing her instantly. His voice cut through the air like a blade. "You will not speak until I am finished."

He began pacing slowly, the cosmos shifting with every step. "When I created the three of you, it was with the understanding that you would work in harmony. Each of you represents a vital aspect of existence. Harmony to maintain balance. Judgment to guide the righteous path. Life to create and nurture."

His tone darkened, his eyes fixed on Life.

"And yet, you have consistently failed to uphold your purpose."

Life clenched her fists, but she remained silent.

"Do you think I am blind to your actions?" Eternus continued, his voice growing colder. "Do you think I do not see the strain you have placed upon your brother?" He gestured toward Darius. "I told you to make his life easier. To support him. And instead, you have done the opposite."

Life's lips parted to protest, but Eternus's glare silenced her once more.

"Let us recount, shall we?" Eternus said, his tone sharp. "You have manipulated the flow of life in the reality he resides in, sowing discord where there should have been peace. You have aligned yourself with those who seek destruction, indirectly causing the very war that now looms over that reality. You have undermined his efforts to maintain order, and in doing so, you have endangered countless mortal lives."

Harmony glanced at Life, her expression a mixture of anger and disappointment. "You've gone too far this time, sister."

Eternus continued, his voice a crescendo of authority. "You, Life, were meant to be a force of creation and prosperity. Instead, you have become a catalyst for chaos. Do you deny it?"

Life finally spoke, her voice steady but strained. "Father, I acted with reason. The balance required—"

"Do not speak to me of balance!" Eternus roared, his fury shaking the realm itself. "Do not presume to lecture me on what is required. Your actions were driven by arrogance, not necessity."

The silence that followed was deafening. Life's defiance wavered, replaced by a flicker of fear.

Eternus's gaze softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "You have left me no choice, daughter. Your actions cannot go unpunished."

Darius raised an eyebrow, glancing at Harmony. "Well, this just got interesting."

Harmony elbowed him sharply, her expression stern. "Not the time, Darius."

Eternus extended a hand, his palm glowing with a blinding light. "Life, as penance for your transgressions, you will be stripped of your influence over the reality your brother inhabits. You will no longer interfere in his affairs, nor will you have the ability to manipulate the forces within that realm."

Life's eyes widened, a mixture of shock and fury. "You can't—"

"I can," Eternus interrupted, his voice final. "And I have."

The glow from his hand enveloped Life, and she let out a sharp gasp as the connection to the distant reality was severed.

When the light faded, she staggered slightly, her once-imposing presence diminished.

Eternus turned to Darius and Harmony, his expression softening. "The two of you will continue as you have. Harmony, support your brother in the battles to come. Darius, fulfill your role as Judgment."

Darius nodded, his usual smirk returning. "Sure thing, Dad. As long as Life here doesn't cause me any more headaches."

Life shot him a glare but said nothing, her pride too wounded to respond.

Eternus's gaze lingered on his children, a trace of sadness in his golden eyes. "Go now. The cosmos awaits your actions."

With a wave of his hand, the three were dismissed, leaving Eternus alone in his realm once more, his thoughts heavy with the burden of his role as their creator.

=========================================================