Judgment of the Endless (MarvelxDC)

The cool, crisp night air enveloped The Agency as Darius and Diana returned from their evening at Themyscira.

The grand halls of the sprawling compound were eerily quiet, save for the faint hum of its inner workings and the occasional rustling of leaves in the gardens.

It was close to midnight, and the atmosphere carried a serenity that was rare, especially with the tensions of the impending war hanging over everyone.

Darius walked alongside Diana, his hand resting gently on the small of her back, guiding her toward her quarters. She leaned against him, her steps slow but steady, clearly content after the evening spent with her mother and their people.

The glow of the feast was still visible in her warm expression, but fatigue was beginning to creep in.

As they approached her room, Diana turned to Darius, her piercing blue eyes soft in the dim light. "Thank you for tonight," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It meant so much to me."

He smiled, cupping her face in his hands. "I only did what any man in my position would. Seeing you happy makes it worth everything."

Diana tilted her head, her lips curving into a playful smirk. "You're not just any man, though."

"No," Darius admitted, his voice deepening with affection. "I'm your man."

With that, he leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. Diana melted into it, her hands resting lightly on his chest as if anchoring herself to the moment. When they pulled apart, she yawned softly, and Darius chuckled.

"Go to bed, my warrior princess," he teased, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "You've had a long day."

She nodded, stepping back into her room but not before one last glance over her shoulder. "Don't stay up too late, my love."

"I won't," he assured her, watching as the door closed softly behind her.

After ensuring Diana was settled, Darius made his way through the winding corridors to check on Verity and Aurama. The children, along with Harmony, Zuri, and Whimsy, had decided to camp out in the garden that sprawled on the opposite side of The Agency.

As he stepped into the moonlit expanse, he couldn't help but smile at the sight before him.

Harmony lay sprawled on her back, her arms stretched out lazily as if she didn't have a care in the world. Zuri, the massive panther, was curled protectively around her, her sleek black fur shimmering under the moonlight.

Whimsy, the mischievous Cheshire Cat, was perched atop Zuri's broad back, his tail twitching rhythmically as he dozed.

Verity and Aurama, meanwhile, were nestled between Harmony and Zuri, the two children huddled close together under a blanket that was far too big for them.

Verity's soft, rhythmic breathing matched the gentle rise and fall of Aurama's chest, their innocent faces bathed in the pale glow of the moon.

Darius stood there for a moment, taking it all in. It was a rare moment of peace, a glimpse of the normalcy he so often craved for his family.

He bent down and brushed a strand of hair from Verity's face before placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

She stirred slightly but didn't wake, her small hand curling instinctively around Aurama's.

"You're safe," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "All of you."

Content that his family was secure, Darius decided to take a walk to clear his mind. As he strolled through the dimly lit halls, his thoughts turned to Ororo. He hadn't seen her since they'd returned, and he instinctively knew where she might be.

She often sought solace in the garden on the far side of The Agency, where the stars seemed closer, and the air carried a certain stillness.

Sure enough, as he approached the other garden, he saw her. Ororo stood at the center of the open space, her flowing white hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of moonlight.

She wore a simple yet elegant gown that shimmered faintly in the starlight, and her gaze was fixed upward, her expression serene.

The garden itself was a masterpiece, with blooming flowers that seemed to glow faintly in the dark and a small fountain that trickled softly in the background. The stars above were bright and clear, the kind of night sky that made you feel both insignificant and connected to something far greater.

Darius approached quietly, not wanting to disturb her peace. When he was close enough, he slipped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her gently against his chest. Ororo didn't startle; instead, she leaned into his embrace, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"I was wondering when you'd find me," she said softly, her voice as soothing as the night breeze.

"I always find you," he replied, resting his chin on her shoulder. "You're impossible to miss."

She chuckled, the sound low and melodic. "You flatter me."

Darius tightened his hold slightly, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear. "I speak only the truth, my goddess of storms."

Ororo turned her head slightly, her luminous blue eyes meeting his. "And what brings you out here at this hour? Shouldn't you be resting?"

He smirked. "I could ask you the same thing."

She sighed, her gaze returning to the stars. "The weight of what's coming… it's hard to ignore."

"I know," he said, his voice a mixture of understanding and reassurance. "But that's why I'm here—to share that weight with you."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, letting the silence stretch between them. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence but one filled with unspoken words and mutual understanding.

After a while, Darius broke the silence, his voice gentle. "How about we take a walk? Just the two of us."

Ororo tilted her head, a soft smile gracing her lips. "A midnight stroll? Are you trying to distract me?"

"Maybe," he admitted, his grin playful. "But only because you deserve it."

She turned in his arms, her hands resting lightly on his chest. "Alright, lead the way, darling."

-

-

The cool breeze of the Wakandan night swept through the dense forest, carrying with it the earthy aroma of moss, damp wood, and blooming flowers. Darius and Ororo stood together on the edge of the teleportation field he had conjured, the shimmering energy dissipating around them.

Before them stretched a lush, vibrant forest bathed in silvery moonlight, its ancient trees towering like guardians of the land.

Not far ahead, a shrine rose from the earth—a well-maintained structure adorned with carvings and symbols honoring Bast, the panther goddess of Wakanda. (A/N: Not sure if this Bast is the same as Bastet, the Egyptian goddess)

Ororo's eyes lit up as she took in the sight. "It's been so long since I've been here," she murmured, her fingers tightening around Darius's hand. "I almost forgot how beautiful this place is."

Darius smiled, his golden eyes soft as he looked down at her. "I thought you might like to see it again. After all, it's where we first met."

Her lips curled into a fond smile as memories began to flood her mind. "How could I forget? You appeared like some otherworldly being… and, well, I suppose you were."

Darius chuckled, his deep, warm laugh resonating through the quiet forest. "I was more curious than anything. I had never seen someone as radiant as you, standing in this shrine with such poise and power."

Ororo gave him a teasing glance. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Darling."

He smirked, leaning closer. "Is that so?"

Hand in hand, they began their walk toward the shrine, the path illuminated by the soft glow of bioluminescent plants that dotted the forest floor.

The night was alive with the sounds of chirping insects and distant animal calls, yet it was tranquil, as if the forest itself recognized the significance of their presence.

Ororo ran her free hand along the bark of a nearby tree as they walked. "This forest… it holds so many memories. When I was a child, I would sneak away from the village and spend hours here, pretending I was a queen commanding the elements."

Darius glanced at her, his expression filled with admiration. "You were preparing for the life you were destined to lead, even then."

She tilted her head back, letting the cool air kiss her face. "Perhaps. Or maybe I was just a restless child with too much imagination." She looked up at him with a soft smile. "Either way, I wouldn't change a thing."

As they reached the shrine, Ororo stopped, her gaze traveling over the intricate carvings that adorned its stone walls. The shrine was small but powerful, exuding a sense of reverence and history.

A statue of Bast, depicted as a regal panther with piercing eyes, stood at the center, watching over the space.

Ororo released Darius's hand and stepped forward, her movements slow and deliberate. She knelt before the statue, her white hair cascading around her like a silken curtain, and closed her eyes. Her voice, soft yet commanding, filled the shrine as she spoke.

"Great Bast, goddess of protection and guidance, I offer my gratitude for the blessings you have bestowed upon me. I stand here as your servant, humbled and honored to walk the path you have set before me. May your wisdom guide my steps and your strength fortify my spirit in the days to come."

Darius watched her in silence, his heart swelling with pride and affection. There was something profoundly moving about seeing her in this moment of vulnerability and devotion.

Even with all her power, Ororo's connection to her faith and heritage remained unshaken—a trait he deeply admired.

When she finished her prayer, Ororo rose and turned to him, her expression serene. "Thank you for bringing me here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He stepped closer, his hands finding hers. "It's your sanctuary," he said simply. "You deserve to feel at peace."

After a few moments of quiet reflection, the two of them settled on the wide stone steps of the shrine. Ororo leaned against Darius, her head resting on his shoulder as they gazed up at the star-filled sky.

Darius raised a hand, his golden eyes glinting with mischief. "I think it's time to add a little magic to the evening."

Ororo lifted her head, her brow arching in curiosity. "What are you up to now?"

Without answering, Darius extended his hand toward the heavens, and the cosmos seemed to respond to his command. Stars shifted and danced across the sky, forming intricate patterns and constellations that had never existed before.

Comets streaked across the horizon, their tails leaving trails of shimmering light that lingered like brushstrokes on a canvas. The moon itself seemed to glow brighter, its light casting an ethereal sheen over the forest.

Ororo gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. "Darius… this is incredible."

He grinned, his gaze never leaving the sky. "I thought you might enjoy it. But wait, there's more."

As if on cue, he added another layer to the display. Galaxies swirled into view, their vibrant colors spilling across the darkness like spilled paint. Planets aligned in perfect symmetry, their orbits glowing with a radiant light.

Not to be outdone, Ororo raised her own hands, her powers coming to life. She summoned a gentle breeze that carried with it tiny droplets of moisture, creating a mist that refracted the celestial light into countless rainbows.

Lightning flickered in the distance, not menacing but beautiful, like nature's fireworks.

Together, their powers created a spectacle unlike anything the world had ever seen. The light show wasn't confined to Wakanda—it stretched across the globe, visible to anyone who cared to look up.

People in cities and villages alike paused in awe, their troubles momentarily forgotten as they marveled at the wonder above.

As the display continued, Ororo leaned back against Darius, her eyes never leaving the sky. "You never cease to amaze me," she said softly.

"I could say the same about you," he replied, his voice equally quiet.

She smiled, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on his arm. "I used to come to this shrine whenever I needed guidance or comfort. Bast always felt close here. And now… I feel the same way about you."

Darius placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head. "I'm honored to share this place with you."

Ororo's gaze drifted to a cluster of stars that had formed into a shape resembling a panther. "When I was little, I used to lie on the steps of this shrine and imagine Bast herself watching over me. I'd tell her all my dreams and fears, hoping she'd answer."

"And did she?" Darius asked.

Ororo's lips curved into a wistful smile. "Not directly. But I always felt her presence, guiding me in her own way."

They fell into a comfortable silence, their hands intertwined as they continued to watch the sky. Occasionally, Ororo would point out a constellation or share a memory from her childhood, and Darius would listen intently, soaking in every detail.

As the light show began to fade, the stars returning to their natural positions, Darius and Ororo remained seated on the steps, the quiet of the night wrapping around them like a warm blanket.

"Thank you for this," Ororo said after a while, her voice barely above a whisper. "For everything."

Darius turned to her, his golden eyes soft. "You don't need to thank me. You deserve all the beauty in the world, Ororo."

She smiled, leaning in to press a tender kiss to his lips. "And you deserve all the love, my arbiter."

[A little later]

Under the pale glow of the stars still glittering from Darius' earlier cosmic display, he and Ororo stood at the shrine's entrance, ready to leave. The calm air shifted subtly, filled with an undeniable divine presence.

From the shadows of the forest stepped Bast, her form glowing with a gentle, radiant light.

Her feline features were regal yet motherly, and her golden eyes seemed to shimmer with endless wisdom.(A/N: Imagine a Milf cat-girl)

Darius regarded her with a slight smirk, recognizing her grace immediately. She bowed her head respectfully. "Primordial One," she addressed him, her voice soothing yet commanding, "it is an honor to stand in your presence."

Darius gave her a nod, acknowledging her respect, but said nothing, his eyes glimmering with curiosity. Bast turned to Ororo, and her proud, divine demeanor softened. "My daughter," she said warmly, stepping forward. Ororo's eyes widened, awe and love filling her expression as Bast enveloped her in a motherly embrace.

"You have grown into a queen in every sense of the word," Bast said, her voice layered with affection. "I am proud of you, Ororo Munroe—your strength, your kindness, your love. You are everything I hoped you would become."

Ororo clung to Bast for a moment, feeling her warmth and divine energy surround her. "Thank you, my goddess," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Bast stepped back and raised a clawed hand, her golden aura intensifying. "You have served the world with grace, and for that, I grant you a gift." She pressed a single finger gently to Ororo's forehead, and a spark of golden light entered her.

Ororo gasped as power surged through her, blending with her own abilities, amplifying them far beyond their previous limits. Her very presence seemed to glow with divine beauty, her features subtly enhanced, her hair shimmering with even more brilliance under the moonlight.

"This spark of divinity is but a token of my pride," Bast explained. "Use it well, my daughter. You are destined for greatness."

Ororo's heart swelled, and she bowed deeply. "Thank you, Bast. I will honor this gift."

Bast gave one last warm smile before turning to Darius. "Protect her," she said softly, her tone carrying an unspoken weight. Without waiting for a response, she stepped back into the shadows, her form fading gracefully until the forest felt ordinary once more.

Darius and Ororo exchanged a look, the moment heavy with significance, before Darius wrapped his arm around her waist. "You're glowing more than usual," he teased, his tone light.

"And you're as smug as ever," Ororo replied with a playful smirk, leaning into him.

With a snap of his fingers, they teleported back to the Agency. The quiet hum of the complex was comforting as the couple walked into their shared quarters. Inside, Diana was already in bed, her expression peaceful.

Ororo slipped in beside her, while Darius stretched lazily before lying between the two women.

For the first time in what felt like ages (A year), Darius allowed himself to relax fully. The gentle presence of Ororo and Diana on either side of him, combined with the day's calm ending, brought him an unexpected peace. His eyes closed, and for once, he succumbed to sleep.

Outside, the stars continued to shimmer faintly with the remnants of Darius' earlier light show.

---

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Somewhere deep in the cosmos, the countdown to the tournament quietly ticked down: 7 years,

9 months,

11 days,

6 hours.

[A/N: In case some of you had forgotten about the tournament thingy. This is going to be a long novel.]

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