Chapter 91: TO VALHALLA

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"Talking"

'Thinking'

<Robotic Voice Mental>

"Ghost Rider"

"ARES"

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Stonehenge, England, June 26, 18:00, 2017

Stonehenge, the name given to the monument located near Amesbury, in the county of Wiltshire, England. This monument, which, according to historians, dates back to the early Bronze Age, was one of the most questioned mysteries of modern times.

The monument could be described as 'peculiar'. A pile of smooth stones buried and placed in a circle resembling a kind of ceremonial offering. The stones, intact even with the passage of time, could be seen to have been cut to be symmetrical, something that must have been impossible for the time they dated.

In addition to the position, which resembled a clock with its hands, and the symmetrical shapes of the stones, this place was well known to be a place of electromagnetic interference. The stones, which were not just ordinary stones, had insulating properties that caused an anti-electromagnetic field that caused communications, power grid and so on, to fail.

At night, this site was also famous for being a natural observatory, where many astronomers and fanatical sky watchers came to look at the starry night sky.

This place, which was geographically located in a strategic point of the world, had the privilege of hosting many of the great famous constellations, as well as nocturnal phenomena such as meteor showers. And even, in winter, light polar auroras could also be appreciated.

All this and more, made it one of the most visited sites by researchers and tourists from around the world, either to seek the answers to its great mysteries or simply take a picture for the memory.

However, today was a special day, since, just this day, the authorities of England had closed this place to tourists for 'maintenance' issues. It was announced that the grass, a beautiful green natural lawn, was drying out and therefore had to be repaired.

This meant that the place, which was filled with tourists, was lonely. There was not a soul for more than 2 kilometers around. Silence reigned in this place. Not even the crickets, insects that abounded at this time of the year in this place, could be heard.

The silence was interrupted when a simple, but audible, "SHUUU" was heard. At that moment, dozens of orange portals opened, from which dozens of people passed through these portals and arrived at this place.

It was Edgar, who with his hellfire power, had opened these portals for the Justice League, along with Madame Xanadu, Hippolyta, Artemis and Thor, to pass through. Not only them, as the families of the members had also come to bid them farewell.

As was said, this mission was suicidal, and it was likely that something would go wrong or that they would not be able to accomplish the mission.

Edgar was the last to enter wearing his usual Ghost Rider form. When he did so, and checked that there was no one else to cross over, he closed the portals with a simple wave of his hands, and then left his transformation.

This demonstrated the gradual evolution in Edgar's control of his powers, from having difficulty opening one portal to being able to open dozens without difficulty. Something he practiced and perfected and which would be a major asset in this fight.

The answer to the hundreds of phenomena happening here was simple. This place was not a monument or a ceremonial offering, but a gate. Specifically, a gate built by Odin in order to open from Earth to Valhalla. The shape of the stones, their position and the geographical position, were something that was made so since this place was right in the center of the dimensions.

In short, this 'monument' would be where the heroes would leave for their mission. Finally, the fighters of the long-awaited fight had arrived. Recalling, the 21 who were to go on the mission were:

Justice League: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Plastic Man, Zatara, Vixen, Doctor Light (Kimiyo Hoshi), Metamorpho, Firestorm, Icon, Ghost Rider and Stargirl.

Amazons: Queen Hippolyta, Artemis and Madame Xanadu (Nimue).

God: Thor

All of them were ready in place, surprisingly, without wearing their hero costumes. None of them were wearing their characteristic costumes. On the contrary, they were all wearing some kind of thermal cloth suit, like a kind of beige coverall. Even Edgar, who had been wearing his jacket and so on, was wearing the same cloth suit below. Obviously, this had an explanation that would be revealed later.

Everyone was saying goodbye to their families and loved ones. Their closest friends, either from the League, or from their 'normal' everyday lives.

Now, the hushed and silent place, was packed with people. However, the atmosphere was not happy, but melancholic. A sad atmosphere was felt in this place very much in keeping with the sky that looked dull and cloudy, indicative that the sun was leaving and that night was soon to come.

Some were crying, while hugging each other. Others were laughing and talking happily as a means to forget the departure that was to follow. Some, were simply hugging each other affectionately, without saying anything. There was no need. Sometimes actions spoke louder than words.

Superman, for example, was embracing his family.

His mother Martha was crying uncontrollably knowing that her son, her beloved son and her greatest pride, would be put in harm's way on this mission. But she couldn't stop him from leaving. He couldn't stop himself from helping people. She could only pray that he would return, safe and sound.

Same with Lois, who was holding on with all her might not to cry, though to no avail.

"Oh, my son. Please take care of yourself. I ask too much, but don't expose yourself to unnecessary danger. And please come back. As much as you want to, come back" said Martha Kent, as she released her son. She then gave him God's blessing and lovingly gave him a kiss on the forehead. Clark had to bend down, though, as his mother was a short woman.

"I will, mother. I'll be back. That's for sure" Clark said, as he gave his mother one last kiss on the cheek. Then he turned to look at his beloved, and smiled. Lois smiled back, though it brought a little tear to her eye. However, she quickly adjusted her emotions and put on her reporter persona. Seriously, she said to her husband.

"Look, Smallville. Remember we have a promise, and I expect you to keep it, or else I'll beat the crap out of you" Lois said the latter, while menacingly showing her fist to the man of steel, who laughed at this last action.

"I know, I remember it well" Clark reached over and gave her a tender, but loving kiss. "I promised always to come back to you. And I'll keep it...for the rest of eternity and more"

"You better, Smallville..." Lois, surprisingly, leaned close to Clark's ear. Whispering, she told him, "For 'us' sake, you have to do it"

"Us..?" Clark's eyes widened as the realization hit him. "You're pregnant..."

"I found out this week. But, hush, I don't want to say anything. I'm a few weeks along. I don't want to... I don't want to risk it at this critical stage"

"What happiness" Clark hugged Lois tightly, who let out a cry of surprise when he did so, though it then changed to a happy laugh and a little embarrassment, Clark oblivious to this, continued his happiness, "I'm going to become a father. I'm... I'm so happy. I... wait, it's so cold, you need to bundle up. Here, take my coat and-"

"Hahaha, stop it, Clark. I've got a coat warm enough to melt the arctic. You need to take it easy. But you've got to come back. Your son and I need you well and healthy. Promise"

"I promise...I will come back to you. Whatever it takes, I will"

Another situation, albeit a contrary one, was brewing between the Bat, Selina, Alfred and Dick Grayson. Well, what can you expect from someone who doesn't like to express his feelings like Bruce. They were gathered together, quite far away from each other, trying to say goodbye. Emphasis on the 'trying'.

"Alfred, I left my will in the safe. You know the security code. In it I specify the subsequent business plan for Wayne Enterprise. I leave you in care of the company and the assets my parents left me. Dick, Selina, take this letter. They are my last will and testament in case anything happens to me. My will is also arranged. My lawyers will be present if anything happens to me" Bruce said stoically. His serious look and tone of voice indicated that this was as 'expressive' as he could be in this situation.

Dick and Selina looked at each other, and as if a telepathic agreement was brewing between them, they both nodded to each other and quickly, and without Bruce being able to avoid it (or not wanting to), they hugged him tightly.

"You idiot, at the very least you can say you love us and that you'll miss us. I'm even embarrassed when the others keep crying" Selina said, as she hugged Bruce's left side.

"Yes, Bruce. You suck at this. Good thing I flunked the test on having feelings like Batman or I'd be just as boring as you" joked Dick, as he hugged from the right side. "Come on, Alfred. Join in"

"I'm fine, Master Dick. I already gave him his hug before I came. But don't let the young master fool you. He will miss us, won't you, Master Wayne?"

Bruce, finally dropped his serious facade and smiled. Then, tightly, he hugged them back. "Yes, I will. I will miss you all very much. And come, Alfred. Join us"

"If this is your request, I will, Master Wayne" with that said, they all embraced lovingly. There was no need for more. However, Bruce at all times kept seeing a distant point. In the distance a person was watching this interaction with a smile. It was the Joker, who surprisingly was watching everything with his usual maniacal grin.

"Good luck, Batman..." said the Joker, as he disappeared with the wind as if he had never been there. Batman didn't fail to see the site even when the Joker was no longer there. His mind trying to guess if it was an illusion, mirage or... something else.

Finally, the last goodbye we were interested to see was Edgar, Diana and Raven, who were hugging each other. Surprisingly, Raven was shedding a couple of tears, though she quickly wiped them away with her sleeve and returned to her emotionless character.

"Rae, if something happens to us..."

"No, I don't want to hear it. Nothing's going to happen to you. You're going to come back. Promise"

Diana reached over and hugged Rachel, this time it was a hug to comfort her. "We will. We'll come back. But if anything happens to us, Dinah, and Oliver are in charge of your safety. They will take care of you. I expect you to follow what they ask of you. More to Dinah...Oliver is a bit...childish"

"Mmm, all right. But come back, please"

"We will, don't worry"

"But I want to ask a favor for when you come back" Raven said, as she looked at them. They both nodded indicating for her to tell them what she wanted. "I know Edgar is my legal guardian, but to the state I'm still private. When you come back, I'd like...I'd like to be adopted. I want to become, legally, Rachel Bones, or well if it's too much to ask, I-"

Edgar, at that, hugged her. "It would be an honor for you to be my daughter...our daughter, Rachel. And we hadn't told you because we thought you weren't ready. You've been adjusting to all this for a year. It's not easy. We didn't want to rush things"

"Mmm, and thank you for that. But...I'm ready. That's what I want. I want to be your daughter"

"So, now we have one more reason to come back. We'll come back to you.... daughter"

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"Five minutes, guys. Get ready" said Thor, as he positioned himself right in the center of the monument. Summoning his power, he generated such a powerful lightning with his hammer that it made the sky darken with gray clouds. Then, he turned and approached the rocks, then began to carve with a chalk several symbols on each rock.

The sad moment was over when the time struck 7 o'clock. It was only 5 minutes before the portal opened and they had to get ready. They all gave each other one last hug with their loved ones and left for the ruins. Thor had instructed them that they had to stay inside the stones without getting out. So they grouped into pairs and took up their respective positions.

When they were all positioned in the ruins, they finally activated their suit. Thousands of nanobots began to emerge from the cloth coverall, which began to transfigure the cloth and turn it into armor.

When the transformation was complete, what remained was a more advanced, robotic version of their suit. A suit made of carbon fiber, nanotechnology, Dilustel and Promethium Light. All were connected to an AI (OMAC) who would connect them at all times to work better as a team. In addition to that, the weapons were also upgraded.

For example, Edgar was no longer wearing his biker suit. He was wearing some kind of light armor in the shape of a skull. His shoulder pads were made of metal with spikes where his heat could be absorbed. Also his chain looked completely renewed in a shiny platinum color. His pistol was in a holster at his waist and his knives were placed in a special device on his forearms.

(Image)

The others were the same. The costume design was similar to their original version, with the difference that the metal could look platinum or shiny. Those who wore a simple cloth like Superman, now wore an armor-like suit, which made them look imposing and heroic.

(AN: I don't want to stop to describe each one, so look up the Injustice version of each character, and you'll know their costume design. In Zatara's case, a magician-like suit, but reinforced)

The only different cases were those of Diana and Madame Xanadu.

In the case of Diana, who also wore overalls like the others, she wore a necklace around her neck with the figure of a golden eagle. When everyone changed, she activated the device and, in a golden light that bathed her, she was completely transformed and dressed in the golden armor she had earned.

This necklace was special and could only be worn by her. The armor was also bound to her. Now, she was the one who was the most protected because this armor, although it did not have the Dilustel or other metals like the others, had a divine composition, made by Hephaestus himself.

The opposite was the case with Madame Xanadu, who wore a medieval armor typical of King Arthur's time. She carried the Excalibur at her waist and Merlin's staff in her hand.

When it was said that she was going on the mission, although there were complaints mostly from Vixen's side, they couldn't stop her from going. She was not wanted, but it was the queen's decision. They could not intervene in the affairs of the Amazons.

Unfortunately, due to lack of time, she was only able to reinforce herself with very little Dilustel and could not put on her Promethium armor. Her armor was pure iron with only the chest and vulnerable areas reinforced with Dilustel. So, of all, she was the most 'defenseless'.

However, she didn't care. As long as it was the mission she was fine. Making amends for her mistake was all that mattered. 

Now they were ready. Thor, who was wearing his Viking armor and helmet, was still carving the symbols. They were the coordinates of Valhalla, something only the gods could know. Surprisingly, every symbol he drew with the chalk was erased instantly. This was for safety's sake, so that no outsider would know the location.

When he finished, he threw down the chalk and placed himself right in the center of the group. Like clockwork, in pairs, each of the members were positioned where Thor was alone in the center of the group.

"Well, I'll start-" Thor was about to say, but just at that, a golden light interrupted everything. The light was so bright, it blinded those standing around a bit. From there, the helmet of destiny materialized and landed right in the hands of, surprisingly, Nimue.

This helmet was protected by Edgar in the Tower of Destiny. But he knew he had a consciousness of his own, so this phenomenon that occurred was not really a surprise. Surprise was, that it came to Madame Xanadu.

<PUT ON THE HELMET> an ethereal voice sounded right in Nimue's head who, without objection or hesitation, complied with said order.

When she put on her helmet, a golden light covered her, transforming her armor into a platinum armor. What remained was a female version of Doctor Fate, carrying a staff, with a sword at her waist, and medieval armor.

In an ethereal voice, that had both feminine and masculine overtones, she addressed everyone.

"I'm sorry for the interruption. But I have chosen my champion to bear me until my successor steps forward. A new lord of the Order has been established. Nimue of Camelot, is the one chosen to bear my helmet"

Apparently, Nabu, the Lord of Order, had chosen who would be the helmet bearer. And the chosen one was an acquaintance of his time. The queen of Camelot, Nimue.

Why this had happened. Why she had been the one when Zatara or others had tried and failed. Why now and not before. And other questions that were sure to be had, was a mystery that only Nabu, could answer.

Zatara, knowing what all this meant, didn't hesitate to ask Nabu.

"Nabu, are you sure she is the one?, she is an accomplice of the gods - I know she is talented and her power is strong, but is she fit to carry on your legacy?"

"I am. The fate of the world needs my guidance again. My power is needed to establish Order in this season filled with Chaos. She will be my successor. If you don't trust her, trust ME"

"Guys, I'm not understanding anything, but we have to go. Is she going or not?" interrupted Thor. It was time, and if he didn't open the portal now, then all the preparation would be a failure.

"She will go. Thor, open the portal, now" Batman ended the conversation. This was not the time for small talk. This moment, was only for fighting. And a strong ally had joined them. Doctor Fate, no doubt, would be a tough opponent against the gods.

Thor nodded. He indicated that they should not move from their places and activated his power again.

From the sky, not two, not 10, but hundreds of lightning bolts fell, right into his hammer. Little by little, the sky began to thunder as if thousands of explosions were exploding in the sky, while the god charged his hammer with this electricity. When it was fully charged his hammer, he unleashed all his power at one of the rocks. Then another, and then another.

"PANG"

"PING"

"PUNG"

"PONG"

"PANG"

"PING"

"PONG, PANG, PANG, PING, PONG, PANG"

Bell-like sounds began to ring as the hammer's lightning began to travel through each rock. Each rock rang like an electric bell each time this electricity passed through. At first, the electricity traveled slowly, but then as it began to travel rapidly until then an electric circle began to form.

The speed was such that only Superman and Flash could clearly see how each electric beam forked and traveled to each rock as a portion was absorbed by the rock, illuminating the signs that Thor had previously drawn.

"TO VALHALA"

The circle began to grow and grow and from there, a rainbow light burst forth. When that happened, they were all engulfed by that light and vanished, leaving the place full of smoke as if the most powerful fire had risen from those ruins. The stones still retained their glow in the symbols, a sign that they had departed for Valhalla.

All this was beautiful to see for the family members, who watched as they departed for the mission. First the lightning, then the rainbow portal. As they watched all of this, a single thought was going through their heads

'Good luck, heroes. And back home'

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Valhalla

A rainbow portal materialized right at the entrance to Valhalla. From there, everyone arrived with a start. The journey seemed endless, but it had only lasted a few seconds. Even so, some who were not used to traveling by teleportation, felt sick to their stomachs and a little nauseous. Thor had told them a little about the effects of this travel between dimensions.

When they calmed down, there they saw the city of the gods. A beautiful city, completely golden, glowing and shining even without the sun. The streets were beautiful rainbow-colored. And the houses, though simple, looked utterly luxurious and beautiful. Simply a mythical city. 

Nevertheless, the city felt lonely. And the atmosphere, it felt strange. Something was wrong. The first to notice it was Edgar. Quickly, his senses could feel how a strange energy was present in the atmosphere.

"Something is wrong..."

<PIP, PIP, FOREIGN ENERGY DETECTED IN ATMOSPHERE> OMAC warned Batman, who quickly began adjusting his parameters to analyze the energy. It could still be considered in the divine range, but it was different. Mixed with something.

At that, the sky went completely dark as the light of the city, that light that made it look imposing and beautiful, faded. Even the golden castle began to darken and dull into a gray hue.

"What's going on, Thor?" asked Superman.

"I don't know. This... this has never happened before"

At that, like a great echo, a terrifying, dark voice was heard. There were overtones of evil and venom in that voice, as well as a tenebrous edge.

"GUESTS. BE WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF THE GODS" However, the voice was quickly identified by Diana. It was Ares.

"That voice is Ares. I can identify his signature in that tone"

"I concur, his tone is the same as what I have in my records. But his tone is mixed with something. I don't know what it is" Batman added. Ares, oblivious to those speaking, continued his speech.

"I WAS PLANNING HOW TO ATTACK THE EARTH AND DESTROY YOU ONE BY ONE. BUT, I'M GLAD I DIDN'T HAVE TO GO LOOKING FOR YOU. YOU CAME WILLINGLY TO ME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION, THOR"

"What have you done, Ares? - What did you do with the city that my father, and your father, built together?"

"I GAVE IT A MAKEOVER, WORTHY OF A KING. THE KING OF THE GODS. ME. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. IN FACT, I'M GLAD YOU CAME. YOU WILL WITNESS THE RISE OF MY REIGN. WITH YOUR DEATHS, I WILL BEGIN MY CONQUEST. FIRST, YOU. THEN, THE EARTH"

At that, twelve figures came out of the castle. It was the group of gods, but something was different. They had a dark energy surrounding them and their eyes and pupils were completely black. Obviously, there was a dark power controlling them. As they walked out, they chanted.

"LONG LIVE ARES. KING OF THE GODS!"

"LONG LIVE ARES. KING OF THE GODS!"

"LONG LIVE ARES. KING OF THE GODS!"

"MY MINIONS, KILL THE INSTRUDERS AND BRING ME THEIR HEADS. LEAVE MY SISTER ALIVE, SHE IS STILL PRECIOUS TO ME"

With that command, the gods moved at thunderous speed against the heroes. All the heroes could think of for all this was.

'Shit'