Chapter 1

[Omniscience POV]

The obsidian skies of Apokolips quivered with ominous anticipation as Darkseid's conquering fleet pierced through the cosmic void. Two long years of relentless conquest across a distant solar system had culminated in this triumphant return. Desaad, the calculating advisor, Granny Goodness with her ruthless training regiments, the fierce Steppenwolf, and the brutish Kalibak stood at attention, flanked by legions of parademons that stretched across the ashen landscape.

As the colossal head ship descended, a reverberating hum echoed through the air, signaling the return of the Lord of Apokolips. The ground trembled beneath the weight of the approaching vessel, and the skies themselves seemed to darken in deference to the approaching ruler.

The air crackled with an unfamiliar energy and a hushed murmur spread among the elites. Their stoic expressions faltered for a moment as the ship's hatch opened, revealing Darkseid emerging from within, his aura resonating with the power of a thousand conquered worlds. Yet, he was not alone.

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In the imposing arms of the Lord of Tyranny, cradled as a symbol of both conquest and continuity, was an infant. The child's presence, a mystery to all but Darkseid and a select few, sparked both curiosity and unease among the gathered elites. Darkseid's eyes, normally a cold abyss, held a glint of paternal pride as he descended from the ship.

Desaad, always attuned to the subtleties of power dynamics, exchanged a knowing glance with Granny Goodness. Steppenwolf's brow furrowed in contemplation, while Kalibak's imposing stature seemed momentarily softened by the sight of the unexpected addition to their Lord's entourage.

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The parademons, with wings folded, stood at attention, their loyalty unwavering but their curiosity evident. As Darkseid approached the assembly, the air hung heavy with unspoken questions. The Lord of Apokolips, with the infant in his arms, surveyed his loyal subjects with an air of undisputed authority.

What role will this infant, born of conquest and cosmic power, play in the grand tapestry of Apokolips?

Desaad followed by Granny Goodness and Kalibak approached his Lord with causation as he always does.

"Welcome back my Lord, I see you have returned triumphant. Though there was no doubt you would" Completed Desaad drawing agreeing nods from Kalibak and Granny Goodness

"Hmmm, this latest conquest was a success, of that there is no doubt. But the Oans and their Corps is becoming an increasing irritant," replied Darsied

"There's not much we can currently do my Lord. The Oans are among the few forces out there who possess the strength to back up their words." Added Granny Goodness

"Hmph we could crush them" snarled Kalibak.

"Yes we could boy, But High Father would intervene before it reached that point," replied Darkseid while ascending the stairs to his palace by levitating. The others followed closely behind him.

"That hypocrite would not allow one of the few forces capable of slowing the expansion of my empire to perish. But not out of benevolence as he would make it seem. But because he needs all the meat shield he can acquire" said Darkseid with a chuckle.

As they approached the palace's doors, the para demons bowed and opened them. Darkseid still moved forward towards his throne.

Seeing his lord was relaxed Desaad finally decided to ask the question on everyone's mind. As Darkseid reached his throne and sat down Desaad cleared his throat.

"My Lord about the ch-" Before he could finish the child woke up and began looking around the room curiosity apparent in his blue-slitted pupils. The child had greyish-blue skin tuffs of wavy black hair pointed ears and a black sclera around his pupils.

The child looked towards Desaad and giggled, seeing this the Newgod of Torture let his guard down. The child's blue pupils turned red and glowed with power before a familiar beam zig-zag on its path to Desaad who couldn't dodge in time. Right before the beams hit his face a firm hand grabbed him and pulled him out of the way. It was Kalibak who's eyes were trained on the beam that redirected its course and headed back for Desaad. Kalibak used his baton to bat the beam aside, to his surprise it took more effort than he expected.

The beams hit the nearby wall of the palace and left two searing holes. The infant just kept giggling. Desaad breathed a sigh of relief and his gaze toward the infant had far greater caution. However, the infant didn't stop there as the space around the infant was pulled inward and he vanished and reappeared on Kalibak's head and began playing with his hair and managed to jerk his head upwards showing the strength the child already posted at an infant. This shows the potential the child's future may hold. Granny Goodness however was lost not by the child's abilities as impressive as they were but by the smile on her Lord's face, not the usual cruel and menacing one no, but a proud smile directed at the infant.

"He's strong and feisty. I like him." said Kalibak with a grin showing all his teeth."He's my brother yes? I already like him much better than that traitor Orion or that sissy Scott" chuckled Kalibak.

Darkseid whose smile had faded outstretched his right hand and the child who saw this jumped off Kalibak's head and floated over to the arm. Darkseid gently caught the cradled him in his arm. The child let out a cute yawn before going back to sleep.

"What's his name Father" inquired Kalibak to which Desaad breathed a hidden sigh of relief. Since he no longer had to inquire about the child's parentage he couldn't rely on Granny Goodness to ask such questions as she was always careful not to step on Darkseid's toes.

Darksied looked up from the child towards his oldest son who reminded him of another time when he was happy. When his first wife Suli the mother of Kalibak was still with them. There was something about her that calmed him, but that all ended when his mother threatened Desaad and had him poison his beloved, all so he would marry someone she approved of, instead of someone he loved. With his second wife Tigra he does his son Orion who he trades to High Father for his son Scott. There was no love between him and Tigra and once he found out the reason for Suli's death he had Desaad redeem himself by killing his mother.

"His name is Mastema. He is the New God of space and yes he's your youngest brother "

said Darkseid.

"Who is the mother nephew ?" inquired Steppenwolf.

"Hmmm, her race is a species of nomads that traverse dimensions. A nearby planet to the one I was conquering was merely a pit stop to them. She is gone with the rest of the tribe. What we had was not love but merely passion she only stayed as long as she so because she became with child and babysitting is not something the rest of her tribe would entertain on their travels." he explained.

"She said it would take him five years to awaken his abilities, but you can see no true son of Darkseid is normal and is thus above the average squalor," he said with a grin.

He looks at his uncle Steppenwolf" His training will begin as soon as he can walk"

To which Steppenwolf nodded. Kalibak was excited to have a strong sibling to spar with. Desaad was happy to see his lord truly smiling again even if it was brief. Granny Goodness would look forward to the child's prospects.

A young adult could be seen on one knee before the throne Darkseid. He had black flowing hair, a slender yet muscular physique, blueish-gray skin, and slitted blue pupils that had a frosty glow to them. He was currently 6'9, He was wearing a black suit as opposed to armor like most new gods but his future enemies would be foolish to underestimate the defensive capabilities of his suit and he had a reflective retractable mask that was currently adjusted to cover his mouth and nose. This was Mastema youngest son of Darkseid and the New God of space.

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"You summoned me, Father," he said his voice was firm yet had a silky tone to it.

"Yes my son prepare yourself, we are setting out for a planet that may possess clues to anti-life. I want you with me as well as Kalibak," replied Darksied

"Yes Father," said Mastema before warping to his quarters. His eyes glowed with excitement.

"Finally something fun," he said with a grin