Ed POV
"You do know this is illegal, and I am going to take you to jail, right?" I said flatly.
"I know. And I don't care. fuck you," the man said without hesitation.
"Why are you even doing this?"
"Because it's fun."
"Okay, but it's still illegal. You're going to jail. Like… if you really enjoy climbing, maybe just go to a rock climbing gym or something?"
"I tried, but they won't let me use my suction cups!"
"Why do you even need them? You could climb just fine without them."
"Because I'm Suction Cup Man!"
I stared at him for a solid beat.
If you're wondering what's going on—yeah, I'm in Chicago, dealing with this lunatic climbing a skyscraper using suction cups. Not hurting anyone, just being a massive nuisance. Honestly, I'm just going to wait until he gets to the top, fly him over to a police station, and let them sort him out.
Then I sensed someone approaching—fast. I already knew who it was before he even got close. I felt his energy before.
Superman.
That was unexpected. Wonder what he wants.
A few seconds later, he floated beside me. And yeah, he felt stronger than the last time we met. Not by much, but still. Kryptonian biology is bullsh— never mind.
"Hi, Superman. What brings you here?" I asked.
"Nothing major," he said. "I just wanted to see what was going on. I heard you were flying near a building while some guy was climbing it."
"Hey! I'm not just some guy! I'm SUCTION CUP MAN! Look at me go!" he shouted from above, suctioning his way up like a lunatic.
"Don't encourage him," I muttered to Superman. "He's going to jail after this."
"No prison can hold Suction Cup Man! I'll suck my way out!"
"…Phrasing," I deadpanned.
Superman chuckled, then looked at me more seriously. "Honestly, I came to check on something else. I was wondering… have you made any progress on Rudolph? Found a cure?"
Aww. Superman. Always the big heart. Even cares about his villains.
"No breakthrough yet," I said. "But I haven't given up. I'm still working on it."
"Oh. Okay." There was a softness in his voice—real sadness.
I turned to him. "I hope you're not blaming yourself for what happened?"
"I know, logically, it wasn't my fault," he said, "but I keep replaying it in my head. Maybe I could've gone faster, pulled him out of the car before the chemicals splashed on him. Or used my freeze breath to stop it—something."
"Maybe. But don't forget why the accident happened in the first place—he was trying to run from you. He committed a crime and tried to escape justice. He made that choice. He made himself the monster. And once I find a cure, he's still going to face justice."
Superman didn't respond right away.
"You can't blame yourself for his actions," I added, my tone firmer.
"He's right, you know," Suction Cup Man chimed in from above. "Can't blame yourself for that dude's actions. It's his fault. And seriously—who in their right mind thinks it's a good idea to run from Superman? You're faster than a speeding bullet! He was gonna get caught anyway."
"See?" I said, smirking. "Even the weird dude climbing the tower gets it."
"Hey! Who you calling weird? I'm Suction Cup Man! Get it right!"
Superman laughed at that. And it was genuine. "You're both right. Thanks. I needed to hear that."
I smiled. Helping Superman—yeah, that felt good. He's always been one of my favorite heroes. Even though he's an alien, he's the most human. Always kind, always seeing the best in people, never giving up. The guy would go up against a whole country if it meant doing the right thing.
Honestly, he reminds me of Steve Rogers. Captain America jumped on a grenade when he had the weakest body in the room. Brave, a little crazy—probably both. I think it'd be a good idea to let those two meet one day.
"Glad I could help," I said.
"Same here, but seriously—you two done hovering? We are at the top, you know," Suction Cup Man pointed out.
He was right. We hadn't even noticed. Superman and I both descended onto the rooftop, and damn—it really was a nice view of the city.
Suction Cup Man looked out over the skyline, popping a potato chip into his mouth. "You know… I can't imagine what you two go through every day. Putting your lives on the line for people you don't even know. But just so you know, us little guys? We appreciate it. You've changed a lot of lives just by doing this whole hero thing. You inspire people to be better. To help each other. Sure, some people still do bad things—but that's their choice, not yours. Just remember that next time you're out there fighting."
I blinked. Huh. Suction Cup Man might be insane, but… that was some real wisdom.
"Thanks," Superman said softly.
"Yeah. But you're still going to jail," I added.
He shrugged. "Figured as much. I don't really care. Misdemeanor at best."
He crunched another chip.
"Only reason I did this? To piss off my old boss. He hates his windows being smudged."
Sanctuary
Right now, I was back in Sanctuary, working in the workshop. I'd been putting together some suits—one for Kimiko and a few for the spiders. Focused. Efficient. Then…
Church appeared.
"Hey Ed, we got a small problem," he said.
"What is it?" I asked, not even looking up.
"That goddess you brought in? The one you dropped off in the med bay? She woke up."
I stood up instantly, ready to teleport. "Is she causing any problems for Angela?"
Church smirked. "Yeah, at first. But Angela handled it… pretty well."
Then he disappeared. Just like that. The way he said it had me real curious.
I teleported straight to the medical wing.
As soon as I arrived, I saw the aftermath. Supplies were scattered across the floor. Angela was calmly picking things up while Amora, was strapped to the bed with a shiner on her eye. She looked conscious, pale, her hair a mess. Weak.
I used my telekinesis to lift everything off the floor and place it all back where it belonged.
"I'm glad you took the super serum," I said casually.
"Thanks," Angela replied. "Honestly, she wasn't that tough. She's very weak right now. Whatever happened to her messed her up bad."
I looked over at Amora. Angela was right. She was drained. I could heal her—between my multiple healing powers, it wouldn't take long—but giving her full strength back might not be smart. Last thing I need is a full-powered sorceress trying to mind-control everyone on base.
"Did she say anything while she was lashing out?" I asked. "Any clue about what happened to her?"
Angela nodded slightly. "Nothing clear. But she was scared. And I don't mean nervous—I mean terrified."
That gave me pause.
If something's out there strong enough to put Amora in a state like this… I really hope it doesn't come to Earth. I've got enough on my plate without fighting something that can mess up gods.
I stepped closer to her bedside. Even bruised and weakened, she looked like Natalie Dormer—regal and dangerous. If the situation weren't so serious, I might've made a joke.
"So," I said, crossing my arms, "are you done attacking my doctors and ready to talk?"
She glared at me. "Release me, mortal, or you will regret it."
I raised a brow. "You just got put down by a doctor. And trust me, she's not even the strongest one here. So you don't get to make demands. Now, I'll give you a choice: I untie you, and we go get something to eat—because I know you're hungry—or I toss you in one of our cold cells. Your move."
She didn't say anything, just exhaled—frustrated, but not defiant. I took that as her answer and undid the bindings.
"Come on," I said. "We've got a great chef. His food's amazing."
She scoffed. "I doubt any mortal could prepare a meal worthy of a goddess."
She tried to stand—but her body betrayed her. That earlier outburst? Pure adrenaline.
"Yeah, no. Let me help you," I offered.
She didn't like it, but she didn't stop me either. I scooped her up princess-style and carried her down to the cafeteria.
Ice Bear was the only one there.
"Hey, Ice Bear," I said, Amora still in my arms. "Think you can cook us something healthy? She needs her strength back."
"Ice Bear knows the perfect meal," he said simply, turning to the kitchen.
I sat Amora down at a nearby table, then sat next to her. She didn't look at me, but she didn't protest either.
Whatever broke her—it left a mark.
But we'll figure it out
While we waited for Ice Bear to finish cooking, Amora just sat in silence.
I glanced at her. "Can you tell me what happened to you?"
She stayed quiet, eyes distant. She looked uncomfortable… and scared.
"It's okay," I said gently. "We don't have to talk about it. Maybe I should just introduce myself. I'm Edward Valtheris. You can call me Ed."
Still nothing. She avoided my gaze.
"All right… still want to keep quiet. That's fine. I know enough about you anyway. Enchantress. Or… would you prefer I call you by your real name—Amora?"
That got her attention. Her head turned sharply, eyes wide in shock.
"How can a mortal even know about me? Who are you?" she demanded.
"Well, first off—I'm not a mortal. I'm a demigod. Second… I know a lot of things. Like Asgard. Like how you were in love with Thor, but he didn't return those feelings. I know you've got a little sister too—Lorelei."
Her jaw tightened, expression shifting from shock to disbelief.
"…How?" she whispered.
"Like I said, I know a lot. But what I don't know is what happened to you. And more importantly—if it's coming to Earth."
She finally broke her silence. "No. He won't come to Earth—not as long as the All-Father and Zeus are alive."
"He?" I asked, already having a gut feeling.
"You're not talking about Thanos… are you?"
Amora flinched slightly. I could tell she hadn't expected me to know that name either.
"No," she said. "Someone far worse than the Mad Titan."
A chill ran down my spine. A name surfaced in my mind, and I hoped to every divine power I wasn't right.
"…Was it Darkseid?"
She looked at me again, stunned I knew that too.
"…Yes. I tried to make a deal with him. But instead of negotiating, he tried to enslave me. I fought back… but those Parademons were stronger than I expected. I don't even know how I escaped. There was a bright light… and then I blacked out."
I stared at her. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"Wow. You might be the stupidest person I've ever met."
Her eyes flared with rage. "How dare you! I am a goddess! I am not—"
"—Stupid?" I cut her off. "Says the one who tried to make a deal with Darkseid, whose sole purpose is to bring destruction to all life. Let me guess… you offered to help him take over the Nine Realms, and in return, you'd get to keep Asgard. And Thor."
Her silence told me everything I needed to know.
"Yeah. Thought so," I said. "That is peak stupidity. Even if he played along, he was always going to betray you."
She clenched her fists, clearly angry… but also embarrassed.
"Which brings up another question," I continued. "Why were you that desperate? What did you do that made Darkseid of all people look like the better option?"
She stared daggers at me for a while. But eventually… the anger faded. She exhaled.
"I tried to take over Asgard," she said bitterly. "I mind-controlled some Asgardian soldiers. Even got Thor under my spell. I wanted the throne. But… I still lost. Even in his old age, Odin is strong. And Frigga… she shattered my spell like it was nothing. I barely escaped."
She looked away, jaw clenched tight.
"I couldn't even save my sister. Lorelei was captured. I left her behind. So I ran… and went to Darkseid. I offered him the Nine Realms in exchange for three things: Asgard, my sister… and Thor."
I didn't say anything.
Just stayed quiet, letting everything Amora said sink in.
Darkseid. One of the most dangerous beings in existence. And she tried to make a deal with him. I don't even want to think about what would've happened if he said yes. And honestly, I'd rather not even mention Trigon. That's a whole different brand of nightmare I'm not ready for.
But what she said—it also makes me reevaluate some things.
If Odin, the All-Father, was strong enough to take her down even in his old age, then this definitely isn't the watered-down MCU version of Asgard. No way. That means these gods are more like their comic book counterparts.
Which… is terrifying.
Because if Odin's that strong, Zeus probably is too. And not the MCU clown version either—I'm talking full-on Skyfather Zeus, the kind who can go toe-to-toe with Galactus-level threats. Great. Just what I needed.
Still… there was something comforting in what Amora said:
"He won't come to Earth—not as long as Odin and Zeus are alive."
That means we've got a shield. A barrier. A line of defense—two of them, actually.
Because right now? If Darkseid did come to Earth, even if I rallied every hero on the planet—every Spider, every mutant, every Kryptonian… We still wouldn't stand a chance.
I'm not strong enough.
Not yet.
And just as I was starting to mentally stack all the threats I'd have to deal with one day…
Another thought hit me.
If this really is the comic book version of Asgard… then Odin's firstborn daughter must exist too.
Angela aka Aldrif Odinsdottir.
The lost princess of Asgard. The warrior who was taken to the Tenth Realm—the place Asgard cut off from the other Nine. Raised by the Angels. Brainwashed into believing she's one of them.
Another ticking time bomb.
Just great.
I leaned back in my seat, sighing quietly as Ice Bear stirred something in the kitchen.
This universe just keeps getting bigger. And more dangerous.
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Hello everyone, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I'm willing to release another chapter today if someone gets my reference.
Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves.
If you get it, let me know what it's from, and I'll drop the chapter. Happy Easter, everyone.