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***Home Reality (H.R.) Starling City***

Starling City had been an interesting place for many years. It had seen catastrophe leading to calamities, to full blown invasion from another reality, then to another invasion from an alien machine. But like many other cities it kept pushing forward thanks to the support of its people, heroes, and of course the different multi-billionaire companies that call it home. Companies like Queen-Merlyn Industries, Wayne Technologies, and the newest in a long line companies, Ghost Industries.

It was in part thanks to these companies, its people, and the tools they provided that the city persisted even to this day. As the last Cyber-Slave shard monoliths were destroyed. The machine intelligence known as Brainiac was removed from the city. (At least they hope.) That the city once again had its utilities restored in record time. As night falls Starling City lit up like a x-mas tree. But of course where ever there is light, a shadow will persist.

A crime wave of unprecedented nature swarmed up from the cities port, and slums. Men and women hoping to take advantage of the situation flowed out of the wood works like carrion on a rotten corpse. It was because of this that so many people looked at the city like it was a kind of botanical garden bog. Beautiful only from a certain point of view. However, time and time again one thing proved true above all else. When an outsider threatens the city, even the criminal element stands side by side with the peoples heroes. Like the day a blood Red Rift appeared in Starling City central park.

The Red Rift (A / B grade) flickered into being during the middle of the day. It quickly swallowed the nearby landscape and grew to be over a mile wide in diameter. Surrounding the Rift was a vast collection of people who were all attempting to enter the Rift and failing as an invisible shield propelled them away from it. Most of the world was unaware of the recent changes that had occurred. It was widely believed that the Justice Legion: International had deployed a type of shield to prevent unwanted entry.

There had been thousands of examples of unprepared individuals entering a Rift with little to no plan. Failing, then of three effects would happen. 1) The Rift explods which spread cosmic radiation across the area. This radiation would cause sickness, death, and a small 1% chance of creating more meta-humans. 2) Imploding which pulled everything within in a few miles towards a centralized core and created a dense radioactive material in the epicenter. This metal was sought after for its bio-molecular alloy properties. 3) Or the worst yet when it failed and created what is referred to as an egg break. When dozens, hundreds, or thousands of creatures would break from the portal and terrorize the landscape. Always moving towards the most complicated organism first. (People.) To kill and eat. But even in their deaths, radiation would rapidly decay into the environment.

All of this was well documented, informed, and spread across the world wide web. School children were taught in school. Commercials were paid for, and put up on every televised stations across the world. Moving into extreme detail on every issue and problem that came with each Rift type. Yet each and every time a Rift appears people rush into it. Why? Because there are hundreds of videos on social media, and the dark web of people going in. Then stepping out with money, alien technology, or even becoming a powered individual. Each one hoping to win the verifiable super powered lottery.

Thankfully within in an hour of its discovery, spring rings appeared around the park and the JLI coordinated with local law enforcement to quarantined the area. The JLI officials on site were included but not limited to. Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Shazam. Working along side ARGUS personnel as they determined the situation. Which more or less devolved into a pissing match over who would go into the Rift, and who wouldn't.

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(Billy Batson – Shazam)

Shazam stood off to the side as he watched Oliver aka Green Arrow shout at the ARGUS officer in charge, Agent Booth. They had been talking in circles for the past twenty minutes about who was going to enter the Rift, and who would be on standby. ARGUS had a team that was on the way. While the JLI had a team already there ready to jump into the Rift. Apparently since the JLI was not a recognized organization of the US Government. The JLI had no jurisdiction, it didn't matter that this was Green Arrows city. Or the fact that the world would have been fucked without the JLI. ARGUS wanted the power boost from the Rift. Though they disguised it as altruistic of course.

“Why are you even here!? The whole world is in ruins, Starling City is one of the few places that has been brought back from the brink. Why don't you got to a ruined third world country where you can actually do some good!” The Agent in charge screamed at Green Arrow, spittle flying from his mouth.

“I'm here to ensure the job is done right! ARGUS has failed to complete any Rift of the color red or blue. Then the moment you fail, you conveniently place the blame on the JLI that were stationed on site. Like you didn't sneak a team into it before we arrived!” Green Arrow shouted back. That made Agent Booth turn purple with rage.

“I don't care if ARGUS has jurisdiction to be here. The JLI will be closing the Rift. I will not jeopardize my city because you want a pay day!” Arrow shouted at the agent, and stepped right into his face.

“You really want to go to war against the US Government, Arrow? We've all seen what happens when the Justice League gets involved. People die, and cities are destroyed. All we have to do is looked around to see the truth. But why don't we ask your protege. Where is Arsenal?” Agent Booth said with a smug grin, or he would have if his jaw hadn't shattered.

Shazam had moved across the tented area in the blink of an eye. Agent Booth's jaw, and part of skull caved in. A thunderclap all but deafened the immediate area. Agent Booth was down for the count, as ARGUS soldiers raised their weapons and trained them on the JLI personnel on station. While storm clouds materialized in the air above the park. The static electricity in the air began to pop off of every ARGUS soldier. As Shazam's power tore the command tent from its foundations, he floated a few feet off the ground and glared at the ARGUS personnel on point.

“ARGUS! Stand down, now!” A commanding voice called out as another agent showed up. He was closely followed by two people that Shazam had recognized. Agent Nickel, and Agent Murmur, so the agent who spoke up must be Agent Dutch. (ch. 71)

Agent Dutch stood at approximately 5'10” with a marine corp / linebacker body build. He had short cropped black hair, healthy tanned skin tone, with dark blue eyes with red highlights. He wore a full tactical battle rattle suit, with what looked like a facsimile of the JLI's light exoskeleton suit. Though it wasn't nearly as nice. His gaze bore into the eyes of every soldier on site like it was the eye of god himself. Every soldier stood down automatically at being looked at.

“Shazam! My brother in arms how are you!?” Agent Nickel called out. As he strode over to the current lightning incarnate. Shazam growled in frustration but calmed down, as he was afraid he would accidentally kill Nickel.

Agent Nickel was a meta-human with a bio-metallic skin covering. Or, so Shazam was led to believe. The liquid metal across the mans body looked like the metal nickel, which was if Billy remembered a highly conductive material. When Shazam touched back down to the ground the storm clouds above started to dissipate. But Nickel still received a bit of a shock when they shook hands. Nickel jumped with a natural smile on his face. Nickel stood at approximately 6' even with a body builder physique. High and tight silver metallic hair, with gunmetal eyes. He wore tactical boots, pants, and a vest. But but no shirt, so he could show off his metallic skin.

“Angry... Though you may want to see towards the guy who's skull I caved in.” Shazam said in a growl. Nickel barely batted an eye at the officer on the ground.

“Murmurs got it.” Nickel replied as he pointed his chin at his sister, Shazam took a moment to look at her.

Agent Murmur had knelt over the officer. A link of energy connected to them both, and the officers face was rebuilding itself rapidly. That was new! Murmur had darkness manipulation, at least that's what the file said. Seems she picked up a healing ability. Though her personality remained the same. Murmur was the opposite of Nickel. Nickel was an extrovert to the extreme, a social butterfly.

While Murmur was quiet, subdued, and hated crowds. Though Shazam wouldn't call her an introvert. It was primarily because if she touched someone she would drain them of energy, if she held on for too long they would die. She stood at approximately 5'8”, with short cropped black hair, and like her brother gunmetal eye. She wore a form fitting tactical suit, with soft exoskeleton suit attachments. When she finished with the agent she stood up and then gave him a swift kick to the balls which caused him to whimper in pain.

“You'll live, which is more than you deserve, asshole.” Murmur said, then went to greet Shazam. Who greeted her with a tight smile. The trio glanced over to Arrow who was talking with Dutch about the situation.

“So, what brings you here?” Shazam asked them both.

“Joint operation, President Luthor suggested that the JLI and ARGUS do the Rift together.” Nickel said with a grin as he looked back at the giant red Rift. Shazam raised a brow at that.

“That's if we can get in. The higher ups know that the Rifts changed a little while ago, and the shield isn't from the Watchtower.” Murmur said softly, but clearly.

“Shazam!” A familiar feminine voiced called out, he whipped around immediately and stood at attention like he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Sarah Lance aka Black Canary stalked towards him with a glare. He audibly swallowed, and before she could dig her finger into his chest, Nickel stepped forward with a disarm smile, and a hand out towards her. Of course this did absolutely nothing to Canary as she side stepped the man and pegged Shazam and/or Billy with a look of disappointment. Thankfully wisdom of Solomon activated and Billy was smart enough not to say anything at all. He just kept his eyes on her, and shut his mouth. He didn't move an inch.

“Why am I getting reports about you caving in someones skull?” Canary asked with a snarl, and withering glare.

“Excuse me, ma'am?” Murmur stepped forward after she smiled at Nickel's dismissal. Canary glanced at Murmur. “Agent Booth was told to stand down over an hour ago, and was informed of the decision from on high. He will be properly reprimanded for his actions, as well as his words. Especially his words pertaining to the former and fallen hero Arsenal.” Murmur said, and the look of recognition crossed Canary's face.

Canary's entire demeanor changed, and softened as she looked at Shazam. Then she went over to the agent who had been in charge and kicked him in the balls. Another whimper in pain, and maybe a squelch sound followed by a scream of agony as something round, maybe a ball was destroyed in that kick. Nickel winced and moved to protectively cover his own crotch in mock sympathy. Then Canary looked at the trio and motioned for Shazam to follow her. He did, though he sent a thankful glance towards Murmur who nodded in acknowledgment.

The four of them moved over to Agent Dutch, and Green Arrow just at the tail end of the mission brief. “So, Director Waller sent the three of us to work with three of your own. From the readings STAR labs have put together, along with your own science team on the Watchtower. We should be able to fit six people into the Rift.” Dutch said, and acknowledged the four of them as they walked over. Arrow glanced at Canary, then at Shazam.

“We have three inbound right now. But we still need to see if you can even enter.” Arrow replied with a grimace.

“Agreed, so shall we step over to see if the shield stops us?” Dutch said, as he moved towards the blood red Rift towering above them. Arrow walked side by side with Dutch attempting to show a united from for both ARGUS and JLI on the ground.

The Rift towered above them, it grew an inch every few minutes and would continue to grow until someone, or someones walked in. No matter the angle you approached the doorway it always seem to be looking right at you. Even if two people moved towards it at different directions it would seem as if it was staring right back at them. When the group arrived within a hundred feet, tendrils of energy reached out. Much to the surprise of those around. The energy reached, linked, and in that moment they understood they could enter the Rift. Or at the very least, Shazam, Murmur, and Nickel could enter. While Arrow, Canary, and Dutch did not receive a link.

“Fuck...” Dutch cursed lightly under his breath.

As was said before the Rift would allow six people to enter. Three energy trails had linked with three individuals. Though they were linked they were not compelled to enter and could step away. While they saw three more energy trails reach out like cilia from a single cell organism. That was and odd turn of events. Something that several STAR scientist noticed. Tests were done on the immediate area. As before if one was not strong enough they would hit a barrier of some kind. A few other JLI members stepped forward and the energy links connected to them. When they had six the Rift actually stopped growing. But the moment they stepped away it continued its progress.

Before they scientists could poke and prod the Rift any further. Several spring rings appeared and with a soft pop, and a muted flash the Rift Walker team arrived. Or, should have arrived. What appeared was a very harried looking Starfire aka Princess Koriand'r, Supergirl aka Kara Kent / Kara Zor-El, and Miss Martian aka M'gann M'orzz. At their arrival they flew over to meet Arrow, Canary, and Shazam.

“Hello everyone! Are you the team who is coming with us?” Supergirl asked Dutch, Nickel, and Murmur. Then she noticed the trail of energy didn't link with Dutch. “Or, are we waiting on someone?”

“I need to make a call.” Dutch said, and pulled out his phone and walked off a bit.

“Hello Agent Ander! Agent K! Agent M! Good to see you!” Nickel said as he walked up with a big grin, and an wide open arm hug. Though only Starfire took him up on the hug.

“Hello to you as well, Agent Nickel and Agent Murmur. I am happy that the both of you still live.” Starfire said with a smile, as she hugged them both. Though she was careful of Murmur. Thankfully their exoskeleton suits covered skin to skin contact.

“Hi Shazam!” Miss Martian said as she flew over and gave him a big hug, and a kiss on the cheek. Shazam blushed just a bit and coughed in embarrassment.

“Hi, Miss Martian. Thanks for coming.” Shazam said as he hugged her back, then stepped away to rub his face clear of the blush. Though he was not finished as Starfire swallowed him in a hug, though she was in full armor. She still rubbed her cheeks back and forth across his own like a giant cat.

“Gaah! What do I do!? I don't know what to do!” Shazam shouted in shock, he never knew how to react to Starfire's over tactile contact culture.

There was a moment as the high strung group laughed a little at Shazam's over the top reaction. Starfire grinned with a glint of mischief in her eyes. She flew around to wrap her arms around him from behind and nibbled on his ear in a flirtations manner. Shazam blushed red from head to toe. Up and until Supergirl flew over and all but pried her off. Starfire looked like a kitten being held up by the back her neck. Though a cheshire grin was on her face.

“Ahem...” Agent Dutch walked back over and cleared his throat. The group went back to a stand ready position. Though Shazam was still red in the face. “We don't have anyone viable to send. So, it will just be Agent Nickel, and Agent Murmur.”

“I'm good to go inside if we need it?” Shazam said, as he motioned towards the Rift.

“Have any of you ever done a Rift? Even a low grade one?” Green Arrow asked, everyone but the ARGUS agents shook their head. Arrow pointed them.

“We've done ten greens, and one blue. Though Agent Dutch had been with us.” Murmur replied, as she glanced at her Supervising Officer (SO) who nodded back.

“It's just like the simulation on the Watchtower, right?” Miss Martian asked, as she floated closer to the Rift. An energy tendril reached out and linked with her.

“Yes, however every Red Rift on record has been... Difficult. From your perception you may be gone for years. Are you 100% sure you six want to go? We have time, we could find another team?” Canary asked, but this was a friend asking not a senior member of the JLI.

“I have to agree with, Black Canary. Four untested people in a Red Rift? I know we are struggling right now. But this is a recipe for disaster.” Dutch called out, and looked at his team with concern.

“Do you doubt our skills as warriors, Mr Dutch?” Starfire rose up from the ground, her green energy emanating from her body.

“You may not be a warrior in there! The Rift could force you to be a tailor who has to make uniforms for a fantasy age military for a year!” Dutch said with a snarl, and Nickel winced.

“That was one time! One time! Why do you always have to bring it up!” Nickel shouted in dismay, and everyone looked at him in confusion. Though Murmur snickered, and showed everyone a very nice embroidered silk scarf. “Hey! I worked really hard on that, if you don't want it give it back.” Nickel pointed at his sister who stuffed it away and looked away innocently.

“That's exactly my point. Nickel was the perfect human shield in that Rift and he was regulated to making uniforms for the officers in another world where they still used swords. Just because you are a skilled combatant here doesn't mean you'll be one in there. Green Arrow, I know the Watchtower has amazing training programs. But there is no substitute for the real thing. This Rift will hold for little over a week. If these are the only people available? Then send them to do some easy Rifts first. Then send them here.” Dutch made a valid point. They all stopped to look at the looming Rift that almost dared them to enter.

“Agreed.” Green Arrow said, then looked to see if anyone would argue. None did, it was a valuable point. Then everyone winced in pain as their earpieces wailed.

“Warning, subject broke containment! Identified as Cyber-Slave!” Vici's voice called over the communication line and the entire area went onto high alert. But it was to little too late. A mechanical skeleton with flight propulsion shot out of the nearby foliage and flew straight into the Rift.

“Oh fuck no!” Dutch called out, as the rest of the energy tendrils wrapped around the intended and dragged them towards the Rift.

Shazam needed no prompting and chased after the slave. Nickel, and Murmur were already prepared to go. That left space for two more. Starfire looked on with determination and didn't fight the selection process, while Supergirl, and Miss Martian flew in opposite directions away from the Rift. Then before their eyes another Cyber-Slave was making a bee line for the Rift. Supergirl looked at it, then the Rift and flew straight into the gaping portal. With an audible snap! The Rift sealed itself and the Cyber-Slave rammed straight into the shield and was promptly destroyed.

Shazam flew through a kaleidoscope of colors, a tunnel filled to the brim with images, sensations, feelings, and above all memories. He tried to keep his eyes on the Cyber-Slave but the mechanical monsters was so far ahead of him. Then a twisting vortex swallowed the machine, and Shazam was led down another tunnel. The change in direction was so sudden he fell... No, he lost his ability to fly!? He dropped to the tunnel and was no longer Shazam. He was Billy Batson again, what was going on!?

“....Billy.... Young Master, Billy. It's time to get up.” A elderly mans voice called out to him. What, who.... Why is Markus calling him? The tunnel he was in grew dark, then he felt only the soft pillows, and sheets of his bed.

“...Ten more minutes, Markus....Please.” Billy called out as he buried his head into his pillows.

“I'm afraid not, Young Master. Your father wants you ready for your exam today, or did you forget.” Markus his personal aid called to him as he walked into his private room in the manor. Billy's eyes snapped open as he looked towards the calendar.

“The Mage-Knight exam is today!?” Billy shrieked and jumped out of his bed and stumbled towards his bathroom to take a shower. Old man Markus rolled his eyes at his young ward.

“Yes, Young Master. It's today, now hurry up or you'll miss breakfast!” Markus called, and started to prepare Billy's exam attire.

Thus began the adventures of Young Lord Billy Batson, future Mage-Knight of the Kingdom of Eruinia...

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***Alternate Reality – Rift. Raxus Secundus***

(48 standard hours after the quake.)

The capital world of the Confederacy of Independent Systems aka CIS was in an uproar. They had received word from their spies in the core regions of the massive earthquake on Coruscant. An emergency Senate hearing was called, while any available military, and scientific leaders that were available could attend, would attend. Mina Bonteri the Senator in charge of Raxus called the room to order. This was normally done by Count Dooku but he was unavailable at the time of the hearing.

“Respected delegates, and senators of the Confederacy please calm yourselves so we may start this meeting.” Senator Bonteri called out, but the room refused to silence themselves. She went to clear her voice and start again only to be interrupted.

“SILENCE!” A whip crack of power swallowed the room, and brought silence to the room through the Force. Whether they wanted to be silent or not didn't matter as their voices had been taken from them. Off to the side was Lord Enfarious, as he coughed several times in his wheezing manner. Then waved a mechanical clawed hand and the 'spell' was broken.

“Thank you, Lord Enfarious.” Senator Bonteri said with a bemused expression. She had the whole rooms attention now.

“This meeting was called for one purpose, and one purpose alone. Should we call an armistice between the Republic, and the Confederacy?” Bonteri asked the room, and before the room could devolve into a shouting match, Enfarious slammed his fist into his desk which caved it in, and they all went quiet.

“Stop acting like savages! You have something to say, move to be addressed and speak clearly, and to the point!” Enfarious hissed at the room, and a very real shiver raced down their spines.

“Senator Navi, of Thrusta is recognized.” Bonteri elected to move on as she grimaced at Enfarious words.

“No, we shouldn't. Because we all know that if Raxus was in danger the Republic would move to destroy us without a second thought. I understand, and respect the ideals that we are different than the Republic, better. So, let us make a compromise. We will not attack Coruscant, but we will continue the war has planned.” Senator Navi called out from his position. Over a hundred Senators agreed and raised their hands in muted cheers, many eyeing Enfarious who didn't move from his position.

Another senator stood and waited to be recognized, once Bonteri moved to them they spoke. “If we move to assist the Republic in their time of need perhaps we can use it to our advantage and be recognized. We could stop the war now, in its tracks. Divide the galaxy between the Confederacy, Republic, and Neutral systems.” The Senator finished and another portion of the room cheered and agreed.

“That will never happen! The Republic will do what it has always done. It will take, and take. Then when we call in what we are owed they will conveniently forget everything we did, and demand our obedience!” A pro war senator called out. “I say we use this to our advantage! We've already received word that entire fleets of the Republic Navy are moving to secure Coruscant. We can take back systems we've lost and entrench ourselves!

“We could finish the conflict with the Hutts without interference!” Another pro war senator called out. At the mention of the Hutts most of the room cheered, organic slavery was not well liked. They had droids for that.

“Delegates please! Let us not be side tracked. Remember why we are here, should we or should we not call an armistice?” Bonteri asked the room, and though many senators were unhappy. The vote was not call an armistice.

That was how the Republic lost hundreds of star systems as the Republic Navy was forced to pull back to the core, and inner regions. Where they left the mid, and outer regions to their fates. In the eyes of the people of the Confederacy they had nothing but altruistic ideals. They saw themselves as freedom fighters, there to help the masses. Of course few knew the truth as they were heavily desensitized to the war. Thanks to soft brainwashing in the holographic videos provided by Count Dooku....

After a few more hours of determining the course of the Confederacies plan of action Mina Bonteri excused herself from the room. Only to be shadowed by Lord Enfarious, which was a surprise to the woman. Not a word was shared between them, but his intentions were clear. He wanted to speak to her alone in her office. Their guards kept the public at bay as they moved until they were behind closed doors. Mina moved to her desk, then thought better of it and moved to a sitting room. Enfarious stayed standing as he watched her. She wouldn't deny that she felt nervous under his gaze.

“The earthquake was artificial. This was an attack by another faction known as the Yuuzhan Vong or 'The Chosen' in their own tongue.” Enfarious's hiss like voice sent a spike of fear through Mina's heart.

“An attack!? I don't have any information on that? No one does!” Mina jumped to her feet and moved towards her private terminal to make a call. “Who are the Yuushan Vong, I've never heard of them?”

Enfarious moved through the office with both ease, and speed as he placed his mechanical hand on the terminal to prevent her from calling for her attendant. “That's because no one knows. I have an entire spy ring on Coruscant. I know it, Count Dooku knows it, and now you know it. That is it.” Enfarious said with a bit of finality. Mina stopped, she froze in contemplation.

“Why are you telling me this?” Mina asked, the gears in her mind started to work a mile a minute.

“Because Coruscant is not the only target. We need to focus on our own worlds first. You can't help others, if we can't even help ourselves.” Enfarious replied simply, and that brought Mina up short.

“Your telling me these Yuuzhan Vong will attack the Confederacy? Why?” Mina asked, her interests piqued.

“Religious fanatics, to us. All of us, we are nothing but heretics to either be destroyed, or converted. You will not like their version of conversion.” Enfarious stated simply, and removed his hand from her terminal.

Mina stopped and thought about the implications. As a former Republic Senator, and now Confederacy Senator she had seen her share of religious zealots, and fanatics. They were not the kind to be reasoned with. Especially when the soldiers were taught that to live, and die for the cause was a guaranteed entry to their preferred afterlife. Before she could speak another word, Enfarious placed a data chip with a bio-metric lock on it. It was key coded to her.

“This is everything I have on them, and its not much. Read it all, and contact me when you have completed it. Do not share it with others! I'll be running internal security though our worlds. They have a way of hiding from scanners. So I'll be busy for a while. But I'll make time for you if you call.” Enfarious said, and turned on his heel and slithered away.

Mina watched him go and was struck dumb. Something was not right about Enfarious. We had always had a grandfatherly feel to him. But it also felt like he was a venomous serpent coiled in the grass waiting to strike. These Yuuzhan Vong must have really unsettled him. When the door opened, and closed behind him. Mina moved to secure her office with a flip of a switch. Then she placed the data chip into her computer. Fifteen minutes later she threw up her lunch, and desperately wanted to claw her own eyes out for what she had just seen. These were monsters of the highest order... It was no wonder they unsettled Enfarious so much...

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Lord Enfarious and his droid sentinel guard made-->>

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