Friendship Beyondby TheClownPrinceofCrimeChaptersTyrannical TriumphThe Storm King’s ArrivalBatman vs The Storm KingThe Batman EscapesThe Storm CeasesTyrannical TriumphIN CANTERLOT While it was a very cloudy day for all of Equestria, it was also the darkest it has experienced yet. A vast mighty army has laid siege to Canterlot with a menacing unicorn at their head and immediately attacked its citizens earlier. The scarred unicorn commander gazed her deadly sight at the Canterlot Castle. Behind her was a cage of a certain alicorn princess being carried by the guards as well as six statues of five ponies and a baby dragon. The commander coldly stared at the other caged ponies as they too were being carried away by other guards. Then she preceded her way to the castle where her master was expecting her. Soon, they made their way to the castle’s entrance doors and entered therein. They laid the princess’s cage just right before the two thrones. Next to her were three strange alicorn statues which all wore looks of terror on their faces. Then the guards left the throne room and left the two alone. “Tempest, please, don’t do this,” the alicorn pleaded. “Don’t give the Storm King—!” “Your magic?” Tempest contemptuously finished. Did you really think you can keep it all to yourself? I think it’s time for you to share. Besides, I would love to show to everybody down there what I can really do.” “Oh! That’s interesting!” shouted the Storm King, revealing himself to her from the back door. “What can you really do?” Being caught off-guard, she recomposed herself before her leader. “Well... your bidding, your excellency.” “Biddings are good! I like bidding!” he grinned. Then he readjusted his eyes as he noticed the caged alicorn next to Tempest. “Uh... who are you supposed to be?” “I am Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship!” she replied. Then the Storm King laughed hysterically at such a title. “That’s nice,” he said before glaring at Tempest. “Why is this one still moving?” “She put up a fight with her friends but nothing to worry. Neither of them won’t be a problem,” she replied, smirking at the saddened pony. “Yeah, speaking of problems, this place seems a little too... oh, I dunno... CUTE!!! I don’t like cute! Never really did like cute! It doesn’t reflect my supreme kingly power, does it? Deliver the punchline, Tempest, because this is gotta be a joke!” Storm King angrily shouted. He impaled the hole in the ground with the Staff of Sacanas which activated something. The magic from all four alicorns began to drain from them and from all Equestria, entering into the Staff. Twilight fell down within her cage feeling exhausted and weak. As she groaned wearily, she had instant flashbacks of the time she fought against Lord Tirek and had her own magic taken from her in exchange for her best friends. Recalling such painful memories, she silently cried to herself and hid her tears. “Ah-ha! Now that’s what I’m talking about! All the magic of this land... FINALLY MINE, BABY!” Storm King proudly triumphed. “Indeed, sire, you now possess all the magic of the alicorns; with it, you can destroy anyone who stands in your way,” Tempest grinned, bowing before him. “Indeed. Hahaha, those jelly bean ponies have a new master to serve now!” The Storm King boasted. Then he cast an inconsiderate look at Twilight. “You can... y’know... do whatever you want with her now.” “With pleasure,” Tempest said, evilly smirking at the surprised alicorn. She held a green orb on her hoof while she walked toward her. “Tempest, please! You can’t do this! Think of your own kind! You don’t want to—!” “SHUT IT! Why would I think of those who turned their backs on me? Friendship has truly blinded you, Princess. And now you will suffer the consequences for it,” growled Tempest. “I can help you! I can show you the true ways of friendship!” Twilight offered. Then Tempest glared daggers at her, raising the orb. “It’s too late for that...” She threw it right at Twilight. “NOOO!!” Twilight screamed, stricken by the orb. She looked down to see her legs and body being slowly petrified. She cast her last sorrowful look at Tempest before the stone sealed her entire head. Her tear formed on her eye which was also petrified. “Nice! I guess that was stone cold, am I right?” chuckled the little hedgehog. “Hilarious,” Tempest sarcastically remarked, rolling her eyes. “Hahahahaha!! I am on fire today!! Now it’s time to get this storm started! Hey, that’s a good one. I should trademark that,” Storm King said. He raised his staff and sent a blue electric beam right at one of the windows. It shattered to many pieces. “Hmm, not bad. Actually, kinda first rate! What else does it do?” he idly wondered, gazing at the Staff. “Uh, your excellency, you promised to restore my horn—,” “Ah, ah, ah, first things first, Tempest!” Storm King waved off. “Now, let’s see if it can do this.” The king raised his staff and magically moved the sun and the moon. “Nice!! Now this branch is the stuff!! What else can it do?” Then he created a huge aurora from the Staff which gave him a strange panoramic view of different worlds. “Whoa... it’s like watching a movie in a theater!” Grubber said. “Who cares about movie theaters if you have this stuff?” Storm King replied. Suddenly, he noticed something weird as he looked further into the view. “Wait a minute, there is something... unusual about this.” “What is?” Tempest asked. “These worlds look a little different from ours. Hmmm, let’s see here. That one looks like an undersea world with walking fish... along with a walking sponge and starfish; the other one looks like a bipedal hairless monkey world with... a girl made of metal? It’s like I’m watching TV!” Storm King noticed. “It may appear, your excellency, that you’re viewing different dimensions out of many multiverses,” Tempest deduced. “Different what now?” Storm King asked, confused. “Dimensions, sire. They are a part of—,” “Nah, whatever, Tempest. Still, they look so fascinating to look at! (Gasp) That’s it! If these weird planets are a thing, I can conquer them all as well!! I can rule all the multi-pulse—eh, multi-vestal... bleh, whatever they’re called,” he said. “But don’t you think that would require... you know... much more resources to do that? I mean, we don’t have many soldiers, we don’t have any sort of magic to take them all—well, except for the Staff of Sacanas of course.” Grubber nervously smiled. “As much as I hate to admit it, he does have a point, sire.” Tempest agreed. “Hmm, if that’s the case, then we’ll have to take one of them and use it’s own resources to accomplish that purpose. After all, building up my own empire has always been one of my dreams,” the Storm King said, dreamily gazing at the ceiling. “Yes... of course... your highness,” Tempest said, cringing at his face. “So, which one are we gonna take, my liege?” Grubber eagerly asked. “Let’s see here.” Storm King zoomed into the various worlds on display like a touchscreen and skimmed through them. “Eh, not that one. Ehhhh, nope, not that one either.” “What about that world? It has those weird ghosts in there!” Grubber suggested. “No way! I won’t jeopardize my empire with ghosts and spirits! Besides, I need things that are more... material. I don’t need ghostly things,” Storm King rejected. Then the three viewed another world that was filled with fairies. The very sight made the Storm King gag in disgust. “Ugh, that’s a huge nope right there.” “May I suggest this particular world? It looks very... promising,” Tempest pointed. The Storm King looked at where she was pointing and saw the particular planet; he zoomed into the planet itself and viewed at the luxurious buildings and advanced technology it possessed. As he kept scrutinizing, his eyeballs enlarged and his smile grew all the way to his cheeks. “Tempest, Grubber, we have found our new target,” he declared. “We will march toward this... ‘Gotham’? That’s an odd name.” “That would be the name of that city according to that sign, sire,” Tempest informed. “Still, never heard such a weird name before. Regardless, that city’s shiny possessions look very intriguing. I will investigate its resources to see what use they are. Tempest, you are coming with me! Grubber, take charge of this castle in my absence!” he commanded. “It would be an honor, your majesty!” Grubber kneeled. Thus, he ran out of the throne room to assemble the troops. “Make sure to take half of our army with us while that hedgehog keeps the other half here. Heh, too bad he’ll be missing out all the fun!” Storm King chuckled. “Of course, your excellency,” Tempest complied. Afterwards, she left the room to make preparations for departure. Then the Storm King evilly grinned at the panoramic view of Neo-Gotham City via his blue aurora. “Very soon, I will rule this entire world with no one standing in my way. Whatever it takes, I will take what is rightfully mine....... although I have no clue what this ‘multiverse’ thing is. Ehh, who cares? It’s gonna be fun.” Then he pointed his staff at the planet while maintaining the direct coordinates of the city; he shot a beam at the aurora which created a huge portal in the middle of the throne room. The Storm King wickedly laughed as the access to the new world was made. “Sweet destiny, here I come!” Author's Note I hope you all enjoyed this prologue! Any suggestions, ideas, thoughts, questions, or even constructive criticism is acceptable in the comments below. Stay tuned for the next chapter, and may you all have a great day! The Storm King’s ArrivalIN GOTHAM A group of teenage clowns ran together on a sidewalk while it was late at night. They fearfully panted before they made a swift turn through an alleyway. “Hopefully, that bat freak will never find us here!” “Yeah! Then we can finally enjoy these cash cards here!” one of the Jokerz grinned, holding a bag of them. “Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you,” said a dark new figure. The Jokerz looked up and saw a masked being with red bat wings with a red bat insignia on his chest and white eyes glaring at them. The former cowered before his presence. “IT’S THE BATMAN!!” they cried. Then Batman descended on them and drop kicked two of them with his raised feet. One of the Jokerz brandished his bat and swung it at him, but the hero grabbed hold of the weapon, ribbed it from his grasp, and punched him in the face. He flipped over two more of them and knocked both of their heads together. They fell down unconscious. He grabbed the bag of cash cards back while some of the thugs groaned in pain. However, one remaining thug held a crowbar in his hand, prepared to knock out their opponent. Still, Batman punched him without looking. Soon, a squad of police officers arrived at the scene and arrested the group of Jokerz. “Looks like these punks will be spending the night at prison. They just don’t know when to give up, do they?” the commissioner said. “Apparently not,” replied Batman. “Ever since The Joker’s final defeat, they still won’t even bother quitting their life-draining hobby.” “Well, they’re very persistent and resilient, so I’ll give them that. I just hope they will all soon cease their destructive behavior,” said Barbara. “One can only hope, Commissioner,” said Batman. Then he took off to the sky and flew off to his own destination. AT WAYNE MANOR Batman arrived at the bat cave and took off his mask. As he wiped off the sweat from his forehead, he noticed a particular elderly man sitting on his chair before a large monitor with his pet dog next to him. “I trust that your night went well?” he asked. “Ehh, nothing new... except for the usual,” replied Terry. “Those Jokerz are really desperate at this point.” “I can tell. Joker’s defeat managed to put them at unease; ever since then, they tried every possible way to gain back their feared reputation,” Bruce said. “Obviously, their wacky methods aren’t working. Sooner or later, they’ll have to surrender,” Terry smirked. “I doubt it. Considering how long they’ve been spreading chaos across Gotham, it will take many more years until the city finally experiences peace and serenity for the first time in ages.” Bruce grimly countered. “Not unless something drastic happens to them,” Terry said. “Such as?” Bruce asked, arching an eyebrow. “You know... a mandate to ban all clowns, perhaps even an electric chair as capital punishment?” Terry suggested. Bruce then silently glared at him. “Okay, that might be too harsh, but you know what I’m getting at,” Terry rectified. “Get some sleep, Terry. You need it,” Bruce ordered, walking back to his chair. “Fine. See you tomorrow,” Terry nodded. He took off his suit and packed it in his book bag. Then he walked upstairs and left the manor. Bruce sat back in his chair; as soon as he resumed his work on the bat computer, it started to flicker on and off. The lights upstairs likewise flickered on and off, putting him and Ace on alert. After a few seconds, the electricity resumed back to normal operation. “That was strange. I’ll have to investigate this later,” said Bruce. Outside the city, a blue portal was shining brightly in the night sky. Then it slowly became much wider and bigger as a large warship flew out thereof. Once it exited the portal, the latter fully closed. The ship remained hovering in the air while they kept their sights on the city of Gotham. “The city is within sight, my lord. Shall we take them on while they are vulnerable?” Tempest asked. “No... we shall wait until dawn to lay siege on the city. Besides, broad daylight is more preferable for me since people will be awake and running about. I want them to see my glory... my power... BEFORE THEY SCREAM LIKE LITTLE GIRLS!!” The Storm King shouted, hysterically laughing. “I see...” Tempest replied, annoyed. “Anyway, this world looks so dashing! Man, I am dying to see their precious treasure they hide! I can already feel it!” Storm King evilly grinned. Then he faced his army behind him. “Rest up, all of you. In the morning, we shall get this party started... of course, before we get the storm started. Ya know what I mean?” His beastly minions grunted and muttered unintelligible words in response. “Good. Anyway, night night! Don’t let the bed bugs bite!” he happily grinned before he glared fiercely at them. “But most importantly... don’t ever let me bite you...” Terrified of his threat, they all rushed out of his presence. Seeing their immediate and fearful obedience, he smirked. “That’s the spirit.” Tempest then stared at the whole landmass and saw the moon shining brightly above the city despite the dark clouds surrounding it. “All of this... will be ours for the taking,” she menacingly muttered. But just when the Storm King was getting ready to settle down, he stopped himself for a moment. “Wait a minute... something isn’t right. If it’s nightfall in this universe... then I can make it DAY! (Chuckles) Silly me! Why didn’t I think about that earlier?! I have to cut to the chase, eh?” He pointed his staff at the moon and held it through telekinesis. He instantly raised the sun after that, expelling the darkness. “Ha! Boom, baby!” he triumphed. As Terry was walking home, he saw the moon speedily move down and the sun instantly rise up. “Huh? Wh-what just happened? How did that happen?” Several drivers on the road saw the unnatural incident happen before they accidentally crash against each other. Multiple other people at home were likewise caught off guard at the sight and ran outside to take a look. “What gives?! How can it be day time already?!” “It’s not even 6:00am yet! What’s going on with the moon?!” a man yelled. “Come on, man, I’ve only gotten three hours of sleep so far! I’m too tired to go to work now!” another guy complained. Suddenly, the ship hovered above the city and generated black smoke alongside it. A long streak of blue lightning struck the streets, creating massive cracks on the concrete. The people panicked at the sight and ran for their lives. The Storm King also blasted a couple of buildings, igniting them on fire. Terry gasped in shock at what he witnessed. He brought his phone out and dialed a number. “Bruce, something’s happening to the city!” “It’s a giant ship, isn’t it?” “How do you know?” “I’m seeing it myself, Terry. Suit up and investigate. I’ll keep in touch,” instructed Bruce, staring at the warship outside. Ace hid behind Bruce’s legs while growling at the sight. “Don’t worry, boy... we’ll figure out what that thing is,” he confidently said. Batman vs The Storm KingOnce Storm King was finished damaging the buildings and the roads with his staff, he lowered the ship down to the ground. Tempest stood next to him as he did so. “And now... for my grand entrance!” he exclaimed. Once the people ceased their screaming and looked at the ship, the doors opened slowly, smoke coming out thereof. The villain then revealed himself to the terrified Gothamites, slowly stepping down from the stairs. He evilly chuckled as he beheld the shocked, scared looks on their faces. “WHAT IS THAT THING?!” one of them screamed. “WHO ARE YOU?!” another person fearfully demanded. “Hahahahaha, I love it when creatures cower before me. That’s when I know I am punching it! You may call me... THE STORM KING! You will all tremble before my ba-ba-ba-ba-boom, baby!” he proclaimed. He shot his magical beam right at several police cruisers , destroying them all on impact. The people once more screamed and ran for their lives. Tempest landed next to him with her broken horn sparkling. “Shall I initiate the invasion of this city, Your Excellency?” “Do it. These bipedal lifeforms will learn to recognize their new master,” he replied, wickedly grinning. “As you wish,” she nodded. As the troops assembled themselves together, the unicorn commander stood before them while fastening her sight on the terrified citizens. “ATTACK! MAKE SURE NONE OF THEM ESCAPE!” The storm army uttered war cries as they pursued their victims. The Gotham City Police Officers fired on the alien guards, but the laser blasts deflected off their armor. Thus, Tempest sucker-punched two officers with her bare hooves, and body-slammed another one, breaking his spine. She blasted three more officers, sending them flying to a skyscraper. Before another officer could land a hit on her, she bit his hand, stomped his feet, and then landed a blow on his right leg. His leg bones broke on impact, forcing him to scream in agony. The Storm King levitated a piece of the road with his staff and then threw it right at a couple of police vehicles, severely damaging them. Then he spotted a random citizen bleeding from his wounds. He walked toward him with feigned compassion. “Awwww, is the little fellow hurt? How so sad...” “Please, leave me alone! Don’t hurt me!” “Oh, don’t worry! Your new ruler will be of assistance!” Storm King smiled. “R-really?” he asked. Then the villain glared at him. “Not yet. Tell me where your treasure is, and I will let you live. I will heal your injuries if you comply.” “I... I don’t know what you’re talking about! What are you anyway?!” “Oh, you wanna play dumb, eh? Very well then. Now I will demonstrate to you how I deal with dumb creatures.” He brought the Staff of Sacannas right towards the victim’s face, sizzling with energy. “No, stop! I don’t know what ‘treasure’ you’re talking about! I swear!” he begged. “Don’t lie to me; I know you have it somewhere in this... Gother City.” “Uh... it’s Gotham,” he corrected. “Oh, right, I forgot about that. How do you spell it anyway?” Storm King asked. “G-o-t-h-a-m?” “Gotcha! Now, where were we? Oh yes!” Storm King ignited his staff with more power. Suddenly, a batarang flew in the air which knocked his entire crown off. “WHAT THE?!” “Step away from the citizen!” a dark figure ordered. As the tyrant put his fallen crown back on, he looked up to see the same bat-winged hero land before him with a menacing glare. He stood in complete surprise at the unexpected newcomer. “Who in the name of Equestria are you? I’ve never seen the likes of you before!” The Storm King said. “I am Batman, and if you want to take over my city, you will have to get through me first,” he said. “Batman, huh? That’s quite an intimidating designation. Well, I am the Storm King! Regardless of who you are or what you are, no one will stand in my way! Although I have been eager to fight someone in combat for a while; heh, I’ve always allowed Tempest to do all the work for me. Still, it feels great to—!” “Is this monkey dude always this chattery? And Bruce thinks I’m the one who needs to keep my mouth in check,” Batman thought, looking puzzled at his monologuing enemy. “... will start to appreciate my newfound glory! Soon, I will create a storm so big that it will bend every world in the multiverse to my rulership! Furthermore, I will—huh? Where did you go?” Storm King looked around to see Batman gone. Suddenly, he received a drop kick to the face. Batman then landed on top of an overturned car with a grin on his face. “You talk too much, bozo.” The Storm King wiped off the dirt from his face before glaring at the winged rodent. “So... that’s how you wanna party? Fine then, let’s get nuts!!” He sent another lightning beam at him. Batman jumped off from the car before it was destroyed. He looked behind him to see the wounded citizen being taken away by the medics for medical treatment. The ruthless satyr blasted more beams at him which Batman effortlessly dodged. He threw more batarangs at him while flying in the air. The Storm King blasted those batarangs with ease before smugly grinning. “Ha! You think those little toys will stop me?! Pathetic!” “How about this?” Batman activated his invisibility mode, confusing his villainous opponent even more. “What is this?! You can turn invisible?! I had no clue a bipedal had such a magical capacity. No matter! I will still find you, Batman!” Storm King cried. He desperately looked around the damaged city while trying to listen carefully for any foot steps. Then he heard a whistle right close by him. As he turned, he saw a smirking Batman punching him in the face. “Ahhhhh!! You will pay for that!” he glared. “Sure, but I’m gonna first buy the world’s smallest violin to sooth your tears,” Batman smirked. Seething in rage, the villain lifted his staff and blasted him on the chest. The hero winced slightly in pain from the hit, but he saw how little effect it had on him or on his advanced suit. Seeing this made the Storm King gasp in shock. “Looks like you’re gonna need a much more useful weapon.” “IMPOSSIBLE! No one can withstand my Staff of Sca-Scaner-S-Scanane? Ugh, whatever this is called!” he groaned. “You don’t even know what your own staff is called?” Batman asked. “Well, I’m sure Tempest will remind me again,” he replied. “Who’s Tempest?” “Doesn’t matter! I’ll just crush you with my own bare claws!” Storm King yelled. Batman ducked underneath his grasp and tripped him over. Unwilling to give up, he dropped his staff and sought to assault him. Batman dodged his swipes, punched his face twice, his stomach, and his chest. The tyrant groaned in pain from the heavy blows and saw his nose was bleeding. Then within an instant, he scratched Batman’s arm with his claws. The hero winced from the wound as it slowly started to bleed as well. The Storm King again retaliated by punching him in the face and grabbing his leg to smash him against the concrete repeatedly. Then he threw him against a window of a shopping mall. He grunted as he struggled to get up; then he saw the satyr land on his body and deliver multiple punches on his back. He picked him up and threw him against a wall. Batman launched himself into the air before he flew right toward Storm King, carrying him into the sky. Then each combatant delivered blows to the other until they crashed through an apartment building. They crashed into a living room where a guy was watching the news on TV. Then they smashed through a wall where they both saw a lady bathing in her shower. She screamed in terror at the sight of two brawlers in her bathroom. She threw bars of soap at them before closing the shower curtain. They jumped right out of the window, falling from a great height. Batman punched him yet again before Storm King returned the favor. The latter tried to bite him, but the former raised his bat-claws and scratched the satyr across his body armor. As he grunted in pain, Batman kicked him toward the ground. The villain landed hard on the pavement, creating a huge crater thereon. Both of them sighed heavily as they were exhausted from fiercely fighting each other. “It’s over for you, stormy freak. You lost.” The villain however was evilly chuckling after he coughed up some blood. “Have I?” The Storm King asked, getting up from the ground. At that moment, a giant truck landed on top of Batman, injuring him greatly. He groaned from the massive hit before he fell on his face unconscious. Tempest lifted the truck off him with her magic as she evilly smirked. “So brave... yet so foolish to challenge us.” “Excellent work, Tempest. I must admit he actually put up a good challenge unlike other creatures I faced in our world. Hmmm, oh! Maybe I should do something special to him! Something... noteworthy,” Storm King said. “Guards, put him in chains! His Excellency will have a word with him later,” she commanded. They did so and took Batman away. “Terry, what’s your status? I tried contacting you, but the signal was jammed. Terry? TERRY!” Bruce called through Batman’s com link. The Batman Escapes“Ugh... ohhh... wh-where... am I?” Batman groaned, slowly awakening. He saw himself held in chains within a prison cell where a large window was opened outside the warship. “What is this place?” he asked. As if on cue, the prison doors were opened by two guards. The Storm King and Tempest Shadow evilly smiled at him before the guards stood aside with emotionless looks. “Enjoyed your beauty nap, big bat?” Storm King taunted. “Where did you take me?” Batman demanded, struggling to free himself. “In my ship, of course! Besides, I think it’s time to have a little chitchat. I LOVE getting to know new creatures, right Tempest?” “Indeed, Your Highness. It makes the experience more... invigorating,” she replied, her broken horn sizzling with eagerness. “Well, I sure hope you don’t get boring while talking because you’re making me sleepy already,” Batman smirked. Enraged, Tempest ignited her horn, but the king held out his hand before her. “Easy, my little pony. This creature will get a taste of his own medicine soon, but for now, I want to speak with him... alone.” Tempest gave one last cold stare at the smug prisoner before nodding. “As you wish, Excellency.” Nodding to the two guards, they also left with their commander. Thus, the Storm King was alone with the prisoner. “Soooooo... how was your day?” the villain casually asked. “It was great... until you showed up out of nowhere and nearly destroyed the city. Why even ask?” Batman snapped. “Hahahahaha, you know I just love messing with folks like you. But I gotta admit... you gave one heck of a challenge against me; no other adversary has managed to face me with such determination and ferocity before. Considering that you are a walking bat, I am actually... impressed.” “So this guy has no clue I’m a human in a bat costume? Hmmm, looks like I’ll just play along,” Batman thought. “You know what? I think you have some potential I can take advantage of,” Storm King said. “What kind of potential?” Batman asked, arching an eyebrow. “Oh, you know, that kind that enables you to be a much better opportunist and stuff like that. Actually... oh! I got it! You... can be at my side! How about that?” Storm King grinned. “And why would I ever join you? After everything you just did to Gotham, you now attempt to gain a follower out of me?” Batman questioned. “Okay, look, this ‘Gother’ City you’re talking about—,” “Gotham,” Batman corrected. “Whatever. This city isn’t exactly my ultimate target; I am just trying to gain access to its bountiful treasure it has! With it, I will have a chance to conquer the rest of the multiverse... thingy.” “Bountiful treasure? You... mean the city’s technological inventions?” “Precisely!! Uh... what’s ‘technology’?” Storm King wondered. “So you came all this way to steal our technology in order to possibly take over the multiverse AND my planet?” Batman realized. “Pretty much. After all, I can already taste such tremendous power,” he wickedly grinned. “All the other worlds will tremble before me, and I will function as the big-boom daddy overlord!! Big dream achieved, baby! Imagine thousands of copyrighted songs and books being written in my name! Imagine the crossovers... dominated by my supremacy!” Batman had to recompose himself after hearing the Storm King’s self-delusions. “Okay, there are two words that come to mind about you... delusional and weirdo; if I have to say a third... goofy, just goofy.” “Awww, that’s very sweet of you, batty boy! But flattery won’t do you any favors,” he glared. Batman had to think of an idea to escape from his prison. He noticed his adversary was holding his staff while he stood very close to the cell’s bars. Thinking back on his “bat” remarks earlier, he secretly smirked. “You have a choice to make, my friend. You can either join me and become my loyal warrior, or I’ll have your own friends and family suffer at my power. Think about it; I can even replace Tempest for you, and you can fill her place. Just say the word, and I’ll welcome you with open arms. We can rule the world together!” The Storm King offered. “Yeah, that’s definitely tempting. In fact, I have something to say to you in response to your offer,” Batman grinned, slowly walking towards the bars. “Ohhh! What’s that? You accept it?” he smiled back. “Even better... THIS!!” He spat at the Storm King’s right eye, temporarily blinding him. “AHHHH!!! Bat venom! My eye! My eye! I’ll be infected!” the king panicked as he covered his eye. He dropped his staff right towards the bars. Batman used his free legs to jump at the bars before he ignited the flames from his boosters. The flames incinerated the steel bars with ease; then he kicked the staff upwards which triggered it to fire at his chains. The chains broke off from his arms, freeing him completely. Smirking, he grabbed the Staff of Sacannas and preceded to jump out of the window. “NO!! That’s my staff!!” Storm King angrily shouted. However, he realized that his eye did not swell from the assault and was completely fine. “That was just... saliva! I guess he only injects venom whenever he bites. Tempest! Concentrate your attack on the bat creature now!” he commanded. Batman flew a great way from the airship and hovered just between it and the city of Gotham. “How does this thing work? That dude had to move the sun and moon with it. Let’s see if it works for me.” He pointed the staff towards the sun and kept it there. However, the sun remained where it was and nothing else happened. “Come on, come on!” Batman grunted, shaking it back and forth. He repeatedly thrusted the staff forward, but it still didn’t work. “How does he even activate it anyway?” Suddenly, a massive beam of magic flew past him which startled him. He looked behind him to see the warship speedily approaching him while shooting magical projectiles right at him. He flew away from the city while he still held the staff. “Come on, work for me! Work!” Batman yelled. He even hit the crystal itself but nothing happened. “This is even harder than I thought.” “There he is! Fire!” Tempest shouted. A huge purple fireball was thrown from the ship toward Batman. “HURRY UP!” Batman panicked, shaking the staff repeatedly. Just when the fireball was getting close to strike him, he held the staff in the air with both hands. It suddenly ignited itself and fired its beam at the projectile, completely destroying it. Batman widened his eyes in surprise at the work it did. “Whoa... that was a close call. I guess it needs two hands for it to work?” “What the—? Did he just...? FIRE AGAIN!” Storm King ordered. Two more fireballs were launched toward their target, but he quickly blasted them to bits with the powerful staff. “Impossible! He actually figured how to use it?! Keep firing!” Storm King shouted. “Time to end this,” Batman muttered. He sent another beam of magic at the Storm airship itself. The blimp began to slowly deflate from the blast. “Oh, great...” Storm King said. He jumped out of the ship with several guards following him. Tempest hesitantly followed suit. The ship fell down on the ocean and sunk itself into the depths thereof. Batman then flew back to Gotham with the staff in hand. “Time to clean up your act, bozos,” he said as he glared at the Storm army. He created a huge beam which turned into a tornado on the ground. It absorbed every single invader from the city into itself as they all screamed in terror. The army was soon gone from plain sight once the tornado vanished into thin air. “Hopefully, it took them back to where they came from. Man, this thing is so powerful. I have to give this to Bruce once I’m done here,” Batman said. After this, he generated a portal with the staff. Suddenly, his com link rang. “Terry, can you hear me?” “Bruce, I’m here. I just escaped that storm creep’s nightmare ship. This staff thing is so powerful it can literally do anything,” Batman reported. “I’m glad you’re okay. Whatever that staff is, we have to investigate its properties and lock it up before it falls to the wrong hands again,” said Bruce. “Agreed. I’ll meet you back in the bat cave,” Batman finished. At that moment, a lightning beam struck him on the back. Although he was unaffected by it, it still got his attention. He turned back to see two villains murderously glaring at him. “You will pay for this, bat freak!” Storm King angrily shouted. “Uh-oh...” The Storm CeasesAs the portal remained open behind Batman, the Storm King angrily tackled him until they both accidentally entered therein. Tempest followed them before it closed. IN CANTERLOT Dozens of chained ponies were standing in front of the castle with many Storm Guards surrounding them; they pointed their spears toward them while Grubber stood before them. “So let me get this straight. You ponies thought it was a good idea to sneak your way out of this kingdom while we weren’t looking? What were ya gonna do? Call for help? Plan a counterattack?” he taunted. “You don’t scare me, you little creep. You think I’m gonna beg for mercy? Get lost,” a mare defied. “Oh, come on! Can’t you see I’m the one in charge now?! Spears are pointing at your necks, and this is how you’re gonna talk?! Just scream already!” Grubber chided. “You would be intimidating... if you were taller,” she smirked. Seething in rage, the hedgehog climbed on top of a guard. “I’m giving you ten seconds to admit I’m very scary! Otherwise, I’ll have these guards execute you on the spot! I’m not joking!” “Ha, like that will ever work,” she muttered. “Fine, I admit that you are very scary... scarily pathetic. No matter how many times you try to threaten our lives, we’ll never surrender. Plus, a dung hill and a donkey are far more menacing than your meaningless idiocies. Spray yourself with a skunk then maybe we can talk.” “THAT’S IT!! EXECUTE THEM ALL!!” Grubber yelled. Suddenly, a blue portal opened up in the dark sky which caught every one’s attention. Three beings fell out of it and descended toward him. “AHHHH!!!” the hedgehog screamed until they crashed on him. All the guards instinctively backed away while the prisoners stood in awe at the sight of the arising black figure. Batman kicked off the Storm King before he punched Tempest in the face. The king then tried to grab back his staff, but the hero kept holding on to it. “This... is... MY staff!! Let it go!!” “Never! I won’t let you hurt people with it!!” Batman grunted. “Normally, I enjoy tug of war, but not this kind! Tempest, finish him off!” Storm King commanded. “With pleasure!” Tempest complied. She tried to zap Batman with her lightning magic, but the bolts deflected off his suit. “If you’re gonna try to fry me, find a new plan,” he said. He flipped over her and flew in the air until he delivered a drop kick to her face. He smote her several times and kicked her down. Tempest blocked one of his kicks, grabbed his leg, and body-slammed him on the dirt. It caused him to drop the staff; before he could retrieve it, Tempest pounded his head with her hooves. “Yes... the staff belongs to me again!” Storm King grinned, retrieving his prized weapon. “Now that our enemy has been subdued, will you now seek to restore my horn, my lord?” Tempest asked, bowing before him. “Hahahahaha! Sorry, Tempest, no can do.” “What?! But... but we had a deal!!” “Did you really think I would do anything for you? I used you! It’s kinda what I do,” Storm King casually admitted. “All this time... I was—,” “A TOOL! You finally figured it out! Bravo! So I am sorry but not so sorry to say... you are no longer of any use to me,” he glared. He grabbed his Obsidian Orb and threw it at her. The terrified unicorn could only look on as her body began to petrify in stone. She screamed in terror before her head was covered in stone, silencing her voice. The guards, prisoners, Grubber, and Batman stood in shock at what he did to her. “Whoa...” Batman muttered. “Now, where was I? Oh yes! You...” The Storm King pointed his staff right at him. “You do realize your magic staff doesn’t work on me, right?” Batman reminded. “Oh right, uhhh... ah-ha! This will do the trick!” he said as he pulled out another Obsidian Orb. “So, bat creature, any last words to share?” he asked. Batman activated a batarang in his hand while making sure no one was looking. “Yeah, I got some words for ya, pal: Game on.” He threw it toward the staff, knocking it off the villain’s hand. “Oh no you don’t!” Storm King yelled, throwing the orb at his opponent. Then Batman ducked below the orb which struck Grubber and the guards instead. “NOOOO!!!” they screamed as they instantly got petrified. Once the satyr was distracted, Batman kicked him straight in the face and launched more batarangs at the chains of the prisoners. The discs sliced them off, setting them all free. “Go, now! Get to safety!” he ordered. They did so and ran back to find shelter. “Hmmm, so there are more equines almost like that Tempest horse. Interesting...” “You... will not defeat me that easily, bat psycho!” Storm King growled. “Give it up, monkey man. Leave my world and this place alone, and you won’t get your butt kicked. Or even worse for you, be sent to prison.” “I AM NOT A MONKEY! I am... THE STORM KING!” he shouted. “You’re also a manipulative, sadistic, power-hungry, and yet very stupid villain. Anybody can see that,” Batman said, smirking. “You’re calling me stupid? I am anything but stupid!” “Yeah? Then how come you’re losing?” “Well... I—I... I’m always.... j—grrrrr, ENOUGH MIND GAMES! I will destroy you once and for all!” Storm King bellowed. He jumped into the air and tackled him once more. Batman delivered his blows before Storm King gave him his blows in retaliation. Then the tyrant lifted him up and threw him against the wall of the castle. Groaning in pain, Batman got up and tried to regain his balance. As he opened his eyes, he noticed several statues of ponies all over the city. “There’s more of them? Looks like they got petrified as well.” Storm King grabbed him by the throat and body-slammed him on the mud repeatedly and threw him against the gates of the castle. Thus, he rested his foot on Batman’s body and nearly impaled the tip of the staff on Batman’s arm. “You have got to be the bravest yet sassiest creature I’ve ever encountered. At least now, you have earned some decent level of respect from me. Haha, imagine being killed by a king. That will surely become a tale worth retelling over and over!” “Although I enjoy fighting you, I really do hate your guts. So... yeah. Bye-bye! (Whispers) See you later,” he evilly smiled. As the Storm King prepared for the final blow, Batman head-butted him and snatched his staff from his grasp. He then blasted him with the magical beam, sending him flying in the air. “AHHHHH!!!” Storm King screamed. He crashed against a building and fell hard on the debris. “Why didn’t I... see that one... coming?” he muttered before falling to unconsciousness. The imprisoned ponies celebrated Batman’s victory which caught him by surprise. “Thank you, bat creature! Thank you for saving us!” “Wow... he was that cruel of a tyrant, huh? Heh, I never imagined beating a conqueror like this as opposed to beating street thugs all the time,” he said. He looked up toward the castle with curiosity. “Hmmm, I wonder if this world’s ruler has any idea how to fix this mess, and... see if Tempest can get the help she needs. She didn’t deserve such a betrayal.” He flew up to the balcony and entered inside the throne room. As he got inside the throne room, he saw in the midst thereof four alicorn statues in a circle. “Whoa! That doesn’t look good—wait... why are they in a circle?” He walked in the middle of the floor to see a tiny hole. “Hmm, I think it may be the key to something... perhaps the very thing that could have something to do with this,” he finished as he stared at the staff. “Bruce, are you reading this? Bruce?” The com link went static. “This dimension may be blocking the signal to the bat cave somehow. I guess I’ll try this myself.” Batman impaled the hole with the staff’s blue crystal. At that moment, the entire room glowed white and magic began to swirl around the throne room. He looked on in wonder as the magic did its job. Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Twilight came back to life as well as regaining their magic. “I... am back! Princesses!” Twilight cried. “Twilight! I’m glad you’re okay!” Cadence said, releasing her from the cage. As all four of them hugged, they cast their eyes on the dark stranger in the midst of the room. “Whoa! Who is this creature?” Twilight asked. “I’m Batman. I... come in peace,” he said, still amazed at the sight of the restoring magic. “I take it you’re the one who freed us?” Celestia asked. “Yep, it wasn’t easy, but... here you are.” “Where is the enemy?” Luna demanded. “All taken care of. I hope your prison cells are enough to fit a whole army,” Batman smirked. The magic restored all the lands of Equestria and freed the ponies from their stone imprisonments, chains, and cages; the Mane Five and Spike were also restored. “Oh yeah! We’re back again!” Rainbow Dash shouted. The rest of the Storm army fled in terror as they saw all the ponies and Royal Guards glaring at them in battle stances. Then they all celebrated the defeat of the Storm King. Suddenly, Tempest’s stone form was taken up by Twilight’s magic and carefully landed it before the rulers. “I tried to reason with her, but she wouldn’t listen. I really want to give her another chance at redemption so she can have friends again,” said Twilight. “That’s really nice of you, but she also needs plenty of therapy and some form of rehabilitation. She needs to suffer the consequences before she receives the proper treatment she fully deserves,” Batman sternly advised. “But what about friendship? She needs—,” “She needs help. Nothing more, nothing less. That’s just how it works... at least in my world,” Batman spoke. “I’m afraid he has a point, Twilight. Tempest may have some friendship issues, but the fact still remains she assisted a power-hungry tyrant to conquer Equestria. If she is to gain friendship once more, she must work hard in regaining the trust of the ponies she terrorized,” added Celestia. “Both she and the Storm King will be sent to Tartarus for their crimes. After a certain period of time, we will give her the said rehabilitation she needs in order to be better,” Luna said. “Glad you ponies can see reason,” Batman remarked. “(Sigh) You’re right. I just hope Tempest gets better sooner or later,” said Twilight, looking down on the floor. “So do I, Twilight. So do I,” Batman said, looking at Tempest’s stone form with some compassion. He grabbed the staff again and created a portal from its blast. “Wait, where are you going? Don’t you want to stay?” Twilight asked. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back... soon. Besides, I have now this world and Gotham to watch over. Plus, I’ll be needing this thing,” said Batman. “It was a pleasure meeting you... princesses.” Thus, he entered the portal with the Staff of Sacanas before it closed up. “My, that Batman fellow would get along with Luna quite easily,” said Cadence. “You... think so?” Luna asked, blushing. “Creatures of the night always gotta stick together... if you catch my drift,” Cadence smirked, winking. “I’m sure it would be... interesting,” said Luna, giggling. “Still, I am glad we have a new creature who saved us. He will become a great ally,” Celestia smiled. “I didn’t even know there’s such a thing as a bipedal bat! I’m gonna ask him so many questions once he comes back!” Twilight squealed excitedly. “Let’s just hope we can extend our friendship beyond our worlds and boundaries. The magic of friendship has so much more to offer,” said Celestia. The End Author's Note I hope you guys enjoyed this crossover story. Stay tuned for more stories to come!
Tyrannical TriumphIN CANTERLOT While it was a very cloudy day for all of Equestria, it was also the darkest it has experienced yet. A vast mighty army has laid siege to Canterlot with a menacing unicorn at their head and immediately attacked its citizens earlier. The scarred unicorn commander gazed her deadly sight at the Canterlot Castle. Behind her was a cage of a certain alicorn princess being carried by the guards as well as six statues of five ponies and a baby dragon. The commander coldly stared at the other caged ponies as they too were being carried away by other guards. Then she preceded her way to the castle where her master was expecting her. Soon, they made their way to the castle’s entrance doors and entered therein. They laid the princess’s cage just right before the two thrones. Next to her were three strange alicorn statues which all wore looks of terror on their faces. Then the guards left the throne room and left the two alone. “Tempest, please, don’t do this,” the alicorn pleaded. “Don’t give the Storm King—!” “Your magic?” Tempest contemptuously finished. Did you really think you can keep it all to yourself? I think it’s time for you to share. Besides, I would love to show to everybody down there what I can really do.” “Oh! That’s interesting!” shouted the Storm King, revealing himself to her from the back door. “What can you really do?” Being caught off-guard, she recomposed herself before her leader. “Well... your bidding, your excellency.” “Biddings are good! I like bidding!” he grinned. Then he readjusted his eyes as he noticed the caged alicorn next to Tempest. “Uh... who are you supposed to be?” “I am Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship!” she replied. Then the Storm King laughed hysterically at such a title. “That’s nice,” he said before glaring at Tempest. “Why is this one still moving?” “She put up a fight with her friends but nothing to worry. Neither of them won’t be a problem,” she replied, smirking at the saddened pony. “Yeah, speaking of problems, this place seems a little too... oh, I dunno... CUTE!!! I don’t like cute! Never really did like cute! It doesn’t reflect my supreme kingly power, does it? Deliver the punchline, Tempest, because this is gotta be a joke!” Storm King angrily shouted. He impaled the hole in the ground with the Staff of Sacanas which activated something. The magic from all four alicorns began to drain from them and from all Equestria, entering into the Staff. Twilight fell down within her cage feeling exhausted and weak. As she groaned wearily, she had instant flashbacks of the time she fought against Lord Tirek and had her own magic taken from her in exchange for her best friends. Recalling such painful memories, she silently cried to herself and hid her tears. “Ah-ha! Now that’s what I’m talking about! All the magic of this land... FINALLY MINE, BABY!” Storm King proudly triumphed. “Indeed, sire, you now possess all the magic of the alicorns; with it, you can destroy anyone who stands in your way,” Tempest grinned, bowing before him. “Indeed. Hahaha, those jelly bean ponies have a new master to serve now!” The Storm King boasted. Then he cast an inconsiderate look at Twilight. “You can... y’know... do whatever you want with her now.” “With pleasure,” Tempest said, evilly smirking at the surprised alicorn. She held a green orb on her hoof while she walked toward her. “Tempest, please! You can’t do this! Think of your own kind! You don’t want to—!” “SHUT IT! Why would I think of those who turned their backs on me? Friendship has truly blinded you, Princess. And now you will suffer the consequences for it,” growled Tempest. “I can help you! I can show you the true ways of friendship!” Twilight offered. Then Tempest glared daggers at her, raising the orb. “It’s too late for that...” She threw it right at Twilight. “NOOO!!” Twilight screamed, stricken by the orb. She looked down to see her legs and body being slowly petrified. She cast her last sorrowful look at Tempest before the stone sealed her entire head. Her tear formed on her eye which was also petrified. “Nice! I guess that was stone cold, am I right?” chuckled the little hedgehog. “Hilarious,” Tempest sarcastically remarked, rolling her eyes. “Hahahahaha!! I am on fire today!! Now it’s time to get this storm started! Hey, that’s a good one. I should trademark that,” Storm King said. He raised his staff and sent a blue electric beam right at one of the windows. It shattered to many pieces. “Hmm, not bad. Actually, kinda first rate! What else does it do?” he idly wondered, gazing at the Staff. “Uh, your excellency, you promised to restore my horn—,” “Ah, ah, ah, first things first, Tempest!” Storm King waved off. “Now, let’s see if it can do this.” The king raised his staff and magically moved the sun and the moon. “Nice!! Now this branch is the stuff!! What else can it do?” Then he created a huge aurora from the Staff which gave him a strange panoramic view of different worlds. “Whoa... it’s like watching a movie in a theater!” Grubber said. “Who cares about movie theaters if you have this stuff?” Storm King replied. Suddenly, he noticed something weird as he looked further into the view. “Wait a minute, there is something... unusual about this.” “What is?” Tempest asked. “These worlds look a little different from ours. Hmmm, let’s see here. That one looks like an undersea world with walking fish... along with a walking sponge and starfish; the other one looks like a bipedal hairless monkey world with... a girl made of metal? It’s like I’m watching TV!” Storm King noticed. “It may appear, your excellency, that you’re viewing different dimensions out of many multiverses,” Tempest deduced. “Different what now?” Storm King asked, confused. “Dimensions, sire. They are a part of—,” “Nah, whatever, Tempest. Still, they look so fascinating to look at! (Gasp) That’s it! If these weird planets are a thing, I can conquer them all as well!! I can rule all the multi-pulse—eh, multi-vestal... bleh, whatever they’re called,” he said. “But don’t you think that would require... you know... much more resources to do that? I mean, we don’t have many soldiers, we don’t have any sort of magic to take them all—well, except for the Staff of Sacanas of course.” Grubber nervously smiled. “As much as I hate to admit it, he does have a point, sire.” Tempest agreed. “Hmm, if that’s the case, then we’ll have to take one of them and use it’s own resources to accomplish that purpose. After all, building up my own empire has always been one of my dreams,” the Storm King said, dreamily gazing at the ceiling. “Yes... of course... your highness,” Tempest said, cringing at his face. “So, which one are we gonna take, my liege?” Grubber eagerly asked. “Let’s see here.” Storm King zoomed into the various worlds on display like a touchscreen and skimmed through them. “Eh, not that one. Ehhhh, nope, not that one either.” “What about that world? It has those weird ghosts in there!” Grubber suggested. “No way! I won’t jeopardize my empire with ghosts and spirits! Besides, I need things that are more... material. I don’t need ghostly things,” Storm King rejected. Then the three viewed another world that was filled with fairies. The very sight made the Storm King gag in disgust. “Ugh, that’s a huge nope right there.” “May I suggest this particular world? It looks very... promising,” Tempest pointed. The Storm King looked at where she was pointing and saw the particular planet; he zoomed into the planet itself and viewed at the luxurious buildings and advanced technology it possessed. As he kept scrutinizing, his eyeballs enlarged and his smile grew all the way to his cheeks. “Tempest, Grubber, we have found our new target,” he declared. “We will march toward this... ‘Gotham’? That’s an odd name.” “That would be the name of that city according to that sign, sire,” Tempest informed. “Still, never heard such a weird name before. Regardless, that city’s shiny possessions look very intriguing. I will investigate its resources to see what use they are. Tempest, you are coming with me! Grubber, take charge of this castle in my absence!” he commanded. “It would be an honor, your majesty!” Grubber kneeled. Thus, he ran out of the throne room to assemble the troops. “Make sure to take half of our army with us while that hedgehog keeps the other half here. Heh, too bad he’ll be missing out all the fun!” Storm King chuckled. “Of course, your excellency,” Tempest complied. Afterwards, she left the room to make preparations for departure. Then the Storm King evilly grinned at the panoramic view of Neo-Gotham City via his blue aurora. “Very soon, I will rule this entire world with no one standing in my way. Whatever it takes, I will take what is rightfully mine....... although I have no clue what this ‘multiverse’ thing is. Ehh, who cares? It’s gonna be fun.” Then he pointed his staff at the planet while maintaining the direct coordinates of the city; he shot a beam at the aurora which created a huge portal in the middle of the throne room. The Storm King wickedly laughed as the access to the new world was made. “Sweet destiny, here I come!” Author's Note I hope you all enjoyed this prologue! Any suggestions, ideas, thoughts, questions, or even constructive criticism is acceptable in the comments below. Stay tuned for the next chapter, and may you all have a great day!
The Storm King’s ArrivalIN GOTHAM A group of teenage clowns ran together on a sidewalk while it was late at night. They fearfully panted before they made a swift turn through an alleyway. “Hopefully, that bat freak will never find us here!” “Yeah! Then we can finally enjoy these cash cards here!” one of the Jokerz grinned, holding a bag of them. “Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you,” said a dark new figure. The Jokerz looked up and saw a masked being with red bat wings with a red bat insignia on his chest and white eyes glaring at them. The former cowered before his presence. “IT’S THE BATMAN!!” they cried. Then Batman descended on them and drop kicked two of them with his raised feet. One of the Jokerz brandished his bat and swung it at him, but the hero grabbed hold of the weapon, ribbed it from his grasp, and punched him in the face. He flipped over two more of them and knocked both of their heads together. They fell down unconscious. He grabbed the bag of cash cards back while some of the thugs groaned in pain. However, one remaining thug held a crowbar in his hand, prepared to knock out their opponent. Still, Batman punched him without looking. Soon, a squad of police officers arrived at the scene and arrested the group of Jokerz. “Looks like these punks will be spending the night at prison. They just don’t know when to give up, do they?” the commissioner said. “Apparently not,” replied Batman. “Ever since The Joker’s final defeat, they still won’t even bother quitting their life-draining hobby.” “Well, they’re very persistent and resilient, so I’ll give them that. I just hope they will all soon cease their destructive behavior,” said Barbara. “One can only hope, Commissioner,” said Batman. Then he took off to the sky and flew off to his own destination. AT WAYNE MANOR Batman arrived at the bat cave and took off his mask. As he wiped off the sweat from his forehead, he noticed a particular elderly man sitting on his chair before a large monitor with his pet dog next to him. “I trust that your night went well?” he asked. “Ehh, nothing new... except for the usual,” replied Terry. “Those Jokerz are really desperate at this point.” “I can tell. Joker’s defeat managed to put them at unease; ever since then, they tried every possible way to gain back their feared reputation,” Bruce said. “Obviously, their wacky methods aren’t working. Sooner or later, they’ll have to surrender,” Terry smirked. “I doubt it. Considering how long they’ve been spreading chaos across Gotham, it will take many more years until the city finally experiences peace and serenity for the first time in ages.” Bruce grimly countered. “Not unless something drastic happens to them,” Terry said. “Such as?” Bruce asked, arching an eyebrow. “You know... a mandate to ban all clowns, perhaps even an electric chair as capital punishment?” Terry suggested. Bruce then silently glared at him. “Okay, that might be too harsh, but you know what I’m getting at,” Terry rectified. “Get some sleep, Terry. You need it,” Bruce ordered, walking back to his chair. “Fine. See you tomorrow,” Terry nodded. He took off his suit and packed it in his book bag. Then he walked upstairs and left the manor. Bruce sat back in his chair; as soon as he resumed his work on the bat computer, it started to flicker on and off. The lights upstairs likewise flickered on and off, putting him and Ace on alert. After a few seconds, the electricity resumed back to normal operation. “That was strange. I’ll have to investigate this later,” said Bruce. Outside the city, a blue portal was shining brightly in the night sky. Then it slowly became much wider and bigger as a large warship flew out thereof. Once it exited the portal, the latter fully closed. The ship remained hovering in the air while they kept their sights on the city of Gotham. “The city is within sight, my lord. Shall we take them on while they are vulnerable?” Tempest asked. “No... we shall wait until dawn to lay siege on the city. Besides, broad daylight is more preferable for me since people will be awake and running about. I want them to see my glory... my power... BEFORE THEY SCREAM LIKE LITTLE GIRLS!!” The Storm King shouted, hysterically laughing. “I see...” Tempest replied, annoyed. “Anyway, this world looks so dashing! Man, I am dying to see their precious treasure they hide! I can already feel it!” Storm King evilly grinned. Then he faced his army behind him. “Rest up, all of you. In the morning, we shall get this party started... of course, before we get the storm started. Ya know what I mean?” His beastly minions grunted and muttered unintelligible words in response. “Good. Anyway, night night! Don’t let the bed bugs bite!” he happily grinned before he glared fiercely at them. “But most importantly... don’t ever let me bite you...” Terrified of his threat, they all rushed out of his presence. Seeing their immediate and fearful obedience, he smirked. “That’s the spirit.” Tempest then stared at the whole landmass and saw the moon shining brightly above the city despite the dark clouds surrounding it. “All of this... will be ours for the taking,” she menacingly muttered. But just when the Storm King was getting ready to settle down, he stopped himself for a moment. “Wait a minute... something isn’t right. If it’s nightfall in this universe... then I can make it DAY! (Chuckles) Silly me! Why didn’t I think about that earlier?! I have to cut to the chase, eh?” He pointed his staff at the moon and held it through telekinesis. He instantly raised the sun after that, expelling the darkness. “Ha! Boom, baby!” he triumphed. As Terry was walking home, he saw the moon speedily move down and the sun instantly rise up. “Huh? Wh-what just happened? How did that happen?” Several drivers on the road saw the unnatural incident happen before they accidentally crash against each other. Multiple other people at home were likewise caught off guard at the sight and ran outside to take a look. “What gives?! How can it be day time already?!” “It’s not even 6:00am yet! What’s going on with the moon?!” a man yelled. “Come on, man, I’ve only gotten three hours of sleep so far! I’m too tired to go to work now!” another guy complained. Suddenly, the ship hovered above the city and generated black smoke alongside it. A long streak of blue lightning struck the streets, creating massive cracks on the concrete. The people panicked at the sight and ran for their lives. The Storm King also blasted a couple of buildings, igniting them on fire. Terry gasped in shock at what he witnessed. He brought his phone out and dialed a number. “Bruce, something’s happening to the city!” “It’s a giant ship, isn’t it?” “How do you know?” “I’m seeing it myself, Terry. Suit up and investigate. I’ll keep in touch,” instructed Bruce, staring at the warship outside. Ace hid behind Bruce’s legs while growling at the sight. “Don’t worry, boy... we’ll figure out what that thing is,” he confidently said.
Batman vs The Storm KingOnce Storm King was finished damaging the buildings and the roads with his staff, he lowered the ship down to the ground. Tempest stood next to him as he did so. “And now... for my grand entrance!” he exclaimed. Once the people ceased their screaming and looked at the ship, the doors opened slowly, smoke coming out thereof. The villain then revealed himself to the terrified Gothamites, slowly stepping down from the stairs. He evilly chuckled as he beheld the shocked, scared looks on their faces. “WHAT IS THAT THING?!” one of them screamed. “WHO ARE YOU?!” another person fearfully demanded. “Hahahahaha, I love it when creatures cower before me. That’s when I know I am punching it! You may call me... THE STORM KING! You will all tremble before my ba-ba-ba-ba-boom, baby!” he proclaimed. He shot his magical beam right at several police cruisers , destroying them all on impact. The people once more screamed and ran for their lives. Tempest landed next to him with her broken horn sparkling. “Shall I initiate the invasion of this city, Your Excellency?” “Do it. These bipedal lifeforms will learn to recognize their new master,” he replied, wickedly grinning. “As you wish,” she nodded. As the troops assembled themselves together, the unicorn commander stood before them while fastening her sight on the terrified citizens. “ATTACK! MAKE SURE NONE OF THEM ESCAPE!” The storm army uttered war cries as they pursued their victims. The Gotham City Police Officers fired on the alien guards, but the laser blasts deflected off their armor. Thus, Tempest sucker-punched two officers with her bare hooves, and body-slammed another one, breaking his spine. She blasted three more officers, sending them flying to a skyscraper. Before another officer could land a hit on her, she bit his hand, stomped his feet, and then landed a blow on his right leg. His leg bones broke on impact, forcing him to scream in agony. The Storm King levitated a piece of the road with his staff and then threw it right at a couple of police vehicles, severely damaging them. Then he spotted a random citizen bleeding from his wounds. He walked toward him with feigned compassion. “Awwww, is the little fellow hurt? How so sad...” “Please, leave me alone! Don’t hurt me!” “Oh, don’t worry! Your new ruler will be of assistance!” Storm King smiled. “R-really?” he asked. Then the villain glared at him. “Not yet. Tell me where your treasure is, and I will let you live. I will heal your injuries if you comply.” “I... I don’t know what you’re talking about! What are you anyway?!” “Oh, you wanna play dumb, eh? Very well then. Now I will demonstrate to you how I deal with dumb creatures.” He brought the Staff of Sacannas right towards the victim’s face, sizzling with energy. “No, stop! I don’t know what ‘treasure’ you’re talking about! I swear!” he begged. “Don’t lie to me; I know you have it somewhere in this... Gother City.” “Uh... it’s Gotham,” he corrected. “Oh, right, I forgot about that. How do you spell it anyway?” Storm King asked. “G-o-t-h-a-m?” “Gotcha! Now, where were we? Oh yes!” Storm King ignited his staff with more power. Suddenly, a batarang flew in the air which knocked his entire crown off. “WHAT THE?!” “Step away from the citizen!” a dark figure ordered. As the tyrant put his fallen crown back on, he looked up to see the same bat-winged hero land before him with a menacing glare. He stood in complete surprise at the unexpected newcomer. “Who in the name of Equestria are you? I’ve never seen the likes of you before!” The Storm King said. “I am Batman, and if you want to take over my city, you will have to get through me first,” he said. “Batman, huh? That’s quite an intimidating designation. Well, I am the Storm King! Regardless of who you are or what you are, no one will stand in my way! Although I have been eager to fight someone in combat for a while; heh, I’ve always allowed Tempest to do all the work for me. Still, it feels great to—!” “Is this monkey dude always this chattery? And Bruce thinks I’m the one who needs to keep my mouth in check,” Batman thought, looking puzzled at his monologuing enemy. “... will start to appreciate my newfound glory! Soon, I will create a storm so big that it will bend every world in the multiverse to my rulership! Furthermore, I will—huh? Where did you go?” Storm King looked around to see Batman gone. Suddenly, he received a drop kick to the face. Batman then landed on top of an overturned car with a grin on his face. “You talk too much, bozo.” The Storm King wiped off the dirt from his face before glaring at the winged rodent. “So... that’s how you wanna party? Fine then, let’s get nuts!!” He sent another lightning beam at him. Batman jumped off from the car before it was destroyed. He looked behind him to see the wounded citizen being taken away by the medics for medical treatment. The ruthless satyr blasted more beams at him which Batman effortlessly dodged. He threw more batarangs at him while flying in the air. The Storm King blasted those batarangs with ease before smugly grinning. “Ha! You think those little toys will stop me?! Pathetic!” “How about this?” Batman activated his invisibility mode, confusing his villainous opponent even more. “What is this?! You can turn invisible?! I had no clue a bipedal had such a magical capacity. No matter! I will still find you, Batman!” Storm King cried. He desperately looked around the damaged city while trying to listen carefully for any foot steps. Then he heard a whistle right close by him. As he turned, he saw a smirking Batman punching him in the face. “Ahhhhh!! You will pay for that!” he glared. “Sure, but I’m gonna first buy the world’s smallest violin to sooth your tears,” Batman smirked. Seething in rage, the villain lifted his staff and blasted him on the chest. The hero winced slightly in pain from the hit, but he saw how little effect it had on him or on his advanced suit. Seeing this made the Storm King gasp in shock. “Looks like you’re gonna need a much more useful weapon.” “IMPOSSIBLE! No one can withstand my Staff of Sca-Scaner-S-Scanane? Ugh, whatever this is called!” he groaned. “You don’t even know what your own staff is called?” Batman asked. “Well, I’m sure Tempest will remind me again,” he replied. “Who’s Tempest?” “Doesn’t matter! I’ll just crush you with my own bare claws!” Storm King yelled. Batman ducked underneath his grasp and tripped him over. Unwilling to give up, he dropped his staff and sought to assault him. Batman dodged his swipes, punched his face twice, his stomach, and his chest. The tyrant groaned in pain from the heavy blows and saw his nose was bleeding. Then within an instant, he scratched Batman’s arm with his claws. The hero winced from the wound as it slowly started to bleed as well. The Storm King again retaliated by punching him in the face and grabbing his leg to smash him against the concrete repeatedly. Then he threw him against a window of a shopping mall. He grunted as he struggled to get up; then he saw the satyr land on his body and deliver multiple punches on his back. He picked him up and threw him against a wall. Batman launched himself into the air before he flew right toward Storm King, carrying him into the sky. Then each combatant delivered blows to the other until they crashed through an apartment building. They crashed into a living room where a guy was watching the news on TV. Then they smashed through a wall where they both saw a lady bathing in her shower. She screamed in terror at the sight of two brawlers in her bathroom. She threw bars of soap at them before closing the shower curtain. They jumped right out of the window, falling from a great height. Batman punched him yet again before Storm King returned the favor. The latter tried to bite him, but the former raised his bat-claws and scratched the satyr across his body armor. As he grunted in pain, Batman kicked him toward the ground. The villain landed hard on the pavement, creating a huge crater thereon. Both of them sighed heavily as they were exhausted from fiercely fighting each other. “It’s over for you, stormy freak. You lost.” The villain however was evilly chuckling after he coughed up some blood. “Have I?” The Storm King asked, getting up from the ground. At that moment, a giant truck landed on top of Batman, injuring him greatly. He groaned from the massive hit before he fell on his face unconscious. Tempest lifted the truck off him with her magic as she evilly smirked. “So brave... yet so foolish to challenge us.” “Excellent work, Tempest. I must admit he actually put up a good challenge unlike other creatures I faced in our world. Hmmm, oh! Maybe I should do something special to him! Something... noteworthy,” Storm King said. “Guards, put him in chains! His Excellency will have a word with him later,” she commanded. They did so and took Batman away. “Terry, what’s your status? I tried contacting you, but the signal was jammed. Terry? TERRY!” Bruce called through Batman’s com link.
The Batman Escapes“Ugh... ohhh... wh-where... am I?” Batman groaned, slowly awakening. He saw himself held in chains within a prison cell where a large window was opened outside the warship. “What is this place?” he asked. As if on cue, the prison doors were opened by two guards. The Storm King and Tempest Shadow evilly smiled at him before the guards stood aside with emotionless looks. “Enjoyed your beauty nap, big bat?” Storm King taunted. “Where did you take me?” Batman demanded, struggling to free himself. “In my ship, of course! Besides, I think it’s time to have a little chitchat. I LOVE getting to know new creatures, right Tempest?” “Indeed, Your Highness. It makes the experience more... invigorating,” she replied, her broken horn sizzling with eagerness. “Well, I sure hope you don’t get boring while talking because you’re making me sleepy already,” Batman smirked. Enraged, Tempest ignited her horn, but the king held out his hand before her. “Easy, my little pony. This creature will get a taste of his own medicine soon, but for now, I want to speak with him... alone.” Tempest gave one last cold stare at the smug prisoner before nodding. “As you wish, Excellency.” Nodding to the two guards, they also left with their commander. Thus, the Storm King was alone with the prisoner. “Soooooo... how was your day?” the villain casually asked. “It was great... until you showed up out of nowhere and nearly destroyed the city. Why even ask?” Batman snapped. “Hahahahaha, you know I just love messing with folks like you. But I gotta admit... you gave one heck of a challenge against me; no other adversary has managed to face me with such determination and ferocity before. Considering that you are a walking bat, I am actually... impressed.” “So this guy has no clue I’m a human in a bat costume? Hmmm, looks like I’ll just play along,” Batman thought. “You know what? I think you have some potential I can take advantage of,” Storm King said. “What kind of potential?” Batman asked, arching an eyebrow. “Oh, you know, that kind that enables you to be a much better opportunist and stuff like that. Actually... oh! I got it! You... can be at my side! How about that?” Storm King grinned. “And why would I ever join you? After everything you just did to Gotham, you now attempt to gain a follower out of me?” Batman questioned. “Okay, look, this ‘Gother’ City you’re talking about—,” “Gotham,” Batman corrected. “Whatever. This city isn’t exactly my ultimate target; I am just trying to gain access to its bountiful treasure it has! With it, I will have a chance to conquer the rest of the multiverse... thingy.” “Bountiful treasure? You... mean the city’s technological inventions?” “Precisely!! Uh... what’s ‘technology’?” Storm King wondered. “So you came all this way to steal our technology in order to possibly take over the multiverse AND my planet?” Batman realized. “Pretty much. After all, I can already taste such tremendous power,” he wickedly grinned. “All the other worlds will tremble before me, and I will function as the big-boom daddy overlord!! Big dream achieved, baby! Imagine thousands of copyrighted songs and books being written in my name! Imagine the crossovers... dominated by my supremacy!” Batman had to recompose himself after hearing the Storm King’s self-delusions. “Okay, there are two words that come to mind about you... delusional and weirdo; if I have to say a third... goofy, just goofy.” “Awww, that’s very sweet of you, batty boy! But flattery won’t do you any favors,” he glared. Batman had to think of an idea to escape from his prison. He noticed his adversary was holding his staff while he stood very close to the cell’s bars. Thinking back on his “bat” remarks earlier, he secretly smirked. “You have a choice to make, my friend. You can either join me and become my loyal warrior, or I’ll have your own friends and family suffer at my power. Think about it; I can even replace Tempest for you, and you can fill her place. Just say the word, and I’ll welcome you with open arms. We can rule the world together!” The Storm King offered. “Yeah, that’s definitely tempting. In fact, I have something to say to you in response to your offer,” Batman grinned, slowly walking towards the bars. “Ohhh! What’s that? You accept it?” he smiled back. “Even better... THIS!!” He spat at the Storm King’s right eye, temporarily blinding him. “AHHHH!!! Bat venom! My eye! My eye! I’ll be infected!” the king panicked as he covered his eye. He dropped his staff right towards the bars. Batman used his free legs to jump at the bars before he ignited the flames from his boosters. The flames incinerated the steel bars with ease; then he kicked the staff upwards which triggered it to fire at his chains. The chains broke off from his arms, freeing him completely. Smirking, he grabbed the Staff of Sacannas and preceded to jump out of the window. “NO!! That’s my staff!!” Storm King angrily shouted. However, he realized that his eye did not swell from the assault and was completely fine. “That was just... saliva! I guess he only injects venom whenever he bites. Tempest! Concentrate your attack on the bat creature now!” he commanded. Batman flew a great way from the airship and hovered just between it and the city of Gotham. “How does this thing work? That dude had to move the sun and moon with it. Let’s see if it works for me.” He pointed the staff towards the sun and kept it there. However, the sun remained where it was and nothing else happened. “Come on, come on!” Batman grunted, shaking it back and forth. He repeatedly thrusted the staff forward, but it still didn’t work. “How does he even activate it anyway?” Suddenly, a massive beam of magic flew past him which startled him. He looked behind him to see the warship speedily approaching him while shooting magical projectiles right at him. He flew away from the city while he still held the staff. “Come on, work for me! Work!” Batman yelled. He even hit the crystal itself but nothing happened. “This is even harder than I thought.” “There he is! Fire!” Tempest shouted. A huge purple fireball was thrown from the ship toward Batman. “HURRY UP!” Batman panicked, shaking the staff repeatedly. Just when the fireball was getting close to strike him, he held the staff in the air with both hands. It suddenly ignited itself and fired its beam at the projectile, completely destroying it. Batman widened his eyes in surprise at the work it did. “Whoa... that was a close call. I guess it needs two hands for it to work?” “What the—? Did he just...? FIRE AGAIN!” Storm King ordered. Two more fireballs were launched toward their target, but he quickly blasted them to bits with the powerful staff. “Impossible! He actually figured how to use it?! Keep firing!” Storm King shouted. “Time to end this,” Batman muttered. He sent another beam of magic at the Storm airship itself. The blimp began to slowly deflate from the blast. “Oh, great...” Storm King said. He jumped out of the ship with several guards following him. Tempest hesitantly followed suit. The ship fell down on the ocean and sunk itself into the depths thereof. Batman then flew back to Gotham with the staff in hand. “Time to clean up your act, bozos,” he said as he glared at the Storm army. He created a huge beam which turned into a tornado on the ground. It absorbed every single invader from the city into itself as they all screamed in terror. The army was soon gone from plain sight once the tornado vanished into thin air. “Hopefully, it took them back to where they came from. Man, this thing is so powerful. I have to give this to Bruce once I’m done here,” Batman said. After this, he generated a portal with the staff. Suddenly, his com link rang. “Terry, can you hear me?” “Bruce, I’m here. I just escaped that storm creep’s nightmare ship. This staff thing is so powerful it can literally do anything,” Batman reported. “I’m glad you’re okay. Whatever that staff is, we have to investigate its properties and lock it up before it falls to the wrong hands again,” said Bruce. “Agreed. I’ll meet you back in the bat cave,” Batman finished. At that moment, a lightning beam struck him on the back. Although he was unaffected by it, it still got his attention. He turned back to see two villains murderously glaring at him. “You will pay for this, bat freak!” Storm King angrily shouted. “Uh-oh...”
The Storm CeasesAs the portal remained open behind Batman, the Storm King angrily tackled him until they both accidentally entered therein. Tempest followed them before it closed. IN CANTERLOT Dozens of chained ponies were standing in front of the castle with many Storm Guards surrounding them; they pointed their spears toward them while Grubber stood before them. “So let me get this straight. You ponies thought it was a good idea to sneak your way out of this kingdom while we weren’t looking? What were ya gonna do? Call for help? Plan a counterattack?” he taunted. “You don’t scare me, you little creep. You think I’m gonna beg for mercy? Get lost,” a mare defied. “Oh, come on! Can’t you see I’m the one in charge now?! Spears are pointing at your necks, and this is how you’re gonna talk?! Just scream already!” Grubber chided. “You would be intimidating... if you were taller,” she smirked. Seething in rage, the hedgehog climbed on top of a guard. “I’m giving you ten seconds to admit I’m very scary! Otherwise, I’ll have these guards execute you on the spot! I’m not joking!” “Ha, like that will ever work,” she muttered. “Fine, I admit that you are very scary... scarily pathetic. No matter how many times you try to threaten our lives, we’ll never surrender. Plus, a dung hill and a donkey are far more menacing than your meaningless idiocies. Spray yourself with a skunk then maybe we can talk.” “THAT’S IT!! EXECUTE THEM ALL!!” Grubber yelled. Suddenly, a blue portal opened up in the dark sky which caught every one’s attention. Three beings fell out of it and descended toward him. “AHHHH!!!” the hedgehog screamed until they crashed on him. All the guards instinctively backed away while the prisoners stood in awe at the sight of the arising black figure. Batman kicked off the Storm King before he punched Tempest in the face. The king then tried to grab back his staff, but the hero kept holding on to it. “This... is... MY staff!! Let it go!!” “Never! I won’t let you hurt people with it!!” Batman grunted. “Normally, I enjoy tug of war, but not this kind! Tempest, finish him off!” Storm King commanded. “With pleasure!” Tempest complied. She tried to zap Batman with her lightning magic, but the bolts deflected off his suit. “If you’re gonna try to fry me, find a new plan,” he said. He flipped over her and flew in the air until he delivered a drop kick to her face. He smote her several times and kicked her down. Tempest blocked one of his kicks, grabbed his leg, and body-slammed him on the dirt. It caused him to drop the staff; before he could retrieve it, Tempest pounded his head with her hooves. “Yes... the staff belongs to me again!” Storm King grinned, retrieving his prized weapon. “Now that our enemy has been subdued, will you now seek to restore my horn, my lord?” Tempest asked, bowing before him. “Hahahahaha! Sorry, Tempest, no can do.” “What?! But... but we had a deal!!” “Did you really think I would do anything for you? I used you! It’s kinda what I do,” Storm King casually admitted. “All this time... I was—,” “A TOOL! You finally figured it out! Bravo! So I am sorry but not so sorry to say... you are no longer of any use to me,” he glared. He grabbed his Obsidian Orb and threw it at her. The terrified unicorn could only look on as her body began to petrify in stone. She screamed in terror before her head was covered in stone, silencing her voice. The guards, prisoners, Grubber, and Batman stood in shock at what he did to her. “Whoa...” Batman muttered. “Now, where was I? Oh yes! You...” The Storm King pointed his staff right at him. “You do realize your magic staff doesn’t work on me, right?” Batman reminded. “Oh right, uhhh... ah-ha! This will do the trick!” he said as he pulled out another Obsidian Orb. “So, bat creature, any last words to share?” he asked. Batman activated a batarang in his hand while making sure no one was looking. “Yeah, I got some words for ya, pal: Game on.” He threw it toward the staff, knocking it off the villain’s hand. “Oh no you don’t!” Storm King yelled, throwing the orb at his opponent. Then Batman ducked below the orb which struck Grubber and the guards instead. “NOOOO!!!” they screamed as they instantly got petrified. Once the satyr was distracted, Batman kicked him straight in the face and launched more batarangs at the chains of the prisoners. The discs sliced them off, setting them all free. “Go, now! Get to safety!” he ordered. They did so and ran back to find shelter. “Hmmm, so there are more equines almost like that Tempest horse. Interesting...” “You... will not defeat me that easily, bat psycho!” Storm King growled. “Give it up, monkey man. Leave my world and this place alone, and you won’t get your butt kicked. Or even worse for you, be sent to prison.” “I AM NOT A MONKEY! I am... THE STORM KING!” he shouted. “You’re also a manipulative, sadistic, power-hungry, and yet very stupid villain. Anybody can see that,” Batman said, smirking. “You’re calling me stupid? I am anything but stupid!” “Yeah? Then how come you’re losing?” “Well... I—I... I’m always.... j—grrrrr, ENOUGH MIND GAMES! I will destroy you once and for all!” Storm King bellowed. He jumped into the air and tackled him once more. Batman delivered his blows before Storm King gave him his blows in retaliation. Then the tyrant lifted him up and threw him against the wall of the castle. Groaning in pain, Batman got up and tried to regain his balance. As he opened his eyes, he noticed several statues of ponies all over the city. “There’s more of them? Looks like they got petrified as well.” Storm King grabbed him by the throat and body-slammed him on the mud repeatedly and threw him against the gates of the castle. Thus, he rested his foot on Batman’s body and nearly impaled the tip of the staff on Batman’s arm. “You have got to be the bravest yet sassiest creature I’ve ever encountered. At least now, you have earned some decent level of respect from me. Haha, imagine being killed by a king. That will surely become a tale worth retelling over and over!” “Although I enjoy fighting you, I really do hate your guts. So... yeah. Bye-bye! (Whispers) See you later,” he evilly smiled. As the Storm King prepared for the final blow, Batman head-butted him and snatched his staff from his grasp. He then blasted him with the magical beam, sending him flying in the air. “AHHHHH!!!” Storm King screamed. He crashed against a building and fell hard on the debris. “Why didn’t I... see that one... coming?” he muttered before falling to unconsciousness. The imprisoned ponies celebrated Batman’s victory which caught him by surprise. “Thank you, bat creature! Thank you for saving us!” “Wow... he was that cruel of a tyrant, huh? Heh, I never imagined beating a conqueror like this as opposed to beating street thugs all the time,” he said. He looked up toward the castle with curiosity. “Hmmm, I wonder if this world’s ruler has any idea how to fix this mess, and... see if Tempest can get the help she needs. She didn’t deserve such a betrayal.” He flew up to the balcony and entered inside the throne room. As he got inside the throne room, he saw in the midst thereof four alicorn statues in a circle. “Whoa! That doesn’t look good—wait... why are they in a circle?” He walked in the middle of the floor to see a tiny hole. “Hmm, I think it may be the key to something... perhaps the very thing that could have something to do with this,” he finished as he stared at the staff. “Bruce, are you reading this? Bruce?” The com link went static. “This dimension may be blocking the signal to the bat cave somehow. I guess I’ll try this myself.” Batman impaled the hole with the staff’s blue crystal. At that moment, the entire room glowed white and magic began to swirl around the throne room. He looked on in wonder as the magic did its job. Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Twilight came back to life as well as regaining their magic. “I... am back! Princesses!” Twilight cried. “Twilight! I’m glad you’re okay!” Cadence said, releasing her from the cage. As all four of them hugged, they cast their eyes on the dark stranger in the midst of the room. “Whoa! Who is this creature?” Twilight asked. “I’m Batman. I... come in peace,” he said, still amazed at the sight of the restoring magic. “I take it you’re the one who freed us?” Celestia asked. “Yep, it wasn’t easy, but... here you are.” “Where is the enemy?” Luna demanded. “All taken care of. I hope your prison cells are enough to fit a whole army,” Batman smirked. The magic restored all the lands of Equestria and freed the ponies from their stone imprisonments, chains, and cages; the Mane Five and Spike were also restored. “Oh yeah! We’re back again!” Rainbow Dash shouted. The rest of the Storm army fled in terror as they saw all the ponies and Royal Guards glaring at them in battle stances. Then they all celebrated the defeat of the Storm King. Suddenly, Tempest’s stone form was taken up by Twilight’s magic and carefully landed it before the rulers. “I tried to reason with her, but she wouldn’t listen. I really want to give her another chance at redemption so she can have friends again,” said Twilight. “That’s really nice of you, but she also needs plenty of therapy and some form of rehabilitation. She needs to suffer the consequences before she receives the proper treatment she fully deserves,” Batman sternly advised. “But what about friendship? She needs—,” “She needs help. Nothing more, nothing less. That’s just how it works... at least in my world,” Batman spoke. “I’m afraid he has a point, Twilight. Tempest may have some friendship issues, but the fact still remains she assisted a power-hungry tyrant to conquer Equestria. If she is to gain friendship once more, she must work hard in regaining the trust of the ponies she terrorized,” added Celestia. “Both she and the Storm King will be sent to Tartarus for their crimes. After a certain period of time, we will give her the said rehabilitation she needs in order to be better,” Luna said. “Glad you ponies can see reason,” Batman remarked. “(Sigh) You’re right. I just hope Tempest gets better sooner or later,” said Twilight, looking down on the floor. “So do I, Twilight. So do I,” Batman said, looking at Tempest’s stone form with some compassion. He grabbed the staff again and created a portal from its blast. “Wait, where are you going? Don’t you want to stay?” Twilight asked. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back... soon. Besides, I have now this world and Gotham to watch over. Plus, I’ll be needing this thing,” said Batman. “It was a pleasure meeting you... princesses.” Thus, he entered the portal with the Staff of Sacanas before it closed up. “My, that Batman fellow would get along with Luna quite easily,” said Cadence. “You... think so?” Luna asked, blushing. “Creatures of the night always gotta stick together... if you catch my drift,” Cadence smirked, winking. “I’m sure it would be... interesting,” said Luna, giggling. “Still, I am glad we have a new creature who saved us. He will become a great ally,” Celestia smiled. “I didn’t even know there’s such a thing as a bipedal bat! I’m gonna ask him so many questions once he comes back!” Twilight squealed excitedly. “Let’s just hope we can extend our friendship beyond our worlds and boundaries. The magic of friendship has so much more to offer,” said Celestia. The End Author's Note I hope you guys enjoyed this crossover story. Stay tuned for more stories to come!
