HOME | DD

Description
Apokolips

Inside the palace of Darkseid Dessad, the despotic ruler’s personal counselor, waited his master and army’s return after conquering the planet Earth. Long had they prepared, using some of the Earthling inhabitants and manipulating them in order to ready the world for the coming of Darkseid. He, like the others of the flaming pit of a world were confident in their master’s strength, leadership and power in taking yet another world under his benevolent rule.

As the hooded man stood at the edge of one of the balconies, overlooking the vast wasteland he considered beautiful, he heard a deep, familiar voice from behind chuckle “Dessad. Still awaiting Darksie’d boots to return so that you may kiss them as a reward for his victory?”

He turned and sneered as Granny Goodness, the head of Darkseid’s personal guard and tactician, waked up before replying “No more so than I’m sure you plan to boast how it was you and your Furies that single-handedly assured victory for Lord Darkseid’s forces, Granny.”

“My modesty grows with every century.” She chuckled again. Even now she too looked over the scene before them and commented “I’m surprised they’ve not returned by now. Surely the so-called protectors of that miserable mud-ball planet haven’t given Darksied that much trouble.”

“I imagine our lord is reveling in yet another planet to be brought under his rule in this lawless, self-destructive universe. Any moment now we shall see as one more corner of the galaxy howls in awe and terror at that name of-”

A sudden boom in the distance caught both of their attention. Knowing the familiar sound of a Boom Tube Dessad and Granny Goodness looked with smiling anticipation as serval began to form. They knew that it was Darkseid and his forces returning with yet another victorious weight on their shoulders. However when they began to see the forms of troops returning they were shocked by the sight.

The tanks and war machines were battered and damaged; some amazingly enough to still stand given their state. Of the Parademon troops they could see most were broken, bruised and barley able to fly; the numbers counted to less than half of what had been sent during the invasion. This shocked the two seasoned gods enough to hurry down to see for themselves.

Just as Dessad and Granny Goodness arrived to the plains, some of the other servants and the Lowlies of Apokolips arrived as well, they were astounded by the next group of people to return. All of Granny’s Female Furies returned, just as badly beaten as the rest with Stompa carrying the passed out Lashina. While Granny attended to them Dessad could see those like Kanto and Virman Vunderbarr, generals and leaders in Apokolips’ army, carrying themselves like the others.

As Kanto fell to his knees Dessad hurried to him and asked “What happened? The invasion, it…?”

“It was a disaster.” Kanto admitted with a groaning defeat. “We underestimated these Earthlings.”

As Dessad was about to ask more suddenly more came through. Among the Parademon troopers who returned were Kalibak and Steppenwolf, Darkseid’s son and uncle. Both were as beaten as the rest with Steppenwolf’s armor cracked in places.

As he came to them he looked near horrified as said “How did this happen? The Earthlings could not have been this strong!”

“It was more than just the meager might of the Earthlings.” Kalibak groaned.

As Dessad questioned this Steppenwolf added “The wretches of New Genesis. It would seem that the humans have managed to keep powerful friends in high places. We…were lucky to escape.”

Shocked by this Dessad then looked around, seeing and counting the remains heads of the army, before asking “Where is Prince Grayven?”

Kalibak gave a heavy sigh and replied “My brother has earned the glory of dying in service to Lord Darkseid.”

“He’s….dead? How?”

“You can thank that bastard, Orion, for that.” Kalibak snarled. “I swear, when I have the chance, I will personally rip his head from his shoulders with my own two-”

“Save your strength, nephew.” Steppenwolf cut him off with annoyance. “You’ve barley enough as it is.”

Still stunned by this Dessad finally asked “But…where is Lord-?”

The largest of the Boom Tubes seemed to flux. The smaller ones surrounding it all began to close as the last remained open. All looked to it now and could see as a final figure was coming through as the tube began to shrink to a smaller and smaller size. The figure finally came through, landing to the ground with a hard crash that shook the nearby ground. All gasped in recognizing who it was, Dessad being at the forefront to see.

Laying on the ground Darkseid looked worse than most. His royal clothing torn, his face, arms and parts of his legs looked cracked and torn. One of his eyes seemed to be stabbed out and he was having trouble breathing. Something was clutched in his hand as he tried to stand, collapsing from his injuries.

“Lord Darksied!?!” Dessad exclaimed at the sight. He then ordered nearby men “Bring a medical table. NOW!”

As they hurried and many gathered around to see their fallen lord he looked up weakly and huffed “De…saad…” before passing out.

The man looked to see that clutched in Darkseid’d hand was fabric from some sort of uniform. In the center was a symbol of a red and yellow S. In that moment Dessad recognized where it came from: it was the symbol for the one the Earthlings called “Superman”.

**********

After a day of being heled through the advanced technologies of Apokolips Darkseid sat on his throne inside his mighty palace while his higher subjects bickered and argued about the failed invasion of Earth. The powerful new god now wore a sling for a broken right arm and an eye-patch over the one that was stabbed out during the battle. Both were made by Apololipian technology which added a more sinister look but it did not change the fact that Darkseid was wounded and humiliated after such a defeat.

Before him Granny Goodness, Dessad, Kalibak and Kanto were in their heated debate while Steppenwolf silently stood to the side; closer to his nephew’s throne. They’d been talking for the last few minutes while Darkseid and his uncle remained silent; the former almost deep in his own thoughts.

“We cannot let this stand!” Kalibak argued. “We need to regain our strength and plan for another attack at once!”

“Don’t be foolish.” Kanto retorted. “The planet is now under the protection of High Father and the rest of New Genesis. We were barley managing against Earth’s protectors but now with such reinforcements on their side another invasion would be suicide.”

Dessad then added “Along with the death of Grayven and the capture of Mantis are forces have become more crippled than ever. Not even a thousand parademons can replace the strength they both had.”

“Mantis was a fool.” Kalibak snarled. “And my brother, while a heavy loss, can easily be replaced by me! I will lead our forces for the glory of Lord Darkseid and Apokolips itself!”

“Calm yourself, Kalibak.” Granny Goodness budded in. “Don’t let your temper leader your arm so soon.” Addressing everyone now she suggested “Perhaps we should start by devising a way to return dear Mantis to us before returning attention to Earth.”

Kanto snorted “Not quite an easy feat. Our sources say he’s been taken to one of Earth’s more inaccessible prisons. One that may not be so easy to find.”

“Leave Mantis. He’s of no true use to us anymore.” Steppenwolf finally spoke, gaining the groups attention. “What we should be concerned about is how this will affect our standing in the universe.” When Kanto asked what he’d meant he explained “Think about it. The power of Apololips was never in question until now, when we finally faced defeat at the hands of someone other than New Genesis. Some will start to question. Question leads to doubt which in turn will lead to insurgency.”

Surprised by the suggestion Granny asked “You don’t truly think they would be foolish enough to..?”

“If a barley evolved people like the Earthlings could stand against us who’s to say those like the Yoongar, the Drulan, the Thanagarians. Perhaps even the Green Lanterns will begin to think they can command this sector of the Universe. Soon everyone will know that even Apokolips has armor that can be cracked.”

Kalibak then insisted “Which is why we should strategize our counter attack now! Before anyone thinks they can stand against us.”

“You’re being too brash, Kalibak.” Kanto pointed. “We need to-”

He was cut off as Kalibak sapt “What we need, Kanto, is to show that we are not weak! Those Earthlings dared to stand against us. They wounded my father! Killed my brother! Practically decimated our forces! And then they could not be as merciful as our lord and simply end it. They had to let us go and allow us to feel the sting of defeat. A wound we will now have to carry for the rest of our lives. Well I will not allow it! And neither should you! I say we send anything and everything we have to-”

Suddenly to everyone’s sudden shock and fear they heard a mighty slam of Darkseid’s fist on the arm of his throne. All looked as he finally stood, his one good eye flaring red as if ready to fire an Omega Beam to wipe them all out to give himself some peace. Kalibak dropped to his knee in forgivness, soon followed by the rest purely out of respect and fear.

Instead of destroying any of them Darkseid seemed to calm. His flaring powers subsided and he began to descend the stairs of his throne before walking to a nearby balcony.

“Dessad.” He said while looking out to the scenery of his planet. “Prepare a transport.” His servant stood and bowed before hurrying off. “Steppenwolf. You’re coming with us.”

He bowed before asking “And…where are we going, my lord?”

Without turning Darkseid merely stated “To my vengeance.” before looking down to the piece of Superman’s uniform he had tucked away in his arm sling; his eye starting to flare again.

**********

The small flying craft that carried Darkseid and his minions zoomed across the plains of Apokolips itself. They were going away from the fire pits and sounds of torture and screaming, away from the palace and all that Darkseid owned, before coming to what seemed like a barren area of nothing but ruin; even so for Apokolips.

No structures or pits of any kind. What was within this area was not but the remains of old buildings and war machines long since destroyed. Scattered craters from explosions here and there and the overall foreboding sense one would have coming to a place like this.

While Dessad and Steppenwolf seemed nervous about whatever it was he had planned Darkseid continued to long onward towards their destination as they came closer and closer. The look in his eye suggested a very subtle determination; or perhaps a need of retribution.

“My Lord?” Steppenwolf finally asked “Why have we come this far out? There’s nothing here.”

“You will see, dear uncle.” He only responded, not looking towards him. “You will see.”

As they continued for a few more minutes Dessad addressed the two with “We’ve gone beyond the ruins of the old cities, Lord Darkseid. There’s nothing else for another hundred miles at least.”

“Continue on, Dessad. We’re almost there.”

“But, sir, there’s nothing left. Except for…” He trailed off as he began to realize what Darkseid was looking for.

Realizing this too Steppenwolf said aghast “No! You cannot honestly suggest we release THAT monster!”

“I do not suggest. I demand.” Darkseid replied as they could now all see their destination before them.

A large statue sat in the middle of the barren plains. A strong looking figure was despite as sitting upon a throne with a spear in hand and a crown upon his head. The carvings in the New God language on the base of the statue read “Yuga Khan: Ever almighty Sire of Evil. May he protect this planet forever from destruction itself.”

As the craft landed Steppenwolf continued to plea “Please, my lord. There are other means to ensure your revenge on the Earthlings.”

“It is not just the Earthlings I wish to suffer.” He retorted. “The entire planet has become a refuge for lost a wayward souls from other worlds. I want the entire planet to suffer. Down to its very core. I will see it burn and only then when they plead for death will I be merciful upon them.”

Darkseid approached the base of the statue with the others following before stopping and looking up. He paused for a moment to look into the statue of his father’s eyes, a judgment set for any and all who were prepared to unleash what was kept inside.

Darkseid turned and said “Now, uncle. We both must be here to open the door. You know what must be done.”

“I…I do.” He replied. “But please, my nephew, I implore you to reconsider.” He turned and added “Dessad. For whatever wisdom you carry please talk some sense into him!”

Dessad hesitate as he looked between both Steppenwolf and Darkseid. In either case both were stronger and above him in status. Even he for a moment seemed conflicted before dropping his head.

“Lord Darkseid’s decisions are just.” He finally replied. “We must follow them as our own.”

Seeing he was outnumbered Steppenwolf looked back to Darkseid, an annoyed twinge in his eye. He took a heavy sigh before approaching the statue near where Darkseid stood. Both placed their hands upon it before an unseen scanner within the stone seemed to activate. It coursed through the statue’s base before revealing a hidden door that slowly began to slide open, revealing a staircase that went down into the darker depths of the planet.

“Remain here.” Darkseid simply instructed the two before descending the stairs.

As his nephew began to disappear down the stairs Steppenwolf now looked at the statue of his long dead brother with remorse. He knew there was nothing he could do to stop Darkseid’s resolve but so much of him wished he could. He wish he knew whatever words would sway him from unleashing the terror that plagued Apokolips and saw to the death of the great Yuga Khan.

Darkseid continued to walk further down into the dark depths of what was revealed to be a sort of bunker under the statue of his father. There was barley much lighting along the walls, a deep red that still gave the impression of Apokolips make. Patiently the evil lord continued to walk further and further down. While he kept no time of it he’d continued to go down for nearly a half hour reaching father and farther into the bowls of the planet itself.

Finally he came to the base end of the stairs, finding it lead to a small hallway with a strong looking door at the end. It towered over Darkseid and looked like it was made of some of the strongest steel known in the universe. Even looking at it gave the sense of hopelessness to try and open it.

As he stood before the door two small holes on either side of it produced lights that seemed to scan Darkseid himself. He ignored them as he looked to the door, waiting for it to open. The scanners seemed to recognize him as soon enough the door itself groaned open, shaking a lot of the nearby area as it did.

The room was circular in shape like a dome. There were a number of powerful looking weapons pointed from them towards the center of the room where the prisoner of this place was held. The creature was kept in what was known as a “Murder Machine”. The device kept the beast contained with a powerful shell-like clamp around its lower body and its arms strung up and held by two others. A collar-like device kept it from moving its head around and a number of tubes and monitors were hooked into different parts to constantly keep track of the beast’s vitals.

Looking upon it Darkseid was reminded of when he first saw this monster in its glory when it came to Apokolips for the first time. The tough grey skin, the array of bone-like spikes that grew from it and the burning red eyes that almost matched his own, only the creatures were more vacant with only the hunger for destruction in them.

Now face-to-face with the monster Darkseid said “Do you remember me, creature?”

The monster, looking at him with weary eyes, grunted “U…xas…”

“No longer. That man is long since dead. I am Darkseid now.”

“Dark…seid…” it grunted again.

“Yes.” He mused. “I will admit I was not sure if you still lived. No food. Water. So far away from any light to give you strength. Yet here you are. Still breathing. Still clinging to life through almost nothing.” The creature seemed too tired to respond, making Darkseid slap it across the face with his good arm. “Do I have your attention now?”

In response it gave a loud growl, trying to break from its restraints. The nearby weapons readied themselves and the Murder Machine beeped as if ready to activate. Darkseid remained where he was and watched as the creature subsided from exhaustion.

“You used to stand tall as the bane of existence itself. Entire armies and warlords, even my own father and brother both fell before you. Yet now you sit here in the dark as nothing more than a trophy. My trophy.” He reached out, grabbing the creature’s chin and holding it up so he could see him. “But now I have a far better use for you. Tell me, creature, what do you want?”

“Des….troy…”

“Louder.” Darkseid demaned.

“Destr…oy…” Darkseid barley had to say it again as the monster roared out with some hidden strength “DESTROOOOOOOOOOY!”

Hearing this gave Darkseid a pleased smile as he said “Good.” He then held up the piece of Superman’s outfit to the monster’s eyes, his eyes flaring as he readied to fire omega beams, and finished with “Then let us begin.”

**********

In the following months after the creature, known to most on Apokolips as “the Destroyer”, was brought to the capital city of Armagetto it was subjected to all manner of torture and condition to suit Darkseid’s needs. It would be bread to become the tool of revenge for the Lord of Apokolips whether it wanted or not.

As with most warriors within Darkseid’s forces the process came down to both Dessad and Granny Goodness. Through their own means they painfully taught the creature to hate the symbol of Superman. Poking, shocking, stabbing and inducing painful method after sadistic lesson they conditioned the Destroyer; even to where the Female Furies had the chance to take our their aggressions on it.

It was kept away from any radiation that might make it stronger yet every time it was injured it adapted. Its skin became tougher or more spikes had grown. Shocking did not seem to faze it was much with each treatment Dessad gave. In the end they were making it stronger for its truer use.

Finally the time had come. Darkseid had his forces assembled in the open area in front of his palace. Granny Goodness and her Furies stood nearby as well as an escort of hundreds of Parademons and other troopers in the army of Apokolips. Even Steppenwolf, who’d still disagreed with this action, remained ready for what was to come.

The Destroyer was kept in a smaller version of the Murder Machine that kept its legs free to walk but its arms and neck still confined. It was brought out to the head of the forces with all weapons trained on it despite not showing any aggression.

With everything ready Darkseid walked up towards the creature, far from the safety of his troops if anything should happen, and stood next to it. He looked down, seeing the Destroyer as a living bomb ready to explode to destroy everything around it. This was the perfect time.

He knelt down and grabbed the Destroyer by the back of the head before saying “You were bred for one purpose: to serve my will. That is the truth of all life in the universe. All life is mine to control. And I’ve grown tired of the life on Earth. And so you will go and destroy it.”

“Des…troy…” it grumbled.

“Yes.” Darkseid mused before reaching on the device.

As one hand reached for the locking device to the Murder Machine in his other hand he revealed a Mother Box, the device used to travel to-and-from anywhere in the universe. Everyone stood ready as Darkseid finally released the Destoryer from its constraints. In the same moment the Mother Box was activated and with a loud BOOM a tube formed in front of them.

The remaining time allowed Darkseid to stand the Destroyer up by holding the back of its neck. It still seemed disoriented from the centuries and centuries of being in bondage to only now feel the freedom of its limbs again.

The last thing Darkseid said to it was whispered “Go. Destory. And bring about their doomsday.”

With a final shove the Destroyer was sent through the Boom Tube, a mighty roar echoing at it hurtled through. As the portal closed Darkseid had a content look upon his face, satisfied that his vengeance was now assured.

As everything finished he said to no one of true importance “Goodbye, Kal-El.”

**********

The Boom Tube appeared a few miles outside of Metropolis. The great hulking creature hit the ground with a hard thud before the portal behind it closed. The first thing it did was start to feel its strength return. It looked up to a sight it had not seen in a long time: a sun.

Through the forces of the sun itself the Destroyer felt its strength returning faster than ever. It turned to see its surroundings. A lot of green. A lot of small, teaming life. In the distance large metal buildings. So large and yet so easy to break.

In its mind words repeated that it said aloud like “Destroy…” and “Dark…seid…” Finally the word “Dooms…day…” The word seemed to settle better for it, given the condition “Dooms…day… Super…man…” As something clicked in its mind upon saying that named it roared “DESTROOOOOOY!”

The beast now had one goal in mind: the destruction of Superman. It began to lumber towards the nearby city, ready to kill any and all in the way. The image of the S haunted in its mind and it would see it destroyed along with whoever wore it.

Darkseid’s revenge was set. Earth would now meet its Doomsday.

The End

Description
Apokolips

Inside the palace of Darkseid Dessad, the despotic ruler’s personal counselor, waited his master and army’s return after conquering the planet Earth. Long had they prepared, using some of the Earthling inhabitants and manipulating them in order to ready the world for the coming of Darkseid. He, like the others of the flaming pit of a world were confident in their master’s strength, leadership and power in taking yet another world under his benevolent rule.

As the hooded man stood at the edge of one of the balconies, overlooking the vast wasteland he considered beautiful, he heard a deep, familiar voice from behind chuckle “Dessad. Still awaiting Darksie’d boots to return so that you may kiss them as a reward for his victory?”

He turned and sneered as Granny Goodness, the head of Darkseid’s personal guard and tactician, waked up before replying “No more so than I’m sure you plan to boast how it was you and your Furies that single-handedly assured victory for Lord Darkseid’s forces, Granny.”

“My modesty grows with every century.” She chuckled again. Even now she too looked over the scene before them and commented “I’m surprised they’ve not returned by now. Surely the so-called protectors of that miserable mud-ball planet haven’t given Darksied that much trouble.”

“I imagine our lord is reveling in yet another planet to be brought under his rule in this lawless, self-destructive universe. Any moment now we shall see as one more corner of the galaxy howls in awe and terror at that name of-”

A sudden boom in the distance caught both of their attention. Knowing the familiar sound of a Boom Tube Dessad and Granny Goodness looked with smiling anticipation as serval began to form. They knew that it was Darkseid and his forces returning with yet another victorious weight on their shoulders. However when they began to see the forms of troops returning they were shocked by the sight.

The tanks and war machines were battered and damaged; some amazingly enough to still stand given their state. Of the Parademon troops they could see most were broken, bruised and barley able to fly; the numbers counted to less than half of what had been sent during the invasion. This shocked the two seasoned gods enough to hurry down to see for themselves.

Just as Dessad and Granny Goodness arrived to the plains, some of the other servants and the Lowlies of Apokolips arrived as well, they were astounded by the next group of people to return. All of Granny’s Female Furies returned, just as badly beaten as the rest with Stompa carrying the passed out Lashina. While Granny attended to them Dessad could see those like Kanto and Virman Vunderbarr, generals and leaders in Apokolips’ army, carrying themselves like the others.

As Kanto fell to his knees Dessad hurried to him and asked “What happened? The invasion, it…?”

“It was a disaster.” Kanto admitted with a groaning defeat. “We underestimated these Earthlings.”

As Dessad was about to ask more suddenly more came through. Among the Parademon troopers who returned were Kalibak and Steppenwolf, Darkseid’s son and uncle. Both were as beaten as the rest with Steppenwolf’s armor cracked in places.

As he came to them he looked near horrified as said “How did this happen? The Earthlings could not have been this strong!”

“It was more than just the meager might of the Earthlings.” Kalibak groaned.

As Dessad questioned this Steppenwolf added “The wretches of New Genesis. It would seem that the humans have managed to keep powerful friends in high places. We…were lucky to escape.”

Shocked by this Dessad then looked around, seeing and counting the remains heads of the army, before asking “Where is Prince Grayven?”

Kalibak gave a heavy sigh and replied “My brother has earned the glory of dying in service to Lord Darkseid.”

“He’s….dead? How?”

“You can thank that bastard, Orion, for that.” Kalibak snarled. “I swear, when I have the chance, I will personally rip his head from his shoulders with my own two-”

“Save your strength, nephew.” Steppenwolf cut him off with annoyance. “You’ve barley enough as it is.”

Still stunned by this Dessad finally asked “But…where is Lord-?”

The largest of the Boom Tubes seemed to flux. The smaller ones surrounding it all began to close as the last remained open. All looked to it now and could see as a final figure was coming through as the tube began to shrink to a smaller and smaller size. The figure finally came through, landing to the ground with a hard crash that shook the nearby ground. All gasped in recognizing who it was, Dessad being at the forefront to see.

Laying on the ground Darkseid looked worse than most. His royal clothing torn, his face, arms and parts of his legs looked cracked and torn. One of his eyes seemed to be stabbed out and he was having trouble breathing. Something was clutched in his hand as he tried to stand, collapsing from his injuries.

“Lord Darksied!?!” Dessad exclaimed at the sight. He then ordered nearby men “Bring a medical table. NOW!”

As they hurried and many gathered around to see their fallen lord he looked up weakly and huffed “De…saad…” before passing out.

The man looked to see that clutched in Darkseid’d hand was fabric from some sort of uniform. In the center was a symbol of a red and yellow S. In that moment Dessad recognized where it came from: it was the symbol for the one the Earthlings called “Superman”.

**********

After a day of being heled through the advanced technologies of Apokolips Darkseid sat on his throne inside his mighty palace while his higher subjects bickered and argued about the failed invasion of Earth. The powerful new god now wore a sling for a broken right arm and an eye-patch over the one that was stabbed out during the battle. Both were made by Apololipian technology which added a more sinister look but it did not change the fact that Darkseid was wounded and humiliated after such a defeat.

Before him Granny Goodness, Dessad, Kalibak and Kanto were in their heated debate while Steppenwolf silently stood to the side; closer to his nephew’s throne. They’d been talking for the last few minutes while Darkseid and his uncle remained silent; the former almost deep in his own thoughts.

“We cannot let this stand!” Kalibak argued. “We need to regain our strength and plan for another attack at once!”

“Don’t be foolish.” Kanto retorted. “The planet is now under the protection of High Father and the rest of New Genesis. We were barley managing against Earth’s protectors but now with such reinforcements on their side another invasion would be suicide.”

Dessad then added “Along with the death of Grayven and the capture of Mantis are forces have become more crippled than ever. Not even a thousand parademons can replace the strength they both had.”

“Mantis was a fool.” Kalibak snarled. “And my brother, while a heavy loss, can easily be replaced by me! I will lead our forces for the glory of Lord Darkseid and Apokolips itself!”

“Calm yourself, Kalibak.” Granny Goodness budded in. “Don’t let your temper leader your arm so soon.” Addressing everyone now she suggested “Perhaps we should start by devising a way to return dear Mantis to us before returning attention to Earth.”

Kanto snorted “Not quite an easy feat. Our sources say he’s been taken to one of Earth’s more inaccessible prisons. One that may not be so easy to find.”

“Leave Mantis. He’s of no true use to us anymore.” Steppenwolf finally spoke, gaining the groups attention. “What we should be concerned about is how this will affect our standing in the universe.” When Kanto asked what he’d meant he explained “Think about it. The power of Apololips was never in question until now, when we finally faced defeat at the hands of someone other than New Genesis. Some will start to question. Question leads to doubt which in turn will lead to insurgency.”

Surprised by the suggestion Granny asked “You don’t truly think they would be foolish enough to..?”

“If a barley evolved people like the Earthlings could stand against us who’s to say those like the Yoongar, the Drulan, the Thanagarians. Perhaps even the Green Lanterns will begin to think they can command this sector of the Universe. Soon everyone will know that even Apokolips has armor that can be cracked.”

Kalibak then insisted “Which is why we should strategize our counter attack now! Before anyone thinks they can stand against us.”

“You’re being too brash, Kalibak.” Kanto pointed. “We need to-”

He was cut off as Kalibak sapt “What we need, Kanto, is to show that we are not weak! Those Earthlings dared to stand against us. They wounded my father! Killed my brother! Practically decimated our forces! And then they could not be as merciful as our lord and simply end it. They had to let us go and allow us to feel the sting of defeat. A wound we will now have to carry for the rest of our lives. Well I will not allow it! And neither should you! I say we send anything and everything we have to-”

Suddenly to everyone’s sudden shock and fear they heard a mighty slam of Darkseid’s fist on the arm of his throne. All looked as he finally stood, his one good eye flaring red as if ready to fire an Omega Beam to wipe them all out to give himself some peace. Kalibak dropped to his knee in forgivness, soon followed by the rest purely out of respect and fear.

Instead of destroying any of them Darkseid seemed to calm. His flaring powers subsided and he began to descend the stairs of his throne before walking to a nearby balcony.

“Dessad.” He said while looking out to the scenery of his planet. “Prepare a transport.” His servant stood and bowed before hurrying off. “Steppenwolf. You’re coming with us.”

He bowed before asking “And…where are we going, my lord?”

Without turning Darkseid merely stated “To my vengeance.” before looking down to the piece of Superman’s uniform he had tucked away in his arm sling; his eye starting to flare again.

**********

The small flying craft that carried Darkseid and his minions zoomed across the plains of Apokolips itself. They were going away from the fire pits and sounds of torture and screaming, away from the palace and all that Darkseid owned, before coming to what seemed like a barren area of nothing but ruin; even so for Apokolips.

No structures or pits of any kind. What was within this area was not but the remains of old buildings and war machines long since destroyed. Scattered craters from explosions here and there and the overall foreboding sense one would have coming to a place like this.

While Dessad and Steppenwolf seemed nervous about whatever it was he had planned Darkseid continued to long onward towards their destination as they came closer and closer. The look in his eye suggested a very subtle determination; or perhaps a need of retribution.

“My Lord?” Steppenwolf finally asked “Why have we come this far out? There’s nothing here.”

“You will see, dear uncle.” He only responded, not looking towards him. “You will see.”

As they continued for a few more minutes Dessad addressed the two with “We’ve gone beyond the ruins of the old cities, Lord Darkseid. There’s nothing else for another hundred miles at least.”

“Continue on, Dessad. We’re almost there.”

“But, sir, there’s nothing left. Except for…” He trailed off as he began to realize what Darkseid was looking for.

Realizing this too Steppenwolf said aghast “No! You cannot honestly suggest we release THAT monster!”

“I do not suggest. I demand.” Darkseid replied as they could now all see their destination before them.

A large statue sat in the middle of the barren plains. A strong looking figure was despite as sitting upon a throne with a spear in hand and a crown upon his head. The carvings in the New God language on the base of the statue read “Yuga Khan: Ever almighty Sire of Evil. May he protect this planet forever from destruction itself.”

As the craft landed Steppenwolf continued to plea “Please, my lord. There are other means to ensure your revenge on the Earthlings.”

“It is not just the Earthlings I wish to suffer.” He retorted. “The entire planet has become a refuge for lost a wayward souls from other worlds. I want the entire planet to suffer. Down to its very core. I will see it burn and only then when they plead for death will I be merciful upon them.”

Darkseid approached the base of the statue with the others following before stopping and looking up. He paused for a moment to look into the statue of his father’s eyes, a judgment set for any and all who were prepared to unleash what was kept inside.

Darkseid turned and said “Now, uncle. We both must be here to open the door. You know what must be done.”

“I…I do.” He replied. “But please, my nephew, I implore you to reconsider.” He turned and added “Dessad. For whatever wisdom you carry please talk some sense into him!”

Dessad hesitate as he looked between both Steppenwolf and Darkseid. In either case both were stronger and above him in status. Even he for a moment seemed conflicted before dropping his head.

“Lord Darkseid’s decisions are just.” He finally replied. “We must follow them as our own.”

Seeing he was outnumbered Steppenwolf looked back to Darkseid, an annoyed twinge in his eye. He took a heavy sigh before approaching the statue near where Darkseid stood. Both placed their hands upon it before an unseen scanner within the stone seemed to activate. It coursed through the statue’s base before revealing a hidden door that slowly began to slide open, revealing a staircase that went down into the darker depths of the planet.

“Remain here.” Darkseid simply instructed the two before descending the stairs.

As his nephew began to disappear down the stairs Steppenwolf now looked at the statue of his long dead brother with remorse. He knew there was nothing he could do to stop Darkseid’s resolve but so much of him wished he could. He wish he knew whatever words would sway him from unleashing the terror that plagued Apokolips and saw to the death of the great Yuga Khan.

Darkseid continued to walk further down into the dark depths of what was revealed to be a sort of bunker under the statue of his father. There was barley much lighting along the walls, a deep red that still gave the impression of Apokolips make. Patiently the evil lord continued to walk further and further down. While he kept no time of it he’d continued to go down for nearly a half hour reaching father and farther into the bowls of the planet itself.

Finally he came to the base end of the stairs, finding it lead to a small hallway with a strong looking door at the end. It towered over Darkseid and looked like it was made of some of the strongest steel known in the universe. Even looking at it gave the sense of hopelessness to try and open it.

As he stood before the door two small holes on either side of it produced lights that seemed to scan Darkseid himself. He ignored them as he looked to the door, waiting for it to open. The scanners seemed to recognize him as soon enough the door itself groaned open, shaking a lot of the nearby area as it did.

The room was circular in shape like a dome. There were a number of powerful looking weapons pointed from them towards the center of the room where the prisoner of this place was held. The creature was kept in what was known as a “Murder Machine”. The device kept the beast contained with a powerful shell-like clamp around its lower body and its arms strung up and held by two others. A collar-like device kept it from moving its head around and a number of tubes and monitors were hooked into different parts to constantly keep track of the beast’s vitals.

Looking upon it Darkseid was reminded of when he first saw this monster in its glory when it came to Apokolips for the first time. The tough grey skin, the array of bone-like spikes that grew from it and the burning red eyes that almost matched his own, only the creatures were more vacant with only the hunger for destruction in them.

Now face-to-face with the monster Darkseid said “Do you remember me, creature?”

The monster, looking at him with weary eyes, grunted “U…xas…”

“No longer. That man is long since dead. I am Darkseid now.”

“Dark…seid…” it grunted again.

“Yes.” He mused. “I will admit I was not sure if you still lived. No food. Water. So far away from any light to give you strength. Yet here you are. Still breathing. Still clinging to life through almost nothing.” The creature seemed too tired to respond, making Darkseid slap it across the face with his good arm. “Do I have your attention now?”

In response it gave a loud growl, trying to break from its restraints. The nearby weapons readied themselves and the Murder Machine beeped as if ready to activate. Darkseid remained where he was and watched as the creature subsided from exhaustion.

“You used to stand tall as the bane of existence itself. Entire armies and warlords, even my own father and brother both fell before you. Yet now you sit here in the dark as nothing more than a trophy. My trophy.” He reached out, grabbing the creature’s chin and holding it up so he could see him. “But now I have a far better use for you. Tell me, creature, what do you want?”

“Des….troy…”

“Louder.” Darkseid demaned.

“Destr…oy…” Darkseid barley had to say it again as the monster roared out with some hidden strength “DESTROOOOOOOOOOY!”

Hearing this gave Darkseid a pleased smile as he said “Good.” He then held up the piece of Superman’s outfit to the monster’s eyes, his eyes flaring as he readied to fire omega beams, and finished with “Then let us begin.”

**********

In the following months after the creature, known to most on Apokolips as “the Destroyer”, was brought to the capital city of Armagetto it was subjected to all manner of torture and condition to suit Darkseid’s needs. It would be bread to become the tool of revenge for the Lord of Apokolips whether it wanted or not.

As with most warriors within Darkseid’s forces the process came down to both Dessad and Granny Goodness. Through their own means they painfully taught the creature to hate the symbol of Superman. Poking, shocking, stabbing and inducing painful method after sadistic lesson they conditioned the Destroyer; even to where the Female Furies had the chance to take our their aggressions on it.

It was kept away from any radiation that might make it stronger yet every time it was injured it adapted. Its skin became tougher or more spikes had grown. Shocking did not seem to faze it was much with each treatment Dessad gave. In the end they were making it stronger for its truer use.

Finally the time had come. Darkseid had his forces assembled in the open area in front of his palace. Granny Goodness and her Furies stood nearby as well as an escort of hundreds of Parademons and other troopers in the army of Apokolips. Even Steppenwolf, who’d still disagreed with this action, remained ready for what was to come.

The Destroyer was kept in a smaller version of the Murder Machine that kept its legs free to walk but its arms and neck still confined. It was brought out to the head of the forces with all weapons trained on it despite not showing any aggression.

With everything ready Darkseid walked up towards the creature, far from the safety of his troops if anything should happen, and stood next to it. He looked down, seeing the Destroyer as a living bomb ready to explode to destroy everything around it. This was the perfect time.

He knelt down and grabbed the Destroyer by the back of the head before saying “You were bred for one purpose: to serve my will. That is the truth of all life in the universe. All life is mine to control. And I’ve grown tired of the life on Earth. And so you will go and destroy it.”

“Des…troy…” it grumbled.

“Yes.” Darkseid mused before reaching on the device.

As one hand reached for the locking device to the Murder Machine in his other hand he revealed a Mother Box, the device used to travel to-and-from anywhere in the universe. Everyone stood ready as Darkseid finally released the Destoryer from its constraints. In the same moment the Mother Box was activated and with a loud BOOM a tube formed in front of them.

The remaining time allowed Darkseid to stand the Destroyer up by holding the back of its neck. It still seemed disoriented from the centuries and centuries of being in bondage to only now feel the freedom of its limbs again.

The last thing Darkseid said to it was whispered “Go. Destory. And bring about their doomsday.”

With a final shove the Destroyer was sent through the Boom Tube, a mighty roar echoing at it hurtled through. As the portal closed Darkseid had a content look upon his face, satisfied that his vengeance was now assured.

As everything finished he said to no one of true importance “Goodbye, Kal-El.”

**********

The Boom Tube appeared a few miles outside of Metropolis. The great hulking creature hit the ground with a hard thud before the portal behind it closed. The first thing it did was start to feel its strength return. It looked up to a sight it had not seen in a long time: a sun.

Through the forces of the sun itself the Destroyer felt its strength returning faster than ever. It turned to see its surroundings. A lot of green. A lot of small, teaming life. In the distance large metal buildings. So large and yet so easy to break.

In its mind words repeated that it said aloud like “Destroy…” and “Dark…seid…” Finally the word “Dooms…day…” The word seemed to settle better for it, given the condition “Dooms…day… Super…man…” As something clicked in its mind upon saying that named it roared “DESTROOOOOOY!”

The beast now had one goal in mind: the destruction of Superman. It began to lumber towards the nearby city, ready to kill any and all in the way. The image of the S haunted in its mind and it would see it destroyed along with whoever wore it.

Darkseid’s revenge was set. Earth would now meet its Doomsday.

The End