Chapter Text
Opening: We Are One by 12 Stones
Woah, woah, woah, woah,
We are now looking at the streams of the multiverse with lights shining through before the angle has changed to show the story's hero.
We walk alone... in the unknown... We live to win another victory...
Spirit Reaper, an anicorn, traveled to the human world in the multiversal streams, where he is needed to take down the demon lords and their minions.
We are the young... dying sons... We live to change the face of history...
Spirit made it to the world while transforming into a human and landed on the CHS building, seeing the damage these demons had caused to people panicking.
As he looked to his left, he saw Tommy, Wolverine, and Inuyasha, and on the right were Raiden, Ryu, and Nightwing, to whom they all nodded. He then looked ahead with a smirk on his face.
Don't be afraid... It's the price we pay! The only easy day was yesterday!
The group then jumped from the building and charged at the demons, getting ready to fight as the demons now surrounded them.
Inuyasha pulls out his Tessaiga, Tommy morphs into the Green Ranger, Nightwing pulls out his escrima sticks, Ryu gets in his battle stance, Wolverine unsheathes his adamantium claws from between his knuckles, and Raiden pulls out his murasama along with using his augment mode.
So, hear our voice... We have a choice! It's time to face it!
Spirit Reaper summons his scythe and spins it not long before he shouts his catchphrase, "Reaper Legion... Let's rock it!"
We are one, we are one, we are one! We will stand together!
The Reaper Legion then started fighting the demons and was very dominant without any problem.
Wolverine was clawing at them, Inuyasha was slashing them with his sword, and Tommy punching and kicking them.
Number one, number one! The chosen ones!
Nightwing was able to dodge with flips before attacking them with the sticks, Ryu was shooting a Hadoken at them, and Raiden sliced many of them with his blade.
We are one, we are one! We will fight forever!
Spirit was slashing and hitting the demons with his scythe without any trouble as his eyes glowed.
We are one and we won't die young!
The ultimate group used their every strength and teamwork to finish off the demons and used their best attacks to end the fight.
We are the bold, united souls. We live to win another victory.
The Reaper Legion was just hanging out in their warehouse, sparring, talking, and waiting for a mission to begin, as everything was safe for now.
Our sacred scars show who we are. They tell the story of our memories.
Ryu and Inuyasha were standing back-to-back, thinking of the bad history they lived through. Inuyasha lost his mother while Ryu became Evil Ryu.
Tommy and Nightwing were also standing the same way, thinking of their history. Nightwing losing his parents during a performance while Tommy becoming the Evil Green Ranger.
Wolverine and Raiden were in a similar position, thinking the same way. Logan killing his father without realizing it as a kid, and Raiden doing terrible things as Jack the Ripper.
Don't be afraid! It's the price we pay! The only easy day was yesterday!
Spirit was thinking of his past, about what the demon lords did to his clan, making him clench his fists as he knew that he must protect the people he cares about.
So, hear our voice! We have a choice! It's time to face it!
The group glared at the demon lords as both charged at each other, getting ready to fight each other.
We are one, we are one, we are one! We will stand together!
The battle was getting intense as one of the members of The Reaper Legion fought each member of the demon lords, without holding back.
Number one, number one! The chosen ones!
The Reaper Legion was taking hits while giving their enemies as much as they could with their skills.
We are one, we are one! We will fight forever!
The group used their combined techniques to throw the demon lords down as Spirit jumps and spins his scythe.
We are one and we won't die young!
Spirit Reaper was able to finish off the demon lords before landing on the ground, as he and his team saw Leviathan in his much better form.
Leviathan was giving his foes a tough time as they were fighting each other. While receiving just a bit of hits, he took down all seven of them with a few punches without even trying. He slammed them down on the ground, giving them much worse injuries.
As the Reaper Legion looked up, they saw the demon master blasting them with a giant fireball without getting a chance to avoid contact.
We walk alone, in the unknown. We live to win another victory.
The Reaper Legion got up on their feet, glaring at Leviathan without backing down, and no fear in their eyes. They grabbed their weapons and items in position.
Our sacred scars show who we are. It's time to face it! (Face it! It's time to face it!)
The group would show that their injuries would mean nothing as they shouted their battle cries, getting ready to fight the demon master.
We are one, we are one, we are one! We will stand together!
Tommy becomes the White Ranger, Inuyasha charging up his Tessaiga, Nightwing turning his sticks into a full-powered staff, Ryu tightening his headband, Wolverine going into his Berserker Rage, Raiden activating his Ripper Mode, and Spirit grabbing his Harmony Rings.
Number one, number one! The chosen ones!
The six members of The Reaper Legion were fighting Leviathan, not giving up despite the tough time they were going through, while Spirit was putting the rings on.
We are one, we are one! We will fight forever!
Spirit Reaper activated his Equestrian Mode as his team dodged from Leviathan's attack fast enough to avoid contact.
We are one and we won't... die... young!
Spirit was shouting as he charged at the demon master before trading blows with him in combat and weaponry, before using his Sonic Deathboom to hit him.
We are one, we are one! Yeah!
Ryu was hitting a demon with Shoryuken while Nightwing threw his wing-dings at another.
Number one, number one! And we won't die young!
Tommy was throwing a green fireball at a big demon, Inuyasha was swinging his sword at another, and Wolverine was slicing the next with his claws.
We are one, we are one! Yeah!
Spirit and Raiden were working together by using the scythe and the murasama against the six demons.
Number one, number one! And we won't die young!
The Reaper Legion landed on the ground out of nowhere before looking at the fourth wall. Spirit Reaper then swings his scythe at it, destroying it with the title appearing in blue flames.
THE REAPER LEGION
Woah, woah, woah, woah...
It then fades to black.
CHAPTER 2:
DECISIONS; THE REAPER VS. GOTHAM'S GRAY SON
Gotham City. A city shrouded in darkness and mystery, the towering structures loomed overhead, casting long shadows that seemed to whisper secrets of the city's tumultuous history. The streets were a labyrinth of urban decay and gothic architecture. Here, the air was thick with the scent of rain-soaked concrete and the distant hum of a metropolis that never slept.
A portal appeared above one of the skyscrapers, and a figure emerging through it was Spirit Reaper, adorned in the armor of the Red Zeo Power Ranger, into the new world in hopes of finding a new ally in his war with the demon lords.
"Another new world…" The Reaper Boy said to himself as he surveyed his new surroundings, "Ever since I had that vision… these worlds are drawn to me. Like, as if I'm supposed to be here, if that makes sense. Still, I came to find someone to be a part of my team. I can't allow the demon lords to invade the other Equestria."
He took a good look at the city from above and started to get an idea of what he was seeing. Unlike the vibrant world of Equestria, with its harmonious landscapes and magical creatures, or Angel Grove, with its urban and natural beauty and civilians with a strong sense of hope, this city exuded an aura of foreboding that was tangible in every shadowed alley and towering skyscraper.
He then realized that his armor might stand out and thought to himself, "Why did I even morph? Was I even expecting a fight? I need to get a grip." He finished his thoughts before reverting from his new power, knowing he wouldn't need it for now.
The Prince of Death decided not to waste any more time as he channeled his Reaper magic and disappeared into his shadow before going down the right side of the building until he reached the alley beside it. When the coast was clear, he reappeared from his shadow and started walking.
As Spirit walked the streets, he noticed the civilians. They moved with a hurried pace, eyes cast down, avoiding contact. There was a palpable tension, a sense of unease that lingered in the air. It wasn't the overt malevolence of a villain or the chaos of a monster attack—both of which were familiar to Spirit—but rather a subtle, pervasive fear. These were people accustomed to living under the shadow of crime and corruption, where even daylight couldn't fully dispel the darkness.
What keeps him from being overwhelmed by the atmosphere is that he is already used to the bloodshed from the demons of all kinds in his world, his home. One way to look at it is that it was a curse to being a reaper.
Spirit muttered to himself, "This place... for anyone who has never stepped foot here before, it feels like a living nightmare… Yet, there's a strange resilience here, an unspoken strength even if it's small. It's so different from Equestria and Angel Grove. As much as I appreciate the feeling of hope, I need to understand what drives the people of this world to endure this constant darkness."
Feeling the need to gather more information, the boy without a soul decided to find his destination: the nearest library. By the time he reached his destination, he noticed that the building was closed for the night. Looking through the dimly lit building, he quickly found the area with computers. Knowing he couldn't just enter the normal way, he walked to the other side and made sure no one could see him. Then he channeled his magic and cast two spells: invisibility and intangibility to phase through the wall before reaching the computers.
Deactivating his spells, he sat before the screen and began his research. As he navigated through the city's digital records and news archives, the name "Gotham City" flashed repeatedly before his eyes. He delved deeper, uncovering the layers of its history, the rise of its infamous criminals, and the relentless efforts of its vigilantes and heroes.
"Gotham City… High levels of crime… so many deaths… Vigilantes." The reaper boy spoke as he took in all the information of the city.
Comparisons swirled in his mind. Angel Grove, with its frequent monster attacks, had a resilient spirit. There was a camaraderie among its citizens more times than not, a shared determination to rebuild and stand strong against recurring threats. Equestria, despite its occasional conflicts, thrived on friendship and unity, with the Elements of Harmony safeguarding its peace.
He continued his internal dialogue, "Angel Grove had its monsters, Equestria its magical threats, but Gotham... Gotham is a test of the human spirit. The people here are like shadows themselves, moving quickly, avoiding the light. But I can sense their strength, buried deep beneath layers of fear and survival instincts."
Gotham, however, was different. The city seemed to thrive on its brand of toughness, a gritty resolve born from enduring constant peril. It was a place where heroes and villains danced their eternal dance, each night a new chapter in the saga of survival. Spirit could sense the underlying strength in the Gothamites, a fierce independence that resonated with his spirit of resilience.
With another thought on his mind, he wondered if there were more parts of the world much like Gotham. "What else is out there?" He asked as he continued his research.
As he did, he learned so much more about this world. Starting from areas and their protectors. Central City with a speedy hero called The Flash, Coast City with a hero with a ring known as Green Lantern, Detroit, the home of Half-Man, Half Machine known as Cyborg, and Metropolis with an alien known as Superman. Even hidden places, where he had to pick up some books for more learning, like Atlantis, home of the King known as Aquaman, and Themyscira, home of Wonder Woman. Even headquarters for hero groups, ranging from the names of the Titans to the Justice League.
"Holy shit…" The reaper boy could only breathe out as he stopped to take a moment to let the information sink into his mind. "So many heroes in this world. This world could be even larger than I thought; this universe could be much larger."
With nothing else to think about, he got back to researching and found Gotham's protector, a vigilante the city knows as Batman. Someone who brings fear to the hearts of criminals, or so say the civilians, but learning through articles and news shows that he is much more.
As he ventured deeper into the heart of the city and the dark knight's protection, he could even hear Gotham, where a symphony of sirens, distant gunshots, and the occasional murmur of conversations in dimly lit corners. The neon signs flickered, casting an eerie glow on the rain-slick streets. Spirit felt a kinship with the city's shadows, an understanding born from his role as the Prince of Death.
"I have to find an ally, but I know it has to be the one from my vision," Spirit thought aloud since he knew his reason for being here. "Definitely not this Batman guy, doesn't strike me as someone who can trust anyone or even keep anyone out of his sight. And even if his fellow heroes can be a little more friendly, they have their priorities on keeping their world safe. Fucking hell. I'm wasting my time here; this is my burden after all."
Just before he could get up from his seat to leave, something clicked in his mind. If there are superheroes, then maybe… just maybe… they could have their sidekicks or partners. He started typing on the computers to dig deeper for other information on Batman, and as he did, his eyes widened as he might have found who he was looking for.
The boy without a soul could only mutter the words "Holy shit... It's him… from my vision…" Now more than ever, he needs to figure out where to find this potential ally
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city…
Dick Grayson, known as Nightwing and formerly as the first Robin appeared from above a skyscraper. He was a figure of athleticism and precision, his physique honed from years of acrobatics and rigorous training. His build was lean yet muscular, reflecting a perfect balance of strength and agility.
His costume was a sleek, black ensemble that clung to his form, allowing for both protection and unrestricted movement. A stylized blue bird emblem spread across his chest, its wings stretching out to his shoulders, symbolizing his evolution from Robin to Nightwing. The suit was equipped with various gadgets and tools, all seamlessly integrated into its design, ensuring he was always prepared for any situation.
His mask, a simple yet effective domino mask, concealed his identity while accentuating his piercing blue eyes that seemed to glow with determination and intelligence. The black gloves and boots completed the outfit, each piece meticulously designed to enhance his combat capabilities.
The Gray Son of Gotham gazed out over the city, the skyline a jagged silhouette against the darkened sky. He activated his comms link and spoke in a low, focused tone, "Oracle, I've got eyes on the target. Moving in for a closer look."
Through his earpiece, a voice of a young woman crackled to give her response, "Better not lose 'em, Nightwing. Reminder that our intel informed us of any illegal exchange of high-tech weapons, stolen, by the way, last week. Operation said to be run by Bane, so with that said, try not to have anything broken when you meet him."
"Didn't need to be reminded, but thanks anyway," Nightwing replied while rolling his eyes and smirking. "And as for Bane, I should remind you that I'm too nimble for him to catch."
As he descended from the skyscraper, his movements were fluid and precise, each leap and swing a testament to his acrobatic prowess. His eyes scanned the streets below, ever vigilant.
Reaching a rooftop overlooking a suspicious gathering, he observed a group of thugs exchanging items that looked like high-tech weaponry. He whispered into his comms, "Looks like our intel was right. They're gearing up for something big."
Suddenly, one of the thugs noticed a shadow moving above them and shouted, "Hey, what's that?"
Nightwing dropped into the middle of the group, taking his Escrima Sticks from his suit with a swift motion. "Evening, gentlemen. Mind if I join?" Without waiting for a response, he spun into action, disarming the first thug with a swift strike to the wrist.
The other thugs reacted, pulling out their weapons, but the former Robin was already one step ahead. He ducked under a punch and countered with a kick that sent another thug sprawling. "You'll have to do better than that," he quipped, his tone light but his movements deadly serious.
One of the thugs lunged at him with a knife, but the latter sidestepped effortlessly, using the attacker's momentum against him to throw him into a nearby wall. "You guys really should find a safer line of work," he said, his voice tinged with amusement.
With the last thug down, Nightwing stood amidst the fallen. He tapped his comms again, "Oracle, the situation's under control. Send GCPD to my location. I'm going to check out their hideout for more clues."
Oracle's voice crackled through, "If it's really Bane in there, then you better keep him from using the venom in his system."
As he moved towards the entrance of a nearby warehouse, he couldn't shake the feeling that tonight's events were just the beginning of something much larger. His eyes narrowed with determination. "Let's see what secrets you're hiding," he muttered, disappearing into the shadows.
As the former Robin navigated the dimly lit corridors of the warehouse, he noticed an ominous figure standing in the shadows. The figure stepped forward, revealing none other than Bane, known as the Man Who Broke the Bat, his imposing frame dominating the space.
"Nightwing," the bat-breaking villain's voice rumbled with a chilling calmness, "I was wondering when we'd cross paths again. It seems fate has a peculiar sense of humor."
The vigilante's grip tightened on his sticks. "Bane. I had a feeling you were behind this. What are you planning this time? With you and all these weapons, I figure it's not for donating to charity."
Bane's lips curled into a smirk. "Ah, detective work just like the Bat. Always so inquisitive. Let's just say, I'm ensuring Gotham remains a city of...opportunity."
Nightwing's eyes narrowed. "Opportunity for what? Chaos and destruction? No surprise, but you're not getting away with it. Not while I'm here."
The villain chuckled softly; the sound was more menacing than any roar. "You see, Nightwing, chaos is but a ladder. And those who can climb it will find themselves in positions of power. You, however, are just a pawn trying to play a king's game."
"Then let's see how well you play," Nightwing retorted, launching himself at Bane with a series of rapid strikes.
Bane parried the initial blows with surprising agility, countering with a powerful punch that the former Robin barely dodged. "Impressive," The villain mused, "but brute force alone won't save you."
The two engaged in a fierce melee, Bane's strength, without the venom steroid, against Nightwing's speed and precision. Each movement was calculated, and each strike was met with a counter. Bane's cunning was evident as he maneuvered with purpose, using the environment to his advantage.
"You think you can stop me?" Bane taunted, grabbing a metal beam and swinging it towards Nightwing. "I've broken stronger men than you."
Nightwing rolled under the beam and struck Bane's knee with his stick, causing him to stagger. "Maybe, but I'm not just any man," he replied, his voice steely with resolve.
Bane recovered quickly, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of respect and malevolence. "Indeed, you're not. But tell me, Nightwing, what will you do when faced with a choice? Save Gotham, or save those you love?"
Nightwing's concentration faltered for a split second, and Bane seized the opportunity, landing a heavy blow that sent him crashing into a stack of crates.
"URGH!" Gasping for breath, the gray son of Gotham struggled to his feet. "I'll save both, even you should know that by now. And I'll use everything I have to stop you," he vowed, determination blazing in his eyes.
Bane advanced, his presence looming. "Bold words. But we shall see if your resolve can withstand the storm that is coming." With that, he charged, and the fight resumed with renewed intensity.
As the battle raged on, Nightwing knew that this was just the beginning of a larger war for Gotham's soul. But he was ready. He had to be. And he must end it before things get much worse.
Using his acrobatics, the former Robin outmaneuvered as many attacks his enemy threw at him, then he shot his grappling gun above himself as the hook reached the ceiling and pulled him as Bane charged towards him. As soon as the villain turned around, the vigilante dived down and launched a flying kick at his torso, then took advantage of him staggering by giving him a beating with the sticks before kicking him to the ground.
"If this is the storm you're referring to, then you just left me disappointed," He spoke as he gripped his sticks.
Deciding that enough was enough, Bane's muscles bulged as he injected himself with the venom steroid, his strength increasing exponentially. He got up and roared, the sheer power coursing through his veins making him nearly unstoppable.
Bane glared at his enemy with fury. "I broke the Bat once… and now I break the Bird!"
He ran towards his prey, only for said prey to jump right over and attempt to strike him in the face. But his wrist was caught as he was being lifted a little for Bane to send him through the wall with a punch.
"URGH! Always with the venom… never change, Bane…" The vigilante spoke with sarcasm while groaning from the pain before rising to his feet.
Trying to outsmart his enemy, Nightwing threw some pellets on the ground, which released a gray smoke to disappear into the shadows, using stealth to his advantage. As Bane stood, not even going through the effort of searching, his intelligence allowed him to figure out where he would strike.
Nightwing threw bolas at Bane and restrained him before attempting to strike him, but the latter dodged, used his strength to break free, grabbed him, slammed him on the ground, and threw him through some wooden crates. With the hero vulnerable as he groans in pain, the villain aims to finish him off by throwing a powerful punch.
The bat breaker's massive fist was inches away from crushing the former Robin when, in a flash of light, Spirit Reaper teleported between them. Raising his hand and channeling his magic, he conjured a dark shimmering shield, blocking Bane's strike. The force of the blow resonated through the shield, but it held firm.
"Well, well, well," The Prince of Death said, his tone a mix of cockiness and gravity as he smirked. "It seems the big bad motherfucker Bane is getting so desperate. Don't you know steroids are bad for you?"
Bane snarled, his eyes narrowing in fury at the stranger's arrival. "Who dares to interfere in my battle?" he demanded.
"If you must know, the name's Spirit Reaper," the newcomer replied, his voice unyielding. "And I'm here to make sure the odds are a bit more even." With that, the reaper boy stood tall, his voice echoing with determination with his crimson-red eyes glowing. "It's Morphin Time!"
ZEO RANGER FIVE: RED!
Initiating the Zeo morphing sequence, his body shimmered and shifted, transforming into the Red Zeo Ranger.
Nightwing, momentarily stunned and not expecting a new stranger to be involved, quickly gathered his wits as he rose to his feet. "Nice timing," he gasped, a hint of a grin forming on his lips.
"Always happy to help," the Red Zeo Ranger shot back, his voice now resonating with the confidence of a seasoned warrior. He turned to Bane, his stance ready for combat. "Now, let's see if you can handle both of us."
Bane roared again, the venom fueling his rage. "I will crush you both!" He charged at both of his enemies, ready to break them until they died.
Both Spirit and Nightwing dodged before he could even get close, Nightwing activating the electricity within his sticks and Spirit himself taking the first shot. He combined both his reaper power and the morphing grid for these attacks.
"Reaper Punch! Reaper Kick!" The reaper boy shouted as he struck his foe with both, punches and kicks with his fists and feet covered in darkness, causing the latter to stagger and groan.
Bane never would've thought this new hero would make him feel pain like this, but that wouldn't stop him by a long shot. He waited for another attempted strike from the Red Ranger, caught him with his hand, punched him in the stomach, and swung him through another pile of crates.
"Urgh! Son of a bitch…" Spirit groaned but felt something odd. Looking down at himself, there weren't any tears or scratches on his armor. Not only that, but the attack didn't hurt as much as he thought, which made things better for him. "So this is what the morphing grid does for a ranger. Holy shit, wish I had gotten this sooner."
Nightwing took advantage of Bane's distraction by striking his arms and legs with the sticks, even throwing a series of kicks at him. While this had worked for the most part, Bane struck back by throwing powerful punches at him and throwing him at the Red Ranger, which made him collide with the latter.
As both had risen to their feet, the ranger could ask "Any way we can beat this asshole? This power can only let me do this all day, but I prefer we end it right now. I have some important business to discuss with you."
The vigilante replied without looking back, "If we can throw him off with our coordination, I can cut the hose from the back of his head. That's where he would inject the venom from the canisters mounted on his wrists."
The Red Ranger nodded. "Since you know the guy, I'll follow your lead."
The battle reignited with fervor, The Gray Son of Gotham and the Red Zeo Ranger working in tandem, with the Gray Son leading the way. The former's acrobatics and precise strikes combined with the magic and advanced combat techniques of the latter created a formidable challenge for Bane.
Despite his enhanced strength, Bane found himself struggling against their coordinated assault. Spirit would then swing a punch on his back.
"ARGH!" Bane shouted in pain and tried to grab his foe, but it was for nothing since he dodged. "I will break the bird, and then I will crush you!"
Spirit and Nightwing exchanged a brief, determined glance. They had to win for reasons of their own. Together, they fought on, ready to face whatever storm lay ahead.
"Get ready, Reaper. The minute he runs, do some damage." Nightwing commanded.
"No problem, Nightwing. I'll make sure to fuck him up till it's your turn" Spirit replied with a smirk, feeling cocky again. Cocky he may be, he knows how to back it up.
Bane, sensing defeat, roared and charged at the heroes with all his remaining might. Spirit, with impeccable timing, dodged at the very last second, driving his knee into Bane's stomach. The impact made Bane double over in pain, and Spirit seized the moment to execute a perfect judo throw, sending Bane crashing to the ground.
As Bane struggled to regain his footing, Spirit saw his chance and launched him into the air with a powerful "Shoryuken!" The force of the uppercut was immense, and as Bane was descending, Spirit delivered a swift kick that sent him flying across the battlefield.
"Nice move, Spirit!" Nightwing shouted, his eyes tracking Bane's flight. "Let's finish this."
"Got it, Nightwing!" Spirit replied, his voice filled with determination.
Dazed and weakened, Bane staggered as he tried to rise once more. "You...think...you can...defeat me?" he growled, his voice shaking with rage and fatigue.
"We don't think, we know, and this time you're fucking finished," the Red Ranger retorted, standing ready beside his comrades. "Nightwing, take your shot!
Nightwing, seizing the critical opportunity, deftly threw a wing-ding, aiming for the hose connected to Bane's head. The precise throw cut through the hose, causing the venom to spill out and leaving Bane without his enhanced strength.
"No... this can't be..." Bane muttered as he collapsed to his knees, visibly drained and powerless.
The vigilante and the ranger stood over him, triumphantly in their coordinated effort.
Spirit looked down at the fallen Bane and couldn't resist making a quip. "You know, Bane, maybe you should try a new diet. I hear less venom and more humility works wonders. But other than that, take this!" With that, he executed a flawless Brayzilian kick to the back of Bane's head, the force of which rendered the villain unconscious almost instantly. With nothing else happening, the Reaper shut down his Red Ranger power and demorphed.
The former Robin glanced at the reaper and asked, "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?"
The reaper boy glanced back with a question of his own, "Is that what you call it here? Where I'm from, we call it Brayzil."
The Gray Son of Gotham raised his brow at what his new ally had said, but didn't dive deeper into it. The mission was completed, and the investigation was solved. Now, all he needs is some answers from the stranger before him. From his perspective, the stranger doesn't appear to be villainous at the slightest, but through his training and experience, he cannot take any chances.
"Your help is appreciated, but I believe it's time for an explanation. I'm familiar with magical forces, but I never saw you before." He spoke with a serious tone, as grateful as he was, wanting to know if he could truly trust his new ally or if he would have to take him down.
The Prince of Death knew where this was going, and he didn't blame him. Even though he likes to make new friends and understand the magic of friendship, he wouldn't trust them either if the roles were reversed. He could only smirk and gave his approval with a nod.
"Now that's a smart move, can't blame you." He then thought of something and continued with an idea, "But not here. We need to find somewhere to talk about this with nobody else. I assure you that I just want to talk. I need your help."
Nightwing internally debated his odds of taking Spirit's words seriously. He needed to trust his instincts, but knew that caution was paramount. "Alright, let's talk," he finally agreed, but first things first.
Nightwing used the comm links to Oracle to report his mission's success.
"Oracle. Mission complete. Bane won't be waking up until he finds himself at Arkham. Contact GCPD to pick him up." He said to his friend while keeping an eye on the Red Ranger.
Oracle's voice crackled through his earpiece, "Nice one, Nightwing, and already ahead of you. So, who's your new friend?"
"That's part of the explanation I need," Nightwing replied. "He calls himself Spirit Reaper, and he was a big help in bringing him down. But he wants to talk privately, something about needing my help."
Oracle's tone was cautious but curious, "Spirit Reaper, huh? That's a new one. Be careful. It's not every day you find allies dropping out of nowhere. But if he helped, he can't be all bad. Just keep your guard up." She then confirmed the arrangements.
That's about as much as he can do since he can't underestimate the man in front of him. Spirit appears to be willing to give all the answers he needs, but he can't be too sure. He only has one chance, and he might as well take it, and he was ready to fight if he needed to.
"Let's move," Nightwing said, signaling they should leave the warehouse. Spirit followed closely, both slipping through the shadows as they made their exit, leaving the unconscious Bane and the chaos behind them. The night was far from over, and the answers the former Robin sought were still shrouded in mystery.
Hours after the battle with Bane, Nightwing had led Spirit to a rooftop on a building plenty of miles from the warehouse, with the former expecting answers from the latter, who was taking in the view from where he was standing. Both had been silent the whole time, but the Boy Without a Soul knew that he must explain everything about himself.
"So, where do you want me to begin?" He asked without looking at the other man.
"How about we start with who you are and where you come from?" The vigilante replied with a question of his own. "Before we got here, I've had my friend run down an analysis on you. And of course, there was no one under the identity of Spirit Reaper. And I've been wearing the suit long enough to have met some powerful beings from Earth, Space, or Supernatural areas. So I have my theories if you wish to hear."
Spirit turned over and was astonished at the hero's words, a testament to his intelligence as shown during the fight at the warehouse. And he knew, through researching the heroes of this world, that he would be a real detective which he'd guess it was through working with the one many would call the World's Greatest Detective.
With a grin on his face, the reaper boy started his explanation, "Well, I'm not the kind to put on a costume to hide my identity, so cross that one out. Spirit Reaper is my real name. I'm not from outer space, honestly, space travel is not something anyone in my home would do. Not because they don't want to, but we kinda lack the technology and equipment to make it possible. But I will say that I am not from this world or this universe."
"You're from another universe?" Nightwing spoke, intrigued to hear more.
Spirit nodded and replied, "This is a very long story."
He told his potential new teammate everything he needed to know. About himself, along with showing off his scythe, his clan, Equestria & its magic, the battles with the demon lords, and the events leading up to before they met. As he explained his situation, with enough details, he brought up his vision where he would work with six other heroes, including himself and Tommy Oliver.
Nightwing took in Spirit's explanation, processing every word carefully. With his extensive experience, he encountered beings capable of wielding magic and facing demons, some with noble intentions and others with malevolent purposes. He was familiar with the concept of grim reapers, though he had never met one personally. However, the revelation that the reaper hailed from a world inhabited by colorful talking ponies, some being pegasi and unicorns, was something that truly threw him off.
Despite his incredulity, Gotham's Gray Son's instincts as a detective assured him that the outsider was not fabricating any part of his story. The detailed accounts, the specific nuances of his world, and the earnest look in his eyes all pointed to the truth. Moreover, he had learned over the years that the universe, or rather the multiverse, held infinite possibilities. He had long accepted that there were realms and beings beyond his wildest imagination.
"Alright," Nightwing said finally, breaking the silence. "I believe you. Your story is outlandish, but I've seen stranger things. If you're here, then it's for a reason, and given what you've shared, I think we can work together."
Spirit nodded with relief, grateful for the trust Nightwing was extending. His journey was far from over, but with an ally like Nightwing, the path ahead seemed a bit more navigable.
"Well thank Celestia that you were in my vision. I don't think I would get anywhere if I had a word with the Batman." Spirit said with an expression of uncertainty "Even looking through the articles, he doesn't sound like the kind to take my word for it."
This left the former Robin smirking, "Take it from me, whenever that happens, you'll get used to it."
The two stood on the rooftop, the city sprawling beneath them, a silent acknowledgment of the alliance they had just forged. For the Prince of Death, which means he's nearly completed his task to find a new member, just only four others left when it's done.
While he had received his answers, Nightwing knew there was more to Spirit's tale. His intuition was confirmed when Spirit revealed something else.
"So now that I've said my story, how about having ourselves a little sparing match?' The Equestrian prince challenged.
The Gray Son of Gotham raised his eyebrow at the challenge his new ally was issuing. "A sparring match? Is this how guys like me would be initiated?"
"I understand your skepticism," Spirit said, a determined glint in his eyes. "But I believe that showing you my abilities will speak volumes more than any explanation. Hell, I did this with Tommy. And I'll be doing so with the next four heroes. Will you accept my challenge?"
The reaper boy believed that actions spoke louder than words and wanted to demonstrate his capabilities to convince Nightwing to join his fight against the demons. And of course, he wanted to see what else the hero brings to the table.
Nightwing considered the proposal, recognizing the importance of seeing Spirit's skills firsthand. With a nod, he agreed. "Alright, let's see what you've got."
As the two prepared for their sparring match, the night continued to unfold, each movement and strike bringing them closer to understanding each other and the battles that lay ahead.
"I was about to say the same thing" Spirit replied and raised his fists. "Let's Rock It!"
Spirit and Nightwing circled each other, their eyes locked in an unspoken agreement. The sound of the bustling city below faded into the background as their focus sharpened. The first strike was swift, the former Robin launching a series of punches that the Reaper Boy deftly dodged, countering with a high kick that the former blocked with ease.
Their movements were fluid, a dance of precision and power. Nightwing's acrobatics and martial arts training. Spirit matched his pace, using his agility to evade and retaliate with his fists and feet through his training. The rooftop became a battleground, each warrior testing the other's limits.
The vigilante swings another punch only for his wrist to be caught as the reaper throws him over with a Seoi-Nagi Judo Throw, but the former quickly countered with a De-Ashi-Bari and attempted to strike him next which the latter avoided by moving his head then swung his leg to throw him off. The hero dodged and jumped away.
Spirit quickly kips up to his feet and smirks, "You're good, really good." He spoke with acknowledgment.
"You're not bad yourself, Reaper," Nightwing said, also with acknowledgment.
The former Robin attempted a flying kick but the reaper boy ducked and kicked him into the air, followed by jumping after him and sending him back down with an axe kick.
"URGH!" Nightwing groaned but was able to witness Spirit diving down with a punch, which he dodged, and kicked him in the face, causing him to stagger.
Wasting no time, he got up and ran towards to Equestrian prince and struck him with a punch and a swift kick to the jaw. He tried to throw another punch, but the latter avoided it and hit his stomach with a knee, then punched him away.
Realizing they were both holding back, Nightwing's expression shifted to one of determination. "No more playing around," he said, taking out his Escrima sticks.
Spirit nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Agreed." With a flourish, he summoned one of his harmony rings and put it on, channeling the Element of Magic to conjure a bo staff. The staff glowed with a faint magical aura, a testament to Spirit's mystical prowess.
The reaper boy attempted to strike with the staff, but the vigilante avoided with a backhand spring and threw a series of wing-dings. The former dodged one by one and caught the last one, only to sense something off about this one. Just by realizing what he had just done, he sighed.
"Damn it. Note to self: do not catch one of these things." He said silently as the wing-ding exploded.
The Gray Son of Gotham knew that wasn't gonna keep him down if at all and waited for his next move. The Prince of Death fired a series of fireballs, which the former had dodged one after another.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Spirit teleported and swung the staff at his back, then at his torso, and sent him away with a spinning kick. Nightwing changed his momentum and landed as the former ran towards him. He dodged a kick and stuck his head with one of the sticks, his left knee with the other, struck his jaw with it, and kicked him down.
"URGH! And here I thought those were just a pair of batons…" He groaned but quickly got back onto his feet while his opponent activated the electricity in his sticks.
The battle intensified. Nightwing's escrima sticks clashed against Spirit's staff, the sound of clashing weapons echoing into the night. Each blow was met with a counter, each move a testament to their training and skill. They were evenly matched, their combat styles blending into a seamless display of high-tech weapons and magical might.
The former Robin's strikes were relentless, a flurry of calculated attacks aimed at finding a weakness in the reaper's defense. But Spirit was no novice; he met each strike with a parry, his bo staff moving with a grace that belied its power. Sparks flew as their weapons connected, a testament to the force behind each blow.
As the sparring match reached its peak, both fighters pushed beyond their limits, their determination driving them forward. Nightwing unleashed a series of rapid strikes, his escrima sticks a blur of motion. Spirit countered with a whirlwind of staff strikes that kept Nightwing on his toes.
Finally, they reached a moment of mutual respect, both breathing heavily but not willing to back down. A hint of a smile on Nightwing's face. "You're a lot better than I thought," he said, his tone appreciative.
Spirit grinned, twirling his bo staff. "So are you. I can see why you're one of Gotham's best."
The vigilante had a couple of more tricks in his suit. He threw a flashbang grenade towards his opponent and took cover before he could react. Once the grenade exploded, the reaper boy was blinded, and his ears were ringing because of the effects.
He took advantage of the moment by running over and striking him with a series of attacks with the sticks, combined with the electricity. Overwhelmed by the pain, he would regain his vision and the ringing had stopped as he teleported from the assault. The former kept his guard up and tried to predict where he might appear. He turns and swings at him with the sticks, but he is caught with ease by the latter.
When Spirit teleported, he appeared on another rooftop and had another ring on. Elements of Magic and Honesty combined with his strength increasing, and he teleported right back to Nightwing to catch the attack. He used his strength to slam him onto the ground, then lifted him and punched him to the edge of the rooftop.
"Double Harmony Mode! Let's go!" The prince with the rings shouted and charged at his foe.
The Gray Son of Gotham quickly jumped over as he was getting close and threw more wing-dings in a last-ditch effort, but the Princes of Death used his staff to destroy them one by one until he finally finished things off by sending him down with a karate kick. The former was feeling a little too weak to continue fighting, while the latter was drained through using such magic from the Harmony Rings. And it doesn't help that he just realized that he didn't use his healing spell when he was fighting Tommy. Shaking his head at his own mistake, he cast the spell to heal himself and heal his fallen opponent, and then help him up to his feet.
The two warriors stood in silence for a moment, and a learning experience was gained from the clash of their skills. They had tested each other, and in doing so, had forged a deeper understanding and respect.
Spirit looked at Nightwing and nodded with respect. "You really have the skills to back it up. Damn, you got some good shots too. Welcome to the team," he said, extending his hand.
"Glad to join. You got me this time, but that will be the last time, so don't get used to it." He replied and took his hand and shook it, though he couldn't help but ask "So what do you need me to do next?"
Rather than answering right away, the reaper boy channeled his magic again to summon the blue portals, their edges shimmering with magical energy. "This one will take you to the human version of Equestria," he said, pointing to the portal on the left. "Tommy will be expecting you in the warehouse. The other portal," he indicated the one on the right, "is for me. I have another member."
"I'm gonna need a moment." Nightwing took a deep breath, activating his comm link. "Oracle, this is Nightwing. Spirit has given me the information I needed, and you won't believe this." He made sure to explain exactly how his ally had told him, with every detail needed.
Oracle's reaction was no different from his, even if they couldn't see it, as her voice crackled through the comm line, "Talking colored ponies? I knew this line of work would make us see strange stuff, but this? Wow. So are you really going through with this?"
The former Robin answered her question since that was obvious. "You bet. I'll be entering another universe alone. Inform the team not to follow; Spirit said that I've been chosen to work with him on this."
"Understood, Nightwing. Stay safe out there and keep us updated whenever you can." Oracle responded, knowing that nothing would stop him anyway.
"I'll have to figure out how to contact anyone through another universe" He finished his conversation and walked towards the port to his destination.
He turned to his new teammate, a newfound trust evident in his eyes. In a rare moment of vulnerability and a smirk on his face, Nightwing removed his domino mask, revealing his true identity. "Name's Dick Grayson, see you on the other side Spirit Reaper," he said, before slipping the mask back on.
Spirit smiled, acknowledging the gesture. "Good luck, Dick Grayson," he said, as Nightwing stepped into the portal, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him in the human version of Equestria.
The Prince of Death watched him and the portal he entered disappeared, then turned to his portal and picked up his bag. Two down, and four to go. Things were going rather smoothly for him but he can't just relax about it. This won't be so easy next time.
"Only a matter of time before those demon pricks would catch on, I have to be careful. And who knows if this next one would be willing to follow me." He said in his thoughts and clenched his fists.
With his task completed, he stepped through the portal, ready to find the next warrior from his vision. But what he didn't know was that just as the portal had closed, something was already watching. From above the rooftop, a small dark red eyeball with wings flapping, watching both heroes the entire time. It blinked a couple of times before disappearing. Spirit was right to be overly cautious going forward…
NEXT TIME ON THE REAPER LEGION…
RELUCTANCE; THE REAPER VS THE HALF-DOG DEMON
Ending: War Ensemble by Slayer (short version)
*Cue guitar riff*
Propaganda death ensemble, burial to be.
Corpse rotting through the night in blood-laced misery.
Scorched earth, the policy, the reason for the siege.
The pendulum it shaves the blade, strafing air blood raid.
The Reaper Legion takes a break from a mission. Spirit Reaper looks at his teammates, Tommy Oliver, Ryu, Inuyasha, Nightwing, Wolverine, and Raiden, standing poised, each lost in their thoughts. For now, the demon lords will not be making a move, and all they can do is wait.
Infiltration push reserves, encircle the front lines.
Supreme art of strategy playing on the minds.
Bombard till submission, take all to their graves.
Indication of triumph, the numbers that are dead
Nightwing and Wolverine had chosen to unmask and wore their usual clothes as Dick Grayson and Logan Howlett, their identities revealed since they look normal to others. Inuyasha had opted for a hat to conceal his ears, while Raiden, as Jack, using a very unique device, appeared in his human form.
Sport the war!
War support!
Stepping out of their stronghold, they began to stroll through the serene streets of Canterlot, which is the human version of the Canterlot Spirit had once lived. The city, bathed in the warm glow of streetlights, seemed a world away from the battles they had fought. They walked with a purpose, yet their demeanor was casual, each one reflecting on the war that had tested their limits.
The sport is war, total war
When victory's really massacre
When victory's really survival
When the end is a slaughter
The final swing is not a drill
It's how many people I can kill!
Spirit could only recall the innocent lives that were taken by the demons, which boils his blood as he desires to kill them even more. He will make them feel the pain and suffering that the victims had already felt.
*Second riff*
Sport the war!
War support!
As they walked past building after building, memories of different lives and battles surfaced, mingling with the present. The city's façade, and the world itself, stood as a testament to youthful ambition and the unyielding spirit of its citizens, a reflection perhaps of the Legion's resolve.
When victory's really survival
When the end is a slaughter
The final swing is not a drill
It's how many people I can kill!
Their journey led them to the outskirts of the city, where the urban lights dimmed, and a blanket of stars took over the night sky. They paused, heads tilted upwards, eyes scanning the cosmos. The stars, eternal and unchanging, reminded them of the vastness of their mission and the strength required to persevere.
Sport the war!
War support!
Giving up was not an option. The Reaper Legion, bound by their shared experiences and unwavering determination, stood ready, knowing that wherever the next call took them, they would face it together.
When victory's really survival
When the end is a slaughter
The final swing is not a drill
It's how many people I can kill!
As the sky turned a darker shade of red. Spirit's eyes were glowing, blue flames appearing from his body, and fists clenching as he transformed into Equestrian Mode, ready to face another demon and another until they end the war.
It then fades to black