As Captain America and the rest of Khazan’s heroes stood over the carnage, they noticed that the alien hordes stopped. They allowed themselves a breath of relief, but each hero knew that another attack was soon to be unleashed.

“Captain, I think I know why the attacks have ceased.” Batman spoke.

“You don’t have to, Bats,“ Lobo slurred as he took another slug of whiskey, “We’s got company.”

“He’s right. Look in the sky!” As they peered overhead, they saw War World’s menacing form. They also saw another planet, red in color. Judging from the explosions, they came to the realization that their attacks ceased due to that planets’ interference.

“Anybody know what planet that is?” Impulse asked.

Just then, a dimensional rip formed in the square. Cries of “Scramble! Defensive positions!” were sounded as the weary defenders prepared themselves for whatever would emerge from the rift.

What came out was an impressive figure. Seven feet tall, with muscles covered with red fur. A face that implied intelligence and cruelty. As the being looked at the forces in front of him, he called out, “I wish to speak with the one called Captain America.”

Cap stepped out. “Who are you and what do you want here?”

The being gave a small formal bow. “I am DeMonStar, and I want to prevent this conflict from escalating out of control. There are two threats here that have gone unnoticed, and each has the capability to destroy everything.”

“How do you know this, DeMonStar? Are you the one in control of War World?” Captain America asked.

“No. In fact, I am the reason that we have this small amount of relief. As some of you have already guessed, my planet is drawing off War Worlds forces.”

“What are these threats you said that could destroy Khazan?” Spiderman questioned.

“I didn’t say that they could destroy Khazan. I said that they could destroy everything. The entire Multiverse is threatened here.” As the murmurs began, DeMonStar continued. “This is the first threat”, activating a wrist-held holo emitter. The image of a young boy formed. “This child, called the Z-Mage, has enough magical power at his control to wipe out Khazan, and in doing so void out all existence.”

“And what is this second threat?”

“The second threat is the one controlling War World. He is known”, as the emitter changed to an all-familiar face, “as the Magus.”

Cries of outrage and disbelief emanated from the crowd. “The Magus! We thought he was killed!”

“As this recording shows, that is not the case. Magus is alive, in control of War World, and has in motion a plot that threatens all that exists.”

The emitter showed a scene that shocked even the hardiest veteran. There, plain as life was Magus, gloating to the captive Superman. “…While War World soldiers keep Khazan's defenders occupied, the cosmic egg is charging, gathering its power. When I tell it to, it will release a high amount of energy and focus it right on Khazan, destroying it. When that happens, it will send a shock wave of sorts down the dimensional rift, unhinging all realities and ultimately wiping out all existence across the multiverse. After that is done, I shall use the egg to rebuild the multiverse in my own image."

“DeMonStar! How did you get this information!” Captain America shouted as he strode up to the imposing being. “How do we know this isn’t a trap?”

“Simple. I was sent here merely to observe, not to interfere.” DeMonStar lied to the Captain. “After I found of the Magus’ plans, I knew that I had to intervene.”

Captain America stared into DeMonStar’s eyes, trying to determine whether of not he spoke the truth. After a wait that seemed like hours, he spoke. “All right, I believe you. How can we stop both Magus and this Z-Mage?”

“We must hold a council of war in order to best devise a plan to stop them. Lead the way, Captain.”

As the heroes returned to the Hall of Justice, DeMonStar grinned to himself. He had gotten the heroes trust, and while they would take the fight to War World and Z-Mage, he would have ample time to locate technology of Khazan’s that would benefit him in the long run. What he didn’t know that he was being watched.

As Z-Mage’s peered out from his viewing pool, his fury grew. Not only did he have that bastard Hart to deal with, but now this unknown foe had tipped off the greater populace of Khazan’s hero population to his existence. Who was this DeMonStar, and how did he come to knowledge of Z-Mages' existence and plans? This red freak had to be stopped. They all had to be stopped. No one, no one, must stop him from preventing his horrible fate. Z-Mage brooded as he planned to end all Khazan.

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