The trio moved through Gotham's dimly lit streets, their footsteps muffled against the rain-slicked pavement. Teri led the way, his temporal anchor pulsing faintly in his hand. Kei and Ignis followed closely, their senses on high alert.

Ignis, glancing at the eerie surroundings: "Why do all these alternate dimensions feel like they're out of a horror movie? Dark alleys, creepy vibes... It's like the universe hates streetlights."

Kei, smirking: "Maybe it's just Gotham. Feels like a city that thrives on shadows."

Teri remained focused, his eyes scanning every corner. "The conduit is hidden in one of the old Wayne Industries facilities. According to my scans, it's heavily cloaked—only detectable by its temporal signature. But we'll have company. The local... vigilantes don't take kindly to trespassers."

A Fateful Encounter

As they approached the facility, a blur of black and grey descended from above. The trio halted as a towering figure stepped out of the shadows, his cape billowing behind him.

Batman, his voice a low growl: "You've brought trouble to my city. Explain yourselves."

Teri stepped forward, unflinching. "We're here to stop something that could destroy not just your city but your entire reality."

Batman, narrowing his eyes: "And I should trust you because...?"

Before Teri could respond, Ignis crossed her arms, flames licking at her fingertips. "Listen, Batguy. We don't have time for the whole 'intimidation routine.' Either help us, or stay out of our way."

Kei placed a hand on Ignis's arm, urging her to calm down. Turning to Batman, she said, "We're not your enemies. But if we don't act now, this city—and your world—could be torn apart."

Batman studied them in silence, his analytical mind working rapidly. Finally, he nodded. "If you're lying, you'll regret it. Follow me. I know the place you're looking for."

The Temporal Conduit

Inside the abandoned Wayne Industries lab, the group found a massive, glowing structure hidden beneath layers of debris and machinery. The conduit pulsed with a faint golden light, its energy resonating with Teri's anchor.

Teri, checking his device: "This is it. Once we activate it, the anchor will generate a rift strong enough to send us back."

Batman, his voice sharp: "What's the catch?"

Teri sighed. "The activation process will send out a temporal pulse—a beacon that could attract... unwanted attention. If the Time Freezer has allies in this universe, they'll come running."

An Unlikely Alliance

Before anyone could respond, a voice echoed from the shadows.

Raven, stepping into the light: "Then we'd better make sure you're not interrupted."

Kei turned, surprised to see a small group gathering. Alongside Raven stood Beast Boy, Starfire, and even Lucifer, his sharp features betraying an amused smirk.

Lucifer, with a mock bow: "Well, this is certainly more entertaining than I anticipated. A little world-saving to spice up the evening?"

Kei, smiling faintly: "Glad to see reinforcements."

Raven, her tone serious: "We'll hold the line. Do what you need to do."

The Attack Begins

As Teri began calibrating the conduit, the first wave of enemies arrived—shadowy creatures that seemed to seep out of the walls, their eyes glowing red.

Batman, throwing a batarang: "Here they come."

The group sprang into action. Raven summoned dark tendrils of energy, ensnaring several creatures. Beast Boy shifted into a tiger, barreling through the enemy ranks. Starfire unleashed blazing bolts of energy, while Lucifer casually flicked his hand, sending enemies sprawling with an unseen force.

Kei and Ignis joined the fray, their powers lighting up the battlefield.

Kei, shouting over the chaos: "Teri, how much longer?"

Teri, frantically working: "A few more minutes! Just keep them off me!"

The Rift Opens

Finally, the conduit roared to life, its golden light piercing through the darkness. Teri's anchor began to glow, stabilizing the swirling rift that formed in the air.

Teri, shouting: "It's ready! We need to move, now!"

As the group began to retreat toward the portal, the shadowy enemies surged forward with renewed intensity. Lucifer, standing at the rear, turned to Kei and Ignis.

Lucifer, smirking: "Go. I'll keep them busy."

Kei hesitated but nodded. "Thank you. Don't get yourself killed."

Lucifer's grin widened. "Darling, death and I are old friends. Now go!"

With that, the trio stepped into the rift, its light swallowing them whole as the battle raged on behind them.

To Be Continued...