The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a crimson glow across the cityscape of Metropolis. The bustling streets, once filled with life and laughter, now stood eerily deserted. A sense of impending doom hung heavy in the air as the villainous Corben embarked on a relentless rampage through the heart of the city.

With a thunderous crash, John Corben plowed through the streets, sending debris and terrified screams in his wake. The city's inhabitants scattered, their fear palpable in the air. Desperate cries for help echoed through the abandoned buildings, but they went unanswered as Corben reveled in his power.

"Pathetic fools!" Corben's voice boomed with a cold, mechanical tone, resonating through the city. "Superman You Coward!" Corben shouted into the sky, hoping the Kryptonian would hear him due to the super hearing. "Are you really going to let these people pay he price of your sins?" he asked.

He raised his arm, his flesh covered metal arm began to morph, the flesh peeling back and the metal shifting. Soon enough, the arm now resembled a rocket launcher. With a surge of power and smoke, Corben unleashed a devastating rocket that tore through a row of buildings, reducing them to rubble in an instant. The rocket wedged itself into the end building, and exploded bursting rubble into the air. A sinister smile evident on his face.

"No! My shop!" A distraught shop owner cried out, watching helplessly as years of hard work crumbled before his eyes.

Panic spread like wildfire as civilians caught sight of Corben's wrath. Screams filled the air, blending with the blaring car horns and the frantic footsteps of those desperately seeking shelter. Pedestrians scattered in all directions, their hearts pounding in fear as they sought refuge from the inevitable devastation about to be unleashed.

Law enforcement agencies sprang into action, their sirens wailing in the distance. A SWAT team, well-trained and armed to the teeth, rushed to the scene, their tactical prowess honed through countless missions. But they were ill-prepared for the unstoppable force they were about to face.

As the SWAT team arrived, their weapons drawn and adrenaline coursing through their veins, Corben turned his cold, glowing eyes towards the advancing officers, a chilling smirk forming on his metallic face. "What's this? Little insects coming to challenge me?" he sneered, his voice a combination of cold machinery and disdain. "My quarry isn't with you fool, it's with that Alien!" Corben roared.

The Captains jaw tightened as he locked eyes with the villain. "Corben, your reign of terror ends here. Surrender peacefully, or we'll do what's necessary to stop you."

Corben's laughter reverberated through the air, a haunting chorus that sent shivers down the spines of the officers. "Stop me? You insignificant pests are nothing but a nuisance to be crushed beneath my heel. Witness the power of true supremacy!"

The SWAT team opened fire. Hundreds off bullets being emptied as they bounced off Corben's metal skin. The officers could see that their weapons were having no effect, but they stood their ground and did their very best to hold back the monster before them. All they had to do was to buy time for the big guy to show up, and for civilians to get clear. After about twenty seconds of non stop firing, a vast number of SWAT officers had to reload their weapons. 

"Guns?" Metallo laughed, striking fear into the hearts of the listeners. "You call those guns?" he repeated, taking a single step forward menacingly. "Let me show you what real guns loom like!" he bellowed, lifting both arms. One transformed into a mini-gun, with its barrel beginning to spin up. While the other turned into one of the Atlantean weapons he had stolen. Corben let out a small laugh, unleashing countless bullets and plasma based blasts at the officers. 

Two officers were easily taken down, one taking a bullet to the shoulder and the other blasted clear in the chest. Corben moved the Atlantean weapon, and fired straight at a police cruiser. The cruiser was easily turned into an inferno, flipping and almost colliding with several officers. 

Captain Thompson, the leader of the SWAT team, gritted his teeth as he witnessed their futile attempts. "Fall back! Fall back now!" he shouted, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and urgency.

The officers, their faces etched with a combination of disbelief and concern, obeyed their leader's command. They retreated hastily, seeking cover from Corben's onslaught. The city streets, once bustling with life, now became a battlefield of chaos and destruction.

Corben's laughter echoed through the air, a chilling symphony of triumph. "Is that the best you've got, pathetic humans? Your weapons are useless against me!"

As the SWAT team fought valiantly against the indomitable Corben, a sudden gust of wind swept through the battle-scarred streets of Metropolis. All eyes turned skyward, anticipation mounting, as a figure clad in a vibrant blue and red costume descended from the heavens.

It was Superman, the Man of Steel, the symbol of hope and unwavering justice. His presence electrified the air, instilling a renewed sense of determination in the hearts of the beleaguered officers.

Superman landed with a resounding thud, the shockwave rippling through the debris-strewn streets. His piercing blue eyes scanned the scene, his cape billowing majestically in the wind. The look of concern on his face was evident as he observed the havoc wreaked by Corben.

Captain Thompson, awe mingling with relief, approached Superman. "Thank goodness you're here, Superman. We've done everything we could, but this monster seems unstoppable."

Superman's voice carried a mix of strength and compassion as he addressed the weary captain. "I'll do everything I can to end to take him down, you make sure your men get to safety" Superman ensured with a smile that instilled hope. 

The SWAT team all nodded at Superman. All the officers pulling back, firing off some small rounds but all scattering into different directions. Doing their best to ensure no one was left in the surrounding rubble. 

Superman's brow furrowed in deep concentration as Corben seemed to finally notice the Man of Steel. Using his X-Ray vision, Superman could see that Corben's Kryptonite heart was glowing brighter than before. 

With a determined nod, Superman took to the skies once more, hovering above Corben. His eyes glowed with intensity as he focused his attention on the mechanical menace.

"Corben," Superman called out, his voice carrying a weight of authority that echoed through the battered city. "You can end this now, just eject all the weapons and come quietly, I don't want to hurt you" he tried to plea but this fell on deaf ears. 

"Hurt me? Hurt me? It's your fault I'm like this in the first place" Corben's mechanical visage twisted into a malicious grin. "Superman, you think you can stop me? You're nothing but an invader, a parasite leaching off the good will of humanity". 

Corben charged towards Superman, his movements swift and calculated. A flurry of blows rained down upon the Man of Steel, but with his superhuman reflexes and unmatched strength, Superman effortlessly evaded and parried each attack. As Corben was open, Superman tackled Corben to the ground. The mechanical menace placed  a hand on Y/Ns jaw and pushed it away, just as the Kryptonian activated his heat vision. Y/N grit his teeth as he stopped, and Corben managed to kick him off as both of them stood, once again ready to engaged blows. 

The onlookers, both civilians and the remnants of the SWAT team, watched in awe as the battle unfolded before them. The clash of titans shook the very foundations of Metropolis, their struggle a testament to the unyielding spirit of heroism.

Superman's eyes blazed with determination as he seized an opportunity. With a surge of strength, he gripped Corben's arm, holding it firmly in place. "Your reign of terror ends now, Corben. It's time to power down" he shouted, charging in with a fist raised. As Superman was coming towards, Corben easily just flexed his back. Several miniature missiles popped out, each firing in the direction of Superman and locked onto his unique signature. 

Y/N stopped mid charge, firing off a blast of heat vision cutting through several missiles, causing them to explode mid-air. But there were just too many, Many missiles collided with Superman, exploding on impact. Each one causing him to stagger and be thrown around. Superman was thrown through a nearby car, but he managed to catch himself on his knees. Corben marching towards him. His metal feet clanging off the ground. 

Corben leaped high in the air, kicking downwards into Superman. The force was so great, that it forced Superman through the ground into the subway surface below ground. 

Corben went on the offensive, grabbing Superman by the back of the head, and slamming him into a nearby wall. The mechanical menace continued this, over, and over again. 

"You really think you can win don't you?" Corben laughed, throwing Superman aside as if he were garbage. Corben transformed his left arm into an Atlantean canon again and pointed it at Superman. "You're just like the other Superman, thinking you're invincible, that you're above the rest of us" Corben fired off several shots. "Well you're wrong, the world doesn't need aliens to guide us. It needs people willing to do what needs to be done". 

Superman picked himself up, just as he was going to engage Corben in battle again. An incoming noise hit his senses which made him instantly moved to the damaged tracks, for once the subway was on time. The conductor did his very best to apply the breaks, but it was so use the speed of the cart would still mean it derailing. Y/N flew in front of the subway, with his back to it, the Krytonian hero dug his feet into the metal, and did his very best to halt the subway before it could derail. Y/N grit his teeth, metal squeaking all around him as the people inside braced for the worst. 

Superman flexed his muscles, the speed of the subway decreasing as finally it began to slow to a full stop. Y/N breathed out, finally feeling the subway become motionless and hearing the people within cheer. Before Y/N could celebrate however, Corben dove in for another onslaught of attacks. The fight between the two eventually lead back to the streets above. 

"Corben please, look at the destruction you're causing" Y/N tried to reason as the two were engaging blows. 

Corben managed to land a clear hit on Y/N's face leaving a large mark and slight droplets of blood. Y/N just had to hold Corben off until Mera could arrive. Putting his fists together, Superman launched Corben away into a nearby gas station. As Corben tumbled through glass of an abandoned car, Superman activated his heat vision igniting the gas and creating a large explosion. That single explosion created a domino effect of several other explosions at the station, which Superman watched from afar. 

But Y/N could see it, the figure of Corben emerging from the flames. Most of his flesh peeling and burning off, leaving only half his fake flesh face able to be seen. Revealing his full metal endoskeleton, lit up by the power of the Kryptonite rock. 

(Edit made by ironboybooks)

"You still think I'm Corben?" the figure asked with a snicker as he approached the Man of Steel. "No, I outgrew that name when I ascended to my new form, I have power, I have a will made of iron" the villain then seemed to crack his neck, although with no bones it was more out of memory. "I keep telling you, there is no John Corben. I am Metallo!" he screamed, releasing a torrent of rockets which were all aimed at Superman. 

As the epic battle between Superman and Metallo raged on, the atmosphere crackled with intensity. Metallo, fueled by his malevolence and powered by the deadly Kryptonite core within him, seized an opportunity to strike back at the Man of Steel.

With a thunderous roar, Metallo unfolded his chest and unveiled his heart, and unleashed a devastating blast of concentrated Kryptonite energy, aimed directly at Superman. The blast hit its mark, sending the iconic hero hurtling backward, his body crashing into a pile of debris.

Superman groaned in pain as he struggled to regain his footing. His superhuman resilience, tested to the limits, fought against the debilitating effects of the Kryptonite. Metallo moved over to Superman, and punched him in the gut dropping him to the ground. Metallo placed a metal foot on the Kryptonians chest, pushing down causing him to groan out in pain. 

"Time to finish you" Metallo smiled, standing over the weakened 

But before Metallo could finish Superman, someone came in just in the nick of tome. Summoning the power of the ocean, Mera commanded the water around her, shaping it into razor-sharp blades. With a swift and fluid motion, she lunged towards Metallo, slicing off one of his formidable mechanical arms. Sparks flew as the severed limb crashed to the ground, but Metallo remained standing, his glowing eyes narrowing in fury.

"˜"*°•.˜"*°• You •°*"˜.•°*"˜" Metallo yelled out, his voice glitchy as sparks emitted from where his arm used to be. 

Mera's aquakinesis continued to manifest, water swirling and cascading around her like a magnificent storm. She attacked with a series of precision strikes, aiming to exploit Metallo's weaknesses. But the villain, undeterred, fought back with a relentless ferocity.

Metallo's remaining arm transformed into the energy cannon, unleashing a barrage of destructive force. The powerful blasts tore through the water constructs, dissipating them into mist. Mera, unfazed, regrouped and summoned another wave of water, shielded herself, and engaged Metallo once more.

The clash between Mera and Metallo intensified, a dance of strength and strategy, each combatant seeking an advantage over the other. Metallo's sheer power and unyielding resilience tested Mera's mettle, but she fought with unwavering determination, her control over water becoming a formidable weapon.

Their battle shifted through the devastated city streets, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Buildings shook and crumbled under the impact of their blows, while onlookers watched with a mix of awe and concern.

Mera's hydrokinetic attacks grew more elaborate and powerful, forming massive water constructs to pummel Metallo. But the villain adapted, using his remaining arm to deflect and absorb the assaults. His metallic voice filled with contempt as he taunted Mera.

"You and the boy scout finally teamed up huh?" Metallo asked as he avoided an incoming water blade, his sliced off arm glitching out on the floor. 

Mera's eyes blazed with defiance as she retaliated with a relentless assault. She called upon the ocean's currents, channeling their force into a tidal wave that crashed down upon Metallo, attempting to overwhelm him with sheer strength. But Metallo stood firm, weathering the onslaught with his unyielding resolve.

The battle seemed endless, a contest of sheer wills and unwavering determination. As the dust settled and the shattered remnants of their clash littered the streets, Mera and Metallo stood locked in a momentary stalemate.

As Superman recovered from the debilitating effects of the Kryptonite blast, he rejoined the battle alongside Mera, their determination merging into a formidable force against Metallo. Together, they launched a coordinated assault, their combined powers and unwavering resolve creating a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Superman, his strength still diminished from the Kryptonite exposure, delivered powerful blows, utilizing his speed and precision to exploit Metallo's vulnerabilities. Mera, with her hydrokinetic abilities, unleashed torrents of water and summoned fierce tidal waves to batter the villain.

Their attacks landed with force, momentarily staggering Metallo. However, the villain's resilience proved unyielding, and he retaliated with increased fury, shrugging off their combined assault. Each strike from his remaining arm reverberated with an unholy strength, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.

Superman's weakened state became increasingly evident as the fight raged on. The weight of his weakened powers pressed upon him, draining his energy with every exertion. Yet he fought on, his determination to protect the innocent refusing to waver.

Mera, too, strained against the limits of her abilities. Though a formidable warrior, her powers were hampered by Metallo's sheer strength and the absence of a large body of water to draw upon. The odds seemed to tip in Metallo's favor as he gained ground, pushing back against their combined might.

With renewed determination, Superman pressed forward, using every ounce of his diminishing strength to land precise blows on Metallo's armored body. But the villain's resilience seemed boundless, his mechanical form impervious to their efforts.

Mera, unwilling to yield, continued her assault, desperately seeking a breakthrough. She summoned her deepest reserves of power, manipulating water with unmatched skill, creating an onslaught of watery constructs that surged towards Metallo. Yet, despite her unwavering spirit, her attacks couldn't overcome the villain's raw strength.

Metallo, relentless in his pursuit, pressed the advantage, striking back with brutal force. Each blow reverberated through the heroes, testing their endurance. Superman's weakened state made him vulnerable, and Mera, while fierce, couldn't compensate for the gap in power.

The tide of battle began to turn, Metallo gaining ground, inch by inch, his mechanical form seemingly invincible. The once-hopeful atmosphere grew heavy with uncertainty as the heroes fought against mounting odds.

Both Y/N and Mera nodded at one another, they needed to finish this quickly before Corben could gain the upper hand. A silent strategy was conceived, and the two sprang into action. Superman gained Metallo's attention, the mechanical menace blasting out from his chest in an attempt to bring the hero down. Y/N countered by lighting up his heat vision, beams of crimson and jade colliding in between the two. Metallo took a step forward, putting everything he had into the beam, while Y/N strained and did the same. The collision going one way, and then going the other in a moments notice. 

But before Metallo could put more energy into the blast, what seemed to be a whip made of water wrapped around the Kryptonite heart. If he could, Metallo would breath out, as the water snatched the Kryptonite from his chest and away to Mera's hand. The many wires did their best to keep the heart in place but it was no use. 

Metallo looked down shocked, his body feeling heavy with every growing moment. The many weapons he had absorbed soon ejecting from his body, his body shrinking in size to a more scrawny form. Seeing this moment, Superman acted and zoomed in. Mera threw the Kryptonite aside and refocused her water whip onto Metallo's remaining arm while Y/N grabbed one of the cyborgs legs. With all their might, both heroes proceeded to tear off the limbs, Metallo screaming out in pain as they did. Superman tore the other leg off as well for good measure, Metallo glitching out as his metallic vocal chords could not comprehend the pain. 

The threat of John Corben, Metallo, had ended. 

Corben's head attached to his torso was still conscious and lay on the ground, glaring up at Y/N. "Do ya did it huh Supes?" Corben asked with a slight smile, even with all his weapons and upgrades. "That Ma of yours still breathing, sees you as a hero, while is gonna see me as nothing more than a monster. A shadow of who he used to be, weak, pathetic. So go ahead, do what the big man does" Corben urged as Superman flew above him. 

"What do you think that means John?" Y/N asked. "Am I supposed to rip your head off? End you? Humiliate you?" Y/N then landed on the ground. "Whatever strength I have doesn't belong to me. It belongs to those who need it, and right now, that's you. You've killed people, hurt people, and you'll answer for it. But it sounds like your family is gonna need help, so I might not be able to help you on the outside. But I can help you fix the damage on the inside" he finished with determination, gaining a confused look from both Corben and Mera. 

(Later, on a Nearby Beach)

Corben had been taken into custody, some special unit had been called in to handle him. Mera had her hands on the Kryptonite, she ensured Y/N she'd bury it deep in the ocean where no man will be able to get their hands on it. She also made sure to grab the Atlantean weapons Corben collected, just to make sure no humans became aware of their presence. Bruce would make sure to wipe all digital evidence of Mera on the battlefield. Now it was time for the duo of Superman and the Mermaid Mera to say their goodbyes. The crashing waves and gentle breeze offered a moment of solace amidst the chaos that had enveloped the nearby city. 

"You sure your people will be able to handle Corben, he's a monster" Mera said, splashing her feet in the water slightly. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow over the shoreline, Y/N turned to Mera, gratitude etched upon his face. "I have a friend who's been dealing with similar super foes for a few years. If they can handle a man made of clay, they can handle a made made of literal metal" he laughed causing Mera to giggle slightly. A brief moment of silence cut through before Y/N spoke again. "Mera I can't thank you enough for your help with this. Without you, Corben would've sure killed me several times over" he joked. 

"It was no problem, the Atlanteans he killed can rest easy, knowing their murderer has been taken care of" Mera smiled. "Besides, if I didn't, I wouldn't have met you", this comment causing Y/N to blush ever so slightly. 

Their conversation laced with a bittersweet undertone, the weight of the moment hung in the air. Mera, her emotions running high, took a step closer to Y/N, her gaze filled with a mixture of admiration and something more.

In that fleeting moment, an unspoken tension crackled between them, fueled by the intensity of their shared experience. Mera's heart beat with anticipation as she leant forward, her intent clear with her lips slightly parted.

But before their lips could meet, Y/N gently pushed her back, his expression conflicted. "Mera, I... I appreciate your feelings, but ummmm" Y/N struggled to find the words. "I have-" before Y/N could finish, Mera cut him off. 

"You have feelings for another woman" she finished, causing Y/N to blush even further. 

"I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression but-"

"No worries Y/N" Mera smiled. "It was never really gonna work out between us, besides whoever she is" Mera turned to the ocean. "I'm sure she's a Wondrous Woman" she smiled as she walked into the sea. 

Before she was completely enveloped by the water, Y/N called out to her one last time. "I promise next time we meet I'll be able to say your full name" he joked, causing the Atlantean to giggle one last time. 

(Later, at the Batcave) 

Y/n walked into the cave, admiring all the marvellous bat themed technologies scattered around. But much as you'd expect from a cave, it was dark. 

"Master Kent" Alfred greeted, as Y/N neared the Batcomputer. "Is there anything I can get you?" he asked.

"No thank you I uhh" Y/N stumbled over his own words for second. "Coffee please, strongest you got" he corrected nervously. 

"Certainly Sir" Alfred said, as he went over to a corner of the Batcave to prepare said cup of joe. 

Y/N walked up to Bruce who was sat in front of the Batcave, many monitors showcasing the files Bruce acquired from Luthor. Files about other individuals with unique abilities. "Any progress?" Y/N asked. 

"Well good to see you too" Bruce countered as he spun the chair around. "You've been busy" Bruce added as he stood up. 

"Yeah, really could've used your help you know" Y/N smiled as he leant against a nearby wall. 

"You sure did well, I saw the footage Bruce sent me" the voice of Diana let out as she walked in, smiling at Y/N doing so causing him to blush.  

"Oh well you know" Y/N said rubbing the back of his head nervously. "All in a days work" he added to which Diana smiled back.

Bruce spoke up, sensing what this particular silence between the two meant. "I've had some luck pinpointing the others, but it'll take some time. One of them, a Barry Allen likes to move around, he's been listed on three apartment leases in the past five months" Bruce said as one of the monitors pulled up an image of Mr Allen. 

"I'm sure we'll find him" Diana assured. 

"We've got to" Y/N said determined. "We've got to be ready, all of us" to which the two other heroes nodded back. Bruce spoke up:

"We will, we have to, for him"

End Credits Scene 

Deep within the prison of Belle Reve, the remains of John Corben were being escorted to a certain area to run certain, tests. Corben did his best to protest the men wheeling his body, but they had disconnected his vocal chords leaving him mute. As the mechanical man was being wheeled down the hallway. The director of A.R.G.U.S, Amanda Waller looked on with a smile. 

End of: Oil and Ocean 

Author's Note

Finally got another chapter out, and the end of this arc. I apologies if this arc wasn't up to standard, I know I fumbled the bag with it. I just wanted something to be between the BvS and JL arcs. Like GLTAS, I kinda lost the original first draft of this due to a crash. So I had to mock up what I could remember. But this arc is done, next we're moving onto one of my favourite superhero movies of all time. Zack Snyder's Justice League. So hopefully I can get to that soon. 

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