Arius' Adventures in DC

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works. All other characters and worlds belong to their respective owners. If you recognize something it isn't mine.

Arius' Adventures

Chapter 01: New Planet and a Monkey Mom?!

–Arius–

The room was vast—no, that wasn't even the right word for where he was. It was infinite, stretching in every direction yet somehow also nowhere at all. The colors shifted with an otherworldly glow, swirling between deep blues and star-lit blacks, like he was standing at the edge of the universe.

And he was alone… or so he thought.

"Impressive, isn't it?" A voice echoed, smooth and timeless, with a slightest hint of amusement though he couldn't tell whether it was a male or female.

Turning his gaze landed on a figure that seemed to pulse with a soft, radiant energy. The figure like the space he was in was an anomaly 'it' was both familiar and unknowable, ancient yet ageless, standing with an air of casual authority. Whoever—or whatever—this was, Arius knew instinctively that he was in the presence of a god. Not that bs from the various religions around the world or the kind from some dusty mythology books, but something beyond even that. 

The real deal.

He swallowed hard, the enormity of the situation settling in like lead. "Uh… am I dead?" It was the only thing he could think of besides this being a dream, but he was never the creative type and something like this seemed a bit beyond scope. That and if it was a vivid dream it would've been a big titty goth girl that welcomed him in his sleep.

The god tilted its head, a slight smile tugging at its lips and A "No, not quite. But you are about to embark on a journey… provided you're willing to accept."

"Journey?" Arius repeated, blinking in disbelief and slight suspicion. "I mean, I'm just a guy. What could I possibly be useful for?"

A chuckle that relaxed me came from the god. "It's precisely because you're just 'a guy' that this will be interesting. I'm in need of someone or something… fresh. You see, there's a Universe I keep an eye on from time to time, and it's about to need someone with more… potential."

The god's words hung in the air, and Arius could feel a strange pull, like an invisible hand tugging at the fabric of his very being.

"But… what does this have to do with me?" he stammered, still trying to wrap his head around it.

The god's gaze intensified. "I'm offering you a new form—a vessel. Someone with extraordinary power but also great challenges. The role of one who can change everything if he chooses to. I'll place you in the body of Broly, the Legendary Saiyan."

The words hit him like a punch to the gut. Broly. Not just any Saiyan, but The Saiyan, one of the most powerful, relentless forces in all of existence. The same man who with no training dog-walked post Tournament of Power Goku and Vegeta with them having to fuse to keep up. 

"Broly?" he whispered, half in awe and half in sheer terror. "Wait, wait, hold up—you mean that guy who's like… a walking hurricane of rage?" Arius asked, making sure he hadn't misheard.

The god's smile widened, a bit of mischief in their eyes. "Precisely. But perhaps, with your Ego, you'll be able to rein in his power. Or maybe," the god added, almost tauntingly, "you'll lose control just as he did. That's the fun of it, isn't it? The uncertainty. I'm even keeping my powers in check so I don't spoil it for myself."

He took a shaky breath, trying to process what was happening. This wasn't just a chance; it was a challenge—an opportunity to wield the kind of strength he'd only dreamed of as a kid hell even as an adult he always fantasized about having powers let alone some as busted as Broly's, to be someone who could face any threat, even if that threat was himself.

The god extended a hand, its glow bright and inviting. "So, what will it be? Will you take on this new destiny, or let this chance slip by?" For a split second Arius hesitated feeling as if he was making a deal with the devil, but the thought quickly left his mind.

His heart raced, a strange thrill blooming within him as he looked at the god's hand. There was no going back after this, no chance for second thoughts. But maybe… maybe he was ready for this.

With one final, deep breath, Arius reached out, letting his hand meet the god's in a surge of blinding, electrifying light.

"Let's do this." He said with childlike happiness that was slightly creepy coming from a fully grown man, but that didn't matter because as soon as Arius grasped the hand of god his vision started to fade.

-----

The hum of the machinery was soft, like a lullaby, blending with the occasional beeps and quiet clicks of the control panel. Arius's eyelids fluttered open, heavy with sleep, his small body sinking into the cot. He felt different somehow—heavy, but also strangely powerful, like he could jump up and touch the stars if he wanted to. With a warmth swimming in his stomach that was just beyond his reach, but still providing his body with a surplus of energy.

If it had to be put in one way he could describe it from his past life it would be like when you threw a blanket in the dryer to warm up on a cold winter night and bundled up in it, but on the inside of his body.

He rubbed his eyes and sat up, looking around at the gleaming metal walls, the screens and panels flashing with little lights and characters he didn't recognize. The room felt big, and he couldn't shake the weird feeling in his chest, like this was all a dream, or some game he'd made up. But it felt so… real.

"Where am I?" he whispered to the empty room, his voice soft and childlike which startled him slightly, so he stretched his hand in front of him, noticing how it was thicker, stronger, somehow not quite his even if it was in childlike proportions. His arms, his legs—even his senses felt sharper, like his whole body had shifted into something powerful.

Images flashed through his mind. A god. A promise. He remembered the god's words, but they felt like pieces of a fading dream. Something about becoming stronger, about facing great challenges. And this new feeling coursing through him—was this the power the god had talked about?

Before Arius could make sense of it, a monotone voice filled the pod, cool and mechanical. "Planet approach imminent. Brace for atmospheric entry."

Arius's eyes widened, his heart racing. He clenched his muscles in anticipation as he felt the speed of the spacepod once it was finally being affected by gravity. Considering that he was afraid of roller coasters in his past like falling into orbit at mach-jesus was some fear factor level stuff, but oddly enough he didn't have a panic attack.

"Planet approach?" he said, his voice trembling with both excitement and fear. The screen in front of him flashed, showing a huge green and blue planet spinning below. It was beautiful, glowing in a strange way that made him want to reach out and touch it. But then, just as he was taking it all in, the ship lurched forward, tilting sharply. His fingers dug into the seat as the pod began to shake.

"Atmospheric entry in three… two… one…"

The pod jerked and it would've sent him flying into the front of the pod if not for the harness wrapped around his body. Everything vibrated, like he was inside a giant, roaring engine, and the pressure was so strong it felt like the walls were closing in. He gritted his teeth, clenching his fists as he tried to not defecate himself, because while he was a kid physically mentally he was a grown ass man and refused to do so.

Seeing the planet's surface get closer and closer he braced himself even harder if it were possible and with a final, huge thud, the ship landed, and everything went silent. Arius stayed still for a moment, listening to the quiet hum of the engines, his heart pounding as he tried to figure out if it was over. Then, he slowly relaxed the grip he had on the arms of the seat which was now indented, feeling his strength returning.

The exit hatch hissed and began to open, letting in a bright light from outside. Arius shielded his eyes with one arm, peeking out cautiously. The air smelled different, fresh and wild, and he took a deep breath, his pulse quickening with excitement.

He took a step forward, letting his eyes adjust as he moved closer to the exit. He was a child, alone on a strange new planet, with powers he barely understood. And yet, for the first time, he felt… ready. This was his journey, his chance to become someone he never could have been back home.

With a deep breath, he stepped into the unknown, a small yet powerful force on an adventure that he knew would change him forever. He left the ship for future purposes after checking to see if there were any rations aboard.

Moments later as he was exploring the new planet that had vegetation that he'd never seen before Arius nearly stumbled over another root, his feet dragging as he pushed through the thick, alien underbrush. The air was dense and hot, filled with strange smells—some sweet, some sharp, and some he instinctively knew to stay far away from. 

One con of being a Saiyan is the insane amount of food they eat and considering he'd been wandering for what felt like hours, his stomach a tight knot of hunger, and his whole body felt like it weighed a hundred pounds.

The adrenaline of the crash landing wearing off and his memory of the spaceship was foggy now, just flashes of metal walls and blinking lights. But one thing was clear: he was alone, on a planet that was nothing like home, and the rumbling in his stomach was growing louder by the minute. Damn Saiyan genes.

Arius brushed a few tears from his cheeks and swallowed hard. Stay strong, he told himself, recalling the strange power that he felt inside his small frame, even if he didn't quite understand it. He took a shaky breath, feeling the weight of loneliness settling over him as he looked around at the towering trees and tangled vines. Everything here was so… big. Or maybe I'm just that small?, he thought.

Just then, a low growl rumbled behind him, deep and menacing. His heart skipped as he slowly turned, eyes wide, to see a pack of creatures emerging from the shadows, circling him. They looked like wolves mixed with a hog, but their fur was dark, almost black, with gleaming red eyes and long, sharp teeth visible as they growled with tusks that jutted from their jaws. Each step they took sent a shiver down his spine, and he backed away, his heart pounding seeing an animal hunting him for the first time in either life.

The lead beast lunged, and Arius's feet froze in place, his mind racing with fear as he felt his body start to heat up, but just before the creature's teeth could reach him, a shadow swooped down from above, slamming into the beast and sending it sprawling across the ground. 

Arius gasped as he looked up to see a massive, monkey-like creature standing between him and the pack. It was huge, with thick fur the color of ash and eyes as dark and intense as the planet's sky. It snarled at the wolves, its powerful stance exuding both strength and a protective aura that made Arius feel, for the first time, just a little safer.

The wolves hesitated, sizing it up debating on if they should risk it or not, but it came to a decision for them and attacked with haste. It tore into them with a fierce swiftness, dispatching each of the beasts in seconds until the clearing fell silent once more. Arius watched in awe, his heart pounding as he took in its towering figure.

When it turned to face him, its gaze softened, and it took a cautious step closer. Arius flinched instinctively, but it only tilted her head, watching him with a gentle curiosity. Its large, calloused hand extended toward him, and for some reason he couldn't explain, he reached out, his small fingers trembling as they met its warm, rough palm.

Honestly he felt like he was in a movie for a second seeing a giant monkey-like creature come out of nowhere to save him… Actually now that he took a closer look it might be a female monkey? And considering the circumstances it wouldn't be too far-fetched.

The monkey-woman let out a soft, almost purring sound, her eyes gleaming with something like understanding. Gently, she pulled him close, wrapping her strong arm around him in an embrace that felt surprisingly tender for arms that were literally just ripping apart wolves not even a minute ago. However Arius's shoulders relaxed as he sank into her warmth, finally taking a breath he didn't know he was holding, his worries fading as he felt safe for the first time since landing on this planet.

Over the next few days, she led him through the forest, finding food and shelter, teaching him how to move through the trees and avoid the dangers that lurked in the shadows. Thankfully his young Saiyan body could keep up with what she requested. She'd even bring him bits of food she'd gathered—a strange, chewy fruit that filled his belly and tasted like nothing he'd ever had before. And though they couldn't speak the same language, she had a way of making him feel understood, like she'd known him forever. Which was more than he could say than any person from his past life.

He began to realize that this was his new family, and that this fierce, protective creature had taken him in and had adopted him. She was his guardian, his protector—and perhaps, in a strange way, his mother and for now, that was enough.

The dense, humid forest gave way to an open clearing, and Arius's eyes widened as he took in the towering trees ahead, each one holding dozens of platforms woven from thick vines and branches. It was a village, suspended high in the canopy, with rough-hewn walkways and wide platforms circling the trunks. 

Dozens of monkey-like creatures moved about, chatting, playing, and carrying woven baskets. Some hung from branches or dashed up and down with their young clinging to their backs.

While he saw some tools none were weapons and considering the display he saw earlier this particular species doesn't need them.

Arius gripped his mother's fur tightly as they climbed the last bit of vine up to the first platform. She gave him a soft grunt, encouraging him to let go, and he dropped down to his feet, looking around nervously. His mother—whom he'd started to think of as Kara, because for all she'd done for him simply calling her monkey didn't seem right—gave a reassuring pat on his shoulder before moving forward, ushering him to follow.

The village buzzed with activity, but as Kara and Arius stepped onto the main platform, the chatter began to die down, heads turning to watch them. Eyes narrowed, tails stilled mid-swing, and soon a hush fell over the crowd. Arius could feel their eyes on him, and his cheeks flushed, a mixture of confusion and unease creeping over him.

The monkeys whispered, some of the children staring with wide, curious eyes. Others looked on with thinly veiled disdain, their gazes narrowing as they took in his odd, hairless skin, his strange clothing, so unlike their own considering they didn't wear clothes. He wanted to shrink away, to hide, but Kara placed a firm hand on his shoulder, guiding him forward with an encouraging nod.

Kara let out a series of low, comforting sounds, gesturing with one hand to introduce him. Arius didn't understand the words, but he knew the gesture well enough—she was telling them he was with her. That he was hers, but the crowd didn't seem to care.

An older monkey at the back of the group chattered sharply, her voice tinged with scorn, and others nodded in agreement, murmuring in disapproval. Some of them turned their backs, shaking their heads, their tails flicking in irritation. Even the children who had initially been curious now hid behind their mothers, peeking out with wary eyes.

Arius's heart sank, his stomach twisting as he glanced up at Kara, unsure of what to do. He'd already felt out of place here, but seeing the rejection on their faces hurt more than he'd expected.

Kara squared her shoulders, letting out a low, fierce growl that made even the boldest of the villagers flinch. Her hand tightened on his shoulder, and with her other, she gestured to him again, this time with a fierceness that dared anyone to challenge her. She wasn't just introducing him—she was claiming him, making it clear that he was hers and that no one had the right to deny him a place here.

But the villagers only responded with more muttering and exchanged uneasy glances, a few of them baring their teeth as they shuffled away. They weren't going to accept him, no matter how much Kara defended him.

Arius looked away, swallowing hard. His chest felt tight, and his fists clenched at his sides. He was already rejected by damn near everyone in his first life that was why he lived so isolated and lived through anime. He'd already been lost and scared, and now he was being rejected for simply being… himself. He glanced up at Kara, who gave him a comforting, protective look. She reached down and ruffled his hair, as if to remind him that she was here, that he wasn't truly alone.

And while this gave him some comfort there was a burning anger in his chest that made his eyes flash gold. The mere thought that mere monkeys dare reject him? 

But as the other monkeys turned away, leaving them isolated in the middle of the bustling village, Arius shook away the rage that was bubbling because no matter where he went, he would always be different. Saiyan's were damn near extinct and the only ones left at this point should be Vegeta, Nappa and the Kakarot.

[A/N: So it doesn't confuse some readers; he thinks he's in the dragonball universe and is going to face the universe at some point.]

She eventually picked me up once more and took me to what I assume is her home located near the outskirts of the village. Kara's home was high up in the oldest, sturdiest tree in the village, with thick woven walls that shielded them from the fierce winds and rains. The first night, Arius barely slept, lying curled up on the soft bedding Kara had gathered, glancing at every shadow and listening to the rustle of the forest outside. 

But Kara was there, her massive form stretched out beside him, one hand resting protectively over his small shoulders, her presence a steady warmth that eased his fears. Because with the only light source being the two moons in the sky it was really starting to set in how much his life had changed, but he was willing to face the challenges ahead.

Over the next few days, Arius learned to follow her cues. She'd find strange, bitter fruits for him to eat and showed him how to drink water collected in large, shell-like leaves. Though he couldn't understand her language, her sounds and gestures were enough for him to know when she was serious, like today, when she made it clear he was to stay inside while she went out to gather more food. Her pointed finger and stern gaze left no room for argument.

Arius nodded, clutching his arms around his knees as he watched her disappear down the platform. He knew she was trying to protect him, but a small part of him felt lonely and restless, wishing he could do something useful to show he belonged here. Just sitting and waiting felt so… empty. That and no meat was starting to get to him from the vegetarian diet these giant monkeys had, which isn't surprising in hindsight considering the biggest animals on earth were also herbivores.

The sound of chattering pulled him from his thoughts. A few of the monkey children had climbed up onto the edge of Kara's platform, eyes narrowed and gleaming with mischief as they spotted him alone. One, a particularly bold kid with dark, glossy fur, took a few steps closer, looking him up and down with disdain.

"Outsider," he sneered, the word unfamiliar but the tone unmistakable. Another child snickered, and a third one that walked behind pushed Arius's shoulder roughly, knocking him back a few steps. He stumbled but held his ground, clenching his fists, trying to ignore the prickling sensation rising in his chest.

The children circled him, their laughter growing louder, their jeers digging into him. One of them shoved him again, and another tugged on his strange, foreign clothes, sneering at the soft fabric. "Weak," one of them spat, shoving him harder. Arius's chest tightened, the strange heat building once again as he tried to fight down the emotions swirling inside him.

But then one of them pulled at his hair, and something inside him snapped.

Arius's vision tinged red, and he let out a growl, feeling his energy surge, a warmth spreading from his core to his fists. He clenched his hands, the strange power flaring just enough that the air around him seemed to shimmer. Without thinking, he swung his fist, landing a solid hit on the nearest child's shoulder.

The monkey who I decided to name Dumbass yelped, stumbling backward with wide eyes, and clutched at his shoulder as if it had been burned. The others froze, their jeering expressions shifting to fear. Arius's breath was heavy, his heart thundering as he tried to calm himself, the strange energy still thrumming beneath his skin. His breath visible even in the humid air.

But before he could catch his breath, a shriek echoed from the far platform, and a large, furious female monkey bounded over, her eyes locked onto him with rage. Looking at the rage that she wore, she was most likely the mother of the child he'd hit, and her glare was fierce enough to make him take a step back.

She barreled toward him, her teeth bared, arms raised as if ready to strike him down. Arius snarled as the heat in his stomach burned hotter, his small body still buzzing from the energy that had surfaced, but he knew instinctively that he could take her on. He felt his legs tense, his chest tightening in anticipation as he prepared to defend himself.

Just as the mother monkey drew close, her arm raised to strike, a deep, familiar growl filled the air. Kara was back, her massive form looming as she stepped between Arius and the angry mother, her eyes flashing with a ferocity that Arius had never seen before even when he was first attacked by the wolves when he first arrived on the planet.

Kara let out a warning growl, her fur bristling as she placed a protective hand in front of him. The mother hesitated, her gaze darting between Arius and Kara, the anger still simmering but clearly dampened by Kara's presence. She hissed, glaring at Arius one last time before retreating, pulling her wounded child close and muttering bitterly to the others.

Arius clung to Kara's side, breathing hard, his heart still pounding as he tried to process what had just happened. Kara turned to him, her gaze softening as she knelt down, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. She made a low, soothing sound, brushing a thumb over his cheek as if to calm him and it worked. The heat that was gathering in his body slowly dissipated.

He felt himself relax under her touch, the strange power receding, though he could still feel it like a spark waiting to ignite. He looked up at her, unsure, his face a mix of relief and guilt. The fact that him being with her was causing her trouble with her own tribe weighed on him slightly, but Kara just gave him a gentle smile, ruffling his hair before guiding him back to her side.

As they returned to the quiet of her home, Arius understood that she accepted him—strange power and all. Whatever made him different, Kara would always stand by him, even if the rest of the village never did.

Arius sat at the edge of Kara's platform, his legs dangling over the side as he watched the sun dip below the thick canopy. The golden light filtered through the dense leaves, casting the whole village in a warm glow, yet Arius felt a familiar weight in his chest.

It had been months since he'd arrived here, and though Kara had shown him kindness that he could hardly repay. He remembered the other children's stares, the wary glances from the adults, the way their voices grew hushed whenever he walked by. He was a curiosity, a burden, and no matter how fiercely Kara defended him, Arius knew that he had to do something to hopefully gain some acceptance and lower the burden on Kara.

His eyes drifted to the old, overgrown path leading toward the clearing where his ship lay hidden, half-buried in vines and leaves. He hadn't returned to it since that first day, but he knew it was still there, waiting for him—a link to a larger world he'd never seen but felt calling to him, like a whisper just beyond his reach.

He clenched his fists, glancing back toward Kara's hut, where she was busy mending one of their baskets with a patient focus. She had given him everything—food, shelter, even a family of sorts. Leaving her felt wrong, like abandoning the one person who had ever truly cared for him. Yet staying, knowing he was a burden, felt equally heavy especially considering he wasn't mentally a child.

You're not supposed to be here forever, a voice in his head seemed to whisper, one that sounded both like his own and something far beyond him, like an instinct deep inside his bones. The universe is waiting for you.

But Kara's face lingered in his mind, the way she'd fiercely protected him from the others, how she'd pulled him close every night to keep him warm. He didn't want to hurt her; he didn't want her to feel abandoned or betrayed, not after everything she'd done for him. 

He bit his lip, brow furrowed as he turned over the thought in his mind. Perhaps he could stay a little longer, just long enough to be sure she wouldn't worry, that she'd understand. Or maybe he could leave quietly, in the night, and spare her the pain of a farewell.

Yet the urge to leave—to seek out others who would understand him better without the need for trial—was undeniable. He felt it as surely as he felt the pulse of his own heart, but he knew it was just his anxiety weighing him down making him want to flee.

As he sat in silence, wrestling with the choice, Kara's shadow fell across him, and he looked up to see her watching him, her gaze soft and understanding. She knelt beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder, her eyes filled with a wisdom he'd come to recognize. She didn't speak a language he could understand, but her touch was gentle, almost as if she knew what he was thinking.

Arius swallowed hard, his throat tight. He glanced back toward the path, his gaze lingering on the dark forest that hid his ship. If he left, he'd be alone—no Kara, no familiar faces, only the vast unknown of the universe. But if he stayed he'd be a burden on Kara for the first time, the unknown didn't scare him. It beckoned him.

He looked back at her, his eyes searching, and in her quiet gaze, he thought he saw a hint of acceptance, as if she knew that one day, he'd leave. She ruffled his hair, a soft, almost sad smile crossing her face before she turned away, leaving him to the setting sun and his own thoughts.

And as the last light faded, Arius made his decision. He had always wanted a family and he would try anything to make it work with Kara even if he knew eventually he'd have to leave.