Superman: The New Mythos - Story 2: Heroes Rising

[clana1fan4ever]

Nice update!!
PPMS!!

[happycamper]

Originally posted by Nemu
But dark times are coming and I must warn them to get prepared. The Crimson Tide has started and the night is coming fast.”

Hey...what does the U. of Alabama have to do with any of this?

BTW. You. Killed. Clark. (!!)

I may be presumptuous, but I'm going to assume that this is only a temporary setback in his Superhero career, or that he never really was dead in the first place. That's the ticket!

But I will also assume that thinking so is going to make sweet Lana just the slightest bit irritated with her enemies. Poor things.

Please post more!!! I can't wait to see how this all resolves!

[deanyouk]

Another brilliant update Nemu!

[maitriniazngurl]

Originally posted by treker
My gut reaction is anger Nemu!

You killed Clark. And now this prince is trying to take Lana. I feel like I'm watching the last half of season 5 on Smallville.

Give me a reason to keep reading!

Well I can give you a reason.. because this is such a amazing story!! And I bet this is just a little setback.... Clark will be back soon.. I hope.

Brian... like what you wrote.. patience is a virtue.

And David.. PPMS!!

[Nemu]

Wow... I never thought this would generate such strong reaction... But have faith in me guys...

Well... superman_lives_on... If I remember correctly the original Superman costume in my fic didnt have a cape... and well... there were some other minor details that were changed... But the colors are still black and red... except for the Superman logo... (some silver and gold in it)

Now... There were some hints of what was going on in the background.. but here in this next part and the third and last port of chapter 2 are going to clear things up...

Lana was an emotional mess after halloween but what happened with Arthur and Jor-El kinda lit up her fire... She does have a costume and 'Superhero' name... and the Ominous voice at the end of the update... that was something that will be seen later on in the story... (first in part 2 and 3 of Chapter 2 and then in later chapter along with Story 3 for sure...)

Oh yeah one last note... I use lover in the story but it is in no mean used in a intimate realtionship... just that they are in love...

Without further ado... Here is Chapter 2-2... Enjoy!!!

-----------------------------------

Part 2: Hell on Christmas

Lana flies toward the arctic at full speed estimating her arrival in about two hours. She prepares herself for what she knows she will see once she arrives. She also brings up the defence plans and the position of the crystals around the Fortress that Clark and she have placed as a protection for the archive.

The army is spread all around the Structure and the soldiers are looking with awe and a mounting fear. As the light of the sun increase some of the crystals start taking a silver lining. The ones closest to them could feel an increasing energy gathering inside.

Attributing this increase to the Kryptonian reaction to the sun, the General and Nightmare start leading their team to the entrance of the structure.

As this is happening no one is watching the sky as a blue ball of vengeance and punishment flies in from the south coming in incredibly fast. As the leading team enters the ice palace the outer crystals crackle with their stored energies forming a wall of silver lightning. At the same time the new player in this game of death enters the melee.

Soldiers run around looking to the source of the attack. The female floating in the sky looks at them all before unleashing all her pain on them. The result is a spectacular display of blue flames and silver lightning bolts burning everything on its way from the middle of the army to the magical barrier.

As she lands, Lana evaluate that this first attack have reduce the enemy forces by twenty-five percent. Satisfied with that result she calls upon Hageina and starts running for the buildings to confront the head of the army and her lover’s murderer.

A few soldiers still standing start to charge at her to stop her. Some are zapped by lightning, some burned by flames and others, the most fortunate to get close to her are cut down as she runs passed them not even taking a second glance back.

‘This will be hell when the feelings hit me.’ She thoughts.

~~~~~~~Meanwhile, Smallville, Kansas~~~~~~~

Martha looks outside as Jonathan, Pete and Alexander are preparing the farm as much as they can from the information that Jor-El gave them the night before. The spirit stayed with them for a long time to tell his story of what happened and the invading forces under the General Zod forces. He told them also of his injuries and of Lana’s parting words. Jor-El read Lana’s intention from the moment she told him to have everyone gather. But what she had forgotten was that Christmas was in a few days and everyone was already at the farm.

Lois got an early present as everyone had to explain to her the apparition of a spirit in their living room. She freaked out at first seeing that man that looked like Clark, but everyone else was showing other emotion. His appearance meant something grave but they weren’t surprised to see this spirit.

Chloe and Martha spent some time with her to calm her down and explain while the guys remained with Jor-El talking of what could be done to prepare.

Now with the morning light on Christmas Eve entering the house, things didn’t look as bad. Hope is coming with the sun and it has always be a truth of the world. Darkness is feared for the unknown and hidden while the light gives humans their sight.

‘I hope Lana is alright. The way Jor-El was talking she had completely fallen to her feelings of despair and revenge. Oh Lana please come back to us safe.’ Martha prays.
She has a feeling in her heart that when Lana comes back the experience will have changed her and she might not be the same. ‘But just like Clark when he came back as Kal-El, we will find a way to get our Lana out of the shell.’ Martha tells herself with determination.

~~~~~~~Inside the Archive of Krypton, Arctic~~~~~~~

“Finally the knowledge of Krypton is mine!” Zod exclaim as he enters the main chamber of the structure. What he sees brings a vicious smile to his face. There standing in front of the console stands the last obstacle to his objective. Lara of Krypton, wife of Jor-El and daughter of Bayn-Ar of the ruling council.

“Join me Lara! No sense in fighting. You lost everything already. Your son is dead and your husband has been destroyed.” Zod continues to walk forward.

Lara starts rising to the sky while another figure descend from the roof to stop floating a few feet from the ground. The walls of the palace start to come to life as another oppressing presence enters the Fortress. The crystals start to free their stocked energies and the intense display of Silver lightning blinds the evil soldiers.

A booming voice is heard throughout the room. “All is not lost to the believers! Zod time as come to finally meet your maker!”

“Show yourself Jor-El! I am surprised you survived that last attack.” Zod replies to the air around him. The lightning outburst decline and only Zod and Nightmare remain standing in the room. They could see three floating figures in front of them.

“General Zod you have been imprisoned in the phantom zone for your crimes against Krypton and today you stand before us to meet your ultimate doom for those past crimes and for breaking out of the zone. Also you forfeit your life for usurping the powers of your heritage and trying to take over this planet.” Lara says in a cold and authoritative voice.

“As for the one called the Puppeteer, he was executed on Halloween by the Magical One. Now on the case of the entity called Nightmare. Your true identity shall be revealed here today.” Jor-El says while the third figure remains silent and ever observing.

“And how, oh mighty ones, do you plan on accomplishing the threat you just tossed at us?” Zod answers back, his voice filled with disdain. In answer the three rise from the ground once again and this time another person enters the room from behind the two evil men.

“By my hand and sword, I swore on his grave I would have revenge for his death.” The newcomer spoke softly but everyone in the room heard her clearly. The crystals come back to life at her apparition and the energies seals all possible escape. “Here will be your last home.” She slowly walks toward them fire in her eyes once again and her sword enveloped in silver lightnings. A green glow coming off of her. As she gets closer she could see the third floating person land and walk toward them. She stops a few feet in front of her enemies to see what will come next.

“Zod will pay for his crime at the hand of a Kryptonian. Nightmare, or should I say Lionel Luthor, shall die by the justice of the people of Earth.” As the new player talks the cloak of shadow around him is lifted and there in front of all stand a fully revived Superman, his crimson cape floating in the air behind as a wind sweeps through the chamber.

“YOU!!! You died!” Nightmare exclaims upon seeing the cold features of the man.

“So this is Kal-El. I’m glad. I will get to kill you with my own hands descendant of Zur-El!” Zod starts laughing, not taking in the dangers of his situation. “As we remain talking here my army is preparing to...” Zod is saying but gets interrupted.

“What army? The pathetic creatures that were outside this place? I’m sorry I might have destroyed about half of it on my way in.” Lana says lightly without emotions.

“Silly girl, those were just an advance party. The rest of it is still coming.” Zod tells her still confidant on his abilities.

‘The Crimson Rain. It is still coming. My children you need to complete your task here and stop the rest of this army.’ Jor-El says to the two.

“Well then I guess it is time for the execution to start. Zod, Lionel, you two shall never see the outside of this place ever again. Now its time to end this!!!!” Lana charges Nightmare and they disappear into a side chamber.

“Show me your power last heir of the house of El!” Zod says charging at Kal.

“My pleasure Zod!” Kal-El answers firing a pulse of heat vision straight to the charging general’s chest sending him flying into the wall where some of the remaining electricity inflicts more pain.

“ARGH! You will pay for this you fool!”

The two Kryptonians charge at each other once more.

~~~~~Outside the Fortress~~~~~

A cargo plane escorted by to fighter jets from the US Airforce are flying over the Arctic returning to base as they see silver lightning falling from the sky and coming from the ground. They also see a wave of red moving across the white of the snow.

They radio in. “Alpha base this is Cargo 1, do you copy?”

“Cargo1 we copy. Is there a problem?”

“We are flying over the Arctic and something strange is happening. There seems to be some sort of silver lightning storm and a strong force of soldiers in red going across the land.”

“Rogers that. We will inform the authorities to beware of any land troubles.”

“Rogers. Cargo1 out!”

What the members of this expedition didn’t know was that all the previous night reports of a silver storm moving toward the north has been coming in to different authorities from Metropolis to the northern part of Canada.

~~~~~Inside a side chamber, FOK~~~~~

“So Miss Lang I see you have grown in your powers. Impressive! But I also have grown!” With that Nightmare sends a ray of green energy towards Lana. The green glow around her shines brightly for a brief moment and the green energy is absorbed into the glow. A puzzled expression cross both fighters at that reaction.

‘Don’t fear my child; your destiny is not to die today.’ A mysterious voice whispers in Lana’s thoughts.

The quiet message breaks her attention and Nightmare takes his chance and throws a piece of rock to her hitting her sword arm and sending Hageina flying out of reach. Seeing this, the man charges into melee range.

“You are easily distracted my dear. This will be your downfall.” Nightmare says taunting the woman.

“You talk too much and this will be yours!” Lana retorts slamming a shocking grasp into her opponent’s chest sending him flying back into one of her special crystal. Upon seeing this Lana calls her powers and releases all of the stocked up energies from that particular crystal effectively electrocuting the man. After a minute of that shock treatment the mangled body explodes in a cloud of green smoke which effect are immediately taking hold on the Kryptonite crystals around the chamber. The light dim as Lana works fast calling upon some unknown powers hidden inside her. The walls start to glow a deep forest green from inside as the sickly fluorescent green from the smoke starts to dim and disappear.

A soft fragrance of trees deep in the forest after a rainstorm fills the air calming Lana’s body and focusing her mind. She hurries back to the main chamber to witness the fight of her love with his enemy.

“Welcome back Lana. We are proud of you. Now we must wait for the outcome of Kale-El’s fight.” Lara and Jar-El welcome her back to their side.

“How can he be alive? I saw him die in that graveyard!”

“Now my child. The weapon that was used by his enemy to kill him was a part of the Puppeteer’s own body. When you attacked him he needed it so it wasn’t in Kal-El’s body. This means that when I took him back here we could save the little sparkle of life left in him. He has been cloaked in a special field to recharge his energies as well as hide his presence.” Jor-El explains to Lana who takes in the new information.

Meanwhile in the other chamber Zod and Clark are battling in a titanesque fight. They had ran through the whole structure and ended up to a landing high in the air. Both are counting multiple small wounds from the walls as well as from their opponent’s attack.

“Well boy you really have stamina and are a tougher soldier than I thought. Join me and together we will rule the universe!” Zod decides to try to win him over as he did with Tyr-El before his imprisonment in the Phantom Zone.

“Never shall I join the cause of evil Zod!” Kal yells as he charges feeling a strange energy fill him and a soft yellow glow enveloping him.

‘Don’t fear my child; your destiny awaits!’ A mysterious voice whispers in his thoughts.

Not stopping to think on it Kal focus all his strength and powers in his fist as he hits Zod straight in the jaw sending the general flying over the edge and falling down to hit a sharp piece of crystal.

Seeing Zod pierced by one of her crystal, Lana discharge the energies from it right into the man’s body with the immediate result of granting him the same fate as one of their soldier back in her first fight. No ashes, blood or anything was left behind when the ball of light disappeared. Kal-El slowly floats down to the ground and a waiting Lana. The two spirits remain on the side watching the reunion of the young couple. Lana is in tears from the joy of having her Clark back and also from the emotional overload from all that happened during that fateful day of Christmas Eve.

“Clark I’m so happy to see you again alive. I was an emotional mess since Halloween.” Lana cries, her head resting on his chest.

“Shh.. Don’t cry Lana. I’m here. I was sure I was going to die but once you attacked the Puppeteer I felt some of the strength returning and then Jor-El transported me here so I could regenerate and heal from my injuries. I was feeling so alone in that stasis chamber at first. I missed you every second.”

“I missed you too. Let’s go home. Our family is waiting for us.” Lana let a smile appear on her face slowly as a realisation comes to her. “You know... I think I am bringing the best gift home this year. For all of us.”

“Oh yeah? And what is it?” Clark asks playfully catching on to her thoughts.

“You.” Lana says bringing him down so she can kiss him. “Now let’s go back to Smallville.”

“As you wish my love. Goodbye mother, father.” Clark says as he guides Lana towards the exit of the palace.

“Goodbye my children.”

As they come out they see the remnants of the evil army going south. “Oh no! Clark we have to stop them before they get too far.” Lana starts toward their enemy but Clark put a restraining hand on her shoulder.

“Let them go for now Lana. We need to go back home first. They won’t be reaching any human settlement for quite a while.” Without waiting Clark picks up Lana and shoots up to the sky and flies at full speed towards Smallville. As he flies over the army Clark take a deep breath and release it all right in front of the moving mass instantly blocking their way with a huge wall of ice.

~~~~~~Sunset above the clouds, Somewhere near the Canada-US border~~~~~~

“Clark do we have to make it all the way to Smallville tonight?” Lana asks an idea forming in her mind.

“We don’t have to. What do you have in that beautiful mind of yours?” Clark asks feeling there is something behind that question.

“Well... We could find a hotel somewhere around here and spend the night alone together and go home early tomorrow morning.”

“This is a good idea. We will be able to celebrate our one year engagement together at the same time.”

“Wow... It’s already been one year? Time went by fast you know. Except maybe the last few weeks.”

“Don’t dwell on the last few weeks. They are in the past and the important thing is that we are together once again. Now... Let’s go below the clouds to find a suitable place for my angel. Hmm. Aren’t we close to where Nemu’s home was?”

“Yes it was to the west of here. I remember the way things looked like from the plane.”

“Well our nightly residence has been found. Let’s go. Next stop Yxis Mansion.” Clark turns to the west and speed up to get them to the house.

~~~~~ Christmas Eve evening, Kent Farm ~~~~~

Martha is standing at the window of the loft looking out to the last remnants of the sunset. Her eyes are red and puffy from crying.

“Martha? Are you in here?” Jonathan asks as he comes up the stairs.

”I’m here Jonathan.”

“Oh Martha... Don’t worry we will see her again. She is a strong woman and very resourceful.”

“I know but we already lost Clark and I don’t want to lose another one of my chosen children. Did you forget that tomorrow would have been their one year of being engaged and that their wedding was set for May 20?” She says hugging her husband close and putting her head on his shoulder.

“No I didn’t forget what day it would have been. Now come back inside and we will go to bed. Tomorrow is Christmas and we have houseguests to take care of.”

“Ok.”

Both of them leave the window of the loft and go back to the house to try and get some sleep to build up the strength to endure their first Christmas without their son at home.

~~~~~ Next morning, Yxis Mansion, Canada ~~~~~

“Good morning angel.” Clark says as he enters the room with a platter filled with food.

”Hmmm. It smells good. Good morning to you too Clark.”

“Well... I let you sleep in a little while I prepared this so all there is left to do is eat then we can get home before everybody wake up. Except maybe my mom and dad. They should be up by now preparing for today’s festivities.”

“Alright. Let’s eat then.” Lana says digging in the food.

After eating and getting dressed for the final trip home the two of them take off in the sky toward Smallville. Clark goes faster this time so he can reach the farm and surprise everyone.

As they fly over the country many people witness their passage and the news spread fast of the return of Superman alongside someone who can only be the person the army and some news crew have called Silver Storm.

~~~~~ Kent Farm Driveway, 5:05 AM Christmas Day ~~~~~~

The two forms get closer to the ground of the Kent driveway. Touching down softly, Clark puts Lana down slowly.

“Well I guess we succeeded in surprising almost everyone. But I can see and hear my mom in the kitchen and my dad is feeding the cows.”

“Well let’s go inside to your mom then. Let me go first.”

“Yeah you sure will make an impression with your current outfit.” Clark says snickering at the remnants of Lana’s normal clothes hanging here and there in pieces over her special suit.

“Well they know I was going to battle Clark. Now hide so they don’t see you.” Lana gives him a quick kiss on the lips and head to the house.

“Martha? Are you the only one up?” Lana asks as she enters and sees only Martha working on breakfast.

“Oh my goodness! Lana you made it back!” Martha runs to the younger woman, tears running down her face in relief. “Are you alright? What happened?”

“Martha... Martha! I’m alright. The main threat to Earth as been delayed for a while. At least so the world can build up its defences.”

“I’m glad you came back. You seem happier too. After losing Clark you were so depressed.”

“I’m ok now Martha. Come with me I want to show you something outside.”

Lana guides Martha outside. “Is Jonathan outside?” She asks the older lady on the way out the door.

“Yes he is in the barn right now. Jonathan!” Martha calls her husband.

“What is it Martha?” Jonathan asks as he walks out of the barn and sees Lana standing there with his wife.

“Lana you’re back!” He goes to her and hugs her.

“Yeah we just arrived.”

“We?” Both Kent asks at the same time.

“Yeah me and him.” Lana says pointing behind the other two. As they turn around they see a freshly cleaned and dressed Clark standing there waiting for their reaction with his Kent smile.

Martha brings her hand to her mouth. “Clark?!?” She whispers.

“Yes mom it’s me.” Clark says opening his arms so his mother can run up to him and hug him.

“But we thought you were dead! How can you be here today?”

“Well that is a long story. I would like to tell it only once so let’s gather everybody in the living room and Lana and I will tell the story of the rise of Silver Storm and the return of Superman.”

Clark brings them all inside the house as Chloe and Pete enter the kitchen.

The rest of the day is spent celebrating Clark’s return and listening to the incredible story of the events of the Fortress of Knowledge. Along with the revealing of Nightmare’s true identity and the final demise of both him and Zod.

The months of January and February are busy ones at the Kent farm as the preparations for Clark and Lana’s wedding are going on in full force. Locations are explored for holding the wedding. But when you are Superman and the owner of one of the most powerful company in the world, there are no real limits to possible locations. As exotic as the topical islands or as intimate as the Kent’s loft, many places are taken into consideration.

In the end the location is trusted into Clark’s hands. The guests list is simple. Close friends and family.

As the big day approaches Clark leaves for extended period of time nowhere to be found. No news of Superman either. And finally two days before the wedding after an absence of four days Clark lands in the field behind the barn going to the house with a smile on his face.

Entering the house Clark sees everyone sitting at the table preparing to eat dinner.

“Well I have to say the location is finally ready to receive everybody and to hold the ceremony and reception.” Everyone turn their head to him as they hear him talking.

“Glad to see you are finally back Clark.” Alexander says.

‘Lana, we need to talk. I want to go see Nell tonight and tell her everything. We need to include her in our life. She has been your only family for so long.’

‘You are right Clark. Let’s eat dinner and go see her after.’

Clark nods his head to Alexander and then to Lana. Then he turns to Pete.

“Pete can I talk to you for a minute please.”

“Of course man.” The two walk outside sitting on the porch.

“Pete what would you say if I was to reveal my secret to your mom?”

“WHAT!!!”

“Calm down. She is going to preside at our wedding and well... keep it a secret but I planned on having it at the Fortress. In fact I finished the last few details today and everything is ready.”

“Wow you really thought about this then. Well I’m sure she will keep your secret and will be glad to learn it.”

“Well I guess I will go see her tomorrow. But for now... Time to eat then Lana and I have to go to Metropolis. There is one other person that needs to know everything.”

“Well man. Let’s go!”

And they rejoin the rest of the group inside eating dinner and talking about the wedding.

[treker]

CLARK'S ALIVE!!!!! Thank god. (sorry...nemu...I kind of went over the edge there).

Zod and Lionel are dead? Are you sure???? Ok...sounds good!

They're going to tell NELL?? Oh, god...I hope that goes well????

Telling Judge Ross is a nice touch...I know she'll be supportive.

Nice update. I can't wait for the wedding...nice touch having it in the fortress!

PPMS

[clana1fan4ever]

nice update!!!
PPMS

[happycamper]

Great update, Nemu!

I'm glad to see that Clark is back, and that Zod and Lionel are gone for good (I hope).

But there are a lot more coming - Crimson Tide?

Looking forward to a lot more!

[emsfan]

great story!!!!!!!!!!!please update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[maitriniazngurl]

Yay!! Clark's back!! And I hate to say "I Told You So".... but what the heck.. I Told YOU so!! lol

Awesome update Nemu!! I can't wait for the wedding!! And I hope everything goes well with Nell.

PPMS!!

[Nemu]

Guys I'm giving you 2 choices...

1- I post what I have left of Story 2 (part of Chapter 2-3) tomorrow and then you will suffer the wait for my next update...

or

2- I wait until thursday or friday to post the rest and you will suffer a shorter waiting period...

The choice is yours...

[treker]

Originally posted by Nemu
Guys I'm giving you 2 choices...

1- I post what I have left of Story 2 (part of Chapter 2-3) tomorrow and then you will suffer the wait for my next update...

or

2- I wait until thursday or friday to post the rest and you will suffer a shorter waiting period...

The choice is yours...

I'm off thursday...so I vote for thursday. and then a post on friday...saturday...sunday....monday....<uhhh...wh at were my choices again?>

[superman8s]

never dissapoint good update!

[deanyouk]

great update dude

[Nemu]

Well here it is guys... the last 'catch up' update...

Now you are up to the point where I am in the writing.. so... Updates will slow down...

Enjoy!

----------------------------------

Part 3: Heaven Finally!!

Later that evening they arrive at Nell’s house and both are very nervous. After talking about everything and nothing, they decide to start with Clark’s story. Upon hearing that Clark was Superman and all the details of his story Nell faints. Sure she agreed to their marriage somewhat reluctantly because she saw how much Clark loves Lana, but now knowing who exactly is the man her niece is getting married with Nell couldn’t be happier. But nothing could prepare her for Lana’s story about their ancestors and what the young woman went through in the last couple of years. Lana started with her trip to Paris then went on to recount the events of their senior year in SHS with the stones, Jason and the Luthors. The real shock came with the story of the second meteor shower and the emergence of Lana’s magic and her training. And so it was after a few hours of combining fainting moments with tears and laugh that Nell learned just how incredible persons the young couple in front of her are and the deepness of their love.

They spent the night there and the following morning Clark took the car and went to pick up Judge Ross at the airport while Lana and Nell drove to Smallville to join the rest of the family and do some last minute preparation for the wedding. On the way to the small town Nell was asking Lana about details for the wedding and was surprised that Lana didn’t know where the event was to take place. Lana’s response to the question: “I don’t know. We left the location in Clark’s hands and he didn’t tell me.”

During that time Clark went to the airport and picked up Pete’s mom and apologize for her son’s absence but told her that Pete was on a last minute errant for him.

Clark takes the three hours drive back to the farm to explain to the judge every small details of his story leaving Lana’s out. Abigail Ross is a decent woman and smart one too. She had figure out some of it from all that happened to her son and Clark back in high school and even though the fact that Clark is an actual extra-terrestrial being she was glad he could confide in her. And finally she could thank Superman personally for all the good he did to the world.

The dinner party that night is very joyful and filled with good food, joy, happiness, love, friendship and mystery. No one knows but Clark and Pete where the wedding is supposed to take place. So everyone goes to bed that night nervous and excited about the events of tomorrow.

Clark keeps Pete back for a last minute talk while the others head to bed.

“So Pete did everything went ok today with Jor-El?”

”Yeah man, the portal is ready to take everyone there tomorrow.”

“Good. Thanks.”

“So I see mom was happy tonight and I’m sure she sees this as preparation for this summer, but how did it go when you told her?”

“It went perfectly smooth. She had her doubts from all we went through in high school and she was happy to be able to thank me personally for my actions as Superman.”

“Cool. Now let’s go to bed. Tomorrow is a big day.”

“Yeah go to bed Pete. I have one last thing to do and I’m spending the night at the Fortress.”

“What? Lana won’t be too happy with your disappearance.”

”Don’t worry about Lana, I got it covered.”

“Well if you say so. So what time must I bring them there tomorrow?”

“Bring them at 11am. This should give enough time to the girls to get ready.”

“Alright man. Good night.” With that Pete leaves to go to bed and Clark heads to Lana’s room to leave his note next to her.

The next morning comes as the sun rises in the sky above an awakening Kent household. Girls run in every direction to try and get everything together.

At first when she wakes up Lana is saddened by Clark’s absence in the room with her but then she sees the note and hurry to pick it up and read it.

My dearest Lana,

I’m leaving this little note to tell you that I love you more than anything in the whole universe and I will be waiting for you at sunset on the top floor of my home away from home. I went all over the world to find a possible location and narrowed the choices down to three and from those three two were special to both of us.

So do your magic and put yourself together because this morning you rise as Lana Lang but tonight you will lay down to sleep as Lana Kent.

At the appointed time you will be brought to my side so that we can unite our lives, souls and destinies together as one for now and until the end of times.

Also I apologize for not being in your arms as you rise this morning. But it will be the last time it will happen if I have any say in the matter. Also isn’t there a tradition that says the bride and groom aren’t supposed to see each other for the last few hours before the ceremony?

Love forever,

Clark Kal-El Kent

Reading the note Lana wipes the tears of joy falling down her cheeks. Chloe entering the room to get Lana up to prepare sees the note in her hand and the tears. ‘What did Clark do this time? I swear if he did anything to hurt her again I’m going to kill him.’

“Lana? Are you alright? Why are you crying?”

“I’m fine Chloe, Clark is soo sweet. Here read this note he left me to explain his absence this morning.”

Chloe taking the note reads it and finally understand the reason for the tears. “Well get all those tears out now because once you step out of that bed you are not allowed to cry until the end of the ceremony.” Chloe says in a playful way to try and make Lana laugh or at least smile. And smile is what Lana does.

“Well let’s get ready if we are to get to that special place in time for the appointed time.” Lana gets up and goes through her wake up routine before they head for breakfast and then to get ready.

As 11am comes Pete gathers everyone in the courtyard of the farm. “Well everybody, I need you to get in the cars and follow me. Please try to use as few cars as possible. Mom, Mr. Kent, Mrs. Kent and Nell you are coming with me. Alexander can you drive Chloe, Lois and Lana?”

“My pleasure.” Alex says while taking Lois’s hand in his and leading the girls to one of the car.

“Let’s go people. Alexander, just follow me to our first destination.” Pete goes to another car and gets in.

The drive to the caves is silent until the Kent’s realize where they are headed. “The Caves??” Jonathan asks puzzled.

“Yeah it is our first destination. That is one of the reasons why Clark told both Nell and mom about his secret.”

“I see. So if not the caves then that leaves only...”

“Exactly Mr. Kent. We are going to the Fortress. I can’t wait to get back there.”

Everyone gets out of the car and as they make their way following Pete Lana’s and Chloe’s face showed their confusion and some undescribed feeling at the location. ‘Getting married in the caves? How stupid can Clark be some time?’ Both were thinking.

“Well everybody please enter the room and stand around the table in there. The final trip should only take a few seconds.” Pete says as he heads to the stone table near the slot for the key and waits for everybody to be in place.

Once everyone is there he takes out the key and places it in the slot and the teleporting tunnel appears taking them all to a fully redecorated Fortress. The lights are ranging from reds to blues and yellows some pure white beams goes through the air and some Silver Lightning runs across some of the few remaining charged crystals.

“Welcome to the Fortress of Knowledge my friends. I am Lara of Krypton, keeper of the archives and mother of Kal-El. If the women would follow me to their chambers and the men can follow my husband Jor-El to their rooms.” Lara motions to the women to follow her to the right door and Jor-El appears in front of the left door waiting for the men.

As they walk to the preparation room Lara goes to Martha. “Congratulation for the baby Martha Kent. I am happy to see you in good health.”

“Thank you Lara. The baby should be born in July. If it is a girl we would like to call her Lara in your honour.”

Lara glows at Martha’s words and a smile appears on her face. “Thank you. The honour would be mine.”

As the girls enter the room they see two women sitting in chairs talking about happenings elsewhere.

“Nemia! Noxy!” Lana exclaims seeing the two girls standing up as the other enter the room. She runs to them and hugs them tightly.

“Lana we are proud of what we heard and congratulation on this big day.” Nemia says.

“Thank you. Does that mean that Nemu and Keyel are here too?”

“Yep they should be with the other guys by now.” Noxy says.

“Good I can’t wait to see them too.” With that said the girls start to get ready for the ceremony.

“Judge Ross?” Lara asks the woman.

“Yes?”

“Hi. Clark would like to speak with you if you would follow me please.” Lara motions to another door and starts walking in that direction with the judge behind her.

Clark was standing on a raised part of the highest point of the Fortress which could be considered as the roof of the main structure. There was an energy dome overhead keeping the temperature to a nice warm early summer day. The sun was slowly moving as the time went by. It is in that position that Abigail Ross and Lara found him.

“Kal-El.”

“Mother, Mrs. Ross.”

“Clark is this where we are going to hold the ceremony?”

“Yes we are going to be here. The reception will be in some new rooms on the ground floor.”

“Well I have to admit this is a perfect place. So how are you holding up?”

“Yeah I was sure I would be a lot more nervous about this but I’m not. Everything fits together finally.” Clark says with a smile.

“I’m glad for you. Well I have to go get ready.” The woman walks away leaving Clark alone with his mother.

“You really love her with all your heart don’t you?”

“Mother, I love her with every fibre of my being. The multiverse isn’t big enough to show just how deep my feelings are for her.” Clark let a tear go down his cheek.

“I am proud of you my son. It was my biggest fear when we sent you away that you wouldn’t find someone to love you and that you would love. But with Lana I can put my fear to rest.”

The rest of the day different person went to see Clark and talk to him. Same thing happened to Lana.

When the appointed time arrives the guests walk up to the platform and take their places. Coming from everywhere was some soft music playing. Then all eyes turned to the top of the stairs where Lana appears escorted by Nemu.

Clark was breathless at the sight of Lana. The same happens with Lana. ‘I love you Lana.’

‘I love you Clark’

After Nemu hands Lana to Clark he takes his place beside Noxy.

“My friends we are gathering in this unique place to unite these unique souls. The two of them have decided to write their own vows and they will say it now. Clark you may go first.”

“Lana, since the first time I laid eyes on you when we were 5 years old I knew that someday we would be standing in a similar situation. During the summer two years ago I gave you a promise ring and made you a promise to do everything in my power to come back to you and that I would replace the promise ring with an engagement ring. That part was done and at Christmas I gave you the new ring with a renewed promise to always do everything to come back to you and with the events of last fall I kept my promise.
Here today in front of our family I want to promise you to love you and cherish you until the end of time.”

Lana has a tear as she remember everything they went through.

“Lana it is your turn.”

“Clark, my love for you grew from a small flame to a bright fire since that night in the graveyard during our freshman year in high school. At the time I wasn’t free to act upon my building feelings and at times it was hard to refrain myself from just running to you. With time our friendship grew and our relationship turned into a rollercoaster ride with its up and down, but in the end we finally got at the same place at the same point which allowed us to make the promise to always come back to each other. I accepted your promise and the rings.

Today I stand here in front of our family and accept your new promise and make one of my own to love you forever and to stand by your side as a friend, a lover, a wife and a partner in all of the challenges fate will throw our way.”

It was Clark’s turn to have a tear go down his cheek at Lana’s words.

The rest of the ceremony went by until the moment the young couple have been waiting for.

“By the power invested in me by the laws of Earth and the state of Kansas I now declare you man and wife. Clark you may kiss your bride.”

Clark leans down as Lana reaches up to meet him in a sweet and passion filled kiss just as the sun finally set behind them making them glow in a warm and softly tint orange aura.

After the kiss, Judge Ross turns them toward the group and says with a big smile: “I present you Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kent.”

Everyone applause the new couple and as they come down to them they all gather to congratulate them.

The party goes on to the early hour of the morning and as the young guests go to bed Clark and Lana follow Nemu back to the top floor of the Fortress to meet with a group of persons composed of Noxy, Keyel, Nemia, Lara and Jor-El standing in a half circle at the edge of the platform with smiles on their faces.

“Kal-El, Lana, we brought you here for two purposes. The first to congratulate you for your earthly wedding and the second to allow you both to go through the binding ritual of the universal powers.” Lara says as she steps forward while Nemu takes place beside Noxy.

“Come closer my children.” Lara motions to them.

As they slowly step forward, their bodies start to be surrounded by a pink light and as they stop at the bottom of the steps to the platform the light around them blink off and they can see that their clothes have change into variation of their battle uniform. Clark’s was royal blue with cherry red boots, belt and cape with his Superman symbol both on his chest and on the cape. Lana’s clothes were black with dark brown boots, a golden belt and with silver laces for the boots and a new design on her belt buckle and on her dark green cape. A silver, red, green and blue lightning bolt. Following a silent call Hageina appears at Lana’s hip in a new deep crimson red sheath.

The three couples space out to encircle Clark and Lana. Once everyone is in place they raise their hands and beams of red, blue, green and silver light come out of them. The beams gather together and form a dome covering the whole platform and a beam of golden light falls down from the center of the dome right on top of the young couple.

Alone in their golden space Clark and Lana wonders what will happen next when four balls of light come down to stop in front of them. The red one move forward first and a voice booms around them.

‘My children fear us not. We are the guiding lights and keeper of balance. Just as you unite both your spirits together, the union will allow you to put a stop to the feud between the many children of the universe. I bless you both with this power to calm the spirits to help you on your journey. Lana you already know how to call upon my power to heal and you bear my mark. To you son of Krypton my gift is of enhancement to your memory altering powers. You can now restore or erase parts of another person’s memory. As the phoenix I raise from my ashes and my song soothe the spirit, my tears heal the wounds.’

A small marking of a red bird appears behind Lana’s left ear and another one flare to life for a second on the back of Clark’s right hand. The red ball goes back to the others and the brown one stands forward.

‘Young ones, the human body is limited and frail. I can feel the ever growing strength of your powers. I bless you both with a protective strengthening of your material shells to allow you to reach your full potential. That will be put to the test very soon. In gloria draconis!’

An intense brown light surrounds them and as it dims out their clothes have disappeared and a small serpent like mark is shown on both their right shoulders. The green ball goes back to the others and the blue one comes forward.

‘Young heroes, your passions will serve you in your fights. Your will for good is strong and burn as a bright light throughout the darkest corner of space. Embrace your desires, your instincts and let them guide you to greatness, but beware unchecked emotions for a lack of control can be catastrophic. I bless you both with the unwavering willpower of the ancients. May your light burn for eternity.’

Again as the ball return to the others a new marking appear on both their upper left chest area. A small blue flame flickers then stays still.

The last ball, the silver one comes closer. Its center glows with a purple light.

‘My chosen ones, children of the Air, listen to my voice and hear my words. Just as you joined your earthly lives together following humans customs we will now proceed to the joining of your whole being. This union will remain and shine for eternity through time and space so that all can know that the last son and the magical one are together side by side. Giving hope to the free and good people and strike fear into the hearts of evil.’

The voice goes silent as if listening and after a minute in which Clark and Lana stare at each other, it talks again.

‘Your hearts have spoken. I now bless you both with my protection and the power to alter the flow of time and space. May your justice be swift and fair. Young heroes, chosen by the universal powers, RISE!’

As the final word is said the symbols on their left shoulders light up in silver light and soon all the marks from the four entities flare to life. As the light goes out the group of eight persons are left standing in a circle on the top platform of the Fortress of Knowledge. A new light shines through Clark and Lana’s eyes. A new determination and understanding of their destinies’ need to be fulfilled permeate their thoughts.

“My children go forth into your new life as friends, lovers and partners.” Lara tells them as the sun sets behind the young couple once again.

“How long have we been standing here?” Clark asks seeing the sun sets.

“One Earth day has passed. Your friends and family are still downstairs waiting for you.” Jor-El speaks. “Well I will take my leave for now and go back to keep an eye on our enemies. I will keep you two informed.”

“Thank you father.” Clark says taking Lana’s hand and guiding her toward the stairs. Their clothes back to the ones they wore at the party the night before.

TO BE CONTINUED!!!!