Chapter 1
Kal-El appeared inside the Fortress in a flash of light, the mirror box following him into the main console. He looked around the palace of ice that had become his home. Or rather, a version of it. It was empty. There was no silver and glass furniture. No bedrooms. No toys scattered across the floor. It was one big empty space meant only for war. He used his telescopic and x-ray vision to scan the surrounding artic. Nothing. There were no other Kryptonian structures anywhere. It was if the Kandorians didn't exist.
Or I never had to destroy the Book of Rao, he thought. The ground shook, and a familiar voice echoed through the empty halls.
"You are not of this reality," said Jor-El.
"I mean no harm on this world," said Kal-El "Let me complete my quest, and I shall return home."
"The last version of my son to cross over to this plane of existence was a mass murderer, who wished to usurp his life. Until I know your true intentions, I cannot permit you to leave."
"I wasn't asking for your permission," said Kal-El.
"Nor I for you to stay." The ground shook, and in beam of light, Kal-El was frozen solid. In one burst of strength, Kal-El broke free from his prison.
"What gives you the right to imprison me?" Kal-El yelled.
"A father has a right to protect his son," said Jor-El.
"You are no one's father," Kal-El disputed. "You're a machine, trying to play god with life of your creator's son and those around him." He super sped over to the console and pulled out the main crystal, which contained the AI unit of the Fortress. "And it's time you were silenced." The ground became still and the glowing crystals dimmed. Kal-El ran his finger over his treasured wedding ring. "I won't fail. I promise."