Chapter 1
It was hard to believe that just six years ago they had met in that cornfield, that in those six years their relationship had gone from one of annoyance, to friendship, and then finally love. Love like one he had never known, a love that rivaled that of his feelings for Lana. And now, six years later they were engaged, finally.
Not only had their relationship gone through a metamorphosis over the years but so had he. He couldn't believe that there was ever a time when he didn't know about his powers, about his heritage. He had started this long journey as just a simple high school student and farmer. And when he found out about himself he became so much more, he started saving people, battling those that would place his loved ones in danger. He had fought meteor freaks, phantoms, aliens, and his own biological father from time to time.
But now, as he stood in his crystalline Fortress, he hopped that this grudge match with Jor-El would finally come to an end. His earth father had been right, he always proved Jor-El wrong. However Jor-El had been right in telling him that he was earths worst enemy. He had been willing to kill the clone of Lex for putting Lois in danger, he had destroyed an entire building without a second thought, he was too prideful, too arrogant.
But not anymore. He had thought that he had known what it meant to be a hero. Thought that the people had to know you were there, know that you were around. But he had learned that you also had to be respected. Had to give them proof of your existence, show them your face instead of hiding in the shadows. Had to earn their trust, not just their praise. He had shed the Black suit and gone back to his red and blue, had begun to wear his glasses full time and had completed the dual identity of the Blur and Clark Kent.
"Father, you were right. I was arrogant, and vain, I did have darkness in my heart. I had no right to call myself a hero, I had no right to think that I could be the beacon of light that you sent me here to be." Clark said as he stared at his family's crest in the block of ice.
"My son. You have grown much over this past year. You are no longer the same man that you were. My only hope was for you to be seen as one of them, to live as one of them Kal-El, to discover where your strength and power are needed. Always hold in your heart the pride of your special heritage. They can be a great people Kal-El, they wish to be, they only lack the light to show them the way. It is for this reason above all else my son, their capacity for good that I have sent them you… my only son."
"I know that now father. And thank you for the tests that you have given me. I know now that you were never punishing me, that you teaching me how to be a hero."
"You are now ready my son" Jor-El said, and as Clark watched the ice began to recede around the suit. "Take this suit my son, and led the people of this world, the third planet from the star Sol into a better tomorrow. Led them away from the fate that fell upon Krypton." And with that Jor-El's voice went silent.
Clark stood still for a moment, starring at the suit before him for what felt like forever before he finally moved to take it from its stand. For the first time since he had seen it in the box that his mother had left for him he tried it on.
It felt like it had been molded to his body, almost as if it were a second skin. While he had never truly pictured seeing himself wear something like this before, had even laughed at the prospect. But now he couldn't see himself wearing anything else. The suit felt…right.
Apokolpis
The Kryptonian had stood in his way for too long. It was now time for him to pay for his disobedience. He had given the Last Son of Krypton a chance to side with him, a chance to survive, but he had denied him. Now he would learn what that would get him. How would lose his precious adopted world, lose everyone that he cared for, and once that was finally done, once he had truly suffered, would he finally end his worthless life. Darkseid's way was Supreme, Kal-El would learn that.