p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Metropolis 2017/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Prologue/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"This is it. It had to be. He was so drained…so bruised…his body had never ached like this./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He could hear them, millions of people, some were terrified, some were angry, and others…were hopeful./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Hopeful…that was good. The people of his city would need that hope to see them through this tragedy./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"But…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Despite all those millions of people, there was two people he was at this very moment thinking about…it was for them, that he was pushing himself this far…for them that he knew he would cross the line…killing…it was repugnant to who he was and what he stood for. He was raised to believe in people, to find the good in them, it was not always easy… one of his best friends was proof of that. But human kind had a capacity for goodness that at times even surprised him./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"To think he would throw it all always to protect those two, who meant the world to him. He would sacrifice his moral code; he would lay down his life if need be./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Nothing would harm them today, not this destroyer…this Doomsday./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"No, he would see to it, that Chloe Ann Sullivan-Kent would continue to live and report the wrongs of the world and shed light on corruption as she always aspired to. Chloe…/spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;"his/span span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"And then…then there was /spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;"her./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara Mara Kent. At age seven, she was his little miracle./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"For them…he would kill Doomsday…even if it killed him too./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He was sure it would kill him too, he could feel it, sunlight which fueled his strength and healed his body, was no longer restoring him at the rate is was earlier, possibly as a result of his…gamble...or was it due to the amount of damage he had already taken…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"There…he could hear the creature moving, preparing to charge back into fray and continue its mindless killing./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"It was enough./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He prepared himself for what he knew was coming, still he wanted to see them again…just in case./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Superman, kneeled in what once was a heavily trafficked street in downtown Metropolis. He turned his head, as he locked in on two heartbeats, which always brought him comfort and strength./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"There…on a rooftop, miles from where he kneeled…safe, his cousin, Kara, as well as Bart, otherwise known as Impulse guarding them./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"His wife and daughter, both looking terrified. Chloe he could see had tears streaming down her face, and despite the running mascara, she had never looked so beautiful to him. Lara, held her mother's hand, her long dark hair blowing in the wind. Tears in her face, undoubtedly due to her mothers' own tears./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"His cape fluttered upwards with the breeze, tattered, torn and bloodied. His suit ins similar shape, but his crest, still shown, intact. Hope./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He reached back and pulled his communication device, lodging in his ear./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Status Report."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Civilians are clear in a 50 miles' radius. There was…a lot of casualties, I'm afraid, we weren't able to save everyone." Came the voice of J'onn J'onzz./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Superman, what's the creature status?" came Batman's gruff voice./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"A roar was heard for miles around, so fierce, and visceral it forced the dust that was clouding the main street clear. Exposing both Hero and Villain./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Still, his eyes were locked on his wife and daughter. It was almost over./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Watchtower?" he said softly…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara, what can you see? How is he, is he okay? Tell me he is okay!" Chloe pleaded with her cousin./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"He is hurt, Chloe. He…its not good. Even he can survive much more."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Tears, flowed freely down her face./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Mommy, why are you crying? Are you scared? Don't cry, Superman is here!" Came Lara's reply./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"This only caused Chloe's tears to increase, and a sob broke free. A startling sight, for the little seven-year old. Who had never seen her mother cry, not like this…something was terribly wrong…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Her Daddy! He could fix it! He could fix anything! Where was he? Why were they here with Auntie Kara and Uncle Bart…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Daddy…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Watchtower?"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara's head snapped to her mother, she heard a voice…her Daddy's voice…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Superman…" came a trembling reply./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"I love you…both of you, so much…I'm sorry."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Clark…?" came her mother's voice. But this time…there was no reply./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Thump… …Thump…Thump..Thump. Thump./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He could see Doomsday run towards him in mindless rage. This was it./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He stood tall, as Doomsdays steps crash along the destroyed street…or what was left of it./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He centered himself, and with that sensation that came with flying, he launched himself right at Doomsday./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"As he flew, he saw in his mind all his friends and loved ones, but brightest of all, were his wife and daughter. Mustering his final drops of strength; he swung his right fist, right into Doomsdays head./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Just as Doomsday's fist connected with his head./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The impact shook the ground, windows were broken, and the world stood still, as both combatants were frozen in place, one fist planted firmly in the others face./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The camera mounted on helicopter which had braved entering the destruction filled epicenter, broadcasted the the creature toppling over…the hero had won./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Around the world, people cheered, Superman had defeated the monster. He did it! He protected everyone!/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Everyone watched in rapt attention as Supergirl, flew in carrying a woman and a child towards Superman…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The feed suddenly went out…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The people would have to wonder what was going on…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He could see it, fade from its eyes, that spark that signaled there was life behind those eyes./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Doomsday toppled backwards and didn't move. He did it…but…he could feel it leaving him too./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara." He whispered./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"He did it…" came the awed words of Impulse./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara's head jerked as she heard his call. /spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;""Kara."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"He is calling… I can barely hear him."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Take us…quickly Kara…I need to see him, make sure he is okay." Came Chloe words./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara grabbed Chloe and Lara and flew them down, spotting the helicopter hovering with a camera aimed at her cousin./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Batman. There's a camera aimed at Superman…I'm taking Chloe and Lara to him."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"On it." Came a gruff reply./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Impulse ran to Superman. He couldn't wait, he didn't like to. Only one thing kept him with Chloe and Lara, and that was Clark making him promise to watch them./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Impulse took stock of the now dead Doomsday laying on the destroyed Metropolis Boulevard. He turned his eyes to his friend, mentor and surrogate big brother, and his heart broke./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"It was devastating to see him in this condition, and he knew…things would get worse…much worse./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara landed with her charges and Chloe immediately broke free and ran to Superman. Lara made to follow her mother, but her aunt held her back./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara looked to her aunt and uncle, both shaking their heads. She turned her eyes back to her mother and Superman, The Hero of Heroes./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Why were they so sad? He won!/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe rushed to her husband, who she could barely see behind the blood covering his face./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Clark…"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"His eyes which seemed so distant, zeroed in on her…and softened./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Ch.. Chloe."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Baby, don't talk. Keep your strength. The league is coming, we will get you some sunlight and you'll be okay, and then we can take Lara to the zoo, you know she's been wanting to go for a while now, and maybe we will take some time off from work and go on a family vacation, we could…"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Clark brought his fingers up to her lips to silence her rambling…/spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;"Rao, he loved this woman…his Chloe./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"You stopped Doomsday, I mean. I'm sure anyone in the league wouldn't mind covering for you while we travel." She kept talking from behind his fingers./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He couldn't help but smile, and like that it seemed like his strength was gone and he tumbled forward into her arms./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe was unprepared, he was smiling and then 220 pounds of hero fell into her and she fell backwards cradling him. As he fell, his cape or what remained flew into the air carried by a small breeze./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Clark reached up with one hand, and cupped her cheek, as he loved to do since they began dating all those years ago…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"I love you…both of you...I…I'm sorry." /spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;"He wanted to say so much more, shower her with all his love, but what light her presence had shed into the closing darkness was fading and so too was his life…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"All the members of the league arrived at that moment, and they bore witness to the most tragic event to happen to them as a whole. They watched as Superman's…no as Clark Kent's hand went limp as he stroked his beloved wife's cheek. And just like that…Superman was gone and so too was Clark Kent./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"She knew something was terribly wrong, but she couldn't understand what it was. Her grandma, was crying…so much. Her mommy, auntie Kara, uncle Bart…all of them were crying./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara…"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Yes, mommy."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Baby…we have to go."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"But, Daddy isn't here yet…" she complained, she wanted her daddy./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Honey…just please…come…we…have to go…"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"But. I want Daddy!" she cried. /spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;"Why can't mommy, understand!/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe…she doesn't know…she doesn't understand…" said her grandma Martha./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Martha Kent turned to her granddaughter, took her into her arms./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Honey, I have something for you, something your daddy wanted you to have…" Martha spoke./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe looked at Martha confused, wondering what she meant. Her eyes went wide, as Martha pulled out a small crystal shaped in the crest of the House of El. The small crystal, turned crimson and gold as it was placed in Lara's tiny hands./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara looked at the crystal, as it changed colors and it felt warm in her hand, and she felt…safe, like when daddy carried her, but at the same time, she felt butterflies like when daddy would swing her making her fly./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Grab her coat, she will need it." Martha spoke to Chloe. Chloe nodded and they left the farm house. Everyone else, was already waiting at the Kawachi Caves./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara watched over his body as the others waited outside the caves. It wasn't fair she thought. Lara, Chloe, Martha…they needed him. He was their rock…and now he was gone. She felt so alone./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"In that moment, Kara understood how Kal-El, felt growing up and learning and believing himself to be the last of their people. She was the last…no, that wasn't true. Lara-El. The House of El would be continued through her. But she was not aware of her heritage, and today she would learn, and her heart would be broken./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"A heavy thing to be told Superman, or the Hero of Heroes as Lara liked to call him, would be revealed to be her father./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The league could be heard coming in…that meant Aunt Martha, Chloe and Lara were here./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Soon enough the entire league was surrounding her, and Martha walked up to her holding Lara, and Chloe came up to Kal-El's body./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Without speaking a word, Kara activated the key, and a bright flash of light engulfed everyone, leaving only darkness in its wake./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Welcome, home. Chloe-El. Martha Kent…Kara-El, and you especially, little Lara-El. I can only presume what has happened as Kal-El's signature has faded."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Jor-El, we have come to lay Kal-El to rest here…we can't risk burying him anywhere else…too high a risk of someone desecrating his slumber."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"A large rumble was heard as two towering crystal columns shifted and revealed a sarcophagus./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The league members, who held Superman's body on a stretcher moved to place his body there, the voice rang out./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Only the House of El, is permitted. Martha Kent, is also allowed." Jor-El intoned./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara lifted the stretcher, as both Chloe and Martha looked on. She laid the body to rest, and they all watched as his torn suit, lost its blue, crimson and yellow, replaced in shades of black, and the damaged portions were made whole. Another bright light and the sarcophagus was sealed, and made entirely transparent, and inside perfectly preserved lay Kal-El./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe walked up to the glass like structure./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"You promised…you said you would never leave…I can't do this…not without you…Lara…she needs you so much…I'm don't know what to do!" Chloe sobbed./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara watched as her mother broke down crying next to Superman./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Why is she crying? Why?/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"She heard it then…a faint buzzing…and the crystal in her hand began to warm up. She wiggled in her grandmothers' grasp, an indication to be set down. She was a big girl after all./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"She turned her head sides ways as the buzzing only increased. She shook her head, trying to clear the noise with no success. As she turned her head, she noticed it./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"It was a small hole in the wall, but it seemed to call to her. Not entirely understand why, it was important, she walked to it and reached inside placing her glowing crystal inside./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"It was instantaneous./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The entire fortress went dark. And then they heard it./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Welcome, my little Miracle."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara looked around, her eyes wide! That was Daddy! Daddy was here. Chloe's head whipped around looking for the voice./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"If you are hearing this, then I am no longer with you. Approach the center console Lara. Lay your hand and pronounce your name." called her Daddy's voice./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara, was confused. Why was her daddy talking like that…and why did he ask her to say her name, Daddy knew her name!/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Mommy…" she whispered./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Baby, you have to be a big girl now…this is very important…" Chloe took her daughter's hand and led her to a podium. She hefted Lara on her right hip, "touch the crystals and say Lara-El."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"but mommy, I'm a Kent!"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara…please, trust me."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Not quite sure of herself, Lara did as her mother asked, "Lara-El."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"There in front of the podium, an image took form, a hologram. Superman, was hovering in front of her./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Superman!" Lara yelled./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Hello Lara, welcome. I am updating this crystal for you, every couple of months, as you grow, the most recent update was a month ago. Based on the fortress AI, I can infer you are seven years old at present time. Thus, what I will reveal to you will be difficult to understand, but I have faith in your mother, and she will guide you through this difficult time."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara looked to her mother…who was crying starring at the image in front of her./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"To the world Lara, I am known as Superman…but that is just what I do. I have multiple names by which I am known, but the one that will matter to you is Clark Kent."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara's mouth dropped open, that was her Daddy's name! in front of her eyes, she saw as Superman, placed some glasses over his face, and as his suit fades to be replaced with jeans and a t-shirt./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Superman…hero of Heroes…was her Daddy? But…that couldn't be right…Superman died…her daddy wasn't…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Now, my little miracle. There are many things which I am sure are running around that bright sharp mind of yours. But allow me this. When you were born, I saw in you the physical representation of the love your mother and I shared. I laid my eyes on you, and knew my life, and your mother's life had a deeper meaning. As your mother cradled you in her arms, I recited a blessing for you, a blessing my father laid upon me once."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The hologram faded, and an image was projected all around the fortress./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"There was a tired Chloe, with considerably long hair, cradling a tiny Lara in her arms./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"She is so tiny, Chlo!" came Clark's voice./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Pfft! "Easy for you to say farm boy, you didn't push her out." She snarked and then turned her eyes to her baby, "I'd do it all over again, just for this…" she whispered./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe, there's a blessing, my father gave me before sending me here…I want to say that to her…" Clark managed to speak, passed the lump in his throat./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"She just got here, we aren't taking her to the fortress now."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"No, we don't have to do that…it's just done between the parents and baby. We both give her words, about what she means to us, what we wish for her…things like that."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Oh…okay. You first?"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Clark nodded, and took a seat next to Chloe on her bed. He placed his hand over his daughter's hands./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"You will be different…Sometimes you will feel like an outcast. But you will never be alone. You will make my strength your own, and you will see my life through your eyes. As your life will be seen in mine. A son becomes a father…and father…becomes a daughter…"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"br /br /p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe let the words fill her soul, as she remembered that beautiful day, the day Lara came into the world, she was the culmination of events that began with spiked kryptonite pom-pom juice and a mostly naked Chloe Sullivan in a football jersey waiting for her love in his loft…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"br /br /p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"br /br /p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Prologue/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"This is it. It had to be. He was so drained…so bruised…his body had never ached like this./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He could hear them, millions of people, some were terrified, some were angry, and others…were hopeful./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Hopeful…that was good. The people of his city would need that hope to see them through this tragedy./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"But…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Despite all those millions of people, there was two people he was at this very moment thinking about…it was for them, that he was pushing himself this far…for them that he knew he would cross the line…killing…it was repugnant to who he was and what he stood for. He was raised to believe in people, to find the good in them, it was not always easy… one of his best friends was proof of that. But human kind had a capacity for goodness that at times even surprised him./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"To think he would throw it all always to protect those two, who meant the world to him. He would sacrifice his moral code; he would lay down his life if need be./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Nothing would harm them today, not this destroyer…this Doomsday./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"No, he would see to it, that Chloe Ann Sullivan-Kent would continue to live and report the wrongs of the world and shed light on corruption as she always aspired to. Chloe…/spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;"his/span span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"And then…then there was /spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;"her./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara Mara Kent. At age seven, she was his little miracle./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"For them…he would kill Doomsday…even if it killed him too./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He was sure it would kill him too, he could feel it, sunlight which fueled his strength and healed his body, was no longer restoring him at the rate is was earlier, possibly as a result of his…gamble...or was it due to the amount of damage he had already taken…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"There…he could hear the creature moving, preparing to charge back into fray and continue its mindless killing./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"It was enough./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He prepared himself for what he knew was coming, still he wanted to see them again…just in case./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Superman, kneeled in what once was a heavily trafficked street in downtown Metropolis. He turned his head, as he locked in on two heartbeats, which always brought him comfort and strength./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"There…on a rooftop, miles from where he kneeled…safe, his cousin, Kara, as well as Bart, otherwise known as Impulse guarding them./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"His wife and daughter, both looking terrified. Chloe he could see had tears streaming down her face, and despite the running mascara, she had never looked so beautiful to him. Lara, held her mother's hand, her long dark hair blowing in the wind. Tears in her face, undoubtedly due to her mothers' own tears./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"His cape fluttered upwards with the breeze, tattered, torn and bloodied. His suit ins similar shape, but his crest, still shown, intact. Hope./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He reached back and pulled his communication device, lodging in his ear./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Status Report."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Civilians are clear in a 50 miles' radius. There was…a lot of casualties, I'm afraid, we weren't able to save everyone." Came the voice of J'onn J'onzz./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Superman, what's the creature status?" came Batman's gruff voice./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"A roar was heard for miles around, so fierce, and visceral it forced the dust that was clouding the main street clear. Exposing both Hero and Villain./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Still, his eyes were locked on his wife and daughter. It was almost over./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Watchtower?" he said softly…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara, what can you see? How is he, is he okay? Tell me he is okay!" Chloe pleaded with her cousin./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"He is hurt, Chloe. He…its not good. Even he can survive much more."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Tears, flowed freely down her face./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Mommy, why are you crying? Are you scared? Don't cry, Superman is here!" Came Lara's reply./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"This only caused Chloe's tears to increase, and a sob broke free. A startling sight, for the little seven-year old. Who had never seen her mother cry, not like this…something was terribly wrong…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Her Daddy! He could fix it! He could fix anything! Where was he? Why were they here with Auntie Kara and Uncle Bart…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Daddy…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Watchtower?"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara's head snapped to her mother, she heard a voice…her Daddy's voice…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Superman…" came a trembling reply./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"I love you…both of you, so much…I'm sorry."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Clark…?" came her mother's voice. But this time…there was no reply./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Thump… …Thump…Thump..Thump. Thump./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He could see Doomsday run towards him in mindless rage. This was it./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He stood tall, as Doomsdays steps crash along the destroyed street…or what was left of it./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He centered himself, and with that sensation that came with flying, he launched himself right at Doomsday./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"As he flew, he saw in his mind all his friends and loved ones, but brightest of all, were his wife and daughter. Mustering his final drops of strength; he swung his right fist, right into Doomsdays head./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Just as Doomsday's fist connected with his head./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The impact shook the ground, windows were broken, and the world stood still, as both combatants were frozen in place, one fist planted firmly in the others face./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The camera mounted on helicopter which had braved entering the destruction filled epicenter, broadcasted the the creature toppling over…the hero had won./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Around the world, people cheered, Superman had defeated the monster. He did it! He protected everyone!/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Everyone watched in rapt attention as Supergirl, flew in carrying a woman and a child towards Superman…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The feed suddenly went out…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The people would have to wonder what was going on…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He could see it, fade from its eyes, that spark that signaled there was life behind those eyes./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Doomsday toppled backwards and didn't move. He did it…but…he could feel it leaving him too./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara." He whispered./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"He did it…" came the awed words of Impulse./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara's head jerked as she heard his call. /spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;""Kara."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"He is calling… I can barely hear him."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Take us…quickly Kara…I need to see him, make sure he is okay." Came Chloe words./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara grabbed Chloe and Lara and flew them down, spotting the helicopter hovering with a camera aimed at her cousin./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Batman. There's a camera aimed at Superman…I'm taking Chloe and Lara to him."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"On it." Came a gruff reply./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Impulse ran to Superman. He couldn't wait, he didn't like to. Only one thing kept him with Chloe and Lara, and that was Clark making him promise to watch them./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Impulse took stock of the now dead Doomsday laying on the destroyed Metropolis Boulevard. He turned his eyes to his friend, mentor and surrogate big brother, and his heart broke./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"It was devastating to see him in this condition, and he knew…things would get worse…much worse./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara landed with her charges and Chloe immediately broke free and ran to Superman. Lara made to follow her mother, but her aunt held her back./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara looked to her aunt and uncle, both shaking their heads. She turned her eyes back to her mother and Superman, The Hero of Heroes./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Why were they so sad? He won!/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe rushed to her husband, who she could barely see behind the blood covering his face./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Clark…"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"His eyes which seemed so distant, zeroed in on her…and softened./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Ch.. Chloe."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Baby, don't talk. Keep your strength. The league is coming, we will get you some sunlight and you'll be okay, and then we can take Lara to the zoo, you know she's been wanting to go for a while now, and maybe we will take some time off from work and go on a family vacation, we could…"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Clark brought his fingers up to her lips to silence her rambling…/spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;"Rao, he loved this woman…his Chloe./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"You stopped Doomsday, I mean. I'm sure anyone in the league wouldn't mind covering for you while we travel." She kept talking from behind his fingers./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"He couldn't help but smile, and like that it seemed like his strength was gone and he tumbled forward into her arms./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe was unprepared, he was smiling and then 220 pounds of hero fell into her and she fell backwards cradling him. As he fell, his cape or what remained flew into the air carried by a small breeze./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Clark reached up with one hand, and cupped her cheek, as he loved to do since they began dating all those years ago…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"I love you…both of you...I…I'm sorry." /spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;"He wanted to say so much more, shower her with all his love, but what light her presence had shed into the closing darkness was fading and so too was his life…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"All the members of the league arrived at that moment, and they bore witness to the most tragic event to happen to them as a whole. They watched as Superman's…no as Clark Kent's hand went limp as he stroked his beloved wife's cheek. And just like that…Superman was gone and so too was Clark Kent./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"She knew something was terribly wrong, but she couldn't understand what it was. Her grandma, was crying…so much. Her mommy, auntie Kara, uncle Bart…all of them were crying./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara…"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Yes, mommy."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Baby…we have to go."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"But, Daddy isn't here yet…" she complained, she wanted her daddy./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Honey…just please…come…we…have to go…"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"But. I want Daddy!" she cried. /spanspan style="font-size: 12pt;"Why can't mommy, understand!/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe…she doesn't know…she doesn't understand…" said her grandma Martha./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Martha Kent turned to her granddaughter, took her into her arms./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Honey, I have something for you, something your daddy wanted you to have…" Martha spoke./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe looked at Martha confused, wondering what she meant. Her eyes went wide, as Martha pulled out a small crystal shaped in the crest of the House of El. The small crystal, turned crimson and gold as it was placed in Lara's tiny hands./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara looked at the crystal, as it changed colors and it felt warm in her hand, and she felt…safe, like when daddy carried her, but at the same time, she felt butterflies like when daddy would swing her making her fly./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Grab her coat, she will need it." Martha spoke to Chloe. Chloe nodded and they left the farm house. Everyone else, was already waiting at the Kawachi Caves./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara watched over his body as the others waited outside the caves. It wasn't fair she thought. Lara, Chloe, Martha…they needed him. He was their rock…and now he was gone. She felt so alone./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"In that moment, Kara understood how Kal-El, felt growing up and learning and believing himself to be the last of their people. She was the last…no, that wasn't true. Lara-El. The House of El would be continued through her. But she was not aware of her heritage, and today she would learn, and her heart would be broken./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"A heavy thing to be told Superman, or the Hero of Heroes as Lara liked to call him, would be revealed to be her father./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The league could be heard coming in…that meant Aunt Martha, Chloe and Lara were here./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Soon enough the entire league was surrounding her, and Martha walked up to her holding Lara, and Chloe came up to Kal-El's body./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Without speaking a word, Kara activated the key, and a bright flash of light engulfed everyone, leaving only darkness in its wake./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Welcome, home. Chloe-El. Martha Kent…Kara-El, and you especially, little Lara-El. I can only presume what has happened as Kal-El's signature has faded."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Jor-El, we have come to lay Kal-El to rest here…we can't risk burying him anywhere else…too high a risk of someone desecrating his slumber."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"A large rumble was heard as two towering crystal columns shifted and revealed a sarcophagus./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The league members, who held Superman's body on a stretcher moved to place his body there, the voice rang out./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Only the House of El, is permitted. Martha Kent, is also allowed." Jor-El intoned./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Kara lifted the stretcher, as both Chloe and Martha looked on. She laid the body to rest, and they all watched as his torn suit, lost its blue, crimson and yellow, replaced in shades of black, and the damaged portions were made whole. Another bright light and the sarcophagus was sealed, and made entirely transparent, and inside perfectly preserved lay Kal-El./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe walked up to the glass like structure./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"You promised…you said you would never leave…I can't do this…not without you…Lara…she needs you so much…I'm don't know what to do!" Chloe sobbed./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara watched as her mother broke down crying next to Superman./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Why is she crying? Why?/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"She heard it then…a faint buzzing…and the crystal in her hand began to warm up. She wiggled in her grandmothers' grasp, an indication to be set down. She was a big girl after all./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"She turned her head sides ways as the buzzing only increased. She shook her head, trying to clear the noise with no success. As she turned her head, she noticed it./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"It was a small hole in the wall, but it seemed to call to her. Not entirely understand why, it was important, she walked to it and reached inside placing her glowing crystal inside./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"It was instantaneous./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The entire fortress went dark. And then they heard it./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Welcome, my little Miracle."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara looked around, her eyes wide! That was Daddy! Daddy was here. Chloe's head whipped around looking for the voice./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"If you are hearing this, then I am no longer with you. Approach the center console Lara. Lay your hand and pronounce your name." called her Daddy's voice./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara, was confused. Why was her daddy talking like that…and why did he ask her to say her name, Daddy knew her name!/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Mommy…" she whispered./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Baby, you have to be a big girl now…this is very important…" Chloe took her daughter's hand and led her to a podium. She hefted Lara on her right hip, "touch the crystals and say Lara-El."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"but mommy, I'm a Kent!"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara…please, trust me."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Not quite sure of herself, Lara did as her mother asked, "Lara-El."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"There in front of the podium, an image took form, a hologram. Superman, was hovering in front of her./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Superman!" Lara yelled./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Hello Lara, welcome. I am updating this crystal for you, every couple of months, as you grow, the most recent update was a month ago. Based on the fortress AI, I can infer you are seven years old at present time. Thus, what I will reveal to you will be difficult to understand, but I have faith in your mother, and she will guide you through this difficult time."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara looked to her mother…who was crying starring at the image in front of her./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"To the world Lara, I am known as Superman…but that is just what I do. I have multiple names by which I am known, but the one that will matter to you is Clark Kent."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Lara's mouth dropped open, that was her Daddy's name! in front of her eyes, she saw as Superman, placed some glasses over his face, and as his suit fades to be replaced with jeans and a t-shirt./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Superman…hero of Heroes…was her Daddy? But…that couldn't be right…Superman died…her daddy wasn't…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Now, my little miracle. There are many things which I am sure are running around that bright sharp mind of yours. But allow me this. When you were born, I saw in you the physical representation of the love your mother and I shared. I laid my eyes on you, and knew my life, and your mother's life had a deeper meaning. As your mother cradled you in her arms, I recited a blessing for you, a blessing my father laid upon me once."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"The hologram faded, and an image was projected all around the fortress./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"There was a tired Chloe, with considerably long hair, cradling a tiny Lara in her arms./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"She is so tiny, Chlo!" came Clark's voice./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Pfft! "Easy for you to say farm boy, you didn't push her out." She snarked and then turned her eyes to her baby, "I'd do it all over again, just for this…" she whispered./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe, there's a blessing, my father gave me before sending me here…I want to say that to her…" Clark managed to speak, passed the lump in his throat./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"She just got here, we aren't taking her to the fortress now."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"No, we don't have to do that…it's just done between the parents and baby. We both give her words, about what she means to us, what we wish for her…things like that."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"Oh…okay. You first?"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Clark nodded, and took a seat next to Chloe on her bed. He placed his hand over his daughter's hands./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;""span style="font-size: 12pt;"You will be different…Sometimes you will feel like an outcast. But you will never be alone. You will make my strength your own, and you will see my life through your eyes. As your life will be seen in mine. A son becomes a father…and father…becomes a daughter…"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"br /br /p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"**/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"span style="font-size: 12pt;"Chloe let the words fill her soul, as she remembered that beautiful day, the day Lara came into the world, she was the culmination of events that began with spiked kryptonite pom-pom juice and a mostly naked Chloe Sullivan in a football jersey waiting for her love in his loft…/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"br /br /p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;"br /br /p
p style="margin-bottom: .14in; line-height: 115%;" /p