Disclaimer: The story is based on DC comics' characters and the mythology created in Smallville (i.e. property of the CW network), and originally created by Jerry Siegel and Joel Schuster.
Season 2
Chapter 12
"At the time of second exodus, by order of Light his wings shall be given, by the phoenix's tears his chains shall fall, by his right, his peoples shall see truth." – Dragon Scrolls, verse eighteen, chapter twelve.
Rise of the Dragon – Part I
The world was stunned as unknown but fiery symbols popped up on most known monuments and places. The governments spun the story that it was hoax and most believed but there were those few that did not. The time had come – General Zod was making his move onto the humans' world. The Kandorians were gathering. Some have accepted his leadership by birthright and right of combat but others were still hiding.
A group of Kandorians had gathered just outside Lima. They did not want to follow Krypton's greatest hero. They believed the planet belongs to the humans and thus it must stay. But the general was relentless in finding them and bringing them together under his banner. He had sent his forth Lieutenant Rak'nor to rally them.
"General Zod has reacquired the powers we were missing when we came to this world. We were defenseless when the humans took the lives of our people, most notably Fiora bearer of the first born since our exile. They killed her and her baby. They took away our future. And it is time we RECLAIM IT!" – Rak'nor was passionate. His speech was powerful. "General Zod commands you to join him claiming this world as our own."
"This world belongs to the humans whether we like it or not." – Vash countered. "We are not about to start a war. No matter what we have lost we cannot condemn an entire race for that. The humans were afraid and they have every right to be."
"They will never accept us!" – Rak'nor said keeping eye contact with everyone. "Even Kal-El, son of Jor-El had chosen the humans over his own people. When Fiora was in danger, he chose to help the very human woman that wanted to harm her. Kal-El is now a traitor to his own people. The humans are going to persecute you and harm you! We are in our right to defend ourselves."
"You're stretching the line pretty thin, Rak'nor." – Vash remarked. "There is a difference between defending ourselves and conquering the humans. They will not go without a fight and just because a few elements of the humans are belligerent towards us, doesn't mean the whole planet is."
"You will choose the humans over your own people?"
"That's not a fair question. Of course, I will choose always Krypton but I'm not going to do it on the expense of an entire race. I'm sorry your business here is concluded. We have heard Zod's proposal and rejected it."
"You speak only for yourself, Vash. I have not heard the others speak yet." – Rak'nor countered.
"Commander Vash has made his point and we agree one hundred percent." – Ventor spoke on behalf of the others.
"General Zod commands you." – Rak'nor exclaimed. "It is your duty."
"General Zod may have given orders on Krypton, Rak'nor, but Krypton is gone. We do not recognize his authority anymore." – Ventor said firmly.
"And besides," – Vash interjected. "Major Zod has not earned the right to be called General. It is not he who decides he is a general it is the people since you're so keen on the law. And the people have said no. There will be no quarrel between the Kandorians and the humans of Earth. This is our final word. Leave now!"
"Then you are all TRAITORS. IF YOU ARE NOT WITH GENERAL ZOD THEN YOU ARE AGAINST HIM!" – Rak'nor spat furiously. He rose above the ground, his eyes flared up. "You will bow to the might of General Zod or perish in the ashes! This is your last chance!"
"Or what – you are going to kill us?" – Vash asked.
"There is no place for traitors on the new world!"
"You have our answer!" – Ventor said. "Good luck rebuilding it with twenty Kandorians."
"You have brought this on yourselves." – Rak'nor's fury had reached its peak. "Then death awaits you!" And his eyes turned red and fiery rays came from them.
But then an object intercepted the rays and they were deflected. Rak'nor sought the source of this interference and soon found it. His eyes grew in surprise and fury. On the hill to the right in verdant and blue with a shining crest of an all too familiar S and with outspread dragon wings, a control crystal in one hand and a Kryptonian sword in the other, a figure stood tall, fiery storm in his eyes and adamant look.
"How dare you?" – Rak'nor spat his anger out of control. He redirected his attack upon the intruder.
But the intruder blocked the rays again this time with his sword and Rak'nor stopped in the middle of his attack, sheer surprise present on his face. No sword could resist the fire. The figure swirled the control crystal and shockwave crossed the air. It was so powerful that it knocked Rak'nor and he fell upon the ground.
He stood up quickly but noticed his powers were no more. A bluish light stood in his feet. He recognized it at once – Blue Kryptonite. So it was now only skill against skill. He tried to run away but the other Kandorians did not let him.
"You will pay for this!" – Rak'nor spat. His anger was directed at the intruder.
"Mind your manners, Forth Lieutenant Rak'nor of the family Sat!" – The intruder's voice thundered in pure Kryptonian. "Born in the year of the second moon, father by Sat Nor and mother by Leela Ar, brother of Fra'nor and sister Lel'Ar! Began academy training by recommendation of Major Sal'Ir, survived the encounter with Black Zero forces at the battle of the line!"
Rak'nor stood speechless before this intruder with the inexplicable knowledge and skill.
"Who are you?" – Vash asked stepping forward.
"I AM COR OF THE HOUSE OF EL!" – The answer was. "By Van-El, out of Sarah Tassir, heir to the throne of the Yllyan Empire, you don't know me because at the time your blood was collected for this project I was not born yet."
"Another member of the house of traitors!" – Rak'nor blurred out. It was the wrong thing to say though.
Everyone's eyes went into the direction of Cor-El whose eyes have narrowed and his hand was stretched forward. Rak'nor started to turn purple and he was gasping for air and soon enough he was on his knees. Then he rose up though he was not the one doing it.
Vash quickly understood what was going on. Cor-El possessed the Yllyan telekinetic skill and was applying it mercilessly on Rak'nor. He actually thought he was going to kill him. Van-El would never kill unless truly forced with no other alternative and Cor-El did not disappoint. He released Rak'nor from the grip of death's cold hand. Rak'nor breathed really hard regaining the lost oxygen flow but starring with obvious fear at Van-El's heir. His arrogance had limits.
"Arise!" – Cor-El commanded with authority and Rak'nor obeyed. "You will return to Major Zod and you will tell him this: If he tries to conquer the Earth, Kal-El and his band of sidekicks will be the least of his problems."
"General Zod will not stop!" – Rak'nor said. "The humans can't stop us. No one can!"
"That's where you're half right." – Cor-El replied and then added with eyes lit up. "The humans can't but the DRAGON HERALD OF RAO WILL!"
Rak'nor was for sure going to counter whatever this traitor, Cor-El was about to say but now that he heard him he stepped backwards shocked and utterly terrified: The Dragon Herald of Rao! It still resonated in his mind. The prophecy of the Red Sun God and the dragon scrolls of Collaris, many Kryptonians feared the day they would come face to face with it.
Rak'nor swallowed hard. All colors from his face faded. He had no desire to return to General Zod and give him that message. He knew the general will kill him where he stood.
How on the heavens was this possible? The prophecy had grown to be nothing but legend. It was never supposed to be real. And yet it was something to scare the children at night. There was not a Kryptonian, boy or girl that did not know the story of the prophecy.
"I pledge my allegiance to you, Dragon Herald!" – Rak'nor said and bowed. Anyone else would question the prophecy but he remembered it well. And after the initial shock he remembered the signs. He recalled the appearance of Cor-El just a few moments ago – the verdant blue attire with the crest of the house of El and the outspread dragon wings. It was all the proof anyone would need. His moment of temporary anger had blinded him but not any longer.
The prophecy clearly stated that at the time of second exodus when the fate of a world is decided in a moment, and the rally of all comes forth, the Dragon Herald of Rao shall appear with a sword in one hand and a crystal in the other. And a message his name shall become (chapter twelve, verse nineteen), a message of warning, a warning never delivered.
"I pledge my allegiance to you, Dragon Herald!" – Vash said too and bowed.
"I pledge my allegiance to you, Dragon Herald!" – The others followed.
A smile appeared only for a moment on Cor-El's face. "Arise!" They all stood up gathered around him.
"Your allegiance is to Krypton, never forget this!" – Cor-El proclaimed aloud so everyone can hear him. "It is to justice and righteousness, never to a single individual! We are Kryptonians – the Guardians of Peace throughout the twenty eight known galaxies!"
"Yes, Dragon Herald," – They all replied. The prophecy was frighteningly accurate. 'The Dragon Herald has not come to rule'.
"Major Zod has chosen to take over this world instead of using the Book of Rao. He is used to rule and command. He is a soldier and he misses it. But I have faith that he will be stopped."
"Who will stop him?" – Rak'nor said.
"My cousin will!" – Cor-El replied. "He holds possession of the Book of Rao. He will make the right choice."
"General Zod believes Kal-El will use the book to destroy us!"
"And you are all wrong. The book of Rao will transport every Kandorian to a new world in a parallel dimension, parallel plane of existence. It is why it was made. And I'm sure Zod knows that but he will never make that choice. The lure of our powers and the lure to rule will silence all reason within him. He is not going to give it up."
"What can we do then?" – Vash asked.
"Nothing, your fate is in the hands of Kal-El!"
"What of yours, Dragon Herald?"
"My destiny lays elsewhere, Commander." – Cor-El replied. "But you can choose too. If you wished to stay on the Earth, you can."
"How?"
"The book of Rao will open the skies. It will become clear on its own. If you wish to stay you have to carry the Blue Kryptonite upon yourselves."
"But we have no powers. It will not work on any of us."
"And this is why Rak'nor is here." – Cor-El replied. "Isn't that right, Rak'nor?"
"Yes, Dragon Herald," – Rak'nor nodded. "I can restore their powers."
"Then anyone who chooses so makes the choice to remain on the Earth!" – Cor-El said. "Your powers shall be restored only if that is your choice."
"Would you? If you were in our place?" – Vash asked.
"I wish I could provide you with an answer, Commander Vash, but the choice is yours to make. I cannot make it for you and I will not. I cannot take away your freedom to choose your own life." – Cor-El replied. "Although…"
"Although…"
"I would think that rebuilding our race is more important. You're right Ventor. We cannot hope to rebuild our race with only twenty. Three hundred Kandorians came to Earth, a few are dead, twenty thirty something are with Zod and the rest is here. But it is still your choice to make! I have faith you will choose wisely."
"If we stayed we will have to lay low. Rak'nor is sadly right about the humans. Not all of them of course but some of them will hunt us."
"Unless we lose our powers for good," – Ventor added. "Is this even possible, Dragon Herald?"
"Yes, it is possible." – Cor-El admitted after being silent for a moment.
"Are the humans aware of this possibility?" – Ventor asked.
"No, I'm one of the few that knows."
"Who are the others?"
"Kal-El's earth mother, she is the only human that knows and me!"
"For now!" – Vash observed.
"Yes, for now," – Cor-El agreed.
"Dragon Herald, you are everything the prophecy says you would be."
"Take your time to think this over. Zod is making his move. It won't be long before the final encounter." – Cor-El said. "As for the prophecy Commander, I tried hard to resist it but so far I'm failing. And if I'm to truly embrace it dark times will come, darker than you can imagine, that I can imagine. Dragon Herald is something that sounds really cool but I haven't earned it yet. My time has not come, not yet. And to be honest, I'm not ready for it. I doubt I'll be ever ready and if I could avoid it I will. But I'm also not the one writing it. I imagine at some point I'll have to make choice and I hope when that time comes I will make the right one.
A person cannot be judged by a thousand years old prophecy. Many believe I'm the one and while some of the signs are in my direction I'm not ready to embrace it. I know the darkness this prophecy carries and it scares the devils out of me.
Well, I have used the name though. It comes in handy. But the Dragon Herald for now, I am not."
Vash and the others were pleasantly surprised for even this was in the prophecy. 'The Dragon Herald shall doubt destiny until the time he has matured for it'. They were surprised also of him. He has just proven himself worthy of the leadership they have already pledged.
"Rak'nor," – Vash called. "You will remain with us. Those who choose to stay will come to you to restore their powers."
"Before we go, I have to seek…"
"All is forgiven. We all make mistakes when we are scared." – Vash said. "We have all served with Major Zod. It had always been our duty but as Cor-El reminded us we serve Krypton not a single individual whoever that might be Major Zod or the Dragon Herald."
Rak'nor bowed his head. He was relieved though he did not show it. Major Zod will wait for the reinforcements but they will not come. He will wait in vain for his return too. But Rak'nor had made his choice. He will stay on the Earth with the Dragon Herald and all those who choose so.
Six days earlier…
Cor-El's strong belief in the prophecy was unsealed by the grace and will of the Lord of Life, all else did not matter. But some things still did. Cor-El had left the fortress of solitude very much hotheaded. Jor-El did not make any attempts to stop him. He was still in shock. Who wouldn't be?
Cor-El realized it had become a fact just a few miles away from the fortress when he managed to cool down. But there was still something holding him tethered to the ground (the dragon wings are just a part of his crest and mantle not real wings).
The full extent of his powers had not been realized he was still very much a powerful Yllyan but reclaimed his Kryptonian powers he has not. There was still something holding him back. He made his way back to the fortress.
Martha Kent was there no more. Jor-El did not show again. He was about to leave when he heard a noise. He ducked out of sight and could barely believe his eyes. It was Major Zod but the one just after the fall of Kandor.
Zod carried in his hands Fiora. Cor-El recognized her at once. And then other Kryptonians arrived. They gathered in a circle. He placed her onto the ground and started talking. Then out of the blue dressed in black his cousin appeared. They talked heatedly for a moment.
Zod then rose to the skies and vanished. Kal-El stood there alone for a time before leaving too in a blink of an eye. But what Cor-El had learnt was important. He knew of the old project Jor-El had worked on, or more to the point forced by the high council. The old unit of Zod had been resurrected but not all had joined him. There were still some out there with no powers apparently. They had to be found.
Cor-El wondered what to do. There was obviously something else he missed, something important. And he thought Martha Kent knew what. He returned through the portal to Smallville. He headed for the Kent farm. It was high time he learnt but the trick was also to stay out of sight of both Kal-El and Zod.
He arrived just in time to see Martha return home. She had a brief conversation with Clark and then gave him an object that Cor-El recognized at once. It was the book of Rao. So this is what it was all about. The need to find the other Kandorians became now a life and death matter. He had to reach them before Zod does.
And the only place that made any sense looking for them was Tess. He moved to Luthor manor. Tess was in the parlor before her computer. She was not alone in the house but Cor-El took care of that.
"Hello Tess," – He said and entered.
Tess lifted her head and her jaw fell to the ground. He was wonderful and beautiful.
"It is time for the truth – the entire truth."
"I've been waiting for a long time for that." – She replied standing up.
"You misunderstand." – He said softly. "I have the sneaky feeling you know everything about Major Zod and his forces, about all Kandorians that have come to Earth. I also have the sneaky you know where they landed – all of them, all three hundred of them and most of their current locations."
"That would have been gr…."
"No lies Tess. I can see it in your eyes. You know where they are. I have to reach them before Zod does or the world would see an army the likes of which they can hardly conceive."
Tess opened and closed her mouth but nodded. Of course she knew. Even Zod did not know where most of his people were. A part of them were hiding with Fiora but they were now with Zod.
"Yes, I do know where they are. Those that were with Fiora have undoubtedly joined with Zod."
"And the others?"
"The last time I checked they were somewhere around Peru. But Zod will seek them. The final game is at foot."
"Yes, it is."
"What are you going to do? You don't have your powers like Kal-El. How do you count to stop them?"
"My Tess, if I did not know better I would say you are concerned about me?" – Cor-El teased.
"This is serious, Cor-El!"
"I know."
"So? How are you going to do it? You are counting on your persuasion skills or your Yllyan skills. Neither will help you."
Cor-El smiled. "That's because you do not know my people, Tess. You think they are like yours. I assure you they are not. As for my powers, my Yllyan skills are more than sufficient."
"No, they are not. You may have managed to thwart Clark once or twice but on conventional fight they will kick your ass and you know it."
"So do you suggest Tess?"
Tess was genuinely concerned for him. The connection they shared was powerful and went beyond normal relationship. But he had told her not to tell him so now she wondered how to tell him without telling him.
"I thought as much. Good-bye, Tess."
"Wait!"
She walked to him and embraced him. Her hand slid around his wrist until by touch she found the bracelet.
"Be careful, Cor-El. Major Zod is out of control. If Clark fails I will have to…"
"Clark will not fail, Tess. He is still confused."
"He is not confused."
"No but he is still fighting who he is. I imagine he always had. If it comes down to sacrifice he would do what Jor-El did. He would forsake everyone for the sake of a world. No, Tess, Clark will do the right thing."
"I know but I want you safe too." – She pushed away from him. She hid the bracelet in her pocket. She moved to her desk and took out her gun. She sighed for a moment. He will hate her. But it was the only way. She only hoped the blue Kryptonite had not damaged his skills having it been so long on him. "I'm sorry, Cor!"
"About?" – Cor-El frowned and then in a blink of an eye he saw the gun. But he was not quick enough. The sound filled the room and Cor flew backwards and smashed into the wall behind him. Blood poured like a river from his chest.
"NO!" Tess ran to him tears freely falling on her cheeks. She pressed her hand onto the wound. She was wrong for the first time. She could feel his pulse fade away. "NO!" And then something in her pocket burned. She took it out. It was the bracelet. But when she held it so close to him, the glowing burning light faded away.
It made her wonder. Why? And then her other hand got burned too. That hand was on his side near his trouser's pocket. She placed her hand in it and sensed an object, a crystal by the touch of it. She took it out and gasped. It was the rarest crystal she had ever laid her eyes on. It was yellow. She knew at once it was Kryptonite. The crystal sparkled and then glowed in a light so powerful it reminded her of the sun.
She almost freaked out when Cor-El's hand touched her cheek. His eyes had opened and were opened for the first time. He was now seeing truth. He took the Yellow Kryptonite in hand and closed his fist around it. The rejuvenation power of the crystal filled his body and the wound on his chest closed and the bullet fell on the ground.
Tess gathered much in these few seconds. She tossed away the bracelet having finally understood.
Cor-El was back on his feet. He opened his palm and in it the yellow Kryptonite's light started to fade.
"I have carried it for almost two years." – Cor-El said with a soft voice. "It had brought me back from the dead. At the times I could never figure it out. I could never see that my family heirloom was the thing holding me back. I could never let go of the bracelet it is everything I am."
Tess did not say a word for no words were required. She only hugged him. She could safely say she had never felt such feelings for anyone ever. She had never loved more passionately anyone, not Clark, not Lex, not anyone. Her love was beyond the love of love. It was higher than that. It was way more powerful than that.
Cor-El pushed her slightly away. His eyes locked into hers. And then they shared a kiss, a kiss of pure bliss, a kiss that told many stories in a blink of an eye.
He pulled gently away. He placed the yellow Kryptonite in her hand.
"Keep this very, very safe. One day I shall come for it. Protect it beyond anything else."
"I will." – She promised whispering in response.
He could feel now the strength of his Kryptonian heritage pouring through him. His powers were back. He was unchained by the only woman so caring and loving. Of course there were easier ways than shooting him but he realized he was the one who told her not to tell him how. So Tess chose the only other viable way.
He looked into her eyes and said. "I don't hate you Tess so stop."
"I…I…."
"I know." – He caressed her gently. "I'm the stubborn mule not you. You did what was right, for a change."
"Hey!"
He smiled and his smile was so contagious so her face lit up. There is nothing more telling about love than a bullet in the chest by the woman who loves you. Cor-El had managed to see beyond that and see he was the one holding himself back. She had freed him from his own blindness.
"Cor!"
"Tess?"
"Be careful. Zod is vengeful these days."
"I don't fear Zod, Tess. I never have. But he won't see me."
"You are not going to face him?"
"No," – Cor shook head. "It is Kal-El's time not mine."
"But he will go to look for the others."
"No, he won't. He will send someone else to do so. Trust me I know Zod better than anyone. I know the way he thinks, the way he does things. He will send someone else but that someone will never come back to him. I will make sure of that but first…"
"First?"
Cor-El smiled. "First, I have to go and see my people."
"Um, did I miss something?" – Tess asked confused.
"Sorry," – Cor apologized with a smile. "I have to go to the Yllyans."
"The Yllyans?" – Tess repeated even more confused.
"Yes, Tess, the last sons and daughters of Aerie are here on Earth. They have formed a colony. I have to go see them."
"Really?" – Tess looked up. "How is it I have never heard of them?"
Cor-El chuckled. "The Yllyans are not that much of advertising experts as the Kryptonians. They know how to stay out of sight."
"Where is this colony?"
"Somewhere no one can find it unless you are Yllyan."
"Yes but where?" – Tess insisted.
"I can't tell you that. Sorry Tess I really am but this is an internal matter. It is no place for humans besides you have your hands full with the Kandorians and my cousin."
"Alright, keep your secrets, for now!"
"This is not goodbye, Tess. I will be back."
"You'd better." – She gave him one last kiss before he pulled away and walked out of the door.
Once outside the Luthor manor, Cor-El stopped. It has been such a long time since he had last used his abilities. He relaxed and focused onto his muscles and then with one swift move he hit the nearby street lamp, and nothing happened, actually it hurt a lot.
"Oh, merde of crap!" – He exclaimed remembering he put his bracelet back on. He took it off and put it aside and tried again. This time the street lamp was not so fortunate. It was torn from the ground and flew many meters across the field. "Alright, I'm back!"
Cor-El started running towards it and missed it by several miles. "Yep, I definitely need to work on this. Mhm!" He tried a more controlled run but again failed the desired location. The problem was his physical and telekinetic training. It stood in his way. He had to find a balance between them before demolishing something while trying to get in control.
But there was no time for this now. He headed to the airport where he took a flight to Vladivostok, Russia. The Yllyan settlement was in the lake Baikal. From Vladivostok, he took a private plane and parachute equipment. The only way into the settlement was undoubtedly through some underwater passage that emerged somewhere on land and since he did not want to spend time looking for it he was going to go for a more direct approach.
The jet he hired was not exactly speedy so the flight took the good part of eight hours. But he managed to get the much needed rest. His bracelet was back on his hand as it was more than just an heirloom it was truly who he was. And besides, he did not need a display of super powers. There were other ways.
The Baikal was frozen solid but it did not matter. The Yllyan settlement was beneath, deep beneath, untraceable by humans. It had certainly other defenses – camouflaged to be part of the deep streams invisible to the human eyes and behind the curtain it most certainly shined like a sun.
"Ve' have reached destination." – The pilot informed.
Cor woke up and put on the parachute. "Thank you! I'll take it from here." He gave him a rare gem then opened the door and jumped. At twelve hundred feet he opened his chute. He landed on the frozen surface and got rid of the parachute.
Cor took off his cloths and adorned the Dragon Herald's attire. He was ready now to face the Yllyans though he would get wet. He walked more to the center of the lake. The settlement was most likely to be more to the middle of the lake than its corners. The unusual structure of Yllyan settlements was in honor of the Azure God – circular but mostly sun like thus it required considerable free space.
Cor neared the center and stopped. While the settlement is unlikely to be discovered by the humans, the Yllyans were not overconfident. There was bound to be a sentry. Cor took out his control crystal and with a thud banged it against the hard surface. For a moment, the camouflage of the sentry was revealed. He faced the opposite direction and most certainly had not noticed the disruption of his protection.
Cor walked straight to that position. One swift swing with the handle of his sword he knocked the sentry out. He placed the camouflage back on him while checking the pockets of the sentry. Each sentry keeps the last record of the altering streams that displayed the opposite direction of the water streams. It is a measure to ensure anyone who comes in moves into the wrong direction.
Satisfied, Cor proceeded to the most likely entry point. The ice was very thick and enriched by the Yllyan defense grid making the cutting extremely difficult. But this was not a problem for Cor's sword. The Kryptonian steel could cut through almost any surface especially when imbued with the Azure crystal (known also as Blue Kryptonite) which is why he needed his bracelet.
The blade shone in pure azure light and pierced the ice. Cor drew a circle around him and as the final cut was made the ice bloc plunged into the deep cold waters under the weight of Cor. Cor sheathed the sword while rising back to the surface to take a deep breath then he dived back in.
The waters were indeed freezing cold but just a few strokes and he restored his bodily temperature. He followed the map he had taken from the sentry. Soon enough he located the streams. Usually spotting a stream is extremely difficult but for the trained eyes of Cor that was not much of a problem.
He swam in the opposite direction for more than half an hour. It was becoming more and more difficult to swim freely a perfect sign he was closer to the protective camouflage barrier. He unsheathed the sword, removed the Azure crystal and added the collarium gem crystal.
He held the sword with both hands keeping it right before him he focused his telekinetic powers on the blade that took on a very eerie green mist light. It was the added effect of the collarium. Theoretically a focused burst of a telekinetic scream could alter the shape of streams and redirect them at any chosen direction.
The power core of each settlement is made of collarium which is also responsible for the reversed streams and such a focused burst could alter momentarily the focused polarity of the core.
Achieving full concentration, Cor swung his sword with one swift spiral flawless move. The streams reversed in an instant. The camouflage around the settlement fell and the colony was revealed. It shone brightly as a sun and put the water on fire.
The strange occurrence put the entire colony in panic. This has never happened. People ran and screamed. The instantaneous destabilization of the settlement's core broke all protections and defenses. The water pressure squeezed the walls of the buildings like a tin can.
Cor swum fast through the line where the protective barrier used to be. He had very little time to restore the balance. Once on the inside he turned around and with another swift, flawless move restored the reversed streams.
This little exercise was extremely exhausting but he held his ground. The camouflage barrier stood restored and defenses were up and about again. Cor sheathed the sword and continued swimming in the direction to the mid low levels of the sun like structure.
He reached the protective membrane and passed through. He was instantly dried. Looking around, he sighed relieved. There was no one there. He did not expect anyone anyway. He made his way to the nearest elevator but had to duck out of sight as the colony's security appeared through it. They inspected the open plaza area around, checked the membrane and then satisfied they boarded the elevator and left. Cor had to find another way up.
Ventu Vincent stood before the Grand Council facing his failure to bring forth the one claiming to be the Voice of Collaris.
"I'm saying," – Ventu Vincent enunciated slowly barely holding his contempt. "I'm saying that holding the human girl and waiting for him was a waste of time. If he really is Yllyan he would understand the message."
"You are making too many assumptions, Ventu Vincent." – The master elder countered. "Quoting the Mantra of Collaris before a stranger is no guarantee he would understand any of it and most important even he did how he would know where to come. You forgot to tell."
"Ah…" – Ventu Vincent's voice trailed off. He did indeed forget to mention a location.
"Ventu Vincent has got a point, Master Elder." – The master councilor interjected.
"How so?"
"Ventu Vincent has given our location. Of course he has done so unknowingly. This passage could refer to a location true found on Aerie but if he is truly Yllyan he could easily suppose the positioning."
"I notice, Master Councilor, the continuous usage of IF. I do not say it is not possible but the likelihood is minimal."
"Not necessarily," – The master councilor said. "At the height of the eighth, in the valley of moving winds, we shall await." He smiled. "Unknowingly he has given our location. I'm sure Ventu Vincent had something else in mind but a true Yllyan will need only reasoning and he would able to determine our location fairly easily. For any human this will not be possible."
"Of course," – The master elder exclaimed finally understanding the subtext. "Very well, Master Councilor, we shall await for him."
"Ventu Vincent, your actions serving irony have led to the possibility he would find us so there shall be no judgment but you will prepare nonetheless. He will come one way or another. Post guards at the sublevels of the land aperture and double the guards at the palace."
"Yes, my masters," – Ventu Vincent exclaimed and bowed. He was an inch away from suspension. His attitude needed adjustment. The grand council was the ruling body of the Yllyan settlement and every time he dared challenge them he undermined their authority and he needed to watch the choice of his words otherwise it would be unfortunate.
Ventu Vincent left the chambers of the grand council and headed straight to the training complex. There he selected eight of the best trainees to serve as guardians to the sublevels of the land apertures. He recalled the previous guardians and placed them around the palace and the standard guards used for increased patrol.
He was not sure how this got out of hand. He captured the girl and gave her the message. But indeed he meant something else entirely. He waited for the alleged voice in a valley near Metropolis and he did not come but the master councilor seemed to think he might have given away their colony unknowingly. He stopped to think for a moment how he figured this out.
In this moment, a shockwave crossed the entire colony. The camouflage fell and all the defenses of the colony followed. Panic spread like fire.
"What the hell is going on?" – The master elder exclaimed.
"The collarium core destabilized. The defenses are down."
"WHAT? That's not possible." – The master elder said terrified.
The water started applying terrifying pressure on the colony's outer walls. They will not fall this easily but water was already finding its way into the colony.
And then out of the blue, the collarium core stabilized. But in that brief moment it brought terror to all its inhabitants. The likelihood of this event was close to impossible. There was no reason for the core to destabilize and yet it did.
"What the hell happened?" – The master elder demanded an answer of the core's guardians when he reached the core's palace.
"We don't know." – The elder guardian replied. "The core showed disruption and the streams reshaped, then returned to the normal."
"The normal?"
"The levels before we settled here. As you know, Master Elder, it took us sometime to accommodate them to Yllyan standards. But in this brief moment they were back to their original way. It is like someone reset our entire work – in an instant and then it stabilized on its own. We have no explanation for this disruption. It should never have happened."
"I see." – The master elder said but he was pensive. What could possibly cause the core to destabilize? There had to be a reason. "Find out all possibilities however remote or impossible pertaining to the possibility of the core's destabilization, and report to me!"
"Yes, Master Elder," – The elder guardian said and bowed.
The master elder returned to the chambers of the grand council. Everyone seemed to have calmed down. But indeed the brief failure of the colony's defenses has shaken everyone profoundly. He could see it in their eyes.
The master elder winked at the master councilor to follow him. They had to take a peek into the Dragon Scrolls. It was possible somewhere in the past this has happened before. And if so, it could indicate a possible reason. Of course the Dragon Scrolls were not a technical manual but it served to record their history.
Cor-El found himself into the atrium of the main building of the Yllyan settlement having used the elevator's shafts. The atrium was a magnificent fusion between light metal alloys and dark wood. The arch columns were engraved with the crests of each ruling family. The last to rule were the Tassir. Their crest was that of an ocean blue dragon with outspread verdant wings all around surrounded by the eerie aura of Collaris.
Cor stopped before the crest and touched the dragon's heart with his right hand while his left remained on his chest. It was the ritual of greeting. He has returned home. And it was time he made it known. He unsheathed his sword and removed the verdant collarium crystal. The latter he placed in the dragon's heart.
The result was immediate. The dragon figure in the crest came to life spreading its light throughout the entire colony. He sheathed the sword and stood waiting. Tiny furrows appeared on the floor beneath him. Through the gaps the arms of a throne started rising and then the whole thing came up. Cor continued to stand before the throne waiting for the masses to gather.
And the people started arriving one by one. The last to come were the grand council with expressions of sheer and utter surprise. Among them was Ventu Vincent, the last of the Ventu Collaris, royal guards and most trusted servants of the royal family. He recognized Cor at once and disbelief was present in his eyes. He could hardly believe that the man he met was the last heir of the Yllyan Empire and yet there he stood with the collarium behind him shining like a star. The crest only activates at the presence of the royal bloodline as each collarium crystal contained the code of life of its bearer.
Cor waited for the grand council to make the first move. It was their place to speak first. They were the voice and will of the people. However, they did not come, they were still in shock that much was certain but neither was Cor going to break the code, the main governing rules of the Yllyan society.
The Master Elder stirred first. He made his way to the throne podium. Reaching it he approached cautiously Cor-El and took a good look at him. The crest on Cor's chest was what intrigued him most. It was a fusion between the Tassir dragon and the crest of the house of El of Krypton. And he knew of only one person that bore that crest.
He then retreated and bowed down. He rose by the single nod of Cor, spread his hands in greeting and then turned to the gathered crowd with the words:
"Lord Corin Tassir, son of Sarah Tassir, daughter of Yanto Tassir, Emperor of the Yllyan Empire,"
The master councillor reached the podium and took a look at Cor too. He recognized immediately his features. He resembled much his mother. It was really him. He turned to the crowd with outspread hands, and said:
"Lord Corin Tassir, son of Sarah Tassir, daughter of Yanto Tassir, Emperor of the Yllyan Empire,"
The other members of the grand council followed, taking a look at Cor and acknowledge it before the crowd.
It was now time for Cor to reciprocate but he was waiting for the only Ventu Collaris in the colony. Ventu Vincent sensed the crowd's eyes on him. They waited for the royal guard to go greet his ruler. But Ventu Vincent remained where he was. He could not bring himself to obey this silent calling.
He had believed the royal bloodline ended with emperor Tassir and though two of his daughters were here on Earth with their daughters he had always considered the bloodline had ended with Yanto Tassir.
He could not accept this hybrid, most of all, he was half Kryptonian. It was the one race he could not stand. The arrogant Kryptonians had crippled the twenty eight known galaxies with their twisted sense of what is right and what is wrong, and he, Ventu Vincent, resented them for that. He even considered the downfall of the Yllyan Empire to be their fault too.
But as it seemed Cor was not going to give him any room either. He unsheathed his sword and the crowd separated, making a clear path to where Ventu Vincent stood still. Cor then threw his sword. It flew up and then fell in Ventu Vincent's feet.
It was the only thing Cor could do for this direct disobedience – a challenge to the death. It was how such situations were dealt with in the past. Should a royal guard refuse to give respect to his ruler in such public way, the ruler has to challenge him in the art of combat. If the royal guard still refuses then he belonged to the people. They will decide his fate, whatever that might be but then the guard will be given no choice.
If the royal guard succeeds in defeating his ruler he is bound to take his place for the remainder of the ruler's mandate, whether he is ready to rule or not, whether he knows how or not. The victor is also bound to accept the loser's family as his own and protect them above even his own.
Ventu Vincent was already choking in anger that he might have to serve a hybrid but when the sword landed in his feet, which at first startled him. He had not expected the hybrid to know the law so well. But then he picked it up almost immediately without hesitation or second thought.
He did not however follow the protocol, which stated he had to make a cut on his hand and return the sword or challenge weapon back to its owner. The blood on the blade is a gesture of recognition, respect and acceptance.
The blade at present carried only Cor's blood. But Ventu Vincent threw the sword back and it landed to the left side of Cor. The sword was picked up by the master elder and raised above his head.
"The challenge of respect has not been honoured." – The master elder then turned to Ventu Vincent. "Ventu Vincent, your fate shall be decided by the people."
"NO!" – Cor spoke for the first time. He retook possession of the sword and walked to Ventu Vincent's position. He placed the blade in his left palm and made a cut. His blood dripped on the floor. Cor then placed the blade in both his bleeding palms and presented it to Ventu Vincent.
Ventu Vincent now had no choice. If he still did not take the sword, he would be killed by the people where he stood. The Yllyan traditions were quite strict on the matters of honour and respect.
Ventu Vincent bit his lip. His anger had betrayed him. He knew what follows next should he choose to disrespect the traditions and Cor again. Young Cor knew Yllyan traditions well. He gave him the last chance to save face.
He sighed deeply and his teeth grinding he accepted the sword. His look however contained much disdain. It cost him quite the effort to do something so simple and yet so difficult. But he wanted to be the one ending this hybrid so he had to swallow his pride and respect the traditions, one last time. He knew when he would be done with Cor those traditions would undergo radical change.
"The challenge has been..." – The master elder tried to continue but Cor interrupted again.
"DAWN, at the bridge of Solace, by the will of Collaris," Cor turned around and walked away not looking back even once.
The crowd too not throwing even one look at Ventu Vincent dispersed. The master arbiter took off the sword of Ventu Vincent's hands and also walked away without another look.
Ventu Vincent remained alone. No one dared look at him as per the final edicts of the Yllyan code. A challenger, he was, but he had disrespected years of tradition. A challenger who makes the challenge but do not follow its rules is considered unworthy of a look, whether he wins the challenge or not is irrelevant. No one will ever looking him up in the eyes again.
And despite all that, Ventu Vincent promised himself he would tear apart this arrogant Kryptonian, and then he would make new rules. And his first business would be to remove the grand council and replaced it with his own. And just after that he would deal with all the other traitors, and then finally he would seek to conquer this primitive world or destroy it. It was the same thing for him. The Yllyans did not need to live on the surface they were water dwellers after all.
To be continued...
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Lordheaven