Chapter 26 (Arcadia)

"My destiny?" Kal-El inquired.

"Your destiny is to not allow the tragedy of the past to repeat itself. Darkseid cannot be sealed away this time. He must be killed or the future of this planet will be consumed in a permanent Hell. Death and enslavement of the good people of this planet will be its fate should you fail. Use your strength, the powers of your Kryptonian heritage, to rid this planet of Darkseid for good."

"The Cup of Ages," Kal-El requested. "I heard it was needed on my quest. Where can I find it?"

"I will present it to you at the right time," Im-Fanci assured Kal-El. "Darkseid's forces are gathering. He expects you to fight King Alexander when he and his forces descend on Gothamworth. You cannot let that happen. You must continue to Bludhaven and wait for Darkseid. Let him come to you."

"I will," Kal-El promised. "But you? Tell me. How did someone of your power come to be in the dagger?"

"Darkseid destroyed my body but my spirit could not be so easily defeated. To remain in the living plane, I placed my spirit in the dagger you hold. Your father used it in his battle with Darkseid. You will use it to defeat Darkseid once and for all."

Kal-El didn't want to insult the mage but the weapon in his hand was only a dagger. How can a dagger kill Darkseid? "My father fought Darkseid with a dagger?"

Im-Fanci chuckled, her laugh as clear and melodious as Diana's. "Ah, you misunderstand, my Prince. This isn't an ordinary dagger. It is another ruse created by your father." The dagger glowed in Kal-El's hand and grew into a full length sword.

"Great Rao!"

"This sword only responds to you, Kal-El, as you are part of royal family of the Kingdom of Krypton. The blade has been made with Kryptonite, a rare element in our kingdom that no longer exists. It will help you in your fight with Darkseid, but take heed: should you be stabbed by the sword, the magical properties of the Kryptonian metal can be fatal to you."

Kal-El nodded, remembering Zatanna's warning. "So, it's a double edged sword--made to work for or against me."

"Yes."

Just like the others, Walter and John could only see a bright light surrounding Kal-El and the voices of Kal-El and Im-Fanci as they speak. Walter whispered to John, "I know she is a spirit and all but Im-Fanci sounds hot."

John shook his head and sighed. Did Walter take anything seriously?

"Two days," Im-Fanci warned Kal-El. "Two days from now the fate of this planet will be decided once more. Do not fail, Kal-El."

"I won't," Kal-El vowed.

The light surrounding Kal-El faded as Im-Fanci's spirit returned to Kal-El's sword once more. Kal-El faced the group. "We have two days to prepare for battle in Gothamworth and Bludhaven."

"Our forces will be divided," John argued. "It's best we fight together."

Kal-El shook his head. "According to Im-Fanci, Emperor Darkseid is expecting me to stay in Gothamworth to challenge and fight King Alexander. It'll be a trap for me if I do."

"I see," Bruce understood. "He expects you to disregard the fate of the planet and engage in a petty fight to restore your and Queen Lois' honor. In doing so, you fall into his hands."

Lois flinched insulted. `Petty fight?' After what her husband did to her: raped her physically and mentally; killed her father and her cousin. And her husband forced her to stab Kal-El. If Kal-El truly cared for her at all, he would fight for her honor!

Kal-El nodded. "There are more important things to fight for. Emperor Darkseid must not get the upper hand." Kal-El looked at Lois as if sensing her disappointment. "You know I would do anything to restore your honor, but I cannot. The fate of the world is at hand."

Lois smiled stiffly at Kal-El. "Of course," she lied. Another mark against her. She just couldn't win.

Kal-El looked to the others. "There will be two battles. Gothamworth and Bludhaven. I rather not divide and conquer but it seems we must in order to win."

"Agreed," Diana said. "Some of us will stay and defend Gothamworth while the rest go to Bludhaven."

As Kal-El looked to his comrades, he felt the weight of his destiny sinking in. The role as leader for truth and justice never felt more real than at this moment. These people who were fighting for the freedom of First Earth looked to him as their leader and he vowed to not let them down. They will win! "Bruce, I trust you to lead Gothamworth to victory with King Gordon, Prince Richard, the Knights of Gothamworth, Princess Kory and James. I will lead the battle at Bludhaven with Diana, John, Walter, Zatanna, Shayera, the Knights of Kandor, and, hopefully, Queen Hippolyta and Queen Hortense's armies if they join us in time to battle Emperor Darkseid."

A wry smiled crossed Bruce's face as he accepted the order. "Turning into a natural born leader, are you?"

Kal-El smiled. "I guess I am."

James wasn't in agreement with Kal-El's decision. "I should fight with you, Kal-El."

"There should be sorcerers in Gothamworth and Bludhaven." Kal-El told James. "Bludhaven's battle where Emperor Darkseid will be is no place for an apprentice as yourself, James. There's no doubt you've gotten better at your study of magic but I'm afraid it won't be enough when dealing with Emperor Darkseid and his dark forces. It should help with Bruce's battle in Gothamworth, though that won't be easy either."

James started to argue but admitted defeat. James knew Kal-El would be looking out for his own good. Both battles are sure to be brutal but James had a better chance of survival at the battle in Gothamworth. "Very well. If you think it's best."

"I'm fighting, too!"

The voice sparked surprised from everyone, especially Kal-El. "Lois, you are merely a Lady. You don't have the fighting skills or strength for battle."

"My father was once Captain of the Royal Guard of Metria. You don't think I've learned a trick or two from him?" Lois challenged.

"Lois, some of the people we're going to battle aren't human," Kal-El tried to explain. "We're going to be fighting Darkseid's forces. They are not only strong but are keepers of the darkest magic ever unleashed upon First Earth."

"He's right," Walter said. "It'll be too much for you. You're not a warrior princess like Diana."

Not a warrior princess like Diana. The words stung her. "Because of them I lost so much and I'll be damned if I sit on the sidelines and do nothing! I am going with you!"

"Lady Lois," Diana spoke gently. "I know there is a desire in you for vengeance for what was done to you, but please let us handle it. We will avenge all those who have been wronged, but you must understand this isn't about you. This is about the fate of the future of this planet."

"I will not be denied what is my right!" Lois argued. How dare this tall, Amazonian aspirant Elf tell her what she can't do!

"She's going to be a problem," John murmured to which Walter nodded in agreement.

"Lois," Kal-El pleaded with her. "Don't do this. It will be suicide."

"I've nothing else to live for," Lois murmured.

Kal-El opened his mouth but no words came out. Finally, "What?"

Lois shook her head. "Nothing. Forget it." She spat bitterly. "Do what you think is right. I'll stay in Gothamworth."

Kal-El looked on Lois with concern but he knew he couldn't dwell on her. He had more pressing matters to deal with--Bludhaven and the battle with Darkseid.

"What?" Darkseid's eyes burned at the news. "Kal-El is moving onto Bludhaven?"

Desaad cowered in fear. He knew he was as good as dead confessing this to his Master but Darkseid had to know. He couldn't let his Master go to Gothamworth only to be embarrassed that Kal-El wasn't there as Darkseid expected him to be.

After his orders for Luthor to move on to Gothamworth, Darkseid returned to Apokolips to rest in the comforts of his fortress as his soldiers prepare for battle. Darkseid had plans to move on to Gothamworth tomorrow in time to watch the battle where Kal-El would face off with Luthor but this news from Desaad threw a wrench in his plans.

"It seems Kal-El knew you wanted him to fight Luthor and instead is challenging you at Bludhaven. With his forces divided at Gothamworth and Bludhaven, he expects you to do the same."

"How?!" Darkseid's eyes blazed a fiery red. The roar of his voiced echoed down the halls of his castle. "How did he know?"

"It seems the Kryptonian Mage Im-Fanci has told him," Desaad meekly answered.

"That insufferable wench who caused me trouble centuries ago and aided in Jor-El's battle with me?" Darkseid pushed down a pillar in anger. It shattered to pieces. "She still exists?! Kal-El has found her?" He stared down at Desaad. "I warned you what will happen if Kal-El found that dagger, Desaad."

Desaad put his hands up in plea, "Please, my Lord. I beg you! Spare me!"

"You have failed me for the last time!" Red beams from Darkseid's fiery eyes struck Desaad, turning his body into dust in seconds.

Darkseid turned to Steppenwolf who witnessed the exchange. "Steppenwolf."

Though shaken on what took place, Steppenwolf bravely stepped forward. "Yes, sire?"

"We have to realign our forces," Darkseid turned to his table where a map Gothamworth and Bludhaven laid. "Get on your fastest steed and catch up with Lashina. Tell her she, Mad Harriet and Stompa will join me in Bludhaven with half our forces a day from now. Bernadeth will continue to Gothamworth as well as our Thanagarian and War Lord forces."

"What about Luthor?" Steppenwolf asked cautiously. "Can you trust Luthor to continue on to Gothamworth without Lashina to watch him?"

Darkseid grinned maliciously at Steppenwolf. "No. That's why you will take Lashina's place and make sure he continues. If he does not, you will suffer the same fate as Desaad."

Steppenwolf bowed before Darkseid. "I will not fail you, my Lord."

Bludhaven was calm this night before the fate of the world was decided. Too calm, Diana thought. She looked to the ocean, watching the soft waves wash along rocky shores. If all goes well, Doma's soldiers will arrive by sea tomorrow. Diana looked to the west to the valley. Her mother and the Elves should be arriving from there.

Diana walked around the campgrounds. John and Walter were resting in their tents as were the Knights of Kandor. In all, their combined forces were fifteen thousand. Darkseid's forces were rumored to be forty thousand and adding to the fools who allied with him, his numbers could be fifty thousand. "That would be twenty-five thousand for Gothamworth and Bludhaven should Darkseid divides his forces."

Diana found herself standing in front of Kal-El's tent. She could see his silhouette through the candlelight in his tent. Diana parted the thick fabric and stepped inside. Kal-El was sitting up, looking pensive. His newly acquired sword was in a sheath on his lap. He turned to Diana and smiled. "You should be sleeping."

"As you should be." Diana sat across from him. "Nervous?"

"A little. You?"

Diana smiled. "A little, and yet I'm excited. We've been traveling for so long. It feels as if it's been forever since I've been in battle. I'm thirsting for it."

Kal-El mirrored her smile. "Strange. I feel the same way. It seems it took forever for us to get here."

"And be alone," Diana commented with a sly smile. "You promised me some private time."

"Let me rectify that." Kal-El pushed his sword aside, put a hand behind Diana's neck and pulled her to him. Diana sighed in his kiss, her eyes closing in pleasure. Kal-El laced his fingers in her sable hair, opening her mouth under his insistence. Diana caressed against him; unskilled but it was enough to arouse him. Were it not for the sliver of resistance in him, he would lay her on the soft furs with his big body covering hers and make love to her right here but instead he abruptly pulled away.

Diana frowned, her disappointment evident as she caressed his face. "Why? We are alone."

"Not entirely," Kal-El fought the sensation Diana's touch brought him. "There are approximately five thousand men here and we're in a tent. When we have each other, I promise decent surroundings. We also have a big battle for tomorrow." He chuckled. "I might not have enough energy to fight if I make love to you."

Diana didn't understand what he meant by that but made a mental note to ask about it later. "You're right. I was getting carried away. If we should die--"

"We won't die," Kal-El vowed. "If I die, then the world will be in Darkseid's hands. Leaving you, leaving this world in Darkseid's hands is a fate worse than death. I won't let it happen." Kal-El softened as he pushed Diana's hair from her face. "There's also Penelope's prophecy. We have a family to create."

"You say things like that and you expect me to keep my hands off you?" The smile fell from her face as she thought over the battle tomorrow. "You know we will be outnumbered."

"Yes," Kal-El agreed. "There are five thousand men now. With your mother and Doma forces arriving tomorrow that's another ten thousand to Darkseid's twenty-five thousand."

"Bruce has eleven thousand with Gothamworth and York's combined forces. He has fewer men than we."

Kal-El noticed the concern in Diana's voice as she mentioned their friend. "Bruce will fight valiantly to the end if that is his fate, but I don't think tomorrow he will meet his end. Get some sleep, Diana. We have a long day tomorrow."

Diana gave Kal-El a tantalizing kiss good night that will keep Kal-El awake longer than he wanted. "Good night, Beloved." Diana stepped out of the tent and entered hers which was next to his. Before she went to sleep, Diana made a prayer to her Gods that the world does not meet its end tomorrow.

It was a day for battle.

The skies were cloudy but not dark enough for rain which was good. They didn't need that slowing them down. Bruce stared down the deep valley of Gothamworth on his horse, Ace. This was the only way into the kingdom by land from the north. Kal-El and his army were in Bludhaven bordering Gothamworth's entrance by the sea and the land by the south. Here, over this gorge, they had the advantage.

On each side of the high cliffs, they will see Darkseid's army coming. Using Kory's suggestion, commoners who volunteered to fight were to push boulders down on Darkseid's army killing some in the process. From his vantage point, Luthor wouldn't see the boulders falling until it was too late. Archers were the next line of defense. They were to shoot down all they can with their arrows. It will help but it wouldn't be enough Bruce thought grimly.

Richard rode his horse to Bruce. "They're coming! One of our scouts spotted them half a mile from here!"

Bruce raised his hand, signaling the commoners and archers to be ready. "It shouldn't be long now."

Both men were silent as they knew the battle was finally here and what it meant. Both knew the reality of the situation and the chances of survival were slim. "Kory has learned she has some abilities from experiments done on her. It may help her in this fight."

Bruce nodded absently, not really paying attention. Like Richard, Bruce knew it wasn't going to be enough. Bruce looked to Richard. "It's going to be a bloody battle. We may not make it."

Richard was resigned to his fate as was Bruce. "We might not but I'll do everything in my power to stop them." Jokingly adding, "I'll take as many with me." Richard met Bruce's eyes once more. "Bruce, I'm glad we were able to patch things up."

"So am I," Bruce smiled and grasped Richard's arm in a firm shake. Both men looked at each other in mutual admiration. They knew it was the last time they were going to see each other.

"Farewell, my friend," Richard rode off to take his position.

Bruce turned his attention back to the gorge. He could see Luthor and his army along with other War Lords coming in on land. From the air, he could see the parademons and Thanagarians flying in. They were so many coming in Bruce lost count, but he knew it was more than twice his eleven thousand soldiers.

Bruce saw the archers and commoners waiting. Bruce raised his hand giving the signal to standby. When they were close enough, Bruce dropped his hand signaling them to strike.

King Alexander Luthor of Metria led his soldiers from behind to Gothamworth. He didn't like traveling through the gorge. It was too enclosed; not much defense for them. King Gordon's men could strike in those high cliffs of the valley. It was why he had his Captain of the Guard lead the men.

Steppenwolf rode up beside him. "Coward. A king leads his men not ride behind him."

"I am doing what Darkseid wants," Alexander spat. "A person is not a coward if he is saving himself."

"At the expense of his men, he is," Steppenwolf sneered. "Even if he is king."

Before Alexander could respond, he heard the cries of his men. Steppenwolf and Alexander saw boulders falling from the top of the valley crushing several men including Luthor's Captain of the Guards. At the same time boulders were falling, the sky was set aflame with arrows with fire tips shooting in the air, striking the parademons and Thanagarians in their hearts.

Steppenwolf smiled in spite of the loss of men. "They attempt to take us out by the land and air at the same time. Clever first line of defense. Too bad it won't be enough. Komand'r!"

Komand'r rode up to the men on her horse. "It won't be so clever when I get through with them." Komand'r slapped her horse with her crop, charging forward. She saw many of King Alexander's men falling back from the falling boulders while others lay dead. Her hands glowed as bright as the sun before that energy emitted on the falling boulders, turning the heavy rocks into tiny pebbles that rained lightly on the army. As she rode her horse up the gorge, she fired her destructive energy blast on the commoners, burning their bodies in seconds. "Onward! We ride!"

Following Komand'r up the gorge were the rest of Luthor's men, the Warlord's men, parademons and Thanagarians. Some were shot down with archers, but many of the archers were killed in the process as they defended their homeland. Parademons ruthlessly attacked the archers, mauling them like wild animals while the Thanagarians used weapons like spike maces and war hammers to bash in the heads of their enemies.

Komand'r laughed maliciously as she killed one man after another. Her weapons were drench in the blood of several men. Feeling a presence, she turned to see Kory riding towards her. The sisters faced each other, both scowling, both thirsting for revenge for different reasons.

"Well, well, well," Komand'r taunted. "Look who has risen from the ashes. I should've killed you when I had the chance. Not to worry. I'll rectify that right now."

"Do your worse," Kory challenged. "It will be nothing on what I will do to you."

Komand'r laughed. "You don't have an understanding on what was done to you whereas I do."

"I know enough to defeat you," Kory bravely stated. Her hands glowing just as Komand'r did earlier.

Komand'r looked on unimpressed. Her hands pulsed with waves of dark energy. "We shall see who is the strongest."

Bernadeth, the grotesque looking Fury woman with a receding hairline twisted her knife in a Gothamworth solider. Another soldier down and so many more to go. Bernadeth had a sick pleasure in killing, especially with her fahren-knife which burned her victims from the inside. She wanted to kill all who defied Darkseid's position. Her master's loss to the Kryptonian Kingdom was an embarrassment she vowed to not happen again.

Bernadeth looked around for her next victim. She saw it in the Tamaran princess. She ran across the fields with grace and stealth, stabbing one soldier after the other with her fahren-knife; watching in joy their insides burned and their bodies convulsed as they fall to the ground. The Tamaran princess was unaware of such events as she was battling her sister.

Slowly, slowly, Bernadeth made her way to her victim. Kory delivered the final blow to her sister, killing her and avenging what her sister did to her and their people. Kory only had a moment of triumph before she felt a piercing pain from behind. She cried out as she felt that pain twist inside her and a burning sensation spread through her body.

"Die! In the name of Darkseid!" Bernadeth's cruel voice whispered behind Kory. She laughed as Kory struggled to break free but the Fury's hold was too strong for the weakening Tamaran princess' body. The princess' body continued to burn from the inside.

When Kory's lifeless body fell to the ground, Bernadeth pulled out her knife.
Licking her lips, she searched for her next victim.

Bruce was ruthless. He would not hold back as this battle decided the future of First Earth. It was kill or be killed. He sliced off limbs and heads of parademons, even stabbing some in the chest for the quick kill. He swung his sword with amazing dexterity with one hand to kill an enemy while using the other to fire off arrows with a crossbow he attached to his arm. Bruce also had an array of gadgets on him and his horse.

Steppenwolf stood back as the parademons did their work. He focused on Bruce, the Dark Knight as he killed men foolish enough to fight him. In Bruce, Steppenwolf saw a challenge.

When Bruce defeated all the enemies surrounding him, he saw Steppenwolf. Bruce noticed Steppenwolf in battle, killing Gothamworth men while keeping his eyes trained on him as if sending Bruce a mental message he wanted to battle him.

Bruce rode his horse towards Steppenwolf on his stead, accepting the challenge. No words were spoken as their swords clashed. The strength of both forces colliding sent both men falling to the ground. They jumped to their feet fast.

"No one has ever knocked me off my horse," Steppenwolf said in disbelief. "You shall pay for disgracing me."

"There's a lot more of that coming your way," Bruce promised him. Swords clashed once more. When it looked as if Steppenwolf may overpower him, Bruce head butted Steppenwolf and kicked him.

Swords fell and the men engaged in a series of fistfights. Bruce was good with a sword but he was excellent in hand to hand combat. Bruce knew he couldn't have a lengthy fight with Steppenwolf. There were too many enemies who needed to be killed and he needed to maintain his energy.

Steppenwolf got the upper hand and knocked Bruce on his back. Steppenwolf reached for his sword and swung down on Bruce, who rolled out of the way in time and fired two arrows from his crossbow, striking Steppenwolf`s neck. Bruce used his speed to kick Steppenwolf's sword out of his hands. Grabbing his own, Bruce stabbed his sword in Steppenwolf's chest. The warrior for Darkseid fell.

Bruce sheathed his sword and mounted his horse. Ahead, he saw Richard surrounded by soldiers for the War Lords. He was holding himself well but Bruce knew he needed his help. Something caught Bruce's eyes before he could aid Richard. He saw James sprinting his horse across the battlefield. Lois was with him and they were being chased by one of Darkseid's Furies. Making a split second decision, Bruce tore through the fields, knocking aside anyone who got in his way.

Fighting wasn't King Alexander Luthor's forte. His skills were lying, manipulation and the dark magic he possessed. He watched the battle from a safe distance. Luckily, his side was winning so he didn't have to engage himself in battle.

"Luthor!"

Alexander snarled at the sound of the familiar voice. He knew that voice. Lois. She was riding on a horse at great speed. How had she managed to avoid the attack of the parademons and Thanagarians? Did they see her as no threat? Well, she wasn't but he wondered how she got through the forces.

Husband and wife faced each other. "Lois. So my backstabbing wife returns."

"I didn't return to you," Lois snarled. "I'm here to make you pay for what you did to me. You murdered my family; humiliated me; forced yourself on me."

"It's only what you deserve," Luthor told her. "You humiliated me by running off with Kal-El's band. You abandoned your husband, your king for a disgraced knight."

Lois lost it as she thought of Kal-El and the future she lost with him. "It's your fault I lost Kal-El!" Lois screamed. "If you hadn't caused his banishment, he and I would be together and he wouldn't be with that Elf." Tears flowed freely as she confessed. "I deserve him. Not her." Lois unsheathed a sword. "I shall kill you for what you did."

Luthor couldn't help but laugh. "You? You're going to kill me. I hope you put up a much better fight than you did in our bedroom."

Lois let out an angry cry as she swung the sword at him. Luthor put up a shield blocking her. Lois swung her sword again but Luthor caught her wrist. He squeezed her wrist hard, forcing her to drop the sword. "See? You're a weak woman. I didn't have to use my magic on you. I--" Luthor croaked as blood rolled from his mouth. He pulled back from Lois and looked down, seeing a dagger wedged in his stomach.

Lois was smiling at him, enjoying the shock on his face. "Rot in Hell you bastard." Lois pulled out her dagger and pushed Luthor off his horse. The King of Metria laid on the ground dead.

"Lois!" Lois turned to see James riding to her. "What are you doing out here? You're supposed to be in the castle!"

"I had to get revenge since no one else would."

Lois and James looked down at Alexander Luthor's lifeless body. James couldn't believe she actually killed him. He couldn't blame her. Luthor deserved it for what he did to her. James knew the battlefield wasn't a safe place for Lois. He was barely holding his own.

"Let's go." James pulled Lois on his horse. "I have to get you off this field. Kal-El wouldn't forgive me if something happened to you."

"He wouldn't care," Lois murmured but James didn't hear her. Lois tightened her hold on James as he rode through the fields on his horse, trying to avoid battles with any enemy.

There were a few close calls but with James' magic, they were able to avoid confrontation. Still, James knew it wouldn't last forever. "We're gonna get in a fight before we reach the castle."

"We can stay here and fight," Lois argued. "I'm not afraid."

James shook his head at the woman. Stubborn. He wondered if Kal-El had his hands full with her when they were courting. "I'll protect you as much as I can!"

James slapped his horse and it ran through the fields even faster. When War Lord soldiers came his way, James turned swords into flowers, axes into apples. Lois would fire enemies with a crossbow that was attached to James' horse. All was going well until Bernadeth came towards them looking like a mad woman. James saw her fahren-knife and cast a spell to turn the knife into a flower. It didn't work. "Uh-oh!"

"What?" Lois asked.

"That woman's knife didn't change under my spell."

"Why not?" Lois demanded.

"I don't know!" James cried. "Maybe it's magical or something. Hold on!" Thinking fast, James pulled the reins of the horse just as Bernadeth neared them. To save himself from Bernadeth's weapon, he had to sacrifice his horse. The fahren-knife stabbed the horse. The poor horse screeched in horror at the burning of it's insides from the fahren-knife. In his pain, the horse threw James and Lois off him, knocking the two to the ground.

James grabbed Lois' hand and pulled her up. "Come on! We gotta move!" The castle was only a few more yards. If they ran as fast as they could, they would be safe.

"Can't you fight?!" Lois yelled at him.

"I'm only good at magic!" James looked back and saw Bernadeth advancing on them again. James kept running; his grip on Lois' tightened.

"Die in the name of Darkseid!" Bernadeth screamed.

James saw Bernadeth was targeting Lois. He pushed Lois to the ground and cried out as Bernadeth's knife sliced his arm. James grabbed his arm in pain. Remember a spell Zatanna taught him, he stopped the burning that was coursing through his arm. Lois started for him but James called out, "Run, Lois! She's after you!"

Lois turned and ran as she saw Bernadeth was advancing on her. Unfortunately, her long gown wasn't the best material to run in. Bernadeth was having fun with this opponent. She jumped off her horse and chased Lois on foot. "You can't escape me. Die in the name of Darkseid!" She threw her knife at Lois, hitting Lois square in her back.

Lois fell down and didn't get back up.

Bernadeth's triumph didn't last long for a sword sliced her head. Her body fell to the ground next to Lois'.

Bruce looked grim as James checked on Lois. He only wished he got to her in time but he was too far away when his eyes caught Bernadeth attacking James and chasing Lois.

With his good arm, James pulled the knife out of Lois' back.

"Is she dead?" Bruce asked as James check over Lois.

James nodded sadly. "Yeah. She's gone."

"Damn woman," Bruce cursed. "She shouldn't have come out here."

"She wanted to kill Luthor. She did by the way," James informed him.

"It wasn't worth it," Bruce said. He noticed the wound on the young mage. "How's the arm?"

"Better." James jumped on Bernadeth's horse. "You're the first person I've seen since the fight started."

"Let's see if we can find others." Bruce led the way as he and James returned to Richard.

Only they were too late. Richard's body lay on the ground lifeless. He had multiple arrows in his chest and sword wounds from multiple stabbing. Bruce thought over the split second decision he made, wondering for a moment if he did the right thing. Bruce shook his head. No, he did the right thing. Richard knew he may die just as Bruce knew he could still die.

James stayed by Bruce's side throughout the battle. He aided him using his magic to disarm their enemies as Bruce avenged Richard's death and creating a protective shield around them when arrows and spears were thrown at them.

As strong a fight Gothamworth put up in the beginning, fatigue and being outnumbered were setting in. It wasn't looking good. They weren't winning as they were in the beginning. Richard was gone. Kory was gone. King Gordon was mortally wounded. Bodies of dead soldiers were lying around them.

Timothy and Terrance, loyal soldiers in Gothamworth, joined Bruce and James to tell Bruce of their depleting forces.

"Lord Bruce, the forces are too strong," Timothy told Bruce. "They just keep coming."

"More than half our forces are gone," Terrance added. "Gothamworth is lost. Can't we leave and make it to Bludhaven? Perhaps we can aide Kal-El that way."

"We can't," James said. "We are the first line. If Gothamworth falls, it's over."

Bruce considered both men. If they fall back, Gothamworth would fall but if they leave to join Kal-El in Bludhaven, perhaps they can still win. If they can take down Darkseid, his followers will be lost. Lose one country and save the world. Bruce loved Gothamworth and didn't want to see his country plunge into further darkness but he knew like any wise Knight, sacrifices were made in war. "I never thought I would say this but fall back."

Before Timothy and Terrance were to give the signal of retreat, a battle cry filled the air as an army of men came charging onto the field. Several soldiers in different colors of armor arrived attacking parademons, shooting down Thanagarans, killing War Lords men. The numbers were endless. Bruce was in disbelief. Where did this miracle come from? Among the several hundreds of men who joined in the fight, two men came into view that Bruce recognized immediately. "Hal?" Bruce saw the man riding beside him. "Kyle?" Knights from Oa!

There was another man; a very young man with them who was leading the charge.

"Reinforcements!" Bruce aimed his sword ahead, charging what was left of the army forward. "Disregard that order! We continue to fight! Go!!"

Terrance smiled. "Looks like we're not falling back after all." Spirit renewed, he resumed the fight as well as Timothy.

Bruce and James joined up with Hal and Kyle. "What are you doing here?"

Hal looked at Bruce skeptically. "Lord Bruce? When did you learn how to fight?"

"He's the Dark Knight," James quickly explained.

Hal sliced a limb off a parademon. "If I wasn't so focused on battle, I would be surprised. You owe me a helluva story!"

"Clark summoned us," Kyle answered their reasons for being here.

"Clark? Peter and Lana's son?" Bruce looked to the young man firing his crossbow at a parademon. "He's only a squire!"

"After Lord Peter was killed, Clark continued his father's wishes and searched for the remaining good men in Keystone, Oa, Ran and everyone who fought under the One Great Lord." Hal fatally stabbed a parademon in his chest when he swooped down to attack. "We were going to Bludhaven but we saw the tracks of men heading to Gothamworth. We knew you wouldn't have enough men."

Bruce smiled, grateful for the help. "It's good to have you, my friend! Now! Let's win this war!"

The War Lord Ron watched the battle on his horse. His side was winning but with the sudden arrival of reinforcements for Lord Bruce's army, the tide was turning to him. The parademons and Thanagarians including Katar Hol were all dead, leaving the land forces. Ron was a cunning, evil man. He knew when victory was on his side and when to pull back. It was how he survived all these years.

"Shall we keep fighting?" an aide asked Ron.

"No. This battle is lost. Lord Bruce won this day. I was never too keen with working with Darkseid anyway. I'm evil but even I didn't like the things he had planned. Let's go." Ron turned on his horse and rode off.

As the remaining forces for Darkseid began their retreat, James threw an arm up in the air. "They're retreating!" James said. "We won!"

"Gothamworth is saved but we don't know Bludhaven's fate," Bruce said. "We must ride to Bludhaven."

****************************************************

The Knights of Kandor were up at dawn, polishing swords, canvassing the area, keeping watch for Darkseid. They thought the battle was soon when they saw battleships coming from the sea. To everyone's delight, it was Queen Hortense's army coming from the sea with Queen Hippolyta's and the Elven army. The added numbers raised the spirits of the group, especially Diana. Kal-El kept his distance as he allowed Diana to spend time with her mother as it had been a while since mother and daughter seen each other. He also remembered the last time he was in the presence of Hippolyta. She wasn't fond of him as he was kissing her daughter while she was still engaged to Prince Tresstom.

Diana embraced her mother. "Mother, it's so good to see you again."

"Daughter, I am glad to see you are well. I heard about Prince Tresstom."

"Yes, the monster tried to force himself on me. I had no choice but to kill him," Diana informed her mother.

"I know, Daughter. You need not explain yourself to me." Hippolyta stared at her daughter. There was something different about her. "I assume you and Kal-El have gotten closer after Tresstom's death."

"Not as close as you think, Mother." Diana thought of her and Kal-El's encounter in the Metria dungeon and in his tent last night. "Things have happened that you must know about. Kal-El isn't a disgraced Knight. He's more than that."

"I know," Hippolyta said. "He's the son of King Jor-El and Queen Lara of Krypton."

Diana was shocked her mother knew and angry she kept this from her. "You knew and you didn't tell me?"

"Not in the beginning. I didn't realize it until I did some thinking of my past. I remember his mother stumbling upon my kingdom. I wanted her to stay with the Elves but Jor-El found her and she left. It was centuries ago, Diana. I had no ideal Kal-El was their son until I thought of the resemblance between Kal-El and Jor-El. I still do not understand how he is here but I am telling you the truth."

"I believe you, Mother. I apologize for sounding so upset."

Hippolyta smiled as she caressed her daughter's face lightly. "To anger so quickly over a man. You love Kal-El, don't you, Diana?"

"Yes, I do," she said proudly.

"Love for a man. That's a feeling I've not felt in a long time but I know it when I see it in the eyes of others." Hippolyta embraced Diana. "Go, my daughter. Your place in battle is on the frontlines with Kal-El, not the side of the Elves. We will talk after."

"Thank you, mother." Diana hugged her mother once more and mounted her horse, riding to join Kal-El.

Seeing the smile on Diana's face as she joined his side, Kal-El knew things went well. "Had a good talk?"

"Yes. I--" Their horses started neighing. Diana rubbed her horse's mane, trying to soothe him. "The horses are spooked." Diana looked up noticing the sudden darkening skies. "Darkseid is coming. This is it, Kal." Diana gripped his hand.

Kal-El gave Diana a kiss, as if finding some unknown strength in her. "We'll talk afterwards."

Upon Darkseid's entrance, the skies darkened to a morbid red. The skies were filled with parademons. Darkseid was lead by four black horses and a black chariot. Darkseid was taller than Kal-El imagined, bigger as well. His entire presence personified evil.

"Kal-El," Darkseid's dark ominous voice passed over the army. "We meet at last."

"Emperor Darkseid," Kal-El acknowledged the dark Lord with no fear.

Darkseid looked down at Kal-El as he looked at every person: they were all beneath him. He could see Jor-El's features in Kal-El. The eyes, the build, that forelock. Just seeing Kal-El took Darkseid back to the day Jor-El cast him in the Phantom Zone. It made his blood boil to this very day that a damned Kryptonian defeated him. For centuries, Darkseid was consumed in darkness, consumed in a thirst for revenge. The only pleasure he had was knowing Jor-El was dead but that fool had the last laugh with his son.

If Kal-El was half the man Jor-El was, he could be a problem. So, Darkseid decided to try luring Kal-El to his side. "Kal-El, I don't come to you as an enemy but an ally."

Kal-El held his stance. He didn`t trust Darkseid at all. "An ally?"

"The world is full of chaos, full of disorder. The world needs a leader to put an end to the chaos. I will bring a balance to that. When I ruled first the Earth, there were no wars, no violence. There was only peace."

"It wasn't like that. You ruled the Earth with an iron fist. You used fear and enslavement to keep people in line and sentenced to death or fought the ones who defied you like my parents and the Kryptonian Kingdom."

Darkseid's temper boiled. This arrogant…. "We don't have to fight," Darkseid tried once more. "Join me and be my prince. You have great strength in you. I can train you to be an even better warrior. Help me rule this planet and we can bring about a great and glorious future."

"Never!" Kal-El rejected Darkseid's offer.

Darkseid scowled at such disrespect. "Such defiance. You are your father's son. I can see his foolish hatred of what you conceive as injustice. You are identical to your late father: a fool through and through. And like your father, I shall kill you for getting in my way. This planet and its people belong to me."

"No!" Kal-El defied him. "This planet belongs to the people of Earth and I, Prince Kal-El, of the Kingdom of Krypton, will stop you from ruling again, even if it means killing you."

Darkseid laughed at the proud Kryptonian, "You plan to do what an entire civilization could not? What a fool you are, Kal-El. Your father couldn't succeed in killing me and he was more powerful than you."

"He has allies who will help him!" Diana spoke up.

Darkseid's eyes fell to the beautiful Elf Princess. "Ah. The Elves reveal themselves. You and your kind should've stayed in hiding as you did centuries ago. I won't show any mercy to you." He looked to the army waiting to fight his: Domans, Elves, and Kandorian Knights. "This pitiful army is no match for mine!"

"Don't be so sure," an ethereal voice spoke. "I recall you saying those words to the Kryptonian Army and we know what they did to you."

A tremble of fear passed over Darkseid. "That voice. I know that voice. Im-Fanci!"

Kal-El's sword glowed and Im-Fanci's spirit emerge from the sword. A feminine figure stood beside Kal-El. Due to the bright light that surrounded the spirit, her features were hidden but Darkseid knew that voice.

"You! Why won't you die?!" If Im-Fanci exists, she can bring about the Cup of Ages. Cursed that Desaad for not finding that dagger!

"I'm not so easily defeated and this time you will die!" Im-Fanci promised.

"I don't fear you, you undead spirit! I'll defeat you all, starting with the son of Jor-El! Attack my parademons! Spare no one!"

Parademons descended on Kal-El's army. Some went down by crossbows and spears while others had limbs sliced off by swords and axes. Doman soldiers shot off a ballista filled with heavy boulders that knocked parademons from the sky. Hippolyta and the Elves ascended the skies on floating chariots to even up the air battle. Queen Hortense's army fought the land soldiers and Zatanna showed no fear as the parademons descended on her.

"ERIF! DLOC!" Surges of energy left Zatanna's body directing it at parademons. Some were encased in ice while others burned.

Magala spoke an incantation, turning some parademons to stone. Parademons fell from the sky. The ones that didn't crumble to dust and crashed on the ground were destroyed when Kandorian Knights, Domans or Elves smashed them to pieces with their weapons.

Even Patrick engaged in the fighting. Patrick had the option of not fighting and was pleased when Kal-El didn't mention him but after his involvement so far, Patrick knew he should help. He transformed himself into a condor and flew over the battle looking where he was most needed.

Patrick frowned when he saw Queen Hortense surrounded by Darkseid's shoulders. They were sure to knock her off her horse and kill her if he didn't intervene.

Patrick dived and pulled Queen Hortense off her horse. "What the…? Put me down!" she demanded.

"Are ya sure about that?" Patrick asked as he and Queen Hortense flew higher in the sky.

Queen Hortense saw how high they were and climbed on top of Patrick. "All right. You win."

"Don't I get a thanks for savin' ye?" Ungrateful woman, Patrick thought. I should've let her to be killed.

"Oh, uh, thanks," Queen Hortense said weakly. "You know, you might be useful." She swung her sword wildly. "Take me to that swarm of parademons. We'll take them out up here. If you're successful in this mission, I may reward you."

"Havin' a beautiful woman ride me is reward enough," Patrick lecherous said. He received a smack on the head for that. "Ow!"

*************************************************

Diana found herself surrounded by Lashina, Mad Harriet and Stompa of the Furies. Three against one. Not good odds but Diana was used to fighting more than one opponent at the same time.

"At last, I meet a mystical Elf." Lashina looked Diana over. "I am not impressed."

"Nor am I of you," Diana shot back.

Lashina smiled wickedly at Diana, "Before I kill you, allow me to introduce myself and team. I am Lashina, Leader of the Furies." Lashina slaps her steel whip on the ground and it crackles electricity. "I've heard about you Elves. You may be strong but it's nothing compared to my strength or speed. If by some foolish fate you defeat me, you have these women to contend with."

"Mad Harriet." Mad Harriet stepped forward. An insane looking woman with wild green hair and a sickening, wicked smile. She was a woman who enjoyed delivering torture and pain as well as receiving it. Diana noticed spikes on her Mad Harriet's gloved hands. As the woman clenched her fists, her hands crackled with energy.

"And lastly Stompa." Diana took note of the stocky woman in an orange uniform. Her eyes with shielded by dark glasses. From her form, Diana figured this woman was strong and formidable as the rest. Diana knew she would have a battle on her hands and it will take all her training to win.

"Bernadeth is in Gothamworth killing your friends there. Though I wish she was here. As you can see, you are outnumbered. It's best you surrender, but if you don't want to, it will be our pleasure torturing you before we kill you."

Diana stepped off her horse, removed her helmet and let it dropped to the ground. The wind whipped the few tendrils of her long dark hair that wasn't pulled back. Next went her cape, leaving Diana with her sword and her flexible, battle armor. Diana knew facing these women, she would need all her speed and nothing can hold her down.

"How about I help you out, Diana?" Zatanna jumped down from her horse and stood by Diana's side.

"It seems another person has come to die," Lashina observed. "Stompa why don't you take this one. Mad Harriet, kill whoever you can. Attack!"

Lashina swung her steel whip at Diana. Diana jumped to avoid it but Lashina's quick speed caught Diana off guard as she met Diana when she landed. The punch across her face hurt but Diana was hit harder by her sisters. Diana threw a punch, uppercut and kick to Lashina.

Lashina was dazed by the swift and strong attacks by the Elf princess. She swung her whip but Diana deflected the electricity by crossing her bracelets. Using a leg, Diana kicked Lashina back. Angry Lashina pulled out another whip. "You deflect one whip. Let's see you deflect two." Lashina swung both whips at Diana. Diana pulled out her sword and cut the whips in half. Crackles of electricity sparkled until it died out.

"What are you without your weapon?" Diana taunted.

"Still better than you!" Lashina threw a punch but Diana caught it and put Lashina's arm behind her. Lashina head butted Diana, freeing herself from Diana's hold.

She punched and kicked Diana's chest before tackling Diana to the ground. Both women rolled on the ground fighting, unaware they were nearing the cliffs. It was too late to stop as they both fell. As they neared the rocky shores below, Lashina had her hands around Diana's neck throttling her. Diana kicked Lashina hard in the stomach, forcing the Fury to release her. Quickly, Diana pulled out her lasso and threw it, hooking a loop around a pointy edge. Diana looked down to see Lashina crashed on the jagged rocks below. She lay unmoving. Unconcerned with her, Diana began the climb up.

Zatanna knew she was in trouble as she faced off against Stompa. Stompa charged on Zatanna like a linebacker. Each foot pounding into the ground, created a tiny earthquake. Zatanna had a hard time keeping her balance. It caused her to get punched by Stompa. Zatanna was knocked several yards. Every bone in her body shook. She never took a hit like that before. Stompa grabbed Zatanna legs, raised her up and slammed her body in the ground. Zatanna's head was ringing; she was seeing double and couldn't coherently cast a spell. If she didn't end this fight soon, she was a goner!

As she lay on the ground, Zatanna took note of Stompa's boots. It didn't look like ordinary war boots. They were specially made. An idea forming, Zatanna changed, "KCITS OT DNUORG!"

Stompa's boots became one with the ground. Stompa pulled at her feet when they wouldn't move. Zatanna knew she couldn't kill Stompa using strength. She would have to use her wits and magic. Zatanna, still dazed from Stompa's punch, staggered to her feet.

"I'll get you!" Stompa threatened as she removed her boots. Zatanna turned to see Stompa running towards her. She spotted a glaive that was lying on the ground next to a fallen Elf. Zatanna dived for it and swung it just as Stompa reached her. The magical silver blade cut into Stompa's side, delivering a fatal blow. Stompa crumpled to her knees, clutching her side for falling face forward into the dirty field.

Mad Harriet ran across the field, slashing her energy claws through Knights of Kandor's armor, Elves and Doman soldiers. After lopping off the head of a knight, Mad Harriet took his horse. She waved a parademon down to her. When one came her way, Mad Harriet jumped on its back and ordered him up to her target.

Mad Harriet spotted Shayera in the air fighting off parademons with her spiked mace. She swung fiercely slashing across the parademons, fighting her own Thanagarians.

Mad Harriet cackled insanely as she rode her parademon to Shayera. She waited while Shayera was distracted before jumping onto Shayera. She scratched Shayera's wings and back with her energy claws, viciously.

Shayera screamed as charges of dark energy traveled through her body. Her mace slipped from her hands. Mad Harriet didn't give Shayera a chance to fight back as she sliced Shayera`s back and wings over and over. Blood splattered across the evil Fury. Her madness was only fueled by Shayera's screams. Shayera tried to knock Mad Harriet off her, but the Fury had the upper hand and wasn't letting up. A fatal stab of Mad Harriet's claws into Shayera's sides spelled the end for her.

Shayera's lifeless body was a cushion for Mad Harriet as she plummeted to the ground. Mad Harriet rose off Shayera and licked the blood around her lips. "Delicious."

Diana reached the top of the cliff, ready to return to battle only to be horrified seeing Mad Harriet over Shayera's mutilated body. Mad Harriet smiled and licked her lips at Diana as she viewed the Elf Princess as her next victim.

"You monster!"

"What are you going to do?" Mad Harriet taunted Diana. "Hurt me? I'd love that!"

"Then I'll give it to you."

Mad Harriet raised her claws to Diana. She swung at her and Diana caught one arm. Sparks of dark energy fanned Diana's face. Mad Harriet stabbed Diana's side with her other hand. Her spike energy claws cut through Diana's armor and into her side. Despite the excruciating pain coursing through her side, Diana grabbed Mad Harriet's hand and pulled the claws out of her body. She kicked Mad Harriet away and fell to the ground.

Mad Harriet rolled on the ground laughing. "Ooh! I love that! Gimme! Gimme more!"

Diana struggled to her feet. One hand was covered in blood as it was used to apply pressure to slow the flow of blood in her side. Mad Harriet was on her feet approaching Diana with swiftness. "That felt good, but this is better!"

Diana barely missed Mad Harriet's fist but caught the knee to her stomach. Diana stumbled in pain. Gritting her teeth, Diana took a hand off her injured side and punched Mad Harriet not once of twice but four times. The crazy Fury loved each punch even as blood spat from her mouth.

Mad Harriet swung her fists at Diana who blocked them with her bracelets. When Mad Harriet got too close, Diana grabbed a hand and stabbed Mad Harriet in her side with her claws; giving her the same pain Mad Harriet dealt her earlier. "That feels good," Mad Harriet groaned before her eyes closed.

Diana dropped Mad Harriet. Still weak, she stumbled until Zatanna caught her.

"Diana!" Zatanna steadied her. "I got here soon as I finished with Stompa." She examined the open wound on Diana's side. Blood was flowing once more.

"I'll be all right," Diana said. "I heal fast. I just need to close my wound."

"I can help with that." Speaking a foreign tongue, Zatanna's magic closed up Diana's wound. "The wounds closed but I better get you off the field. You're still weak."

"No!" Diana pulled away from Zatanna a little more steadier. "I'm fine now. We have to keep fighting."

"All right, but I'll keep close to you."

********************************************

"Die!" Darkseid fired his omega beams on Kal-El. Kal-El raised his sword to deflect it. He never saw anything like it; someone shooting beams from his eyes. What kind of beast was Darkseid? The beams were pushing him back even as his shield deflected them. Slowly, Kal-El put one foot in front of the other, getting closer to Darkseid.

Darkseid scowled. How can a simple shield deflect his omega beams? It had to be Im-Fanci's accursed magic. Once he dealt with Kal-El, he'll finish her once and for all.

"Give it up, Darkseid!" Im-Fanci taunted. "Your omega beams cannot break through the magic I cast on Kal-El's shield."

"Once I kill Kal-El, I'll find a way to destroy---" Darkseid didn't finish the words as a punch from Kal-El sent Darkseid stumbling back.

Kal-El grimaced as he held his hand. Kal-El was confident in his strength. One good punch from him would send an opponent down but throwing that punch at Darkseid had him feeling it. "Argh! I never hit anything so hard!"

"If my body was flesh, I could help you," Im-Fanci gently told him. "Darkseid is strong but your strength is greater."

Distracted, Kal-El didn't see Darkseid firing his omega beams on him again. This time it hit Kal-El directly on his chest. "Argh!"

Darkseid smirked down at Kal-El. "Burn!" The omega beams burned through the metal armor of Kal-El's uniform and the clothes underneath until his flesh was revealed. Kal-El pulled up his shield again.

Unsheathing his sword, Kal-El charged him. Darkseid put up his hands to block it but Kal-El managed to slice across Darkseid's chest. The Lord of Apokolips grabbed his chest in pain as blood seeped through.

"Blood!" Darkseid cursed. "No one has drawn blood from me."

Im-Fanci chuckled at him. "It's a first time for everything."

"Shut up, wench!" Darkseid snarled at the mage.

While Darkseid was distracted by Im-Fanci's words, Kal-El took the moment to strike Darkseid again. He swung his sword into Darkseid's left side. Darkseid groaned at the piercing of his flesh but grabbed onto the blade of the sword. Darkseid attempted to break it but Kal-El grabbed hold of it, fighting Darkseid for it.

Raising a free hand, Darkseid brought it down on Kal-El so hard he fell to the ground and released the sword. Darkseid tossed Kal-El's sword and kicked Kal-El hard in the stomach, knocking the Kryptonian back several yards. Blood dripping from his side as Darkseid stepped closer to Kal-El.

"You impudent fool!" Darkseid stepped on Kal-El's right hand. "You dare strike the great Darkseid." Darkseid knelt to pull Kal-El's head back and slam it into a boulder. "You were a fool to challenge me. Your father was a worthy opponent." He chuckled. "To think I was worried about his son; the last disgrace of the Kryptonian society."

Darkseid picked up Kal-El and bent the Kryptonian over his back before bringing him down on his knees. Kal-El cried out. "For your defiance to not join me, I shall break every bone in your body and I will use my omega beams to mold your flesh together."

Kal-El kicked Darkseid's face and broke away from the Lord of Apokolips. "You're a fool as well, Darkseid, for underestimating the Kryptonian society."

Darkseid fired his omega beams on Kal-El again; only this time, Kal-El moved with swiftness to avoid it. Kal-El punched Darkseid hard in his stomach, causing him to lose his breath. Two ribs were broken when Kal-El punched it. Kal-El knew he had to punch hard and repeatedly. It was the only way to win. His body was going to be sore tomorrow but it would be worth it if he could save Earth.

Darkseid grabbed Kal-El's hands, halting his attack. He squeezed them with his mighty strength as he pushed Kal-El closer and closer to the cliffs. Darkseid was angry. Not only was his body aching by the blows Kal-El delivered him, he was still bleeding from the wound Kal-El inflicted on him. Not even Jor-El hurt his body this badly.

"You would've been a remarkable ally, Kal-El, but even if you were on my side, I would have to kill you." Darkseid's eyes burned. "A power such as yours is uncontrollable." Darkseid fired his omega beams at close range, striking Kal-El's face.

Im-Fanci could only watch as Kal-El and Darkseid got closer to the cliffs. "Watch out, Kal-El!" Im-Fanci warned him.

But it was too late. Kal-El fell off the cliffs taking Darkseid with him.

"You may be strong, but I doubt you can survive that fall." Darkseid smirked at him; his beams still hitting Kal-El's face.

The beams weren't melting his skin, but it was still painful to take. "With your injuries, I doubt if you can survive either!"

"We shall see," Darkseid challenged.

Kal-El hated looking at that arrogant, smug face. This monster killed his parents, his entire civilization. He was going to inflict as much damage as possible on Darkseid, even at the cost of his only life if he had to. "Die, you monster!" Struggling with Darkseid, Kal-El pulled his hands from Darkseid's grasps and covered it over his face.

Darkseid screamed in dreadful pain as his face imploded with the omega beams burning back on him. Darkseid was weakened but Kal-El wasn't taking any chances. He continued to make hits on Darkseid as he and Darkseid slammed into the jagged rocks below.

Im-Fanci floated to the bottom of the cliffs where Darkseid and Kal-El's body laid apart from each other. "Kal-El?" Im-Fanci reached out to caress his face with a glowing hand.

The impact hurt Kal-El but he found himself coming to by a soft, warm force. "Im-Fanci?" Kal-El sat up and groaned in pain. "Ow! My entire body aches." He looked around. "Where's Darkseid?"

Kal-El saw Darkseid's body along the rocks. Kal-El stood and looked over the evil Lord. "Is he dead?"

"His injuries are numerous but he is not dead," Im-Fanci informed him. "He is defeated thanks to you, Kal-El."

Im-Fanci touched him and Kal-El was surrounded by the Kryptonian Mage's power. "Let us end this for good."

Kal-El found himself floating up the cliff as if he was flying. When he touched down on land again, he saw the battle was at a standstill. Seeing Kal-El and Darkseid falling over the cliffs put an end to the battle for the moment.

As soon as she saw him, Diana ran to Kal-El and embraced him fiercely. "I'm so glad you're all right." Krypto was right behind Diana, wagging his tail grateful his Master was all right.

Kal-El groaned in Diana's arms. "Careful. My body still aches." He noticed the blood on Diana. "Diana, you're hurt!"

"I'll heal," Diana assured him.

Though Kal-El was glad to see Diana alive, he could see many dead bodies: parademons, Thanagarians, Kandorian Knights, Elves and Doma warriors. All were gone because of this war for the Earth. He couldn't see Walter and John. He wondered if they made it.

Im-Fanci's spirit appeared before Kal-El once more. "Kal-El, you have defeated Darkseid. It is time to present to you the Cup of Ages. You must undo what has to be undone."

Kal-El nodded. "I'm ready to do that but where is the Cup of Ages."

"The Cup of Ages is found in any body of water with the right spell." Im-Fanci turned towards the sea and spoke an ancient incantation. Something shined in the waters as it parted. Out of the sea came a golden cup, covered in jewels.

"The Cup of Ages," Kal-El whispered.

The Cup of Ages as if hearing Kal-El's voice floated to him. Kal-El gently grasped the cup in his hands. It amazed him a cup so small held so much power.

"One request, Kal-El," Im-Fanci told him. "Choose wisely."

Kal-El looked at Diana who held his hand in assurance. "I trust you to make the right decision."

Kal-El smiled in return. He looked at the cup once more. He knew what he wanted. "I wish to remove all essence of Apokolips from first Earth forever and restore the Kryptonian Kingdom once more."

The Cup of Ages removed itself from Kal-El's hand to float above him. A burst of bright light exploded from the cup swallowing every parademon (dead and living), every Fury and Darkseid. The light traveled to Gothamworth removing every parademon on the fields. It even went to Apokolips, swallowing Darkseid's castle, parademons on guard and every soldier from the Apokolips kingdom, removing all from the Earth as if it never existed.

Kal-El looked around the field in amazement, not believing his eyes that the Cup of Ages worked. Lastly the power from the cup swallowed him, Diana and Krypto whole taking them away from the battlefield. Kal-El and Diana held onto each other tightly as they were whisked away.

When Kal-El and Diana opened their eyes, they saw they weren't near Gothamworth or Bludhaven. Kal-El gasped in amazement when he saw his wish was answered in a way he never imagined. He and Diana were standing before the majestic Kryptonian Kingdom.

The Kryptonian Kingdom was finer than any building Kal-El had ever seen. It was even grander than Themyscira's Kingdom. While other kingdoms were made of stones and wood, this kingdom was made of marble and metal that didn't look from Earth. There were spiral towers of glass and iron surrounding the palace whose architecture looked futuristic, almost mythical. This was only the exterior Kal-El realized. He couldn't imagine how it looked on the inside.

Standing before Kal-El was a woman; a raven haired beauty with sparkling green eyes. The silk ivy colored dress suited her well as did the gold necklace that hung about her throat and emerald ring that sparkled on her hand. Her beauty was comparable to a Goddess but her stance told Kal-El and Diana she was more than that. She was a woman of great power and wisdom.

Kal-El stepped forward. "Im-Fanci? Is it you?"

The Kryptonian mage bowed before Kal-El. "Thank you, my Prince. Through my wish, you have restored my body." Krypto went to Im-Fanci, barking happy to see her again. She in returned pet Krypto's head.

"How? I asked for the Kryptonian Kingdom to be restored."

"I am part of the Kryptonian Kingdom and as I was still part of the living plane when you made the wish, my body was restored to its true form," Im-Fanci explained.

Kal-El looked at the majestic palace before him. "Is this my parent's kingdom?"

"It is your kingdom now, Kal-El," Im-Fanci corrected him. "You are master of the Castle. You must become King Kal-El, ruler of the Kryptonian Kingdom." Through the magic of her nimble fingers, Im-Fanci produced a long scepter. It was a sleek, silver rod with a yellow stone on top. Im-Fanci held the scepter out for Kal-El to take.

Kal-El takes the scepter and a light envelops him, transferring immense power to him. Kal-El stood before Diana and Im-Fanci, no longer in torn battle armor but in a blue royal suit, red armor boots and a flowing red cape. A red jewel crown adorned his head.

Im-Fanci stood before Kal-El, smiling proudly at him. "May I be the first to address you as King Kal-El, Your Majesty."

Kal-El looked at himself in the strange garbs. This was going to take some getting used to. "Um, uh, thank you." He turned to Diana. "How do I look?"

"Different," Diana said unsure how to take Kal-El's new attire. She noticed on Kal-El's chest was the pentagon symbol with a snake designed. "What does this snake symbol mean?" Diana asked Im-Fanci.

"It is not a snake symbol," the Kryptonian Mage corrected the Elf Princess. "It is the insignia of the royal House of El." Im-Fanci turned her attention back to Kal-El. "Your first act as king is to free the Kryptonians."

"Kryptonians?" Kal-El repeated baffled. "But I thought they were all dead."

Im-Fanci shook her head. "No. Some were frozen. During Darkseid's first wave of attack on the Kryptonian Kingdom, many civilians were infected with a virus. Over two-thirds died. To save the others, we had to put them in Kryptonian crystal where they were placed in suspended animation until a cure was found. Your father discovered a cure and administered it to the Kryptonians but he never had the chance to revive them from suspended animation. Darkseid unleashed his second wave where the rest of the Kryptonian Kingdom and your parents were killed."

Kal-El couldn't believe it. He wasn't alone anymore. There were others like him. There was so much to learn about his people and now he would finally have the chance. "How many were cured?"

"Fifty." Im-Fanci led the way inside the palace. "Come. I will take you to them."