Homecoming
Captain Ak-Var and Lieutenant Cam-Zel were assembling the Red Shard. Bruce and his personal guard were going with them. Then Kal-El flew down and landed before them. The knights drew their swords while trying to keep the horses calm. Lois had woken up in the middle of the flight.
Kal-El put Kara and Lois down before falling down to one knee, blood seeping onto the ground from his stab wound. "Fetch the physician!" Ak-Var shouted as he ran to his side and two knights ran off. "Kal-El."
Lois began applying pressure down onto the wound. The knights came running out of the palace with the physician. "Carry him carefully into the palace. I cannot tend for him here." Kara, Ak-Var, and two other knights carefully lifted Kal-El onto their shoulders and carried him into the palace.
"Lois." Kal-El said and held out his hand to her but he could only graze her fingertips. They steadily walked through the hallways shouting for soldiers, knights, and servants to get out of the way. They took Kal-El into an empty bedchamber and carefully laid him down on the bed. Bruce followed them while everyone else remained outside to let the physician work.
"Leave us." Kara commanded the knights. They slowly left the bedchamber but Ak-Var remained. Lois helped Bruce remove Kal-El's gambeson. The physician motioned for Bruce to cut Kal-El's shirt. Bruce removed a dagger and cut his shirt down the middle in one swift motion.
"Remarkable." The physician said as he examined the wound. "It did not pierce any of the necessary organs… Your Grace is most fortunate. You will be back on your feet as early as tomorrow."
Everyone let our quiet sighs of relief. "What about his arm?" Bruce asked. The physician examined Kal-El's right arm. On his upper right arm, the cut was healed but it was still surrounded by little green veins.
Kara pulled Bruce off to the side. "What does this mean?" She whispered.
"It appears that the crystal has moved all the poison back to the cut on his arm. Perhaps it will leave his body in time or perhaps it will not." Bruce sighed. "All I can assume now is that without the aid of the crystal, he will most certainly die." Bruce whispered and Kara nodded.
Kal-El stopped using his super hearing. He turned his head and rested his head against the pillow. Everyone left reluctantly so the physician could patch him up. What Bruce had said would echo throughout his mind for hours.
"To our honored dead! To this League of Armies! TO VICTORY!" A single war cry echoed throughout the Great Hall to this toast. Everyone took a sip of the sweet wine. Luthor's wine to be exact. The man was a tyrant but he had great taste in wine.
After the toast, the feast and festivities began. Lois kissed her father's cheek and left the table. The sounds of music and cheering echoed throughout the palace halls. She entered Clark's bedchamber.
Clark was staring out the window watching the sunset. "Why are you out of bed? You should be resting." Lois protested. Clark was shirtless. He turned around to show her the stab wound was gone. The only proof that it had once been there were the bloody bandages he held in his hand.
Clark grinned and so did Lois. She ran into his arms. They laughed when he lifted her a foot or so off the ground as they embraced. He set her down and he kissed her tenderly. They broke apart but continued to hold each other. He caressed her face. "I told you I would live."
Lois grinned. "I never doubted it for a moment." She said and kissed him again. "How strong are you?"
"I am back to my full strength. Why do you ask?" Clark asked. Lois pulled away from him. She walked to the door and bolted it. She turned around to face him and began undoing the laces of her doublet.
"We never did have a proper wedding night." She said seductively. Clark super sped to her and pinned her against the door. She giggled and then he tore open her doublet.
The Next Morning
Bruce had the round table from the command tent moved to the Great Hall in the Metropolitan Palace. The beats of drums syncopated with their footsteps filled the halls. The drums stopped immediately when they all reached their seats. Servants had already pulled back the chairs. They all drew their weapons, arched them in the air, and then set them down on the table. Then they all took their seats. Only Peter remained standing.
"Today is a day that shall go down in all of our histories. I wish to thank you all for fighting besides King Kal-El and I in a war built far too long on deception and bloodshed." Peter said and everyone nodded once. Peter sat down.
"What is to be done about Luthor?" Kara asked.
"He has run to Thanagar. Those walls were built to last and to withstand any siege. It will be hard to get to him once he shuts himself up in my city." Carter said and Shiera took his hand. "Our city." He caressed her knuckles with his thumb. "But not impossible."
"A talk of a siege against Thanagar shall have to wait until General Lane can replenish the army. We are in a short supply of troops thanks to Luthor's invasion of Themyscira." Peter said.
"We sought only to defend our home." Diana said at once.
Peter held his hand up. "I have no ill will against the Amazons but rebuilding our army will take some time. And Luthor stole a large sum of gems and gold from the treasury and that will take time to replenish as well. And I wish to establish peace and stability in this realm before there is any more talk of war." Peter said.
"We must return to Egypt to prepare for the siege on Thanagar but I shall leave what battalions are left of the Thangarian army until they are no longer needed." Carter said and Shiera seconded the decision with a single nod. Peter nodded.
"My fleet and I must return to Atlantis but I shall leave some ships here as well. But I shall return for Peter's coronation and take my men with me after." Orin said.
"So shall I." Diana said.
"So shall we." Oliver and Dinah said in unison.
"And I." Bruce said.
"I shall leave two battalions here as well and return to Krypton but I shall return for your coronation as well." Kal-El said.
"Peter is now on the throne and Alexander is in exile… What now?" Lois asked. Kal-El stroked her hand with his right hand and stroked his upper lip with his left hand. Then he paused as if he had a sudden idea.
"We could go back to our lands. Govern and protect our peoples as we have always done but there comes a time when we do need our friends." Kal-El stood. "If we ally ourselves and stand together, we can spread peace and justice for all throughout the known world and can be a symbol for others to follow…the justice league we once humorously called ourselves."
Everyone nodded. "With all of us behind it, it just may work." Bart Allen said standing next to Chloe. The resistance leaders stood behind Peter and they nodded their agreement.
Carter and Shiera then stood to signal their agreement. Oliver looked at Dinah, who shrugged her shoulders, and they stood as well. Lois stood. Peter and Kara stood. Bruce shrugged his shoulder nonchalantly and then stood.
"Let it be known that on this day in this Great Hall that we are henceforth no longer the League of Armies but the League of Nations to distribute peace and justice throughout the known world." Kal-El said. The knights and resistance fighters in the hall cheered.
One Week Later
Kal-El and Lois stood close together and held hands in the courtyard of the Metropolitan Palace. The marble statues of Lionel and Alexander were being removed. Kal-El had to return to Kandor today. His army awaited him outside the city walls. A regiment of the Red Shard was waiting for him in the courtyard. Kal-El caressed Lois's cheek. "Come with me." He said.
Lois took his hand from her face and kissed his knuckles. "I cannot; at least, not yet. I am needed here and you must return to your precious Council to discuss the peace treaty between our kingdoms. Do not forget to bring up the matter of a marriage between you and me." Lois said and rested his hand on her cheek.
Kal-El grinned and nodded. "I shall not forget… I love you. I love you with all my heart and my every being and I will marry you a second time to prove it to the world." He said and she smiled. They kissed passionately. When their lips broke apart, they rested their foreheads against the other's. "I shall write to you often."
"I shall cherish every letter." Lois said. She pulled her head back and put something in his hand. He held up his hand and saw that it was her wedding ring. He shook his head and tried to give it back. She closed his hand around the ring. "So you will remember what is waiting for you." They kissed tenderly.
"Sire, we must leave." Captain Ak-Var said. Kal-El and Lois let their foreheads touch before he walked away. He mounted his stallion and looked at Lois. She held left hand up to him and he held up his right hand. Then he pulled back on the reins, gave his horse a kick, and rode off with his knights.
Almost Three Weeks Later
The gates of Kandor opened and cheering erupted from inside. The soldiers, who had remained to protect Kandor, were lined up along the wide streets and the people cheered behind them. Kal-El and his troops marched into the city with their heads held high. Drummers walked in perfect syncopation. The Red Shard right behind them on their horses and then Kal-El. Kal-El grinned and held his hand up to the people. People waved from the street and others threw Kryptonian roses from their windows.
Kal-El had imagined this day for years. But now that it was happening, it felt empty. It felt incomplete without Lois by his side. Her ring once again hung from the chain around his neck but it was a poor substitute to that of Lois. Despite not being in a truly festive mood, Kal-El kept grinning. He held his high and waved to his people. The joy on his people's faces brought him some comfort. It filled only a portion of the hole in his heart.
The gates of the Crystal Palace came into view. The troops stopped marching as the Red Shard and Kal-El rode past the iron gates. The troops then turned about face and began marching to the center of the city. The gatehouse opened and the Red Shard rode into the courtyard with Kal-El.
The Council, War Council, Lana, Martha, Henry, Christopher, and other nobles were waiting to greet him. Kal-El motioned for the Red Shard to halt and then did. He dismounted from his horse and everyone bowed. Kal-El approached Martha, who kissed his hands and then caressed his face. "I am overjoyed to see you well and returned unharmed, my lord." Martha said.
"And victorious." Kal-El said and Martha nodded. He kissed Martha's hand and then ruffled Henry's hair. "Now where is my little knight?" Christopher then ran into his arms and he spun him around both of them laughing. He put Christopher down and held his hand. "My lords, there are matters we need to speak of before I address the people."
They all entered the palace. Kal-El then handed Christopher to Martha and walked down the hallway to the Council chamber. He pushed opened the chamber doors himself and walked down the red carpet to his throne. When everyone else had reached their seat, Kal-El sat down and so did everyone else.
"I will just get right to the matter at hand. Prince Peter and I spent the better part of a week discussing terms of peace." Kal-El said and everyone clapped except for the Red Shard knights. "There will be no border dispute for we both agree that the border is and once again shall be the Morley River which divides our two realms but these are the details we can discuss later. The most important matter is that I am to marry Countess Lois Lane by the next winter solstice."
There was silence throughout the hall. "Forgive me, Sire, but did you just say that you are to marry Lois Lane… Commander Lois Lane of the Genesis Army?" Durkin asked.
"Countess Lane plans to end her commission in the king's army in a matter of months. And the answer is yes to your question. This marriage shall serve as a living symbol of peace and friendship between our two great kingdoms. I even took it upon myself to ask the countess for her hand in marriage and she has accepted." They were still silent. "I thought this is what you wanted for me. To marry and sire an heir." Kal-El said.
"Yes but with a woman of better reputation and perhaps of Kryptonian birth." Durkin said.
Kal-El sucked his teeth and leaned forward intertwining his fingers. "This marriage has been approved by all sides. Lois Lane will be my wife and your queen whether it is to your liking or not, my lords. And you all know this marriage is politically sound." He said coolly.
"We just worry of what the people will say. She fought against Krypton for many years." Durkin said.
"And then she turned spy for us." Kal-El said and the Council began to murmur amongst themselves. "Silence!" He slammed his fist down on the arm of his throne and there was silence. "For the past year, Lois Lane has been a soldier of the Resistance in Genesis. I believe that the knowledge of this will please the people. If not, then I am sure the countess shall apology for past sins in public."
The Council members exchanged glances. "His Majesty is right." Council member Wren-Za spoke up and the other Council members glared at him. "We are only upset that she is not a bride of our choosing like Lara Lor-Van was for Jor-El… He is right. We need to bring peace to both realms and this is the best way to do it after the treaty is signed."
Kal-El nodded once to Wren-Za and he nodded back as well. The other four Council members then nodded in agreement. "Are there any more terms of this treaty we should be made aware of, Sire?" Durkin asked.
"Yes…" Kal-El leaned back and crossed his legs once more. "Another important term of the treaty is a creation of a League of Nations to distribute peace and justice equally throughout the realms that have suffered from this war. The other kings and queens have agreed to its creation. We shall meet after Prince Peter's coronation, where we shall speak of what measures shall be taken against Alexander Luthor now that he has fled to Thanagar. Prince Peter shall be sending an ambassador to finish negotiating any other terms. Until then, we have left some battalions in Metropolis to hold the kingdom if Luthor's followers should try anything."
Members of both the Council and War Council nodded. "When is the coronation?" Durkin asked.
"They have yet to choose a day for they are seeking out what remains of Luthor's nobles in Genesis. They are having an oath of allegiance to the House of Ross sworn up and down the realm as well. Once that is done, Prince Peter shall send his ambassador... Now, I must address my subjects." Kal-El arose and everyone stood as well. Everyone kneeled as soon as he stepped down from the Dias. Kal-El left the Council chamber.
Perhaps the whole city had gathered outside the Temple of Rao awaiting to hear their king speak. Soon, they could hear the sound of drums and cheered erupted down the road. Kal-El held his hand up to the people and grinned. He now wore a blue knee-length tunic and trousers, his red sash with his family crest over his heart, his sword belt, his circlet, and a red cape.
He dismounted from his stallion in front of the temple and waved to the cheering people. The soldiers had formed up outside of the temple and they beat their halberds against their shields in perfect syncopation. Kal-El entered the temple and the cheering died somewhat until he appeared on the temple's balcony. "KAL-EL! KAL-EL! KAL-EL! KAL-EL!" The people chanted his name raising their fists in the air. Kal-El held up both his hands and it became silent.
"My brother and sister Kryptonians… I left some weeks ago with an invasion army like the world has never laid eyes upon to finally bring an end to a conflict that has raged for nineteen long years costing us so many of our loved ones and fellow Kryptonians… It gives me such joy to speak to you all now victorious for Luthor has fled and a Ross now sits on the throne once again!" Kal-El said and a loud cheer erupted.
"The joy on all your faces brings me such happiness. And just know that the sacrifices of your sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, shall not be in vain for I shall build a great memorial next to that of the memorial of the Great Civil War commissioned by my forefather, King Seyg-El. For this victory is not only mine…but that of the realms and their faithful soldiers. Let us no longer wage conflict but rebuild what we have lost in peace." Kal-El said and the people cheered once more.
"We await for Prince Peter to send his ambassador to negotiate the terms of peace and better yet… His Grace has offered me a bride to be a living symbol of the peace and friendship between our two realms. Krypton will not only gain a new ally but a new queen!" The people cheered. "Tonight, feast in your homes and in your taverns for tonight we celebrate the end of this war…on my expense!" The people cheered louder. "And at sunset, we shall fire the cannons simply for joy!"
"KAL-EL! KAL-EL! KAL-EL! KAL-EL!" They cheered. Kal-El grinned and waved.
Later that night, Kal-El sat at the king's table on the dias in the Great Hall. He ruffled Christopher's hair when the little boy was making his knife and spoon swordfight. In the center of the hall, nobles were dancing the Gracca Amorosa joyfully. Kal-El rested two fingers on his temple and observed all the joy around the room. Even Councilman Durkin was not his usual brooding self.
Kal-El sighed deeply. This was a nice celebration but it was not perfect. He caressed Lois's wedding ring between his left thumb and index finger. Martha was sitting to his left and she could see how ambivalent he was when he should be overjoyed. She soon caught sight of what he was caressing. Kal-El saw her staring at him out the corner of her eye so he put the ring back under his blue tunic and flashed a grin. She grinned back but she knew something was not right with him.
Kal-El watched a happy Milton and Kara dancing. He grinned at them but seeing them so happy together made him miss Lois even more. He sighed and tried his best to look happy for the rest of the feast. J'onn walked up to the table and bowed. Kal-El motioned for him to come closer. "A letter from the countess." J'onn whispered in his ear and Kal-El nodded. J'onn discretely passed him the letter.
"Is there something wrong, my lord?" Martha asked. Kal-El grinned, shook his head, and kissed her hand.
Kal-El stood and the festivities halted. "Continue. This is a celebration after all." He said. The music started again, the dancing resumed along with the merrymaking. Kal-El left the Great Hall from a side door with his guards. Martha watched him intently.
My dearest Clark, I was pleased to get your letter from when you reached Smallville. The captured troops have returned to Metropolis safely and have sworn the oath of allegiance to Peter. And I trust soon, the captured Kryptonian troops shall return safely as well. We are making swift progress in swearing of the oath up and down the realm. It appears that Luthor was not as loved by the people as we once thought but enough of politics.
I miss you dearly and greatly desire your presence. I find it difficult to sleep with you not beside me. These past few weeks have been torture. And I am disappointed of your request for celibacy until after our wedding but I think I can wait since you are an irreplaceable lover. Just know that I expect an another amazing wedding night in return, my love. I think of you every day we are apart.
Here is another token of my affection that I hope will give you some solace until we are in each other's arms once more. I love you with all my heart and soul. Forever yours, Lois.
Clark smiled as he refolded the letter and put it down on the table beside a blue pouch. He opened the pouch and in it was a silver locket with LL engraved on the front. He opened it to see a beautiful portrait of Lois. It was a perfect likeness of her, no doubt Jimmy Olsen's work. He grinned down at her portrait and closed the locket. He kissed the engraved letters. "Who is she?" A voice said behind him.
He quickly turned around with his hand on the grip of his sword to see Martha standing in his chamber. He never even heard the door opened. He removed his hand from his sword. She took a few steps forward and gently took the locket out of his hand. He did not even resist. She rubbed her thumb over the engraved letters, opened it, and her eyes widened when she saw who it was.
Martha closed the locket and looked at him with a shocked expression. Before she could say anything, Clark said, "I love her, mother and she loves me. We are to be married by the next winter solstice."
Martha sighed deeply and gently put the locket back in his hand. "Are you certain that she is the one…? I do not want for you to make a grave mistake that you shall one day come to regret."
Clark ran his right hand down his face. "There is no changing my mind, mother. I have made my decision."
"A marriage with Lady Lana was your decision as well. And then you let her marry Peter instead… Is this woman the reason why you did not marry Lana? And what do you even know about this woman? Does she love you or your crown?" Martha asked.
"Enough…! I love you, mother, but have care of how you speak of my wife." Clark snapped.
"Your wife?" Clark closed his eyes when he realized his mistake. "Clark…what have you done?" Martha asked.
Clark rubbed his eyes and sighed. "We were married in Central City last month." Clark crossed his arms. Martha's eyes widened. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples.
Martha turned away from him. He took a step forward trying to put a hand on her shoulder but she held her hand up firmly to him and he stepped back. She took a deep breath and turned back to face him. "Are you mad? Were you even thinking…? Marriage is sacred, Clark! You do not just marry a girl you barely know!"
"Lois is not a girl, mother! She is the woman I love and I do know her. I know that she was brought up in Metropolis. Her mother died when she was young and had to be both the mother and sister to her younger sister, Lucy. She enjoys music, hunting, riding, dueling, and she adores Christopher and he adores her as well. She despises war and politics as much as I do but she knows they are often necessary. And she knows me better than any person I know…even you, mother."
Clark took Martha's hands. "Mother, I am happy for the first time in so many years… Lois makes me happy. And I believe you shall grow to love her as I do when you meet her. Better yet…come with me to Metropolis to meet her for yourself."
"What, now? The journey alone would be nearly two weeks by horse." Martha said.
"There is one matter I may have intentionally forgotten to mention." Clark said.
Clark and Martha flew through the night sky. It was a cool night so she wore a black fur cloak with her red dress. She was nervous at first but she marveled at the starry skies. She was not certain for how long they had been flying but only that they soon landed in the Metropolitan palace gardens. But he did not put her down when they landed. Instead there was a rush of wind and then they were in a corridor.
The corridor was empty except for some guards and some servants. They walked up to a door and he knocked. "No more politics for today so go away!" Lois yelled from inside.
Clark cleared his throat. "A gift from the King of Krypton, my lady." Clark said and put a finger to his lips. Martha shook her head at him. They heard footsteps and the door opened. Lois was wearing trousers, a white shirt, and a blue doublet. All the laces of her doublet were undone.
Lois's jaw dropped and she threw her arms around him. They kissed tenderly. "How did you get here?" Lois asked and Clark simply tilted his head to the side. "Never mind." She kissed him again.
Martha then gave a small cough and they stopped kissing remembering they were not alone. Clark grimaced with their arms still wrapped around one another. "Lois, this is Martha Kent, Dowager Duchess of Kansas and my mother." Lois's eyes widen and she took a step back from Clark.
"Oh…come; come in." Lois said and stepped aside so they could enter her chamber. There were a number of parchments on the table along with a quill and an open bottle of ink. "I was reading these reports from my father before I give them to Prince Peter in the morrow." She took the quill out of the ink bottle and put it away. She closed the ink bottle. She rolled up the parchments and moved them to a smaller table out of the way.
Lois then went over to the small fireplace and threw another log into the dying fire. The fire grew bigger and she lit another candle. Martha and Clark sat down at the table she cleared and Clark grinned as she ran around the room making it look more presentable. Lois then grabbed a half empty pitcher of wine and three goblets. She carefully filled each goblet half way and put one down in front of each of them. She put the pitcher aside.
Then, Lois finally sat down next to Clark. "It is a pleasure and an honor to meet you, Duchess. Clark has spoken of you often." Lois said grinning. Clark grinned and took her hand. He caressed her knuckles and he could feel her hand slightly shaking. Her hand stopped shaking.
"I wish I could say the same but I only learned of your courtship with Clark earlier this evening." Martha said and Clark grimaced. Lois awkwardly took a big sip of wine. "And last I heard your name, you were laying seize to my home but was driven back to Smallville."
Lois took a deep breath. "Yes… Smallville was under my command when my father was sent back to Metropolis. And yes…I was commanded to lay siege to the Kent Castle." Lois said.
"Hmmm…I see." Martha slowly tapped her fingers on the table.
"Um Mother, Lois had no choice but to obey to hide her true allegiance." Clark said. Lois sighed and rolled her shoulders. Clark noticed. "I know. I know. There is no need for me to defend your honor for you are more than capable." Lois grinned and nodded once.
"Hmmm…" Martha rested two fingers on her temple and pursed her lips. "Let me just say that I disapprove of your elopement. Marriage is a sacred union between two people. Did Jonathan and I teach you nothing?" Martha lectured. Clark opened his mouth but Martha held up her hand. "Be silent. I am not done." He closed his mouth. Lois grimaced and squeezed his hand. "Yet…" Lois cut her off.
"I have something to say as well… I love Clark. My father did not approve of our elopement as well but he gave us his blessing and I hope he will learn to endure Clark as I hope you will learn to endure me… I may be far from the woman you imagined would marry your son but we exchanged vows and I intend to honor mine… As I have said, my father has given us his blessing. Now all we ask is for yours." Lois said.
Clark had his left hand over his mouth to hide his dropped jaw. Not even Lana spoke to Martha in that manner. He constantly cut his eyes back and forth between Lois and Martha. Both women continued to stare at each other, expressionless. Martha then stopped tapping her fingers and slightly tilted her head to the side.
"Yet…seeing the two of you together remind me of when Jonathan and I were your age." Martha grinned. "Clark has told me all that has happened the past year. I know there are many things I still do not know but I believe I do not wish to know them… I just want to say that I am in your debt for what you have done for my son. And I do not just mean caring for him when he was poisoned by that horrid Sir John…but for awakening something inside my son that I have never seen. And I have never seen him so happy." She said.
Clark and Lois grinned at each other and Martha stood. Clark and Lois stood as well. Martha walked around the table and hugged Lois smiling. "It gives me great pleasure to hear you say all this, my lady." Lois said.
"Martha. Call me Martha. And welcome to the family." Martha said and they hugged once more. "Now when are you coming to Kandor? We need to get to know one another better before the next wedding."
"My father has gone to Empire City; my cousin to Keystone City; and Kent Nelson and the other resistance leaders have been traveling from village to village. Once they all return, Sir Perry White shall be sent to Krypton to speak of the terms of peace as Peter's ambassador. But until then, you may write to me as Clark does so very often." Lois said and took his hand.
"Ah, Sir Perry… He must be deeply honored." Clark said.
"Yes. Peter had asked my father first due to his knowledge of Krypton but he told simply told His Grace that the peace talks would only end in him challenging your Council to the death and that would not solve any of our realms' problems. Sir Perry was the next choice. He was once King William's ambassador to Krypton many years ago. He happily accepted." Lois said. "Now leave before Krypton believes we have captured you and plan to hold you for ransom."
"And why would you even do that for you know you cannot hold me." Clark said with a smirk. She smiled and they tenderly kissed. "I shall write when I can." Lois nodded and he pecked her lips. He pecked her lips again and again until they kissed tenderly again.
Martha pulled them apart. "Control yourself. There will be time for that once you are married…again." Martha said. Clark pecked her lips once more and Lois giggled. Clark and Martha left her chamber and disappeared in a blur. Lois sadly closed the door.
