Superman: The Ark of Krypton
Chapter 115
by
Jason Richard
Superman found himself fighting three other Kryptonians. Ursa was the closest to Superman's level, having absorbed the most energy, but Zod and Non were happy to get punches in whenever they saw an opening. To anyone watching on the red sun tank's monitors the fight between these four Kryptonians was a blur of motion. Only in split seconds at a time were any of them visible. The sand blew away each time fists collided with faces in the air, and the wind blew around them as they flew around, Superman trying his best to take them down fast.
The red sun tanks, meanwhile, got pushed back as the Kryptonian criminals kept jumping up and shooting over the force field wall. Fire and metal flew through the air each time a green bolt of energy connected, and all the while the red sun energy didn't seem to hurt the Kryptonian soldiers much. They got thrown back to the sands and got right back up again.
Superman was aware of this, even as he was aware that the punches from his Kryptonian enemies were actually starting to hurt. Superman got a few hits in, but it was three on one, meaning Superman got punched and sent flying back more often than he'd ever been in his life.
After one particularly nasty blow, Superman landed in the sands, dust flying everywhere as he landed, Zod landed next to him as he struggled to get up. "You've fought bravely," said Zod. "But a wise soldier knows when it is time to surrender."
Superman finished standing up and raised his fists, saying, "You stand to take control over this world, my home, everything I love. That's not the time to surrender."
Zod nodded, finding that he respected Kal-El's resolve. That did make what he felt he needed to do a little harder. Once again the three Kryptonians attacked, and Superman did his best to hold his own.
…
From the helicopter Lytener wore the suit he'd invented, his entire body trembling with fear. He got ready to fly out, which meant trying to stifle the trembling coursing throughout his entire body. He had begun asking himself why he was even doing this. He knew the answer was that it was the right thing to do, and yet he kept asking himself that question all the same.
…
From within the pod, Kara saw the portal and was overwhelmed with how gigantic it was. JLAI 13 had assured her that the device she carried would shut that portal, and given the calculations, she knew it was true, but seeing such a large phenomenon gave her doubts.
On top of that, she could see much of the invading Kryptonian army outside the boundaries of the portal. Kara feared that it might be too late to shut the door.
...
"You want me to what?" asked John Corbyn to his cell. He had just gotten off his plane and was now traveling by jeep to the battle site. The vehicle shook and tumbled as it traveled over the gravel road.
"When you get to the battlefield," said Luthor on the other end of the phone. "I want you to hold back. Identify the leader, then strike when you get an opening. Do nothing else until that opportunity arises."
"You mean I won't get to slay Kryptonian's left and right?" asked Corbyn, irritated.
"Believe me Mr. Corbyn," said Luthor. "I would love nothing more than for you to let loose with the gift I've given you, but the technology inside your body is still untested. As confident as I am in it an entire army is not a good testing ground. Besides, Superman is technically our ally in this. Now would not be the right time for any...accidents with him. At least...not until our common enemy is vanquished."
Corbyn sighed saying, "Understood." and he hung up.
…
Superman crashed to the ground, and again, and again as the three Kryptonians attacked him relentlessly. Having to fight three Kryptonians at once forced Superman to use more energy than he really had. Zod, Ursa, and Non, meanwhile, could stand back and let each other fight for a moment while they replenished energy. A few tanks threw red sun blasts their way, but it was no trouble for them to dodge and shoot the tanks in question with heat vision.
Superman, as he was being knocked around, felt dizzy and sore all over. He didn't realize it, but he was covered in bruises, lacking the energy to both heal and fight.
Superman stood up once more as the three Kryptonian soldiers flew above him grinning maliciously. Superman took deep breaths as he looked over, seeing the Kryptonian army slowly pushing the tanks back.
"One last chance to surrender?" said Zod. "Even after what your father did I still respected him, and you've earned my respect as well. I'd hate to see a fellow Kryptonian fall."
Even though he was tired, sore, and in pain all over, Superman put his fists up.
"Very well," said Zod, nodding respectfully.
All three of the Kryptonians charged, Superman winched…
And all three of them were thrown away by a massive blast of red light.
As the three Kryptonian soldiers were left dazed on the sand Superman looked over to see Edward Lytener flying next to them wearing his holographic suit and holding a glowing red hand up. He had an absolutely horrified look on his face, but he took a deep breath and steadied himself.
Well, thought Lytener, there's no turning back now.