The Prophecy of Rao - Season 1: Forbidden Verses


Disclaimer: Based on DC comics' characters and the mythology created in Smallville (i.e. property of the CW network), and created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster but the words are my own.


AU/SML: At the aftermath of Dark Thursday, Cor of the House of El, presumed dead, leaves the Phantom Zone. He arrives on Earth and hopes to begin a better life but mystery surrounds him quickly. He sets to unveil this mystery and find the answers he craves for, guided by the spirit crystal of his mother.


Note:

Rao - the Red Sun God of Krypton and creator of the universe

Krypton - home world of the Kryptonians

Kandor - capital of Krypton

The Phantom Zone - prison dimension created by Jor-El


Collaris - the Blue Giant of Eerie and co-creator of the universe

Eerie - home world of the Yllyan Empire

Lux Eternis - capital of Eerie

Ventu Collaris - Highguard of the Yllyan Royal Court


Chapter 3

Yellow

Alicia came to wake Cor but surprisingly he was not in his room. Instead on his bed she found a note – "Alicia, flower of the forest, my sleep disturbed, I went for the Eastern wind at the Valley of water." Alicia folded the note smiling and blushing. Cor was unable to say anything straight that early in the morning.

She left the village and headed to the 'Valley of Water'. It was the eastern waterfall. It was a place where many went to think and see the might and beauty of nature. Cor had gotten used to their customs and followed them to the letter. He would have made a perfect forest dweller one day though he was never meant to stay. He was Seyt sent to fulfill not only a prophecy but a destiny.

The waterfall was not something great, magnificent or majestic. It was a simple but beautiful little waterfall surrounded with plain, lush green and soft grass. Cor was on a stone in the middle of the top of the waterfall. He was bare chest, standing straight up one leg, the other one stretched behind him, his arms like outspread wings – a dragon in flight.

Alicia came just in time when Cor bent down slightly maintaining still his place. The physical load and level of concentration required was too much for any mortal although it did look easy. Alicia had tried the conditioning and found it close to impossible.

Cor took notice of her presence but continued. It served any purpose to lose his focus now. With the passing weeks he has learnt to become one of them but sadly the truth was he wasn't. He did respect them a lot but staying in this forest no matter how blissful it was, started to take its toll on him. He wanted to go somewhere, just somewhere outside of it and see, absorb other environments. He felt as though reading the same books day after day and now he needed a new one.

Cor finished his training and jumped from the waterfall. He emerged on the surface of the cool water then got out and let the sun dry him. The sun, the source of power and rejuvenation and one day he would get the answers and his powers back.

"Seyt?" – Alicia called tossing his shirt.

"Alicia, flower of the forest…" – Cor greeted with open arms.

"You're not going to stop running, are you?"

"No, in fact, I would like to…to…"

"To what?" – Alicia asked her smile darkening.

"I would like to…" Cor hesitated for a moment. "I would like to…"

"What?"

"Would you like to come with me…?"

"Where?"

"To come with me to the city…"

"The city?"

"Please," – He begged. "I'm grateful for everything your people did for me but I need freedom. I need space. I need to see other things. I can't stay forever in the forest. I'm like…like…ah…"

"A fidgety spirit longing for more trouble…"

"No, I'm more like a trapped spirit longing for the vastness. Please, Alicia, we'll be back by sunrise."

Alicia looked sternly at him but ceded. "Alright, I'll come but we'll back by nightfall. Take it or leave it."

"Deal." – He smiled broadly. "I need just to change. I don't think I'm appropriately dressed."

"You're fine the way you are." – Alicia countered.

"Thou as a compliment I shall take thee."

"Stop!"

"Oh, you enjoy every moment of it." – He said patting her on the head and joyfully ran before her. She controlled her blushing and shyness and followed.


On the outskirts of Prague in a rather ragged garden before a half ramshackle house, two men stood smoking something that resembled pipes. They seemed waiting for someone and from the looks of it he was awfully late.

"Hey old cracks," – A young man popped out of nowhere.

"You're late, boy." – One of the men said grumpy.

"I had to evade the usual hooks."

"This is your problem not ours."

"Well, as I seem to recall you called me so what do you want?"

"Easy there, boy,' – The old man said. "We have a job for you. We want you to retrieve an item from the National Gallery and deliver it to the old textile factory."

"What kind of item – a painting?" – The young man mocked.

"No, a stone – it's more of a crystal – a yellow crystal." – The old man replied. "It looks like this." And he showed him.

"A crystal?" – The young man looked strangely at the old one and wondered if the latter is off his rockers. "If this is your idea of a joke, it is certainly a bad one. Do I look like your…"

"We called you to take the crystal. It is a simple enough job but if you are not up to it, boy, I'll be glad to ask Terry to do it." – The old man replied.

The young man-made a repulsive grimace. "I'll take it."

"I'll expect you by nightfall. Don't be late again."

"Wait a minute! What about my fee?"

The old one smiled. "Your fee depends on how fast and accurately you fulfill your task."

"I don't think so."

"Sean," – The other old man lifted head. "It'll be your usual plus a something more should you succeed delivering the crystal on time."

"Agreed." – Sean said and walked away.

"Make sure you leave no traces, Vellis. Sebastian is more a nuisance than having any value."

"Don't worry; the world will not miss him much." – Vellis replied and left.


Alicia and Cor arrived in Prague by noon.

"I told you we don't exactly fit in the fashion trend." – Cor remarked.

"I do not feel ashamed." – Alicia said.

"That's not what I meant."

"But it is what you implied."

"Whatever…oh…this seems a nice place." – Cor exclaimed and headed straight for it. Willy-nilly, Alicia followed.

It was the city's library. It was big and exactly what Cor craved for. He dived in and in under an hour managed to read half a section. Alicia also took the liberty of reading books and magazines though not with the same speed.

Alicia had just put down a magazine when she spotted a young man entering in peculiar clothes that contrasted drastically with the other visitors. He was her height, stalwart with pale cheeks, ginger hair, and light grey eyes that made him look more like a ghost. But his clothing shockingly was scarlet with slight nuances of orange.

He just walked in and headed to the archives' section. That was Sean Sebastian, the same one who was just a few hours on the outskirts taking his new task. He passed by Alicia. At first he did not notice her but she was difficult to miss. He stood enticed by her subtle beauty hidden in the simple green clothing of what he recognized as the forest dwellers.

He interrupted his search and moved towards her.

"Gallean light your day." – He greeted.

Alicia was to say the least surprised. She did not think a stranger would know their ways.

"Light passes through the leaves so never misses seeds." – Sean continued. "Seeds grow into flowers of such that it takes from the real colors of the forest lord and his bride to bring up the spirit of beauty unrivaled."

"You're well versed in our ways, stranger of the rim." – Alicia replied.

"One can hardly pass by and not get touched."

"One should show prudence so not to get swallowed."

"For beauty, one can risk it all."

Alicia stood impressed. He knew their way as though he was born among them.

"Has the one a name?"

"A name is only but a word but the word carries power." – The prudent answer was.

"Are you afraid to lose control?"

"In your petals, I'll gladly rest." – Sean said. "I'm Sean Sebastian of the Valleys of Helios."

"Oh," – Alicia exclaimed. "A Hellene."

"Close but no…" – Sean shook head. "I'm a Phi Praetorian."

"There are so few of you left."

"True." – Sean nodded also impressed. "And do you carry one?"

"I'm Alicia Sylvan."

Sean stepped backwards. It was an involuntary move. There were many stories about the forest dwellers but there were few worth of attention. Among his people, there was the story of the Forest Guard, the most élite archers in the world. Among them, the most famous ones were the Sylvans.

"It is a pretty name." – Sean said as casually and as prudently as possible. He did not want to give himself away with the knowledge of the legend of the Forest Guard.

"Thank you!" – Alicia said. She did not take his behavior as sign he had recognized her kind. "So what do you seek in the library of knowledge Phi Sebastian?"

"The archives of the National Gallery, did you not?" – Cor said as he approached them.

Sean stood surprised. He had barely squinted through the shelves looking for the right archive and yet this man whoever he was has managed to decipher his intention. Did Vellis send him here to watch over him?

"And you are?" – Sean asked eyeing him.

"Corin Deville," – Cor replied withstanding the gaze. "Enchante."

"He is with me, Sean." – Alicia said.

"I see." – Sean replied. "Sean Sebastian."

Cor took his hand and shook it but continued to watch him closely. This intensive scanning seemed not very pleasant to Sean.

"Well?" – Cor insisted.

"Indeed," – Sean answered.

"Maybe, I can give some help." – Cor proposed.

"Thank you, I can handle it." – Sean declined politely.

"It's your prerogative."

Alicia clearly sensed the sparks between these two. It was good being the object of desire for two handsome men but something told her that allowing this encounter to continue might make things escalate in undesirable direction.

"Corin, we have to go." – Alicia said.

"Of course, Milady," – Cor replied. "Until we meet again, Monsieur Sebastian."

"I can't wait." – Sean said.


Alicia and Cor left and Sean looked after them until they were out of sight then got to work. "What was that about?" – Alicia asked as soon as they were out of sight. She did not want to make a scene in front of Sean.

"He was not truthful." – Cor replied.

"Who is on first glance?"

"He is not some architect, you know! If I had to guess I'll say he plans to make a late visit to the National Gallery and not with very noble aspirations."

"You can't know that from a minute long conversation?"

"Oh, yes, I can. It is obvious to those that use their eyes." – Cor said and moved to a city map. He fairly quickly located the National Gallery. "And I'll wait for him."

"Oh, no, you are not. You promised by nightfall to return home."

"I'm sorry, Alicia, besides I promised for sunrise not nightfall." – Cor replied and strode away.

"Seyt, wait!" – Alicia called after him but he did not slow down so she had no choice but to follow him.


Sean got what he wanted but he also got to research a bit this yellow stone. Something about this job did not sit well with him. He wondered why someone who knew of his powers would offer him to do such a dismal job, retrieving a piece of crystal. The gallery's defenses were standard and this made things even more interesting. What was about this little gem that made this valuable that it also provided for a bonus? The old crackpots were definitely up to something and he didn't like it even one bit. And Terry – that was a clue – now it became clear to him – they wanted to get rid of him for good.

"We'll see about that." – Sean said to himself. "Let's see how much this little is really worth to you boys."

The yellow crystal as he read had a unique structure. Its molecules were denser than those of a diamond. The report also mentioned how the crystal illuminates when exposed to sunlight. There was one other thing – the scientist who examined speculated that any magnetic object placed near that crystal increased its magnetism ten fold – but the scientist never could prove his theory.

Now this part was highly intriguing. An abnormal with magnetic powers will rejoice such an object and he knew of few that had such ability. This turns this little gem into something very valuable.

He had no more business in the library. He got everything he came for. It was already getting dark so he proceeded to the gallery. It closed for visitors around nine. There were eight security guards plus twelve cameras on separate feeds but sadly for its designers a single server controlled it all, something easy to get around.

He got into the control area and disposed of the guard. He wrote a subroutine that would shut down the feed for two hours posting it as malfunction of the main server directory. This was more than enough time for him to take care of everything.

He located the little yellow crystal fairly easy. Its defenses melted down.

"Hey you!"

Sean turned around and saw a security guard.

"Step away from the showcase!"

"Oh, IDTS." – Sean said and took out the crystal. The guard got his gun and fired but he missed. "You shouldn't have done that, mate." Sean moved from behind a statue. His eyes turned red. His body took flames.

"Oh, My God, what are you?" – The guard exclaimed terrified.

"I'm the Lord of Fire." – Sean replied. "And you really shouldn't have done that for now I would have to silence you for good." The guard fired again but the bullet did not pass by the flames. Sean focused and fiery burst reached the guard frying him on sight. It was an ugly picture but there it was. "I hated when people force me to do it." So he burnt his body leaving nothing but ashes.

Sean just finished cleaning when he heard a noise. Someone just broke in and all the alarms went up. He cursed under breath and exited as quickly as possible. He then headed to the old textile factory.


"What a surprise? You are actually on time, boy." – Vellis said.

"I'm always on time."

"You could have fooled me this morning!"

"This morning, I was not on a job."

"Always having an excuse, did you get it?"

"I did."

"Let me have it."

"IDTS, old man."

"We had a deal."

"We still do but payment first. This is how I do business. You are not happy with it I'll find someone who is." – Sean said.

"Fair enough," – Vellis shrugged. "Fifty thousand is the usual fee and twenty-five is your bonus..."

"Oh, please, you can do better than that," – Sean cut him off.

"We agreed on a bonus…"

"No, we agreed on how fast I'll be and I'll say I was pretty damn fast and punctual. I'll also say that this little thing is worth at least a thousand times more than you're offering."

"What?" – Vellis did not expect resistance.

"You know I've done some research. It seems this little thing can amplify magnetism. I mean anyone with such abilities will pay in gold for it. You didn't really think that I won't find it even one bit peculiar why would you use someone with my abilities to get something even you old crackpots can get on your own. So I figure it is worth more than you're offering and man, I was right."

Unpleasant surprise this was for Vellis. The problem was that without the crystal in his possession he couldn't get rid of Sean.

"I also figured that you guys…if you asked about it then you are up to something…and this something includes my obituary and…huh…I don't fall that easily, old man." – Sean's eyes turned red and the flames soon conquered his body. "He sent you to kill me. Well, I hope you came ready."

Vellis cursed under breath. He did not count on Sean to figure it all out but he underestimated the little bastard.

"This is far from over, Sebastian." – Vellis said his voice totally changed. "We'll meet again and that time I'll put you in your grave." Vellis suddenly ran to the exit and before Sean could reach him there was smoke and Vellis had vanished.


Sean cooled down. It seems he got it right though it did not seem that easy with that crackpots old man. He did have more life and hatred than one could expect.

"Sean Sebastian."

Sean recognized the voice at once. He did hear it just a few hours ago in the city's library – that damned French accent. It was Corin Deville. He had an epiphany. It was Deville who activated the alarms though he was a bit late.

"Corin Deville," – Sean turned to face him. "Thank you by the way…"

"For the alarms – you're welcome. You should know the police are on their way here. Leave the crystal and you'll have a peaceful life."

"Ha," – Sean sighed then laughed. "You really have no idea who I am."

"Another block from the outer blocs, you are not that tough, Sean." – Cor replied moving towards him.

"Really?" – Sean mocked then shook head. "You really have no clue then I guess we'll have to do it the hard way."

"Sean, Corin, please, be reasonable." – Alicia came from around the corner.

"Oh," – Sean exclaimed. "Man, that's low. That's under the belt."

"I didn't ask her in if that was what you imply." – Cor said.

"Excuse me!" – Alicia flared up. "She is right here you know. And I'm no one's prize."

"No, you are not nor will ever..." – Sean said his eyes turning red.

"Sean?"

"Good-bye, Corin, this time for good." – Sean flared up. He rose up in the air and the fires he unleashed lit up everything in sight then touched to the ground and moved towards Alicia.


The moment everything caught fire, Cor stood in a ring of fire. Alicia couldn't get to him.

"You can come with me, Alicia." – Sean said taking her by the arm and pressing her to him.

"I'll not leave him." – Alicia pulled away.

"That's fine with me. I've never seen a Forest Guard perishing in a fire but I guess now I will. Enjoy!" – Sean said creepy and left laughing. On his way out he ignited the old stocks of textile piles.

"Some friend, you've got, Alicia." – Cor said through the rising fumes.

"Thanks, I'll be more careful in the future." – She replied. "Now, don't move I'll get you out of here."

She went for the fire extinguisher in the corner but before she got to it a binder fell on her and she lost consciousness.

"ALICIA!" – Cor shouted. "ALICIA! Damn!"

The fire got closer and the smoke kept sucking the breathable air out. He focused and jumped through the fires of the fire ring. His jacket caught fire and he got rid of it. He reached Alicia. He pressed an ear on her chest.

"Oh, thank Rao, she's still breathing." – Cor exclaimed relieved.


But staying in has become even more difficult to breathe. He took Alicia in his arms and walked to the door but Sean suddenly appeared in his way.

"Enjoying your day, Mr. Deville?"

Cor stopped and let Alicia down. He stared in those red eyes before him but saw no hatred only pain. "I don't…" – Cor coughed. "I don't know why but I don't…think you're a killer. Don't get me wrong I'm sure you'll kill to protect yourself but you won't kill her. I saw the respect and admiration in your eyes for her in the library. I also see pain in your eyes that has nothing to do with the fact that we don't like each much. And I'm not going to hide it. It is mutual. "

"WOW! Psycho analysis – one on one..." – Sean exclaimed sarcastically. "But you see I don't care. You'll burn and…"

"Alright, I will but she lives. You get her out and I'll stay." – Cor said.

"What?" – Sean exclaimed surprised though he saw the adamant determination in Cor's eyes.

"A life for a life, Sebastian,"

"And why would I?"

"I saved your life and you'll save hers."

"I do not follow…"

"You entered the control room and wrote a subroutine to shut down the system but I'm sure you did not notice the system's redundancy. It kicked in the moment that subroutine crept in the system so if I haven't intervened the entire gallery would have flooded with a coolant – Freon gas that is something more than enough to freeze anything. As it seems your stupid subroutine fooled the system that to think that there is fire. Of course I had no idea of your pyro secret but it wouldn't have mattered at all. You would have been dead anyway."

"How the hell…"

"I'm well versed in tech matters. I may not look it but I am."

Sean was not sure what to make of Cor. He sounded so casual and yet so superior. And he seemed like conversing over tea instead of the suffocating reality.

Cor in truth was on the edge of his strength. The smoke took its toll. He lost balance and fell on his knees before the demon of fire. He tried to stand up but no longer could he see straight. His vision became blurry and he lost consciousness.


Sean bent down and brought Alicia back to consciousness then flew away. Alicia opened her eyes and saw Cor. Instantly she was on her feet. At this moment, the ground shook as fire had reached a gas barrel. The force of the explosion torpedoed her and Cor through the door and they smashed with a thud into the ground.

She stood over Cor.

"Seyt, oh my lord Gallean, he cannot die, he cannot." – Tears fell down her cheeks but Seyt was neither moving nor breathing. She dragged him away from the factory as she heard the sirens of the fire brigades.

She made an effort throwing Cor over her shoulders. She walked for about two hours before she fell exhausted on the ground. Something yellow protruded from her pocket. It was the yellow crystal. When she cuddled next to Cor, the yellow gem fell on Cor's right hand. Alicia fell asleep almost immediately.

At dawn sunlight fell over Cor's face and all bruises faded away, his cheeks regained their color. His eyes opened at once and he inhaled the surrounding aromas. Then his hand sensed something. It was the yellow crystal. He picked it up and looked at it. There was something oddly familiar about it. He put it in his pocket and stood up.

"Seyt, oh, thank Gallean, you're alive." – Alicia said opening her eyes sensing him move.

"I'm fine." – Cor replied.

"You scarred me a lot." – Alicia said and hugged him. "Don't do this again."

"I'll try my best, milady Sylvan." – Cor replied.

Alicia rummaged through her pocket but did not find the crystal. It was she who took it from Sean.

"Are you looking for something?"

"Yeah," – Alicia said. "I lost my bracelet."

"Oh," – Cor exclaimed trying to figure out why she wasn't honest with him. There was something to this crystal worth lying for. "I'll look around for it."

Alicia nodded. She thought she might have dropped the crystal when she carried him but she did not find it again.

"I don't see it." – Cor announced.

"Me neither."

"It is getting late. We should go home." – Cor said.

"Yeah,"

"Alicia!" – Cor called.

"Yeah?" – Alicia replied with hope.

"You saved my life." – Cor said seriously. "Thank you!"

"Anytime, Seyt, anytime,"

Cor made a few steps and stopped. He had spotted the bracelet. He walked to it and picked it up. "What do you know?"

"Sorry?"

"I found your bracelet." – Cor said and turned around. "Here, let me put it on – there – beautiful again. Let's go home."

"Yeah, let's go home." And they left.


Somewhere to the East, Sean noticed the crystal was not in his pocket and this pissed him beyond belief – the yellow crystal – his rise to profit - gone.


And don't forget to review. It only takes a couple of minutes. Thank you!

Lordheaven