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 5

Lana Lang

Two months passed since the events in the village of Greywood. This experience was profound and disturbing on many levels. Loki now knew who Cor is, well about but she said nothing and Cor was glad. He had a lot to think about though much of it he did not understand. Apparently unknown forces were at play and some hand guided his every action – was it his father or was it Rao – the Red Sun God – he did not know. It was much expectation to live for.

Cor did not feel he could live up to all this – who could. But the problem was not only what happened in Greywood it was also in the village he lived in. There was also much mystery in it too and it was awfully tempting but there was a whole new world out there and sooner or later he has to explore it and learn to live in it. Cor was once again faced with a decision he did not want to make and yet had to.

He was back on his favorite cliff thinking. Alicia came from time to time to cheer him up and he pretended he was but truth be said he was not. His decision time took him away from the village and its lovely customs. It was time to leave though he did not know how to say goodbye or whether they would let him.

He readied carefully. He did not leave that quickly. He spent time learning of the humans occupying most of the planet. He had nonetheless to do it covertly. He did not want to arouse his hosts' suspicion but there was no need. They taught him everything they knew without a second thought.

Cor learnt the humans were a kind of paradox. They did resemble his people in many areas – arrogant, petty, jealous – compassionate, friendly, loving. There was much hatred in the world and every day they cried for a savior.

There were also the advanced humans – something the villagers called while the humans called them meteor freaks. Cor learnt they changed while exposed to these meteors that have fallen some decade ago. Cor frowned at that new information. It reminded him of something.

Cor was ready now to leave. He used a village festival to sneak out. He was far when he turned around for one last time.

"Namarie, Sylvani!"

He placed his left fist on the right of his chest and bowed. It was time for a change – a whole new world to explore. He turned his back and walked away in the gathering darkness.


Months passed, Cor has found himself a place to live in a remote location in the grand city of Montreal, Canada. It was as far away as possible from the Sylvans' village. He also had many jobs so he could get used to the humans and their ways. It was not easy but Cor managed. Getting legal papers however that proved a bit more difficult until he remembered he was once before on Earth and he had such.

His mother's sister lived on Earth though in France. She had adopted him and given his human name – Corin Deville. He did manage to sneak in his aunt's house without a problem and found what he looked for fairly easy, and the problem of the papers was no more a problem.

Cor returned to Montreal where he had begun a new job in a Luthor Corp Shelter. He found helping people is quite rewarding. It wasn't paying much but it was enough for his needs. It was also the perfect place to study human customs and behavior, right at the bottom of the food chain.

This week was important as the boss was to come. Her name was Lana Lang. She was also Alexander Luthor's bride. Everyone was eager to meet her and logically to please her so to move up the ladder. Cor however did not bother to do so. He had no intention of attracting attention to himself but as they say plan A never works.

Ms. Lang was a beautiful young woman and had a charismatic smile as Cor noticed. She was in simple white which however made her more like a princess. She handled herself equitably as there were a few problems. In overall the day passed quietly and Cor went unnoticed. The evening however did not go that well.

Cor left right before Ms. Lang. He was to go home but stopped to buy dinner. And it was then when he heard a commotion in the adjacent street. A woman cried and Cor couldn't resist taking a peek. The situation was not good. Ms. Lang's car was in the middle of the street and some thugs made attempts to knock her down. The driver was nowhere around.

Cor sighed deeply. This was not his idea of calm night but then again he couldn't leave his boss in distress. He moved into the shadows so the thugs won't see him at first. Ms. Lang resisted but they managed to overpower her and still she struggled. Cor was again impressed but there was no need now. He got close enough. He moved out of the shadows and made himself known. Anyone would have attacked without warning but this was not how Zod taught him.

His sudden appearance surprised the thugs but did not dwell much on it, one attacked at once. Unfortunately, the attacker had underestimated his opponent. Cor's martial art skills were by far superior. He disposed of him with two blows – one into the stomach taking his air out and one at the solar plexus. Another came but fell so quickly to the ground that the other two did not understand even what happened. The third attacked with a knife at hand aiming for Cor's stomach. Cor blocked him with one hand, and with the other stroke the throat. The next hit disposed of him permanently.

"Don't get any closer or I'll cut her throat." – The fourth shouted holding a knife at Lana's throat.

"You don't want to do it." – Cor replied perfectly calm.

"Get closer and I'll."

"Ok, I won't but we can't stay here all night."

"My buddies will stand up soon and then we will take care of you."

"Oh!" – Cor exclaimed contemptuously. "Your buddies will not stand up for at least an hour but I can wait."

"This is not a stalemate."

"Of course not," – Cor said as his eyes spotted a little rock just a feet away. "What do you want with that bitch any way? I mean she's pretty but other than that I can't see what you could gain."

"She's rich."

"You don't really believe it yourself." Cor said as he observed the thug's behavior. He moved one step closer to the stone. "But even if you did I doubt you would get much. This car belongs to Alexander Luthor. He is not of the giving type and besides how much do you think he would give you for this whore?"

""No!" – The thug shouted. "She's Lana Lang."

"You are kidding right?"

"Not at all."

"Look, I don't want to spoil your night but I happen to work for Luthor Corp and I have seen Lang and that thing in your arms isn't it." – Cor said looking straight at Lana giving her a sign to get ready.

The thug seemed confused now. It was as Cor thought he did not know the target well. He displayed signs of uncertainty. His eyes diverted just for a second from Cor and this was his fatal mistake. Cor used that one moment to lift the rock with his foot. The rock rose up and in the next moment Cor kicked it with the other foot and it flew straight at the thug's temple knocking him down. Cor moved in the next second to stop his hand from accidentally hurting Lana's throat.

"Are you alright, Ms. Lang?" – Cor asked as he caught the knife.

"Yes, I 'm fine, thank you."

"It is good to hear. Where is your driver?"

"He is on the ground now." – Lana replied pointing at one of the thugs. Cor frowned at once.

"Then by all means, we have to go."

"What about the car?" – Lana asked as Cor pulled her away by the hand.

"It is too dangerous. If your driver is part of this then it is far better organized than I originally thought. Come on. We have to put some distance before they get reinforcements and then we'd be in bigger trouble." – Cor replied and pulled her faster.

"I don't understand why not use the car?"

"They can trace it. You can't. Now move!"

"Where are we going? At your place?"

"No."

Cor assessed their options and they did not look good. Whoever was behind the attack was certainly not of giving up type. There were cameras on the streets and although it was dark it was possible they might have snapped his face so his place was out of the question. However, Cor was not of the type to simply run away. He needed to know whom he dealt with so he took Lana to the roof of the adjacent building.

"Stay absolutely silent." – Cor whispered while he observed the street bellow. He was right. They have moved out of sight just in time. Twelve more goons appeared and got to revive their comrades.


"Where did they go?" – One asked quite loudly. He was very big.

"I saw of glimpse of them around the corner." – One of the hit said standing up. "That way." – He said pointing to the left.

"After them and find out who is that asshole that interfered."

The goons gathered and moved quickly. Cor moved to the other side to assess their strategy. They turned left and spread quickly covering the street. Cor returned to his earlier place. The big goon, obviously the boss of the group, was still at the car and obviously looking for something.

"Do you have your cellular?" – Cor asked Lana.

"Yes," – She whispered.

"Give it to me."

Lana handed it to him and Cor got it to muffle the sound and just in time as it ranged. The biggie was smart but not that smart. Cor was still one step ahead of him. He looked down and found the dumpster. He moved closer to the edge and while observing the goons down and carefully threw down the cellular at the dumpster that was least likely to produce a distinguishable noise.

"I needed t…" – Lana said outraged but Cor put his hand on her mouth.

"Shush!" – He whispered then turned his attention to the biggie who obviously was well prepared as he got to search the dumpster and soon located the cellular. "They can track your cellular too." Cor explained to the stunned Lana.

Lana was uncertain of her rescuer. She remembered him from earlier in the shelter. He sat quietly making no attempt to get noticed but when everyone tries so hard it is the ones that don't certainly do get noticed. She now observed a rather surprising behavior as her first assessment was not that good of him. This man acted like he's been in such situations all his life. He stood one step ahead of her pursuers with such cool she's not seen in anyone but Clark.

And speaking of Clark she noticed something on Cor's left wrist. It was metallic and had a distinctive symbol like the ones in the caves in Smallville. This intrigued her much. What was the chance she would run into someone carrying this particular symbol outside of Smallville? It was probably nonexistent.

Cor got concerned. These goons were far from goons. They displayed military thinking which probably meant they were mercenaries. Despite his skill set he could not resist them for long. Now, if he had his powers this would play out in a different way but he didn't. So far he has not figured out why he had no powers on Earth.


They remained on that roof top for an hour more. Cor wanted as much information on the pursuers as possible. They now acted in a much smarter way and began searching in a standard grid pattern. It was now official for Cor they were professionals but the question remained – what were they after.

Cor felt it necessary for them to move away before the gaps close.

"It is time we move. Follow me!"

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere, we can get some answers but of course your safety is paramount. These thugs down there are professionals. Now follow me closely, actually as I come to think of it – move in front of me."

With Cor's diligence, they managed to avoid all the goons and slip through the search grid. Cor however did not take them far away. He still wanted to keep an eye on his opponents. So he found a place near Luthor Corp headquarters in Montreal. Something told that the pursuers had inside information. He thought of contacting Luthor junior but he wasn't sure how compromised the security was.

"How long will we stay here?" – Lana was restless after the long hours of waiting. "I have to contact Lex."

"No, not yet."

"He'll come for me."

"I'm sure of that Ms. Lang but unfortunately it would seem this is an inside job and I have no idea how comprised his security is after what you told me."

"But we can't sit here forever?"

"No, that we can't." – Cor agreed. "But not before I'm satisfied you'll be safe."

"I can call a friend."

"A friend?"

"Yes, Clark Kent. He lives in Metropolis."

"And what will he do – fly from Metropolis – that will take him what – six seven hours – and you think that whoever is after you will not notice, hum? Believe me they will."

"They are not I'm certain of it." – Lana said a bit hastily. "I don't think they will watch this closely."

Cor looked at her. It was obvious she did not want to make it sound the way it did. This Kent was someone important. Cor observed her closely – and noticed she averted eyes – an ex-boyfriend most probably though it did not prove the absolute confidence unless the guy was a superman.

"We can contact Oliver Queen." – Lana suggested after half an hour of silence.

"The enemy camp – hum, interesting proposal – but no." – Cor replied.

"You can't hold me up here."

"Don't worry I have no intention of doing so." – Cor said and without turning around added. "It is good to see you again, Loki. You took your time coming."

"Seyt,"

Lana turned around and faced Hekate. She was a young woman probably her age with long black hair but clothes that did not blend in especially in a city. She was in silver attire with a lime mantle.

"Hekate Loki – Ms. Lana Lang." – Cor introduced.

"It is a pleasure to meet you." – Hekate said.

"You too." – Lana replied.

"What do you want?" – Hekate turned to Cor.

Cor told her as much as he felt necessary. Hekate listened carefully.

"I will do my best." – She said and turned around to leave. "I'll return back in several hours."

"Thank you!" – Cor said. "Did you get the…?"

"Yes, I did."

Cor moved into the kitchen to prepare a meal while Lana remained in the room. He returned half an hour later.


Lana was hungry and when Cor reappeared it was as though he had read her mind. There were many aspects of him she did not understand but she owed him her life so far. It was obvious they were not out of the woods yet.

"Bon appetite."

"Thank you!"

The meal was surprisingly tasty though it did not look it. "Who are you exactly?" – Lana asked after satisfying her hunger.

"I'm just an employee of Luthor Corp, well the shelter but nonetheless…"

"Just an employee, right! You are an employee who managed to avoid experienced mercenaries, an employee who has obviously impressive fighting and obvious tactical skills…yeah and right…just an employee."

Cor had to admit Lana's observations were perfectly correct. He did not fit the profile of an ordinary employee.

"Touché, Ms. Lang, you caught me red-handed." – Cor said and smiled. That smile captured Lana. He had almost the same charisma as Clark and it felt intoxicating. "My father is, sorry my father was an inventor so he did not have much time for me."

"I'm sorry." – Lana said sympathetically.

"It is ok. He did however send me to paramilitary training school trying to make a man of me. Needless to say he failed. I was not what you could call the dutiful son. I was a bit of a renegade. I skipped classes and made out with the…well you get the picture. But in the end obviously I did learn something that helped us in this situation."

"You – the rebel? I'd have hardly thought of you that way when we first met in the shelter."

"I like my peace, Ms. Lang."

"Lana."

"Lana."

"Where are you from?"

"France."

"Which part of France?"

"Just beneath Paris – why?"

"My ancestors were also from France."

"Oh, ancestors – and they were?"

"Well, it is not something I enjoy talking about."

"Oh, and why is that? Were they criminals?"

"No, they were witches."

"Wizards, you mean?"

"What?"

"Wizards, witch goes for the women."

"Hugh?"

"Ah, wizard – masculine, witch – feminine. I do hope I don't have to draw you a diagram." – Cor replied.

"No need," Lana smiled. Cor's way of explaining was unorthodox.

"So you said you have wizard ancestry. Someone famous?"

"Countess Isabel…"

"Isabel Ther…"

"Yes,"

"Oh, well, this is certainly famous. Legend goes that she was after some mythical stones of power."

"Yeah, she was." – Lana replied and memories flooded in.

"And they caught her and they had burnt to the stakes." – Cor continued though he did notice she drifted, which intrigued him much. "Like all witches – at the time. The story goes she never found what she was after."

"I guess she did not get the chance." – Lana replied.

"No, apparently," – Cor said casually though his curiosity was certainly aroused. "So you grew up where?"

"I was born in Smallville where I grew up. I thought everyone knew that."

"Well, you can't expect every employee to have read the boss's biography."

"No, I did not mean it this way."

"It is alright. And you graduated at?"

"Metropolis University."

"Oh, nice."

"Nice?" – Lana looked at him.

"Yes, it is nice."

"Have you ever been to Metropolis?"

"No, never."

"Then perhaps if we get out alive, you could come to work for the shelter there?"

"I don't think so."

"Why not? Metropolis has what to offer."

"I'm sure it does but I'm happy where I am."

"Ever so humble…"

"Always," – Cor said and got up. The air got too close for his taste. He did have from time to time the impulse to make a move. Being with Lana was as intoxicating as being near a drug. And Cor wasn't ready to go there for it would make matters complicated.


A sudden noise made Cor alert. He put his finger on the mouth and looked at Lana. He switched off the lights then moved to the door. His hearing was at full alert. He pressed his ear to the door and listened for the noise. And it did repeat itself this time closer.

Cor concentrated and focused on it. It was of cautious footsteps. Cor stooped and moved away from the door frame. The handle of the door moved silently and then there was a distinct noise of someone picking the lock. The picking stopped and the door opened silently. Cor stood up silently still behind the door.

A shadow moved in but it was doing so very cautiously. Cor was ready to strike but waited. The shadow moved into the room and switched on the light. Thankfully, Lana was sharp as a needle. She was not in the room. She had slipped out of sight. Cor looked up and saw a niche. He climbed like a spider and hid.

The shadow which was now distinctly that of one of the goons that were after them examined the apartment thoroughly and obviously satisfied proceeded out not however before he informed his boss. Then he left closing the door behind him. Cor got down as silently as a cat and observed the moving away man.

"It is all clear, boss. There is no sign of them in the building." – The man said on his radio after meeting with the others sent to check this building.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, we checked every empty apartment thoroughly."

"Good job, continue on the next. They are not far away. "

"We'll catch them. They can't hide forever."

"Time is short. Proceed quickly."

"Yes, sir." – The man said and got on his way unaware of a shadow around the corner that was Cor. He wanted to know how close they were. A smile appeared on his face. He was about to leave when the conversation got even more interesting.

"All units pull away,"

"You found them sir?"

"No, but Luthor is in town."

"Lex Luthor?"

"Yes, Mrs. Waller wants you out before his forces even see you."

"Yes, sir, right away. Alright boys, you heard the boss – move out."

Cor saw them all running quite quickly away. So the attacker's name was Waller, Mrs. Waller. Cor returned to the apartment and saw Lana's hideout. These goons may be mercenaries or military but in inspecting the place they certainly acted like goons.


"They are gone." – Cor said giving her a hand.

"So we can leave?"

"No." – Cor replied. "Not yet. We'll wait for Loki to give us the all clear first."

"But?"

"It doesn't hurt to exert some caution."

"Alright," – Lana gave up. He was right and she felt safe with him. But there was something she wanted to explore. "It is an unusual bracelet." She said pointing at his left hand.

Cor did not display his surprise though she did catch him off guard.

"Oh, yes it is. It is a gift."

"By whom?" – Lana asked trying to sound as casual as possible but did not succeed as Cor clearly caught the interest. Actually it seemed more than just interest which was definitely intriguing.

"My teacher in tactics gave it to me when I finally managed to pass his test." – Cor replied. This was true from his point of view.

"Does it mean something?"

"Yes, it does." – Cor took it off and showed it to her. "He told me it was derived from a metal found in a meteorite in the outskirts of my hometown and the writings say: 'He who braves in obscurity, always finds the pulsating light within oneself to go on.'"

"It is beautiful." – Lana said.

"And this one," – Cor showed her the last symbol which she recognized at once. It was Zod's crest. "This one means control over oneself. He told me it is to remind me that we must always keep up control for if we lose it even more one moment we doom all those who follow us."

Lana looked a bit confused at her rescuer. She was almost positive now that he is Kryptonian like Zod. And yet, the things he said were so beautiful and meaningful. She was certain he could not possibly suspect she knew of Kryptonians. And if indeed he was one of them, then he was very different. But she was probably imaging it as he did not have any powers or perhaps he has chosen not to show them. Yes, the latter was more likely. But the burning question was why he was so open with her. Or there was the possibility he was human and had nothing to do with Zod.


She made a mental note when she gets closer to the mystery of the Kryptonians to check out his explanation. For now, there was no reason not to believe him.

"This is so beautiful." She said.

"Yeah, it is. I wished at times I had paid more attention to my instructors. I do miss them."

"What happened to them?"

"They died – all of them." – Cor drifted in memories.

"I'm sorry." – The uncertainty of this man's origins resurfaced though Lana saw only regret and deep pain in his eyes.

"Yeah," – He sighed deeply. "Maybe one day I can make them proud."

Lana was now on her toes.

"They tried to teach me lessons of life. Most of the time, I ignored them. I thought of them as old-fashioned. And then…"

"Then what?"

"I didn't have the time…I didn't have the time to do right by them. It is ironic. You never know when it is your time and when it flies away and you realize it is never coming back then you know you've missed your window."

Cor got up and stood next to the window his stare was lost somewhere in the horizon. This conversation brought up memories though he did not say anything that anyone could relate to his home world as no one knew he was from another planet. Cor of course had no idea Lana did know something.

"And the only thing we can hope is that the universe will give us a chance to prove ourselves." – Cor continued then without turning asked. "Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"What – no. I'm the only child. My parents died when I was four years old. It was the day of the meteor shower." – Lana replied.

"I'm sorry. How much do you remember of them?"

"Not much," – Lana replied with sadness in her voice. "What about you?"

"My parents died when I was fifteen. There are times I can hear them in my dreams and they sound so real. My mother was this sweet, loving person – always carrying. She was there for every need I had. She was restless much like my father though he did not have time for me. He was too preoccupied with his projects. But when he did have the time and that was rare he used to…" – Cor chuckled and continued.

"He used to read me these stories of…the Red Sun God Rao. I had no idea what the devil Rao is but I enjoyed them. It was the time I had a father. When I began to go to school the story times grew shorter and I no longer paid attention. I was angry with him. He spent more time away and at times I really needed my father…" Cor shook head. "And then he was gone and I never got the chance to make it…never." Cor pushed away from the window and sat on a chair. "Now, I'm all alone."

Lana got to him and hugged him in spite of the warning signs. Everyone feels pain and sorrow. And he certainly felt that way now. If he was Kryptonian then she clearly has misjudged him.


And that's how Loki found them when she entered into the room – in each other's arms.

"The coast is clear." – Loki said. "Ms. Lang's fiancé shall wait for her at the office."

"Thank you, Loki," – Cor said and pulled himself up. "It is time we deliver you to your fiancé."

Loki and Cor led her to the Luthor Corp building and left her at the door. Luthor junior was already there. He ran to her and embraced her. Lana eyed the place where Loki occupied just a second ago and noticed she had disappeared. As for Cor, he was already walking away.

'We will meet again Kryptonian,' – Lana thought.


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