Superman/Steven Universe:
The Shield of Hope
(Note: Coming at ya'll with another chapter of Shield of Hope, The last setup chapter before we reach the climax. I am so excited and proud that I got this far and you all stuck with me. I hope I can deliver with what's left of this story. For Now enjoy. ;)
Chapter 25
Beach City Crater
"So everyone is alive?" Superman said happily
"Yes, but this creep has Steven. Moreover, we don't know where they are." Pearl says
"But their all alive, which means we have a chance to save them. There's still hope." Superman said optimistically
"For now." Garnet said grimly
"Wow looking on the dark side, huh?" Amethyst said
"It's hard not to." Garnet said rubbing her arm
"As long as there's hope there's a chance. We're gonna do this." Superman said reassuringly making her smile
"Now all we have to do is figure out where Steven is being held." Garnet said
"Lola!" Superman said in realization
"The fortress would have the tools needed to track them down." Pearl said
"Then wait are we waiting for! Let's get back and see if she can help us." Amethyst said enthusiastically
The heroes looked over the crater of the once peaceful Beach town determined to return things to the way they were. No matter where they had to go or what they faced, they would return peace to the Earth and protect the innocent. With bravery filling their very beings they took off to find the location of their newest foe.
Beach City, Location Unknown
Lois's eyes fluttered open as she groaned looking up at the ceiling of the big donut. She rolled onto her belly with a groan trying to pick herself up. Her guts felt weird she felt like she wanted to throw up. She spat out a little saliva onto the floor with a groan, her vision was slightly blurred as she scanned the area. However, her hearing came back first hearing many moans, her vision finally returned as she saw the others laying on the ground. Lois picked herself up onto shaky legs using the counter to help herself up.
"Ji-Jimmy…. Greg." Lois groaned trying to regain some strength
Instead of Jimmy and Greg, it was Connie who woke up next. Her eyes were opening to see the unconscious Lars and Sadie in front of her. She tried to move but realized she was still in the embrace of her parents who were also unconscious.
"Mom, d-dad, wake up." Connie said shaking them making them stir and wake up
Lois had gone over to her friend trying to wake her up, shaking him until his eyes finally opened and he let out a groan.
"Wh-ugh-what happened? What's going on?" Jimmy slurred rubbing his head
"On your feet Olsen, we're alive." Lois said
"Really? Are you sure this isn't heaven?" Jimmy groan leaning up
"Heaven doesn't have donut shops Jimmy." Lois said helping him up
"My version does." Jimmy said getting on his feet
"Wake Greg, I'll get the others." Lois said running to the back
She found the awake Connie helping her wake her parent, who groggily groans and slowly released Connie to rub their heads.
"Wh-where are we?" Doug asked
"Co-Connie, is Connie okay?" Priyanka asked
"She's fine Miss, she's right here." Lois said as she propped the family up on the wall
Lois decided to give them a moment to rest going back to Jimmy who was helping Greg to his feet. Seeing he was okay, Lois chose to exit the building to see what may have happened outside. She was met with a shining sun, blue skies, and fluffy clouds a picture-perfect sky. Lois looked down the boardwalk not seeing any of the drones from before though a few soldiers were lying on the ground unconscious. Greg and Jimmy walked out onto the boardwalk to join Lois them to being surprised by the sudden return to normality.
"I-is it over? They're gone?" Greg asked
"And we're still alive!" Jimmy said happily
"Something's not right here." Lois said looking up at the moving clouds
"Lois for once can you look at the field for the flowers. It's over we're okay." Jimmy said shaking Lois's arm
"It doesn't make sense, why the big show? The robots, the dome, the laser. Why go through all of that only for nothing to happen it doesn't make any sense. In metropolis, they were determined to stop Superman and the gems from stopping them, for what nothing I don't buy it." Lois said just as Lar's, Sadie, and the Maheswaran's exited and joined them
"Oh thank god it's all over." Lars said happily looking at the sky
"Mom, Dad, do you hear that?" Connie asked
"Hear what sweetie?" Priyanka asked
"There's no sound." Doug said looking around
"Exactly, what happened to all the birds?" Connie said worriedly
Lois walked down to the boardwalk and woke up the groggy soldiers shaking them awake to answer her questions.
"Come on Soldier where's General Lane?" Lois asked
"M-main Street fighting those things." The soldier groaned removing his helmet while the other threw up on the ground
Lois then moved down the boardwalk passing the building where many other of the Beach City residents were waking up as well. She came off the Boardwalk and ran towards Dewey Park, she stood in front of the Statue in the park looking around.
"Lois!" Sam said standing with a bunch of soldiers and running towards his daughter
"Dad?!" Lois said surprised by his tone. He ran up and hugged her, lifting her up in an impressive feat of strength
"Oh my god! Are you okay?! Did you get hurt?!" Sam asked extremely worried
"Uh, dad, I'm all right. You can put me down, people are watching." Lois said embarrassed as her father put her down
"I was just….. Worried." Sam said realizing what he just did. The two share a moment of awkward silence between the two
"Hey Lois wait up!" Jimmy yelled as he ran towards them followed by Greg, the Maheswaran's, the Pizza's, the Fryman's, as well as Lars and Sadie.
Many of the residents of Beach City were gathering in at the park confused at what just happened.
"Are they all gone?"
"Why did they do that?"
"My guts feel like they went through a blender."
"My head hurts."
"What's going on?"
All the people murmured wondering what just happened and if they were safe. Mayor Dewey stood before his people Megaphone in hand.
"Everyone remain calm. The danger appears over." Dewey said trying to calm everyone down
"But why did all this happen?" Kofi asked
"Where did all those weird Robots go?" Vidalia asked
"Are these robots connected to the Sneeple?" Ronaldo ask
"Is it finally over?" Kiki asked worriedly
"Okay, okay everyone calm down. You will have your answers." Mayor Dewey says into the megaphone
"General Lane we need some answers." Dewey whispered to Lane
Lane groaned before taking the Megaphone and stepping in front of the crowd.
"Attention Citizens of Beach City, though it seems the danger has passed we all must remain vigilant. I ask of you all too please go back to your homes and allow us to search the area for any threats. Once we are sure the area is safe we will let you know what is going on." Lane said before returning the Megaphone to the Mayor
"There will be no need General, Everything will be explained soon." A loud voice said getting everyone's attention
All the soldiers and citizens looked around confused wondering where the voice came from. The volume of the voice made it sound like it came from a speaker.
"Where the heck…?" Jimmy said looking around for the source as well
Just then from the sky a blue beam shot down towards the ground. Dewey and Sam noticed this and quickly got out of the way. The beam landed in front of the massive crowd as they looked on in awe. The glow illuminated the whole area until it slowly died down getting thinner steadily revealing a figure. So once it was gone entirely Brainiac stood before the crowd towering over everyone there. They all looked at this strange being in pure shock, while Brainiac had a semi-pleased look on her face.
"What in the world?" Lois whispered staring at this green creature
"Actually beyond your world Ms. Lane." Brainiac said letting her eyes wander towards Lois without moving her head and giving her a grin that sent a shiver up her spine
"Residence of Beach City and those few lucky visitors to come along for the ride, we are Brainiac." Brainiac says with a small bow
"Pffft, Brainiac, seriously." Jenny whispers with a stifled giggle
"Yes Jenifer Seriously." Brainiac says annoyed looking at the teen making her yelp.
"And before we get any other pointless questions delaying this orientation. We know everyone in this city from you Fryman to you William Dewey." Brainiac says surprising the two
"We know your blood type Laramie Barriga, of your absentee father Sour Cream, and of Sergeant Martin's failing online writing and drawing career." Brainiac said shocking everyone and making the Sergeant embarrassed
"From blood type to social security numbers to browser history, we know every person within the confines of this city more than most of the people you're standing next to. So does everyone understand now that, that's cleared up?" Brainiac asked looking out to the crowd of shocked faces
"… What do your reptilian overlords want with us?" Ronaldo yelled through the crowd
"…. For the sake of time, We are just going to start ignoring everyone, especially you." Brainiac said coldly. After taking a moment to clear her throat
"Citizens of Earth allow me to graciously say, Your Welcome." Brainiac says with a grin
"Due to recent annoyances we were forced to change plans for our preservation of your species and your fine little town was chosen. Aren't you all so lucky?" Brainiac said
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Sam yelled
"I am talking about the survival of your entire species General Lane. By my Calculations your planet is on a downward spiral to its destruction. It cannot be halted or reversed, the Earth's destruction is inevitable. Also, thanks to me, you all will be the surviving members of your race. Thanks to me you will all live on in my collection." Brainiac said raising her hands as the crowd murmured confused by everything
"Collection? What?" Lois said confused
"Yes and as a part of my collection you will-." Brainiac said but was stopped
"What's going on who are you talking to?" Steven's voice said coming from nowhere sounding worried
"Steven?" Greg said recognizing his son's voice, many other residences recognizing it as well
"Please Steven I am in the middle of something, keep your voice down." Brainiac said like an annoyed mother turning her head towards Jimmy making him yelp though it was clear she wasn't looking at him
"Steven? Steven here's wha-how?!" Greg said starting to panic
"You're talking to them aren't you, my friends? Is that what you're using?" Steven's voice said accusingly
"Steven I am trying to explain the current situation to-hey stop that, let that go!" Brainiac said annoyed as suddenly her image moved almost like she was standing in front of a camera and it was jerked to the side
The crowd looked on in confusion as there were sounds of Straining and metal creaking until finally to everyone's surprise Steven face suddenly appeared in front of the crowd. Many of the people screamed in shock and surprise, but Greg stood there wide-eyed.
"S-Steven, STEVEN WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" Greg yelled terrified running towards the giant head of his son
"Dad! I can see you and hear you! I can see everyone, I'm so glad your all safe." Steven said relieved
"Steven, why, HOW!" Greg said panicking
"She's using this weird Camera to talk to guys." Steven said squinting his eyes looking at whatever kind of device he was holding
"No I mean what are you doing with… her? Where are you? Why aren't you….. where you're supposed to be?" Greg said calming down a bit as to not reveal the Kent's names
"That Metallo guy came in and kidnapped me, bringing onboard to Brainiac's spaceship." Steven explained
"SPACESHIP!" Greg said as he began to pant holding his chest
"Breathe Universe before you pass out." Jimmy said helping Greg sit down
"Steven!" Connie said bursting through the crowd to meet Steven
"Connie! Oh no today's when you visit, you're trapped here too." Steven said worriedly
"Steven what's going on?" Connie asked
"You said John attacked you? Where is he?" Sam asked
"You need to listen I think Brainiac is a gem and she just- ack!" Steven yelled as he was suddenly pulled up
Everyone gasped in shock as the Camera device pulled back to reveal Brainiac holding Steven up by his shirt collar.
"That was very rude Steven." Brainiac said annoyed glaring at Steven
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY SON?!" Greg yelled
"Ah Gregory, we almost forgot you were here. We want to take a moment to thank you for creating such a magnificent specimen and sustaining him despite your obvious faults. We assure you your hard work will not go to waste." Brainiac said looking at Greg, leaving him stammering trying to understand what's happening
"LET STEVEN GO!" Connie yelled her parents holding her back though her words did catch Brainiac's attention
"Young Connie Maheswaran, I assure you Steven is the safest he can be. You all are in our care." Brainiac said
"Your Care? What are you talking about?" Lois asked
"Ah right before I was so rudely interrupted I was talking about this." Brainiac said as the image of her and Steven vanished. Everyone looked around and murmured confused wondering what was happening. Just then Lois looked up and her eyes widened, everyone began to look up and saw what she saw. The crowd erupted into terrified screams as they saw the blue sky opening up revealing that it was fake and showing a dark starry void. However, evenmore terrifying as the sky vanished they saw Brainiac's giant face grinning down at them with amusement. Once the sky was gone and the Giant Brainiac revealed, it began to move to get closer to Brainiac's face.
"As we said residence of Beach City, Welcome to the collection." Brainiac said with a grin
"You put them down right now!" Steven yelled angrily
"Steven, please lower your voice. Yelling is not going to improve your situation." Brainiac said as she began to balance the bottled beach city on her metallic finger perfectly
"N-NO! Stop please, don't drop them!" Steven begged
"We went through much hard work to get this, we are not going to drop them. That'd be impossible for us." Brainiac said offended by what he said
"D-don't shake them please." Steven whimpered
"Oh Steven you don't need to worry about them. They are perfectly safe within the confines of this container, they can't feel any outside force and the subjects will remain completely stable. Look." Brainiac said as she began to shake the bottle Steven screaming out in fear.
Within the bottle Beach City was still fine feeling none of the shaking, the citizens, however, could see that it was happening and were all freaking out and screaming. Many people ran away while others stayed and held onto the nearest thing fearing that the world was going to shake.
"I THINK I'M GONNA BE SICK!" Lar's cried holding to a light pole.
Brainiac then reappeared before the crowd looking amused at the scared citizens who were now looking at her with fear.
"My dear Humans, there is no need for you to fear us. We have saved you, with us you will live on and prosper till the end of the universe. Safe from all its dangers." Brainiac said
"Y-You shrunk us! You shrunk us down and trapped us like rats." Connie said horrified
"Actually based on the data we are getting your Earth rodents would not be contained so easily like this, you're more along the lines of something stationary like a rock." Brainiac said
"Who the hell do you think you are?!" Lois yelled
"We are Brainiac, we have a 10th level intellect, on our way to 11. We are preservers of knowledge and we do not appreciate your tone Ms. Lane. I believe a thank you is in order." Brainiac said looking at Lois annoyed
"Thank you?! Oh I'll give you a Thank You, when I come up there and-!" Lois yelled only to be stopped by Sam
"Ah good general we suggest that you improve upon you spawns attitude if she wished to live in this ecosystem." Brainiac said
"Listen you, you don't threaten my daughter! Moreover, you sure as hell don't take a bunch of innocent people, shove them in a bottle, and expect a Thank you. I swear to god once we get out-!" Sam said defiantly
"You'll do what General? You're smaller than an Earth Ant, trapped in an indestructible container, and currently floating high above your planet's moon. There is no scenario where you escape, so we suggest you all get used to your new living conditions." Brainiac said glaring at Lane Sam making him click his tongue since he had no idea of what to do.
"Superman and the gems will save us." Steven said grabbing the camera again much to Brainiac's annoyance
"Superman?" Lois asked filling with hope
"Yeah she called them earlier and told them that she has me, their gonna come and get us out." Steven said happily filling the citizens with hope
"You believe that Steven?' Brainiac said amused
"Yes I do, you claim to be smart but it was a really dumb move using me as a hostage. The gems and Superman are gonna bust in and bring us back to Earth!" Steven said
"Oh by the time their up here that will be quite impossible, since your Planet will be destroyed." Brainiac said simply
"I-you-what?" Steven said scared and confused
"Within the next Earth hour we will have all the needed data on your planet. At which point we will destroy your solar systems sun. The resulting Supernova will swallow the planet incinerating it to space dust." Brainiac said shocking everyone
"I-that's-just-WHY!" Lois yelled
"Well if we don't do it and leave your planet will grow and adapt until it's inevitable end. So then we would have to come back and update the data, get new samples and that would be a hassle. This will be so much easier." Brainiac said
"YOU ARE GOING TO BURN OUR PLANET BECAUSE IT MAKES YOUR LIFE EASIER!" Lois yelled angrily
"Yes, we are. However, as we said your planet will live on. We will be the sole holder of your world's history and everything about, it will be our to hold forever and another addition to our brilliant knowledge. Ours and no one else's." Brainiac said
"You-that's-y-you won't get away with this! My friends are gonna stop you and kick your butt!" Steven said trying to sound defiant
"Oh I believe it won't be my butt their kicking, in fact we believe they'll be quite hesitant once we're done with you." Brainiac said sinisterly
"Wh-what do you mean?" Steven said worriedly
"It's the reason I brought you here. Steven, I want your body!" Brainiac said proudly
Everyone in the bottle just heard what she said and were dead silent shock on their faces, the only voice in the silence was Greg who was screaming horrified. At that moment the three gems on Brainiac's forehead flashed a bit and her eyes widened.
"Oh we are so sorry. We just received new data of what phrase means to you humans. What we meant is that we literally want your body, to control and walk around in like it was my own." Brainiac said wishing to clear up the misunderstanding. Though the citizens were still silent in shock and Greg was still screaming
"I-No-Why do you-?!" Steven said scared backing away from Brainiac as she walked towards him
"Because Steven, you are my next step in evolution. We can see it in your potential, a limitless potential that you cannot grasp. However, with our intellect and your body, we will be able to ascend all the closer to our perfection." Brainiac said
"Y-you can't do that!" Steven said
"Why not we've done it before. We promise Steven you won't feel a thing, it'll be like falling asleep." Brainiac said
"Y-y-you can't have my body!" Steven said
"Oh Steven, it adorable that you think you have a choice." Brainiac said with a smile and a sinister glint in her eye that sent a shiver up Steven's spine
"RUN STEVEN!" Greg yelled hoping his son would hear
But he did and Steven turned and ran for the door, much to Brainiac's amusement. The door quickly shut trapping him with her. As he slammed on the door something grabbed him by the back of his shirt and back towards Brainiac who grabbed him by the shirt collar.
"See that kind of thinking is why you can't unlock your potential, where would you even go Steven? Your body will be in much better care once we take control, though we do have some modifications we should do before the transfer. A wireless spinal graft, some reinforced skeletal structure, maybe change the eye color. It's best to get started right now, we already have your uniform ready for when we insert ourselves into your brain." Brainiac said
"You can't have my Brain, I'm using it." Steven said holding his head
"Yeah rarely. Now come on let's get you to the prep room." Brainiac said as she walked towards the door
"NO! STEVEN! LET HIM GO! LET HIM GO NOW!" Greg yelled unable to do anything many of the Beach City residents joining in with him, until
"Spatial anomaly detected." A robotic voice said making Brainiac stop in her tracks
"Where is it coming from?" Brainiac asked
"Within the ship, origin point Earth." The voice said
"Impossible Earthlings don't have the tech need for teleportation, and the gems certainly don't have it either. The Kryptonian maybe, how did he-?" Brainiac murmured until in the very center of the room and massive Pink Portal opened up
"What in the…?" Brainiac said looking at it in confusion
Then from the Portal Lion and Krypto emerged fangs bared and charging at Brainiac. Brainiac didn't have time to react as Krypto's teeth dug into her arm making her scream out in pain letting Steven go and fall to the floor, only for Lion to catch him and get him away from Brainiac.
"LION, KRYPTO!" Steven said happily
Brainiac screamed as Krypto kept biting onto her arm. Sparks began flying out of the wound along with a strange purple liquid. Under the green flesh metal could be seen, circuitry and wires as she tried to pry the dog off.
"That crest, you're the Kryptonians?" Brainiac screamed at the dog, only for it to continue biting its eyes glowing red
Krypto then fired a beam of heat vision right into Brainiac's eyes making her scream more. She finally used her free hand to cover the dog's eyes and stop the beams, though the flesh around her eyes was now black and burned. Brainiac roared as she raised her arm and Krypto into the air before slamming the superdog onto the ground making him yelp and let go.
"YOU DISGUSTING, VILE-HOW DARE YOU INFECT US WITH YOUR FILTHY PATHOGENS!" Brainiac cursed as she kicked Krypto in the stomach and into a wall
"KRYPTO!" Steven screamed worried only for Lion to roar at Brainiac
Brainiac quickly turned around and growled at the animal holding her wounded arm, and looking through her damaged eyes.
"We have data on this Earth mammal, but there something different about it. What is that!" Brainiac growled
"He's Lion, he's my friend, and you just hurt one of his!" Steven yelled as Lion roared again this time releasing a Concussive roar at her
Again Brainiac was caught off guard by the attack as it slammed into her sending her into a wall with a grunt. Her ears were ringing when Lion pounced on her and tried to bite into her throat. Brainiac screamed as she held the beast back straining as the fangs got closer.
"GET OFF US YOU BEAST!" Brainiac yelled as she fired two elbows onto the back of Lion's head followed by a punch to his cheek that sent him flying towards the Beach City bottle knocking it off its pedestal
Steven noticed this and quickly caught it before it could touch the ground. Brainiac however let out a pained scream as the wires attached to her help her up to her feet. She hissed as she looked at the gaping wound on her arm sparks and purple liquid spewing from it. She looked at it in disgust.
"HOW-DARE-YOU!" Brainiac growled looking at the two animals
"Give it up Brainiac, it's three against one now. So you sure can't take all of us with one arm!" Steven said as he put Beach City back on its Pedestal Lion and Krypto standing and growling at her.
Brainiac glared at them, but a small smile came onto her face as she held her wounded arm. Then with a yell she tore her arm from its socket with a single pull more sparks and purple blood spewing out. More of the metallic inner working of her body more easily seen. She then threw it to the ground before a horrified Steven
"NO YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO KEEP IT ON, IT GET'S BETTER!" Steven yelled scared and disgusted looking at the twitching appendage
Brainiac simply smiled as from the ceiling and floor multiple machines emerged and zeroed in on the area her arm previously was. Then to Steven shock they began building Brainiac a new arm, quickly putting machine's together and inserting them quickly making a robot arm. The robot arm was then sprayed with a green substance that made her green flesh. The devices also worked on her eyes peeling away the burned flesh and putting in the fresh skin. Under a minute the machine retreated and Brainiac stood looking like nothing happened. Craning her neck and growing a sinister grin on her face.
"Or-just-build-yourself a new one that's cool." Steven said freaked out
The two super-pets had a moment of hesitation, but quickly charged Brainiac to attack. Brainiac looked at the two in disgust charging herself and grabbing the two out of the air by the throats. As they squirm two cables attached Brainiac's back disconnected from the ground and wrapped around the pets head. Then purple electricity began to surge through them and into the pets. Steven cried out in fear as the animals howled in pain the energy coursing through them. Brainiac finally stopped letting the animal's bodies go limp.
"Still alive huh? Restrain these two, I could learn something from a good dissection." Brainiac said letting them go as two tentacles came out of the floor and wrapped around them. Brainiac then looked at the scared Steven with a look of Disgust on her face.
"You let that….. thing touch you! We can't begin the transfer with its filthy Earth bacteria covering you. We just finished the decontamination process and now we'll have to start again from square one. TAKE HIM AWAY!" Brainiac said as more tentacle came in and restrained Steven covering his mouth and carrying him out of the room
"STEVEN!" Connie yelled as she watched him struggle to try to escape
"YOU'LL NEVER GET AWAY WITH THIS!" Jimmy yelled
"And as for the rest of you, we will require some physical samples from you all to put on record. Our associates will handle that so please be respectful." Brainiac said regaining her composure
"Associates?" Greg asked
"Yes, we have received data saying that music calms humans down. So to help make this go smoothly we will be playing classical Earth music, enjoy." Brainiac said coldly
Just then from nowhere classical music began to play throughout the town. Everyone looked around confused wondering what was going on. While Peedee was looking he noticed something and quickly let everyone know by screaming and pointing at it. Everyone turned and gasped to see a huge robot spider climbing atop a building staring them down. Soon three more appeared and made their way to the crowd as chaos erupted. Brainiac watched coldly as she could see the humans running and the soldiers firing on her machines.
"You all appear to be distressed. We will turn up the music." Brainiac said doing so and then walking away
She stopped before her removed damaged arm looking at it with disgust as it twitched and spewed purple blood.
"Destroy it." Brainiac growled
The arm was contained in a dome and with a massive flash was turned into dust. That dust was then sucked away and ejected out into space.
"WE WANT THIS WHOLE ROOM SCRUBBED! WE DON'T WANT A SINGLE MOLECULE OF THAT PLANET THOSE BEASTS MAY OF BROUGHT IN ON OUR SHIP!" Brainiac yelled angrily as she left the room Steven noticing how she acted before being brought out as well
The Fortress of Solitude
"Lola where are you?" Superman yelled as she and the gems entered the main hall
"At the computer Kal-El. Come over we have something to show you." Lola said
"Did she said we?" Amethyst asked as they went to the computer
"Lola, it's Steven…." Pearl said
"I know, the copy I left at the Kent Farm was destroyed. Don't worry Kal-El they are safe, I sent another copy to check on them. I am so sorry for this failure, if I was downloaded into that copy I could've fought better and saved Steven." Lola said apologetically
"It's all right Lola a lot was going on. Also, you were helping us, we can't be mad at you." Pearl said
"Without you we would've been sunk. But now you can help us again, by helping us figure this out." Amethyst said making Lola smile
"Now what was this about us?" Garnet asked
"Ah yes, are you still there Dr. Hamilton?" Lola asked facing the screen
"Yes, I'm still here Ms. Lola." Emil said his face appearing on the screen
"Dr. Hamilton?" Pearl said surprised
"Ah Ms. Pearl, Garnet, Amethyst, and Superman. Thank you all so much for saving the city, though it looks like whatever this threat is appears to have taken another city." Hamilton said sadly
"What is this Lola?" Superman asked
"Dr. Hamilton is quite intelligent, if you remember together we were able to figure out the ships weak point for you to exploit. So as I'm sure you already know, he has been tracking a strange signal for quite some time. The same signal that came when the first address started and the one you just got." Lola said
"I have been tracking them, but I lacked the technology needed to see where it came from, until Ms. Lola tapped me into whatever system you're using. And I believe we found its source." Emil said with a smile
"All right! Point us to whose butt needs kicking." Amethyst said pounding her fist to her palm
"Well the thing is heroes, this signal is not coming from….. Earth." Emil said
"Yes, it appears that the signal is coming from above Earth atmosphere and maybe even beyond." Lola said
"They're in Space?!" Superman said shocked
"STEVEN'S BEEN TAKEN TO SPACE!" Pearl yelled scared
"Yes, but we don't think it's that far….. in space terms. The source has to be in the planets range for the signal to go out, so I hypothesize that they are stationary at the moment." Emil said
"But how are we supposed to get to space?" Garnet asked
"I've never flown above Earth's atmosphere before, and I don't think breathing in space in one of my super-powers." Superman said
"Don't worry you won't have to. We still need to find the source's exact location, but I have just the thing to get you out there." Lola said with a smile
"All right, Lola!" Amethyst said
"Lola, do you think we could talk for a moment?" Superman asked
"Oh sure Kal-El, Dr. Hamilton I'll be back." Lola said to the screen before turning it off and facing the team
"Lola… what happened in Metropolis was what Happened to Kandor. This is the same thing isn't it?" Superman asked
"… Yes Kal-El, I'm afraid so." Lola said sadly
"And you never figured out what it was that did it?" Garnet asked
"It happened so suddenly and so fast. Everyone assumed it was the gems, but Jor-El knew this was something else. And it appears to have gotten stronger since then." Lola said
"Lola, this thing knows that there is a Kryptonian on Earth, it's looking for me." Superman asked
"Master El I swear I will let nothing….." Lola said getting up
"Lola, I'll be fine. If it wants me, it'll get me." Superman said confidently though Lola still looked worried
"This thing seems to think that Superman possesses the Kryptonian Codex. What happened to it after the attack on Kandor?" Pearl asked
"…. It was moved to Krytponoplis and put under heavy security. However, during Zod's failed coup the chamber was broken into and the Codex gone. We believe that Zod was trying to take it for himself, but was destroyed during the battle." Lola said
"Are you sure?" Garnet asked
"As sure as I can be." Lola said
"Well we don't have this Codex thing, hopefully they'll take a whip to the face instead." Amethyst said
"Lola you seem tense." Superman said worriedly
"Heh, how could I not be? It's happening again." Lola said rubbing her arm
"Don't worry Lola, we can stop this. I swear I'll protect this planet and you." Superman said with a smile
"… But I'm supposed to protect you." Lola said sadly making Superman frown
"It won't be too long till me and Dr. Hamilton find something. Rest I'll call you when we have them." Lola said sitting back down and facing the screen her back turned to them
The gem shrugged and left while Superman stayed for a moment
"Lola, we can do this, together, all of us. We're going to give it our all and stop whatever is happening. You gotta hold onto that Hope." Superman said
"Hm." Lola said with a nod still typing on the keyboard her back still turned to Superman
Superman nodded and walked away, unaware that Lola's eyes were bright. She had left this body for another one. One that was deep in the fortress in a part Superman didn't know existed. Under the fortress in the icy waters was a massive chamber of crystal and ice. From the icy wall a Lola copy emerged shaking some frost off its body.
"Has it been that long since I've been here?" Lola said to herself wiping off the frost
She then went deeper into the chamber opening a door and being bathed in brilliant blue light. She entered the room to find a massive glowing crystalline structure that gave off a light hum. Lola walked up to the structure rubbing her hand against the smooth surface. She then tapped the face of it making a compartment open up, looking inside Lola saw a Crystal Shard as long a pencil and as thick as three hotdogs with the El crest engraved into it. The shard was in the center of the structure and glowed in rhythm with it. Lola lightly touched the crystal Shard her mind wandering back to years ago.
Arctic Two Years ago
Clark Kent trekked through the frozen wasteland in a thick red coat, forcing his way through the blistering winds. Clark had been traveling the world to figure out who he was and what he was meant to do. His parents knew that he was too big for Smallville and happily let him go once he graduated college. He had been many places from Africa, to Germany, to Japan. He has met so many different people, and experienced so many things. But throughout all of it there were two constants. One he wanted to help people, everywhere he went he would use his abilities in secret to help the people of the area. He saved lives and it felt good, he knew this is what he wanted to do. The second thing was that he still didn't know who he was. He knew who Clark Kent was, but he didn't know who this other him was. The one that fell from the sky, the alien, he knew nothing of where he came from.
Clark stood before a massive frozen lake. He then reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the Crystal shard he has held onto since he was a baby. The only thing of his alien heritage that he had. He also felt this strange connection to it, like it was watching over him. And somehow deep inside he knew it had all the answers. Back then he was scared to ask afraid of what he might learn. But now he was ready, good or bad he needed to know. No matter what He was Clark Kent of Smallville, farm boy, and son of Johnathan and Martha Kent. Clark held up the shard and took a breath.
"I don't know if you can hear me, but I somehow always knew you were watching me. That when the time was right you'd give me the answers of where I'm from and why I'm here. I don't care what it may be, I'm ready to learn. Please show me." Clark said to the shard
From within the shard Lola smiled "It's time."
The shard then began to glow bright, much to Clark's amazement. It then started to burn a feeling new to Clark making him drop the shard with a yelp onto the frozen lake. The Shard immediately melted the ice sinking into the cold waters. Clark panicked for a moment seeing the shard sink wanting to go after it but stopped when he felt something, the ice was rumbling. Before he could react a massive crystal shard erupted from the ice. With a panicked scream he tried to run only for another shard to emerge before him, soon more and more began to surround him and grow to reach the sky. Clark looked up seeing the crystals slowly start to encase him making a ceiling and covering him in darkness. Clark began to breathe heavily not understanding what was happening. Then there was light, the crystal themselves began to glow illuminating the room and revealing Clark stood in a massive empty hall.
"What in the-?" Clark marveled looking up until there was another rumble
Clark turned around to see from the ground another large shard emerged about a foot shorter than him. And then the shard began to cut itself, pieces of it falling off like an artist chiseling marble. Clark stared in awe at this until what looked like a crystal mannequin stood before him. The Mannequins body glowed as a thin layer of pale skin began to form over its crystal form, it built fingernails, long black hair, and even a strange one-piece blue suit with the familiar symbol on its chest.
The figure looked female and stood before Clark with its eyes closed. Clark looked around nervously not sure what just happened or what he should do. Before he could say something the figure's eyes opened startling him and began to scan the area around itself.
"Um… Hi." Clark said with a wave
The figure then began to move it's limps making creepy crack sounds as it did, like it had just started using them. Clark getting more scared backed away as the female figure began to bend stretching its body out, until once again focusing on him.
"Okay….. I think I'm just going to go now." Clark said nervous backing away
"…. It's time." She whispered
"What?" Clark said
"It-is-finally-TIME!" She yelled excited running at him like a maniac
Clark let out a scream as he turned and ran only for the woman to wrap her arms around his waist pinning his arms. And then much to his surprise she lifted him up and swung him around like a toy.
"It's time, it's time, it's time, it's time, IT IS TIME!" She yelled happily swinging him around
"Time-for what?!" Clark gagged since she was crushing him slightly
He got no answer but was instead flung into the air with a happy cry. Clark flailed as he fell to the ground only to be caught by the woman again.
"Oh look at you, look at your face, your so handsome." She squeed squeezing his cheeks
"Ma'am please stop." Clark asked
"Oh of course! You are my master after all!" Lola said getting up
"I-I'm sorry what? I'm not your master." Clark said confused
"Of course you are Master…. El." Lola said as she looked at Clark with a small smile
"It's….. been so long since I said that. And you….. you look just like your father Kal-El." Lola said with a smile
"Kal-El? My Father? What are you… wait a minute. Wait a minute I remember you! You're the Blue Fairy, you appeared over my bed since I was 5. Ma and Pa said it was a dream, but you are real. And you're here, why? Who are you?" Clark asked
"I am Kryptonian Servant Shard 707V, I have served the house of El for millennia. I was chosen by you father Jor-El and your Mother Lara to protect you and when the time is right to teach you of your heritage Kal-El of Krypton." Lola said with an elegant bow
"I-I don't understand." Clark said
"I know Master El, but in time you will. Come, there is much for you to learn." Lola said extending her hand. Clark looked at it for a moment, but then took it letting Lola guide him deeper into this massive ice fortress
Present Day
Lola smiled as she finished her memory looking at the shard and gently rubbing it. Sighing as her finger touched the crest.
"You've learned so much Kal-El and ho you have used your gifts. Your parent would be so proud of you. You found your purpose." Lola said
She then gripped the shard and then pulled it out of the structure. The massive construction and the shard then began to glow less bright and the humming slowly died down.
"I have my purpose Kal-El and that is to protect you, no matter what." Lola said as she stared at the shard
(Note: And here we are the final Battle is upon us. Can the Heroes save Steven, Beach City, and the Bottled City of Kandor? You'll have to wait and find out. Also as a side note to people who follow me for Batman v Superwoman, I am going to focus on this story until it's done before I try doing that again. Don't worry we are close tot he conclusion with this. If you like what you've read leave a comment I will reply ASAP)