Chapter 0: Prologue
Arc 1: A New Hope
Alaris
Alaris. A planet located deep in space in a galaxy far, far away. A large terrestrial planet in a solar system filled with 7 other planets. The planet was 37-times bigger than the Earth with a gravity 15-times stronger than the gravitational plane of Earth. A single day on the planet lasted approximately 32 Earth hours and years lasted about 320 Alarian Days. The planet orbited by 2 moons and the planet itself orbited a green sun in a wide, elliptic orbit.
The plant-like organisms on this planet are exclusively different types of flowers. They come in all shapes and sizes, some are small and single stemmed, like you'd expect to find on Earth. But others are more like bushes, shrubs and even trees. Attracting animals to help with pollination and reproduction is usually done with smells and bright colors, but most species on this planet do it a little differently. Sound is by far the most preferred way to attract animals and it can lead to some of the most spectacular natural orchestras. Some species let the wind blow between specialized openings which create special sounds. Others produce sound with specialized mechanisms, usually in the form of clapping, which can be compared to how a Venus flytrap catches its prey. The underwater world of this planet is truly a feast for the eyes. Thousands of different soft and hard coral species cover the ocean floors, most of which have a form of bioluminescence, which makes the night even more magical than the day. These bioluminescent corals offer homes to plenty of creatures, which they need to be cleaned, while at the same time trying to attract the very same creatures with their lights so they can eat them. A truly remarkable balance. Necessity is the mother of invention and that's exactly why the higher species on this planet have highly advanced technology. Their planet has been under constant threat of natural disaster, but from their own planet as well as from space. This has resulted in strong weapons, nature controlling technology and planet defense mechanisms. While the natural disasters have led to a lot of grief, it's fortunate they evolved their technology at such a rapid pace or else they wouldn't have been able to defend themselves against an alien threat.
The planet is home to a great civilization that boasted an advanced take on science and technology. It is believed that a rogue group of ancient humanoid alien race crash-landed on this deserted planet with no way to return home. These individuals would become the founders for the planets and the first settlers and who would go on to establish the planet.
Such a great civilization with a unique history and culture. One of which may not see they're possible demise coming soon.
"Aaaaaaah" Agony. Agony was the only thing a woman was feeling right now at the moment. The pain and agony that a man could never feel or handle. It was the pain and agony of a pregnant woman getting ready to bring forth a new life into the chaotic universe. Her loud screams of agony could be heard from miles from where she was. The Palace Doctors scrambled around the room trying to help the woman.
"Aaaaaah" she bellowed out again in pain. The male doctor who stood by her bedside was yanked up to his feet by a man who nearly towered over all in the room with a formidable appearance. Broad shoulders, solid build, bald head with cocoa brown skin and brown eyes staring at the doctor with a scowl.
"Must you be useless! Help the Princess now!" He bellowed as he loosened his grip on the doctor allowing him to get back to his job. This man was General Cardo Tigivo. General Cardo, perhaps the most legendary soldier in the history of the Alarian Empire. He was the reason that Alaris was able to expand the way it had. He was the reason that the Alarians were as feared as they were. He was the man betrothed to the way who lay on the bed, now in labor, Princess Meni Enara. Their marriage was supposed to bring forth a new era of prosperity. A new era for the Alarian Empire.
"It is alright my love, just keep pushing!" He said as she squeezed his hand tightly as she screamed again to push out their child. Strands of her black kinky hair sticking to her face due to the sweat from the strenuous activity that was giving birth.
There was one final scream that just so happened to be louder than the others as she pushed out a crying baby who's cries could be heard from great distances. A boy with the choice of being whatever he wants to be in the future. A boy who had the choice of being whatever he wanted to be. A boy who could decide his own future. A boy who was the planet's first naturally born child in nearly 3 centuries. Before him, children were created with a specific set of skills for a specific task that was already predetermined for them at birth.
The doctors quickly scurried off, holding the baby so gently as they began to clean and wrap the baby in towels before placing the little bundle of joy into the hands of his mother. A rush of emotions washed over the young woman overwhelming her. Tears welled up in her eyes, streaming down her cheeks, as she gazed down at her child for the very first time.
"He's beautiful," General Cardo said as she cradled her child against her chest, she marveled at the perfection of his tiny fingers and toes, his delicate features, and the pure innocence that radiated from his face against the caramel-toned skin.
In the grand hall of the Council of Alaris, a place adorned with intricate tapestries and polished marble, an esteemed scientist stood before the gathered council members. His name was Cadrin, a very esteemed scientist in the Alarian Empire known for his accomplishments. His clear coffee-colored skin with mocha brown eyes. His eyes sparkled with a mix of urgency and conviction, voice radiating as he addressed the room.
"Council members of Alaris, I implore you to listen to reason," Cadrin began, his hands gesturing with fervor. "Our beloved home is in grave danger, and we must act swiftly to protect its inhabitants."
A murmur rippled through the council chamber, curiosity mingled with skepticism as the council member exchanged glances. They had long respected his intellect and contributions to the realm of science as well as the planet as a whole but his claims of imminent danger unsettled them.
Cadrin continued his voice growing stronger by the minute.
"The signs are undeniable. The seismic activity across the planet has increased dramatically and my research indicates that a catastrophic event looms on the horizon. Our core is dying. If we do not evacuate our people, we may risk losing everything and everyone."
Just as Cadrin finished his plea, the imposing figure of General Cardo strode into the chamber. His all black Imperial military uniform exuded authority, and his piercing gaze fell upon Cadrin with a mix of skepticism and disdain.
"You are a scientist, Cadrin," General Cardo sneered, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Your mind is consumed by theories and fantasies. Alaris has stood for centuries, and it will continue to do so. Your claims of imminent disaster are nothing more than the ramblings of an insane mind. Alaris has just had its first natural birth in centuries and this is how you choose to celebrate the day."
"M-Meni, had the b-baby?"
"Yes. A boy. An heir to the House of Tigivo."
The room fell into a tense silence, the council members torn between the words of the respected scientist and the confident dismissal of the powerful general. Cadrin bit back his tears as his eyes hardened with determination as he held his ground.
"General Cardo, I understand your doubts, but I have dedicated my life to understanding the natural world," Cadrin asserted, his voice steady. "I have observed patterns and studied data that cannot be ignored. Alaris may have stood strong in the past, but we cannot deny the evidence before us. Lives are at stake. That boy's life can be at stake."
A frown snaked its way onto Cardo's face as he took a few steps, getting closer standing face-to-face with Cadrin. Before Cardo could even part his words to muster up a sentence, a rumble from the ground made everyone gasp in shock.
Council members glanced at one another, caught between the opposing viewpoints and the apparent rumble of the ground. The weight of the decision hung heavy in the air, the fate of their city balanced on a precipice of belief or disbelief.
As tension mounted, the King of Alaris and Head of the Alarian Council, Alan, spoke up, voice trembling with uncertainty. We must consider all possibilities. Cadrin's expertise cannot be dismissed lightly. We owe it to our people to investigate further, to ensure their safety."
Cardo and Alan exchanged a glance as the room erupted into debate, the council members engaged in a passionate discussion fueled by Cadrin's plea and General Cardo's skepticism. The fate of Alaris hung in the balance as they grappled with the decision that would shape the future of the planet. A future filled with uncertainty.
The soft glow of the green sun filtered through the curtains of Meni's room. She sat in a comfortable armchair cradler her child in her arms, a look of pure adoration on her face. The room was filled with a serene calmness, interrupted only by the gentle sounds of the baby taking a breath.
As Meni gazed lovingly at her son, a knock echoed through the room followed by the entrance of a kind-hearted nurse. The nurse smiled warmly, her eyes filled with a mixture of tenderness and professionalism.
"Everything okay Meni," the nurse greeted softly, approaching the pair. "How are you and the little one doing so far?"
Meni's eyes sparkled with a mixture of exhaustion and joy as she replied, "We're both doing well, thank you. The little miracle brings me so much happiness. Thank you for the bath in the rejuvenation chamber, I have seemed to heal rather quickly."
"I'm glad to hear, is there anything I can assist you with, Meni?"
"Meni looked up at the nurse, her expression filled with determination. She hesitated for a moment, contemplating the weight of her request, before speaking with a resolute tone.
"Nurse, I need your help," Meni began, her voice steady. "I have a request to make. Could you please contact Cadrin, the Head of the Science division and arrange a meeting between us? It's of the utmost importance."
The nurse studied Meni's earnest expression, recognizing the significance of her words. She nodded, her compassion shining through her eyes.
"Of course, Meni. I understand the urgency," the nurse replied, her voice soothing. "I will do my best to arrange the meeting promptly. You can count on me."
"And please, keep it a secret from Cardo."
A sense of relief washed over Meni as she thanked the nurse, grateful for her understanding and willingness to assist. The nurse gently placed a hand on Meni's shoulder, offering a comforting reassurance before leaving the room.
Left alone once again, Meni cradled her child close, whispering tender words of love and protection. Her heart swelled with anticipation and anxiety, knowing that the forthcoming meeting with Cadrin would unveil a new chapter in their lives—a chapter where truths would be confronted, decisions made, and the path forward defined.
In that intimate moment, with her child nestled against her chest, Meni held onto hope, trusting that the nurse would be the bridge to reunite her with Cadrin.
Days had passed since Meni had asked the nurse to contact Cadrin. The two agreed on a time and place where they could successfully meet without the interruption of Cardo. The General was away on a business trip and left Meni alone at the palace. But with his absence, she knew she could safely and peacefully meet with him with the child.
The location in which Cadrin had selected was a secluded grove nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of the embrace of Alaris' nature. As Meni arrived at the meeting spot, her heart fluttered with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
Cadrin stood there, waiting, his eyes filled with a blend of apprehension and longing. The moment their gazes met, a surge of emotions coursed through them, a silent acknowledgement of the bond that had been hidden for far too long. Without a word, they embraced, their bodies entwined in a mixture of relief and unspoken love.
"He's waited for so long to meet his father," Meni said as Cadrin laid his eyes on the baby boy held by Meni.
"He's beautiful. He's extremely beautiful."
"He looks just like his father. His real father," Meni said as she gently placed the boy in the arms of his father. Cadrin held the boy close, feeling as the young bundle of innocence laid gently in his arms.
"My son," Cadrin whispered as he clinched him tighter, "Have you named him yet?"
"No, I haven't given him his official name yet. Cardo wants to name him after himself but of course, Cardo is not the father. And it's only a matter of time until he finds out and when he does, he will kill us. All of us," She said, gazing down at their young child.
"Meni, I want to send him to another world. Another planet. Doing so would save him from the Cardo and from-" the ground beneath them started to shake aggressively. Rumbling stronger than it ever did before. Cadrin knew that at this rate, there was no telling as to how long this planet had. And with Cardo at the helm, he didn't care about preserving the culture, only forcing that culture onto other worlds.
"Your initial thoughts were right. Our planet doesn't have long but your solution is faulted, you want to send him alone to another world. How is he gonna get there?"
"I have that covered, come with me," he said as he approached his vehicle, a small floating spacecraft. She looked around before walking towards the spacecraft with her child in her arms. As she entered the spacecraft, she unbeknownst was watched by the main individual she was trying to hide from, Cardo standing there with a set of binoculars and a scowl that could not be erased.
He raised his wrist communicator to his mouth as he sent out a transmission.
"STRIKE Team mobilize units to Cadrin's quarters. No one enters until I've given the command," Cardo said as rage bleed through his words.
The couple of Meni and Cadrin now stood in his lab looking at the ship. A sleek marvel of advanced technology, gleamed with metallic surfaces and intricate patterns. Its streamlined design and transparent cockpit hinted at its speed and maneuverability, while elegant wings added both aesthetic appeal and functional stability. Bathed in an ethereal glow, the ship stood as a symbol of hope, ready to carry someone across dimensions to a safer future.
"Have you chosen a world?"
"I have. It's a planet called Earth."
"Earth? But it's a distant world, unknown to us. How can we ensure his safety there?"
"I have spent years studying the planet. Studying it's sun. It's people. It's the atmosphere. I have spent years myself on that planet attempting to live as one of them."
"He'll be an outcast, a freak, they'll kill him,"
"How?"
"He'll be a god to them,"
"What if the ship doesn't make it? He'll die out there alone," Meni said as she cradled him, rocking him as she looked down at her baby boy, "I can't do it. I thought I could do it but I-"
"Meni, we had our chance. Our planet is doomed, we're soon to be targets of a mad man with the power to make our lives a living hell. Sending him away is the only way to ensure his survival. If the planet doesn't get destroyed, Cardo will make sure he gets destroyed."
"Just let me look at him," Meni said as she looked down at her son, "We'll never get to see him walk. We'll never get to hear him say our names."
"But out there amongst the stars, he will live. He will carry on hope."
"Hope," Meni said as she looked down, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead, "I think we should name him Bakari."
Cadrin was about to speak until he heard a loud, bellowing voice cutting him off, making him snap his head to the direction of the voice.
"What a beautiful name. It should read beautifully on his tombstone," Cardo said, stepping out the shadows with a frown. Meni took a deep breath.
"You played me like a fool, never again," Cardo said looking directly at Meni before turning to Cadrin, "Because of her actions, I will kill you all but first your child will fall to mighty House of Tigivo."
The General pulled out a long-sword made with a blackened-steel like material. Cadrin took a gulp as he quickly raced over to his workstation grabbing his sword while Meni scurried off to get Bakari away in the ship.
Cadrin and Cardo rushed into battle in the center of the lab, with their swords poised for battle. Cadrin and General Cardo faced each other, their swords drawn, the air charged with tension and the weight of their conflicting ideals. With a determined glint in his eyes, General Cardo lunged forward, his sword slashing through the air with a ruthless intensity. Cadrin, fueled by a mix of desperation and unwavering belief, met each strike with skillful defense, his movements calculated and precise.
The clash of steel reverberated through the lab, the sound echoing off the walls as sparks flew with each impact. Cadrin, driven by his conviction to protect his son, pushed forward, launching his own counterattacks with a blend of agility and strategic finesse.
"I can't believe she had a child with a scoundrel like you!"
"I'm gonna make you eat those words!"
While the gentlemen were fighting, Meni had gotten Bakari to his ship. She placed him inside the ship as tears started to stream down her cheeks. She leaned down into the ship giving him a gentle kiss on the forehead before she quickly ran to the console to set in the coordinates.
Out of the corner of his eye, Cardo saw this and raised his communicator up to his mouth to command his STRIKE team to move in.
The STRIKE Team came rushing in guns aimed at the console, hitting him with a shot that destroyed the console. But right before they destroyed the console, Meni had punched in the correct controls causing the lid on the ship to close as it shifted to a position where it could launch up in the sky.
As the battle raged on, sweat trickled down their brows, their breathing growing heavy. Cadrin's lab, once a place of scientific discovery and innovation, now bore witness to a brutal confrontation that threatened to destroy everything he held dear.
The STRIKE Team started to launch an onslaught on the ship but their small energy blasts started to bounce off the ship as the roof started to slowly peel itself open. The rocket slowly started to lift off the ground before launching itself off into the sky.
"NOOOO!" Cardo shouted as Cadrin looked up into the sky.
In a moment of swift maneuvering, General Cardo managed to catch Cadrin off guard. His sword, guided by a cruel twist of fate, found its mark, piercing through Cadrin's defenses and stabbing deep into his side. Time seemed to slow as pain surged through Cadrin's body, his grip on his sword weakening.
"NOOOOO!" Meni shouted as all the fire ceased.
With a sadistic smirk, General Cardo stood over Cadrin, reveling in his triumph. The lab's cold, artificial light cast an eerie glow on his face, accentuating the callousness in his eyes. The weight of their clash hung heavy in the air, the consequences of their choices manifesting in this fateful moment.
Cadrin, his strength faltering, sank to his knees, blood pooling beneath him before he dropped to his back. Meni ran towards him and kneeled down by his side, crying tears for her fallen lover.
Cadrin laid on the ground, taking deep breaths as he stared up at the open roof watching his son's ship blasts off into the sky.
"Goodbye my son, my hopes and dreams travel with you," He said mustering up the strength to say his last words as Cardo turned towards Meni.
"You think your son is safe! I will find him and bury him next to your bodies! Cardo said as his team came running over to him.
"But for you, I have something else planned," Cardo said as he grabbed Meni by the hair dragging her up to her feet.
In the fading light of a dying star, Cadrin lay on the cold, desolate ground, his life force ebbing away. The battle had been fought, the sacrifices made, and now he found himself on the precipice of his final journey. His lab, once a sanctuary of knowledge, now transformed into a somber chamber of his last moments.
As his vision blurred and the world dimmed around him, Cadrin's weary eyes caught a glimpse of his son's ship, soaring majestically through the sky into a portal. The vessel, a beacon of hope, carried his son, the last vestige of his legacy, to the safety of Earth.
A bittersweet smile graced Cadrin's lips as he watched the ship grow smaller, disappearing into the vastness of a small portal. His heart swelled with a mixture of pride, love, and sorrow. He had fought so tirelessly to ensure his son's escape, and now, as his own life slipped away, he found solace in the knowledge that his sacrifice had not been in vain.
With each shallow breath, Cadrin's consciousness wavered, his body growing weaker. Yet, in this fragile state, he clung to his last breath, his gaze fixed on the distant stars that framed his son's departure. Through the veil of his fading senses, he whispered words of love and guidance, hoping that somehow they would reach his son's ears.
As Cadrin's eyelids grew heavy, the stars overhead seemed to dance, their brilliance fading into a serene darkness. His mind embraced the quiet stillness, his thoughts intertwined with the memories of his life's work and the dreams he had nurtured.
In his final moments, Cadrin's heartbeat slowed, his grip on life loosening. The weight of his existence faded away, replaced by a profound sense of peace. He let go, surrendering to the cosmic forces that awaited him, his soul drifting into the unknown.
As the last flicker of life left his body, Cadrin's last sight was that of his son's ship, carrying the hope of a new beginning. In that moment, he found solace, knowing that his sacrifice had granted his son a chance for a future free from the shackles of their troubled world. And as his spirit ascended, he whispered a final farewell, etching the love he held for his son into the fabric of the universe.
Earth
Meanwhile, in Texas, a couple dressed in camouflage uniforms drove along the road next to a forest in a black pick-up truck. The driver of the vehicle, an African American male with clear, dark skin and espresso brown eyes. He had black hair cut into a taper fade with a beard that seemingly faded into his fade. The passenger of the vehicle, a beautiful, majestic African American woman with mocha brown skin and brown eyes. She had black hair up in a tight bun.
The car ride had been silent so far. Both individuals had been tired from their busy days at the GOD. The Guardian Operations Division, an agency created by the President of the United States a few years back poised with the mission of protecting and defending the country by any means. The GOD had been a secret for so many years. It wasn't an "official" organization in which it wasn't listed in the constitution. It was off-books but most of the people that worked for the GOD were government officials or members of the military who were just assigned to that division.
"I can't wait till we get home so I can lay down and go to sleep," the driver said in a dry, husky tone.
"Tell me about it. But Eric, please do not snore tonight," the passenger said as she turned over to her lover.
"I never snore, Grace," Eric said looking on with a frown.
"Mr. Williams, if I didn't know any better, I would say that you were lying. And you swore on your Grandmother Esther's grave that you don't lie," Grace said, making Eric chuckle as he shook his head.
"Well, Mrs. Williams, you have seemed to catch me," Eric said, making his wife chuckle as he reached across the console, gently gripping her hand. Unbeknownst to them, their paths were intersected with destiny hurtling towards them.
"What the hell?" Eric cursed as a sudden roar shattered the peaceful ambiance. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and before they could react, a massive ship descended from the sky, crashing into the earth with a thunderous impact.
The force of the landing sent shockwaves rippling through the ground causing Eric to lose control of the wheel and drive off the road. As the pair struggled to regain their bearings, their hearts pounded with a mixture of fear and curiosity.
As the dust settled, their eyes locked onto the peculiar pod that had disrupted their peaceful drive. It rested amidst the undergrowth, its sleek and otherworldly design a stark contrast to the natural surroundings. With trepidation and an inexplicable sense of responsibility, Eric and Grace cautiously approached the extraterrestrial artifact.
As they neared the pod, a soft glow emanated from within, casting an ethereal light upon their faces. Their breath caught in their throats as they saw a small hatch slowly open, revealing a bundle nestled inside. Time seemed to stand still as they peered into the pod to behold a precious sight—a baby, seemingly unharmed by the crash, wrapped in a shimmering blanket.
Emotions swelled within Eric and Grace—a blend of wonder, protectiveness, and an inexplicable connection to this unknown infant. They exchanged bewildered glances, their hearts filled with a profound sense of responsibility for the life that had unexpectedly entered their world.
And little did they know, their entire world was going to be flipped upside down with this child.
A/N: So this is my brand new OC who will go by the alias, Paragon. Paragon for the time being as off right now, exists on an Earth outside of the main DC Continuity. Paragon will be on an Earth where he is the ONLY hero sort of like Earth-TUD25 from Superman and Lois. This gives Paragon his own world to roam free and do his hero thing. The character is portrayed by Ray Fisher.
Castings:
Cadrin Azora - Michael Ealy
Meni Enora - Sonequia Martin-Green
Cardo Tigivo - Colin Salmon
Eric Williams - Idris Elba
Grace Williams - Thandie Newton
And most author's don't list out the abilities of their characters in the first chapter but I'm a little different, I want you guys to fully know what he's capable of just so you can decide on whether or not this is the fic for you.
Abilities:
Superhuman Strength
Superhuman Speed
Superhuman Leaping
Superhuman Reflexes
Accelerated Perception
Superhuman Senses: Including Hearing, Multiple Sight based powers
Superhuman Breath
Invulnerability
Energy Generation: Blasts, Laser Vision, Force Fields
Flight
Extended Longevity
Enhanced Mental Capacity
Solar Energy Absorption
Now since I provided the powers, I want to also provide weaknesses so you're not thinking he's too OP.
Weaknesses:
Green Sun: Alaris has a Green Sun and under that sun, he's rendered powerless almost like a human.
Blunt Force Trauma: Usually from someone stronger or on par with him.
High Frequencies
Solar Energy Dependency
Psionics: Mind is vulnerable against high-level telepathy users.
Rage
Backfire
Alarian Technology
Energy Inhibiting Technology
Now I know a lot of you are probably thinking, "Oh great, another Superman bootleg!" and if you're thinking that you're not wrong, I had Superman in mind when I created this character. Val-Zod to be exact but I learned to create my own destiny and write my own story. And that's what this is. You guys can suggest any storylines or anything you might possibly want to see but aside from that, let's get on with the action.