"Hello there, Sky_walker here, with the first ever story under the Gold Rush Editions: Novels and Audiobooks banner. It's a story by a friend of mine named Foltest Animations who you can find on Youtube, as he and I are now in collaboration together, along with fellow Author Darthwizard. This is a crossover between Superman and the Invincible universe, that Foltest created through artworks and community posts on his YT Channel, and the art looks insanely good. Now, due to the fact that this is a collaboration between three Authors, I, Sky_walker_123, will be posting who wrote what chapter, so that you will know who the author is, and give them due credit. Now sit back, enjoy and please leave a comment with any suggestions, advice, etc.
Prologue: The Fall of Krypton - Written by Sky_Walker_123
Edited by Johnny Silverhand Billy
On Viltrum, Emperor Argall has achieved a perfect global utopian society for the planet. But in the royal bloodline's lust for power, they began to expand into the known galaxy. The Viltrum Empire marched its armies into the vastness of space, conquering everything in its path
The glory of the Viltrum Empire seemed without end until the treachery of an assassin's blade struck down the Emperor, severing the royal bloodline forever. In the chaotic aftermath of the Emperor's death, civil war broke out and several conquered planets on the edge of the Empire's reach began to whisper of revolution
A son of one of the closest advisors named Thragg used the opportunity to rebuild the empire, being granted the title: Grand Regent. As a reminder of previous failures, he kept the skull of the slain Emperor by his side, to make sure the empire never swayed to failure ever again.
The universe is an ever-unfurling tongue of a giant, salivating beast seeking prey. Its black and smoky fur cloaks mysteries incomprehensible to the human mind or eye, but not the Viltrum Empire. Nothing escaped its coveting, cold, watchful glare. Their fleet moved through the galaxy like a violent virus infecting all it touches, and slaughtering them into smithereens. Many would accept takeover, whilst others would resist and be destroyed effortlessly by the sheer might of these Viltrumites. In order to combat this, one man by the name of Thaedus founded the Coalition of planets, an alliance that would stand against the Viltrum Empire.
Thousands of planets turned to the coalition after the Viltrumites abandoned their conquered planets, while some who knew about the threat, but haven't been conquered yet, seeked to create an alliance with the Coalition. One of these worlds was the planet of Krypton. The stories of Krypton have captured the imagination of many planets across the cosmos, most believing them to be a worthy technological competitor to Viltrum before their Empire expanded across the universe. So when the time came, Thaedus and the coalition reached out to Krypton to seek an alliance with them to help stand against the growing threat of the Viltrumites.
Initially, the people of Krypton, especially the council, were hesitant to go up against the Viltrumites, as they have heard stories of their countless conquests, and they have just come back from abandoning outposts, and population control was established. A decision that would have killed them in the long run had it not been for one Kryptonian. A general, by the name of Dru-Zod, called them out for their cowardliness, as he too had heard the stories of Viltrum, believing them to be a darker, more evil version of who they once were.
An empire hellbent on destruction, rather than freewill. The hearts and minds of Krypton's people, and the council were moved by Zod's words. Here, for the first time since Krypton's golden age, stood someone worthy of being named a Knight of Krypton, and the people began to rally behind Zod, with him stating that if the council were to shut this down, he would go either way. The council was given a week to decide on their decision. The process was long and tedious, but by the next day, the council had made their decision.
By the end of the cycle, the people gathered around to hear their judgment, and to everyone's surprise, the council had Zod kneel before them, as they drew out their blades, and the head councilor, spoke the unimaginable: "Dru-Zod, by the right of the council, by the will of Rao, dub thee we do, rise… Knight of Krypton."
Zod was elated to find that the council had agreed to their decision. By tomorrow, he and an entourage of Kryptonians, including Krypton's greatest scientist, and Zod's brother-in-arms, Jor-El, flew to Talescria to seal the alliance, officially marking Krypton, a legend that inspired so many stories across the stars, as one of the many planets to join the coalition, returning to their warrior ways. But deep down, Zod and all of Krypton knew that sooner or later Viltrum would find out about Krypton joining the Coalition's ranks, and when they did, the planet would be doomed. But Zod will not allow that to happen. Not by a longshot.
Jor-El watched with his wife as they looked on into the genesis chamber, where their youngest son was hovering in. Just a few more weeks, he would be ready to be welcomed into the open arms of his family. It's been decades since the signing of Krypton as one of the many planets to join the Coalition and he was having so many thoughts about it. Did he feel like they made the wrong choice? A part of him possibly thought so, but the other reminded him about the conquests Viltrum have gained. It was a great risk, but it was a necessary one. There were few times where he got to stay with his wife as he often got caught up in his work.
But he understood why everything was happening. He didn't blame Zod, he was proud of him for standing up to the Council when they tried to back out. That decision would've cost them in the long run. But to be Knighted, only few Kryptonians were given the honor and Jor could not be more happy when Zod was Knighted as one of them. But the few times he has spent with his wife has allowed him some of the best moments of his life. Jor looked on with Lara as their son began to grow inside the genesis chamber, a big smile on their face. They have already given a name for him. Kal, son of El. He would be their prodigal son one day, when the time came. When Zod was forced out of the fight, Kal would one day step in and take over for his brother.
Jor remembered all of the times he and Zod had together, battling back to back, the banter they had with one-another. It caused him to have a few thoughts. There was the possibility he and his wife could die so he needed someone he trusted. And that person was none other than Zod. Jor cupped his beard at the thought, Zod would make a great Godfather. He would help teach Kal everything he knew so when the time came when he was out of the picture, Kal would step in and continue Krypton's legacy. He had already done right by Kara, his niece, after all.
"Jor-El." The sound of the voice startled him and Lara, although Jor a bit more. He turned to see the man of his thoughts right now. Zod. The brother he never had, and the leader Krypton never had until recently. Zod had a broad friendly smile on his face as he approached the two parents.
"Zod." Jor-El smiled as the two hugged each other. "It's been a while brother."
"Indeed it has." Zod replied.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I was recently relieved of combat for a little bit, and I wanted to spend that time with you and Lara. It's good to see you both." Zod smiled as he looked at the two of them.
"The feeling is mutual Zod." Lara smiled.
"Zod." Jor-El spoke. The general turned his head to the scientist and Jor held his arm up towards the genesis chamber holding baby Kal in it. Zod turned towards it, and his mouth dropped. Normally, he wasn't too crazy about babies and all, but for some reason, he felt gravitated toward this one. He never knew that one small bundle of joy would impact him so hard. He slowly held his hand out and touched the glass. How can something so fragile be so… beautiful at the same time?
"Meet our soon-to-be-born son, Kal, son of El." Jor said as he smiled at Zod's reaction.
"He- He's beautiful." Zod said, silently marveling at the baby. But that's when Jor said something that caught him off completely.
"We want you to be the godfather." The scientist said. Zod whirled around in shock. Him, as Kal's Godfather?
"Jor… I-I can't." Zod stammered but Jor-El placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I know that it's surprising, but you have helped me through a lot, and have been there during times when I could not make it out alive. We always had each other then, and we still have each other now, and there is no one that I trust more, than you to be Kal's godfather." Jor-El smiled as he looked at Zod's stunned thought about this for a moment. He could teach Jor's son everything he knew and pass it down to him, but with how he was created, that would be an issue, but he had an idea for that. There was also the possibility of Jor and Lara passing away at some point and if Kal had no one, then Zod would do everything in his power to teach Kal everything he knew about leadership, being a warrior, and hopefully, carry the legacy as the next Knight of Krypton. Kal could be the spark of a great many things to come, even the end of the war itself. Zod turned to Jor-El, and a big smile grew on his face.
"I would be honored brother." Zod replied as he bowed his head slightly. "Though if I may, add a bit of my traits to him…" he asked.
"By all means." Jor replied. Zod nodded and stepped forward to the panel. Zod typed on the panel and while the process was proceeding, Zod explained what he was doing.
"If Kal is to be the beacon of hope across the stars one day and succeed me should I fall in battle, then he will need a part of my leadership. Luckily, I remember the exact code of my leadership traits." The three of them watched as Kal was now being infused with the exact genetic leadership traits of the legendary General Zod. The process would take a while, but it would be worth it in the long run. Which allowed Jor-El to remember something.
"Oh Zod, that reminds me, I have something to show you. Excuse me Lara." Lara nodded as Jor led Zod down to a surprise that he has been creating along with another close friend of Zod's for a while now. The two walked down pathways and halls filled with the amazing materials that were built to create them, shoulder to shoulder as they walked to where Jor-El's surprise was. As the two made their way, Zod started to express his idle thoughts as they passed by some Kryptonians who saluted the two as they passed by.
"These past few months… It's been a lot. Though I am insanely grateful for helping more planets battle against the Viltrum Empire, a part of me feels like I don't deserve this role, or this title. A Knight of Krypton." Zod said as his eyes were cast downward, expressing his worries.
"Don't say that." Jor-El said, placing a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder. "It was meant for you, and you have helped countless species survive the onslaughts they're facing, achieved countless victories against the Viltrum Empire, and it was all because of you Zod. Everyone knows what you've been through. After so many wars. Battle after Battle. Loyalty.. Means Everything, to Krypton." The two stopped at a door which opened up to reveal Zod's closest commander, one who was like a sister to him, Faora-Ul, leading the combined forces of the House of El, Zod, and a number of Kryptonian houses to fight against the Viltrum Empire.
"ATTENTION!" Faora ordered and the army moved at attention like guards for their General, their Knight. Zod's eyes widened. So many houses, so many soldiers, all here for him. Jor-El was right. He did have a big influence on everyone, be it good or bad, and here he was, with Faora standing at attention along with the greatest army Krypton has ever seen, and it was all in honor of him. The first Knight of Krypton since the Golden age.
Zod looked at Jor once again with the biggest smile on his face, and turned to Faora who also smiled as well. She was so ready to help him take on the forces of the Viltrum Empire, and die fighting in the battlefield, because she lived by a code she made herself: "A Good death is its own reward". Zod then looked to the thousands of Kryptonian soldiers standing at ready. Countless emblems on their chest: The House of El, Zod and so many more, standing all at his command.
"Jor… thank you." Zod said. There were small signs of tears in his eyes. Tears of happiness, knowing his brother, and his sister-figure would always be there to support him, as the two brothers embraced in a warm hug, and the army chanted Zod's name.
(Krypton - Jor-El's Laboratory - February 29, 2005)
Decades have passed since Krypton had joined the Coalition of planets, and much has changed. Jor-El was in his laboratory, studying the recent advancements Krypton has made along with the coalition. Those included Non and Nam-Ek, two enhanced Kryptonians that achieved greater physiology along with the help of another alien race, known as the Unopans. They were strong indeed, and were able to come to close matches with the Viltrumites, but they never were able to succeed.
As of now, he was working on a secret weapon that could actually compete against the Viltrumites, and turn the tide in this war. But as he was finalizing the weapon, he got a notification from one of his recent tests. The scientist pulled the chip out, ready to examine the results of this test, to see if he had produced any results. If there was one thing he never lacked in, it was imagination when it came to producing said results.
Jor entered the chip into his hard drive and immediately, a hologram came up, revealing statistics of one of the test results. It was one he sent one of his soldiers to be a part of. The stats of this report seemed… odd. Mostly, they would come back with less results… not this one. The ratings were off the charts. Something he has never even seen before. This was weeks ago, as the soldiers were sent off to a planet with a yellow star, a question that raised a lot of eyebrows. Since Krypton was under the sight of a red sun, what would happen if they were exposed to a different sun?
He ran the diagnostics again, thinking this may have been some sick joke. But they all came back the same. Something was definitely up. Either the report was messing with him, or he just made a huge discovery. Usually, some scientists would take it at face value, and believe it, which Jor had a gut feeling it was true. But for him, when it came to experiments, he would believe the results when he saw it. Thankfully, attached to the report was some video footage of the experiment, from some of the other species from the coalition present. The gut feeling in Jor grew as he brought up the videos. His heart began to beat faster.
He then watched the recording of one of the Kryptonians, he was writhing around in extreme pain, apparently due to him "hearing" so many things at once. The other species present, few being Kryptonians, watched. This caught the scientist's attention, scrolling to the next it, he saw the same Kryptonian, writhing around in pain, but his loved one called to him, trying to make him focus on her voice. It kept going for a good 3 minutes before he stopped. Jor's heart began to sink, believing the Kryptonian in question was dead. Only, he wasn't dead.
Slowly standing up, the Kryptonian then looked around as if nothing had happened, only saying that he felt different, except… different, normal. The scientists asked him to move around a few steps, and he did. He could walk just fine. But then he stopped. His eyes open slightly a little more. Almost as if he heard something from far away. The next events would unfold very quickly as a Viltrumite scout began to wreck the place, but that wasn't the shocking bit. It was the Kryptonian in question who should've been killed by the Viltrumite speeding through the base, except the Viltrumite bounced off him.
What in Rao's name?! Jor thought, his mind lagging for a second trying to comprehend what he saw. A Viltrumite scout literally bounced off the Kryptonian in the middle of the experiment. It's as if his body was now impenetrable. No. Invulnerable. Just. Like. Them. The Viltrumite shook his head and gazed at the Kryptonian he should've killed, but was standing there… like an immovable object. The Viltrumite shot at the Kryptonian again, except this time, he caught his fist with inhuman reaction time, and straight up punched the Viltrumite in the face.
When the scout was struggling to get up, he coughed up blood, and his eyes widened with fear. Jor's widened with shock and awe as he watched the events play out. The Viltrumite shot at the Kryptonian again, but this time, two bright red beams of light shot from the Kryptonians eyes. Jor inadvertently flashed to a memory he had of a recent test subject he'd been developing as if he had deja vu. He saw those beams before from the test subject he's been making for the war effort. Now, it is happening again in a hologram recording. The Viltrumite screamed in agony as his head was being burnt off, before the Kryptonian finished him with a slice across the neck, lopping the Viltrumite's head off his shoulders.
That test was weeks ago, and the Kryptonian in the experiment had come back just yesterday. Jor's eyes remained wide at the sight of what he saw. This wasn't some crazy dream-world thing, this was real. This was unlike anything the cosmos has ever seen. A big smile crept on Jor-El's face as he realized this is the key to winning the war against Viltrum and their Empire. He had to show this to Zod and the coalition ASAP. It might take a while but he was determined to show this to Zod and the Coalition, and have this greenlighted at the soonest moment. Jor was preparing to go out of his lab and find Zod and bring this discovery to the Coalition, when the room shook.
He froze. Was it an Earthquake? No. Earthquakes don't usually happen on Krypton. Maybe it was one of the native animals roaming around. The rumbling happened again, and it was louder this time. Then, the air sirens sounded. Jor bolted out of the laboratory to find Soldiers, civilians and personnel running around in a panic. What in Rao's name was going on? The head scientist tried to ask anyone what was going on, but they seemed to be rushing to do whatever they're doing or just out-right frightened. He couldn't waste anymore time. He had to find Zod. Last he heard, he was still somewhere here on Krypton.
He ran around looking for Zod, until he found him in the area where he and Faora surprised him with the army made in honor of Zod himself. The Knight of Krypton was looking up in the sky, and had a grim look on his face, as if he knew this would come. Jor asked what was going on, but Zod didn't respond. He only looked up to the sky, prompting Jor to follow his gaze to see what had caught Zod's attention, and what was causing all of this chaos. But when he did, his blood ran cold. He dropped the pad containing all of the information regarding what Kryptonians can do under the influence of a yellow star, and looked to see what Zod was staring at.
Over the mountains and just beyond the horizon, a colossal fleet of warships have entered the atmosphere. Instant recognition and terror held Jor in its tight grip. A thousand thoughts with the weight of a million exploding suns stampeded his mind. But one thought stuck out amongst the rest. Sooner or later, this was bound to happen, whether they liked it or not. The Viltrum Empire has finally arrived at their doorstep, and from the looks of it, they brought the whole cavalry with them.
"We both knew this day would come sooner or later brother." Zod said grimly as he kept his focus on the fleet of Viltrumite warships that had arrived within their atmosphere. Today the galaxy would witness one of the largest battles in the history of this conflict against the Viltrum Empire, and reveal the truth about the stories that Krypton has inspired across the cosmos. Jor-El, for all of his fear and shock right now, retained his composure and nodded in agreement.
"Yes. We all have brother. But a part of me thought this day would never come." Jor replied as the two looked on for what might be the final time in their lives. All of the amazing moments they had, the bond they forged in battles, today, it was all going to be put to the test. But unexpectedly, Zod had a thought cross over his mind.
"Jor, is the weapon ready?" Zod asked as he looked at the scientist.
Jor-El figured Zod would ask him that question. It was the original reason why he was here, to show Zod the discovery he has made, of the inconceivable power Kryptonians could achieve if under the influence of a Yellow sun. Sadness washed over his mind as he wished he had time to tell Zod and the Coalition about this discovery, but then he remembered one test subject he had completed. It wouldn't be enough to beat the entirety of the Viltrum Empire, but it will do enough damage to their forces.
"Affirmative Zod." Jor-El confirmed. This weapon was going to show Vitrum the true power of a Kryptonian, and what they could achieve had the odds been more lighter on them. Zod smiled, knowing his best friend and brother would be ready with everything he had.
"Until we meet again in Rao's welcoming arms brother." Zod extended his hand to Jor, who clasped it in response.
"Until we meet again Zod." Jor replied as the two shared one final brotherly hug, before mounting their War Kites and flying off to their separate areas. Jor-El to his wife and newborn Son, and to activate the weapon, and Zod to rally the troops.
Zod had arrived on the scene where his army was waiting for them and dismounted his War Kite. They knew what was about to happen, and they were ready. Commander Faora stood at attention as the General strode down the middle of his army, which was dubbed the Sword of Rao.
"ARISE! ARISE, SWORD OF RAO!" Zod roared and the army cheered in response as he arrived as a true general, leading his army into battle. "Fell deeds awake: Fire and Slaughter!" Zod yelled at the top of his lungs, a true leader giving his members courage, and the will to fight for the cause they have all signed up for. /
"Bonds shall be shaken, shields and armor shall be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, for here the sun sets on Krypton, and we shall FIGHT FOR FREEDOM FROM THIS TYRANNICAL MIRROR OF OURSELVES, WE SHALL FIGHT FOR FREEDOM OF THE UNIVERSE, AS IT IS THE RIGHT OF ALL SENTIENT BEINGS!" The sound of Krypton's army boomed across the planet, and Zod smiled as he was ready to give Viltrum a taste of their own mind. They would not cower down to their will, they will fight to the last man, and it will be a legend to inspire millions across the universe.
Then the war horn sounded from the Viltrumite warships, as the doors opened to reveal thousands upon thousands of Viltrumites as they flew down from their ships, and leading the charge was the head honcho himself, the name cursed and feared in every planet, except Krypton. Grand Regent Thragg, who decided to come along to Krypton himself to oversee its destruction. As he flew down, Zod and Thragg locked eyes even though they were a great distance away. Both leaders glowered at each other with immense hatred that was going to combust in this explosion of warfare that has been bubbling up for ages. The line of sight was broken as Zod turned to his army. Now, or never.
"The time has come…" Zod said as the armies of Krypton stood ready. "FOR ALL THAT YOU LOVE… PROTECT EACH OTHER… AND SHOW THEM NO MERCY!" Zod turned and bared his teeth, like a Lion ready to defend his pride. The stage has been set, and the universe is watching in anticipation. If Thragg wishes to wage a battle for the fate of both Krypton and Viltrum, then Zod would obliged him. This will be… Krypton's Last Stand.
Jor-El flew on H'Raka towards his citadel where Lara and the newborn Kal-El were waiting. He was born just Hours ago before Jor had to head to the laboratory in the city. Now, he had to act fast as the day Krypton has feared from the moment they joined the Coalition has arrived. The service bot, Kelex, hung on to Jor-El as they flew to the Citadel and he had to tell her what happened, if she hadn't already figured it out by now.
"GET ME LARA!" Jor hollered over the wind. Kelex obliged at once and the sound of Lara's worried voice can be heard from behind him.
"Jor, what is going on?!" Lara asked, the fear evident in her voice. Blast. Jor-El cursed himself mentally. She doesn't know.
"It's Viltrum. They're finally here." Jor said breathlessly. He heard an understanding gasp from the audio of Lara. She too was well aware of the destructive capabilities Viltrum had, and the fear that everyone had, including herself, from the second Krypton aligned themselves with the Coalition had now become reality.
"Listen to me Lara, you have to ready the launch." Jor-El continued urgently. " I'll be there as soon as I can." The sound of Lara's voice was just becoming audible before he signaled Kelex to terminate the transmission. He hated cutting her off like that, but couldn't waste the precious time to discuss this.
"Kelex, find me a world orbiting a main-sequence yellow star for me." Jor-El ordered the robot.
"Yes sir." Kelex obliged. Jor-El nudged H'Raka a little more as she flew as fast as she could to the Citadel, it was just in the line of sight. But this allowed him to pull out a tabloid device as he remembered the one thing Zod asked him about earlier. The one thing that could hopefully give Krypton a fighting edge. /It may not save them, but it will buy them more than enough time. Putting in the activation code, it sent a silent signal to his lab, which began the draining process from the chamber. As the liquid was being excreted from the tube, two glowing red orbs lit up from within the tube, for Krypton's secret weapon had awakened.
Jor'El hoped it would be one of these more smooth landings, but with the situation at hand, H'Raka easily panicked from the sirens blaring all around her, causing her to lose her footing a little when she landed. Jor dismounted her quickly with Kelex following behind before the War Kite flew off to her cave. This would be the last flight she ever had, and Jor was saddened to see her leave her home, only for her to never fly again. The doors to the citadel then opened and Jor ran inside, with Lara waiting for him. The two hugged each other for a brief moment before walking over to the pod where baby Kal-El was to be placed in.
Lara was understandably worried and the fear was evident all over her face. Jor looked at her with an understanding, but sad expression on his face, but they all knew this day would come eventually, it was just a matter of when.
"Kelex, did you find a world?" Jor asked.
"Affirmative sir." The robot replied. "Orbiting a main-sequence yellow star, just as you said it would." Kelex then showed a hologram of a blue and green planet with massive oceans and ginormous landscapes.
"A young star…" Jor observed. "His cells will drink its radiation." Kelex then followed the hologram up by showing diagrams of the native species living on this world, called Humans, people who looked exactly like Viltrumites and Kryptonians, but from what Kelex gathered, were insanely weaker in physiology, but the opposite can be said when it comes to their minds. "It's a seemingly intelligent population." Jor concluded from the information that was shown.
"He'll be an outcast." Lara whispered, freaking out over the possibilities that might happen. "A freak… they'll kill him."
"How?" Jor countered, the scientist side of him taking over. "He'll be a god to them."
Lara nodded, understanding where he was coming from. If exposed to enough radiation, he could become something inspiring, like his Godfather. But there was always the motherly fear that was taking her over. The 'What Ifs' that always clouded her mind.
"What if the ship doesn't make it? He'll die out there… alone." Lara questioned, the fear growing ever so slightly. Kal cooed in her arms as she held him. "I can't do it." Lara sniffled. "I thought I could but…"
"Lara." Jor-El said gently.
"...now that he's here." The tears threatened to leave Lara's eyes as she focused on Kal.
(Music: "Goodbye My Son", by Hans Zimmer)
"Krypton is doomed." Jor said firmly. "It's Kal's only chance now. It's our people's only hope." As much as Lara hated to admit it, he was right. This is their last day. A thousand thoughts like a flock of War Kites flooding her mind, but she tried her best to compose herself. The rumbling outside started again, as more Viltrumite warships entered the atmosphere, agitating Kal a little.
"I'll get him into the pod." Jor said, but Lara stopped him.
"No wait. Let me look at him. We'll never get to see him walk. Never get to hear him say our names." Lara sniffled. The reality bearing down on her. The battle was bubbling up outside with Zod doing his best to defend Krypton against the massive Viltrumite forces, as Thragg brought almost the entirety of his people against the full might of Krypton, the most powerful Forces of the Coalition of Planets, known for their technology capable of harming Viltrumites. Jor placed a hand on her shoulder, and another on her cheek, wiping the tears off from her face. She looked into his strong blue eyes that she always got lost in when she felt weak.
"Out there... amongst the stars... He will live." Jor was adamant on getting his son to wherever he will be, with the hope of him becoming a beacon of hope across the cosmos. The stories of Krypton will vanish when the planet collapses, but the stories will live on through Kal.
"Make a better world than ours Kal." Lara said, kissing his tiny little forehead as she placed the infant Kal-El, into the pod. This is their desperate mission. Their final hope.
"Goodbye my son. Our hopes and dreams travel with you." Jor sadly said, stroking his son's head, before Kal-El was lifted into the pod and the mechanisms adjusted the pod to launch into space.
Zod and his army were standing before the oncoming might of Viltrum. Sooner or later he figured they would arrive here. Even Thragg himself decided to show up. The destruction of Krypton was one thing on Viltrum's mind, but there was another reason. They saw Krypton's growing power, and they feared it. Viltrum feared what Krypton might do should they be left unchecked. So in a move that caught the cosmos by surprise, but one Krypton predicted would happen, Thragg and his armies arrived at Krypton to finally destroy them. As of right now, Zod was delaying them as long as possible to give his brother-in-arms enough time to reveal their secret weapon.
"Jor-El?" Zod whispered into his comlink, wondering how long his Brother-in-Arms needed to get to the secret test.
"General, I have a lock on the big gun! Inbound, 10 seconds!" Jor replied. Zod allowed a small smirk to cross his face. Viltrum had no idea what they were in for, as they were going to have a fight they will never forget.
"This is your final warning, Zod." Thragg snarled. "Kneel before the Viltrum Empire or Perish."
Zod lowered his gaze, hoping this works. "For thousands of years, Krypton has stood its ground from foreign invaders. Even against the likes of you…" He lifted his gaze to once again meet the Grand Regent, and his eyes held nothing, but fierce determination.
"KRYPTON, KNEELS BEFORE NO ONE!" Zod said, standing his ground. As if on cue, Jor-El radioed in.
"General, permission to engage?" Asked the scientist.
"Jor-El, permission granted." Zod confirmed. Krypton would give Viltrum a fight they would never forget. Not until the last man is killed. A battle that will inspire millions to rise up against this tyrannical mirror of themselves.
"Copy." Jor-El affirmed.
Zod finally let his smirk show, and Thragg raised an eyebrow. He was about to order his Viltrumite forces to lay waste to the planet when the sky crackled with a sound like clapping thunder. The loudest sonic boom anyone has ever heard. The armies of Krypton didn't flinch one bit. They knew what was about to happen. The soaring got louder until flying down from the sky came a figure, faster than a speeding bullet-nay, faster than even the best Viltrumites, as he landed on the ground and a giant dust-cloud covered the Viltrumites, causing them to cover their eyes and cough for a bit. Then the Viltrumites looked on at their new assailant.
The figure was insanely tall, damn-near the exact same height as Conquest, maybe a tad bigger. Then, he began to levitate off the ground and the Viltrumites had a clear view of him. Black, with a red stripe going down the middle with red boots, red gloves, a red cape flapping wildly in the also had an orange visor, covering his eyes, and he had a more edited version of the House of El emblem, with red covering the main S-shaped emblem, and yellow all around it. But the most shocking thing of all, were his eyes. Glowing bright red as the red sun of Krypton itself. This was Krypton's secret weapon.
This was the one Jor-El hoped to make more of, but didn't have the time now. This… was Viltrum's Eradication.
"Introduce yourself… Eradicator." Jor-El said grimly over the coms.
"With pleasure." The Eradicator replied. His eyes glowed brighter, and in a move that caught the Viltrumites completely by surprise, the Eradicator fired two bright red beams towards two unsuspecting Viltrumites, shooting them right through the stomach, killing them instantly. The first shot was fired.
Zod raised his blaster to the sky and turned to his army. "Sons and Daughters of Krypton… SHOW THEM YOUR FEAR!"
"WE HAVE NO FEAR!" The rallying sound of Krypton's army boomed over the planet, and Zod, with all of his might, gave the loudest battle cry as Zod fired his blaster straight at the chest of Thragg, and charged into battle, with his entire army following him, ready to die for their homeworld, and give the cosmos a newfound inspiration to combat the Viltrum Empire. Violent Desires meet Violent Ends. Deceptive Tyrants never choose to make amends. All the while, Zod began to focus his attacks on Thragg.
The Grand regent was caught off-guard by the sudden pain in his chest and backed off a little, assessing the damage. Impressive. He thought. Krypton has been keeping busy. From what he gathered so far from his view on the battlefield, the upgraded technology of Krypton's weaponry actually managed to wound Viltrumites, catching them by surprise. Strong, creative indeed, but insufficient, as the weapons unfortunately were not able to fully kill them, despite their strength. Not to mention the Armor they have been given since they joined the Coalition has been upgraded to withstand the attacks of Viltrumites, albeit barely.
Zod saw Thragg distracted, and took out a grappling hook, which he shot directly at the Grand Regent's ankle. The wire wrapped around its target and without hesitation, Zod pulled the wire, bringing Thragg to the ground as he was in mid-thought. Zod pelted across the floor and pounced on Thragg as the two wrestled on the field before Thragg pushed Zod off him, but the Kryptonian General backflipped and landed in a crouch.
Thragg wasted no time, and brought his fist down on Zod who quickly rolled at the last second, except Thragg wasn't giving him time to breathe. The Grand Regent once again struck with a flurry of punches which Zod parried, thanks to his combat prowess on the battlefield, and in his training. But he felt a roundhouse kick to his face which knocked him back against a boulder that rolled off, inadvertently hitting Thragg, blinding him for a mere second, giving Zod the opportunity to jump-kick Thragg off a cliff. The Grand Regent however, came to his senses and immediately flew back up, knocking Zod with an uppercut of his boots, and sending the General down to the ground, falling off a layer.
Quickly getting to his feet, the two leaders stared into each other's faces as the rest of the battle fell away. There was only Thragg and his rage, and Zod and his calm. Thragg punched the wall behind him, and roundhoused a rock straight for Zod who blocked the attack with his armor, before parrying an incoming punch from Thragg, and countering with his own strike. Due to the nature of the upgraded Armor, Zod lobbied a punch into Thragg's face, which yet again, didn't exactly wound the Grand Regent, but did disorient him. Thragg struck again, and Zod blocked and parried, a pattern that continued repeatedly until Zod got an open-hand palm strike once again concussing Thragg before kicking him to the wall.
Zod ran at the Grand Regent, eschewing speed and grace, before kneeing Thragg in the chest, and attempted a punch which Thragg blocked and attacked with his own, except Zod caught his arm and threw him to the ground. Thragg had enough of this nuisance, and snatched Zod by the neck, before hurtling him across the battlefield, making him hit soldiers, both Kryptonian and Viltrumites, before catching up mid-air and delivering two strikes to the stomach, that winded Zod, and knocked him out for a good majority of the battle, rendering him prone on the battlefield.
Hundreds of Viltrumites kept pouring out of the ships, but while some were focused on the mission itself, others were willing to take a shot at the Eradicator. Except they got obliterated if they got too close. The Eradicator was a product of one of the many recent tests by Jor-El to help combat the Viltrum Empire, except this was the only one out of a hundred Eradicators that were created as Jor-El never had the time to complete was lucky the Eradicator was only 70% complete. Otherwise, they'd be obliterated in the blink of an eye.
As the Eradicator continued to take down Viltrumites, left, right and center with his melee combat, he also used most of his heat vision to blast them to smithereens, giving them a really painful death. Except there was one Viltrumite that was definitely the cockiest out of all of them.
"Finally… a worthy challenge." The Eradicator turned to see a mountain of a Viltrumite, with graying hair all around him and a scar across his left eye. This was Conquest. The most powerful and dangerous Viltrumite in the Empire, second only to Thragg. Conquest, while obeying the mission directives, was also here on his own mission: to find an equal. So far, he has only been met with disappointment. But after seeing the Eradicator in action, the thought of a battle between him and a being like that ensnared his head, and he took the chance, wanting to die a glorious death if it came down to it.
"Viltrumites must be Eradicated" The Eradicator sneered. Conquest smiled, but despite being known as one of the greatest, he was unfortunately the cockiest and most arrogant out of all of them too, and he was not going to let this go to waste. Conquest flew at the Eradicator who merely dodged with speed higher than his, but Conquest then whirled around and barreled punches in with all of his might before one was parried and the Eradicator slammed his own punch into Conquest, sending him a good while back.
Conquest found a fallen rock and hurled it at the Eradicator, who clapped his hands together, sending a shockwave across the battlefield, and knocking Conquest further into the atmosphere. The Eradicator flew with all of his might and punched Conquest, and hurled another one only to be parried by the Viltrumite Gladiator. Back and forth, the two titans collided in a flurry of shockwaves, sound barriers broken, and their sounds can be heard echoing across the battlefield and Krypton itself, sending the wildlife into major stampedes in different parts of the planet, and shaking Krypton to its very core. All the while, the battle turned ever more chaotic.
Viltrumites and Kryptonians leapt, bounded and rolled and flipped, as blades intersected with each other, guns fired and punches thrown. Blasts of power sent bodies flying through the air, against walls, rocks were pulled from the ground and sent crashing into flesh. Krypton was a cacophony of sound: shouts, screams, the slash of melee weapons, the intermittent sound of weapons-fire. Conquest flew in its midst as he fought the Eradicator, reveling in it. More punches were thrown and parried, before the Eradicator got one good hit in, sending Conquest down to the ground. The Eradicator wasted no time. He fired his heat vision directly at Conquest, intending to burn him alive.
In a split second, Conquest found a dead Kryptonian soldier with his armor still worn, and used his dead corpse with the armor as a shield to protect him. The weight of the Eradicator's heat vision grew on him, and Conquest could feel the armor actually breaking. Acting fast, Conquest used this to his advantage, rolling out of the way of the heat vision just as the armor shattered and flew up towards the Eradicator, who halted his barrage only to see Conquest flying towards him and start pummeling him with all of his might, not giving the Eradicator time to breathe.
But in that split moment, the Eradicator grabbed Conquest's incoming left hook punch, and sent two powerful punches to the Viltrumite's stomach, actually knocking the wind out of him. He's had enough of this Viltrumite dodging his fate, so he would give him a demonstration of his power.
"Witness the glory of going beyond what you thought was the end of your strength." The Eradicator snarled before in one swift move, he swiped his right arm through Conquest's arm causing the Viltrumite to scream in sheer agony that he has never felt before. The Eradicator then used his heat vision to blast Conquest back into space, crashing into one of the Viltrumite support ships, causing it to explode upon Conquest's impact. The Eradicator watched, using his visor to scan for Conquest's body. He found it, floating prone amongst the wreckage, but still alive.
He was about to fly up and finish the job, when he felt something ram into him like a boulder, knocking him off balance, and he turned to see the head honcho himself, Thragg, his arms crossed, and looking disappointed, albeit not directed at the Eradicator. He saw how Conquest went down, and he was insanely disappointed with him. He would deal with his insubordination later. Now, he had to finish this pest off, and riding off the heels of his quick and swift victory over Zod, Thragg felt like this would be nothing. Except, it wasn't as his gut feeling told him so.
Thragg flew at the Eradicator and threw a punch which the eradicator grabbed and countered with his own. Thragg was knocked back, but regained his posture. However he felt a tingle across his upper lip and wiped it with his hand, only he wasn't expecting to see actual blood on it. He made him bleed. The Eradicator actually made him BLEED! Suddenly, a burst of massive heat was fired his way, causing Thragg to shout in pain. The heat vision from the eradicator singed a hole in his chest where the Viltrum insignia was and burned his skin.
As Thragg looked up to face the Eradicator, he was met with a fist that connected to the right side of his face, and the Eradicator began pummeling him non-stop, forcing Thragg to cough out blood, and spit out a few teeth, even gaining a few bruises and open cuts on his face. Thragg was disoriented, but he would not let some science experiment be his demise. The Eradicator flew at Thragg, and attempted a punch, but Thragg ducked and sliced open the Eradicator's Abdomen, causing his intestines to spill out before kicking him to the south side of Kandor.
Faora twirled her spear around, wounding Viltrumites and stabbing them where they hurt most, while also using the environment to her advantage. She pierced the thigh of one of the Viltrumites before another one flew right at her. Faora whirled around and realized she was staring into the eyes of General Kregg, one of the most sadistic and brutal commanders in the Viltrum Empire. Said Viltrumite pinned her to the floor, and Faora used her spear to keep him off her as she kicked to try and get him off.
Once she did, she unpacked a small gadget and smashed it to the ground, releasing a gas that she inhaled immediately. Said gadget allowed the user to keep up with stronger foes, which is what Faora intended to do as she felt an acute change within her body. Faora got up, and turned to meet Kregg who got on his feet immediately, and started circling her, like a predator would its prey. Faora brought her spear up in defensive position if Kregg decided to attack.
"Well who have we got here?" Kregg said, that sadistic smile unnerving Faora just a little, but not enough to throw her off. "Who indeed? Now this is a fight I have waited for my entire life."
"You may try all you want, Kregg." Faora snarked back, her spear pointed straight at the general. "I've waited for this moment too… and I promise you that I will not go down SO EASY!"
Thus, both warriors charged at one another, with Faora taking the first attack, going for a stab which was straightly blocked off by Kregg's arm, and the attacks would follow with Faora whirling around like a dancer in the battlefield, and Kregg blocking and parrying each attack, finding his own opening to attack, which Faora would parry and block. The two kept at it until Kregg parried and found an opening, causing Faora to cartwheel, then backflip continuously until she jabbed at Kregg who leapt over the attack and pinned the tip of the spear to the ground. This however, allowed Faora to start pushing the spear through the ground catching Kregg off-guard for just a split-second before he started backpedaling.
Kregg backed away with insane reaction time as Faora pushed the tip of the spear through the ground, using his inhumane speed to back away from the spear before stopping it with his boot, causing the pole to bend, but Faora, being the master at this weapon, twirled around and kicked the spear with her left boot, causing it to slash Kregg and make him groan in pain.
Faora whirled around a few meters back and stopped a good distance away from Kregg, only to see another Viltrumite to his right. This one was a female, with short hair, like her's, albeit a little more spikey, sharp nails, and thundering gray eyes holding nothing but the instinct of fury and the kill on the battlefield. Faora knew her name from her intelligence briefings; Anissa, whom she called one of the baddest Viltrumite bitches in the empire. Faora became a little unnerved, but she steadied herself for this fight, bringing her spear to a more defensive position. In that split second, Anissa and Kregg charged towards her, intent on killing.
Due to the flight of the two Viltrumites, some big rocks and pods of dirt started flying everywhere, even towards Faora, who expertly blocked them with her spear, but it allowed the two Viltrumites to slash her in the shoulders, before rounding back to face her. Faora however, wasn't so easily deterred. Anissa charged at Faora who whirled her spear around and brought it down on her, but the Viltrumite used her arms to block the attack, allowing Kregg to come in with a knife-hand tracing the pole at insane speeds, but Faora sidestepped and pulled on the bottom of the pole revealing a hidden swords which she'd plan on using as a backup should the spear be broken.
Faora whirled around and tried to stab Kregg in the head from behind, but the blade wouldn't go through. Faora pushed with all of her might, trying to at least get a small cut in there, but an incoming fireball exploded smackdab between the two of them, knocking Faora down to the having the wind knocked out of her, Faora breathed in deep breaths to compose herself. With what was left of the gas within her, she slowly tried to make her way up, when something pushed her back to the ground, and rolled her over. Faora looked on with a sneer as Kregg and Anissa stood over her, Anissa being a little bit behind Kregg, eyeing Faora the way she would a trapped predator.
"You fought bravely, Kryptonian." Kregg said, genuinely impressed by Krypton's sheer willpower to fight to the last man. Most planets would be taken over in mere seconds no matter the resistance, but Krypton stood out amongst those planets and rightfully so. A legend that inspired millions, but a legend that will die by Viltrum's hand.
"But this world… is already doomed." Kregg sneered, before kneeling at the downed Faora, while Anissa watched over the two of them. "Any last words Commander Faora?"
Faora slowly felt in her pocket and found the needle containing the vial that was given to her as a gift from Jor-El and Zod as a last resort should the need arise. Now was the perfect opportunity, as Faora snapped her eyes open and glared at Kregg who didn't flinch.
"A good death is its own reward" Faora sneered before injecting a needle smackdab into Kregg's right eye causing him to howl in pain he has never felt before. Anissa screamed the General's name before scowling at Faora. Anissa flew at the Commander with all of her might. Faora managed to get just one kick in on Anissa's face before she caught one of Faora's arms, flipped over her and kicked Faora in the back with all of her might, ripping both her arms off. Faora screamed in agony as she took one last look at Anissa, then closed her eyes and felt her head lop off its shoulders.
Zod looked around at the fallen warriors of Krypton, that he led into battle against the Viltrumites, as he lay there, prone on the ground. Armor smashed and shattered, blasters ripped apart, holes punched through bodies, heads lopped off, and blood splayed all around the battlefield. But he can't help but admit, Krypton put up one hell of a fight.
That one single thought, allowed Zod, for just a brief moment, to smile as he looked on at the fallen warriors. No matter how they died, they died fighting as warriors, just as the legends had described Krypton. He was insanely proud of himself, and his army for doing what they can to help the coalition, if only to die fighting honorably on the field of battle, so that they may feast in the halls of Rao's welcoming arms.
"I must admit, I'm almost tempted to let you live, if only to see you suffer as you watch us destroy your planet to the last atom." Thragg sneered as he looked around at the battlefield, injured for the first time in millenia, due to the eradicator's efforts to stop him after ripping off Conquest's the mission the Viltrumites came here to do, he had to admit, Krypton was better prepared than any of the planets they had conquered under their heels. For that, Krypton had his respect. But it wouldn't matter, since the planet was going to be destroyed either way.
"Watch it break you down from the inside, and leave you thinking like you are a failure. Watch it drive you mad to the brink of insanity." Thragg continued to say, taking in the ecstasy of war from all around him.
"But I think not. I think our little game ends… here." Thragg snarled as he then turned his attention to the prone body of Zod. "So tell me, General Zod, "Knight of Krypton…" Thragg spat the name out with venom, as if to mock Zod for his "failure" on the battlefield. "How do you choose to die?"
Zod was unable to respond. But then Thragg heard… chuckling? What the hell was so funny about this situation? By the skin of his teeth, Zod was able to sit up right, a devilish smirk on his face, and a defiant look on his eyes.
"How does it feel, Thragg?" Zod said, the will to live evaporating quickly. "To be caught unprepared in the middle of your conquest, knowing you might fail your people? Leave one Wolf alive, and the sheep are never safe." Zod fell to the floor, and his pupils slowly widened, until the light left his eyes for good. Thragg raised his eyebrow. What was Zod trying to-
BWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
Thragg whirled around instantly on hearing the sound, only for the Grand Regent to see a Kryptonian Pod being launched into the stars. Trying to escape their doom. A clever trick. He had seen a few planets do this and succeed. Most however, didn't see the light of day. Krypton would be one of those planets.
"BRING THAT SHIP DOWN!" Thragg roared.
Several Viltrumites nodded and rocketed towards the pod. Thragg and more were about to do so, but a hissing sound caught his attention. He turned to see a dark, brownish mist slither its way through cracks in the crust. Thragg narrowed his eyes, and examined the mist as if it were a foreign object. But the next thing he heard was violent coughing from several Viltrumites as they grasped their throats and fell dead within seconds.
What Viltrum failed to account for, was deep within the core, a trap was laid specifically for Viltrum if the planet were to explode, which the case was very likely. Thragg flew out of range of the mist just as it was about to reach him, leaving Zod's corpse down on the ground. For once, fear, an emotion thought to be void within Thragg's eyes, finally surfaced as he realized this was something that could actually kill them. More so, Krypton was beginning to collapse in on itself. A job they have come here to complete anyway.
Kara Zor-El hoped she could at least make it out of here before Krypton exploded, that is if she didn't have any Viltrumites on her tail. The pod had an automated launch which her father, Zor-El set before he went out to join the battle alongside Alura. She remembered the plan her Father and Uncle have told her, to make it out of range of Krypton, hopefully with no Viltrumites on her tail, and then rendezvous with wherever her cousin would be located.
The pod launched almost immediately. It's been like 8 minutes since the battle began and she just finished packing what she needed, leaving any personal items behind as much as she wanted to take them, and got in the pod a minute before the launch. The pod rocketed forward with immense speed and launched into the air. She could already see the mist of the virus that Thaedus, along with her Uncle Jor-El have created, and the cracks within her home planet.
The pod started beeping rapidly as she realized she was being tailed by two Viltrumites, with more following behind them. Using her jockeystick, she opened up the pod's defense rifle from the bottom and fired amongst them, most dodging the bolts, but some still hitting them square-on, not doing any damage, but at least knocking them back.
(Music: "Main Titles ~ The Fall of Cybertron", by Troels Folmann)
Kara prepared the phantom drive as the turret fired. She would have made it out had it not been for one Viltrumite that had been sent into space. The pod shook with a ferocity as another Viltrumite landed right at the head of the pod, causing Kara to snap her head, and see a Viltrumite with a lost arm, and still one in-tact. She knew his name from the stories she heard: Conquest. Conquest pounded on the pod with all of his might, using his one good arm to make sure she never escaped.
The glass cracked with every punch. Kara tried to swerve him off, but Conquest held a firm grip on the pod using his legs. Eventually, Conquest broke through the glass and knocked Kara right in the face, breaking her nose and knocking some teeth out. Conquest then threw Kara out of the pod and into the void of space, then caught her by the throat. Kara punched and kicked, but to no avail, especially as the other Viltrumites were catching up to the two of them.
Conquest threw Kara into the oncoming waves of Viltrumites as they started to pummel her into oblivion nonstop, and another punch sent her straight into the waiting strike of Conquest as he struck Kara through the heart, before crushing it and ripping it out of her chest. Her last thought before dying was that hopefully, she distracted them long enough for her uncle to make his move. Because unbeknownst to the Viltrumites, the Pod that Kara was in, was not the only one that attempted to escape the planet. For in Krypton's final hours, one sole pod escaped the battle. It was carrying a secret cargo, which would have changed the planet's fate. A desperate mission. Their final hope. A hope… that vanished.
As Kal's pod escaped into the unfurling mask of space, Krypton exploded into oblivion, killing everyone and releasing a deadly virus across the cosmos affecting millions upon millions of Viltrumites, killing 99.9% of their kind. A crushing blow to the Viltrum Empire, but leaving the Coalition without their greatest ally, and leaving Kal… as the last of their kind.
A/N: When I heard the pitch from Foltest about his version for the Fall of Krypton, I got massive Rebel Moon and Transformers: Fall of Cybertron vibes from just listening to it alone, so that's what I wanted to do. Give it that giant final battle feel, like a mix between Rebel Moon and Fall of Cybertron, as well as drop a few references here and there to other franchises like Star Wars and one obvious one, Lord of the Rings. Now, the battle scene was a pain in the ass to do.
However, scenes like that, when given the right amount of thought, are executed well. But I wasn't that knowledgeable about the Invincible Universe so I did my best to research some crucial key points in the timeline especially. But I hope I made a good first Impression with this Novelization of the Fall of Krypton from Foltest Animations' storyline. And I also wanna thank Johnny Silverhand Billy for a few edits in this prologue even though he left the team at an early stage.
As for Thragg, he was lucky the Eradicator was at 70% completion. Otherwise, he would be toast, along with the rest of Viltrum./span/p
Now again, a comment with any suggestions, advice, etc is welcome as long as it's constructive. But in all honesty, you guys are not ready for this crazy story Foltest has conjured up. You are not ready for what is to come. So hold on to your asses mates.