Epilogue

Beginnings

A MONTH LATER

Returning to the Luthor Mansion after what had taken place there wasn't easy for Lex.

If nothing else, he'd learned just how vulnerable his family was to the whims of modern gods masquerading as superheroes and aliens. The memory of how helpless he'd been while his daughter was threatened was branded into his mind. If not for Superman, and the idea of being saved by another alien galled him, he would have lost his family and possibly his life.

Still, a month later and there was no further sign of the attackers who had invaded his home in the dead of night and threatened his family. The alien ship he'd recovered remained in his Section 33.1 facility, undergoing all manner of tests to unlock its secrets. Lex knew now, those alien attackers had been after that ship because it held a passenger. Where that passenger was now, was a mystery he intended to solve.

Seated at his desk, he reviewed the most recent reports regarding the ship and frowned at the difficulty for any kind of analysis due to the dense nature of its atomic structure. Not even lasers seemed capable of penetrating its shell. There were gaps in his memory which Lana revealed was the work of the alien impersonating his father. She explained its origin, its desire to release an evil onto the world that required his company to do it.

It made Lex all the more determined to unlock the secrets of the ship, to protect his family if not the world from other alien creatures that might choose to attack them.

"Lex," Lana poked her head through the doorway, making him lower the table he'd been reviewing onto the desk. "Laura's bed time is in thirty minutes, she wants her daddy to read her a story."

Despite his reading material and the disappointment it revealed, that simple request brought a smile to Lex's face. Five years in prison had taught him how precious such moments were and he'd sworn then, he'd never waste any of it. "I'll finish up here and join you shortly."

"Good," Lana smiled. "Hey I'm going to watch a movie after, join me?"

"Will there be popcorn?"

Lana gave him a look as if he were mad to even suggest that the contrary. "Of course! What's a movie without popcorn?"

"Then consider it a date," Lex flashed Lana a warm smile, once again swept away by the unadulterated joy at knowing this was his life.

Lana blew him a kiss and went on her way, leaving Lex with the sobering realisation that it was Lana who kept him in the light, who kept him from indulging the darker parts of his psyche. She reminded him that power was only valuable if it allowed you to protect the people you loved. He glanced at the report once again and told himself the research would continue, they would unlock the secrets of the ship eventually.

They had to.

Suddenly, the French doors to the garden blew open and appearing in front of his desk, in a blink of an eye was a visitor Lex never expected to have. Falling back into his chair, his lips somewhat parted in surprise, Lex found himself gaping at Superman. He'd seen the man briefly that night when the three had come to his house and despite himself, felt a begrudging gratitude to the man for saving Laura.

Now Superman stood before him, his cape billowing slightly from the night's breeze stealing in through the open doors. He really did look like a god among men, Lex thought silently and hated himself for the thought.

"This is unexpected," Lex finally found his voice.

"For both of us," Superman replied. "I hope your family has recovered from the attack."

"For most part," Lex replied, thinking on the nightmares Laura had experienced a few days after the ordeal. Never had Lex wanted to rip anything apart with his bare hands as he had wanted to do to the Swan for harming his child. "Thank you for what you did, you saved my little girl and there are no words to describe how grateful I am for that."

Superman seemed to stare at him, taking in his apology as if the words were sinking into his invulnerable skin like a sponge.

"I know you are testing the ship you found in Miller's Field."

Lex stiffened and glance instinctively at the table in front of him. "That's classified."

"I don't care if it is or not," Superman returned. "I'm guessing you need access to its systems and it locked you out. Am I right?"

Lex maintained his poker face, "if it were, then it would be little danger to anyone would it? Still if I were in possession of such a ship, my immediate question would be, where is its pilot?" He stared at Superman in accusation.

"The pilot doesn't matter," Superman returned automatically, brandishing a poker face just as impenetrable. "What does matter, is in exchange for you abandoning any search for one, I am willing to help you unlock that ship. "

Lex blinked in surprise. "Why?"

Superman drew in his breathe, the S-shield on his chest, heaving in response. "You need it to get the world ready. The three people who came to your house that night, they were just servants. Their master will be on his way in due course."

"Who is he?" Lex found this whole thing surreal. Was Superman really here asking for his help?

"His name is Darkseid and if I'm not making myself clear on how dangerous he is, I am going to tell you now, I can't take him alone. This world is going to have to stand together because when he comes, he'll bring an army and if we can't fight him, we lose the planet. Do you understand?"

Lex thought of the people from the black ship, Milton Fine and the destruction caused by powerful aliens coming to Earth. The feeling of helplessness returned, settling over his chest like cement. "I understand."

"I am putting my faith in you Mr. Luthor, I am trusting that you care about this world and the people on it, more than ambition and power. I hope I am right in thinking you're a good man or you trying to be."

Lex didn't know what to say. There was something about the way Superman said that words that felt familiar, even comforting but Lex couldn't explain why. "If what you say is true, if this Darkseid is coming, then I'll do whatever I can to protect my family and this world. I give you my word on that."

Superman nodded, an expression on his face that was still trapped in that limbo between certainty and scepticism. "I'll be in touch."

It was a month since their return from Apokolips. Upon returning home, Clark had allowed Kara to be taken to Themyscira, out of fear that Darkseid might come for her. During that time, each member of the heroic trinity, held their breath in anticipation of an attack from the master of Apokolips, but no such attack came.

Grace Goode, Darkseid's agent on Earth had vanished and it seemed for now Apokolips interest in Earth and Kryptonians was in abeyance. Still, they needed to be ready. Kara's time in Themyscira was spent training in how to use her powers more effectively, so that she could properly defend herself if they came for her. Unlike Clark whose powers bloomed over time, Kara was in possession of all Kryptonian abilities and with Diana's tutelage, she became quite the formidable combatant by the time they returned to the farm.

The absence of a return visit from Apokolips led Bruce to the deduction that Darkseid was taking his time, now that their advantage was gone. Any incursion from his minions now lacked the element of surprise, especially since the mother box in Bruce's possession could instantly warn them of a wormhole opening anywhere on Earth.

During their interrogation of Grace Good with Diana's lasso of truth, they learnt that he had been in contact with Milton Fine or rather the Brainiac program, while it was masquerading as Lionel Luthor. In exchange from freeing Zod from the Phantom Zone, Fine would give him Kara to continue his experimentation on the anti-life equation and aid any invasion plans of Earth.

Apokolips had already annexed dozens of civilisations across the stars, claiming them under its dark banner. Earth, with its resources and dense population was perfect for colonisation even without the attractive incentive of Kryptonian DNA. It was no longer a matter of if Darkseid invaded, it was a question of when.

In learning about Fine's alliance with Darkseid, Clark finally learned the secret the construct had taken to its grave when Clark destroyed its program. Fine knew about Kara's ship buried in Reeve Dam for all those years. It explained why the construct needed to impersonate Lionel Luthor and frame Lex for Chloe's murder. While in possession of LuthorCorp, Fine could be assured of free access to Kara's ship. Undoubtedly, he would have used her genetic code to open the portal to the Phantom Zone.

Unfortunately what Fine did not anticipate was the fact the ship needed Kryptonian DNA to activate and even worse yet, his murder of Chloe would drive Clark to complete his training, leading to a five year absence.

"I don't know if it was wise bringing Lex into this," Bruce said from atop the roof opposite the Sin Kitty Club where he was continuing his surveillance of Tony Zucco.

"Despite his actions, Lex has always wanted to protect the planet from alien threats, he just didn't know which ones," Clark explained, needing to talk to someone after his meeting with Lex. The whole thing had been surreal for him, reminding him of his early relationship with Lex before things went wrong because of Lana. "It didn't help that he was taken over by Zod, attacked by Kryptonians and manipulated by Fine. Its no wonder he became convinced he had to get the world ready for an invasion."

"And this is different how?" Bruce stared at him. Clark's belief in people could border on delusional which worried Bruce who was more pragmatic. Then again, it was also a quality Bruce admired at the same time.

"I gave up on him a long time ago. He asked me not too but I did because of my feelings for Lana. I got so jealous at them being together, I shut him out at a time he needed my friendship the most. It will never be like that again, but maybe this time, if I help him instead of lie to him, it can be different. I have to try. I owe him that."

Bruce said nothing but Clark was right, Lex had resources. While Wayne Tech could do much, Bruce walked a fine line with how much he could involve his company, without risking his identity. Lex had no secret identity to protect and needed to explain nothing if his company started working with alien technology.

"Alright. It's your call and I trust you."

"Thank you." Clark joined him at the ledge and stared at the club Bruce was watching so intently.

"He's in there? The guy who killed Dick's parents?"

"Yes. He works for a mob boss named Sal Maroni. Tonight, I'm going to pay Mr. Maroni a visit and let him know that unless he surrenders Zucco to the cops, I'm going to devote all my time to ensuring every one of his illegal operations in Gotham is shut down. He won't see a dime in profits while Zucco's on the payroll."

"I hate to be on your shit list," Clark did not envy either Zucco or Maroni one bit.

"Don't swear, you sound like a nun trying to be a hooker."

Clark threw Bruce a gesture instead.

The Batman smirked, "That's better."

It was fall in Kansas when Martha finally returned to the yellow house on the Kent Farm.

The Amazons had been more than hospitable during her stay and being in their world was an experience Martha would cherish forever. Being the wife of a farmer, Martha found much kinship with the women of Themyscira. They shared a love and respect for the land, for the fruits of hard work and the belief that compassion and kindness were never outdated forms.

The friendship she formed with Queen Hippolyta was also something she wanted to maintain, though how Martha had no idea with the distance between them being so vast. They were two strong women who raised extraordinary children, mothers who still worried for them, no matter how powerful they had become. By the time she left, promises were made to keep in touch through Diana and possibly future visits.

The idea of a queen visiting the Kent Farm made Martha smile.

Still it was good to come home to the farm even if it always felt emptier without Jonathan. With her career as a senator behind her and Clark now living in the city with Lois, Martha had expected a quieter life. Yet, she now found herself in charge of a super-powered teenage girl who was finding her feet living on a new planet.

"Mr Pennyworth," Martha glanced at the butler who was presently setting the dining table as she reached the last leg in her preparation of Sunday dinner. "You don't have to do that. You're a guest."

"I'm afraid it's a force of habit Mrs. Kent," Alfred glanced at the woman as he continued what he was doing. "I don't think I know how to be a guest. Besides, this is certainly more palatable than some of the other duties I perform around Wayne Manor."

"I can imagine," Martha laughed, aware that aside from being the family butler, he also aided Batman's war on crime in Gotham. "Still, I'm glad you decided to join us. It's been awhile since I've had a full house for dinner and let's face it, after everything we've been through together, we're family."

The comment brought a smile to Alfred's face and he thought how ironic that Clark Kent's mother should also be named Martha. It made her comment about being family all the more poignant. Glancing out the window, he saw Kara driving the tractor across one of the paddocks, with Dick and Doe taking the ride beside her. All three were laughing and the sound was music to his ears.

Even if this wasn't at the manor, Alfred would take it. After the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne, it was a sound he never thought he'd hear again.

"Miss Kara seems to be adapting to life on the farm quite well."

"I think so," Martha stood up from the oven, the roast she'd made filled the house with tantalising aromas. "She knows she's not alone and that helps."

"Well she certainly does have an extended family. Although I do believe Master Dick has something of a crush. He was most excited to see her and Miss Doe of course. It was good of Diana to bring the little girl back from the island for a visit."

"Yes, she is a sweet little thing," Martha added as she put the roast on the bench and glimpsed the child, with her blue dungarees and ponytails, giggling excitedly next to Kara.

It was a far cry from the traumatised little girl she'd been when she first arrived in Themyscira during Martha's stay. She'd been a prisoner in Apokolips longer than anyone so young had a right to be and it had taken all of Queen Hippolyta's love and patience to draw her out of her shell.

"That smells delicious Mrs. Kent," Alfred said taking in the aroma and finding it more satisfying that for once, he wasn't doing the cooking.

"Thank you," Martha said appreciatively, aware that aside from his numerous talents, Alfred was also a master chef. "Do you mind calling everyone in for dinner? Believe it or not, even with super hearing, I still have to call Clark in for dinner."

Alfred sighed, "At least he comes to dinner."

"Well I called Ollie," Lois declared, looking up from Clark's telescope in the loft over the barn.

"You told him what's happening?" He asked, making a face at a freshly mounted poster on his wall. Taylor Swift? What the hell was Taylor Swift doing on his wall? Then it occurred to him this loft was no longer his fortress of solitude. When he wasn't here, it was Kara's.

"Yep," she lowered herself onto the chair next to the telescope, sitting on it facing the back. "He said he'll give you a call so you work out the details on where to meet up. It will need to be somewhere central if you want everyone to show."

"Everyone?" Diana asked puzzled. Dressed for the Kansas fall, she was comfortably situated on the sofa, leaning into Bruce's shoulder while holding the arm draped around her shoulder.

"Yeah," Clark answered. "Even before I went away to train, Oliver was gathering people like us together, people with powers. Ollie believed we needed to stand together."

"He's right. I've kept an eye on what he was doing even though we've never met."

The Green Arrow and his group of heroes had been travelling the globe, ignoring international treaties to reach the people who needed help. Even though the governments whose sovereignty they violated were vocal, it was nowhere as loud as the applause for the good they did. If it was not for his responsibilities in Gotham, Bruce might have considered lending them a hand on occasion.

"There's Arthur, Bart, Vic, Dinah, J'onn and Zee, just to name a few." Clark explained to Diana who had yet to meet any other hero beside himself and Bruce . "They're friends and they'll come if we ask."

"You guys could be the new Justice Society," Lois suggested.

"I think we should meet first before deciding to start a club. I don't know when Darkseid's coming but we need to be ready," Bruce made a face, utterly hating the idea of a name. Then again, Lois named things so badly, she might end up calling them the Superfriends or something.

"We will be," Clark said confidently and spied Alfred leaving the house. "Oh looks like dinner's ready. Better get Kara off the tractor."

He'd been happy to show her how to drive the vehicle, and the girl who could fly, found it immensely satisfying that she was being allowed to handle any kind of vehicle. It must be a teenage thing, he told himself.

"Is it safe for her to be driving?" Bruce asked.

"She'll fly off that thing long before she crashes," Lois teased. "Besides, they're having fun."

"Congratulation by the way," Clark declared as they got to their feet, ready to go down for dinner. "I hear the court awarded you with permanent custody of Dick."

"Well he's my ward," Bruce was unable to keep the smile off his face at the announcement. "But it is good that he'll be able to stay with me and Alfred permanently."

"I think it's wonderful," Diana said leaning over and kissing Bruce on the cheek. "He adores you, you know."

"And yet he sleep in Superman pyjamas."

"So does Lois," Clark chimed in, aware he's going to catch hell for that revelation.

"HEY!" Lois nudged him in the ribs as they descended the steps to the floor of the barn. "How is Doe finding Themyscira?" She asked Diana.

"Oh," Diana rolled her eyes. "My mother is utterly smitten of course and so are all my Amazon sisters. They love the idea of having another child to teach and spoil. It has been very good for Doe to, she's improved much since her arrival from Apokolips."

"Any idea where she came from?"

"We're still unable to determine her origins and it appears her memories before Apokolips were intentionally suppressed. There is no doubt she is human even if her abilities are not. Aside from her strength, she is able to fly, although not as well as Kara but her speed is considerable."

"I wonder how she came to be Apokolips, she's just a baby." Lois mused as they saw Alfred waving the children towards the house.

"We may never know but we are convinced her powers might originate from our older gods. Menalippe, our priestess, senses she could be a child of the titans, gods that predate the Olympians.

"Give it time," Bruce suggested. "She's very young and she's had it tough. Maybe a little normal is what she needs to get it all back again."

As normal as it can be living on an island with Amazons, Clark thought to himself.

"Dinner is served," Alfred announced as he met them in front of the house with Kara, Dick and Doe.

"That was so much Mr. Kent!" Dick exclaimed, glancing back at the tractor. "Did you really drive it when you were ten?"

"Yeah, my dad taught me," Clark said feeling a spread of warmth across his chest at the memory. "Once I grew tall enough to reach the pedals that is. When you get taller, I'll be happy to teach you."

Then with a smirk, he added, "Of course Bruce might want to teach you how to drive the Bat mobile first."

"Oh no fair!" Kara burst out, "if Dick gets to learn how to drive the Batmobile I want to as well and hey I can already reach the pedals!"

Bruce's expression at the thought of a teenage girl getting behind the wheel of his precious car was priceless. It was worth the menacing glare he received from Bruce as both Lois and Diana sniggered quietly.

As always, Alfred came to the rescue. "Perhaps we shall talk about it after dinner."

"Yes definitely after dinner," Bruce returned hoping not to have the conversation at all.

Diana picked up Doe. "Did you have a nice time, Little Sister?"

The way her mother had taken to this child, Diana did not think the title was incorrect even if philosophically, all women were her sisters.

"We had the bestest time," she nodded, her small arms wrapping around Diana's neck, while her twin pony tails bounced up and down on either side of her head. "We saw cows and there was a boy on a horse. He talked to Kara."

"A boy?"

Kara's cheeks turned red. "Yeah Adam Foster, he's says he's lives in the farm across from ours."

Clark did a quick mental calculation and blinked. "That used to be the Lang place."

Lois nearly choked on her spit and couldn't resist asking, "Did you tell him, you were going to be starting at Smallville High next week?"

"Uh huh. He said he'd show me around…apparently he's a quarterback or something?"

"Is he cute?" Diana asked as the three women disappeared into the house.

"Oh he is!" Kara giggled, " He's got the cutest dimples…"

"Hear that Clark?" Bruce leaned in for a dig, "dimples."

Clark was still stuck on boy and quarterback when he heard dimples. Dimples? There were dimples now?

As they shuffled into the house, Bruce was grinning. And they said he didn't know how to have fun.

THE END

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Thank you for all the readers over the years who have supported these stories and have been patiently awaiting its resolution. I am not sure if I'll be writing fan fiction again after this as I will be trying to write novels but if even if I don't I wish you all the best.

Adieu.