IN THE DISTANT ZONE, lies a planet. A planet that was known for its towering intellect and unparalleled advancements in science and technology. For centuries, Krypton stood as a paragon of civilization, a place where knowledge and progress flourished.

Yet, beneath its veneer of prosperity, the planet harbored deep-seated strife and a natural world teetering on the brink of collapse.

Jor-El, the planet's most high-class scientist, called upon the Council of Seven – moments after a certain trial was concluded. The council assuming, they knew where the conversation was going, preemptively agreed as they stood over him from the dais. The council members, dressed in their ornate robes, presented themselves formally.

"Jor-El," One of the Council members, Zor-Van, intoned, "You have called forth the Council of Five, high ranking guardians that protects the future of Krypton. State your purpose and no further ends."

Jor-El took a step forth, heaving his breath as he began, "Honored council members, I have recently returned from a long expedition."

"And what expedition might that be?" Thara leaned forward; her eyes narrowed.

"A science expedition," Jor-El answered, "to the Tundra's region to conduct a few tests."

Mac-Wu interjected, his voice laden with skepticism, "The Tundra region? That is a perilous and remote area, Jor-El. What could possibly necessitate such a dangerous journey? And why did you not inform the council beforehand?"

"I did it to verify the theories regarding Krypton's deteriorating orbit around the sun. Our red sun, more specifically."

He paused, scanning the faces of the council members for any one of them to speak their minds mid-way. But they remained stoic for the time being, waiting for him to continue,

"My experiment involved drilling into the planet's core to measure seismic activity and energy fluctuations that could indicate instability in our orbit. As I gathered data, I detected unusual readings – signals of intense energy that could be linked to the planet's gradual drift towards the sun."

Thara nods, "And what did you find, Jor-El?"

"Well, troubling to say but they were interrupted when someone emerged from the glacier. To what it was, it's unclear but it attacked without warning," Jor-El watched the council murmur across one another as he continued, "I returned to you immediately to analyze the data I had collected and to report my findings to you in hopes that you would hear out my plea."

The council remained stoic like statues, their expressions unreadable. Jor-El hasted his breath before he continued,

"The data confirms my worst fears. Krypton's core is destabilizing, and the planet is indeed drawing closer to our red sun. The increased seismic activity and energy fluctuations suggest that we are on the brink of a catastrophic event. Our planet's destruction could be imminent."

The council members turned to the tense silence, each council member murmuring and scowling to each other until one spoke up angrily,

"This is outrageous! It's lunacy!" Vex-Ul spat out, waving his arms, "Krypton has stood above the stars for years! We have faced countless threats and always prevailed!"

"Ask Brainiac! He'll tell us!"

"My data doesn't lie!" Jor-El argued back, showing his tablet, "It's no doubt that the planet's core is undergoing a mountain chain reaction that could destroy Krypton!"

The chamber filled with a tense silence, each council member processing the gravity of Jor-El's words. High Councilor Zor-Van finally broke the silence. "Jor-El, these are grave accusations."

"I know," Jor-El muttered, "But perhaps Zod—"

"Zod was a traitor! A madman!" Mac-Wu spoke, "His way of saving Krypton would've destroyed us! A mountain of bodies piled for his own ambitions!"

Jor-El catches his tongue as he heard that name. Dru-Zod was a general of the military and known and respected by many, unfortunately, there was a disagreement which led to a terrible catastrophe. He closed his eyes, recalling the last moments of the fallen general.

"You will regret this! All of you! And when you do, you will kneel before me!"

Those were the words the fallen General spat before he was sent away. To where, not even he knows.

"Enough!" High Council, Lor-Em's face shouted, silencing the room as he looked at Jor-El straightforwardly, "Have you submitted these findings to Brainiac?"

Before Jor-El spoke, a green holographic form materialized from the high interface in the room.

"As he arrived, I took a look into his records before he sought your audience, High Council," Brainiac's calculated voice echoed through the room, 

"While there's no doubt in Jor-El's hard work. He is, however, mistaken. As I've stated before the temblors are the result of a slight polar shift, no more and will soon abate."

"He's wrong! High Counselor, please listen to reason!" Jor-El protested, "Krypton's blind faith in him will be the end of us all!"

Zor-Van shook his head, "Nonsense! There isn't a square foot, Brainiac doesn't know!"

"But the evidence is clear as daylight," Jor-El argued, "Our planet's dying and we must act now, not just put our blind faith into Brainiac!"

"But he was built to monitor all of Krypton and has, if I might add, served us far better than upstart scientists and leaders with apocalyptic visions!"

"Brainiac's programming may be impeccable, but it lacks the human element – the ability to foresee unforeseen consequences. Act now and we can save everyone!"

"And how do you propose to do that?" Vex-Ul spoke up.

Jor-El hesitated before he sighed, "Strict everyone in the Phantom Zone."

"WHAT!"

"YOUR MAD!"

"SEE! I TOLD YOU; HE JUST LIKE HIM!"

Jor-El quickly spoke through the shouts and mumbles, "We can restore ourselves later but we can escape to another planet! Live safely there! It would only take one man."

"And if you're wrong?!" Mac-Wu shouted, "What then?"

"Jor-El," Lor-Em, spoke up once again, "your fearmongering will only serve to destabilize our society and can be aligned with treason. We must remain vigilant as we always have, not cower before some false predictions."

"This is not fearmongering, Old Friend. This is real," Jor-El motioned around the council, "Our planet is dying, and if we do nothing, we will all perish."

The Council murmured among themselves, some faces showing doubt, others irritation.

"Please," Jor-El pleaded softly, "We've brushed away uncertain theories long enough, stood tall through mountains, and all while I've stood by you. So many times, but just this once. For the sake of our planet's survival. Listen to me."

After a moment of silence, the High Counselor finally spoke,

"We have heard enough. Krypton has faced crises before and emerged victorious. We shall weather this storm as we always have."

With that, it was already decided as the council agreed. Jor-El held his words, if this wouldn't get them to reconsider then nothing will. Instead, he nodded and exited out the courtroom.

...

JOR-EL STOOD OUT THE BALCONY and overlooked the great city of Kandor. Magnificent floating city of Kandor with its platinum, gold, and crystal structures.

The city, powered by a sunstone core, floated in the sky and adjusted to Krypton's terrain. Normally beneficial, this adaptability was now a detriment as tremors affecting the ground also shook the city. Krypton's terrain was lush, filled with bioluminescent plants, glowing water bodies, and crystal mountains and fortresses.

Jor-El gazed across the vista from the balcony, taking in the sprawling city of Argo beside the lava-drenched Fire Falls. Its protective dome glowed with the orange-red light of molten rock, casting an ethereal hue on its silver and liquid geo structures.

Turning to the right, he beheld Kryptonopolis, a vast city of crystal and golden buildings intertwined with bioluminescent waterways and sunstone mountains. Despite Krypton's impending doom, the sight still stirred his heart.

Steeling himself, Jor-El glanced at his Sun ring, a luminescent crystal capable of harnessing cosmic energy to shape matter. He activated it with a cosmic red glow and called out to Keelex, the AI housed within. 

The holographic image of Lara Lor-Van materialized before him, she looked beautiful as ever he thought, her own Sun ring gleaming on her finger.

"How did it go with the Council today?" Lara's soft voice spoke.

Jor-El sighed, "As expected. They won't listen...." 

Lara's eyes searched his', understanding the gravity of their plan, "Are you sure we have to do this, Jor? It's not easy to defy our own people."

Jor-El glanced out at the view silent, narrowing away in thoughts about what he was about to do. Weeks ago, he gained access to the Codex. This was his contingency plan should the day transpire as he feared.

Finally, the high-class scientist spoke, "We made our choice long ago. I just needed to see you before..."

Before he could finish, Jor-El thought of what was to come and let himself drift off momentarily, however a tremor quickly shook him back to his senses and he steeled himself. "Stay with Kal, keep him safe. I'll bring the Codex and prepare the incorporation machine. It's time."

"I'll see you soon, my love," Lara affirmed as the hologram faded.

Jor-El willed his ring to materialize a hovercraft, its form taking shape from radiant energy. With a silent prayer to Rao, he embarked towards Bio-Matrix Labs.

After long preparations... Jor-El arrived home, dispersing the hovercraft construct and entering his chambers quietly. He took a moment to compose himself before approaching Lara, who held Kal-El. He was sleeping peacefully in her arms as she softly singed to him.

Part of Jor-El wanted to linger, to savor this fleeting moment. But another tremor shook the chamber, jolting him back to reality. He walked over to Lara and Kal, gazing up at the craft they had prepared for their son, hanging ready beneath the skylight.

 "Lara, is the incorporation machine ready?" he asked softly.

Lara nodded, indicating the machine surrounding Kal-El's crib. "The planet I found, Terra, meets our criteria. It's inhabited by a primitive, but seemingly intelligent species."

Jor-El's concern surfaced. "Are you certain its atmosphere will be safe for him? What did Zor-El's research reveal about Kryptonian biology and yellow stars? Will Kal be safe?"

Lara's voice trembled as she replied, "His cells will absorb the sun's radiation as expected. He'll be stronger, faster, better." 

She glanced at the notes from Zor-El's findings on her liquid geo wristband.

"He'll defy their gravity," Lara continued, worry evident in her eyes. "He'll be different, odd."

"He'll appear as one of them," Jor-El reassured her. "But he won't be one of them. He'll be extraordinary, a protector."

"But he'll be alone, isolated," Lara said tearfully.

"He won't be alone, Lara," Jor-El insisted, summoning his liquid geo key from his wristband.

The key emitted a gentle light as it scanned Lara and Jor-El. Jor-El retrieved a synthesized crystal from his drawer and merged it with the liquid geo key, forming a blue sunstone crystal of identical shape. Holding up the merged key, he spoke to Lara with solemn assurance.

"He'll never be alone, Lara. Everything we've learned, everything we feel—our lives will enrich his. All of this and more, we leave with him."

Tears streamed down Lara's face as she held Kal-El close, rocking him gently. "What if the ship doesn't make it? What if he's alone, thinking he was unloved? I thought I could do this, but..."

"Lara, Krypton is doomed," Jor-El interjected gently, approaching his wife. "This is the only way he'll be safe."

Standing beside Lara, Jor-El paused, then reached out to take Kal-El. "No, wait," Lara pleaded, clutching their son tightly. "Just let me hold him a little longer."

Her husband nodded as Lara continued to sway Kal-El, tears falling freely. Jor-El's heart ached at her expression, comforting her with a gentle touch on the shoulder.

"We'll never see him walk, hear him say our names..." She whispered sadly.

"But out there, among the stars, he will live," Jor-El affirmed. Lara took a deep breath, kissed Kal-El's forehead, and passed him to Jor-El.

Carrying Kal-El to the crib, Jor-El gently placed him inside, then retrieved the Codex from his bag. Activating the incorporation machine, he watched as the Codex transformed into energy, merging with Kal-El's cells.

"You will carry us within you always," Jor-El murmured sadly. "Our strength, our lives, will guide you. The son becomes the father; the father becomes the son. This is all I can give you, Kal-El."

Jor-El reached for Lara's hand, drawing her close. "And not nearly as precious a gift as your mother's love. Unconditional, unyielding, undying."

As the Codex finished merging, Lara placed her sun ring necklace in Kal-El's crib. The two embraced their son one last time, Jor-El whispering softly, "Goodbye, my son. Our hopes and dreams go with you."

With heavy hearts, the desperate parents bid farewell to Kal-El, knowing their sacrifice would forge a new destiny for him beyond the stars.

The crib levitated, ascending into the spacecraft that Jor-El and Lara had designed. They input the coordinates and initiated the launch sequence. As the ship powered up and aimed skyward, its thrusters ignited, propelling it away from Krypton.

Tears streamed down Lara's face as she extended her left arm toward the sky.

"Goodbye, my sweet Kal-El," she whispered, Jor-El stood beside her, watching ahead as the spacecraft soared across the stars. 

The couple embraced each other tightly as another, even larger tremor shook the planet.

"Sir, you have an incoming call from the Council of Five," Keelex's voice interrupted.

Jor-El turned as the Council of Five materialized in his home through a holographic projection.

"Jor-El, our sensors indicate an unauthorized launch from your residence. What have you done?" Mac-Wu demanded.

"We've had a child, Lara and I. Krypton's first natural birth in centuries," Jor-El replied calmly.

"Heresy!" exclaimed Council member Lor-Em.

"No, we did it to give our son a chance to forge his own destiny," Lara added with anger in her voice.

"That does not explain the launch. Why did you send an unidentified craft into space?" Mac-Wu pressed.

"Because Krypton is doomed. We have only hours until our planet is destroyed. We sent him to the stars so he wouldn't perish with us. Today is Krypton's final day," Jor-El stated firmly, his concern solely for the safety of their son, Kal-El.

The Council reacted with shock and outrage at Jor-El's defiance. Another massive tremor rocked the planet, causing cracks to spread across its surface.

"What about the Codex?" Mac-Wu asked, trying to maintain composure.

"It's with Kal-El, our son," Lara replied defiantly.

"This is high treason, Jor-El. You and your wife will be condemned to the Phantom Zone," Lor-Em threatened angrily.

"No," Jor-El responded stoic. "Our world will end before you can even convene a trial. I did what needed to be done. Now all we can do is hope that Krypton's legacy may one day thrive anew."

After a few moments and heresy, the call ended. Leaving Jor-El and Lara to themselves as they held each other. As vibrations coursed through the planet, Keelex spoke out.

"Another tremor is incoming," Keelex alerted.

The ground beneath them shook violently, explosions erupting across Krypton's surface. Jor-El and Lara watched as their world crumbled around them.

"Not another tremor... the last one," Jor-El whispered sadly.

"Master Jor-El, Mistress Lara, should you not seek shelter?" Keelex suggested.

"There is no refuge, Keelex. This is the end," Lara replied quietly.

As Krypton erupted in flames and lava, Jor-El held Lara close, comforting her with his embrace.

"I love you, Lara. Always and forever," Jor-El whispered lovingly.

"I love you too, Jor. Always and forever," Lara responded, tears in her eyes.

They kissed one final time, sensing their inevitable fate as their beloved planet succumbed to destruction, engulfed in a cataclysmic explosion. Afterwards...Krypton was no more.

...

JOSEPH AND MARIA L/N walked hand in hand into the quaint flower shop, the small bell above the door chiming softly as they entered. Behind the counter stood a familiar face, a woman tending to a small girl dressed in a fairy princess costume.

"Afternoon, Dorothy," Joseph greeted with a nod.

"Joseph! Maria!" Dorothy Parker beamed at them. "What a surprise. What brings the reclusive L/N's to town? Looking for some milk?"

Maria stepped forward, her eyes scanning the display of flowers. "Tulips. Red ones if you have them."

Dorothy raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "What about a tiger orchid?"

Joseph joined them, placing a gentle hand on Maria's shoulder. "No, thanks. See, Maria here has her heart set on tulips."

Dorothy smirked, her tone teasing. "Yes. Well, they are a very uncomplicated flower."

Joseph chuckled lightly. "Ah, well, we figured they'd look nice for the decorations at our house."

"Excuse me for a moment, I'll be right back," Dorothy said, disappearing into the back room.

Joseph and Maria exchanged an amused glance, the irony of their situation not lost on them. Maria's attention shifted to the little girl, kneeling down next to her.

"That is a beautiful dress," Maria said, her voice warm and kind. "Are you a princess?"

The little girl looked up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm a fairy princess."

Joseph leaned closer, addressing Dorothy. "Hey, where are her parents?"

Dorothy returned with a bouquet of red tulips in her hands. "Oh, at the Homecoming game like everyone else. I'm being the good Aunt."

The little girl tugged at Maria's sleeve, her voice filled with wonder. "Do you want to make a wish?"

Maria smiled, her heart melting at the child's innocence. "I would love to make a wish."

"Okay. Abracadabra," the little girl said, extending her wand and gently tapping Maria's brow.

Outside the flower shop, Joseph loaded bags into the back of their red pick-up truck. Maria sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window with wishful eyes. Joseph climbed in behind the wheel, glancing over at her with a knowing smile.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked softly.

Maria turned to him and shook her head, "Nothing at all it's just...nevermind. I just remembered a dream last night."

"Was I in it?" Joseph asked with a smirk which Miss L/N laughed.

"Yes, you were."

Joseph leaned in, sharing a tender kiss. They pulled away as the sounds of honking horns filled the air. They looked to see a parade of cars, adorned with streamers and signs, passed by, celebrating the Smallville High School Homecoming victory.

"Hey, looks like Smallville won again," Joseph remarked, watching the parade go by.

He started the engine, and they drove off, passing under a banner that read: "Let's Go Crows!"

As they drove, Joseph L/N couldn't help but wonder how lucky he is at this moment. Small town, decent people looking to help themselves and most of all the most beautiful wife in Kansas, hell he'd even say in the entire country. Maria looked out at the bright sunset, her hair blowing out in the open window as they drove back to the fam. Life was perfect but...

"Honey," Maria said warningly, and Joseph looked up to see that he was starting to veer off the road a little.

"Sorry," he said sheepishly.

"You've been quiet tonight," she said inquisitively. "Is everything okay?"

Joseph chuckled, "I was going to say the same thing about you. You seem like you have been thinking some pretty deep thoughts."

Maria pressed her lips, and Joseph realized that they had been thinking about the same thing.

"I'm sorry, honey," Joseph apologized. "I know what you wished for, and it's not like I don't wish for it to happen. I'm just..."

A child was an idea that he always thought about more so or less, as much as she did. But it wasn't something he was sure about, and he hated it. Nevertheless, they tried but were only received with nothing. Adoption was one thing they considered but it was very rare for a small town like Smallville. Still, having a child felt so uncertain to him. Not to mention growing up, he and his own father had their share of headbutts that almost led to him giving up the farm and his name. He couldn't be so sure about going through the same thing all over again.

"Joseph," she said, patiently. "It's alright."

"No, Maria, it's–"

"I understand that you don't feel ready. You just want what is best for the child we will raise, and I know you're going to be a great father. I can wait."

"But I know you don't want to," Joseph said, almost gravely, "If fate only allowed it, you would be eight months pregnant at this very moment."

She smirked at him, "Of course. But if you could have your way, you would be the best father there is, which is why I'm willing to wait until you see that too."

Joseph couldn't help but smile. She was right, as she often was. Alright; like she always was. Then suddenly, there was a sudden flash of light like the speed of a falling star shooting across the sky as a deep rumble occurred.

Joseph twisted the wheel and Maria screamed. The truck fishtailed, coming to a halt on the shoulder of the road.

"What was that?" Maria said, sounding shaky.

"I don't know," he said, looking around. They were on the edge of the woods, not far from the creek that ran around the northern tip. From where they had stopped, Joseph could see a large amount of steam rising from the water.

Without a word, they both stepped out of the cab in unison, looking at the steam as it began to fade into the coming day. They crossed the street and moved down the shoulder, Maria moving faster, as they neared the creek.

"Maria," Joseph called cautiously, but she quickened her pace. He hurried to catch up. At the edge of the creek lay something unlike anything he'd seen before—a large, clear, warm chunk of ice, about the size of a wheelbarrow, with ripples of red and blue inside. Before he could caution her, Maria touched it, and the top melted away, revealing the sound of a crying baby.

Maria bent down and picked up the infant wrapped in red and blue blankets. Joseph watched in awe as she rocked and quieted the baby. "It's a baby," she repeated, amazed. "Where did he come from?"

The object that held the baby transformed into a small, matte gray chest, about the size of a loaf of bread, seamless and light, yet impossible to open.

"I don't think he's from around here," Joseph said, deeply moved. "I don't know if we can keep him. He's not ours."

"We can't just give him away."

"But what are we gonna tell people when they see him? That we found him out in a field? No one will believe us."

The baby smiled, his blue eyes bright, reaching up to touch Maria's face. At that moment, Joseph knew they would do anything to protect this child. 

"We'll say that we adopted him." Maria proposed, "We'll work out the details later."

Joseph looked at the boy. He looked innocent, like every other normal baby. But only he and Maria would see it that way. He gently placed his hand on the boy's head, and the baby looked up at him, cooing in wonder.

"Alright then," Joseph took a deep breath, smiling at his wife as he turned back to the boy, "What are we going to call him?"

Maria looked around, "David?"

Joseph frowned, "I don't think so. Henry? Or uh, maybe Christopher?"

Maria rolled her eyes, "I know. How about...Y/N?"

"Y/N? Y/N L/N" Joseph chuckled. "Not gonna lie, that kinda fits."

Maria hugged the smiling boy, "Me too."