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starsandseaTitle: The Tale of the Sun-Prince and the Dark-Knight
Rating: PG
Characters/Pairing: Bruce/Clark, Diana, Lex
Word Count: 3976
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Author's Note: For the![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
worlds_finest Gift Exchange. For the prompt F5: Fairytale AU: Prince Kal of the Kingdom of Metropolis is captured during a battle with Apokalips and shut away in the Dark Tower. His parents, King Jor-El and Queen Lara, offer him in marriage to the Knight who can rescue him. Enter Prince Bruce of the Kingdom of Gotham, a mysterious land about which little is known and rumors abound of dark magic and other unsettling things. Will Kal-El’s parents honor their pledge if the Dark Knight rescues the Prince of the Sun from Darkseid’s imprisonment? Unbetaed, so point and I shall correct!
The Prince of the Sun had been captured.
The news spread across the lands, filling all with dismay. The Prince of the Sun, the beloved, the saviour, was captured, cast into the Dark Tower in chains of viridian, by Darkseid.
What would happen now, people chittered to each other, in the markets, in whispers; at night. How could they ever hope to defeat Apokolips without the Sun-Prince?
Declarations were soon proclaimed across all the lands, by Heralds in the bright livery of Metropolis. The King Jor-El and Queen Lara were offering their only son and heir in marriage to the knight who could rescue him from the Dark Tower, and restore him to Metropolis.
Hope was kindled, for surely one of the knights would be brave enough, daring enough to take on such a quest? And with such a great reward, the hand of the Sun-Prince himself...
*****
Metropolis was bright, with shining fluted towers. Not at all like Gotham, Bruce throught, as he gazed out from the apartment he had been given. He was not the only knight here, which was not unexpected. Most were drawn by the hope of wealth and glory, and when they realized they had to go to the Dark Tower itself to free the Sun-Prince...
No, he was not worried about most of them. There were one or two, perhaps, who would do better, but even then, did they truly have the courage to face Darkseid? Even for the promise of a treaty, through marriage, with Metropolis, it would take a great deal of strength.
Yet Gotham, beset with darkness of a different sort, desperately needed an alliance with Metropolis. No matter what it took. He would rescue the Sun-Prince, then wed him, for the sake of his people. He had to. Gotham, his dear Gotham, could not last for much longer, alone.
*****
The knights had gathered in the great courtyard before the castle, after they had received a grand banquet the night before. As Bruce had suspected, many looked different this cold morn then they had last night, when they had been full of boast of how they, and they alone, could save Metropolis.
The same ones, for the most part, who had been staring at the Princess Kara the entire meal, their lust all too clear in their eyes. They were still staring at her now, as she stood on the steps above them, just behind her uncle and aunt, the King and Queen.
Bruce glanced around, then nodded to himself. No, most of these would soon get ‘lost’ and return here, to stare at the Princess. Though from the impression he had of her, and the King and Queen, they would soon be sent packing.
No, of them all, there was only one he was truly worried about, only one, he felt, who would be a true competitor. He was the son of a minor Lord of Metropolis, who, through his own cunning had tripled the family fortune, had gained himself a place at court, and, rumour had it, the favour of the King. Alexander was his name, Lex to most.
He too had been staring at Princess Kara, though far less obviously then most. And, unlike the others, he was only one beside himself who had not joined in the boasting, had instead watched all with quick, observant eyes. More than once he had frowned in his direction, before he had finally joined in the boasting, stating simply that he would be the one to gain the prize, to complete the Quest, because he was the greatest swordsman, the greatest strategist, and the most intelligent person in the room.
The King’s eyebrow had risen at that, but he had remained silent. No, this ‘Lex’ was the only one of the knights who posed a threat, Bruce was sure. Even so, this would likely be the most difficult, the most vitally important quest he had ever been on. He had to succeed, all of Gotham - all of Metropolis - was depending on him to rescue the Sun-Prince, and gain an alliance.
He would succeed, would use all of his own strength and cunning. He had to.
*****
He was not sure how long he had been here. How long he had been trapped in these viridian chains that sapped his strength, that made all of his body ache, his head throb. There was no sunlight here, in the dark lands of Apokolips, no golden light that could touch the Dark Tower in which he was imprisoned.
He needed sunlight, though he had never quite been sure why. He needed sunlight to give him strength, give him power. To give him hope; he was the Sun-Prince, of course he needed it. Not this... this darkness that seemed to consume any light that did touch these lands, and grow more powerful, even more dark after it had done so.
He needed to be back in Metropolis. And not only for the people’s sake - Kara was more than capable of looking after things in his stead - but for its light, its hope, everything that was the opposite of this dark land.
He had not been tortured, at least, but being wrapped in these glowing green chains, with no hope of rescue, at the very heart of these dark lands was a torture all of its own. Not knowing what was happening in Metropolis, not knowing if his kingdom still stood, if his parents and Kara were still alive...
They had to be, he had to believe that. Otherwise Darkseid would be facing an enraged Sun-Prince, and not even chains of viridian would be able to hold him back.
Time stretched on, in the everlasting darkness. Not a single ray of light pierced the gloom. The hold of the green chains grew stronger, as his strength waned.
And then... A quiet noise, yet rough. Stone scraping stone.
Wearily, Kal-El looked up, wondering if they had decided to torment him after all, if he had gone mad. A dark figure, clad in black, with a flowing sable cloak, dropped into his cell, knelt next to him.
“Sun-Prince. I am the Dark-Knight. I am here to save you.”
*****
This ‘Dark-Knight’ person was strange, Kal-El decided. He was still not entirely sure that he was not some servant of Darkseid’s - what would be more cruel than for a captive to think themselves free, only to be captured, once more? Yet there was something about the man’s voice that he could not quite identify. Urgency, certainly, which was completely understandable, if he was true, and had sneaked into the Dark Tower, even into Apokolips without being noticed, then he was impressive indeed.
He had used a small device, almost like a needle, to free the locks that had bound the chains of viridian to him, and that was a relief, at least. Kal-El had felt a little of his power returning, though he was still far too weak. As soon as he was free, and the Dark-Knight had seen that he suffered no serious wound, save the burns where the chains had touched bare skin, he had urged him forward, into the very narrow tunnel that he had emerged from.
Kal-El followed him now, still uncertain, but unwilling to let such an opportunity pass by. Even if the Dark-Knight did serve the dark, he might just have enough energy remaining to avoid recapture.
“We are almost there.” The Dark-Knight’s voice was rough, almost uncouth. Who was he, really? His black helmet covered all his face, even when he had been freeing him from the chains he had not been able to make out any features behind it.
Kal-El just nodded in response, but then they both went very still as they heard voices. One was, unmistakeably, Darkseid’s, full of sheer evil. The other... Kal-El went even stiller, shock filling his heart. The other belonged to Lord Lex.
“... our deal?” Lex was saying, and Kal-El felt confusion, then... No. No, Lex would not have... “I was the one who enabled you to capture the Prince, remember! Without me, you-”
“Would have found another way, puny human.”
“You-!”
“What favour did you think it did Darkseid to have you ‘rescue’ the Sun-Prince?”
“I -!”
Without being aware, Kal-El nudged closer; if he could just see... This was a trick, an illusion, it was not real, none of this was real, it could not be...! He nudged forward again, and the Dark-Knight twisted himself, found one of his hands and caught it with his own, shaking his head. Kal-El was about to shake him off, but Darkseid’s laughter echoed about them, terrible in its voice.
“No, mortal, Metropolis shall fall. Even now my army advances, my beautiful Furies, my perfect Parademons. They will crush Metropolis and all will worship the great despair of Darkseid.”
Kal-El heard the Dark-Knight take a sudden sharp breath, even as his own shock threatened to overcome him entirely. Darkseid’s army marching on Metropolis, Lex, a traitor... This was not real, could not possibly be real...
Lex’s cries surrounded them then, as he was put in the mercy of Desaad, and this must be his work, a cruel illusion made by him to rob him of any remaining hope...
He did not realize he had been moving until the Dark-Knight pulled him back. He knocked his arm back with his own, tugged his hand free, and-
“Kal-El. Kal, please, you can not help Metropolis in this way. We must flee here and warn your people, gather the other knights, and do battle with Darkseid’s army.”
Kal-El blinked, shocked into silence once more, for the Dark-Knight’s voice was now rich and smooth, not uncouth as it had been before, though it was still a bare whisper. Kal-El stared at him, as he found his hand, gently squeezed it again. “Come on.” He pulled him forward, through the rest of the dark, thin tunnel, until they finally broke free, and were in the light.
*****
Somehow, incredibly, they had managed to flee Apokolips without being seen. Kal-El was still stunned at this, amazed by the Dark-Knight’s skill that he knew was solely responsible for freeing them. He no longer thought he was a delusion, had not, from the moment he had taken his hand, spoken to him, in what he suspected - what he knew in his heart - was his true voice.
They rested, for a brief moment now, the Dark-Knight in the shadows of a wood, he, despite the danger - Darkseid must know by now that he had escaped - stood in a ray of sunlight, golden sunlight, and felt his spirit soar.
The Dark-Knight was watching him, he could feel his eyes upon him. He turned, and the Dark-Knight looked away.
“We should find the others.” His voice was rough again.
Kal-El blinked, frowning. “What ‘others’?” He asked, stepping toward him, reluctantly away from the light.
“Your parents summoned knights to save you from the Dark Tower. We will need their help to defend your kingdom.”
Kal-El was about to respond, but then a melodious voice spoke. “And you shall have it.” And then the most beautiful woman he had ever seen stepped out from behind the shadows of a tree.
The Dark-Knight rose, inclined his head. “Diana.”
The woman - Diana - stepped forward. She was clad in golden armour, with a blue cloak covered with stars upon her shoulders. She was also covered in weapons, and had the most self assured confidence he had yet seen. A smile curved her lips, and Kal-El blinked, aware he was staring, felt a blush rise to his cheeks for the lack of etiquette.
The Dark-Knight spoke again, now. “Sun-Prince, this is Diana, the Princess of the Amazons. Diana, this is the Sun-Prince.”
Kal-El looked up again, suddenly aware of two things: the sudden affection in the Dark-Knight’s voice, that he had addressed Diana, a Princess, without any title, and that he himself was not sure how to greet her; he did not think a kiss on the hand would be welcome... Fortunately, the Princess solved his dilemma, by holding out her hand for a handshake, which he gladly accepted.
“I am glad to meet you, Sun-Prince. I should have known you would be the first to reach him.” Her last comment was directed at the Dark-Knight, with a fond smile, and Kal-El once again wondered at their relationship.
“I almost was not.” The Dark-Knight’s voice was grave, and Diana frowned. Together he and the Dark-Knight explained what they had overheard, he still struggling to believe that Lex was a traitor, had betrayed both him, his parents, and Metropolis itself. Diana was frowning deeply by the time they had finished speaking, sprung forward, calling back over her shoulder:
“Come! We must warn your people, Kal-El! Metropolis’ fair beauty will not be crushed by Darkseid’s will. There are many other knights we can call on to aid us in this fight.” She was already running now, leaving he and the Dark-Knight alone.
Somewhat bemused, Kal-El looked at his companion. “Diana is a force of nature. It is best not to disagree with her.” The Dark-Knight commented, affection still in his voice.
They started running forwards themselves, though not as swiftly as Diana - he was still recovering from his time in the Dark Tower, from the viridian chains, and it must have taken a great deal of effort for the Dark-Knight to free him, unobserved by any. Even so, he could not help wondering...
“Are, ah, you and the Princess...?” It was perhaps the most inelegant question he had posed, and he felt embarrassment flush his face.
The Dark-Knight snorted, and shook his head. “No. We are good friends and sparing partners, but that is all. Besides, she has a lover, a man named Steven, who loves to fly.”
There seemed to be some kind of jest there, but he did not understand it. Even as he felt relief touch his heart, and wondered why.
*****
Diana had led them on, deep into the night, until the Dark-Knight had reminded her that he had only been freed from the the Dark Tower for a few hours. He had tried to protest, said that he could continue on, even as he had gasped for breath, but Diana had shook her head, ordered him to stay in the glade where they had paused, while she scouted forward.
Kal-El blinked at her, bemused. He was not used to being ordered, but the Dark-Knight just seemed amused. “I told you she was force of nature. You had best do as she says, Sun-Prince. I will keep watch.”
Kal-El wanted to protest again, but the moment he had laid down he had fallen into a deep sleep. When he woke it was to the sound of voices, and his heart clenched in fear. Very slowly, he opened his eyes, saw three men sitting in a loose circle, the light of dawn on their faces.
One had golden hair, with a quiver on his back, another wore green armour, while the third wore red, though it was unlike any armour he had ever seen. He blinked, looked around.
“Good. You are awake. Darkseid’s forces are almost upon Metropolis. We must hurry.” The Dark-Knight’s voice came from the side of him, and Kal-El raised his head, shifted, so he could see him. He was sitting beside him, his back against a tree. “Here.” He offered him some bread and a skin of water, and Kal-El nodded his thanks, though he had turned his attention back to the three strange men, who were now watching him, as well.
“We will break camp as soon as Diana returns from her scouting. This is the Archer,” the golden haired man raised his hand and nodded, “the Ring,” the green armoured man inclined his head, “and the Flash.” The red clothed man smiled at him, and Kal-El sat up fully, nodded back.
“They are knights who were also on the Quest for you. Diana found them during the night.” The Dark-Knight continued.
Kal-El blinked at that, but then nodded again, and formally offered his thanks on behalf on his kingdom. Even as he wondered, now, just what reward had been promised that so many knights had agreed to set out on such a perilous mission. He prayed to Rao that it was not Kara, in marriage, that had been offered, because he was not sure that he would be able to deny a knight like the Dark-Knight, who had done so much to aid him, her hand.
*****
Darkseid’s forces were spread out before Metropolis like a great shadow, writhing with evil. Kal-El looked at them, and felt sick. If even one of these set foot within his beloved Metropolis... The Dark-Knight was a welcome presence by his side.
“The Ring, Flash and Archer will go after the main army - I have never seen them fight, but I have heard many tales of their prowess. Diana will go after the Furies - she has a grudge against them.”
Kal-El nodded, taking a deep breath. “The people of Metropolis will fight the main army too.” The Dark-Knight nodded, his attention still on the battlefield. “And you? Where will you go, Dark-Knight?” His heart was pounding, far more than it should be.
The Dark-Knight turned to him, and though his face was covered by his black helmet, Kal-El could have sworn he was smiling. “I will go with you, to Darkseid.”
Kal-El took a deep breath, some fierce emotion swelling in his heart. He wanted to protest at the danger, but...
“I think we can take them. Do you think we can take them?”
Kal-El felt a grin spread over his face, knew for sure now that the Dark-Knight was smiling too, felt his heart lift. “Yes, I do.”
“This is your kingdom, Sun-Prince. We will take our orders from you.” Diana’s voice was strong and powerful, and Kal-El took a deep breath, his heart steadying. He was just about to give the order for them to attack when a single figure stepped out from the gates of Metropolis. The smile fled from his face, and his heart sank.
“Kara...”
Beside him, the Dark-Knight stiffened. “Your cousin?”
“Yes. She... She is going to...”
And then Kara’s challenge to Darkseid rang out, and he closed his eyes.
“Keep to the plan. Keep my kingdom safe.” He opened his eyes again, met the other gazes.
They nodded, and started forward, Diana letting loose a great war cry that raised the hairs on the back of his neck, filled his veins with fire. Together, they charged into battle.
*****
Kara was fighting the Furies beside Diana. The Archer, Ring and Flash were fighting the Parademon’s with aid, now, from the forces of Metropolis. The Dark-Knight was still by his side, but...
Darkseid loomed before them, looking at them as if they were partically ugly insects. To him, they probably were. Kal-El took a deep breath, pushing away the memories of the last time he had been in battle like this, when he had been captured.
“Darkseid! Remove yourself and your armies from these lands!”
Darkseid just stared at him, then laughed, even as a shriek came from one of the Furies. Kal-El firmly told himself to not look; he had to trust that Kara could handle herself, that Diana would keep an eye on her.
“Your land is ripe for the picking, Sun-Prince. Soon, it will be Darkseid’s.”
Kal-El felt his jaw clench, felt the power from the Sun, that gave him the name the Sun-Prince, flood like fire through his veins.
“Puny mortals! None can stand before me!” There was a light around Darkseid’s eyes, and then Dark-Knight crashed into him, even as an explosion knocked them off their feet.
Golden, blinding light filled the air, and Kal-El slowly raised his head.
“What is this?” It was Darkseid who asked the question, and the most unexpected voice responded.
“I though you of all people would know that a Boom Tube is, Darkseid. Let this be a lesson to you. Do not ever double cross me.” And then the light grew unbearably bright, and there was a cry, a cry of rage, before suddenly everything was... gone.
Darkseid and the Furies and the Parademons had simply disappeared.
Kal-El opened his eyes again, raised himself off the ground, the Dark-Knight doing the same beside him. Before them stood Lord Lex, swaying, bloodied. “Ha! No one can out trick Lex Luthor!” And then he swooned.
Kal-El shakily stood, and stared first at Lex, then at the Dark-Knight.
“Kal!” He turned as his name was called, caught Kara in his arms - there was blood on her armour, but not hers, thank Rao - and hugged her. “I missed you so much, cousin! I was so worried...” Her bright blue eyes studied him closely.
“I am fine. I missed you too. Where are mother and father?”
“They are safe, in the castle.”
Healers, now, were starting to come through the castle walls, one, in the livery of Lex’s house, went straight toward him. Diana, smiling broadly, was clasping hands with the Dark-Knight. The Ring, Archer and Flash seemed to be comparing the numbers of foes they had defeated. Metropolis was still standing, still bright and undefeated.
Kal-El felt himself smiling, felt himself truly relax for the first time since he had been captured.
“Who are you going to chose?” Kara’s face was somewhat apprehensive, and Kal-El frowned at her. “You do not know? Uncle and Aunt called a Quest for knights to rescue you, in return for your hand in marriage and a treaty with Metropolis. But you have returned with five knights - six, if you count Lex. So who are you going to chose?”
*****
The windows of his room faced north, toward Gotham. He would have to leave soon, he had been away too long from his dark kingdom, and it was no doubt in need of his help. There was little more he could do here, anyway. A knock sounded on the door, and Bruce turned, and called out “Enter,” as he picked up his helmet, but did not put it on.
The door opened and the Sun-Prince walked into the room, then stopped and stared at him. Bruce inclined his head slightly; the other man looked much better now he had rested and bathed. His blue eyes, bright, like the sky, were wide as they gazed upon him.
“Are... are you the... Dark-Knight?”
Bruce inclined his head again. “It is the guise I wear, yes.”
“The guise?”
“I am also the Prince of Gotham.” Not many knew that truth, but he felt he could trust Kal-El.
The Sun-Prince’s eyes widened even more, surprise, yet relief, and a dawning hope filled them. “You are the Moon-Prince?”
Bruce just inclined his head again, watching the other Prince curiously. Kal-El looked away from him, shaking his head.
“My parents... my parents have told me that we - that I - do not have to marry one of the knights. That we will simply offer an alliance. But I said no, for how can our dealings ever be held in trust if we do not keep our promises?” The Sun-Prince looked at him now, some emotion filling his eyes that had never been directed at him before, not at Bruce.
“No one can deny that you were the one who rescued me. I... I choose you, the Dark-Knight, the Prince of Gotham, the Moon-Prince... Bruce. I choose you.”
And then his hands were in the Sun-Prince’s hair, in Kal’s hair, and they were kissing and laughing all at once, more than ready to live happily ever after, with some adventure, along the way.
Rating: PG
Characters/Pairing: Bruce/Clark, Diana, Lex
Word Count: 3976
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Author's Note: For the
worlds_finest Gift Exchange. For the prompt F5: Fairytale AU: Prince Kal of the Kingdom of Metropolis is captured during a battle with Apokalips and shut away in the Dark Tower. His parents, King Jor-El and Queen Lara, offer him in marriage to the Knight who can rescue him. Enter Prince Bruce of the Kingdom of Gotham, a mysterious land about which little is known and rumors abound of dark magic and other unsettling things. Will Kal-El’s parents honor their pledge if the Dark Knight rescues the Prince of the Sun from Darkseid’s imprisonment? Unbetaed, so point and I shall correct! The Prince of the Sun had been captured.
The news spread across the lands, filling all with dismay. The Prince of the Sun, the beloved, the saviour, was captured, cast into the Dark Tower in chains of viridian, by Darkseid.
What would happen now, people chittered to each other, in the markets, in whispers; at night. How could they ever hope to defeat Apokolips without the Sun-Prince?
Declarations were soon proclaimed across all the lands, by Heralds in the bright livery of Metropolis. The King Jor-El and Queen Lara were offering their only son and heir in marriage to the knight who could rescue him from the Dark Tower, and restore him to Metropolis.
Hope was kindled, for surely one of the knights would be brave enough, daring enough to take on such a quest? And with such a great reward, the hand of the Sun-Prince himself...
*****
Metropolis was bright, with shining fluted towers. Not at all like Gotham, Bruce throught, as he gazed out from the apartment he had been given. He was not the only knight here, which was not unexpected. Most were drawn by the hope of wealth and glory, and when they realized they had to go to the Dark Tower itself to free the Sun-Prince...
No, he was not worried about most of them. There were one or two, perhaps, who would do better, but even then, did they truly have the courage to face Darkseid? Even for the promise of a treaty, through marriage, with Metropolis, it would take a great deal of strength.
Yet Gotham, beset with darkness of a different sort, desperately needed an alliance with Metropolis. No matter what it took. He would rescue the Sun-Prince, then wed him, for the sake of his people. He had to. Gotham, his dear Gotham, could not last for much longer, alone.
*****
The knights had gathered in the great courtyard before the castle, after they had received a grand banquet the night before. As Bruce had suspected, many looked different this cold morn then they had last night, when they had been full of boast of how they, and they alone, could save Metropolis.
The same ones, for the most part, who had been staring at the Princess Kara the entire meal, their lust all too clear in their eyes. They were still staring at her now, as she stood on the steps above them, just behind her uncle and aunt, the King and Queen.
Bruce glanced around, then nodded to himself. No, most of these would soon get ‘lost’ and return here, to stare at the Princess. Though from the impression he had of her, and the King and Queen, they would soon be sent packing.
No, of them all, there was only one he was truly worried about, only one, he felt, who would be a true competitor. He was the son of a minor Lord of Metropolis, who, through his own cunning had tripled the family fortune, had gained himself a place at court, and, rumour had it, the favour of the King. Alexander was his name, Lex to most.
He too had been staring at Princess Kara, though far less obviously then most. And, unlike the others, he was only one beside himself who had not joined in the boasting, had instead watched all with quick, observant eyes. More than once he had frowned in his direction, before he had finally joined in the boasting, stating simply that he would be the one to gain the prize, to complete the Quest, because he was the greatest swordsman, the greatest strategist, and the most intelligent person in the room.
The King’s eyebrow had risen at that, but he had remained silent. No, this ‘Lex’ was the only one of the knights who posed a threat, Bruce was sure. Even so, this would likely be the most difficult, the most vitally important quest he had ever been on. He had to succeed, all of Gotham - all of Metropolis - was depending on him to rescue the Sun-Prince, and gain an alliance.
He would succeed, would use all of his own strength and cunning. He had to.
*****
He was not sure how long he had been here. How long he had been trapped in these viridian chains that sapped his strength, that made all of his body ache, his head throb. There was no sunlight here, in the dark lands of Apokolips, no golden light that could touch the Dark Tower in which he was imprisoned.
He needed sunlight, though he had never quite been sure why. He needed sunlight to give him strength, give him power. To give him hope; he was the Sun-Prince, of course he needed it. Not this... this darkness that seemed to consume any light that did touch these lands, and grow more powerful, even more dark after it had done so.
He needed to be back in Metropolis. And not only for the people’s sake - Kara was more than capable of looking after things in his stead - but for its light, its hope, everything that was the opposite of this dark land.
He had not been tortured, at least, but being wrapped in these glowing green chains, with no hope of rescue, at the very heart of these dark lands was a torture all of its own. Not knowing what was happening in Metropolis, not knowing if his kingdom still stood, if his parents and Kara were still alive...
They had to be, he had to believe that. Otherwise Darkseid would be facing an enraged Sun-Prince, and not even chains of viridian would be able to hold him back.
Time stretched on, in the everlasting darkness. Not a single ray of light pierced the gloom. The hold of the green chains grew stronger, as his strength waned.
And then... A quiet noise, yet rough. Stone scraping stone.
Wearily, Kal-El looked up, wondering if they had decided to torment him after all, if he had gone mad. A dark figure, clad in black, with a flowing sable cloak, dropped into his cell, knelt next to him.
“Sun-Prince. I am the Dark-Knight. I am here to save you.”
*****
This ‘Dark-Knight’ person was strange, Kal-El decided. He was still not entirely sure that he was not some servant of Darkseid’s - what would be more cruel than for a captive to think themselves free, only to be captured, once more? Yet there was something about the man’s voice that he could not quite identify. Urgency, certainly, which was completely understandable, if he was true, and had sneaked into the Dark Tower, even into Apokolips without being noticed, then he was impressive indeed.
He had used a small device, almost like a needle, to free the locks that had bound the chains of viridian to him, and that was a relief, at least. Kal-El had felt a little of his power returning, though he was still far too weak. As soon as he was free, and the Dark-Knight had seen that he suffered no serious wound, save the burns where the chains had touched bare skin, he had urged him forward, into the very narrow tunnel that he had emerged from.
Kal-El followed him now, still uncertain, but unwilling to let such an opportunity pass by. Even if the Dark-Knight did serve the dark, he might just have enough energy remaining to avoid recapture.
“We are almost there.” The Dark-Knight’s voice was rough, almost uncouth. Who was he, really? His black helmet covered all his face, even when he had been freeing him from the chains he had not been able to make out any features behind it.
Kal-El just nodded in response, but then they both went very still as they heard voices. One was, unmistakeably, Darkseid’s, full of sheer evil. The other... Kal-El went even stiller, shock filling his heart. The other belonged to Lord Lex.
“... our deal?” Lex was saying, and Kal-El felt confusion, then... No. No, Lex would not have... “I was the one who enabled you to capture the Prince, remember! Without me, you-”
“Would have found another way, puny human.”
“You-!”
“What favour did you think it did Darkseid to have you ‘rescue’ the Sun-Prince?”
“I -!”
Without being aware, Kal-El nudged closer; if he could just see... This was a trick, an illusion, it was not real, none of this was real, it could not be...! He nudged forward again, and the Dark-Knight twisted himself, found one of his hands and caught it with his own, shaking his head. Kal-El was about to shake him off, but Darkseid’s laughter echoed about them, terrible in its voice.
“No, mortal, Metropolis shall fall. Even now my army advances, my beautiful Furies, my perfect Parademons. They will crush Metropolis and all will worship the great despair of Darkseid.”
Kal-El heard the Dark-Knight take a sudden sharp breath, even as his own shock threatened to overcome him entirely. Darkseid’s army marching on Metropolis, Lex, a traitor... This was not real, could not possibly be real...
Lex’s cries surrounded them then, as he was put in the mercy of Desaad, and this must be his work, a cruel illusion made by him to rob him of any remaining hope...
He did not realize he had been moving until the Dark-Knight pulled him back. He knocked his arm back with his own, tugged his hand free, and-
“Kal-El. Kal, please, you can not help Metropolis in this way. We must flee here and warn your people, gather the other knights, and do battle with Darkseid’s army.”
Kal-El blinked, shocked into silence once more, for the Dark-Knight’s voice was now rich and smooth, not uncouth as it had been before, though it was still a bare whisper. Kal-El stared at him, as he found his hand, gently squeezed it again. “Come on.” He pulled him forward, through the rest of the dark, thin tunnel, until they finally broke free, and were in the light.
*****
Somehow, incredibly, they had managed to flee Apokolips without being seen. Kal-El was still stunned at this, amazed by the Dark-Knight’s skill that he knew was solely responsible for freeing them. He no longer thought he was a delusion, had not, from the moment he had taken his hand, spoken to him, in what he suspected - what he knew in his heart - was his true voice.
They rested, for a brief moment now, the Dark-Knight in the shadows of a wood, he, despite the danger - Darkseid must know by now that he had escaped - stood in a ray of sunlight, golden sunlight, and felt his spirit soar.
The Dark-Knight was watching him, he could feel his eyes upon him. He turned, and the Dark-Knight looked away.
“We should find the others.” His voice was rough again.
Kal-El blinked, frowning. “What ‘others’?” He asked, stepping toward him, reluctantly away from the light.
“Your parents summoned knights to save you from the Dark Tower. We will need their help to defend your kingdom.”
Kal-El was about to respond, but then a melodious voice spoke. “And you shall have it.” And then the most beautiful woman he had ever seen stepped out from behind the shadows of a tree.
The Dark-Knight rose, inclined his head. “Diana.”
The woman - Diana - stepped forward. She was clad in golden armour, with a blue cloak covered with stars upon her shoulders. She was also covered in weapons, and had the most self assured confidence he had yet seen. A smile curved her lips, and Kal-El blinked, aware he was staring, felt a blush rise to his cheeks for the lack of etiquette.
The Dark-Knight spoke again, now. “Sun-Prince, this is Diana, the Princess of the Amazons. Diana, this is the Sun-Prince.”
Kal-El looked up again, suddenly aware of two things: the sudden affection in the Dark-Knight’s voice, that he had addressed Diana, a Princess, without any title, and that he himself was not sure how to greet her; he did not think a kiss on the hand would be welcome... Fortunately, the Princess solved his dilemma, by holding out her hand for a handshake, which he gladly accepted.
“I am glad to meet you, Sun-Prince. I should have known you would be the first to reach him.” Her last comment was directed at the Dark-Knight, with a fond smile, and Kal-El once again wondered at their relationship.
“I almost was not.” The Dark-Knight’s voice was grave, and Diana frowned. Together he and the Dark-Knight explained what they had overheard, he still struggling to believe that Lex was a traitor, had betrayed both him, his parents, and Metropolis itself. Diana was frowning deeply by the time they had finished speaking, sprung forward, calling back over her shoulder:
“Come! We must warn your people, Kal-El! Metropolis’ fair beauty will not be crushed by Darkseid’s will. There are many other knights we can call on to aid us in this fight.” She was already running now, leaving he and the Dark-Knight alone.
Somewhat bemused, Kal-El looked at his companion. “Diana is a force of nature. It is best not to disagree with her.” The Dark-Knight commented, affection still in his voice.
They started running forwards themselves, though not as swiftly as Diana - he was still recovering from his time in the Dark Tower, from the viridian chains, and it must have taken a great deal of effort for the Dark-Knight to free him, unobserved by any. Even so, he could not help wondering...
“Are, ah, you and the Princess...?” It was perhaps the most inelegant question he had posed, and he felt embarrassment flush his face.
The Dark-Knight snorted, and shook his head. “No. We are good friends and sparing partners, but that is all. Besides, she has a lover, a man named Steven, who loves to fly.”
There seemed to be some kind of jest there, but he did not understand it. Even as he felt relief touch his heart, and wondered why.
*****
Diana had led them on, deep into the night, until the Dark-Knight had reminded her that he had only been freed from the the Dark Tower for a few hours. He had tried to protest, said that he could continue on, even as he had gasped for breath, but Diana had shook her head, ordered him to stay in the glade where they had paused, while she scouted forward.
Kal-El blinked at her, bemused. He was not used to being ordered, but the Dark-Knight just seemed amused. “I told you she was force of nature. You had best do as she says, Sun-Prince. I will keep watch.”
Kal-El wanted to protest again, but the moment he had laid down he had fallen into a deep sleep. When he woke it was to the sound of voices, and his heart clenched in fear. Very slowly, he opened his eyes, saw three men sitting in a loose circle, the light of dawn on their faces.
One had golden hair, with a quiver on his back, another wore green armour, while the third wore red, though it was unlike any armour he had ever seen. He blinked, looked around.
“Good. You are awake. Darkseid’s forces are almost upon Metropolis. We must hurry.” The Dark-Knight’s voice came from the side of him, and Kal-El raised his head, shifted, so he could see him. He was sitting beside him, his back against a tree. “Here.” He offered him some bread and a skin of water, and Kal-El nodded his thanks, though he had turned his attention back to the three strange men, who were now watching him, as well.
“We will break camp as soon as Diana returns from her scouting. This is the Archer,” the golden haired man raised his hand and nodded, “the Ring,” the green armoured man inclined his head, “and the Flash.” The red clothed man smiled at him, and Kal-El sat up fully, nodded back.
“They are knights who were also on the Quest for you. Diana found them during the night.” The Dark-Knight continued.
Kal-El blinked at that, but then nodded again, and formally offered his thanks on behalf on his kingdom. Even as he wondered, now, just what reward had been promised that so many knights had agreed to set out on such a perilous mission. He prayed to Rao that it was not Kara, in marriage, that had been offered, because he was not sure that he would be able to deny a knight like the Dark-Knight, who had done so much to aid him, her hand.
*****
Darkseid’s forces were spread out before Metropolis like a great shadow, writhing with evil. Kal-El looked at them, and felt sick. If even one of these set foot within his beloved Metropolis... The Dark-Knight was a welcome presence by his side.
“The Ring, Flash and Archer will go after the main army - I have never seen them fight, but I have heard many tales of their prowess. Diana will go after the Furies - she has a grudge against them.”
Kal-El nodded, taking a deep breath. “The people of Metropolis will fight the main army too.” The Dark-Knight nodded, his attention still on the battlefield. “And you? Where will you go, Dark-Knight?” His heart was pounding, far more than it should be.
The Dark-Knight turned to him, and though his face was covered by his black helmet, Kal-El could have sworn he was smiling. “I will go with you, to Darkseid.”
Kal-El took a deep breath, some fierce emotion swelling in his heart. He wanted to protest at the danger, but...
“I think we can take them. Do you think we can take them?”
Kal-El felt a grin spread over his face, knew for sure now that the Dark-Knight was smiling too, felt his heart lift. “Yes, I do.”
“This is your kingdom, Sun-Prince. We will take our orders from you.” Diana’s voice was strong and powerful, and Kal-El took a deep breath, his heart steadying. He was just about to give the order for them to attack when a single figure stepped out from the gates of Metropolis. The smile fled from his face, and his heart sank.
“Kara...”
Beside him, the Dark-Knight stiffened. “Your cousin?”
“Yes. She... She is going to...”
And then Kara’s challenge to Darkseid rang out, and he closed his eyes.
“Keep to the plan. Keep my kingdom safe.” He opened his eyes again, met the other gazes.
They nodded, and started forward, Diana letting loose a great war cry that raised the hairs on the back of his neck, filled his veins with fire. Together, they charged into battle.
*****
Kara was fighting the Furies beside Diana. The Archer, Ring and Flash were fighting the Parademon’s with aid, now, from the forces of Metropolis. The Dark-Knight was still by his side, but...
Darkseid loomed before them, looking at them as if they were partically ugly insects. To him, they probably were. Kal-El took a deep breath, pushing away the memories of the last time he had been in battle like this, when he had been captured.
“Darkseid! Remove yourself and your armies from these lands!”
Darkseid just stared at him, then laughed, even as a shriek came from one of the Furies. Kal-El firmly told himself to not look; he had to trust that Kara could handle herself, that Diana would keep an eye on her.
“Your land is ripe for the picking, Sun-Prince. Soon, it will be Darkseid’s.”
Kal-El felt his jaw clench, felt the power from the Sun, that gave him the name the Sun-Prince, flood like fire through his veins.
“Puny mortals! None can stand before me!” There was a light around Darkseid’s eyes, and then Dark-Knight crashed into him, even as an explosion knocked them off their feet.
Golden, blinding light filled the air, and Kal-El slowly raised his head.
“What is this?” It was Darkseid who asked the question, and the most unexpected voice responded.
“I though you of all people would know that a Boom Tube is, Darkseid. Let this be a lesson to you. Do not ever double cross me.” And then the light grew unbearably bright, and there was a cry, a cry of rage, before suddenly everything was... gone.
Darkseid and the Furies and the Parademons had simply disappeared.
Kal-El opened his eyes again, raised himself off the ground, the Dark-Knight doing the same beside him. Before them stood Lord Lex, swaying, bloodied. “Ha! No one can out trick Lex Luthor!” And then he swooned.
Kal-El shakily stood, and stared first at Lex, then at the Dark-Knight.
“Kal!” He turned as his name was called, caught Kara in his arms - there was blood on her armour, but not hers, thank Rao - and hugged her. “I missed you so much, cousin! I was so worried...” Her bright blue eyes studied him closely.
“I am fine. I missed you too. Where are mother and father?”
“They are safe, in the castle.”
Healers, now, were starting to come through the castle walls, one, in the livery of Lex’s house, went straight toward him. Diana, smiling broadly, was clasping hands with the Dark-Knight. The Ring, Archer and Flash seemed to be comparing the numbers of foes they had defeated. Metropolis was still standing, still bright and undefeated.
Kal-El felt himself smiling, felt himself truly relax for the first time since he had been captured.
“Who are you going to chose?” Kara’s face was somewhat apprehensive, and Kal-El frowned at her. “You do not know? Uncle and Aunt called a Quest for knights to rescue you, in return for your hand in marriage and a treaty with Metropolis. But you have returned with five knights - six, if you count Lex. So who are you going to chose?”
*****
The windows of his room faced north, toward Gotham. He would have to leave soon, he had been away too long from his dark kingdom, and it was no doubt in need of his help. There was little more he could do here, anyway. A knock sounded on the door, and Bruce turned, and called out “Enter,” as he picked up his helmet, but did not put it on.
The door opened and the Sun-Prince walked into the room, then stopped and stared at him. Bruce inclined his head slightly; the other man looked much better now he had rested and bathed. His blue eyes, bright, like the sky, were wide as they gazed upon him.
“Are... are you the... Dark-Knight?”
Bruce inclined his head again. “It is the guise I wear, yes.”
“The guise?”
“I am also the Prince of Gotham.” Not many knew that truth, but he felt he could trust Kal-El.
The Sun-Prince’s eyes widened even more, surprise, yet relief, and a dawning hope filled them. “You are the Moon-Prince?”
Bruce just inclined his head again, watching the other Prince curiously. Kal-El looked away from him, shaking his head.
“My parents... my parents have told me that we - that I - do not have to marry one of the knights. That we will simply offer an alliance. But I said no, for how can our dealings ever be held in trust if we do not keep our promises?” The Sun-Prince looked at him now, some emotion filling his eyes that had never been directed at him before, not at Bruce.
“No one can deny that you were the one who rescued me. I... I choose you, the Dark-Knight, the Prince of Gotham, the Moon-Prince... Bruce. I choose you.”
And then his hands were in the Sun-Prince’s hair, in Kal’s hair, and they were kissing and laughing all at once, more than ready to live happily ever after, with some adventure, along the way.
