The Flock: True Queen of Gotham

Chapter 1

1952

"Great Rao! Something is coming from the sky!" Jor'El yelled out to the group of scientists he was working alongside. They all rushed to his viewing screen, crowding around to see the burning sphere hurtling towards the shining city of Kandor.

"Get the Guild! Get the Religious Guild! The fire is coming from Rao!" another scientist, Sen'De, yelled, his eyes wide.

Two more men ran out into the streets, with the rest running to where the sphere would hit. Moments passed and the Religious Guild showed up, just before the now-glowing ball hit. When it hit, everyone knew it, for they felt a rush run through every hair in their body, filling them with power and life.

The Guild and Lan'Gu, a lawmaker, were the first to reach the smouldering crater. The group stood around for several minutes, before Lan reached out, brushing the tips of his fingers along the surprisingly cool metal ball. Just as he did that, a swirling ball of fire rose up high above the crowds of Kryptons now lining the streets. A face appeared.

"My children. I thank you for your devoted worship of the numerous deities, demi-gods and titans, however, I must confess a great loss. They are gone, life timer runs to zero. Do not fear though, for their power cannot die.

In their place, I give you Kyri, daughter of the universe and child of infinite power . Call her what you will, Rau'Daughter, Vohc, Flamebird, I care not. She holds the power of every god, including me. My life is over, yet hers has only just begun. Raise her right, but beware. In seventeen years a new era shall begin as the old one burns in flames, led by the Goddess Child and a Krypton child stronger than all others."

The face faded into smoke, but not before a symbol appeared in the fire, an infinity symbol turned sideways in a Kryptonian pentagon. The badge of the House of El, currently held by Head scientist Jor'El and his wife, and Head Warrior trainer, Lara'El. Almost as one, the crowd parted to allow Lara to join her husband in front of the white, metal orb.

One of the Religious Guild spoke up, their booming voice resounding through the streets,

"Our gods are dead, gone. In their place, they have given us Kyri'El, formerly only daughter of the universe, and now also the daughter of the smartest Krypton Jor'El and the Krypton capable of beating all others in a fight, Lara'El. The gods created our past, the house of El created our present, and now Kyri shall create our future."

At that, mass cheering broke out. Lyra touched the ball again, trying to find the door so she could meet her new daughter. Again, upon contact, the glowing ball reacted. It slowly unfurled like a lotus flower, revealing a stunning child inside. The girl was barely three months old, but already she had a mane of thick, wavy black hair and otherworldly eyes - one a royal blue and the other magenta - that seemed to glow with power.

"Hello Kyri, I am your ieiu (Mommy). It is nice to meet you," Lyra cooed as she stroked the little girl's silky hair.

"Oh diifre (beloved), she is perfect! I guess that is to be expected from a child of the gods, but she is more perfect than I could ever imagine." Jor'El said softly to his wife, as he joined her kneeling beside the lotus cradle, closely followed by the Guild.

The crowds slowly began to clear as the new parents knelt by the child they were honoured with. After almost an hour the streets were clear, save for the Religious Guild and the new family. It was silent, but that would not last.

"Why is my son not with us? He should have been here before the sun had reached mid-sky, yet it is now setting and still, I fail to see him." Seyg'El strode through the streets.

His cloak was made of what seemed to be black scaly leather which shone in the red sun, sending a bright glow out as the light hit the metallic black thread woven through. A golden collar secured the cloak in place. This was the cloak given to the strongest warrior, only passed on when the current holder felt they had found a worthy successor. Seyg was the ninety-eighth in a line of entirely male holders. Lyra was meant to be given the cape, but it was feared she was not smart enough, having only trained as a warrior, should the mission call for a more technological aspect. So, Seyg'El held onto the cape.

Seyg spotted his son kneeling next to Lyra with the Guild surrounding them and his curiosity was immediately heightened. Kryptons, especially the Guild, do not kneel for anyone except their Gods.

"My son. What causes you and those around to kneel? Have you lost all sense of dignity?" Seyg admonished a smiling Jor.

"No father, I retain fully my dignity and preach that you listen to the truthful people of the council. They have knowledge that I alone do not dare speak aloud yet, for fear of it being a hoax." Jor smiled like his world had been almost completed, which caused Seyg to pause in thought.

Having not yet seen the child, he turned to the Guild.

"What is it that my son cannot say? Have the gods fallen?," he let out a barking laugh, "For that shall be the day I give up this here cloak resting on my shoulders. So tell me now, what ails my boy?"

The Guild exchanged looks before one spoke up, "Yes, Elder El, the Gods have all fallen but one. That who remains is cradled in front of you here, with her parents chosen as the last wishes of Rao. You have a granddaughter, and she is the child of Gods."

Seyg stopped in silence. Then, very slowly, he reached up and unlatched the cape from around his neck. He held the cape up for all to see before tearing it in half. The cape regenerated and soon each of the new parents wore the cloak of a warrior.

"Two halves make a whole. You both complete each other. Bond with the capes and let them bond with you, but know they must be passed on, either by you, or another with bearing a cape should you be unable to complete this duty,"

Both parents immediately reached up to the cloaks, fastening them around their necks and watching as the capes changed to math their holder.

Jor's went to a thin, glossy material that was almost weightless and shone like the moon, emitting no light but reflecting all that came into contact with it.

Lyra's reflected her warrior position, staying almost the same as Seyg's, however with a red tinge and clasp, as if reminding her to not lose control while fighting, should she accidentally hurt someone badly.

Once the capes were bonded Jor looked back up at his father.

"You speak as if you already know of the future holder. Is this correct?" he inquired.

Sayg said nothing but looked over to the baby watching him in the makeshift cradle.

"I have a clue."

"It is Kyri, is it not, father?" Jor stated, already knowing the answer.

Seyg nodded slowly, "She has the power of gods and the best training of man. She will be unstoppable once she is older, but, for now, let her enjoy her childhood. She will start training in her fifth year."

Lyra stood, the child in her arms and turned to face the Guild.

"Me and Jor will go to work as normal. You'll probably next see Kyri once I start training her on her fifth birthday. Before that, she'll just be raised as a normal child."

With that, the new parents headed back to their home, the daughter of the universe in their arms.