[Third Person's PoV]
Clark gazed down at the crystal in his hand, his eyes narrowing as he noticed the unmistakable crest of the House of El etched into its surface. The symbol shimmered with intricate detail, catching the light in a way that seemed almost alive. Instinctively, he ran his thumb over the crest. As soon as he did, the crystal pulsed with energy and the emblem ignited in a brilliant golden hue, radiating with warmth.
"Scanning... Kryptonian biosignature identified." A calm, mechanical voice echoed from the crystal, its glow intensifying with each word. "Biosignals of both Jor-El and Lara-El detected. User identification confirmed: Kal-El, the Last Son of Krypton."
Clark's breath caught in his throat. The voice was artificial and not at the same time. He stared at the crystal in stunned silence, watching as it pulsed in rhythm with the voice.
After a moment, Clark found his voice. "And you are?" he asked, curiosity and wonder laced in his tone.
"I am Sol," the voice responded smoothly. "An artificial intelligence construct designed and programmed by your mother, Lara-El. My primary function is to assist you in any endeavors you choose to undertake. To access my full capabilities, it is recommended that I be implanted into a stable surface. Once activated, I will demonstrate my utility."
Clark blinked slowly, processing the words. "Not here," he muttered, glancing around at the desert landscape. "Hold on a second."
He carefully placed the glowing crystal back inside the small pod that had carried Krypto to Earth. With a grin, he turned to the white dog, who wagged his tail eagerly. "Hop in, boy. We're going on a little trip—across the world."
Krypto barked once and leapt back into the pod, tail thumping excitedly against the metal interior. Clark secured the hatch and effortlessly lifted the pod into his arms. Without another word, he launched into the sky, sand exploding beneath him as he broke through the air like a missile.
They soared across the globe at incredible speed, the stars fading as the curve of the Earth shifted beneath them. Time zones flashed by—night melting into morning, morning into day. Eventually, the snowy white expanse of the Antarctic came into view, untouched and glistening under the ever-present daylight of polar summer.
Clark descended slowly, scanning the terrain until he found a spot sheltered from heavy winds and relatively isolated—perfect for what he was about to do. He set the pod gently onto the snow and opened the hatch. Krypto bounded out, his nose instantly buried in the snow, tail wagging furiously. Clark chuckled at the sight and watched as Krypto sat down beside the pod, momentarily taking in the stark beauty of the frozen land. He closed his eyes, tilting his head to the sun above, absorbing its warmth despite the bitter chill.
"Enjoy yourself, boy," he murmured, giving Krypto a playful pat.
Then he reached into the pod and retrieved the crystal once more. Its glow was steady now, pulsing softly as though aware of what was to come.
"Alright, Sol," Clark said, throwing the crystal in the air and catching it again, "show me what you've got."
With a gentle flick of his wrist, Clark tossed the crystal a few meters away, ensuring it landed with just enough force. It struck the snowy ground with a dull thud—and then the transformation began.
The crystal lit up like a miniature sun. Thin lines of golden light snaked outwards, forming geometric patterns as the structure began to expand. It grew rapidly, jagged crystalline spires shooting up from the ground like icebergs breaking through the surface of the sea. The design was both alien and beautiful—graceful symmetry, yet monumental in size. The gleaming structure continued to rise, forming archways and towers, culminating in a breathtaking fortress of shimmering white and blue.
Clark could only stand in awe, watching the Fortress of Solitude take shape before him—an echo of Krypton, reborn on Earth.
"WOOF!"
Clark turned sharply. Krypto had lifted off the ground and was awkwardly dog-paddling in the air, his limbs flailing in confusion. His eyes began to glow bright red, and a second later, twin beams of heat vision shot out, melting the snow and blasting steam into the sky.
"Krypto!" Clark called out gently, rushing to his side.
The dog was clearly overwhelmed—by the flight, the power coursing through, the X-ray vision of Clark, the overpowering senses. He hovered in panic, eyes still glowing faintly, trembling midair.
Clark approached slowly, his voice low and soothing. "Easy, boy. Easy. It's alright. Focus on me. Just my voice…"
He reached out and placed a steadying hand on Krypto's back. The dog quivered under his touch, but gradually, his breathing slowed. The glow in his eyes faded. After a few more moments of gentle coaxing, Krypto let out a low whine and floated back down to the ground, where he promptly tackled Clark in a storm of joyful licks.
"Better?" Clark laughed, wiping his face. "I'll take that as a yes."
He ruffled the dog's fur, then stood and turned toward the newly formed entrance of the fortress.
"Well, buddy," he said, placing a hand on Krypto's head. "Let's see what secrets this place holds for us."
Clark walked forward, Krypto padding faithfully at his side. As they neared the massive crystalline doorway, it responded without prompt—sliding open with a gentle hum, as though recognizing and welcoming its rightful heir. The moment Clark stepped through, the entrance sealed behind him with a soft but final sound, shutting out the howling winds of the Antarctic and the world beyond.
Inside, the Fortress of Solitude stretched before him like a cathedral crafted by light itself. Towering spires of translucent crystal rose toward vaulted ceilings, their surfaces catching and refracting sunlight in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of shimmering brilliance. The air felt still and sacred, untouched by time or decay.
A long corridor extended before him, its floor polished to a perfect mirror-like sheen, reflecting not just his image but the legacy of a civilization lost to the stars. Gentle orbs of ambient light floated overhead, their glow casting soft shadows along the walls. As Clark moved, panels beside him came alive—holograms flickering into existence, displaying star charts, historical records, and scientific diagrams far beyond human comprehension.
Then Clark stopped. His breath caught in his throat.
At the center of the grand hall stood a monument carved in gleaming crystal—a statue of two figures holding up the weight of a world. He knew instantly who they were remembering them since he had reincarnated: Jor-El and Lara-El. His father and mother.
He stood frozen, drawn to the haunting beauty of their likeness. His eyes lingered on the figure of Lara-El, her expression captured in serene strength, but he remembered a different look: her face tear-streaked, her voice cracking as she placed him in the pod, her heart breaking with love and fear.
Sensing the moment and mistaking it for curiosity, Sol spoke gently. "These are your biological parents. Lara-El, your mother. Jor-El, your father. Both of whom made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure your survival, Kal-El. You are Kryptonian—of the House of El, and the last son of a doomed world… Krypton."
Clark remained quiet, his gaze fixed on Lara-El's face. The flicker of emotion in his eyes betrayed memories—memories not from Krypton, but from Earth, another Earth, a life he'd known before. A father, yes. But never a mother.
Turning away, he continued his exploration of the fortress. Room by room, Sol narrated, explaining each chamber's purpose and function. There were archives, laboratories, training arenas, observation decks, and several chambers left intentionally empty—ready to be shaped to Clark's will. A home waiting to be personalized.
Eventually, Clark entered a room glowing with radiant crystals, the walls lined with shelves of luminous structures that hummed with power.
"This is the Sunstone Simulator," Sol explained. "A highly advanced computational network constructed from self-replicating sunstone crystals. This simulator contains the full breadth of Kryptonian history, culture, and knowledge. At its core, you will find two key crystals."
Clark approached a crystalline pedestal. On it sat two cylindrical keys, etched with names in Kryptonian: Jor-El and Lara-El.
"By inserting one of these crystals," Sol continued, "you may engage a holographic simulation of your mother or father. These simulations are not mere recordings—they are adaptive, dynamic, capable of learning and reacting as though they were living beings. They are the closest possible recreation of your parents."
Clark stared at the crystals, his heart heavy.
In his past life, he had known only his father—his real, human father—a kind and wise man who had raised him alone after Clark's human mother died during childbirth. That man had never spoken of bitterness, not even as he lay on his deathbed. But Clark had always wondered—had there been resentment buried deep, hidden behind his unwavering love? He was raised and cared for by a father,
But…
He had lived without a mother. Without a feminine voice to comfort, to guide.
His decision came naturally. 'How pathetic'
He reached out and picked up the crystal labeled Lara-El.
Crossing to the simulator's platform, he slid the crystal into the glowing slot. Instantly, the room lit up. The walls pulsed with energy, sunstone lines flaring like lightning veins, and from the center of the chamber rose a figure—ethereal, shimmering, and alive.
She stood tall, regal, her dark hair cascading like waves of ink. She wore the sigil of the House of El upon her chest, and her eyes—clear, warm, impossibly familiar—locked with his. There was recognition in them. Love. Awe.
"Kal-El…" she whispered, voice trembling with emotion. "My son… how much you've grown."
Clark's smile was awkward, uncertain. He rubbed the back of his neck, not used to the word he was about to say. "Hello… Mother."
Lara-El's smile widened, radiant with joy. She seemed to bask in the sound of the word—Mother—as though she had waited a lifetime just to hear it spoken by him.
"Tell me, my son," she said softly, stepping closer. "How has your life been on this world you now call home? Have you been safe? Were you… loved?"
"It's been fine for the most part…" Clark said awkwardly, "After I crash landed…" Clark went on to share the story of his life until this point in time where he was talking to a holographic simulation of his supposed Kryptonian Mother.
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