[Sephie Michaela Deviluke POV]
It seemed Zastin was just about to establish contact with Superman when Gid's expression lit up with childlike excitement. Despite his fearsome reputation and overwhelming power, in that moment, Gid looked absolutely adorable—like a child eagerly awaiting a long-anticipated gift.
He clutched the communicator in his hand, his gaze fixed on it, waiting for the signal that would indicate Superman was on the other end, listening. The anticipation in the room was palpable.
Then, without warning, a light on the communicator began to flash, signifying that the connection had been made. Instantly, it was as if a switch had been flipped. My husband's entire demeanor shifted in the blink of an eye—from eager and warm to regal and commanding. His playful smile gave way to a calm, imposing presence, the kind only a king could truly embody. His voice, too, changed—deeper, richer, and full of authority. It resonated with such weight that it sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
"Greetings, Last Son of Krypton," he said with gravitas.
A slow, proud smile stretched across Gid's face as he continued, "Or would you prefer I call you Superman? Either way, I suspect you've already deduced who I am. I am Lala's father—ruler and king of the known universe."
He paused only briefly before adding, "I've already been informed by Zastin of the recent developments. Therefore, I hereby acknowledge you as Lala's fiancé."
His words were both expected and unexpected. While it didn't entirely surprise me—Gid had, after all, been trying to find a suitor for Lala for quite some time—the swiftness of his approval indicated something more. It was clear he saw great potential in this Superman. And though Lala had never shown the slightest interest in her previous suitors, Gid wasn't about to let this rare opportunity pass. It was evident he was capitalizing on the moment—and on Lala's clear affection for the young Kryptonian.
"Although…" Gid added, kicking his feet idly over the edge of his ornate throne, "I must admit, I'm rather surprised that the one she's chosen is none other than a survivor of Krypton."
A voice finally responded from the communicator, deep and marked by subtle suspicion. "How do you know I'm from Krypton?"
Gid blinked slowly and then turned his gaze upward toward me. I had to press a hand against my mouth to suppress a giggle. Okay, maybe Lala didn't choose him for his intellect—but that's fine. She has more than enough brains for both of them.
"…You wear the crest of the House of El boldly upon your chest. That symbol is not something easily overlooked. Anyone with even a rudimentary understanding of Kryptonian history would recognize it at a glance."
He then elaborated further, noting that based on our records, no Kryptonian we know of has ever demonstrated the unique range of powers that Superman possesses. After our previous call with Zastin, I took the liberty of conducting my own investigation—scouring through archived planetary histories, technological records, and historic reports.
We analyzed every video Zastin had transmitted and cross-referenced them with all known Kryptonian attributes. None matched what Superman could do. His strength, speed, durability—his entire power set—far exceeded anything previously documented. For a brief moment, I even found myself wondering whether he was Kryptonian at all.
And yet… there was no mistaking the symbol emblazoned on his chest, nor the uncanny resemblance to Jor-El and Lara-El. There was no denying it. He was Kryptonian. More than that, he was the last true son of Krypton.
Gid's conversation with Superman continued, his tone still regal, but with a growing intensity. He issued a warning—a declaration of what being Lala's fiancé truly entailed. He explained the responsibility that came with such a title, the scrutiny Superman would face, and the trials that lay ahead.
Knowing Gid as I do, I could see his intent clearly. He was revealing this information, of Superman's status as Lala's Fiance, strategically, knowing full well that word would spread. He was preparing the stage for a greater challenge. The other suitors Lala had attracted in the past were not forgotten. On the contrary, Gid was planning to pit them against Superman—not out of malice, but as a calculated test.
He intended to use them as stepping stones, as catalysts for growth. He saw what Superman lacked—experience. And that, unlike natural talent or raw power, could be earned.
Gid wasn't just accepting Superman as his daughter's fiancé. He was forging him into something greater.
Although it might seem like Gid is rushing things, the truth is… it's not entirely without reason. For the sake of universe, for the sake of Order and peace, Lala must marry. As painful as it is to admit, this is not merely a personal matter—it's her duty as the crown princess. The fate of an entire cosmos rests upon her shoulders. And so, while my heart aches at the thought of her freedom being sacrificed, the reality remains: we have no choice in the matter.
Someone must eventually succeed Gid and take up the mantle as the next King of the Universe. It's an unavoidable truth.
Gid's expression hardened, the warmth that had briefly flickered in his eyes now replaced by a glacial sharpness. He leaned forward, and his voice—clear and commanding—cut through the communicator like a blade.
"However…" he said, tone sharp and unforgiving, "Should you fail—should you allow her to be taken from you, or should you fall short of my expectations—then not only shall your life be forfeit, but I will personally see to it that your insignificant star and everything orbiting it is reduced to dust. You would do well to remember this."
And just like that… he went too far.
That was a mistake.
He shouldn't have threatened him—especially not him. It's already a miracle that Lala has managed to find someone she genuinely likes. The last thing we need is bitterness to blossom where affection might have taken root. No relationship can survive when resentment is the soil it grows from.
Yet, even as I shook my head inwardly, I understood the source of his words. That wasn't Gid the King speaking—cold and pragmatic—it was Gid the Father, desperate and afraid. It's a contradictory dilemma we constantly find ourselves trapped in.
As king, Gid is expected to weigh the needs of billions—no, trillions. Sacrifices, no matter how personal, are part of the burden he carries. But as a father… he simply wants his daughter to be safe, to be happy, to be loved. And sometimes, those two identities—the King and the Father—collide in ways that leave scars on both.
A low growl echoed from the communicator, cutting through the tension like a lightning strike.
"Just who the hell do you think you are?" came Superman's voice—low, guttural, and trembling with restrained fury.
"You think that just because you hold the title 'King of the Universe' that I'm supposed to be afraid of you?" he said, voice rising with intensity. "I hold you in the same regard as the dirt beneath my feet—and considering I can fly, that should give you a pretty damn good perspective."
Oh no.
I felt a chill crawl down my spine. I could already tell what kind of man this Superman was. One who values his freedom above all else. A man of immense power, yes—but more than that, someone who cherishes his independence, who won't be made a pawn or endure threats. Not from kings, not from tyrants… not from anyone.
Then again, would anyone react differently in his position? Probably not.
Gid's eyes narrowed as he stared at the device, lips pressed into a thin, rigid line. Despite all his virtues, Gid was still a monarch, and monarchs demanded respect. The tension was thick enough to cut through with a knife.
"I would watch your tongue—" he began darkly.
"No," Superman cut him off, his voice as firm and immovable as bedrock. There was no fear in it—only cold resolve and righteous defiance. It was almost difficult to believe he was around the same age as our Lala.
"You had your turn to speak," he said. "Now it's mine."
There was a pause, a silence so deafening I felt like the entire galaxy held its breath.
"You expect me to chase the approval of a father who doesn't even respect his own daughter's happiness? Do you think I give i single fuck about the opinion of a Father who pushed his daughter so far she felt running away from her entire world was her best option?" Clark's voice burned like fire through the communicator.
There was venom in his tone, but not just that—there was Disgust and Conviction.
"You think your approval means anything to me?"
I sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of my nose. What is it with men—saying all the wrong things at exactly the wrong moments? Every one of Superman's words was like a dagger in Gid's heart. I could see it.
His jaw clenched. His fingers dug into the armrests of his throne, cracks forming beneath his grip. The tension in his body swelled, and in an instant, his small, childlike form began to shift and grow—his true size and power returning. The transformation was slow but inevitable, like a tide rising to meet a storm.
And still… he smiled. But it was a smile that barely hid the rage burning inside him.
It was strained, trembling at the corners.
Because Superman was right.
Gid knew it. Deep down, beneath the armor of pride and authority, he knew he had failed his daughter in more ways than one. And worse, he hated himself for it. He hadn't forgiven himself for what happened. Maybe he never would.
And Superman's words? They were salt in a wound that had never had the chance properly healed.
"You will not speak of Lord Gid that way—!" Zastin's voice suddenly crackled through the communicator, sharp with indignation. But just as quickly, it was silenced—cut off mid-sentence, most likely by Superman himself.
Gid let out a deep, rumbling laugh—one that wasn't born of joy. There was anger in his eyes, thinly veiled but unmistakable. Not just anger at Superman… but at himself. At the wounds that had been exposed. At the truths he hadn't wanted to face being flung so casually into the open.
"Good… Good," he said, voice low and almost growling with dangerous approval. "You have guts, Kryptonian brat. You've got fire. But it seems you truly have no fear of the storm that may fall upon your world because of that reckless mouth of yours."
Sigh. Again with the threats. He really doesn't know when to stop, does he?
"You'd be surprised what I'm willing to risk to protect the people I care about. Threaten my world again… and you'll find out exactly how far a Kryptonian can go when he's angry."
His fury was justified—perhaps even noble. It was clear now that he viewed Earth as more than just a refuge. He had claimed it as his home. He wasn't fighting for power, glory, or status. He was fighting for his people. For his world.
Maybe… just maybe… there's still a way to salvage this.
We truly shouldn't be making enemies with someone our daughter has chosen of her own free will. Especially not someone with untapped potential we've yet to fully understand. Superman is dangerous—but he's also principled. That alone makes him more valuable as an ally than as a rival.
"You can be sure of one thing, Gid," Clark continued. "Your daughter will be safe. She will be protected and cared for—that is a promise. But that promise is to her, and her alone. My desire to keep her safe has nothing to do with you."
There it was. A foothold—common ground. A place to begin. Even if everything else had gone wrong, this part mattered. Lala's safety. Her well-being. Her happiness. If nothing else, it was reassuring to know that Superman intended to protect her, regardless of how he felt about us.
And though Gid was visibly upset, something about Superman's words seemed to soothe the fire in him, even if just a little. As long as Lala was safe, Gid didn't care much about anything else.
Then, the final nail.
"Take your approval. Take your recognition. And shove them where the sun doesn't shine. They mean absolutely nothing to me."
Gid didn't flinch. In fact, he seemed… accepting. As if something had finally clicked into place. Perhaps he realized, at last, that he had antagonized Superman far more than he should have. That if this was going to work at all, he would need to step back.
A heavy silence settled between them. No anger. No more words. Just the quiet that comes after a storm.
Finally, Superman spoke once more. "Good day, Gid. I'll let your daughter know you said hello."
"…Please do," Gid muttered quietly. But the communicator had already shut off. From the way the signal died abruptly, I wouldn't be surprised if the device had been destroyed altogether.
Gid sat in stillness for a long moment, his expression unreadable. I let out an audible sigh—and it was enough to make him flinch.
"Go on," he said, almost bitterly. "Tell me how wrong I was. What I did incorrectly."
But there was no need. There's a time for correction—and this wasn't it.
"No," I replied softly, calmly. "It seems you already understand that well enough yourself. I don't think anything else needs to be said."
He didn't respond. Instead, he reached out and pulled me into his lap, his arm wrapping around my waist with quiet desperation. His head dipped forward and nestled into my chest, hiding his face like a child seeking comfort.
I ran my hand gently over his hair, comforting him. As was my job as both his Wife and Queen.
He was still hurting. Still grieving.
Not just for what had happened today—but for the day Lala made the decision to run away.
His voice was muffled against my skin. "Do… do you believe we're making the right choice?"
I hesitated. "That," I said carefully, "is something we can only know once the results unfold. Until then… All we can do is hope. But it's a choice that needed to be made."
He was quiet again for a long while. Then, softly—so softly it nearly broke my heart—he whispered:
"…Even if it means forsaking Lala's happiness?"
I looked down into his eyes—so unguarded, so filled with sadness. Eyes that made me want to hold him forever, protect him from every pain and burden this throne has ever placed on his shoulders.
"You understand better than anyone," I said, brushing my fingers gently across his cheek, "someone must take your place on the throne. Someone must lead, or the universe will fall into ruin."
I cradled his face tenderly, forcing him to meet my gaze.
"Only you, my love, have been able to contend with Darkseid—to hold him at bay and keep his shadow out of this universe. But for you to continue doing so… for you to protect us all… you must focus. And to do that, someone else must take your place as King."
I kissed his forehead and held him close.
"Someone strong. Someone we can trust. Someone worthy of Lala."
He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly, allowing himself—for just a moment—to let go of the weight he carried.
And in that moment, I silently prayed… that we had made the right decision after all.
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