Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Pain. That's all he felt. Just white, hot, searing pain. He hadn't meant for this. Hadn't meant for it to go all wrong. 

But that's just it, isn't it? Life never follows the path you want, just what you need. Though, why did it decide he needed this? This suffering? He would never know.  

The pain continued, for an unbearably long time, closer to an eternity of suffering. Danny muses, despite everything— and then he became aware. 

Aware at what had happened. And how he wishes he wasn't—

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———Inside the Fenton compound———

He told his parents. He told them everything. Phantom, The portal, His death and resurrection, his battle with Pariah and what winning against him entails, Everything. 

At first they laughed, saying thing like "You shouldn't joke about that, Dann-o!" "You should run Danny! You're now a target!" Trying to Humour him. 

But then a few moments trickle by, and with his stiffening posture along with his avoidant gaze, a pin drops.

 His mother screamed at him, shaking him, demanding he bring their Danny back. A shuddering sob broke through the disillusioned-parent duo.

"Stop it! Stop crying with his face! IN HIS BODY!" Maddie shrieked. 

"BUT I AM HIM, MOM!" The harsh tone of the reply made her stagger and flinch, but Danny couldn't bring himself to pause nor stop 

"I DIED! CAME BACK! NOTHING ELSE! NO ONE ELSE CAME BACK OTHER THAN ME MOM! AND NO ONE ELSE WILL!" With a shaky exhale, he continued "No one else, mom."

Jack could only blankly stare on, fist balling, but he made no move. "I wanted to tell you both! Even if it meant endangering me! Because you deserve the truth—" He then turned to his dad, with pleading eyes, and continued—

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"You both deserve the truth."

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Jack may have been foolish mad-genius, but he'd never think of hurting his children, his babies. He wasn't a monster. So when his baby boy revealed this?

That he was the infamous phantom He and Maddie hunted? That he was one of them—ghosts—the beings they hunted? Something broke inside of him. 

And being the coward that he is— he couldn't move. Couldn't move to apologize, couldn't move to comfort his boy, couldn't move to hug him, couldn't move to kneel and beg for forgiveness. All because of the shame and guilt freezing him in place. All. Because. Of. His. Cowardice. 

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Despite his massive stature—his cowardice always got the better of him.

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"... Dad..? Mom..?" Maddie never wanted it to be this way.

 Not after learning the price of finally opening the Ghost Portal. Not after realizing what happened. The fantasy of Catching ghosts to study them?

Gone.

Replaced by a sickening clarity she wants gone. But why? All because she couldn't stomach what she and jack had inadvertently done? Done to Danny? ... Done to their little boy? What that cursed portal they built with their own hands, did? Pathetic.

 She couldn't help but feel disgusted— disgusted at what she put him—her beautiful baby boy, the one who would always stare before the sea of stars above in awe and wonder— through. 

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In all her immaculate genius—she couldn't stomach the idea.

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"... Please... Just... Say something..." He cried. Cried in frustration, anger, fear, and hope, hope they would understand.

"PLEASE!!"

 Before he could rage further— two sets of distinctive arms wrapped around him, catching him by surprise. Consolingly rubbing and patting behind him.

"We're sorry... so sorry... Danny." They hugged him impossibly tight. As if in any moment he would disappear, like what any ghost would do.

 They wanted him to stay. Wanted him to exist. Wanted him here. Wanted him to be real. And he is— he will always be real. He will always be here. 

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He will always be Danny.

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He finally cried. At his full volume. To reassure his parents. To reassure himself. That everything that's happening here is real—That he isn't dreaming. 

He wailed, and his parents allowed him to. They Let him have his moment, not because of anything particular, but because it's their moment too. 

They felt him, so alive, breathing. And despite everything; his slow heartbeat, his slow breathing, his cold touch— he felt warm and so impossibly alive...

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———In a random Government HQ in Amity park, Illinois———

Amanda waller wasn't a megalomaniac, per se, just prepared and cautious. She had plans, contingencies, and last resorts.

 Last resorts for those pesky supers and metas. And ghosts, Apparently. She got assigned as the director of a small—and annoyingly incompetent— government branch, after her misdeeds were brought to light by some wanna-be Superhero. The GIW.

A whole branch made to handle "ghostly" activity? In the middle of fuckall nowhere, Illinois? How absurd... That was what she thought, until HE came along. Phantom. Another variable. Another leading headache.

Phantom didn't come alone, he had company. Other ghosts of varying tastes in appearance, and varying builds, and also abilities! GREAT! ANOTHER GODDAMN MULTITUDE OF HEADACHES!

 ... Pariah Dark? A... Ghost king?! Oh. Nevermind. Phantom took care of that rising problem. She would thank him if she could, he just saved the world from imminent destruction after all, but she dismisses the idea. 

It would be for naught anyway— She would have no need for that gesture, not now, not ever. Not after learning about what her bugs picked-up on.

 Inconspicuous things, really. So small yet so dangerous and equally destructive. Especially the latter.

She didn't intend the bug to be particularly helpful, just a way to check in on local nuisances— the Fentons.

 But she thanks whatever luck she has or luck deity on her side. Because, now, she had truly struck gold. 

The teenage boy, Danny Fenton, son of the fentons, being her prime target THE Danny phantom? A gold mine indeed. She knows she shouldn't be hasty, but who cares? 

Due to the Anti-ecto Acts being in place, along with Clause 36: "those who Harbor any and all types of ectoplasmic entities and associates with it knowingly and actively are hereby considered active terrorists, forfeit of any rights. If in the scenario where such situation is volatile, a KOS (Kill On Sight) is effective immediately." She can afford this hasty move. So she waited, until the time was ripe and right.

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Ripe and right indeed.

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———Somewhere in the vast emptiness of the Void - Tower of Time———

A small figure, barely the size of a head, floating using his power, could only sigh. 

The hubris of some truly wears the old being, but Clockwork endures. He always endures.

 Not just for himself, but for the realms. For his not yet coronated king, for his prince— For HIS grandchild. And he cannot afford to be complacent, not if he wants his prince to stay safe.

To prosper. For the prosperity of Danny extends to the realms. To all of creation itself. He will truly become a loving, benevolent king in time. Its the only truth the Omniverse accepts. The only truth that has been accepted by IT, of all things.

But Clockwork sees the path he must take, the path his prince is forced to stride and strut in. And he hurts. He hurts from seeing his prince suffer. 

But his suffering will build him. Clockwork convinces himself, he must convince himself.

 Lest he breaks. Lest his prince breaks. So he steels himself. 

For the pain he has to observe. For the suffering he must ensure. For the abuse he commits. And he is terribly sorry—but it is left unsaid.

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———A random RV in the middle of a Squadron of other trucks and heavy duty road rangers - En route to Amity park, Illinois - 4 kilometers away———

Mobilizing this squad was easier than expected, Amanda thought. Of course, the evidence the bug provided helped more than enough to set things in motion. 

Despite the infamy she had gained, she still had some credibility, especially with her higher-ups, who all have witnessed the results of her projects.

Danny Fenton, huh? Poor thing won't know what hit him. 

Her plans are cruel, swift, and efficient. And coupled with the fact his group of misfits and malcontents are bunched up in a closed, small place of terrible Burger? His pain will be quick, if she can help it.

A last thanks for his service of defeating Pariah Dark. Though not the thanks she would've wanted to give, it's all she can manage at this point.

A quick bomb, large enough to ensure the death of his companions, but small enough to not cause too much damage to the surrounding area. She only hopes this vehicle would go faster.

———Terrible Burger, Amity park, Illinois——— 

(Y'all know what's gonna happen here😋)

Sam, Jazz, Tucker, and Ellie all waited for Danny and The parent duo to arrive. Wanting to support and comfort Danny after his confrontation with Jack and Maddie.

 Luckily for them, they don't have to wait long, and the aforementioned trio entered. All teary-eyed, emotional and radiating very obvious acceptance.

The four confidants exhaled a heavy breath, not knowing how long they had it held. Ellie had it the worst, what if something happened to him? What if something happened to her dad Danny?

Jazz was the first to start, noting the state of her parents and their lack of madness, "So... Uhh I take it you still want Danny in your lives, Mom? Dad?" 

Both parents could only give a small anguished smile in reply, still clinging onto Danny as if he were a lifeline. "I'll take that as a definitive Yes." Jazz gave a proud and relieved smile. She motioned for them to join them at their table.

The standing trio quickly but quietly hobbled in, to the chairs.

"So... How do you feel, Danny?" Sam questioned.

"'m fine... Just glad that mom and dad listened..." He flashed a weak smile at her. "But I'm tired, very tired. This whole thing stressed me out. And now that mom and dad accepted me? I feel relieved. This may be the only time I'll ever feel this huge amount of relief, really." Danny could only chuckle, not sure on how to add anymore.

"That's good, relief is good." Ellie tried to reinforce, but sounded more self-comforting than anything.

"And my back hurts, from all the hugging we did back home, mostly because dad has back breaking hugs!" Danny tried to joke, trying to light up the mood. They didn't find it funny, but laughed either way to humour the endearing attempt.

"We love you, Danny," Tucker and Ellie started, elbowing Sam and Jazz to do the same. Both said, Grumbling while rubbing their sides, "we love you, Danny!" 

Danny, feeling ever possibly fulfilled, giddy from all the love flying around, replied "Awww, thanks guys! I Love you all t—"

before he could continue, his vision went white, prominent ringing growing louder.

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———Amity Park, Illinois - 70 Meters away from Nasty Burger———

"Perimeter surrounded, Ma'am! Blockade is effective and no civilian groups nor persons observed near the Designated area." The officer Reported back to Amanda, her tone formal and loud.

"Good. Proceed with the bombing." She dismisses the officer away with a wave of her hand.

"Understood, Ma'am." The soldier Marched away, vest swaying. Stopping near the operator, "She said proceed.with the bombing." The only reply she got was a murmured 'okay'

A few seconds trickle by, before a loud BOOM could be heard. Amanda gestured for guards to come with her to inspect the site.

Nearing the site, she steeled herself. Despite witnessing death almost all-year round, she still gets queasy when witnessing such, even when the death is caused by her. 

She didn't know what to expect, but it sure wasn't TH— 

Her mind blanked, along with the officers she had as company. Eyes widening, blood gushing out from all orfices on their head— Their vision darkening for each passing moment, before finally collapsing to the ground. Eyes rolled upwards.

——————

The bomb had forced a new transformation, one he hadn't been able to access until now. Until his life and his family, his FRAID had been threatened. 

The mere sight of the form would make a person mad, sick to their stomach— An oozing mesh of dark, Sparkling flesh. Filled with a mish-mash of celestial bodies and the Impossible infinite expanse of space. Stars, Nebulae, Pulsars, Quasars, Galaxies and Other such space phenomena occuring within it. Spiked tendrils, reminiscent of rose thorns and vines, scatter all over the form. 

The tendrils, as disgusting and wretched they are, pitifully and desperately search for his Family, his Fraid.

The being, taking notice of the wreckage, WAILED. It's wail sounded like a bastardation of a child's cry, fitting, as this being is a child himself. A growing, yearning child.

 Whose only joy of acceptance burned away, the moment it's impossibly black eyes landed upon the members of his FRAID. The marred, burnt and charred bodies of the beings Fraid. Or, what was once a Fraid.

It's gutteral, grief-filled wail carried through everyone, passing by the cruel demons responsible for the deaths of his Fraid, and it spread. And truly far did it spread.

 Beyond Amity. Beyond Illinois. Beyond The United States. Beyond Earth. Beyond the Galaxy. Beyond the Universe. And Beyond the bounds of life— into the infinite realms, and finally— into ITS domain. 

And how did IT respond? IT responded with Rage. With Sadness. And Guilt.

IT hadn't meant for this to happen. Hadn't meant for tragedy to occur, hadn't meant to make IT's successor to suffer. Despite all the power IT holds, IT isn't omniscient, destiny takes it's own path. IT is merely THE PRESENCE behind creation. Behind life. Behind the moniker of GOD. 

Despite IT's so called Omnibenevolence, IT couldn't love enough, enough to stop suffering, Enough to stop conflict. Enough to protect him... So IT did what IT can could— IT called upon the realms. Upon IT's tokens. Tokens that allow IT's presence to influence, to allow IT to exert power upon reality— and demanded.

Demanded that the Throne Of Endless Oblivion be IT's Successor's Guide, His Follower, His Covenant.

Demanded that the Ring of Righteous Fury be IT's Successor's Blade, His Shield, His Army.

Demanded that the Crown Of Forever Flame be IT's Successor's Authority, His Symbol, His Power.

They all responded, power thrumming to life, and glady accepting their Creator's demand. And unexpectedly, fell from the void they call home, into the confines of reality. Where one certain grieving being resided. 

The Throne, now transformed into immaterial essence, enveloped Danny, bonding and marking with the boy's construct, it's soul and more, permanently. Staking it's claim. 

The Ring and Crown, now in their unsuspecting forms of a sleek copper headpiece and a silver ring, tried to contain the raging form of their new Master.

 Despite the power exerted by the two items, errors were evident. The rampant celestial energy radiated by their new Master made such action difficult to continue, but these items kept trying anyway.

An old, grating voice broke through the garbled cries and echoes, "hushhh now, Danny, I'll handle the rest." Finally prevailing when the voice soothed the raging eldritch being from thrashing around anymore. It's form curled upon itself, accepting the mold the items were forcing upon it, folding and sloshing until it all made a noticable humanoid shape.

After the transformation, the Ring and Crown bounded for him, also staking their claims, hiding within the crevices of his soul and construct, placed upon the hand shape and above the head of his soul construct.

The being cracked it's empty eyes open, finally fully aware. 

Danny, the hurting teen, listlessly pulled himself into a sitting position. Dragging Ellie, Maddie, Jazz, Jack, Sam and Tucker closer to him. Who could only mourn the loss, still in disbelief. 

They had all been alive just a moment ago. Lively and jesting. 'How fast that moment passed', he lamented.

"It's Dan all over again..." He whispered, Letting his head fall, finally letting his tears stream quietly.

"Not quite, Danny."

Danny craned his neck to look at the flying dwarf, "Clockwork..." Danny could only make a pained sob in response. "I'm sorry..."

"It is I who should be sorry, Danny." 

"No, you shouldn't. You couldn't have interfered if you're here, apologizing."

"That is correct." Clockwork could only frown, "The timeline cemented it. The death of your family is a fixed point in time. It cannot be changed, nor altered."

Danny let a humourless laugh slip, a laugh so empty it felt cold, "Well, isn't that fucked up? ... Just go, clockwork. Let me be."

"Now, let's not be hasty in losing hopes Danny. I can practically hear your thoughts, from that hazy look." Clockwork warned Danny, "That is a dangerous path you thread."

"What else can I do? Other than follow that path?" Danny said, face contorts into a bitter anger.

"What else can I do, other than finally becoming a worser version than Dan—" Before he could continue, Clockwork told him one Last hope.

"You could live another life. In another world, where you aren't hunted for sport. Where you aren't seen as a threat." Seeing Danny's disinterested face, he continued undeterred, "All while you wait for your fraid to reform. As ghosts that is." That surprised Danny, his face visibly lit up. Good, he can work with that.

"R-really?"

"Of course, little one. While it may take quite some time, they will still reform into ghosts." Clockwork created images of cores forming with his energy, "The suggestion of living another life is just so you don't drive yourself insane while waiting, Danny.'

"What about Ellie?" Danny questioned, "How will she reform?"

"The same as the others, though now, she wouldn't be a halfa." Clockwork explained.

Taking a rough inhale, Danny replied eagerly "Fine, do it. Send me to this other life you plan on sending me to."

"Very well. Sleep well—" With each word spoken by clockwork Danny felt drowsier and drowsier barely noticing the older ghost's fond look, "—my grandson."

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———In another world, Metropolis - Random Hospital———

Whines and cries could be heard from the bundle a certain, beautiful black-haired, reporter was holding. "Awwww good morning, little Danny.." Lois Lane-Kent said, in response to the activity the little bundle of joy, Danny, was showing.

"He's cute, isn't he?" Clark Kent said, sitting in the chair next to the hospital bed where Lois is currently laid on.

"Of course, he looks just like you, handsome." Lois cheekily said, reaching for Clarks hand, trying to find warmth.

He softly laughed, "Sure, sure, Of course!" All while pressing a kiss to Lois' hand, making her sigh in content.

Sensing some rather disturbing activity, Danny whined, demanding he be fed, or what his noises implies anyway. 

"Alright, Alright!"

"Needy too. Just like his mother."

Chapter Text

It's been a year since mom and dad gave this book to me. They call it a diary. Told me that diaries are a good way to express thoughts and a way to process emotions and ideas.

This is my first time using it and I'm kinda nervous. I don't know what I should be writing here so I'll start with what's going on currently.

So moms tummy is getting bigger, I asked if she's getting fat and i said that it's okay since I understand that Ma cooks good. Like really reallyyy good. But she just stammered and chewed me out. Like okay mom. But I asked anyway—

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"then why is it getting bigger? Tummies don't just get big because they get big, it means you're getting fat from eating too much pie, mom."

The little boy supplied earnestly; genuinely confused on why his mom suggests otherwise.

Shuffling in his seat, the boy took a bite at the food currently laid upon his plate. 'Why does Ma cook so good?! At this point he'll end up just like his mom.'

Lois took great offense to what her son had just said; she still had a great figure despite the baby bulge thank you very much!

She pointed a very mean looking finger at him. He can sense the bad intentions etched upon her french-tips of evil.

"Now listen here you little rascal—" before Lois can say anything else to the cheeky boy—Martha Kent interrupts her with a cough to her fisted hand.

"Now, now, Lois. Let Danny be. It's not his fault they don't teach kids his age about pregnancies." The old woman said with a mirth that Lois can't blame her for, her grandson making little faces when questioning something or someone is quite the delicacy.

The way his brows furrow, right brow raised while his eyes roll to the side, as if trying to roll back in his head to access the needed information he is searching for, and his dimpled smile forming a thin line

"I know, Martha. I was only going to educate him on why my stomach is the way it is. Now, Danny, while I'm happy that you're taking after my inquisitive and confident way of speaking, sometimes it's better to ask people on why, rather than assuming based on what you see happening and answering before them. That will only serve you in bad ways as it makes you think your assumptions are the only ones valid." Lois answered thoughtfully, humming at the way her son frowns.

Probably trying to craft a retort, the only indication of his loss Is when 30 seconds pass and an answer still no where in earshot.

She loves the brilliant boy, truly. But sometimes she wishes he took after Clark rather than her. The world doesn't need another mini-Lois running rampant, as much as she revels in the thought.

"But moommm-" "But what, sweetheart?" "Nevermind..." The boy answered, dejected but properly reflecting on what his mom had said. Continuing to work through his meal. Even when his mouth opens to say something, only for him to close it again after a few seconds.

"Go on, my little Solaris, what were you about to say?" She added cheekily. While Danny  excelled in feeling for people's emotions and intentions, he's quite susceptible to smooth-talking, compliments, and teasing.

The boy flushed, cringing at the pet-name "Mom, ugh, stop that! You know how much I hate being called that..." Lois only chuckled,

"Oh? But it's such a nice name. Y'know, it comes from the Latin word "sol" - Sun, and it means "Of the sun". And I'm quite proud to be the mother of such a bright star." He choked, 'god why is she still going?! I'm already having trouble here mom...'

Ahhh, how she revels in his innocent troubles. Family life is never boring when you have such a kind and earnest child. (Cute too but she'll let him live with his dignity intact)

Barely breathing, red-faced, stuttering and with little dignity left to hold, Danny is barely able to speak without stumbling over his words "what- whatever! M-maybe you're not getting fat, but you're still pregnant, mom. Whatever that means." The poor, flayed boy grumbles. Glaring at his plate, as if he'd burn a hole through the meal. As if the meal was the one to tease him.

"Oh, sweetie, you make it so easy." The woman pauses to chuckle, "Being pregnant, sweetie, is when something little is growing inside moms."

The boy pauses to digest the information, before his face contorts to one of pure horror "You mean like bacteria, mom?! Stop joking about it and go to the doctor! Get it checked!" The boy shrieked, waving his arms around like a panicking duck, distress becoming more pronounced by the second.

Lois and Martha could only think at how 'Cute' and 'Endearing' his actions are, but what he said finally caught up to both ladies.

'Now, what was that about?' Lois turned to Martha with a questioning and confused look, but all she got was an unsure shrug and shared concern.

"Why do you think so, sweetie?" The boy looked mortified and continued his ramble,

"Because something bad can happen from things like those mom! Miss Rebecca from school got sent to hospital and what they call "ER" because she fainted. They told us her condition got worse and something called "lookeymiya" was the reason why." Oh? Lois hadn't heard of that... She'll check if this is a qualm for concern later.

The poor boy now had tears welling at his eyes, indicating that if she doesn't elaborate any soon, he might just cry. "Oh, sweetie! I am so sorry... I didn't mean it like that!" Lois tried to placate danny while the boy was holding back racking sobs.

She shot Martha an apologetic look, to which Martha mouthed 'its fine, just explain what pregnancy means' waving her hand dismissively.

While Lois' heart melts at the reason on why his little boy is crying, she really felt horrible. So she cleared her throat and added in a hushed tone "sweetie, me being pregnant means that someone is growing inside me. A small baby, your baby brother." 'Ah, such an expressive boy' her mind added.

The boy tensed and froze, sobbing ceasing before craning his neck upward, to stare at his mom dumbfounded. "..what?" "Oh sweetie, it means you get to be a big brother." She smiles at the him, god, if only she had a camera to capture the moment.

"I'm gonna be a big brother?" She nods. "A BIG BROTHER?!" He pulls away, repeating the words like a mantra.

Martha only looks knowingly at the two. Glad that this family if hers is finally growing.

——————

Mom explained more to me on why her tummy is getting bigger. Apparently my little brother was also getting bigger. And with that she took my hand and let me feel her tummy.

I felt him. I felt him move. I was gonna cry. I introduced myself to him, hoping that he will hear me even from inside mom, but I don't think he understands. That's okay, I'll help him understand when he comes out.

I'll welcome him with the greatest day every in his life. Ever. He won't forget it. So great that parties won't compare.

He isn't even out yet and I already love him. Mom told me that it was normal, that everything I was feeling was normal. And that I easily accepted him because that's what I should do. Love my little brother, even when he is wrong. Even when he would fight me. Even if he would hate me.

Because I love him. And I don't care if he will love me back, I will always love him.

I'm making song for him. I would like him to find comfort in what I love, so that he won't find it annoying. I think I would cry if he hated music and songs. Even then, I would still sing for him. I believe music and songs are the way to people's hearts.

Like what Orpheus did with Hades and Persephone. His songs captivated even the most stoic of gods. I only hope that even with how human I am that I can still captivate my little brother.

Now what should I name the song..

Chapter Text

Cool title, huh? I learned what fray meant after seeing some guy wave a flag that said "We, The fufuclan, Have joined the fray!" It was kinda weird though... Some of them dressed really revealing while some dressed heavy and bougie... Most of them just wore suits..

ANYWAYS!!! JON ENTERS THE FRAY!!! AFTER WAITING FOR MOM FOR LIKE 15 HOURS WE COULD FINALLY SEE JON!! Or jonathan samuel kent... Pa approved name, unfortunately. I wanted to name him >:(

I would've named him dante, no particular reason. Thought it would sound nice... Danny and Dante! Against the world! Or how it should've been, had it not been for meddling of Pa and Dad.

They're so selfish... :(

I guarantee them that if Jon had a mind (even tho he has one) he would agree with my name choice. Something tells me that he would've found it fitting.

When I first saw him I instantly fell in love. His tiny hands reached for me when I entered the room and I just... Couldn't resist it. Despite mom, dad, ma, pa all being there— he chose me. He reached out to me. If that isn't true love then I don't know what is. (Take that pa and dad! Now we're all tied for Jon points™... They got a point earlier because they get to name him. Though it was unfair! Two adults against one is such a cheap move.)

He whined and groaned a lot, like A LOT. I don't know if it was him in pain or discomfort but mom reassured me that it was fine. He was probably hungry that's why he was acting that way.

I cried. A lot...

—————

"Immediate family members of Lois Lane-Kent?" A nurse exiting his mother's room notified them. Lithe build dwarfed by the hospital door.

"Coming!" All of the Kent's said with degrees of variance, with a younger voice higher pitched and somewhat louder than the rest. His excitement not quite contained

'Finally! I get to see my little brother!' Danny's mind raced with anticipation and apprehension. The little boy fidgety from all the waiting he had to endure.

The whole family, really, was exhausted. Each running on fumes. Who can blame them? Hardly anyone. They stayed awake for the whole duration of Lois' labor, nervous that if they were asleep they might miss something important. The nervousness stemmed from the fact that each one worried for Lois. For Jon. While the labor with Danny had when a lot easier and shorter, it still didn't help with the racing thoughts of each family member.

"Mom!" Danny rushed in while the others shuffled in slowly, as to not disturb both the mother and the newborn.

"Shhh shhhh, Danny, I'm fine." She smiled fondly at the boy, love seeping in through the air. A cute little sniffle brought the boy out of his stupor. 

"Is- Is that?" Danny stuttered out, barely comprehending anything as he drank the sight in front of him. A baby, laid upon Lois' chest cradled closely, full of life. He had a cute small tuft of black hair upon it's small, squishy head.

"Are you fine, love?" Clark took a tentative step towards Lois, "'mmm better love, now that you're all here.." She said while smiling, exhaustion evident in her voice. "Come closer, Solaris, take a good look at your little brother."

"Are you sure mom? I don't want to disturb him..." 

"Don't worry, Bud, let's both give a warm welcome to little Jonathan!" Clark encourages his son, grounding him with a hand to his shoulder. Danny slowly inches towards the hospital bed his mother is on, still unsure about the baby.

A sniffle broke the tension, along with some feeble groans. Danny couldn't help but let his heart melt at baby Jon. Cooing as he settles himself besides his mother, softly and gently caressing the head of the baby.

Jon could only squint his eyes, the sky blue shade prominent, likely inherited from his father—Clark Kent. His features soft, a mix between of the two parents, though, childhood will be the judge of who he takes after but that won't come for a while.

The baby's sight might not work at the moment, but his sense is ever-present. As the small baby feels for his surroundings, he can't help but whine, unable to properly move his arms without much effort, reaching for someone. Unbeknownst to him, that someone is his brother—who can only let his heart melt even more...

'He's reaching for me!!' The older brother of the baby thought, chest fluttering from all the giddy emotions he's currently feeling. He can only handle so much before it cripples him permanently.

Noticing the antics of his smaller son, Clark could only stifle his laugh, gesturing to his parents to ready the camera, urging them to capture the precious moment. He reaches to caress Lois' cheeks, pressing a small kiss to her forehead. "What a scene, huh?" Clark muses.

"I'll say! 15 hours spent trying to push him out and this is how he thanks me? The betrayal... His mother ignored, in favor of his brother. I could only hope that his influence diminishes." Lois jests in goodwill, finding it endearing that the first person Jon actively seeks out is his brother, already sensing the unbreakable bond forming. "Have you no shame, little Solaris?"

Danny indignant from what his mother is insinuating, could barely stammer out a response "W-well, it's not m-my fault he prefers me more! I am the better hugger after all." He huffs while crossing his arms.

Lois chuckles, raising an eye towards Danny "Really now, little Solaris? I doubt it, your hugs aren't memorable. Now come here and show me how your hugs really feel." She wraps her arms around Danny, minding that she doesn't shuffle the baby in her arms.

Jon whines at the motion, not a huge fan since he is currently quite sensitive. Though that displeasure is quickly washes away as Danny grows closer. Though instinctual, he relaxes at the moment. Proximity with his gawking brother clearing helping in easing the little boy. 

The adults could only watch in fascination at the display, the phenomenon clearly baffling them all. Given that it is odd on how Jon is acting, but they'll let it be. 'Probably because of how Danny is a natural magnet—Everyone and everything gravitate to him.' they reason.

They all settle in comfortable silence, enjoying the warm sight. The adults Shuffling closer to the hospital bed, wanting to be included in their little bond-cute.

...

...

...

Unknown from all present family members, a natural instinct is occurring— a Kryptonian child seeking a suitable mother to imprint. And that mother just so happens to be our little Danny. Though currently dormant, the hidden trait is working overtime to finalize the imprint bond process Jon is currently staking, cementing his claim as Jon's instinctual mother.

The rogue process might not be known nor visible, but it sure was evident in it's course. Danny's eyelids slowly feels heavier for each passing moment; the lack of sleep and the taxing bonding weighing heavily and are taking it's toll. Danny tries to fight the fatigue but ultimately fails as he slowly drifts to sleep. Head laid on Lois' shoulder. 

Lois' brushes an unruly strand of hair upon her child's face. The family could only watch as the children drift to sleep, both in tandem. 

——————

And then they proceeded to rip me away from Jon during my sleep, which by the way, RUDE!! I wanted to stay. But they insisted that I get some rest. I begrudgingly slept that night on a warm bed. But I felt bad, you know? Somehow I felt like I NEEDED to have Jon by my side... Uhm, Anyways...

Worst night of sleep EVER. I felt horrible sleeping and I still felt horrible waking up. Just plain horrible. All across the board. But when I got to see Jon again I felt instantly better. I really do get too attached way too quickly, like mom said. Not even a day of familiarizing with Jon and I'm already feral without him. (In their words not mine... I am not feral, thank you very much!)

Still, I had fun just watching Jon sleep. Seeing him breath and in peace gave me a lot of comfort. All the horrible feelings just gets washed away when im around him. I miss him already and he's only just a singular room away.

Probably having the most peaceful nap in his current time in this world... I wanna ask mom and dad to move my bed to his room or mine. So that I can sleep well knowing he is also well.

I feel... Better. To be fair I always felt good, great and the whole lot. But now that Jon is here... I feel like I always have butterflies in my stomach. Like my whole world just got significantly brighter now that he's here. And I won't have it any other way. He's Great, despite not doing much other than sleep, eat, poop, and cry. And he'll always be great, even if he won't be anything like that anymore in the future.

I think it's safe to say that I'm not exaggerating when I say that I will love him no matter what he becomes, no matter who he will be. But, I have this gut feeling that he will grow up to be like dad, in a way. So not much to change there.

He would grow up to be a great person, destined for a lot. I see it. I can feel it. Call it whatever delusion a kid can have, but it is the truth. He will grow to be the best of us.

Chapter Text

Jon, the loveliest baby brother. Joy and wonder mixed into a small, pudgy baby with the most adorable two-toothed gummy smile and the brightest eyes that makes Quasars look dim. 

Really, I couldn't have asked for anyone else to be my brother :) even tho I really can't ask for who I get as a brother directly. But I got him and that's all I could have ever asked for!

And even if that was all I could ask for, he would still give more. Because I didn't expect THAT to happen. Like really, I don't as for gifts and even then I didn't even ask for some. But does it count as his birthday gift for me when all he did was exist and do growing baby stuff? Maybe for others it isn't, but it's a total yes for me.

Mainly cus he can't give or buy or even make gifts! But also because it was too precious to not consider as a gift...

And my new friends came too! I really like them, they aren't mean or anything else! They always try to help others whenever they can, and they even earned Mr. Kroger's respect! Even I have a hard time around him... He always has that mean look that scares me. He isn't mean or anything to me. 

Actually, he's one of the nicer and kinder teachers of the whole school, I just have a hard time with him because he barely shows any emotion other than his apparent impatience, which I doubt is actually impatience. He doesn't rush any of us during his classes or quizzes, and he always helps the students who are falling behind his classes by giving them special assessments and remedial classes! I would've invited him, well I did but he declined, excusing himself because the day of my birthday also is the day of his marriage anniversary and he wanted to celebrate it with his husband. So just Me and my friends along with my family. 

I'm happy, because everything is going great. I'm happy, because Jon is growing now. Growing fast, maybe he would grow bigger than me... I hope not! I hope he stays little a bit longer, or a LOT longer... He's more huggable that way!

...

——————

Kent Farm, Smallville, Kansas

——————

The whole family—excluding a certain Danny—were currently preparing for the occasion. Decorating the farm for the birthday of the aforementioned boy. 

Clark and Lois are tasked in handling the simple decorations—like party balloons and fairy lights that complement the outdoor venue well—while Jonathan and Martha were in charge with making the food.

Although they would've just settled for a simple set-up, like a simple birthday Cake and some homemade dishes to celebrate, Danny had decided to bring some of his friends over and host with them for this year. 

They wanted to look at least presentable and accommodating; hence the idea of sprucing the farm with some decorations and adding more portions and options for the meals. While Danny was quite the charismatic character—he had been a isolated child.

Due to his uncanny ability to judge a person's character, he opted to keep everyone new at an arms length while being a warm and welcoming presence. So the title of being Danny's friend implies that he had put quite a bit of trust and faith in their character as people.

The Kents, ever so helpful wingmen, decided that if Danny liked his current companions, they would do their best to welcome them with open arms. And what could be more welcoming than Food and Parties prepared with both care and love? (And more effort to boot)

After finishing their respective tasks, Lois and Clark then went to the kitchen to help Jonathan and Martha prepare in plating the meals. Each meal had their own portion bowls, each was enough to feed a family of 16. But knowing the ravenous appetite of Clark, each would suffice and none would be leftover after the party.

After hearing the alarm of the cake, Martha headed to the kitchen to begin the decorating the large cake. She had made a 3-layer caramel-ube cake with a Milk chocolate ganache and Strawberry jam puree as the filling. Each had their own half of the circular cake that alternated in-between the top and bottom layers to give the cake more flavor. She had gotten the ube used in the cake from the Philippines, imported by the courtesy of her son, who she requested to buy some after hearing Danny talk about it's earthier nutty and sweeter vanilla-like taste compared to the local taro they had. She had asked Danny where he got the chance to taste it, and had answered quite enthusiastically.

"Oh! One of the friends I'm inviting over to my birthday next week is a new exchange student from the Philippines, and he's super nice! Very friendly and genuine, though that isn't to say he's a pushover. One of the more popular students had made fun of his beliefs and they got slapped! I quickly dragged him away so that he didn't get in trouble, he thanked me by joining me during lunch and sharing some of his dessert. It was some sort of softbread that was super delicious and it even had gooey caramel inside! He told me it was a family recipe. We became friends after a little bit of talking." Past-Danny had explained to her with a rapt tone, clearly excited on the idea of inviting new people to join in celebrating his party. 

But Martha couldn't help but notice—only "A little bit of talking"? And he'd already qualified as friend material? Danny had a high bar for friendship, not that he's picky per se, but that he deathly avoided people who have... Less than savory attitudes.

So to quickly befriend Danny? Martha had to bring her A-game in-order to impress Danny's friends. So, she left no boxes unchecked when she was making the meals, trying to ensure she made no mistakes during the prepping.

Likewise, the same can be said with the aforementioned company that Danny was inviting. The group was composed of 3 people, 4 if Danny was included, and each respective member of the group made sure they looked nice and presentable.

Who wouldn't want to impress your friend's family? Especially if said friend was Danny. They could only hope to impress the family their God sent Angel came from.

Joshua—the friend that Danny had mentioned to Martha—had requested his grandmother to help with baking two large batches of the family's signature ube bread, meant to be given as a gift to Danny. The boy had gushed about loving it when Joshua had shared some of his serving, so why not?

Normally, he would've done it on his own, but the amount of ingredients were too much for him to handle, considering the size of the servings. Grabbing his Home's landline, he decided to try and Call one of the two other friend's Phone landline, Jamie—A teen girl of Caucasian descent— was the first person he could contact.

"Jamie, Can you try calling Brandon? He wasn't answering any of my calls earlier! Danny and his Dad picks us up downtown at 12:30 and it's already 11:57!" —Jamie could practically see a Joshua fuming at the thought of being late, 'culture etiquette' and all that when it comes to festivities. Although it was a bit much, they still had 33 minutes left, and that had left Jamie exasperated.

They had all bonded quite quickly—the group all had similar values and moralities. So they all weren't strangers to basic human decency called 'Respect', but they still had their differences. Jamie was a lenient and slow-paced teen—she was more of an observer, and even when she gives her feedback it would be more low-volume, where you might miss it if you hadn't been paying attention. And she was a bookworm and debate enthusiast, despite her 'Cool Kid' (i.e wannabe gangster) demeanor and attire. (As unconvincing as it was...)

Joshua was different, but not by much when compared to her. He had a burning passion for baking. He was outspoken and loud and he had no problem of letting someone know when they are displeasing in general, not in a rude way though, he just had a strong sense of justice. Definitely learned it from growing up in a household that wears their heart on their sleeve, that and honor is a tangible metric for them. He could be a bit overbearing at times, though.

That and he is still a kid—so he'll probably mellow down when he gets older. He and Jamie had this odd dynamic of a cheeky little brother and a failing-at-nonchallance-easily-annoyed older sister vibe.

Brandon on the other hand, should've been the middle personality, considering her and Joshua, right?

Wrong!

he and Joshua were practically the ironic 'Two sides of the same coin' saying. A self-taught artist and Craftsman—Brandon was of African-american descent, and was born mute, so nothing verbal can be clued from him, but even his non-verbal cues are sparse. Art had been Brandon's main medium to Express his feelings. The complete opposite of what Joshua is. Not to say that Brandon hadn't had any sense of justice, he just didn't wave it around like Joshua.

Despite the difference between the two, Joshua really understood Brandon, and the latter really appreciates the former. He was the emotion and voice that Brandon couldn't express, while Brandon had been the calm Joshua had needed to balance his emotional temperament, and they had bonded over such connection.

Jamie was the only sore thumb sticking out. Being 15 and all and hanging with kids 5 years less her age should be unsettling to her, really. But she hadn't felt outcast when she went with them, rather, she felt more at ease and comfort. She would consider herself the experience of the group, while it lasts anyway, and be the bigger sister every one of them leans on. But more like a bigger bodyguard anyway, Danny took the spot for mother hen, even she folds in his presence, lest she find herself the target of his ire.

He was scary, okay?! For a kid, he sure felt like an adult when giving his disappointed tone and disapproving look. Only God knows how THAT ages... She shivers at the thought.

—"Yeah, yeah, calm down Josh, Brandon's probably panicking on what to wear and the whole works, you know how it is." Jamie said, landline phone placed in-between her head and her shoulder, while she inspects her nails.

"Okay, fine. But can you please atleast check on him? Last I called was 25 minutes ago and— Huh?" Joshua covered the sender end of the landline,

"JOSHUA, YUNG ISA MONG KAIBIGAN NASA LABAS! HINAHANAP KA!"

(Joshua, a friend of yours is looking for you! He's waiting outside!)

"SIGE NAY! TAPUSIN KO LANG ITONG CALL!"

(Okay, Mom! I'll just finish this call!)

"Nevermind, Brandon had just arrived, he was probably on his way to my house. See you there!" Jamie also bid farewell, before ending the call by returning the landline on the phone stand.

All of their houses weren't too far from each other in metropolis, just a good few minutes of walking.

Jamie sighed, not from heavy feelings no, but from the bond that Joshua and Brandon have. They make a good pair, and it makes her feel older than she should be. Why and how? How would she know? Their bond even within the group was prominent, and it made her yearn for a close relationship or a lover. But all the barely-passable-as-bare-minimum boys were taken or not interested, the rest were just douchebags and assholes, so she'll hold off for now.

...

Danny, however, was facing a different problem than longing.

He had wanted to help with the work, but Every adult had declined, insisting that he enjoy his birthday before-celebration time. So now he was stuck at a local metropolis arcade, while he waited for his dad to fetch his friends and then him to celebrate back at Smallville, where his birthday party was being held. What a doozy.

With a dejected sigh, he approached the counter to buy some tokens, thankfully he had enough money to last him a good few minutes of gaming before his inevitable Steed (i.e his dad) arrives. While counting his tokens in peace and deciding what game to spend them on, he was soon interrupted by a small figure bumping into him from behind.

"Oof!" The small kid had fell on his backside without much fanfare.

"Sorry!" Danny quickly spun around, hand held out for the small kid laying supine. "You should really watch where you're going, I almost lost some my tokens because of you." He had said with no malice behind it. The arcade machines had small spaces in-between them, he grimaces at the thought of trying to pick one of the would-be lost tokens at the crevices.

The small boy stared at the hand for a few moments before realizing the situation he was currently in, "O-oh!" He took the hand, dusting himself afterwards. "No no! I should be the one saying sorry big brother! I wasn't watching where I was going and bumped into you!" The small boy had insisted earnestly.

"... Alright..." Danny relented without much resistance, "My name's Danny, what's yours?" The small boy, now named Richard replied in kind, "Richard, but you can call me Dick!" He said while beaming Danny with a kind smile.

Danny had returned the smile, earlier thoughts fading as the atmosphere between the two kids grew friendlier. "So Dick, how are you doing today? Any games in the arcade caught your attention yet?" Danny decided to spend his time with making small talk with Dick rather than play games.

Truthfully, he had no interest in the choices the arcade had presented, the gimmicks of high scores and time limits so rooted in arcade game's mechanics put him off. He'd rather enjoy a game that let's him control the pace of his progression. So it was quite ironic how his dad left him here.

"No, not really.. wandering around! This is the first time I get to join the circus on a trip to metropolis! I usually stay in Gotham with my parents. They're the flying Grayson's! Well, we're the flying Grayson's, but I'm not yet officially part of it. I just join my mom and dad whenever they allow me to." 

"'The flying Grayson's'? I don't know them or anything, but you're apart of a circus? That's really cool! Though, I can't say I like Circuses really well. They have clowns, and clowns creep me a lot." Danny winced at the image of a clown. Dick deflated a little, before bouncing back to his original demeanor, "We're staying for a couple of days before going back to Gotham. So if you want to, you can watch some shows, they're really fun! I promise!" 

"Sorry, Dick, but I don't think I will any time soon. But—" Danny is suddenly interrupted by Clark calling for him.

"Hey bud, how are you doing? You ready to go now? Your guests are waiting in the car." Clark, noticing the extra audience, turned his head towards the small figure. "And I see you made a new friend!" Dick just waved shyly at the hulking man, smiling while doing so. 

"Yes dad, goodbye now, Dick. Hope we meet again!" 

"You too Danny! Goodbye!"

Bidding farewell to each other, both parties went their separate ways.

Exiting the arcade, the father and son duo noticed a fairly distressed couple asking around, "What seems to be the problem?" Clark and Danny had approached them while asking, "Oh, Have you seen a boy running around? About—" The Man had motioned around his legs for the height, "—this tall? Had black combed hair and blue eyes?" 

"I have, would his name be Dick by any chance?" The couple nodded and Danny had motioned inside the arcade, "He's just inside, exploring and looking around." The couple had let out a sigh of relief, "thank you!" The woman had expressed her appreciation, before passing by Danny and Clark to search for their son. The both of them then continued towards the arcade doors, entering the building to continue their search.

Clark had proceeded towards his parked car, with Danny now in tow. The passengers of said car had welcomed Danny with a loud birthday greeting, excluding Brandon, who only patted Danny's back as a happy birthday to Danny and proceeded to hand the boy his birthday gift. An art piece that had consisted of him sitting atop a small hill—staring at the view of the night sky, with bright and colorful contrasts of purples and blues for the backdrop. It had a hazy like quality, almost as if it was a dream. 

Looking at the canvas with awe-struck face, he could barely think at all, as it had captivated him. Some time passed before he could snap out of it and thank the gifter.

"Thanks alot, Brandon! This is super great, and oh— You even put some constellations here!" Danny gushed while pointing out the details the quiet boy had added. Brandon, in all his blank glory, had only given a ghostly twitch of a smile, but Danny and the others had noticed it.

Before Danny can get carried away, Joshua decided to Finally give his gift. He presented Danny with a hefty disposable Tupperware, said Tupperware was already stinking up the car with it's invasive yet tantalizing aroma. "Is this...— Danny had tried to remember the smell, fully drooling now— the amazing bread you shared with me?! Thank you so much, josh! I've been dreaming about it's taste ever since you let me taste some, and it was so painfullll-" Danny was practically crying at the awful experience of cravings.

Joshua had only laughed, flushing at Danny's exaggeration, "Yeah, Yeah! Do you want to eat it now, or do you want to wait until we get to your home?"

"Home! I need to share this with Mom, Pa, and especially Ma! So that they know what they've been missing out on!" 

"The more the merrier I guess!"

"Alright! Tone it down, you guys sound like bees buzzing.." Jamie grumbled, clearly feeling self conscious about her gift. While she knows they won't judge her gift, it was more of a personal matter of her pride than anything. They all had the same theme of homemade gifts. Her's was a crocheted yellow star plush with a goofy face. The Goofy face itself was intentional, the somewhat misshapen body however... Yeah. She was by no means a master of the art of crochet, but Jamie hopes Danny would still appreciate the—in her opinion— ugly thing.

Revealing her gift to the others, she hoped to be spared of any teasing. Her pride was already crumbling as it is, she did not need—admittedly not vicious, but still capable of being such— kids, scarfing her gutted soul.

The first one to react was surprisingly (not really) Joshua, who only cooed with faux mock in his voice, "Awww. big baby finally decided to break her "Cool" shell?" He snickered, poking fun at the cute plush, though he won't admit it's cuteness, especially to the annoying small-time friend group bully, big time gangster wannabe named Jamie. Especially not Her. 

"Shut- shut up! I have half the mind in beating your little butt! It's a shame Mr. Clark is here." She gave the most venomous glare she could muster towards the little gremlin, all while Making sure she doesn't accidentally let any swears slip. He got a good jab, she'll admit that, but the moment the day is over and the weekend ends? She vows that she would tease the little rat until he died of embarrassment. Mark her words, she would make true to her vows.

"Yeah, no, but you wish! No one would hit lovable little young me, or atleast no one who isn't a monster, so I'm not too confident with you." Joshua stuck his tongue out at Jamie, while blowing her a nasty raspberry. "Why you little—!"

Danny however, could only laugh at their antics, all while admiring the lovable plush. It's misshapen body had an endearing quality that appeals to Danny, so he'll give Jamie her well deserved 'benefit of the doubt' "That's enough, guys! And thank you, Jamie, I really love it! I love all your of gifts!" 

"Alright, settle down kids and buckle your seatbelts, we're starting the trip to Smallville." Each of the passengers replied in their own manner, settling down to make themselves comfortable for the 2 hour long drive.

Each of them had been told that they could have a sleepover at the Kent farm, and their parents (more specifically Joshua and Brandon's. Jamie had been given enough teenage autonomy to decide for herself on small matters like this.) had agreed to the request of their respective little ones. They all had packed two sets of clothes, one for sleeping and one for a change when they were sent home.

"Let's go!"

...

..

.

..

...

Parking the car nearby the outskirts of the Kent farm, Clark craned his head to look at the passenger seats behind. Where he was met with a hilarious sight of Danny drooling on the shoulder of the larger figure his son had introduced as Jamie.

A little bit to the right were two boys, leaning on each other. Despite the messiness of their neighbors, both boys had looked like they'd been flying on smooth sailing clouds. The first to rouse to consciousness was the drooling birthday boy himself, as if he woke up from the feeling of Clark's palpable gaze.

"Are we there yet?" Danny groggily murmured, wiping the drool trailing from his mouth. The boy's dad could only chuckle at how his son looks, "Yes, Danny, we're here. Wake your friend's up while I unload their bags."

Unlocking all doors, Clark opened his, exiting the car to circle back to the cargo storage. "Jamie, wake up... Jamie, Jamie!" The girl, despite Danny's efforts, was fast asleep, unmoving—'still like a rock'— Danny's mind supplied. He decided to focus his efforts on actions that count— targeting her weakness! But before that, he decided to wake both Brandon and Joshua first. (Priorities people!)

"Psst, hey! Brandon, Joshua, wake up!" 

"Hmnggh?" Joshua was the first to wake, blinking like a frog to wash the grogginess away. After which, he lightly tapped Brandon on his side. A hum was the only sign that Joshua got that indicated the awareness of the mute boy. "Alright. What was it Danny?" Joshua asked while tidying his messy bed-head.

"Help me with waking Jamie! She's still asleep, even after roughly shaking her."

"Shaking her won't work. She sleeps like she's been knocked out—the big lud." Joshua scrunched his nose at her sleeping figure. Deciding that she was enjoying her sleep too much, he shifted to act. Bringing his hand just right below his chin in a pointing position, he let a drop of saliva land on the tip of the pointed finger.

"Ewww!" Danny's face had contorted into a horrified and disgusted look.

"Oh, would you please stop that?" He said, giving Danny a prominent side-eye, before finally bringing his hand to Jamie's ear, lathering it in the outer part of the space next to the hole.

The victim of this harmless yet disgusting prank let out a shrill scream, violently jerking upwards, where the seatbelt had restrained her from moving any further. Eyelids fluttering, her eyes frantically scanned the people surrounding her before finally landing on Joshua's figure, outstretched pointed hand with something weirdly slimey coating it. Joshua only gave her a dopey looking smile before Danny spilled. 

"It was saliva."

"What?"

"The thing Joshua coated your ear with. It was saliva."

Jamie stared at him blankly for a few seconds, before continuing her screaming "JOSHUA! YOU DISGUSTING DEMON CHILD! GET OVER HERE!" She tried to grab him, but was the world reminded her of her own situation, when she got reality checked by the Seatbelt still restraining her.

Joshua quicky got out of the car, giggling like a gremlin while he dragged Brandon away, the direction they were headed was the farm house. Not wanting to lose the trail of the little prankster, Jamie quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and made a mad dash to the once shrinking figures of both Joshua and Brandon, now steadily growing, as her long legs gave her an advantage over the two. 

"WHEN I CATCH YOU, JOSHUA, OHHHOHO WHEN I CATCH YOU!!!" Don't get fooled by the sweet laughter she lets out, her dark plans are filled with cruelty and evil.

Not wanting to fall behind, Danny hurriedly followed, allowing his dad to carry the luggage in peace.

'What a friendly bunch' Clark had said to no one but himself. He was glad that Danny's friends matches his own energy, lamenting on how it must've been lonely only having winded out adults as company. Now he was grateful that Danny won't be as lonely anymore, when He and Lois are busy with either work or Jon.

Breaking off on the path the others had taken, Danny had followed the fence trail of beige fairy lights.

Arriving at the celebration spot, Danny noted the array of tables closely arranged across the open field, with blankets settled next to the tables and some chairs too.

Spotting Lois sitting by one of the laid out blankets with Jon in her hands, Danny quickly called out to notify both of his arrival. 

"Hi mom!" Waving while approaching the duo, he dropped into a crouch when he was close enough, "And hi to you too, Jon!" He said while cooing, softly squishing his cheeks, which made the baby giggle with joy while he was reaching for him.

Lois allowed Danny to take Jon from her hands, relieved to get a breather after trying to entertain the little on for more than a few hours.

"Hi hon," Lois gave Danny a quick peck on his cheek, "You busy yourself with Jon while I go check on Martha with the cake, okay? The celebration starts in a bit." Excusing herself, she headed to the farm house, "Call for the others, Mom. I'm pretty sure they're in the house!" He shouted, she gave a thumbs up while walking away.

"What'cha been up to, huh?" Danny switched to his baby voice to talk with Jon, which earned him another gleeful giggle from the wide-eyed baby, "Oh yeawh? Your day been long twoo? Don't worry bubba! The birthday starts in 'bwit'." Danny proceeded to pepper Jon with little kisses to his face, chest feeling lighter by the second from all the cute noises his baby brother was making. 

...

..

.

Two more hours had passed, The finishing touches on the decorating of the cake being done meticulously by Martha and Lois, with some help from Danny's friend's Brandon and Joshua. Jamie just stood watch from the kitchen corner, fascinated at how the cake is coming along so well. She didn't want to be a hindrance to their space, she wasn't good at any type of art working. Crocheting and knitting were both lucky breaks, and The group knows how mediocre she had done with her work...

Dusting her hands, she called out to the little helpers and the singular audience, "Alright, I think that's all. Go on, hurry along now kids, Danny's waiting by the fields near the middle most table." Exiting the farm house, they had all bid goodbye to Danny's family. Noting that they all had a great time in their company. Martha soon followed suit, exiting the farm house with the cake and a baby bottle in her hands.

'Jon should be hungry by now.'

.

..

...

The few hours of their amazing play time had passed by too quickly—Danny lamented—as Martha approached the middle most table with a Wonderful cake.

The base was a colourful and vibrant spectrum of deep Violets, Hazy purples, Deep ocean blue, and white dots littering the whole cake. The top was nicely done, thin frosting creatively swirled like a miniature Galaxy. He gawked at it, Jon too, but mainly because he wanted to feel included in the something his older brother was doing. And Danny couldn't help but notice.

Softly Chuckling while he did so, he looked at Jon with the most adoring gaze, endeared at the mimicry of his little brother. Setting Jon down on top of the blanket, he moved away to help Martha rearrange some of the glassware, to be able to make room for the cake. Not before handing Jon his baby bottle filled with warm milk that Martha gave to Danny, so that the baby wouldn't fuss from the loss of contact. It worked, though, only because of the play time from earlier, which had worn Jon out. 

Letting Danny make his finishing touches, like the numbered candles (10) and lighting them up, the rest had surrounded the table where the cake had been placed, Jon still absent as he was busy with his meal. Martha then started to lead the 'Happy Birthday" song, with Clark, Lois, Pa, Jamie and Joshua following, Brandon just clapped with the beat.

🌟

✨

💫

As they sung, the sunset seemed to shine and glow evermore, contrasting with Danny as he had his back to the rays.

His smile, eyes and faint freckles—that had lightly dusted his face—had been highlighted by the Pinkish-Orange sunset. Jonathan, buzzing from how picturesque the view of Danny was from his Point of View, couldn't help but capture more photographs as the song went on. Immortalizing the emotions shown on Danny's face.

🎊

"Happy Birthday to You."

<~>

"Happy Birthday to You~!"

<~>

"Happy Birthday, Dear Danny~!"

<~>

"Happy Birthday, to You."

<~>

"May the Sun Rise with You~"

<~>

"May your Time be Long too~"

<~>

"May your Life be Filled with Joy~"

<~>

"May the World Love you too."

🎉

———

——

—

——

———

Jon didn't know what was happening, but the singing and music had caught his fleeting attention.

What were they doing? 

Trying to sit up—he miserably failed—and fell back down.

He tried again for a few times—fail, fall back down.  Another fail, another time where he fell back down— before finally mustering enough strength to able to do so.

There, where his eyes had landed—was where he was met with the sight of his family— surrounding His mother. the one he always seeks out.

They were smiling at him, all of them were.

He felt their Happiness. He felt their Joy. And most importantly, something he felt from himself—

...

..

.

 He felt left out. 

.

..

...

"Bah!!" He tried to grab the attention of his mother. "BAHHH!!!" He raised his volume as loud as he could... But still, no one had noticed.

Jon huffed, eyes already puffy from the tears threatening to spill...

...

NO! 

He won't give up so easily!

Sniffling, he forced himself into a crawling position, before putting his hands in front of him, his miniscule strength thankfully allowing enough strain to lift himself, or rather his chest, off the ground.

.

.

.

"Engh!"

.

.

.

Motivated by his small victory, he planted both of his feet firmly behind him and into the blanket below, forming a reversed angle, with his hips and backside as the highest point. Before pushing himself off the ground with surprisingly enough strength.

.

.

.

A happy chirrup erupts from Jon after realizing what he was Able to do.

.

.

.

Now standing, swaying side to side, he tried to stabilize himself—and he was actually successful!— Now standing straight, he had willed his Shaking legs to move forward, he himself intent on reaching his Mother.

Step...

Step...

Step..—! Swaying! Stabilize!

...

Great!

Step...

Step..!

Step.!!

Step!!! He was almost there! Just one...

MORE!

STEP!!! He had reached his Mother!

FINALLY!!!

Steadying himself with the length of Danny's pants—he tugged before screaming—

"BAHHH!!!"

———

——

—

——

———

A few seconds before finishing the song, Danny had felt something tug at his leg, before something let out a loud noise—"BAHHH!!!"

He looked down, and to his minds coalescing horror and surprise, it wasn't just something!

IT WAS A CERTAIN SOMEONE!

"JON?!?! Oh my God! How did you get there, baby? Did you..." Before Danny could assume any more, Jon had took a few slow steps backwards and waddled slowly in a circle, before returning to the leg he had tugged, looking back at Danny with the widest, most innocent and expecting sky-blue eyes.

Danny blanked. He blanked for a few seconds.

Snapping out of his stupor, Danny gently liftedJon, to spin with him, all while letting out the most giddy squeal that had Jon joining along.

"You Just walked, Jon!"

The family could only let their mouth fall agape at the small baby, shock breaking them for a good few moments, before they too cheered for Jon. Danny's friends could only sheepishly look on, congratulating the family for their youngest's achievement.

After some of the fanfare, Brandon shook Joshua, grabbing his attention. "Hm?" Joshua turned his head to look at Brandon, who made a blowing motion with his mouth and then pointed at the cake. "Oh! Danny, you still haven't blew the candles out yet to make your wish!"

"R-right!" Turning his body, with Jon set on his hips, he turned face to face with the still-lit '10' candles atop his cake. "Go on Danny, blow and make your wish." All of them urged.

"Alright..." He closed his eyes and released a strong gust of air, extinguishing the candles. He had one wish really. One wish that stays between him, and whatever higher power that exists.

An innocent wish, really, one that had been made by millions of children before him, and one that will be made by millions of children after.

'I wish everyone here lives a long and happy life!'

Opening his eyes, he smiled and continued the celebration— "So, who's ready for some cake!"

A chorus of "I am!"'s and "Me!"'s filled the open space.

...

..

.

———Somewhere yet, Nowhere at all - Beyond the Bounds of Time and Reality———

IT heard IT's Successor's wish.

And IT promises, that in all of IT's infinite power, IT would do IT's best in Granting IT's precious Successor's wish.

IT will Make sure of IT, no matter the cost. 

After all, IT won't be the one who pays such a price.

——————

.

..

...

Chapter Text

Wow. 

Just... Wow. 

I'm surprised. Jon was already a very VERY clingy baby—even before learning how to walk. But now? It's like he gets starved from the privilege of MY love. Which, by the way, I do NOT neglect little brother, no way! Who could ever have the stomach to neglect Jon?

It's just that, after his first time walking, he instantly mastered it in that ONE DAY?! I'm very shocked. And now he uses it to find me and try to grab my attention. (His greed makes me sick. In a good way, though :D )

I always come home very late—well, late for someone my age—because of the science club and a prestigious enrichment program. I just turned 10, and mom and dad keep reminding me so.

They keep going on about bad guys in white Vans or black hoodies that offer "candy". I don't know how to break it to them, but I am not as socially dumb as I look. I know about kidnappers and drug dealers, thanks to Jamie and her "network skills" and "experience" with these kinds of stuff.

I doubt it's experience and more about her getting earful from aunt Marquise and Uncle Cameron, her adoptive parents, about the bad people she keeps encountering.

Still, even with all of their troubles, Mom and Dad want to support me. The Club and Program gives opportunities for "Gifted Children" (Whatever the snobby principal means) like me. They can bump me up a few grades, and with the rate I'm performing, they say I'm ready to get transferred to senior year. 

I'll miss my friends if I do get bumped up. But we'll be in the same school for about two years until I get hauled to college so, probably, no big worries until then.

But that won't stop Jon. His actions after I come home is so exhausting, but I love it either way. The program and club are interconnected in some way, so they always assign joint projects when it's time for activities and curriculars. How is Jon involved in all of this? He just is. 

I do my best to spend time with him, even when I have assignments due, and I always put him to sleep before continuing with work. And I make sure to be gentle when I pry him off of me and lay him on his crib, but every time I leave his room and return to my study table he just climbs out of his crib and searches for me. 

...

It's disturbing my work because he's on the verge of tears every time he finds me. It makes it hard to continue projects because for every sniffle he lets out—a piece of my restraint and self-control just withers away. Something inside of me can't handle the fact that he's crying, and it just plain hurts when he tries to rein his sobs when he reaches for me with grabby motions. 

He cries quietly because he doesn't want attention— I already give him plenty of it. He cries because he genuinely only wants me close, to feel me close. And it works. His cries always work, it makes me stop everything I'm currently doing. I want to continue the work and progress I've done with the program, but I don't want to hurt Jon for it.

...

So, I made my first hard Life decision.

...

 I'm leaving both the program and the club.

I want to continue, I really do, but Jon needs me more. And I see that. So, a little later in the night when Jon finally dozed off— I tucked Jon in his crib, and told Mom and Dad.

They argued with me for a bit, reminding me that I wanted it, and that I shouldn't let the opportunity go because of Jon. I agreed, but I also wanted Jon to be happier, and I didn't want to sacrifice that opportunity, but that doesn't mean I want to sacrifice Jon for that same opportunity. 

They gave me pained looks. They told me that kids like me shouldn't worry about problems like these for meant adults, and that all I should do is continue working hard on what I wanted to be, to continue making most of opportunities like these. I want to be a lot, okay? I want to be an astronaut and explore outer space, I want to be the first person to meet aliens and make contact with them, I want to discover more stars and about them, but that doesn't mean I wanted those for the price of Jon. 

No. I told them No. I told them that things like these come and go. That all I had to do was wait for the next one to show. I can wait. These things can wait. I wait for them or They wait for me, but Jon cannot. I won't make Jon wait. I won't make him wait for me just because I couldn't wait for the future. I wanted this. And I had no doubts. 

I wasn't giving up, I never was. I just wanted to put Jon first.

...

They got quiet. Really quiet. And I got nervous.

...

..

.

——————

A long pause had created a palpable silence. Danny was sat on the living room's sofa with Clark and Lois standing across from him, neutral look and thinning lips on Lois' and Clark's face sent a nervous chill down Danny's spine—it made him squirm in place. Their heavy breathing only adding more weight to the already suffocating pressure.

Clark was the first to cut through the silence.

"Are you sure? That's- You're already dropping a lot for Jon, Danny. Cutting some time from your hobbies, from extracurriculars and other activities you enjoy! You're about to make a breakthrough with the enrichment program and Science club, you just need to finalize some few projects, then you're off to senior year—You can't just give that up for Jon, Danny!"

"I'M NOT, OKAY?! I'M NOT GIVING ANYTHING UP FOR ANYONE!"

Clark and Lois flinched at that. He didn't mean to snap, using such a harsh and loud tone, but he couldn't stop the anger and frustration from flowing out of his mouth. He was angry! And frustrated! Very VERY frustrated. He caught himself before saying anything more. Breathing for a few moments, trying his best to calm down,

"I'm- I'm not Dad. It's just— well it's because— Argh! I just want to, Okay? I'm sure. I'm sure. You're right. They're important, very very important, but they aren't Jon. I can enter space camp with the achievements from the program and club, yes, but what's the point when I'm leaving Jon for it? Dad—Mom, Jon needs me more, okay? Jon is growing. And he's growing fast. He needs me now, more than ever—And that can't wait. But space camp, being an astronaut, and seeing outer space? These things can. They can wait, Dad. Stop making this harder for me, I want this. I want to set these aside, but I'm not quitting. Just waiting. So please, Dad, Mom—Let me. Let me leave the enrichment program and Science club, for Jon. For Me." Danny pleaded with all his soul, his eyes showing nothing but his most sincere wishes, and Clark and Lois had seen that sincerity.

And It hurt them. It had hurt them, so badly. 

Lois sighed, rubbing her temples to ease the growing headache, "Fine. You get your wish, Danny, but don't regret it."

"I won't, Mom." His eyes burned brighter with his earnestness, which morphed Lois' frown into a softening smile. Walking closer to the sofa, she took a seat next to her Son and pulled him into a warm hug, rubbing circles and patting his back—head settled on top of his head. "You better. Now go, to your room! It's already 10 and you're still awake. Get some sleep, Jon isn't the only growing boy in this household." Lois gently pushed him off the couch and made a shoo-ing motion with her hands. Danny approached his dad and gave him a brief yet deep hug, the two exchanging their own farewells "Bye, Dad. Goodnight."/"Goodnight, Danny." Before passing him and exiting the living room. 

Turning the corner on the way to his room, he was met with the awkward figure of baby Jon standing, with his right hand being used as a support—pushing against the wall—and his left gripping his little dog themed pajama shirt.

He must've escaped his crib again to search for him, Danny thought, the commotion he and his parents had made probably had the boy second-guessing wether to continue or go back and return to the crib.

Dismissing his thoughts, Danny approached The little figure of Jon with languid steps, calming the boy down from the fright, "Heyya, bubba. What're ya doin' up? Didn't I tuck you in?" Jon only sat down on the floor, hands used in favor of making grabby hands at his mother older brother, and Danny had only giggled at the insistence of Jon wanting him to be by his side at all times, "Let's get you back to bed, yeawh? My bed this time, so that you don't lose some sleep trying to find me again." 

Danny reached for him and lifted him, with Jon's head resting at The boy's chest—eyes already fluttering from drowsiness. "Off we go, to dreamland!" Danny whispered at Jon's ear in the faintest volume he could manage.

Danny entered his room, making sure to shut the door behind him quietly. He made sure slowly lower himself on his bed—stroking Jon's tuft of hair, the soft feeling solidifying his resolve and dissolving any doubts Danny had before. 'It is worth it, to leave it. For Jon.' 

A few seconds of breathing for Danny—before finally Succumbing to his exhaustion.

.

.

.

———

—Decrepit Tower - Hidden in Time—

———

Upon a mass of unshaped, cloud-like ectoplasm was a small ancient—A being of a core aspect of reality—something that guides the flow of time. And what was thing being doing? Keeping a sphere stable in it's front, said sphere is displaying the peacefully slumbering figures of both Danny Lane-Kent and Infant Jonathan Samuel Kent. 

The ancient's unbidden Fond Smile and adoring gaze zeroed in on the older of the pair.

"Oh, grandson, you always were the selfless hero, weren't you?" Clockwork sighed.

.

..

...

Chapter Text

Clark let out a tired sigh, his headache intensifying for each word that exits Bruce's mouth, though Superman and Batman while On-Duty, such formalities are dropped when only they themselves and their friends are present. It had been such a wonderful week with his family. No noise from his villains—mainly Lex, nor any alien invasions. Just pure holiday spirit and the mundane yet fulfilling Family bonding time he had deservingly earned.

But the world never stops for anyone. Not even for it's most benevolent children.

He stood there in the watchtower's conference room, alone—save for Batman—getting debriefed about a possible mission, involving the Recently M.I.A Lex Luthor and a possible third party—Ra's al ghul. This unexpected collaboration had unnerved The both of them, given how Ra's rarely made deals—his temperament and arrogance driving possible partners away.

It had raised concerns and let the speculation flow endlessly. Lex may have enticing Technology and Technological Prowess for Ra's, but what did Lex stand to gain from him? It made no sense. Also, considering the fact that their bases of operations are seas and continents apart, the mission site was more so perplexing. Washington DC; near the suspect Cadmus lab that had been marked "To be Investigated" by the League just earlier this year. The unlikely scenarios and coincidental timing had made Batman suspicious about a possible joint terrorist attack by the two of them, resulting in Him Calling Superman for a quick re-con mission to scope and search the facility.

"Have you found anything substantial? Blueprints? Plans? Transactions and Accounts?" Superman asked, eyebrows furrowed and lips pulled taut into a thin line. Finding traces of their enemies' M.O is the first in line, otherwise, there may be more details to this little deal that they might miss.

"Just a single lead." The gruff voice of Batman settling in his ear, his usual scowl becoming more prominent by the second, likely from displeasure. Bruce had planned to visit his parent's grave, to celebrate the holidays, and mourn with Alfred. Instead, he had been thrust into a hasty patch-up rather than quality brooding time. Talk about a Rip-off. "In October, I intercepted a signal from an island in the Caribbean Sea headed to a singular Lexcorp Server—A private stash. The only File present was a Truck shipment Dated October 3 from that Island headed to Washington DC, and would be ready to receive by January 1." Bruce paused for a moment before reaching for his forearm, "Earlier this morning, I had traced the route— an empty highway except for one inconspicuous Commercial transportation truck. The vehicle would have stayed undetected had it not been for the irregular radiation present inside. Fortunately, I was able to plant a tracker without being detected nor affected by the risky levels of radiation." Typing into the Holographic interface projecting from his forearm, Batman uploaded a Route and shipment chart into the large main screen of the conference room; Detailing precaution and the manner of how to handle the cargo, as well as destination, shipping schedule, and Cargo contents.

"It's written there that L-W-S001 was the cargo to be transported; though, what exactly is it? There is no exact indication, nor excerpts here that detail anything about the subject, just precautionary steps." Superman said in a low tone, eyes narrowed and focused on that particular part of the document. It was already too deep rooted in a different-bad way, not the surface level villainy Lex commits to express his hate towards Superman, just heavy research in some other topic unrelated to his supposed "arch-nemesis"—which is concerning to say the least.

"I'm assigning the both of us—this is to be a covert operation, we do not fly in and out in simple fashion. We are to discretely enter the building so as to not tip off any of their security measures," Typing once more on the Holographic interface, Batman arranged a few tactical gears for them to be delivered to the conference room. "We lose the costumes—more specifically you. The gear that you will be wearing will help lessen the noise we may cause. It's a new experimental polymer I designed that absorbs Kinetic impact and redirects the stored energy in small burst. Still highly experimental. So, dangerous, but with your Kryptonian physiology, you would be in no danger and would greatly help with feedback.

Superman let out a small laugh, "So... Are you sure this a covert mission? Or just a convenient and subtle way of asking me to be your guinea pig?" Batman's lips twitched in amusement at that comment, "No? Alright then." 

Batman stepped closer to the Conference screen and highlighted a few points in the document, "These are the key objectives", he magnified parts of the Location and Shipment cargo, "A simple in and out, before we trigger any alarms or systems. I'll focus on Extracting any data from the Facility, you however, will cover for me while I do so. Remember, be discreet, so no powers when incapacitating a few enemies."

"You act as if I'm a barbarian, Bruce... But maybe a little lee way on the no powers rule?" Superman scratched the back of his head, "While I agree that it would help with being discreet, having no backup plan will be challenging. How about keeping frostbreath and Flight? I'll only use those in a light manner, like some hovering here and there or Freezing their joints, no frostwave or flying through stuff. Promise." 

Batman gave him a small nod, "I can agree to that." Swiping right, a map window was then shown, a large red spot blinking near the upper right corner, "This is where our mission is located, just a few blocks away from the marked Cadmus lab and likewise, seemingly vacant. Do not let your guard down—there may be hidden traps and personnel placed and stationed at any part of this Facility." Exiting the window—batman then made a swiping gesture, pressing to contact Martian Manhunter, "Martian Manhunter will help in creating a mental link, maintain online activity at all times. Report anything, and I mean anything, you might find suspect or possibly connected to this 'L-W-S001'. It is our top priority at the current moment."

"Got it." 

"Good, we proceed to the Facility at 11:30," He then exited out of the Map window, deactivating the Conference screen after doing so.

"But does it have to be near New Year's Eve? Why not now?" Superman gave him a pained look, "Lois and Ma would have my head for this... God forbid Danny notices me missing—the boy already scrutinizes me for being gone most of my free time—if I miss this year's New Years Eve I don't even know what would happen."

The white eyes of the Bat-Cowl narrowed, "You could tell him about Superman, Clark." Turning his head away to continue typing into the Interface, beeps and teets sounds grating on Clark's ears during his contemplating.

"That would be even worse, Bruce. Could you imagine seeing one of your children burst into tears every time you return home from a mission, severely injured? Danny would take it in better than most children yes, mainly from the uncanny maturity he has, but he's still a kid Bruce. I don't doubt that wouldn't cry, but I don't need my son getting hospitalized at early age due to stress." Superman took a few careful steps towards batman, light and cheery tone turning serious, as his smile gave way to a soft frown.

"Sorry. I didn't expect this to be a sore topic, Clark." Batman gave an apologetic nod, fingers twitching from the small gult that bloomed in his chest. Superman only let a small sigh escape from his mouth, "It's alright Bruce, I didn't notice it got me more upset than I initially thought."

"Alright. And to answer— we still need to prepare accordingly, Clark. Not everyone is as ready made nor as dense as steel like you." Batman joke seemingly eased the tension in the air, Superman's bright smile returning.

"Right. So, you up for lunch? Still some time before 'Stoic Bat-ninja Mission'."

———

——

———

Placing the bundle of fireworks and firecrackers on the upper top shelf of the cabinet, Lois retracted the both of her hands, dusting it as she reaches for her flip phone in the pocket of her overalls, planning on re-dialing the missed call, "Hello? Clark? What is it, honey?"

"Hey Lou. Just checking in, and to let you know that I'll be missing the celebration this year. Something urgent came up with Bruce, Official mission and the works. Keep the kids busy with Ma and Pa for me, okay? I'll try to catch up if I'm lucky—but I doubt I'll reach it in time. Most of you will probably be asleep by the time I'm done."

Lois gave a non-committal hum, "Sure thing, hon'. Though, you should probably talk with Danny before doing so. He prepared a gift for you, you know—and what a lovely gift it is." Lois teased, playfully malicious air seem to seep through the phone, "Such a shame his dad won't be there to bawl his eyes out."

Clark groaned, "Don't be like that, Lou, you're killing me! Now you're getting me worked up."

Lois gave a small, amused laugh, "Right. I'll get him on the line for you—" Pressing the phone to her chest, Lois called for Danny with a shout, "DANNY! COME HERE SWEETIE, YOUR DAD WANTS TO TALK TO YOU!" Bringing the phone back next to her ear again, she continued, "—He's coming, hold on."

A few seconds pass, before a child's voice spoke "Yes, mom?" Danny's soft reply came from the door way of the living room—a small yet growing boy peeking from the side, now entering the living room, "You called? What did Dad want?" She then handed the phone to Danny, "Hi, dad! What's up?" He spoke, smile beaming and felt by Clark, even through the phone.

"Nothing, really, kiddo. Just calling to let you know that I won't make it to the New Year's Party—Sorry." Clark's nervous and guilty voice came through the clunky flip phone, "Some work related things came up and I need to fill-in for the job. Just called to let you know, so that you don't expect me when I might miss it, little man." 

Clark smoothly lied, deciding to hold the idea of revealing his identity for another time. He wasn't sure how Danny would react, and besides, this should be discussed face to face rather than over the phone. Intentions and Feelings would be better known that way.

"But you can't, I even made you a gift just for the moment! It's not fair!" Danny's grip on the phone tightened, voice rising along with his emotions, "You're almost always too busy for us, Dad!"

Clark took a sharp breath, while it is true his hero work—mixed with his reporting— had kept him from truly being fully present for Danny during his growth most of the time, he had tried his best to make the most of his time with the family when given the opportunity. "I know, bud, but I promise this is important. Urgent, even. I wouldn't have accepted the job if it weren't needed—i was the only one available at the time."

Danny could only reply in a defeated voice, "Okay, Dad..." Mood diminishing, energy and vigor seemingly lost, before perking his head up, a bit of hope and acceptance making way, "Can you promise to check the gift I made, then? I put a lot of effort into it—Jamie and Ma helped me with making it too. I'll just put it on the table next to the Tv."

"Alright, kiddo, I promise... And again, I'm sorry Danny, I'll try and make it up to you. Maybe an observatory trip after this?" 

Clark was genuinely grateful for his son being so considerate and mature, albeit still saddened about his absence, at his young age. He still offered something to Danny, knowing the bribe of an Observatory trip would help lessen the gloom.

Accepting the bargain, Danny replied, forgiving Clark without much thought, "Okay. Okay. I would like that. See you, Dad... I love you."

"I love you too, kiddo." Clark replied, bidding Goodbye to his wife and son before ending the call.

Handing the phone back to Lois, Danny glanced back at the door way he had just entered for a few seconds, before finally turning to look at his mom to give her an awkward smile. "I'll just go back to Jon's room. Bye mom."

Watching as Danny left, Lois' face drooped, before turning towards the backdoor to continue her chores.

...

..

.

———

—10 Hours later - 11:17 pm, Washington DC—

———

The whirr of a machine had echoed throughout a decrepit alley, before two short bursts of light flashed from a dilapidated Phone Booth, where two Large men exited—One dressed head to toe in a Practical and Extremely dark garb— A sleek suit hugging the figure of Clark tightly, and a full-cover helmet, with the sheen of the visor for the eyes a similar shade of black to match the hood and suit, and one dressed in a much more slicker version of the Bat-suit—The cowl losing its protruding ears and is now fully covering Bruce's mouth, lenses coloured black, and a noticably missing cape, with the suit matching the void-like color scheme.

'I'll go ahead and scope the perimeter, follow my lead. Do not deviate from the plan.' Batman had said through the mental link, swiftly gliding along the walls so his figure's shape won't be discernable with the moonlight.

'Understood.' Clark followed closely behind but still giving a wide enough berth so as to not disturb Bruce, taking some moments to scan behind, before continuing in his path. 

Inching towards a corner of the Facility, Bruce made an upwards motion towards Clark, 'Give me a boost. There's a large vent we can use as an entryway just right above here.' Clark took a crouch-like position, cupping his hands to be used as a step. Helping Bruce scale the wall, the other had waited for a few seconds before deeming it safe enough for Clark to follow. Bruce extended his arm over the ledge to pull Clark up. Walking towards the bolted air duct, Bruce paused for a moment, before reaching into his utility belt for a wireless drill.

Unscrewing the metal latch, he motioned for Clark to follow him, entering the vent with a crawl.

' Earlier this evening, a new signal was sent. In it contained the Proper name for the L-W-S001—A new Type of Lazarus water, the characteristics of its relative absent. Rather than the bubbling quality present in the Lazarus water we know of; it was Reported to have a slush like consistency, was cold to the touch, and it had no effect on still living beings other than a weird radioactive activity, seemingly harmless. In a report log, the Excerpt had discussed about it's properties—read:"A fitting candidate for a clean energy source, 5 times more efficient than electricity and Renewable energy resources, and it's potential for Quantum Displacement and Teleportation".' Bruce relayed his new findings while continuing his lead—Clark's stomach coiling at the implication of the much more efficient output. The other variant of Lazarus water would allow Luthor's machines to exert more work and power, possibly even at the level where he can harm the man of Steel himself.

Stopping a few meters ahead of Clark, Bruce gently unlatched a vent cover—setting it aside before dropping down with a soft thump, 'All clear.' Clark followed, eyes narrowing at the flight of stairs next to the vent they just dropped from. 

'Do we go Up or Down?' Clark asked through the mental link, looking at Bruce for answers.

'Down. There are 10 sub-levels and 5 Upper-levels in this Facility— we're currently on Upper level 1, while our target is at sub-level 9.'

'Let's take the stairwell then.' Clark went first with Bruce closely following from behind—their footfalls devoid of sound. 

They had paid no mind to the Doors of the following floors; intent on reaching the level their target was stored. Passing by countless of rooms, each diverse in use. Server rooms, janitor closets, break rooms, and compact offices. Only after passing the 5th sub-level did the rooms start to get more equipped: Lab rooms filled with advanced machinery automatically performing their assigned functions, Rooms filled with Sleek, soundless White generators—engines a gentle hum complementing the staticky whirr of the overhead lights; a dimming neutral hue— before taking a short break, stopping at a Server room with a large console at the far end.

'Stay near the door, spot for me.' 

Clark gave a small nod in response before closing it behind them, pressing his ear to the door to listen for movement.

Bruce fished for something in a hidden pocket within the suit, pulling a customized USB stick shaped like a small Batarang, and inserting it in an empty port. Typing a few keys on his interface before turning towards the consolesl's screen to skim some relevant Data.

' 'L-W-S001 - Scaling and Reactions to deliberate stress'. It's a file on what's currently recorded about the Subject...' Bruce took a quick scan at the File creation date, finding it recently made—1998 to be exact. He continued to give a summarized report through the mental link.

'An unconventional specimen with no recorded findings nor mentions in Old literature, similar to Lazarus water due to its near identical properties. The only difference is the absence of what is called the 'Chromaticus' particle— A volatile particle that inhibits and hinders the vital functions of living organisms, typically present in the Lazarus pit's waters. Seemingly new as Ra's had discovered the pit containing this Lazarus-Water-Adjacent during 1997, but it's site says otherwise. Markings, figures, and crude paintings in what seems to be Pre-historical craft—pre-dating even the most oldest of currently discovered Lazarus Pits. It is said here that the painted figures depict a collective mass of both regular humans and misshapen creatures, kneeling in reverence before a small child; described to be A Savior, A Benevolent king, A redeemer...'

Bruce's stomach coiled in unease, serene depictions of 'Holy Figures' usually resulted in apocalyptic scenarios in most Holy text—Best example would be the soundings of the Seven Trumpets. Nevertheless, he steeled himself to continue,

'Surprisingly, the ancient site's prophetic text had shifted to perfect modern English after a day of interaction by the team of archaeologists Ra's had hired, it's previous iteration had been an unrecognizable ancient language, not recorded by today's linguistics, a mournful loss. The text was written on a large sturdy slate, and had read with a title of "His Hollow Grace.", and I quote: 

"Lo, a Child shall be born of the Highest Divine Order,

And upon this weary world shall He bestow a fleeting grace.

From the empty womb of the Void is He fashioned,

Whose spirit was whispered into being by Truth itself."

"By the Breath of Life is He hallowed,

By the Hollow of Death is He anointed.

Neither of Heaven nor of Earth alone,

But of the boundless gulf between all that is and all that was not."

"The Will of the Stars shall wane before His fervour;

The foundations of Reality shall bend beneath His Might.

He shall walk amidst ruin as one crowned in sorrow,

Bearing the burdens of both saint and serpent alike."

"His Love shall encompass all—

Even the wretched and the wicked shall find shelter in His heart;

For He shall see in malice the echo of a wound unhealed,

And in sin the memory of grief unspoken."

"Yet let Treachery take heed,

For deceit shall find no refuge in His gaze.

Destruction shall devour itself before Him,

Lest its hollow meaning dissolve in shame."

"The Venom of the Old shall mingle with the New,

And from their strife shall rise a storm unending.

Empires shall quake, and thrones shall turn to dust,

For His power shall carve the path of the unshackled and the pure."

"But mark this well, O Children of Flesh—

The fate of all rests not in His hands, but in thine own.

Should the hearts of men embrace His Grace,

The dawn of a new Eden shall crown the Earth."

"Yet should they spurn His light and mock His mercy,

Then shall the heavens burn as scrolls in judgment,

And the rivers run red with remembrance."

"For from the Hollow of His Soul shall spring both Life and Ending,

And the world shall drink deeply of what it hath sown—

Be it the wine of salvation,

Or the poison of its pride. "

...

—A very concerning prophecy, though, the idea of the Slate adapting to discernable language would be the greater focus. It would mean that whatever was guarding and maintaining the site wanted this "Hollow Grace" to be found. It reeks with traces of magic, so it seems. We should discuss this with Zatarra when we return to the Watchtower.' 

Still not done, Bruce once again continued his summarizing, 'The Viscous liquid, when prodded with a current of electricity, projects two distinct green wormholes adjacent to both it's sides, though distance in-between both wormholes seem inconsequential when viewed, they allowed an object to bypass physical distance and reach the other gateway without changing the state of its matter. Essentially teleportation... We know of its ability to allow teleportation—but to the simplicity of only an electric current? When we ourselves use Zeta-Beam Energy to replicate results like it? This substance is way too dangerous, Clark—Especially in the hands of both Luthor and Ra's Al Ghul. The damage they can achieve at just a simple cost is too devastating.' Bruce grit his teeth and clenched his jaw, the mere thought of the potential this substance has is terrifying in it self, but a possible entity connected to it—was even more so than the original scare.

Clark spoke through the mental link, trying to break Bruce from his thoughts, 'I think we should continue our search in the lower floors, right after you install all Files from the console. We need a track-record on the possible paths the future projects in which L-W-S001 would possibly be involved in.' Clark replied, ear still pressed against the door with no security patrolling audible on the other side.

Bruce affirmed, and then moved to clone all files from the console to the Hard drive, making sure not to exclude anything—no matter how small it's storage size is.

A few minutes have passed and the cloning process has finished, removing it from the console port and storing it back in the pocket where it had been pulled from. 'Any sign of guards?' Bruce asked, slowly walking towards Clark.

'None,' Standing up from his crouching, Clark turned the door knob and headed straight to the stairwell, ears twitching to try and catch the smallest of sounds. 'All clear.' they then continued towards the 9th sub-level, opening the stairwell door with high expectations—they were met with a long unsuspecting hallway. No other Doors for separate rooms, save for the Double Door at the end of the hall; Light-Neon green pulsating through the window glass. It really was different—Opening the Double Door, they were met with the intoxicating site of a container the size of a water tank containing the much anticipated L-W-S001 with it's vibrant hue. A stark contrast to the normal sickening green Lazarus water had—and this one had felt more alive, more sentient.

Maybe that thought had some merit to it—after all—was it not emotion and soul given form? Was it not the breadth of Creation where life hath taken breath and Death left hollowed?

...

W̸͔̥̣͚̹̗͐ͬ̉͛̌̈́͊̐ͨ͂ͫͦ̌̚͢͡ą͙͉̬̱̳͚̙̱̱̫̀͗͂̇ͤ͋̕ş̴̸̢̢̧͚̪̝͈̟̯̳̪͓͍̗̗̹̦̦̲̻̰͖̮͓̑͐̈ͣͣ͛̈͗ͦ͋ͮ͑͌̿͌ͦ͒͘̕̚ ị̩̯̻̠̃ͯ͒͑̀t̸̶̡̥͈̲̹̭̭̣ͧ̋̑ͦ͋ͮ̈ͤ̍̈́̇ͮ̔̎͌̒̑͘͘͟͠ͅ n̸̴͈̣͖̙̩͖ͯ̓̐ͭ̊̚͢ǫ̧̛̛̛̖̠̤̜͕͖͍̣̮͈͓̻̪̮͕͚̙̈ͦͯ̆̏͐ͬ̇̎̓́̓̆̔͜͜ț̡̨͓̪̞̘̠̗̲͕̦͖̗͙̺̝̇̒ͬ́͐̍ͭ̏̀̈̃͗͘͟͢͜͝_̴͕͖̦̌͑̅ͤͪ͘͡ t̵̴̛͈̙̱̤̬̩̹͖͚̗ͥͫͭ̈́͆ͨͤͩͨ̽̉̄́̒̕h̸̸̶̶̢̨̡̻̦̞͈̰̺̮̼̮̳͈̑̆̍̓̏́̊̉ͤͮ̿ͧ͊̍̌͐̕͢͢͠͞͞ȩ̫̙ͧ̓ è̖͟s̢̺̮̳͋̑̂̽͡ṣ̷͚͉̈́ͬ̄ͨ̏͂͗̋͟_̧̨̢̬͇̪̱̬̠̖̩̫́́͆̉ͪͤ͗ͬ͌̿ͮ̅̀̾͛͊͒͝ͅę͔̱͓̯̋̉̂ͅn̵̸͍̪̩͚̻͚͔͎ͯ͒ͧͥ̔ͩ̐͗͑͌ͤ͗ͨ͌́̚͘͘͜͡ͅ_̟̬̊͐͐͐̈́̈́ͅc͉̃͛͋͡_̬̜́̈̔̃ͨ̇͑͞e̸̢̬̘͊̎̉̊ ô̘̂f̢̛̣͉̜̺̯̯͓͍̤̘̭̠̻̖̼̠̳͇̍̈̿̃̽ͧ̈́̒ͤ̊ͫ̄̌̉͜͢͞ a̴̶̢̜͖̫̻̻̤̝̳ͭ̈́͛̄ͮ͐͛͆̑͗͟͜͢l̵̰͉͚͉̙̞̳̮̖̣͓̎͌ͣͩ͌ͪ̊͐ͫ̌ͦ͗͂̉̀̀̽̚͢l͙̹͍͚̤̗̯̜̹̭̥̹͖̘̭̤̺̓̅͂̎̑̂̎͗͊͆ͤ͒͊̈́̆ͭ̂̚̕͜͡?̸̨̨̧̨͍͕̫̖͎̺̣̙̄̇ͨ͒̽́̀̓͜͢͞ͅ

"SNAP OUT OF IT BRUCE!" Clark tried to violently shake Bruce out of his stupor by removing the tight cowl, and was met with a still face— eyes were blank and pupils blown wide—still unresponsive before a moment passed and his mind returned.

Groaning, he took a few seconds to gather his bearings before finally removing Clark's death grip on his shoulder, "What- what happened?" Bruce asked, still confused on why he was suddenly displaced a few meters from his previous position— a small pool of Neon green mixed with small Glass shards. They had both used verbal speech rather than words through the mental link.

Clark breathed a sigh of relief, grateful nothing permanent had happened to his best friend, 'You we're trying to take a sample of it, remember? Accidentally made contact with it before blanking.' Bruce frowned at that, before taking a reflexive step back from the puddle of dangerous liquid.

'I don't recall the last few moments or so. Take this as your warning—don't risk interacting with it. It had effected me even through the Bat-suit.' Arms crossing, He had contemplated for a few more moments before finally speaking through the mental link. 'We take another sample—use your Ice-breath— make a holder suitable enough for the size of this flask.' He raised a small flask from his fingers, holding it out to Clark—Who accepted it before positioning his other hand in a pinching motion and freezing it. He then carefully inserted the flask into the frozen hand—which Bruce raised an eyebrow at.

'What?' Clark gave a confused look to deflects his friend's judgemental one, 'Much faster this way than to painstakingly carve a holder...' He then dipped the frozen hand into the opened container, seemingly unaffected due to the thick layer of ice.

'How..? Nevermind...' Bruce grumbled, unamused by the way logic seemed to make way for Clark. 'We should exit. Nothing else seems to be noteworthy of investigation.' He then reached inside another hidden pocket and pulled a square-shaped item before bending down near the spill, dropping it on top. Walking towards Clark, he motioned for the flask—to which the other gave slowly, as if he might experience another episode again—before sealing it tightly with a plug.

'Clean that mess,' Bruce said, pointing towards the absorbed mess. Clark only sighed in response before freezing his other hand—both hands pinched together; lifting the Square absorbent device and burning it with a minor heat vision.

'Done. Now, let's return to the Watchtower before we infringe on employee working hours.'

'Understood.'

...

..

.

———

—8-9 Years ago, 1997 - Infinity Island—

———

Everything within the castle was within expectation. Every spec of dust, Swept. Every moving mongrel, squashed. Every mistake made by his soldiers, left punished and flayed into their bones.

As all should be—Within the walls of the Infinity Castle.

The Castle's Patriarch, Ra's Al Ghul, continued on his path in his short stroll of the castle. Passing by a few dozen of servants, all of whom bowed their heads and uttered "Good evening, Our lord." With an underlying reverence.

His evening went as expected of a revered Master— Worship and Fear embedded in his soldiers, in every corner of the Castle.

After his little exploration of the whole Castle he had gotten quite restless. Though, unsure as to why other than one reason: Thrumming. He had felt his skin thrumming all throughout his day, even during his slumber of the previous night. Something felt wrong. His body had felt wrong.

He had felt as if the pits within him and within the land had stirred awake—Which. Had. Felt. So. WRONG!

He wiped a bead of sweat trickling down his cheek, and had started into a mad dash towards the bunker—Where the Lazarus Pits are safeguarded.

"OPEN THE BUNKER! CALL ALL SOLDIERS TO PROTECT THE VAULT— THIS IS AN ORDER KF THE HIGHEST PRIORITY!" Ra's had practically streamed at the Unsuspecting guards station just outside the Bunker door,

A chorus of "Understood, Your Grace!" And "At once, my Lord!" Echoed loudly behind him. His legs burned from the sudden strain of the deathly sprint— almost sending him stumbling at one step.

Slowing his speed, Ra's halted into a slow walk when nearing the cove where the Lazarus Pit lay waiting. Yet, much to Ra's horror and dismay, the toxic green of the pit was absent; replaced by a swirling mass of a pulsating Neon-Green.

The thrumming had stopped.

Something was here. 

'Come. Fall into the veil... Defiler.' a sweet melodious voice murmured in his ear, a force threatening to pull him under, and it had hypnotized him in that mere instant. He had knelt beside the Swirling Pit—Enchanting greens and thrumming sensation making it hard even for his willpower to resist. 

Why... Did it feel so... Peaceful? 

'Yes... That's right, child... A payment is due...' The voice beckoned him, his arms unconsciously dipping towards the Neon waters, before an amalgamation of limbs pulled him under—Portal engulfing him. 

'And there is... A price to be paid.' The Realms finished—Final yet not the End.

The next few minutes that Ra's had spent submerged in the Substance had felt like heaven—His weary soul taking a much needed break from continuous life. All unaware of the panic that's happening just outside the cove.

He slowly curled into himself—the endless liquid used as a blanket of serenity. It clung to him, as did he to it, unwilling to let go.

He was awoken from his rest by a firm gliding on his cheek, the Substance slowly and gently laying him outside of its waters. 'Go.' the voice had said, soft tone unchanging, 'Your verdict awaits... Defiler.' Though seemingly derogatory, the word had been uttered with no real venom. Just a fact.

Snapping out of his stupor, Ra's growled in fury before suddenly feeling a calm wave was over him, 'You mustn't get distracted, defiler. It awaits, with your verdict.' 

"What verdict?" He had asked, but, rather than his own jaded voice, rusted by the touch of time, the meek voice of a child had escaped his mouth, "What is this sorcery?! I demand you cease this at once!" 

'It is not sorcery, child. It is your stance, as it is your truth. And truth alike awaits for you at the end of this road.' The Realms' voice consoled—an otherworldly tune—he notes, now that he's mentally awake. A staticky tune born and weaved through the ends of the cosmos: Promises of cycles and rebirth, Hymns of Damnation and Prosperity, The embrace of Love and Sorrow, and Creation's womb of Breath and Hollow.

'Follow the path, as the path follows you. The verdict that is yours to claim—A burden and A gift. It is less than you desire, yet more than you deserve. It is not to be desecrated by foolish endeavors, as it will spell your Doom.' The Realms added, nudging him forward towards the path in his front—Illuminated by ancient runes and inscriptions, each pulsating with a golden glow.

Despite his status. Despite the collective centuries of his regality— he had only bowed his head in submission and spoke in a soft, accepting tone. "I understand."

'Do not be afraid, child, for the path leads not to your end, but your salvation.' The Realms comforted, despite it's terrifying words, it had meant no harm.

"I understand." Lifting his head slightly, Ra's continued towards the end of the path—taking some time to marvel at the lush environment. Despite the proximity of a Lazarus Pit, it was flourishing. He pressed forward, finally entering a much more open space after his journey.

He took a sharp breath, the breathtaking sight blessing his eyes. The large open space was built like an open temple, Murals painted along the sleek, polished walls and in the middle of the collective murals was an imposing flow of golden carved text— indecipherable characters from a language that he does not recognize shifted to a perfect form of English. Each second the text pulsated with a soft glow. There was a sizable pool just below it, glowing the same hue as the portal he had used to enter. With the same swirling mass inside, yet this one had seemed more alive. More aware Sentient, even.

An androgynous and lithe figure had appeared beside him, intertwining their fingers and hands together, and in tandem—in their own way of tone and voice—sang and spoke of the Written prophecy.

"Lo, a Child shall be born of the Highest Divine Order,

And upon this weary world shall He bestow a fleeting grace.

From the empty womb of the Void is He fashioned,

Whose spirit was whispered into being by Truth itself."

"By the Breath of Life is He hallowed,

By the Hollow of Death is He anointed.

Neither of Heaven nor of Earth alone,

But of the boundless gulf between all that is and all that was not."

"The Will of the Stars shall wane before His fervour;

The foundations of Reality shall bend beneath His Might.

He shall walk amidst ruin as one crowned in sorrow,

Bearing the burdens of both saint and serpent alike."

"His Love shall encompass all—

Even the wretched and the wicked shall find shelter in His heart;

For He shall see in malice the echo of a wound unhealed,

And in sin the memory of grief unspoken."

"Yet let Treachery take heed,

For deceit shall find no refuge in His gaze.

Destruction shall devour itself before Him,

Lest its hollow meaning dissolve in shame."

"The Venom of the Old shall mingle with the New,

And from their strife shall rise a storm unending.

Empires shall quake, and thrones shall turn to dust,

For His power shall carve the path of the unshackled and the pure."

"But mark this well, O Children of Flesh—

The fate of all rests not in His hands, but in thine own.

Should the hearts of men embrace His Grace,

The dawn of a new Eden shall crown the Earth."

"Yet should they spurn His light and mock His mercy,

Then shall the heavens burn as scrolls in judgment,

And the rivers run red with remembrance."

"For from the Hollow of His Soul shall spring both Life and Ending,

And the world shall drink deeply of what it hath sown—

Be it the wine of salvation,

Or the poison of its pride."

Ra's had felt a shift, only shared with him, by the power vested in the being beside him. He turned his head to meat the glowing, featureless figure. Void of any characteristics, all of it, save for a fuzzed line—its mouth, "Why are you showing me this, Great being?" 

The being only shook it's head, grasping his jaw, and gently turning his head to the text once more. "It is not yet finished, Chosen crusader." The being echoed, soft chimes of bells and the song of doves overlaying it's voice. He forced his eyes away from the being, and once again focused them onto the shifting text— previous blocks fading to make way for a few new ones.

"But lo—His Grace shall not waken by will alone,  

    Nor by the prayers of trembling lips.  

    For even the Divine must be nourished,  

    Lest the vessel of His power fall silent and still."

    "Seek ye the Wells where the world’s lifeblood sleeps,  

    In caverns veiled by the sigh of ages.  

    There shall the Earth weep green as memory,  

    And the air hum with the song of unspent creation."

    "Draw from that secret fountain only with reverence,  

    For its gift is two-edged as the blade of dawn.  

    It restores what was broken, yet binds the soul anew,  

    It grants rebirth—but at the price of innocence."

    "Bring forth the essence that bridges death and dream,  

    That turns decay to breath and sorrow to flame.  

    Let its touch awaken what the stars have sealed,  

    But beware, for life unearned demands its due."

    "Each drop poured unto His lips shall stir the heavens;  

    Each heartbeat reclaimed shall echo with the weight of ages.  

    Though His light may rise resplendent once more,  

    The shadows that linger shall hunger for their share."

    "So nourish Him, ye faithful and afraid,  

    But weigh the mercy against the cost of remembrance.  

    For the Wells remember all that they heal,  

    And those who drink too deep may awaken never the same."

The being then spoke again, chimes and chirps solemn yet firm, "This is your verdict, Chosen Crusader, The Defiler of Natural Order: Ra's Al Ghul. You are not to be judged nor executed—But to seek and find our Benevolent ruler—Your king, by extension. He resides in your realm, unaware of his birthright. You are to awaken him, and serve his being; at this instant and forever more—No matter the hardships that come in ruination. Do you accept?"

The reverted Ra's had felt something inside of him shift—like a fog lifting from his very vision—as it was now as clear as ever, "I wholeheartedly accept this Burden and Gift, Great being. His Joy shall give me meaning, His Sorrow—purpose." He had bowed, lifting his burning gaze to meet the Beings face.

"Very well. This sacred site shall be given to you for your safeguarding, and will only be accessible to you. Just seek it with your mind, and return to your pool, to open a gateway."

The being floated closer to him, bending to give him a peck on his forehead, "Do good and abide by the verdict, child. We are watching with Earnest and support. We hope to welcome you to his Grace's Era of Peace and Compassion. But it is now your time to depart." The being snapped it's fingers before he blacked out, clarity returning to find himself back in the cove. Prostrated near the Lazarus Pit.

He stood, posture straight and earlier regalia returning, before barking an order to the waiting battalion, "Raise security and station more men Near the Bunker! Both outside and inside it's doors. We are to guard the pit at all cost! Intruders who trespass into this cove are to be killed on sight! And any Ninja who fail to follow such orders will be executed with no process! Am I understood?!.

"LOUD AND CLEAR, YOUR GRACE!"

.

..

...

Chapter Text

Btw use an HTML compiler for this, my go to is OneCompiler.

While I agree it is long, I recommend trying all of them 🥹 I would highly appreciate it if you do enjoy each iteration for their separate charms😻❤️‍🔥

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    <h1 id="title">The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</h1>

    <p class="lead">A reading transcribed from the voice of the seer — old as sorrow, bright as dawning ruin.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">Lo, a Child shall be born of the Highest Divine Order,<br>

    And upon this weary world shall He bestow a fleeting grace.<br>

    From the empty womb of the Void is He fashioned,<br>

    Whose spirit was whispered into being by Truth itself.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">By the Breath of Life is He hallowed,<br>

    By the Hollow of Death is He anointed.<br>

    Neither of Heaven nor of Earth alone,<br>

    But of the boundless gulf between all that is and all that was not.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">The Will of the Stars shall wane before His fervour;<br>

    The foundations of Reality shall bend beneath His Might.<br>

    He shall walk amidst ruin as one crowned in sorrow,<br>

    Bearing the burdens of both saint and serpent alike.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">His Love shall encompass all—<br>

    Even the wretched and the wicked shall find shelter in His heart;<br>

    For He shall see in malice the echo of a wound unhealed,<br>

    And in sin the memory of grief unspoken.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">Yet let Treachery take heed,<br>

    For deceit shall find no refuge in His gaze.<br>

    Destruction shall devour itself before Him,<br>

    Lest its hollow meaning dissolve in shame.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">The Venom of the Old shall mingle with the New,<br>

    And from their strife shall rise a storm unending.<br>

    Empires shall quake, and thrones shall turn to dust,<br>

    For His power shall carve the path of the unshackled and the pure.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">But mark this well, O Children of Flesh—<br>

    The fate of all rests not in His hands, but in thine own.<br>

    Should the hearts of men embrace His Grace,<br>

    The dawn of a new Eden shall crown the Earth.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">Yet should they spurn His light and mock His mercy,<br>

    Then shall the heavens burn as scrolls in judgment,<br>

    And the rivers run red with remembrance.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">For from the Hollow of His Soul shall spring both Life and Ending,<br>

    And the world shall drink deeply of what it hath sown—<br>

    Be it the wine of salvation,<br>

    Or the poison of its pride.</p>

    <div class="ornament">— ✦ —</div>

    <p class="prophecy">But lo—His Grace shall not waken by will alone,<br>

    Nor by the prayers of trembling lips.<br>

    For even the Divine must be nourished,<br>

    Lest the vessel of His power fall silent and still.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">Seek ye the Wells where the world’s lifeblood sleeps,<br>

    In caverns veiled by the sigh of ages.<br>

    There shall the Earth weep green as memory,<br>

    And the air hum with the song of unspent creation.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">Draw from that secret fountain only with reverence,<br>

    For its gift is two-edged as the blade of dawn.<br>

    It restores what was broken, yet binds the soul anew,<br>

    It grants rebirth—but at the price of innocence.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">Bring forth the essence that bridges death and dream,<br>

    That turns decay to breath and sorrow to flame.<br>

    Let its touch awaken what the stars have sealed,<br>

    But beware, for life unearned demands its due.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">Each drop poured unto His lips shall stir the heavens;<br>

    Each heartbeat reclaimed shall echo with the weight of ages.<br>

    Though His light may rise resplendent once more,<br>

    The shadows that linger shall hunger for their share.</p>

    <p class="prophecy">So nourish Him, ye faithful and afraid,<br>

    But

weigh the mercy against the cost of remembrance.<br>

    For the Wells remember all that they heal,<br>

    And those who drink too deep may awaken never the same.</p>

  </div>

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Second version:

<!doctype html>

<html lang="en">

<head>

<meta charset="utf-8" />

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<title>The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</title>

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    --max-width:880px;

  }

  html,body{

    margin:0;

    height:100%;

    font-family:"Georgia","Times New Roman",serif;

    background:var(--bg-glow);

    color:var(--gold-light);

    overflow-x:hidden;

  }

  /* parchment overlay */

  body::before{

    content:"";

    position:fixed;

    inset:0;

    background-image:

      url("https://www.transparenttextures.com/patterns/aged-paper.png"),

      radial-gradient(circle at 50% 50%, rgba(255,255,200,0.03), rgba(0,0,0,0.9) 85%);

    background-blend-mode:overlay;

    opacity:0.25;

    pointer-events:none;

    z-index:0;

  }

  .wrap{

    position:relative;

    z-index:1;

    max-width:var(--max-width);

    margin:60px auto;

    padding:40px;

    text-align:left;

  }

  h1{

    text-align:center;

    color:var(--gold-bright);

    font-family:"Trajan Pro","Georgia",serif;

    letter-spacing:2px;

    text-shadow:

      0 0 8px var(--gold-mid),

      0 0 16px var(--accent),

      0 0 26px rgba(255,230,150,0.7);

    margin-bottom:0.6em;

    animation:glowPulse 6s ease-in-out infinite;

  }

  .lead{

    text-align:center;

    color:#d1b472;

    opacity:0.8;

    font-size:1rem;

    margin-bottom:2em;

    font-style:italic;

    animation:fadeIn 2s ease-in-out both;

  }

  .prophecy{

    font-style:italic;

    font-size:1.05rem;

    line-height:1.9;

    color:var(--gold-light);

    margin-bottom:1.6em;

    text-shadow:

      0 0 4px var(--gold-mid),

      0 0 10px var(--accent),

      0 0 20px rgba(255,220,130,0.4);

    opacity:0;

    transform:translateY(15px);

    animation:fadeIn 2.5s ease-in-out forwards, glowPulse 8s ease-in-out infinite;

  }

  /* sequential fade-in delay */

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(1){animation-delay:1s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(2){animation-delay:3s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(3){animation-delay:5s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(4){animation-delay:7s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(5){animation-delay:9s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(6){animation-delay:11s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(7){animation-delay:13s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(8){animation-delay:15s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(9){animation-delay:17s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(10){animation-delay:19s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(11){animation-delay:21s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(12){animation-delay:23s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(13){animation-delay:25s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(14){animation-delay:27s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(15){animation-delay:29s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(16){animation-delay:31s, 0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(17){animation-delay:33s, 0s;}

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    width:100%;

    text-align:center;

    letter-spacing:6px;

    color:rgba(255,230,180,0.3);

    margin:26px 0;

    opacity:0;

    animation:fadeIn 3s ease-in-out forwards;

    animation-delay:19s;

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  @keyframes glowPulse{

    0%,100%{

      text-shadow:

        0 0 3px var(--gold-mid),

        0 0 8px var(--accent),

        0 0 20px rgba(255,220,130,0.4);

      opacity:1;

    }

    50%{

      text-shadow:

        0 0 6px var(--gold-bright),

        0 0 16px var(--accent),

        0 0 30px rgba(255,240,180,0.8);

      opacity:0.96;

    }

  }

  @keyframes fadeIn{

    from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(15px);}

    to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0);}

  }

  @media(max-width:600px){

    .wrap{padding:20px;margin:20px;}

    h1{font-size:1.5rem;}

    .prophecy{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.7;}

  }

</style>

</head>

<body>

<div class="wrap" role="main" aria-labelledby="title">

  <h1 id="title">The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</h1>

  <p class="lead">A reading transcribed from the voice of the seer — old as sorrow, bright as dawning ruin.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Lo, a Child shall be born of the Highest Divine Order,<br>

  And upon this weary world shall He bestow a fleeting grace.<br>

  From the empty womb of the Void is He fashioned,<br>

  Whose spirit was whispered into being by Truth itself.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">By the Breath of Life is He hallowed,<br>

  By the Hollow of Death is He anointed.<br>

  Neither of Heaven nor of Earth alone,<br>

  But of the boundless gulf between all that is and all that was not.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">The Will of the Stars shall wane before His fervour;<br>

  The foundations of Reality shall bend beneath His Might.<br>

  He shall walk amidst ruin as one crowned in sorrow,<br>

  Bearing the burdens of both saint and serpent alike.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">His Love shall encompass all—<br>

  Even the wretched and the wicked shall find shelter in His heart;<br>

  For He shall see in malice the echo of a wound unhealed,<br>

  And in sin the memory of grief unspoken.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Yet let Treachery take heed,<br>

  For deceit shall find no refuge in His gaze.<br>

  Destruction shall devour itself before Him,<br>

  Lest its hollow meaning dissolve in shame.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">The Venom of the Old shall mingle with the New,<br>

  And from their strife shall rise a storm unending.<br>

  Empires shall quake, and thrones shall turn to dust,<br>

  For His power shall carve the path of the unshackled and the pure.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">But mark this well, O Children of Flesh—<br>

  The fate of all rests not in His hands, but in thine own.<br>

  Should the hearts of men embrace His Grace,<br>

  The dawn of a new Eden shall crown the Earth.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Yet should they spurn His light and mock His mercy,<br>

  Then shall the heavens burn as scrolls in judgment,<br>

  And the rivers run red with remembrance.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">For from the Hollow of His Soul shall spring both Life and Ending,<br>

  And the world shall drink deeply of what it hath sown—<br>

  Be it the wine of salvation,<br>

  Or the poison of its pride.</p>

  <div class="ornament">— ✦ —</div>

  <p class="prophecy">But lo—His Grace shall not waken by will alone,<br>

  Nor by the prayers of trembling lips.<br>

  For even the Divine must be nourished,<br>

  Lest the vessel of His power fall silent and still.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Seek ye the Wells where the world’s lifeblood sleeps,<br>

  In caverns veiled by the sigh of ages.<br>

  There shall the Earth weep green as memory,<br>

  And the air hum with the song of unspent creation.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Draw from that secret fountain only with reverence,<br>

  For its gift is two-edged as the blade of dawn.<br>

  It restores what was broken, yet binds the soul anew,<br>

  It grants rebirth—but at the price of innocence.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Bring forth the essence that bridges death and dream,<br>

  That turns decay to breath and sorrow to flame.<br>

  Let its touch awaken what the stars have sealed,<br>

  But beware, for life unearned demands its due.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Each drop poured unto His lips shall stir the heavens;<br>

  Each heartbeat reclaimed shall echo with the weight of ages.<br>

  Though His light may rise resplendent once more,<br>

  The shadows that linger shall hunger for their share.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">So nourish Him

, ye faithful and afraid,<br>

  But weigh the mercy against the cost of remembrance.<br>

  For the Wells remember all that they heal,<br>

  And those who drink too deep may awaken never the same.</p>

</div>

</body>

</html>

Third Version:

<!doctype html>

<html lang="en">

<head>

<meta charset="utf-8" />

<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width,initial-scale=1" />

<title>The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</title>

<style>

  :root{

    --bg-dark:#050403;

    --bg-glow:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 20%, #1d150c 0%, #050403 70%);

    --gold-light:#f6d56f;

    --gold-mid:#c1872a;

    --gold-bright:#ffe27a;

    --accent:#ffd86b;

    --max-width:880px;

  }

  html,body{

    margin:0;

    height:100%;

    font-family:"Georgia","Times New Roman",serif;

    background:var(--bg-glow);

    color:var(--gold-light);

    overflow-x:hidden;

  }

  /* parchment overlay */

  body::before{

    content:"";

    position:fixed;

    inset:0;

    background-image:

      url("https://www.transparenttextures.com/patterns/aged-paper.png"),

      radial-gradient(circle at 50% 50%, rgba(255,255,200,0.03), rgba(0,0,0,0.9) 85%);

    background-blend-mode:overlay;

    opacity:0.25;

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  .wrap{

    position:relative;

    z-index:1;

    max-width:var(--max-width);

    margin:60px auto;

    padding:40px;

    text-align:left;

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  h1{

    text-align:center;

    color:var(--gold-bright);

    font-family:"Trajan Pro","Georgia",serif;

    letter-spacing:2px;

    text-shadow:

      0 0 8px var(--gold-mid),

      0 0 16px var(--accent),

      0 0 26px rgba(255,230,150,0.7);

    margin-bottom:0.6em;

    animation:glowPulse 6s ease-in-out infinite;

  }

  .lead{

    text-align:center;

    color:#d1b472;

    opacity:0.8;

    font-size:1rem;

    margin-bottom:2em;

    font-style:italic;

    animation:fadeIn 2s ease-in-out both;

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  .prophecy{

    font-style:italic;

    font-size:1.05rem;

    line-height:1.9;

    color:var(--gold-light);

    margin-bottom:1.6em;

    text-shadow:

      0 0 4px var(--gold-mid),

      0 0 10px var(--accent),

      0 0 20px rgba(255,220,130,0.4);

    opacity:0;

    transform:translateY(15px);

    animation:revealCycle 60s linear infinite, glowPulse 8s ease-in-out infinite;

  }

  /* sequential animation delay for looping reveal */

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(1){animation-delay:0s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(2){animation-delay:4s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(3){animation-delay:8s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(4){animation-delay:12s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(5){animation-delay:16s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(6){animation-delay:20s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(7){animation-delay:24s,0s;}

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  .prophecy:nth-of-type(9){animation-delay:32s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(10){animation-delay:36s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(11){animation-delay:40s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(12){animation-delay:44s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(13){animation-delay:48s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(14){animation-delay:52s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(15){animation-delay:56s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(16){animation-delay:60s,0s;}

  .prophecy:nth-of-type(17){animation-delay:64s,0s;}

  .ornament{

    width:100%;

    text-align:center;

    letter-spacing:6px;

    color:rgba(255,230,180,0.3);

    margin:26px 0;

  }

  /* glowing animation */

  @keyframes glowPulse{

    0%,100%{

      text-shadow:

        0 0 3px var(--gold-mid),

        0 0 8px var(--accent),

        0 0 20px rgba(255,220,130,0.4);

      opacity:1;

    }

    50%{

      text-shadow:

        0 0 6px var(--gold-bright),

        0 0 16px var(--accent),

        0 0 30px rgba(255,240,180,0.8);

      opacity:0.96;

    }

  }

  /* fade-in and fade-out loop for each stanza */

  @keyframes revealCycle{

    0%{opacity:0;transform:translateY(15px);}

    5%{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0);}

    20%{opacity:1;}

    25%{opacity:0;transform:translateY(-10px);}

    100%{opacity:0;transform:translateY(15px);}

  }

  @media(max-width:600px){

    .wrap{padding:20px;margin:20px;}

    h1{font-size:1.5rem;}

    .prophecy{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.7;}

  }

</style>

</head>

<body>

<div class="wrap" role="main" aria-labelledby="title">

  <h1 id="title">The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</h1>

  <p class="lead">A reading transcribed from the voice of the seer — old as sorrow, bright as dawning ruin.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Lo, a Child shall be born of the Highest Divine Order,<br>

  And upon this weary world shall He bestow a fleeting grace.<br>

  From the empty womb of the Void is He fashioned,<br>

  Whose spirit was whispered into being by Truth itself.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">By the Breath of Life is He hallowed,<br>

  By the Hollow of Death is He anointed.<br>

  Neither of Heaven nor of Earth alone,<br>

  But of the boundless gulf between all that is and all that was not.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">The Will of the Stars shall wane before His fervour;<br>

  The foundations of Reality shall bend beneath His Might.<br>

  He shall walk amidst ruin as one crowned in sorrow,<br>

  Bearing the burdens of both saint and serpent alike.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">His Love shall encompass all—<br>

  Even the wretched and the wicked shall find shelter in His heart;<br>

  For He shall see in malice the echo of a wound unhealed,<br>

  And in sin the memory of grief unspoken.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Yet let Treachery take heed,<br>

  For deceit shall find no refuge in His gaze.<br>

  Destruction shall devour itself before Him,<br>

  Lest its hollow meaning dissolve in shame.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">The Venom of the Old shall mingle with the New,<br>

  And from their strife shall rise a storm unending.<br>

  Empires shall quake, and thrones shall turn to dust,<br>

  For His power shall carve the path of the unshackled and the pure.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">But mark this well, O Children of Flesh—<br>

  The fate of all rests not in His hands, but in thine own.<br>

  Should the hearts of men embrace His Grace,<br>

  The dawn of a new Eden shall crown the Earth.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Yet should they spurn His light and mock His mercy,<br>

  Then shall the heavens burn as scrolls in judgment,<br>

  And the rivers run red with remembrance.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">For from the Hollow of His Soul shall spring both Life and Ending,<br>

  And the world shall drink deeply of what it hath sown—<br>

  Be it the wine of salvation,<br>

  Or the poison of its pride.</p>

  <div class="ornament">— ✦ —</div>

  <p class="prophecy">But lo—His Grace shall not waken by will alone,<br>

  Nor by the prayers of trembling lips.<br>

  For even the Divine must be nourished,<br>

  Lest the vessel of His power fall silent and still.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Seek ye the Wells where the world’s lifeblood sleeps,<br>

  In caverns veiled by the sigh of ages.<br>

  There shall the Earth weep green as memory,<br>

  And the air hum with the song of unspent creation.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Draw from that secret fountain only with reverence,<br>

  For its gift is two-edged as the blade of dawn.<br>

  It restores what was broken, yet binds the soul anew,<br>

  It grants rebirth—but at the price of innocence.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Bring forth the essence that bridges death and dream,<br>

  That turns decay to breath and sorrow to flame.<br>

  Let its touch awaken what the stars have sealed,<br>

  But beware, for life unearned demands its due.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">Each drop poured unto His lips shall stir the heavens;<br>

  Each heartbeat reclaimed shall echo with the weight of ages.<br>

  Though His light may rise resplendent once more,<br>

  The shadows that linger shall hunger for their share.</p>

  <p class="prophecy">So nourish H

im, ye faithful and afraid,<br>

  But weigh the mercy against the cost of remembrance.<br>

  For the Wells remember all that they heal,<br>

  And those who drink too deep may awaken never the same.</p>

</div>

</body>

</html>

Fourth Version:

<!DOCTYPE html>

<html lang="en">

<head>

<meta charset="UTF-8">

<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">

<title>The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</title>

<style>

  @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Cinzel:wght@500&family=EB+Garamond&display=swap');

  body {

    margin: 0;

    padding: 0;

    background: radial-gradient(circle at top, #0a0a0a 0%, #000000 100%);

    color: #e6d8a3;

    font-family: 'EB Garamond', serif;

    display: flex;

    justify-content: center;

    align-items: center;

    height: 100vh;

    overflow: hidden;

  }

  .container {

    position: relative;

    width: 90%;

    max-width: 800px;

    background: rgba(25, 20, 10, 0.4);

    padding: 60px;

    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 215, 150, 0.3);

    border-radius: 15px;

    box-shadow: 0 0 60px rgba(255, 200, 100, 0.15), inset 0 0 20px rgba(255, 230, 180, 0.1);

    backdrop-filter: blur(8px);

    animation: glow 6s ease-in-out infinite alternate;

  }

  @keyframes glow {

    from { box-shadow: 0 0 60px rgba(255, 200, 100, 0.15); }

    to { box-shadow: 0 0 100px rgba(255, 220, 120, 0.25); }

  }

  h1 {

    font-family: 'Cinzel', serif;

    text-align: center;

    color: #f5e1a4;

    font-size: 2.4em;

    letter-spacing: 2px;

    text-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(255, 245, 200, 0.3);

    margin-bottom: 30px;

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    line-height: 1.8;

    font-size: 1.08em;

    text-align: justify;

    margin-bottom: 1em;

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    font-size: 1.5em;

    color: #ffdf8f;

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  .mist {

    position: absolute;

    top: -100%;

    left: 0;

    width: 200%;

    height: 300%;

    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,255,255,0.04) 0%, rgba(0,0,0,0) 80%);

    animation: drift 60s linear infinite;

    filter: blur(40px);

    pointer-events: none;

  }

  @keyframes drift {

    from { transform: translate(-30%, -30%) rotate(0deg); }

    to { transform: translate(30%, 30%) rotate(360deg); }

  }

</style>

</head>

<body>

  <div class="container">

    <div class="mist"></div>

    <h1>The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</h1>

    <p>Lo, a Child shall be born of the Highest Divine Order,  

    And upon this weary world shall He bestow a fleeting grace.  

    From the empty womb of the Void is He fashioned,  

    Whose spirit was whispered into being by Truth itself.</p>

    <p>By the Breath of Life is He hallowed,  

    By the Hollow of Death is He anointed.  

    Neither of Heaven nor of Earth alone,  

    But of the boundless gulf between all that is and all that was not.</p>

    <p>The Will of the Stars shall wane before His fervour;  

    The foundations of Reality shall bend beneath His Might.  

    He shall walk amidst ruin as one crowned in sorrow,  

    Bearing the burdens of both saint and serpent alike.</p>

    <p>His Love shall encompass all—  

    Even the wretched and the wicked shall find shelter in His heart;  

    For He shall see in malice the echo of a wound unhealed,  

    And in sin the memory of grief unspoken.</p>

    <p>Yet let Treachery take heed,  

    For deceit shall find no refuge in His gaze.  

    Destruction shall devour itself before Him,  

    Lest its hollow meaning dissolve in shame.</p>

    <p>The Venom of the Old shall mingle with the New,  

    And from their strife shall rise a storm unending.  

    Empires shall quake, and thrones shall turn to dust,  

    For His power shall carve the path of the unshackled and the pure.</p>

    <p>But mark this well, O Children of Flesh—  

    The fate of all rests not in His hands, but in thine own.  

    Should the hearts of men embrace His Grace,  

    The dawn of a new Eden shall crown the Earth.</p>

    <p>Yet should they spurn His light and mock His mercy,  

    Then shall the heavens burn as scrolls in judgment,  

    And the rivers run red with remembrance.</p>

    <p>For from the Hollow of His Soul shall spring both Life and Ending,  

    And the world shall drink deeply of what it hath sown—  

    Be it the wine of salvation,  

    Or the poison of its pride.</p>

    <p>But lo—His Grace shall not waken by will alone,  

    Nor by the prayers of trembling lips.  

    For even the Divine must be nourished,  

    Lest the vessel of His power fall silent and still.</p>

    <p>Seek ye the Wells where the world’s lifeblood sleeps,  

    In caverns veiled by the sigh of ages.  

    There shall the Earth weep green as memory,  

    And the air hum with the song of unspent creation.</p>

    <p>Draw from that secret fountain only with reverence,  

    For its gift is two-edged as the blade of dawn.  

    It restores what was broken, yet binds the soul anew,  

    It grants rebirth—but at the price of innocence.</p>

    <p>Bring forth the essence that bridges death and dream,  

    That turns decay to breath and sorrow to flame.  

    Let its touch awaken what the stars have sealed,  

    But beware, for life unearned demands its due.</p>

    <p>Each drop poured unto His lips shall stir the heavens;  

    Each heartbeat reclaimed shall echo with the weight of ages.  

    Though His light may rise resplendent once more,  

    The shadows that linger shall hunger for their share.</p>

    <p>So nourish Him, ye faithful and afraid,  

    But weigh the mercy against the c

ost of remembrance.  

    For the Wells remember all that they heal,  

    And those who drink too deep may awaken never the same.</p>

  </div>

</body>

</html>

Fourth Version (tweaked for Mobile screen accessibility):

<!DOCTYPE html>

<html lang="en">

<head>

<meta charset="UTF-8">

<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">

<title>The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</title>

<style>

  @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Cinzel:wght@500&family=EB+Garamond&display=swap');

  body {

    margin: 0;

    padding: 0;

    background: radial-gradient(circle at top, #0a0a0a 0%, #000000 100%);

    color: #e6d8a3;

    font-family: 'EB Garamond', serif;

    display: flex;

    justify-content: center;

    align-items: center;

    min-height: 100vh;

    overflow-y: auto;

    scroll-behavior: smooth;

  }

  .container {

    position: relative;

    width: 90%;

    max-width: 800px;

    background: rgba(25, 20, 10, 0.4);

    padding: 60px 40px;

    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 215, 150, 0.3);

    border-radius: 15px;

    box-shadow: 0 0 60px rgba(255, 200, 100, 0.15), inset 0 0 20px rgba(255, 230, 180, 0.1);

    backdrop-filter: blur(8px);

    animation: glow 6s ease-in-out infinite alternate;

    z-index: 2;

    margin: 60px 0;

  }

  @keyframes glow {

    from { box-shadow: 0 0 60px rgba(255, 200, 100, 0.15); }

    to { box-shadow: 0 0 100px rgba(255, 220, 120, 0.25); }

  }

  h1 {

    font-family: 'Cinzel', serif;

    text-align: center;

    color: #f5e1a4;

    font-size: 2.4em;

    letter-spacing: 2px;

    text-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(255, 245, 200, 0.3);

    margin-bottom: 30px;

  }

  p {

    line-height: 1.8;

    font-size: 1.08em;

    text-align: justify;

    margin-bottom: 1em;

    text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(255, 240, 180, 0.1);

  }

  p:first-letter {

    font-size: 1.5em;

    color: #ffdf8f;

    font-family: 'Cinzel', serif;

    float: left;

    padding-right: 6px;

    text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(255, 220, 160, 0.4);

  }

  .mist {

    position: absolute;

    top: -100%;

    left: 0;

    width: 200%;

    height: 300%;

    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,255,255,0.04) 0%, rgba(0,0,0,0) 80%);

    animation: drift 60s linear infinite;

    filter: blur(40px);

    pointer-events: none;

    z-index: 1;

  }

  @keyframes drift {

    from { transform: translate(-30%, -30%) rotate(0deg); }

    to { transform: translate(30%, 30%) rotate(360deg); }

  }

  /* MOBILE OPTIMIZATION */

  @media (max-width: 768px) {

    .container {

      padding: 35px 25px;

      box-shadow: 0 0 30px rgba(255, 200, 120, 0.1), inset 0 0 10px rgba(255, 220, 160, 0.05);

    }

    h1 {

      font-size: 1.8em;

      letter-spacing: 1px;

      text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(255, 230, 180, 0.2);

    }

    p {

      font-size: 1.05em;

      line-height: 1.7;

      text-shadow: 0 0 5px rgba(255, 240, 180, 0.05);

    }

  }

  @media (max-width: 480px) {

    .container {

      padding: 25px 18px;

      border-radius: 10px;

    }

    h1 {

      font-size: 1.6em;

    }

    p {

      font-size: 1em;

      line-height: 1.6;

    }

  }

</style>

</head>

<body>

  <div class="container">

    <div class="mist"></div>

    <h1>The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</h1>

    <p>Lo, a Child shall be born of the Highest Divine Order,  

    And upon this weary world shall He bestow a fleeting grace.  

    From the empty womb of the Void is He fashioned,  

    Whose spirit was whispered into being by Truth itself.</p>

    <p>By the Breath of Life is He hallowed,  

    By the Hollow of Death is He anointed.  

    Neither of Heaven nor of Earth alone,  

    But of the boundless gulf between all that is and all that was not.</p>

    <p>The Will of the Stars shall wane before His fervour;  

    The foundations of Reality shall bend beneath His Might.  

    He shall walk amidst ruin as one crowned in sorrow,  

    Bearing the burdens of both saint and serpent alike.</p>

    <p>His Love shall encompass all—  

    Even the wretched and the wicked shall find shelter in His heart;  

    For He shall see in malice the echo of a wound unhealed,  

    And in sin the memory of grief unspoken.</p>

    <p>Yet let Treachery take heed,  

    For deceit shall find no refuge in His gaze.  

    Destruction shall devour itself before Him,  

    Lest its hollow meaning dissolve in shame.</p>

    <p>The Venom of the Old shall mingle with the New,  

    And from their strife shall rise a storm unending.  

    Empires shall quake, and thrones shall turn to dust,  

    For His power shall carve the path of the unshackled and the pure.</p>

    <p>But mark this well, O Children of Flesh—  

    The fate of all rests not in His hands, but in thine own.  

    Should the hearts of men embrace His Grace,  

    The dawn of a new Eden shall crown the Earth.</p>

    <p>Yet should they spurn His light and mock His mercy,  

    Then shall the heavens burn as scrolls in judgment,  

    And the rivers run red with remembrance.</p>

    <p>For from the Hollow of His Soul shall spring both Life and Ending,  

    And the world shall drink deeply of what it hath sown—  

    Be it the wine of salvation,  

    Or the poison of its pride.</p>

    <p>But lo—His Grace shall not waken by will alone,  

    Nor by the prayers of trembling lips.  

    For even the Divine must be nourished,  

    Lest the vessel of His power fall silent and still.</p>

    <p>Seek ye the Wells where the world’s lifeblood sleeps,  

    In caverns veiled by the sigh of ages.  

    There shall the Earth weep green as memory,  

    And the air hum with the song of unspent creation.</p>

    <p>Draw from that secret fountain only with reverence,  

    For its gift is two-edged as the blade of dawn.  

    It restores what was broken, yet binds the soul anew,  

    It grants rebirth—but at the price of innocence.</p>

    <p>Bring forth the essence that bridges death and dream,  

    That turns decay to breath and sorrow to flame.  

    Let its touch awaken what the stars have sealed,  

    But beware, for life unearned demands its due.</p>

    <p>Each drop poured unto His lips shall stir the heavens;  

    Each heartbeat reclaimed shall echo with the weight of ages.  

    Though His light may rise resplendent once more,  

    The shadows that linger shall hunger for their share.</p>

    <p>So nourish Him, ye faithful and afraid,  

    But weigh the mercy against the cost of remembrance.  

    For the Wells remember all that they heal,  

    And those who drink too deep may awaken never the same.</p>

  </div>

</body>

</html>

Fifth Version (The second to last tweak):

<!DOCTYPE html>

<html lang="en">

<head>

<meta charset="UTF-8">

<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">

<title>The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</title>

<style>

  @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Cinzel:wght@500&family=EB+Garamond&display=swap');

  body {

    margin: 0;

    padding: 0;

    background: radial-gradient(circle at top, #0a0a0a 0%, #000000 100%);

    color: #e6d8a3;

    font-family: 'EB Garamond', serif;

    display: flex;

    justify-content: center;

    align-items: center;

    min-height: 100vh;

    overflow-y: auto;

    scroll-behavior: smooth;

  }

  .container {

    position: relative;

    width: 90%;

    max-width: 800px;

    background: rgba(25, 20, 10, 0.4);

    padding: 60px 40px;

    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 215, 150, 0.3);

    border-radius: 15px;

    box-shadow: 0 0 60px rgba(255, 200, 100, 0.15), inset 0 0 20px rgba(255, 230, 180, 0.1);

    backdrop-filter: blur(8px);

    animation: glow 6s ease-in-out infinite alternate;

    z-index: 2;

    margin: 60px 0;

  }

  @keyframes glow {

    from { box-shadow: 0 0 60px rgba(255, 200, 100, 0.15); }

    to { box-shadow: 0 0 100px rgba(255, 220, 120, 0.25); }

  }

  h1 {

    font-family: 'Cinzel', serif;

    text-align: center;

    color: #f5e1a4;

    font-size: 2.4em;

    letter-spacing: 2px;

    text-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(255, 245, 200, 0.3);

    margin-bottom: 30px;

    opacity: 0;

    animation: fadeIn 2s ease forwards;

  }

  p {

    line-height: 1.8;

    font-size: 1.08em;

    text-align: justify;

    margin-bottom: 1em;

    text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(255, 240, 180, 0.1);

    opacity: 0;

    transform: translateY(10px);

    animation: fadeInText 1.6s ease forwards;

  }

  p:nth-of-type(1) { animation-delay: 1s; }

  p:nth-of-type(2) { animation-delay: 2.2s; }

  p:nth-of-type(3) { animation-delay: 3.4s; }

  p:nth-of-type(4) { animation-delay: 4.6s; }

  p:nth-of-type(5) { animation-delay: 5.8s; }

  p:nth-of-type(6) { animation-delay: 7s; }

  p:nth-of-type(7) { animation-delay: 8.2s; }

  p:nth-of-type(8) { animation-delay: 9.4s; }

  p:nth-of-type(9) { animation-delay: 10.6s; }

  p:nth-of-type(10) { animation-delay: 11.8s; }

  p:nth-of-type(11) { animation-delay: 13s; }

  p:nth-of-type(12) { animation-delay: 14.2s; }

  p:nth-of-type(13) { animation-delay: 15.4s; }

  p:nth-of-type(14) { animation-delay: 16.6s; }

  p:nth-of-type(15) { animation-delay: 17.8s; }

  p:nth-of-type(16) { animation-delay: 19s; }

  @keyframes fadeIn {

    to { opacity: 1; transform: none; }

  }

  @keyframes fadeInText {

    to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }

  }

  p:first-letter {

    font-size: 1.5em;

    color: #ffdf8f;

    font-family: 'Cinzel', serif;

    float: left;

    padding-right: 6px;

    text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(255, 220, 160, 0.4);

  }

  .mist {

    position: absolute;

    top: -100%;

    left: 0;

    width: 200%;

    height: 300%;

    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,255,255,0.04) 0%, rgba(0,0,0,0) 80%);

    animation: drift 60s linear infinite;

    filter: blur(40px);

    pointer-events: none;

    z-index: 1;

  }

  @keyframes drift {

    from { transform: translate(-30%, -30%) rotate(0deg); }

    to { transform: translate(30%, 30%) rotate(360deg); }

  }

  /* MOBILE OPTIMIZATION */

  @media (max-width: 768px) {

    .container {

      padding: 35px 25px;

      box-shadow: 0 0 30px rgba(255, 200, 120, 0.1), inset 0 0 10px rgba(255, 220, 160, 0.05);

    }

    h1 {

      font-size: 1.8em;

      letter-spacing: 1px;

      text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(255, 230, 180, 0.2);

    }

    p {

      font-size: 1.05em;

      line-height: 1.7;

      text-shadow: 0 0 5px rgba(255, 240, 180, 0.05);

    }

  }

  @media (max-width: 480px) {

    .container {

      padding: 25px 18px;

      border-radius: 10px;

    }

    h1 {

      font-size: 1.6em;

    }

    p {

      font-size: 1em;

      line-height: 1.6;

    }

  }

</style>

</head>

<body>

  <div class="container">

    <div class="mist"></div>

    <h1>The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</h1>

    <p>Lo, a Child shall be born of the Highest Divine Order,  

    And upon this weary world shall He bestow a fleeting grace.  

    From the empty womb of the Void is He fashioned,  

    Whose spirit was whispered into being by Truth itself.</p>

    <p>By the Breath of Life is He hallowed,  

    By the Hollow of Death is He anointed.  

    Neither of Heaven nor of Earth alone,  

    But of the boundless gulf between all that is and all that was not.</p>

    <p>The Will of the Stars shall wane before His fervour;  

    The foundations of Reality shall bend beneath His Might.  

    He shall walk amidst ruin as one crowned in sorrow,  

    Bearing the burdens of both saint and serpent alike.</p>

    <p>His Love shall encompass all—  

    Even the wretched and the wicked shall find shelter in His heart;  

    For He shall see in malice the echo of a wound unhealed,  

    And in sin the memory of grief unspoken.</p>

    <p>Yet let Treachery take heed,  

    For deceit shall find no refuge in His gaze.  

    Destruction shall devour itself before Him,  

    Lest its hollow meaning dissolve in shame.</p>

    <p>The Venom of the Old shall mingle with the New,  

    And from their strife shall rise a storm unending.  

    Empires shall quake, and thrones shall turn to dust,  

    For His power shall carve the path of the unshackled and the pure.</p>

    <p>But mark this well, O Children of Flesh—  

    The fate of all rests not in His hands, but in thine own.  

    Should the hearts of men embrace His Grace,  

    The dawn of a new Eden shall crown the Earth.</p>

    <p>Yet should they spurn His light and mock His mercy,  

    Then shall the heavens burn as scrolls in judgment,  

    And the rivers run red with remembrance.</p>

    <p>For from the Hollow of His Soul shall spring both Life and Ending,  

    And the world shall drink deeply of what it hath sown—  

    Be it the wine of salvation,  

    Or the poison of its pride.</p>

    <p>But lo—His Grace shall not waken by will alone,  

    Nor by the prayers of trembling lips.  

    For even the Divine must be nourished,  

    Lest the vessel of His power fall silent and still.</p>

    <p>Seek ye the Wells where the world’s lifeblood sleeps,  

    In caverns veiled by the sigh of ages.  

    There shall the Earth weep green as memory,  

    And the air hum with the song of unspent creation.</p>

    <p>Draw from that secret fountain only with reverence,  

    For its gift is two-edged as the blade of dawn.  

    It restores what was broken, yet binds the soul anew,  

    It grants rebirth—but at the price of innocence.</p>

    <p>Bring forth the essence that bridges death and dream,  

    That turns decay to breath and sorrow to flame.  

    Let its touch awaken what the stars have sealed,  

    But beware, for life unearned demands its due.</p>

    <p>Each drop poured unto His lips shall stir the heavens;  

    Each heartbeat reclaimed shall echo with the weight of ages.  

    Though His light may rise resplendent once more,  

    The shadows that linger shall hunger for their share.</p>

    <p>So nourish Hi

m, ye faithful and afraid,  

    But weigh the mercy against the cost of remembrance.  

    For the Wells remember all that they heal,  

    And those who drink too deep may awaken never the same.</p>

  </div>

</body>

</html>

FINAL VERSION (FINALLY):

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</title>
<style>
  @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Cinzel:wght@500&family=EB+Garamond&display=swap');

  body {
    margin: 0;
    padding: 0;
    background: radial-gradient(circle at top, #0a0a0a 0%, #000000 100%);
    color: #e6d8a3;
    font-family: 'EB Garamond', serif;
    display: flex;
    justify-content: center;
    align-items: center;
    min-height: 100vh;
    overflow-y: auto;
    scroll-behavior: smooth;
  }

  .container {
    position: relative;
    width: 90%;
    max-width: 800px;
    background: rgba(25, 20, 10, 0.4);
    padding: 60px 40px;
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 215, 150, 0.3);
    border-radius: 15px;
    box-shadow: 0 0 60px rgba(255, 200, 100, 0.15), inset 0 0 20px rgba(255, 230, 180, 0.1);
    backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
    animation: glow 6s ease-in-out infinite alternate;
    z-index: 2;
    margin: 60px 0;
  }

  @keyframes glow {
    from { box-shadow: 0 0 60px rgba(255, 200, 100, 0.15); }
    to { box-shadow: 0 0 100px rgba(255, 220, 120, 0.25); }
  }

  h1 {
    font-family: 'Cinzel', serif;
    text-align: center;
    color: #f5e1a4;
    font-size: 2.4em;
    letter-spacing: 2px;
    text-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(255, 245, 200, 0.3);
    margin-bottom: 30px;
    opacity: 0;
    animation: fadeIn 2s ease forwards;
  }

  p {
    line-height: 1.8;
    font-size: 1.08em;
    text-align: justify;
    margin-bottom: 1em;
    text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(255, 240, 180, 0.1);
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(10px);
    animation: fadeInText 1.6s ease forwards;
  }

  p:nth-of-type(1) { animation-delay: 1s; }
  p:nth-of-type(2) { animation-delay: 2.2s; }
  p:nth-of-type(3) { animation-delay: 3.4s; }
  p:nth-of-type(4) { animation-delay: 4.6s; }
  p:nth-of-type(5) { animation-delay: 5.8s; }
  p:nth-of-type(6) { animation-delay: 7s; }
  p:nth-of-type(7) { animation-delay: 8.2s; }
  p:nth-of-type(8) { animation-delay: 9.4s; }
  p:nth-of-type(9) { animation-delay: 10.6s; }
  p:nth-of-type(10) { animation-delay: 11.8s; }
  p:nth-of-type(11) { animation-delay: 13s; }
  p:nth-of-type(12) { animation-delay: 14.2s; }
  p:nth-of-type(13) { animation-delay: 15.4s; }
  p:nth-of-type(14) { animation-delay: 16.6s; }
  p:nth-of-type(15) { animation-delay: 17.8s; }
  p:nth-of-type(16) { animation-delay: 19s; }

  @keyframes fadeIn {
    to { opacity: 1; transform: none; }
  }

  @keyframes fadeInText {
    to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
  }

  p:first-letter {
    font-size: 1.5em;
    color: #ffdf8f;
    font-family: 'Cinzel', serif;
    float: left;
    padding-right: 6px;
    text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(255, 220, 160, 0.4);
  }

  /* MIST BACKGROUND */
  .mist {
    position: absolute;
    top: -100%;
    left: 0;
    width: 200%;
    height: 300%;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,255,255,0.04) 0%, rgba(0,0,0,0) 80%);
    animation: drift 60s linear infinite;
    filter: blur(40px);
    pointer-events: none;
    z-index: 1;
  }

  @keyframes drift {
    from { transform: translate(-30%, -30%) rotate(0deg); }
    to { transform: translate(30%, 30%) rotate(360deg); }
  }

  /* GOLDEN SHIMMER EFFECT (appears after fade-ins complete) */
  .mist::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 200%;
    height: 200%;
    background: conic-gradient(from 0deg, transparent, rgba(255, 223, 120, 0.25), transparent 50%);
    opacity: 0;
    animation: shimmer 10s ease-in-out infinite;
    animation-delay: 22s; /* begins after last paragraph fades in */
    pointer-events: none;
    mix-blend-mode: lighten;
    filter: blur(80px);
  }

  @keyframes shimmer {
    0%, 40% { opacity: 0; transform: rotate(0deg); }
    50% { opacity: 0.5; }
    100% { opacity: 0; transform: rotate(360deg); }
  }

  /* MOBILE OPTIMIZATION */
  @media (max-width: 768px) {
    .container {
      padding: 35px 25px;
      box-shadow: 0 0 30px rgba(255, 200, 120, 0.1), inset 0 0 10px rgba(255, 220, 160, 0.05);
    }
    h1 {
      font-size: 1.8em;
      letter-spacing: 1px;
      text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(255, 230, 180, 0.2);
    }
    p {
      font-size: 1.05em;
      line-height: 1.7;
      text-shadow: 0 0 5px rgba(255, 240, 180, 0.05);
    }
  }

  @media (max-width: 480px) {
    .container {
      padding: 25px 18px;
      border-radius: 10px;
    }
    h1 {
      font-size: 1.6em;
    }
    p {
      font-size: 1em;
      line-height: 1.6;
    }
  }
</style>
</head>
<body>
  <div class="container">
    <div class="mist"></div>
    <h1>The Prophecy of the Hollow Grace</h1>

    <p>Lo, a Child shall be born of the Highest Divine Order,  
    And upon this weary world shall He bestow a fleeting grace.  
    From the empty womb of the Void is He fashioned,  
    Whose spirit was whispered into being by Truth itself.</p>

    <p>By the Breath of Life is He hallowed,  
    By the Hollow of Death is He anointed.  
    Neither of Heaven nor of Earth alone,  
    But of the boundless gulf between all that is and all that was not.</p>

    <p>The Will of the Stars shall wane before His fervour;  
    The foundations of Reality shall bend beneath His Might.  
    He shall walk amidst ruin as one crowned in sorrow,  
    Bearing the burdens of both saint and serpent alike.</p>

    <p>His Love shall encompass all—  
    Even the wretched and the wicked shall find shelter in His heart;  
    For He shall see in malice the echo of a wound unhealed,  
    And in sin the memory of grief unspoken.</p>

    <p>Yet let Treachery take heed,  
    For deceit shall find no refuge in His gaze.  
    Destruction shall devour itself before Him,  
    Lest its hollow meaning dissolve in shame.</p>

    <p>The Venom of the Old shall mingle with the New,  
    And from their strife shall rise a storm unending.  
    Empires shall quake, and thrones shall turn to dust,  
    For His power shall carve the path of the unshackled and the pure.</p>

    <p>But mark this well, O Children of Flesh—  
    The fate of all rests not in His hands, but in thine own.  
    Should the hearts of men embrace His Grace,  
    The dawn of a new Eden shall crown the Earth.</p>

    <p>Yet should they spurn His light and mock His mercy,  
    Then shall the heavens burn as scrolls in judgment,  
    And the rivers run red with remembrance.</p>

    <p>For from the Hollow of His Soul shall spring both Life and Ending,  
    And the world shall drink deeply of what it hath sown—  
    Be it the wine of salvation,  
    Or the poison of its pride.</p>

    <p>But lo—His Grace shall not waken by will alone,  
    Nor by the prayers of trembling lips.  
    For even the Divine must be nourished,  
    Lest the vessel of His power fall silent and still.</p>

    <p>Seek ye the Wells where the world’s lifeblood sleeps,  
    In caverns veiled by the sigh of ages.  
    There shall the Earth weep green as memory,  
    And the air hum with the song of unspent creation.</p>

    <p>Draw from that secret fountain only with reverence,  
    For its gift is two-edged as the blade of dawn.  
    It restores what was broken, yet binds the soul anew,  
    It grants rebirth—but at the price of innocence.</p>

    <p>Bring forth the essence that bridges death and dream,  
    That turns decay to breath and sorrow to flame.  
    Let its touch awaken what the stars have sealed,  
    But beware, for life unearned demands its due.</p>

    <p>Each drop poured unto His lips shall stir the heavens;  
    Each heartbeat reclaimed shall echo with the weight of ages.  
    Though His light may rise resplendent once more,  
    The shadows that linger shall hunger for their share.</p>

    <p>So nourish Him, ye faithful and afraid,  
    But weigh the mercy against the cost of remembrance.  
    For the Wells remember all that they heal,  
    And those who drink too deep may awaken never the same.</p>
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Chapter Text

Hi there.... So uhm... 

BOO! *Brightly flashes you with a new work link* 

>https://archiveofourown.to/works/74565546/chapters/194707626<

pretty scary huh? Anyways... Enjoy the first chapter, I really enjoy exploring the possibilities of this title

Mwa mwa enjoyyy(⁠ʃ⁠ƪ⁠＾⁠3⁠＾⁠）

Chapter Text

GRAHHH!!

Happy 1.5k hits on Misgivings— Thank you so much everyone! REALLY proud at that milestone, especially since it's my first ever fic :D and even though the kudo to hit ratio may seem small, it isn't too bad for an obscure pairing!

And isn't kinda crazy to think that the Ratio would've been lower had I made this into a Podfic and uploaded in onto any streaming platform it would've Garnered wayyy less attention? Yeah. So I'm very happy and motivated by the interactions left by you guys <3 

I know I shouldn't expect anything big because this IS a self-indulgent fic, but a steady view growth during the first few months is very insane and new to me (⁠@⁠_⁠@⁠)

And I myself am guilty of only using Pairing tags to search ao3, which I admit limits most of the content I can browse and consume.

(Not my fault, okay? Sometimes I really feel overwhelmed from the amount of fics I scroll through if I do just gen tagging. Ahem... Though the JayVik tag will be an exception... Sad that JayMel isn't as popular as it should be—)

Anyways, so, I also admit that it's killing me not to update Misgivings. Like really hurting my soul.

Sometimes I just check the chapter and word count and think "Hmm it's really pissing me off that its been stagnant for a while", and it's all my fault. 

Spoilers on the future chapt— it's a view on Danny's side of chapter 6! The chapter will feature Mama Danny and Bubba Jon bonding (⁠｡⁠･⁠ω⁠･⁠｡⁠)

So why is it delayed? —I ask myself and the readers, genuinely confused.

It's cus my brain latched onto the fact that it's a new years chapter and our new years is just a month away. And my brain is literally hurting me if I don't wait for new years to upload it... Whenever I go to the draft of it and try to click the post button, I just immediately freeze and experience existential dread ong. Like "Why does it feel so wrong? What is this horrid feeling?" Typa soap opera inner monologue lmao.

But, In exchange, you get some updates on the new fic— yippe!

SO SO SO! HEAR YE, HEAR YE THE VERDICT OF THIS BLABBER MOUTH AUTHOR THATS PONDERING WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE ON THE SPECTRUM: The idea of uploading the New Year's chapter on New Year's really scratches my brain in the right way, but the wait hurts my soul. 

...

And that Aqualad will forever be the best Fish in the sea. Goodbye-ah. *Runs away from the imaginary absent crowd*