DC comics: The end of Superman.

Chapter one:

The rain bulleted down from the storm clouds above, onto the ruined remains of Metropolis. The earth was cracked, the skyscrapers twisted, their windows shattered, and cars were littered everywhere, as if they had been thrown.

The citizens of this once great city walked through the remains, seething trying to reach a single point. However, their access was barred by police cars, tape and barricades.

Within the barricades was an area of 20 feet, the centre of which was caved in. The source of this destruction seemed to be a man, lying within the crater. He was dressed in a custome of red and blue, with an emblem containing the letter S upon his muscled chest.

The man's name was Kal-El, and he was the last son of the alien world Krypton. However, upon Earth, he was known by another name Superman, the Man of Steel. This name was due to this alien man's strange and vast array of superpowers super strength, invulnerability, flight, heat vision, super speed, and ice breath.

These powers made Superman both feared and adored, but he always strived to use his powers to help those in need, and to protect not only the city of Metropolis, but the world. This was a mammoth task, and a heavy burden, but it was one that Superman was always willing to take on... until today.

As he lay still in the crater, his custome torn, his skin pale and bruised, the civilians who managed to get a look at him and knew the truth of the situation. They knew that the great battle that had occurred minutes before would be Superman's last.

They new that Superman was dead.

Overhead, news station helicopters tried to get a proper view of the scene, of not only the crude, tomb like crater in which Superman lay, but also of the woman knelt by his side, silent in her mourning.

This woman, too, was not like the civilians around her. She wore enchanted armor, with metallic bracelets, a tiara and knee high boots. Her raven hair clung to her face in the rain, which mingled with her tears.

This woman was one of Superman's closest friend's, and one whom with he had fought alongside many times. This was because she too was blessed with the powers of super strength, invulnerability, and flight.

Her name was Princess Diana of Themyscria, and she was the champion of the Amazons. However, she was known by the public by another name Wonder Woman.

How?...

Her voice soft and broken, as her eyes focused themselves onto the body of her fallen friend.

How could this happen, Kal? How could you do this? Asked Princess Diana of Themyscria.

Let me through! Let me through!

Diana was distracted by the screams of a woman in the crowd of civilians. It was a voice she instantly recognized.

Let her through! She yelled out to the police officers surrounding the barricades.

Moments later, a woman dressed in a suit and skirt made her way past the barricades. She ran towards the crater, but stopped a few feet away. Her eyes widened in shock, and she gasped softly as she stared down at the body.

No... no, it can't be... Said Lois Lane.

I sorry Miss Lane... said Diana solemnly.

Lois Lane collapsed beside the crater, shaking her head as she stared down at the body. It was as if she was trying to tell herself that her eyes were lying, that Superman couldn't possibly be dead.

He... he can't be dead... it's Superman, for God's sake... he can't be dead. Said Lois Lane.

Lois... Replied Diana.

No! Said Lois loudly, looking up at Diana. Don't say anything! Don't you say anything! He is not dead, do you hear me? He is not dead! Replied Lois Lane.

Diana stared into Lois eyes, and Lois could see the tears running down Diana's face. All of a sudden, she could feel the tears forming in her eyes, and, as she looked down at the body, she began to sob.

No... not him... not my Superman. Said Lois Lane.

She then collapsed onto Superman's chest, burying her face in her arms as she sobbed uncontrollably. Diana wanted to place a hand upon her arm, to help console her, but believing it to be a pointless action, she crossed her arms and bowed her head.

I had to see it for myself...

Diana looked as she heard another familiar voice. However, while she held some form of affection for Lois, this voice filled her with nothing but hatred and contempt. Seeing the bald, sneering man to which the voice belonged only intensified these emotions.

You! Said Diana.

She rose to her feet, still staring at the man.

You have the audacity to come here and... Said Diana.

Audacity? Said Lex Luthor, still smirking. I know he was your friend, Wonder Woman, but the only audacity here is that there are still those who would mourn the passing of this monster. Replied Lex Luthor.

How dare you! Said Lois Lane.

Diana turned to see Lois march towards Luthor. As she reached him, she slapped across the face with all of her strength, causing Luthor to stumble back slightly.

How dare you stand there and preach, when it's your fault he's dead! You killed him! Said Lois Lane.

I don't deny that, Lois, but I was only acting for the good of this city. Said Lex Luthor calmly, rubbing his face.

You pretentious, arrogant, son of a...! Replied Lois Lane.

She made to smack him again, but Wonder Woman threw her arm out to stop her.

That won't help, Miss Lane, she said.

Yes, you should listen to your friend, Miss Lane, said Lex Luthor. After all, you wouldn't want the Daily Planet to run a story about you supporting public enemy number 1. Replied Lex Luthor.

Superman is no monster! Exclaimed Lois Lane.

Is? Don't you mean was? Asked Lex Luthor.

Again, Diana had to restrain Lois Lane from striking Lex Luthor, who laughed heartedly. He threw his arms out, as he raised his voice for all to hear.

Look around you, Lois! Look at all these people! They were all here, they saw their beloved superhero attempt to tear this great city apart! Had I and my friends not intervened, we would all surely be dead! Said Lex Luthor.

And I'm sure it was so difficult for you to intervene, wasn't it? Lois Lane asked him.

I would be lying if I said I didn't take great pleasure in seeing him die, but the point is... he was the enemy here, Lois, not me! Said Lex Luthor.

I don't care what you say, Luthor. Said Lois Lane, her voice breaking. I know you had something to do with why Superman went rogue, and I won't rest until you pay for what you've done! Replied Lois Lane.

I believe Miss Lane is getting hysterical! Yelled Lex Luthor. Would someone please care to escort her somewhere more comfortable? Said Lex Luthor.

At his word, two officers crossed the barricade and began to approach the others.

This isn't over Lex! Said Lois Lane. I will expose you... one way or another!

I'm sure... said Lex Luthor, raising an eyebrow.

Just then, the officers reached them, but before Lois Lane conceded, she turned to Diana.

You know he's innocent, don't you, Wonder Woman? You agree with me? Said Lois Lane.

Diana looked at her silently, unsure of what to say.

You... you do believe he's innocent... right? Replied Lois Lane.

I think you should go with these officers, and get some rest, said Diana.

No. Replied Lois Lane.

C'mon, Miss Lane, let's go. Said the officers.

You can't side with him! Lois Lane yelled. It wasn't Superman's fault!

C'mon Miss Lane! Said one of the officers. We need to clear this scene!

He was your friend, Diana! Said Lois Lane angrily. He was your friend!

Eventually, the officers managed to force Lois Lane past the barricades and through the crowd.