บท 39: Chapter 39 Four Questions. I'll Be Right Back
The Axiom.....
One hour Later
"So I've been....?" The voice was slightly trembling with a bit of shock and dread obvious within it.
The female felt like her mental faculties were about to go haywire.
"Yes Miss Zor-El". The tender, childish voice responded to her unfinished questions.
"You have been in a comatose state in a timeless void dimension for the past few years". The truth hurts... Deeply every so often.
Kara looked at the holographic projection with a hint of despair and sadness on her face. The palm holding the sofa that she sat on clenched forcefully.
Luckily, the furniture wasn't damaged or crushed as it would have been if it were normal.
Kara, still completely unaware of her vastly increasing strength, remained oblivious to this knowledge. Her mind was still trying to process the shock concerning the tragedy that had befallen her.
"So…. Krypton…. My parents….?" Kara felt like she had just gone through a nightmare. A nightmare she so desperately wished to wake up from.
".... Krypton has long ceased to exist for more than twenty-eight years now. As for Kryptonians..... only one more is publicly known to exist".
Alice continued indifferently. A burst of sadness overwhelmed the young kryptonian blonde. Her eyes were red and filled with tears, seemingly ready to burst into existence.
How long had it been? Well, it all seemed to happen overnight. Within that distorted period, she had lost everything.
Her parents promised that they would be right behind her..... But now….
Her home, her family, her planet, all gone. Presently, the blonde kryptonian felt a strong urge to cry her heart out.
The depression and sadness hit all at once, and she needed to find an outlet.
Soft sobs echoed in the room, and the Red Queen did not interrupt.
After a while.... The sobs subsided. Kara looked at the artificial intelligence with red eyes. She forcibly restrained her complex emotions, and her mind spun rapidly to determine her next course of action.
Although kryptonians weren't known to be a cold-blooded race, that didn't mean that their thought process was similar to humans. Rather, their whole planet operated on a social structure which followed a complex code of rationality and order. Their emotional outbursts were greatly subsided when compared to mankind.
So in a way, Kryptonians saw reality through the lenses of principles. This was clearly indicated in their actions of abandoning the natural process of childbirth and letting machines take its place.
Kara and her family were one of the rare cases whose thinking process differed from the rest of their race, but not by too much.
Unlike Superman, who was raised on Earth and practically had no kryptonian traits apart from his DNA and heritage, Kara's eighteen years on Krypton weren't meaningless.
At the critical moment, the inherent rational instinct kicked in, causing her to suppress her emotions. Right now, Krypton was destroyed, her parents were dead, and now she was on a foreign planet with no idea what was going to happen to her next.
As unlike in the original timeline, she didn't land in Gotham bay and attracted Batman's attention.... well, she still attracted Batman's attention, but there was a significant difference.
Similarly, Superman didn't appear to find out the cause of the disturbance upon her arrival, alongside the chaos that ensued because of it.
How could he? Even if Kara had landed in Gotham Bay, Clark wouldn't be able to appear at the moment. After all, he was still comatose when Supergirl arrived.
Apart from a select few or, more accurately, two..... No one knew she even existed.
"Wait.... You said there's one more? Another kryptonian?" Kara's eyes lit up with a bit of hope. From once thinking she was the last lineage of Krypton to suddenly realizing that she wasn't the only one, made her question with curiosity.
"Affirmative". The familiar holographic screens appeared, in which showed several videos, pictures, and information.
The picture of a male figure lifting a falling plane in the sky with his bare hands.
Videos of freezing burning buildings, stopping tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, press conferences, fighting villains, stopping invasions….
All of these holograms showed the face, figure, even the rough silhouette of the handsome man dressed in red and blue tights.
The written reports headline, the report videos, all of it was translated in Kryptonian.
Kara could accurately read and understand all the information she was seeing.
However, that exact fact left her in a bit of shock and disbelief. Especially when she looks at the picture at the center of all the holograms. Jet black hair, dazzling facial features, the sharp eyes that carried determination, firmness and a strong sense of awe-inspiring Justice.
The most eye-catching thing to her wasn't the magnificent feat of lifting such large objects disproportional to the body size or the varying abilities shown by the other party but the iconic, quite visibly large "S" logo on the chest area representing a house on Krypton she knew all too well.
The House of EL
".... Is that.....? Uncle Jor-El?" Looking at the somewhat familiar features of her uncle, Kara asked subconsciously with a bit of excitement.
Was uncle Jor-El still alive?
However, the headlines on the videos and written reports said otherwise.
"Not Jor-El, the son of Jor-El. His kryptonian name Kal-El of Krypton is lesser known and much less iconic than the identity publicly acknowledged by the Earth's masses. Superman... According to himself, is the last survivor of the kryptonian race".
"Kal-El?" The name was like a bolt of lightning in her mind, causing her disbelief to soar to the extreme.
"That's impossible.... I mean..... It can't be". Kara vehemently denied it as she shook her head.
"When I left Krypton, he was still an infant. The son of my uncle can't possibly be this old..."
Looking at the picture, Kara's words grew softer and softer. At this point, the clues could be seen clearly. The face that resembled her uncle was not only distinctively younger, but also had the features of someone else.
Aunt Lara.
"Perhaps so…." At that moment, a masculine voice sounded in the room, startling the young kryptonian.
Her eyes darted back and forth around the room and quickly settled on an area at the other end of the room towards her right.
There, the surrounding space swirled and distorted..... And a figure appeared out of it.
"But your cousin appeared on earth twenty-eight years ago as the infant you remember. You, however, have been trapped in the phantom zone for the same period of time".
"It's you!" Kara said with a slight frown on her features as she saw the face of the first person she encountered after her landing.
The fact that she had fallen unconscious at the other party's mere words left her with a subconscious bad impression.
"I guess so". Amari shrugged his shoulders indifferently while once again taking a good look at he kryptonian female. Unlike when he left almost two hours ago, Kara wasn't standing before him naked but fully clothed in regular attire.
Or at least, as regular as it could get.
She wore a black and white sweat shirt alongside form fitting female shorts
For an eighteen-year-old, she was surprisingly blessed with well-fitted assets in the right areas.
Feeling the gaze of the other party, Kara frowned a bit more. Her body gave off distinct signs to her brain as if the man opposite her could practically see through her clothing.
In truth, that was precisely what was happening. The only error in the logic was that he wasn't observing her due to her physical looks but due to her body structure.
The Kryptonian bloodline was truly a gift. Even after being drained of so much blood without even realizing it, Kara didn't give off the air of an anemia patient.
........
Kara's POV
If there was one word I could use to describe my feelings right now, it would undoubtedly be chaotic.
Now this stranger had arrived, leaving me much more unsettled. Looking at his face which held..... Surprisingly, gorgeous features.... possibly too gorgeous..... My wariness unknowingly decreased by several notches.
Nevertheless, that didn't mean much at the moment.
"I'll take it from here, Alice". He said to the holographic AI. The AI didn't disappear, but no more words were uttered.
And then.... He dropped backward, and fell into a heavenly plush chair that hadn't existed a second ago.
Seeing this scene, I raised an eyebrow.
"You must have a lot of questions". He was correct. I did have numerous things to ask.
"With everything that's happened to you, you probably feel extremely unsettled". Now, that was rather moderate.
At the moment, I was terrified. The sadness and loss that stemmed from the destruction of all I held dear combined to give life to the dark, crippling fear within I was currently experiencing.
Nevertheless, My facial expressions gave no hint of it. A stone-cold look was portrayed on my face as I tried to mask my inner emotions as best I could.
I couldn't show fear, I couldn't show vulnerability. Right now, what I needed most was to understand my situation and keep my composure as best as possible.
Too bad, someone wasn't buying it.
"Four Questions". He suddenly said two words.
"Huh?" My mind went blank for a second.
"Well sorry to say, but I don't have the time nor the desire to completely fill up your curiosities. So you get four questions worth of my time. I will answer those four questions as comprehensively as I can. So go on... Ask away".
He made a gesture to me as he relaxed into the chair.
Silence reigned for a few seconds, and Amari didn't interrupt.
I looked at the lazy figure reclining on the chair with his eyes closed and was inwardly...... Speechless.
"Where is Kal-El?" Finally, My cold voice broke the silent atmosphere.
I looked at the man opposite me, who looked the same as usual. His expression seemed to say that he had expected that to be the first thing i asked of.
"Your cousin, Superman, is currently indisposed of just so you know. As for his location... He's currently in the Justice League watchtower above this planet's orbit".
He replied to me in simple words.
"... Superman?"
"You haven't caught on yet? Yes, Superman, Kal-El's alter ego in this world".
He said blankly.
"Kal-El, the last son of Krypton. You already know your origins, so I don't have to explain that part. Both of you were supposed to arrive at Earth within the same period. However, When you were sent away from Krypton, the shockwave from the planet's destruction knocked your Pod off course, sending you into the phantom zone. A void where time has no concept. And while you slumbered, your cousin arrived at Earth twenty-eight years ahead of you on schedule and became Superman. Publicly acknowledged as the most powerful being on the planet".
His words were supplemented by the holographic pictures and videos that appeared earlier.
I looked at it all with a bit of disbelief in my eyes.
"But... How?" I asked doubtfully.
"Kryptonian physiology". The reply came to me with a leisure tone.
"The cells of your race are relatively special and would react differently under different solar conditions. The Red Sun of your planet, Krypton, could be thought of as a limiter on the genes of Kryptonians.
Under it, your physical abilities are set to normal. Superior to the average human beings on this planet, although not by much. However, under a yellow sun like the one this solar system possesses, it becomes a thoroughly different story".
"Enhanced strength, Enhanced Speed, Invulnerable physique, Enhanced senses, Heat vision, Freeze breath, flight, biological force field. Your kind would transform from the average Joe to human shaped monsters with powers far surpassing what many races can achieve".
"Your cousin has been on Earth for the past twenty-eight years, absorbing Solar radiation from the yellow sun, making him ridiculously powerful. Somewhere along the lines, he became who the humans of this world know as Superman. A hero, a champion of their world that many idolize and adore. Alongside a group of extraordinary people similar with abilities of their own, they have defended this world from numerous threats. And about a month ago, Kal-El faced another one. The key being that he didn't come out completely unscathed this time, hence his current indisposed state".
Listening to the large amount of information being fed to me, I felt a bit overwhelmed. But then something clicked in my mind.
"That means....."
"Yes, that's what's happening to you. The radiation from the yellow sun is currently making your genes undergo tremendous changes. Hence, giving you abilities that you are in no way familiar with. Due to the little amount of time you have been here, the abilities you have access to are limited. Although you will be nowhere near as powerful as Kal-El in a short period of time, you should activate your full capabilities after a week of sunbathing at most".
His words once again cut me off before I could finish. Honestly, it got on my nerves a little.
Nevertheless, that had answered the doubts I had concerning what was happening to me.
Ever since I woke up, my body seemed to be....... full of strength. So much strength.
"Last Question". He said again with a leisure tone.
"Huh?" I was stunned. Why did it suddenly become the last question? I had only asked one so far.
"I....."
"...... Have currently asked three questions. Kal-El's condition, Kal'El's strength and your current physical condition. Three questions in all. Last one, if you will".
My mouth hung open in disbelief. Did those count as questions? Why the hell didn't you tell me?
I took a deep breath, calming the brewing frustration in my heart. With both hands massaging my temples, I thought long and hard about what to ask for my last question.
After a while, I raised my head up to look at his face, still sporting that nonchalant look, and drew in a breath.
"..... What do you want with me?"
........
General POV
Amari watched nonchalantly as she rubbed her temples with her fingertips. And then...
"..... What do you want with me?"
The question was expected. Still....
"You mean?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
Kara frowned slightly. Was he playing dumb?
"Now that I'm here, what do you want with me?" She asked in a cold tone.
"Judging from your words, you know who I am, where I'm from and the origin of my arrival. I don't believe that you have no ulterior motives. And I doubt you will allow me to leave this place".
Kara said word by word.
She had figured this out the moment the AI uttered her name and explained what had happened to her. Some things which she didn't even know herself. This Information was clearly impossible for others to obtain.
The truth concerning Kal-El's situation was questionable to a certain extent. However, Kara was sure that whoever this man was, he knew she was coming.
This alone left her quite startled, but now was not the time to ponder how it was possible. She wasn't a naive little girl who would think that others were subconsciously good-natured. This man opposite her definitely had some unknown intentions.
If what he said concerning her cousin was true, then was he planning on using her against her cousin? Was he one of Kal-El's enemies?
Various thoughts filtered brought her mind.
"... Honestly, you're thinking too much". Hearing her words, Amari shook his head.
"I have no desire to keep you here any more than you want to stay. Just say the word, and you can leave whenever you want".
His words left the blonde dumbfounded.
She subconsciously thought that he was being sarcastic. But she couldn't see any trace of sarcasm on his face.
After a while, she asked in doubt.
"You aren't kidding?"
"Just say the word whenever you want.The Red Queen will teleport you to the other side of the dome immediately.....". Amari answered casually.
Kara looked a bit sluggish. Was she truly misunderstanding things here? Or would she be teleported into some kind of death chamber as soon as she said the words?
A deep frown was etched into her face as she scrutinized the expression of the other party for a long time. Finally... she gave up. The latter's expression didn't change one bit.
"..... So you don't have any ulterior motives towards me?" Kara couldn't help but ask doubtfully.
"Not anymore. I already have what I want". Amari shrugged.
"And what would that be?"
"The genes within your blood. Kara, you're truly thinking too much. I have no desire to keep you here to use as some kind of leverage against your cousin. Honestly, he isn't qualified to let me do so". Kara's heart shook, and then the frown on her face intensified.
Her blood?
"That however doesn't mean someone else won't". Suddenly, his voice turned solemn, shaking her awake from the numerous thoughts in her head.
"What do you mean by that?" Kara asked with a bit of urgency. For some reason, she had a sense of unease at his tone.
Amari looked at her calmly and replied.
"My situation is a bit special. To put it in simple terms, this base of mine is under strict supervision by many forces on this planet. The enemies of your cousin and his little hero group constitute the majority of them".
Kara listened to his words. She swore that she could see amusement within his eyes.
"The recent arrival of your spaceship drew their attention even more so. They don't dare to come in and ask directly, of course, so no one knows of your existence on this planet apart from me".
"That however, will change the moment you step outside my territory".
His lips turned upward slightly.
"You can leave if you seek to locate your cousin, Kal-El. If you're lucky, The Justice League might discover you before anyone else and after going through a series of identity checks, a lot of suspicion, and training to let you have control of your currently uncontrollable abilities, you will reunite with your long-lost cousin".
"If you aren't, someone else will come to capture you the moment you are five miles away from the energy shield. As for what they will do to you..... well, let's just say it won't be anything good".
Amari finished while thoroughly observing the expression of the blonde female, whose face was changing faster than a New York minute.
The amusement on his features were extremely obvious without the slightest intent to conceal it.
Kara at this moment was truly frightened. She looked at Amari's expression and there it was.
It was practically written all over his face. He was enjoying her predicament.
"Don't believe me?" He raised an eyebrow in question.
"I can show you". Then, his eyes aligned straight with hers. The next moment, for Kara, everything went dark.
Barely a second passed by and Kara who was still normal a second ago had her expression distort. A feeling of weakness hit her which she couldn't explain, and she clasped her forehead.
Mental exhaustion.
Amari still looked the same, while Kara's face was a bit pale.
"Those were some of the most likely possibilities. I don't think you want to see more".
Saying that, he looked at her intently, startling the kryptonian a bit.
"I've taken something from you, and it's my principle to always offer an equal exchange. I caused your ship to appear in my base so until the moment you decide to leave, I will be fully responsible for your well-being...." Amari wanted to say more, but at that moment, there was a timely interruption.
"Forgive my interruption, master, but there's something you should know". Alice said.
"Oh, what's it this time?"
"General Lane has a message. Batman wants to meet with you".
"Huh?" Amari exclaimed in slight surprise. He raised his head for a split second, staring at nothing but air, before a smirk appeared on his face.
A chuckle escaped from his lips before turning into full-blown laughter.
Kara, who had regained herself, looked at Amari who was laughing a bit wildly and surprise appeared on her face.
The next moment, Amari turned his head to face her.
"Hold on for a minute, I'll be right back".
Then, he disappeared from his seat, and so did the seat.
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