Supergirl: Strange New World (DC Comics)

Kara Zor-El was meant to arrive on Earth as a protector, a guide to her baby cousin Kal-El. Instead, a cosmic accident left her stranded in stasis, delaying her arrival by decades. Now, she's here, on an alien planet where her cousin has already grown into the world's greatest hero, where everything from the language to the culture feels impossibly foreign, and where she, a trained scientist of Krypton, is expected to follow in her cousin's footsteps and protect the planet.

This is a story that follows Kara's journey as she navigates the chaos of human society, struggling with idioms that make no sense, bizarre social customs, and the ever-present confusion of being an alien on Earth.

The air still smelled of burning rubber and spilled gasoline. Flashing red and blue lights painted the city streets as paramedics tended to shaken survivors. What should have been a devastating crash, a pile-up involving a jackknifed truck and three cars, had miraculously ended with zero fatalities.

Because of her.

The young woman in blue and red stood awkwardly at the edge of the scene, shifting on her feet as people stole glances her way. Whispers spread through the small crowd.

"Did you see her lift that truck?"
"She's got the Superman symbol!"
"Is she his sister? His daughter?"
"Supergirl…"

Kara Zor-El ignored them, eyes downcast as she fiddled with the sleeves of her suit. It was the same outfit she had worn the day she arrived on Earth, the last parting gift from her father and a relic of her lost homeworld. It was made specifically for her, fit to her measurements, dyed in the colours of her family and adorned with the symbol of her Kryptonian House.

Back home, she would've worn it with pride. Did wear it with pride. It was customary for all citizens to wear the colours of their houses. But here, on Earth, it served as a reminder of just how alien she was.

The culture was different. The fashion was different. People on earth didn't dress as brightly, most of them anyway. The designs were more varied, less tailored to the wearer, and interchangeable. It felt like humans could own a hundred different outfits without repeating a single one. Yet at the same time, there were unspoken rules for how you were supposed to dress.

No one wore capes. That was reserved for the meta-human class apparently and it made Kara stick out before she even learned to fly. And while the cape caught her some odd looks, it didn't seem to break any social taboos. Unlike her unitard...

The suit left the majority of her thighs exposed. Kara had never considered her outfit as risqué in any sense of the word, it was the style worn by every member of the Science Guild. All genders in the guild wore this style of suit. But here on Earth, it was yet another cultural taboo.

It confused her to no end. Humans wore similar attire when swimming, yet when worn on land seemed to provoke a negative reaction from most. It also seemed to be considered as an effeminate attire, but seeing as she was a woman, there shouldn't be a problem, right?

Yet here she was. Feeling self-conscious in an outfit that had once been so normal for her.

However, the biggest cultural difference when it came to wearing her Kryptonian suit, wasn't the colour, the cape or the lack of conformity to human fashion. No, the biggest taboo was the symbol of her family.

On Krypton, the House of El was a respected and honoured family. But also one of many respected and honoured families. People in certain circles occasionally treated her with undue respect simply because of her family name, the rest of the population simply thought of her family as a group of respectable scientists, nothing more.

Here on Earth though, her house had a far different reputation.

The people looked at Kara with awe, wonder and hope in their eyes. They stared at her like she was the living embodiment of Rao himself. Bestowing her with a name and a title, that she didn't want or feel worthy of.

Supergirl.

She'd only been on Earth for a handful of weeks and had done little more than fly around some cities with her cousin. This was the first time she'd had to put her powers to good use. And, if she was being honest, she was a bit scared.

It had all happened so fast. Kal was giving her another joint language and flying lesson when his communication device beeped. Something about a league emergency. He apologised and took off in the blink of an eye, leaving her to find a way back to Smallville. However, Kara got lost.

She was still learning the layout of the planet and where each continent was located. She'd managed to work out where America was, and after a brief flight across the coastline, found her way to Metropolis. From there, she knew the direction back and would've gotten back to the farm safely had a truck not veered off the road of a very busy highway.

Without a second thought, she'd reacted. Using the powers that were still as foreign to her as they were to the humans she'd saved. Perhaps more so, considering the city.

Now, here she was, standing at the edge of the scene, unsure what to do with herself.

It wasn't her first time in the city, she'd watched Kal help several people here. But it was her first time being here alone and on the ground. People kept staring at her, taking pictures with their communicators and whispering. She felt completely out of place.

She hadn't wanted to talk to anyone. Not yet. She was still trying to get the hang of speaking English. Her Kryptonian accent was thick and she had noticed that people often found it difficult to understand her. The humans in Smallville were polite and patient enough, especially the Kents, who were doing everything they could to help her adjust. But here, in a big city, and after her first rescue, she felt overwhelmed.

The people she saved offered their thanks. Some of them spoke too fast for her to understand. Then came the authorities, who attempted to question her about the incident. The man who first approached her started asking her questions, but his accent was odd compared to those she had encountered in Smallville and he kept using words she didn't understand.

It took some time to realise they were asking her to turn the truck over and open up traffic. Something Kara felt stupid for not realising sooner. She was grateful when the authority man gave her a thumbs up, a gesture that coincidentally meant the same thing back on Krypton.

Kara was also grateful that the authorities kept the local populace back. It was difficult enough to make herself understood. The thought of trying to answer the barrage of questions people had about her was overwhelming.

That didn't appear to stop one woman from approaching. Kara was unsure if the woman worked with the authorities or not, she wasn't wearing a uniform. She moved with sharp confidence, pressing forward like she belonged anywhere she set foot and didn't seem the type to take no for an answer.

"Hey there," The woman greeted smoothly, flashing a laminated badge that Kara couldn't read. "Lois Lane, Daily Planet."

Kara straightened at the name. Kal had mentioned her. Kal lived a human life, with a human name. And most other humans didn't know about his alter-ego. Kara didn't know how much this Lois woman knew about her cousin, or her for that matter, but she did know that Lois was one of the few people he trusted. But still… talking was hard.

Lois, noting the girl's hesitation, softened her approach. "I'm not here to interrogate you. I just want to ask a few questions."

Kara wasn't sure what a terror gate was, but it sounded bad. She nodded, trying not to appear as anxious as she felt. Lois gestured vaguely at the red-and-yellow crest on Kara's chest.

"So, it's pretty obvious by now that you bear some relation to Superman," Lois started gently. "We've seen you flying with him for the last couple of days. However, he's been vague on the details. Tell me, in your own words. Who are you? And what exactly is your relation to Superman?"

Kara exhaled. She could do this. English. Small words. No nervous babbling.

She lifted her chin. "I am Kara Zor-El. I am…" She paused, searching for the right phrase. "Kal-El's... uh. Cousin?" The Kents had used the word a few times.

Lois's pen scratched across her notepad. "Superman's cousin? I see. Fascinating. From Krypton I assume?"

The word caught her off guard. A small stab of pain twisted in her chest. Kara blinked it away before she could dwell on it.

"Yes," She said, betraying none of her inner turmoil.

"According to Superman, his home planet was destroyed over thirty years ago?" Lois went on, looking at her curiously. "How is it that you've only just arrived? Is there a chance the destruction of Krypton was less... total than he was led to believe? And are more of you on the way?"

Kara's mind flashed with images. A red sun rising above a devastated wasteland. An empty sky filled with the dying cries of her people. Her home, her world, reduced to rubble.

She shook her head. Focusing on translating the question.

"No," Kara said sombrely. "No more Krypton. Only us..." Lois gave her a sympathetic look, with a small twinge of guilt. Kara was grateful for the silence that followed. "And uh," Kara went on, eager to change the subject. "My ship get caught in a... a? Um?..." Her hands gestured aimlessly, struggling for the word, then pointed up into the sky.

Lois followed her hand. "A cloud?"

"Yes!" Kara brightened, nodding enthusiastically. "A cloud. In space, hold ship. Slow down very much. I land only recently."

"Right," Lois said, jotting down a note. "That must be why we haven't seen you until now. So, you grew up on Kypt-" She cut herself off, catching the flinch in Kara's expression. "-uh. Never mind, we don't have to talk about that," She flipped through her notepad, looking for a safer topic. "What can you tell me about the scene that happened here? Is this your debut as Supergirl? Can we expect more heroics in the future?"

"Heroic?" Kara's brow creased, unsure of the word. She shook her head. "I'm not... Hero? I close by. So I help. Stop people hurting."

"Sound's pretty heroic to me," Lois said, tapping her pen. "Glad to know that being a big blue boy scout, or girl scout as the case may be, is a family trait. I'm sure the citizens of Metropolis will be glad to know that we're in good hands."

"Girl scout?" Kara asked, confused.

At that, Lois arched an eyebrow and gave the girl a once-over. "Actually, speaking on which. You look young. Like, really young. Not a kid, but... How old are you?"

Kara could see the slight judgement in the reporter's expression and suddenly felt self-conscious again. She shifted nervously, feeling the need to defend herself. She wasn't a child, despite what Kal and the Kent's thought. She was an adult. The suit she wore proved it.

Only upon reaching adulthood would a Kryptonian receive their suit and be allowed to wear the sigil of their house. And while Kara was young, only a few months into her adulthood before Krypton's destruction, she could proudly state she was the mature age of-

"Twelve!" Kara declared, puffing up her chest with pride.

Lois froze. The pen stopped moving. A beat of silence stretched between them.

"I'm sorry, what?" Lois's eyebrows lifted in disbelief.

"I am twelve!" Kara repeated, nodding proudly.

Lois blinked. Then blinked again. Then looked over at the totalled cars, at the girl who had ripped open doors with her bare hands, lifted a whole truck, and carried two injured people at once without breaking a sweat, and then looked back at Kara, who was still standing tall with pride.

A paramedic nearby audibly choked. Someone else whispered, "Oh my God, a child just bench-pressed a semi."

Kara's defiant pride faltered slightly at the stunned look on the woman's face. She'd just broken another cultural taboo, hadn't she?

Lois's mouth opened. Then closed. Then opened again. "You're twelve years old?" She gestured back to Kara's body, the height alone being an argument. "Do Kryptonians age differently or something? I would've guessed you were closer to twenty."

Kara wasn't sure if she was being insulted or not. She didn't look Twenty! She was younger than the reporter and Lois didn't look a day over seventeen-

"Ah," Kara said, realising her mistake. "Sorry. I still learning human language. Earth maths is... different," Kara waved a hand, trying to find the word. "Different counting?"

Lois pondered it for a moment, confused at first, then slowly understanding. "Right. You mean twelve in Kryptonian years, not Earth years."

"Yes." Kara nodded, relieved. "Earth years small. Krypton years big."

Lois's pen was at work again. "Interesting. So, any idea how old you are in Earth years?"

Kara tilted her head, thinking. There were several conversions she had to do in her head. Her brain wasn't quite used to Earth's math. Seconds were the same, but minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years were completely different. And then there was the fact that humans didn't even have tridents, which was a measurement that sat between hours and days.

Sixty-four seconds to a minute, sixty-four minutes to an hour, six hours to a trident, three tridents to a day, four days to a week, eight weeks to a month, seventeen months and two days to a year, excluding leap years every five years. Converting to human measurements would be faster if she had her old computer, but a quick calculation and a bit of estimation would be enough.

"Nineteen," She answered. Pausing briefly before waving her hand around. Eighteen to nineteen. Close enough.

"That makes more sense," Lois said, nodding as she wrote. "Still a little on the young side, but better. We've had teens with powers before, so the public will accept it easier."

"Teen?" Kara asked.

"Someone between the ages of thirteen and eighteen," Lois explained, tapping her pen against her chin. "Not a child, but not quite an adult."

Kara wasn't sure she approved of that. Human culture was confusing. You were either a child or an adult, why did they have a middle ground?

"So," Lois continued. "If you're twelve, how old is Superman?" Lois smirked like she was setting up a trap.

Kara did another quick calculation. It was easier now that she'd already done it once.

"Seventeen?" Kara frowned. It still felt weird to her, knowing that her younger cousin was actually older now. "But Kal was just baby when I left. So Wait. Maybe that make me... Twenty-nine?..." Her frown doubled down. She wasn't sure if she should count her chronological age or just her biological age. Space travel was confusing. "No, no. Too confusing. I am twelve. And half. Or uh. Nineteen. Yes."

Lois chuckled, shaking her head. "Yeah, that does sound a little confusing." She clicked her pen closed, offering Kara a reassuring smile. "Well, I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me. I can tell you're still adjusting, so I won't keep you much longer." She tucked her notepad away and gave Kara a considering look. "But I'd love to sit down for a real interview once you're more settled in. The people of Metropolis are going to have a lot of questions about their new hero."

Kara shifted on her feet, uncertain. "Hero? I don't know…" She glanced at the people still gathered near the wreckage, some still staring at her in awe. "I… help, but…"

Lois nodded, as if she understood. "Well, if you ever want to talk, about that or anything else, just find me at the Daily Planet. Or, y'know, you could just land on my balcony. Superman does it all the time."

Kara managed a small smile at that. "Kal said you are… nice lady."

Lois smirked. "Did he now? I'll have to remind him of that next time he gives me a hard time."

Kara gave her a small nod, then glanced up at the sky, ready to leave. The attention was starting to overwhelm her again, and the conversation had taken more energy than she expected. Without another word, she lifted off the ground, rising effortlessly above the street. A few people gasped and pointed, but Kara barely noticed as she took off into the sky.

A few minutes later, she found Kal hovering above the Metropolis skyline, arms crossed as he watched the city below. He turned at the sound of her approach, offering a small, apologetic smile. "Hey. Sorry about earlier. There was a League situation."

Kara nodded, landing beside him. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah. Just one of those 'minor nuclear reactor meltdown' things," He said lightly, but his expression was tired. Then his eyes flicked over her curiously. "What about you? You get into anything while I was gone?"

Kara thought about the accident, the rescue, and the strange but kind woman with the notepad. She thought about how people had looked at her, whispered about her, given her a name she wasn't sure she wanted.

She exhaled and gave Kal a small, thoughtful smile.

"I had a nice conversation."

The sky burned as Kara plummeted toward Earth, her escape pod a streak of fire and fury. The impact sent a shockwave through the frozen tundra, ice and snow erupting into the air. She gasped, stumbling from the wreckage, her limbs aching, her breath ragged. The world around her was alien, harsh, cold and filled with voices barking in a language she didn't recognise.

Disoriented, her mind reeled. Krypton was gone. Just hours ago, she had seen the planet erupt in a cataclysm of fire. Her mother's voice, telling her to find Kal-El, still echoed in her ears. And now, this? This strange, grey sky, this unfamiliar ground?

Bipedal aliens circled her, Kryptonian in shape but clad in uniforms she didn't recognise. Their shouts turned to alarm as she rose to her feet, stronger, faster than before. Her senses sharpened unnaturally. Heat pulsed behind her eyes. One man stepped too close, raising something, a weapon? She reacted instinctively, shoving him back with more force than intended. He flew several feet through the air, crashing into the snow.

Then, a figure descended from the sky.

The mere fact that a man was flying would've been enough to give Kara pause. But that was only the second most shocking thing about him. He was tall, clad in blue and red, bearing the symbol of the House of El on his chest. Her house. Kryptonian.

Kara blinked. It couldn't be.

"Kal-El?" She asked out in disbelief. The man reacted to the name, eyes widening before a smile broke over his features.

"Zdrast-vuy-tye. Ya…" He said, in broken Kryptonian. "I mean- You. Are safe. With me." His words eventually matched an approximation of Kryptonian. However, it sounded stiff, unfamiliar and unnatural. It came slowly, as though retrieved from old memory banks. "You must be Kara?"

Kara nodded. A moment later, he was embracing her.

"My- cousin," He continued, struggling to find the right words. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you."

She stared at him, her heart pounding. This was Kal-El? Her baby cousin, the one she was meant to protect? But he was grown, a fully grown man. It didn't make sense. Also, he could fly?

"I- I don't understand." She shook her head.

"It's okay." He smiled a warm, genuine smile. "It's okay. I'll explain everything," He broke the hug, floating a few inches above the ground, before reaching out his hand. "But first, we need to get you away from here."

She took it, and he pulled her upwards into the sky.

Away from the snow and ice, a new world emerged. So many new sounds and smells, colours, sensations. It was overwhelming. Kal-El explained the power of the Earth's yellow sun, the gifts it had bestowed upon them. His place among humanity, his life as Superman and his childhood with a human family.

His friends, a league of justice, identified Kara's ship several days ago and traced her journey from Krypton. Kal-El's appearance was not by chance. They predicted her trajectory, to a sizable probability, and sent him out to find her.

As they soared above the clouds, Kara's mind swam with the sheer impossibility of it all. The weightlessness, the wind rushing past her, the distant glow of city lights, everything was new, strange, exhilarating.

But beneath the awe, something dark and heavy stirred.

Kara's hands trembled as she clung to Kal-El's, her cousin, yet not the child she had been sent to protect. He was a man now, a legend among these people, while she had just left Krypton behind. The memories were still raw, the fire, the screams, her mother's face as she was cast into the void.

Time had betrayed her. Krypton was gone. Her family, her friends. Everything she had ever known. And yet, the universe kept turning. Kal-El had lived an entire lifetime without her, while she was trapped in the past, still reeling from a loss he had already accepted.

The weight of it all crushed her. She swallowed hard, her voice barely a whisper. "Everything is gone."

Kal-El's grip tightened, steady and warm. "Not everything."

Before she could respond, he shifted their course, the wind rushing past as he carried her toward something unseen.

---------------------------------------

The Fortress of Solitude was breathtaking.

Crystalline structures rose like frozen waterfalls, glimmering under ethereal light. Kara stepped inside, the air crisp and humming with an energy she recognised. Kryptonian technology. Remnants of her past. It was the first thing that had felt remotely like home.

Kal-El led her to a quiet space where he had prepared something. A meal. On the table rested plants she recognised, fruits and grains cultivated from Krypton's lost flora, carefully grown in this artificial sanctuary.

Kara hesitated before taking a bite. The taste was… off. Familiar, but not quite right. Kal-El watched her, hopeful. She swallowed, looking at him curiously. "What is this supposed to be?"

His face fell slightly. "A traditional Kryptonian meal? At least, I think so. I never really got to eat Kryptonian food. So all I have to go off is a recipe I found. It's the only one that matches the edible plants I've recovered."

A strange, sad smile crossed her lips.

Kal-El nodded, accepting his error. "Everything I know about Krypton comes from data archives and holograms. Including what I know about you." He hesitated, glancing at the meal. "Did I get it wrong?"

Kara laughed softly, it was broken and shaky, but the smile was no less genuine. "The ingredients are right, but the dish is all wrong."

Kal-El chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, I tried."

The moment was small, but it meant something. Despite the vast time and space that separated them, they were family. They had each other.

-----------------------------------

The days passed in a strange blur. Kal-El couldn't stay with her every moment. He had a life, responsibilities, and a world that needed him. She understood, but the solitude weighed on her.

Left alone in the vast, frozen sanctuary, Kara absorbed the loss and processed what she could. The Fortress became a strange comfort, its cold halls and Kryptonian echoes a fragile tether to her past. She spent hours wandering its crystalline corridors, memorising every detail, immersing herself in the remnants of her lost home. But even as the Fortress offered solace, it also reminded her of what was gone, and the vast, unfamiliar world outside loomed, daunting but inevitable.

Kara tested the limits of her new body in small, uncertain ways. She didn't train for combat. She wasn't a fighter, never had been. But the power was there, thrumming beneath her skin, waiting. It scared her as much as it taunted her.

She moved too fast without meaning to, shattering the crystal beneath her feet. She reached for something fragile, only to watch it break in her hands. Her own breath came too sharp, her own heartbeat too loud. And the worst was the heat behind her eyes. Building, aching, as if something terrible was waiting to be unleashed.

She hated it.

Back on Krypton, she had been normal. Just a girl. Now, she was this. A being of impossible strength, stranded on a world that wasn't hers. Every moment felt like standing at the edge of a cliff, wind howling, the drop endless.

Kal-El promised it would get easier. That she would learn. That she would control it.

But Kara wasn't so sure.

----------------------------------

The lessons started simply. Words, then sentences. Kal-El spoke slowly, patiently, correcting her accent when needed. English felt strange on her tongue, blunt where Kryptonian was elegant, inconsistent where her native language followed precise rules.

Krypton had never needed more than one language. Long before she was born, the world government had established a single, unified speech. Any remnants of old dialects had been left to historians. The only reason a Kryptonian would learn another language was for study… or to speak to a Daxamite.

Kara frowned at the thought. Daxamites. Krypton's wayward cousins, with their arrogance and their grudge. She had never met one, but she had learned enough to know they held no love for her people. Even still, the knowledge that their home had shared the same fate as her own world had been hard to accept.

She repeated the words Kal-El gave her, pushing the thoughts away. If she was going to survive here, she had to learn. To adapt. Even if it felt like losing one more piece of the life she once knew.

-------------------------------------------

Kara had been free to leave the Fortress whenever she wanted. Kal-El had made that clear early on. He trusted her and believed she could handle herself. But trust wasn't the issue.

It took two weeks before she finally stepped beyond its frozen walls.

Flying was easier than she expected. The wind, the movement, the sky stretching infinitely around her. It should have been terrifying, but it wasn't. Not quite. She followed Kal-El across the planet, listening as he pointed out key landmarks, weaving together the story of this world. Its wars, its triumphs, its fragile, stubborn hope.

And he believed in them. Humanity. He spoke of them the way Kryptonians once spoke of their civilisation. With pride, with faith in their potential. It was strange, hearing him talk about a species so unlike them with such devotion.

Then came Metropolis. His home.

She hovered high above it, unwilling to get too close. The city pulsed with life, too loud, too much. She wasn't ready. Not yet. Below, a building burned. Fire and smoke curled into the sky. People ran, shouting, panicking. And then, Superman was there.

She watched as he moved effortlessly, guiding civilians to safety, dousing flames, steady and sure. They reached for him, eyes filled with trust, gratitude. Love.

Kara pulled back, retreating higher into the clouds. This wasn't her world. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

Kal-El found her there, quiet in the cold air above the city. He didn't ask why she had fled. He only smiled, as if he understood, and gestured for her to follow.

They flew together, leaving the city lights behind, trading steel and glass for endless stretches of green and gold. The air changed, growing softer, touched with the scent of earth and growing things. Below them, the land was open, rolling fields stretching toward a horizon kissed by the setting sun.

Smallville.

The name felt strange on her tongue when Kal-El spoke it, but the town itself was stranger still. It was nothing like Krypton, nor like the cold solitude of the Fortress. The buildings were small, scattered, without the precise symmetry she was used to. Everything felt… warm. Lived in. The world here did not move with efficiency but with ease.

And then there were them. The first humans she had seen up close since her crash.

Martha and Jonathan Kent greeted her with smiles, their voices gentle and welcoming. The language barrier loomed between them, her English still broken and uncertain, but they didn't seem to mind. Martha touched her arm lightly, guiding her inside, speaking in a tone that reminded Kara of…

Her mother.

The thought nearly made her recoil, but the Kents were patient. They didn't push. They simply were. Kind. Inviting. Treating her like family.

For the first time since arriving on this world, Kara didn't feel like an intruder.

She sat stiffly at the wooden table, her hands folded in her lap. The house smelled of something sweet, something rich. Jonathan set a plate in front of her, the scent curling into her nose.

Martha smiled as she placed a fork beside it. "Apple pie," She said kindly. "Go on, try it."

Kara glanced at Kal-El, uncertain. He nodded encouragingly.

Carefully, she picked up the fork, pressing it into the flaky crust. The piece she lifted was small, cautious. The moment it touched her tongue, her eyes widened. Sweet, tart, warm. So different from the precise, engineered meals of Krypton.

"Is…" She struggled for the word, her voice thick with surprise. "Good. Very… good."

Martha beamed. "I'm glad you like it."

The rest of the household took their seats, breaking into a shared family meal around her.

Kara took another bite, slower this time, savouring it. She swallowed, glancing at Jonathan, then Martha. "You… make this?"

Martha nodded. "Yes, from scratch."

Kara frowned, the phrase unfamiliar. "Scratch?"

Kal-El chuckled. "It means she made it herself. From the start." He explained in Kryptonian.

Understanding flickered in Kara's eyes as she took another bite, letting the taste settle on her tongue. The sweetness was still surprising, but not unwelcome. She thought of Kryptonian meals. Efficient, carefully balanced, every ingredient chosen for its exact nutritional value. They weren't bland, exactly, but there was little room for excess or indulgence. Every dish served a purpose.

She tapped the edge of the plate thoughtfully. "Food… here," She said, searching for the right words. "This meal? Is not… need. It is… extra?"

Jonathan chuckled, swallowing a bite of his own. "It's more than extra, I'd say. It's a part of life."

"Food brings people together," Martha added. "It's something we share, something we enjoy."

Kara considered that. Krypton had grand feasts on occasion, but even those were structured and ceremonial. This was different. Simple, unremarkable by Earth standards, but warm and comforting, like the town she was in. She found herself understanding the world a little better.

As they ate, conversation flowed around her. Kal-El helped her when she got lost in the language, translating when needed, but the Kents were patient. They asked about her, but never pried. They welcomed her, but never pushed.

When the plates were cleared, Martha rested a hand on Kara's. "You know, you're welcome to stay here," she said. "For as long as you need."

Kara blinked. "Stay?"

Jonathan nodded. "Might be nice for you to see more of Earth. Get to know it properly."

Kara hesitated. The house was warm, inviting… but so was the Fortress. And the Fortress, at least, felt familiar. This world was still too alien. Its people, its customs, its language. It was too much.

She glanced at Kal-El, then back at the Kents. "I… not ready," She admitted. "But… I come again."

Martha squeezed her hand gently. "We'd love that."

----------------------------------

The sky stretched endlessly around them as Kara and Kal-El soared back toward the Fortress. She flew slower than before, her thoughts circling the day's events.

"I like them," She admitted at last. "They are kind."

Kal-El nodded. "They are."

"But…" She hesitated. "I don't see myself here. This world… it's not mine. I don't belong to it."

Kal-El exhaled, thoughtful. "I know. And I know it feels impossible right now. But you don't have to figure everything out at once."

Kara frowned. "Then what?"

He gave her a small, knowing smile. "Take it one step at a time."

She glanced at him, considering the words.

One step at a time.

It was an Earth phrase, one of many that defied literal meaning. And yet, there was something to it. A measured pace. A way forward, even if she couldn't yet see the destination.

She let the thought settle as the Fortress rose into view, its crystalline towers gleaming under the light. The future remained uncertain, unfamiliar.

But for now, at least, she wasn't facing it alone.

Clark stood in the Watchtower, gazing down at the blue and green planet below. His arms were crossed, his jaw tight, and his usual composed expression had been replaced with something more uncertain. The vastness of space stretched endlessly beyond the station's reinforced glass, the stars glimmering like distant memories. A sigh escaped him, quiet but unmistakable.

"Something troubling you?"

Diana's voice was calm but carried an undertone of curiosity. She stepped up beside him, her gaze following his. "You've been standing here for a while."

Clark didn't respond immediately. Instead, he let his eyes trail over the curvature of the Earth, the clouds drifting lazily over the oceans and continents. He had seen this view countless times before, but tonight, it felt different. Heavier, as though the weight of something unseen pressed against him.

Diana studied him for a moment before tilting her head. "You rarely let things linger on your mind like this. What is it?"

Clark hesitated before answering, his eyes never leaving the planet below. "I… messed up."

Diana's brow furrowed slightly. It wasn't often that Clark admitted to failure, and when he did, it was never lightly. "In what way?"

"This I have to hear," Bruce said drily as he stepped forward, his silhouette outlined against the glow of the Earth. His cowl hid his expression, but his tone carried a mix of scepticism and amusement. "What could Superman possibly have done wrong?"

Clark sighed again, a deeper sound this time, his shoulders shifting as though the weight of his thoughts had settled even heavier.

"Kara…"

Both Diana and Bruce were silent. Sharing a glance between themselves, they returned their attention to Clark. Bruce typed away at a small keypad attached to his wrist, a small satellite view of the Arctic displayed in miniature on the screen.

"She's still at the Fortress. Has been the last two days," Bruce said, like he was giving a debrief.

"You've been keeping tabs on her." Clark huffed with a small chuckle in amusement. He wasn't surprised by Batman's antics these days. "Wait? Do you have an entire satellite dedicated to following my cousin?"

Bruce didn't deny it. "She crashed here a month ago, Clark. An alien with no understanding of this world, no connection to it. And she has powers that rival yours."

Diana nodded, her expression carefully neutral. "He has a point. Kara isn't you. You grew up here, among humans. She didn't."

Clark exhaled, his fingers pressing against the bridge of his nose. He had expected this from Bruce. He had hoped for more understanding from Diana.

Bruce's voice was cold, precise. "She's not you, Clark. She wasn't raised here, didn't learn restraint from human parents. She lost everything. That kind of grief doesn't fade. It festers. And all it takes is one bad day." Bruce sipped on a cup of coffee that he was holding before adding. "And it's two satellites watching her."

Clark turned from the window to face them. "She cries herself to sleep every night," He admitted, his voice heavy with guilt. "She tries to hide it, but I can hear her. She's lost, Bruce. She doesn't know how to be here, how to exist without Krypton. And I don't know how to fix that." He turned his gaze back to the Earth below. "That's what makes my mistake feel all the worse."

Diana's expression softens, even as Bruce holds his grim suspicion. Clark feels the Amazonian place a comforting hand on his shoulder, a reassuring warmth.

"Whatever that has been done," Diana says, "Can be fixed. There is no situation that cannot be salvaged. Tell us, what did you do?"

Clark hesitated before continuing. "It started when I tried to show her what it meant to live like a human." He let out a short, humourless chuckle. "Just small things. To help her feel normal, to help her connect. That's when everything started to go wrong…"

-----------------------------

The sky was softer here. On Krypton, the morning sun had been sharp and unwavering, casting crystal-clear light over the gleaming towers of her home. But here, the Earth's sky blushed with warmth, painted in delicate shades of gold and pink as the sun climbed the horizon. The clouds weren't harsh, geometric structures of controlled weather, but free-floating wisps that drifted wherever the wind pleased.

It was… beautiful.

Kara exhaled, her breath steady as she let her eyes drift downward. Below the painted sky, nestled within the worn wooden fences of the Kent farm, were the creatures that had captivated her attention.

They were stocky, wide-bodied things, their round frames coated in a layer of dust and mud. Their ears twitched at passing insects, their small, intelligent eyes scanning their surroundings as they snorted softly to one another. Their thick skin wrinkled as they shifted, pressing against each other for warmth despite the mild air.

Back on Krypton, creatures of similar purpose had roamed the colder regions of Argo. They had been smaller, their fur a pristine white to blend into the snowdrifts, their hooves nimble on icy ground. She could still remember the way they would huddle together against the chill, their breath misting in the air, their low, rhythmic calls carrying across the frozen plains.

And yet… despite the differences in shape and size, there was something familiar in these creatures before her now.

The way they pressed together for warmth, the way they rooted through the straw, making soft, contented sounds It wasn't so different after all. Different world, different sky, but life still moved the same.

That thought settled something inside her, a quiet reassurance she hadn't known she needed.

The sound of approaching footsteps met her ears, but she had already sensed the presence before he even spoke. She had heard his heartbeat the moment he arrived.

"Kara."

She didn't turn, simply lifting a hand in acknowledgement. "Kal."

A pause. Then, "What are you doing?"

Kara grinned, still watching the animals. She simply pointed at them.

"Piggies…"

Johnathan Kent had given her the creature's name. Called them his 'little piggies' as Kara assisted in distributing the feed bag.

Kal sighed in amusement. "You really like the animals here, don't you?"

At last, she turned to face him, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. But as she did, her expression faltered.

He was wearing human clothing.

The vibrant reds and blues of their house's crest had been replaced with muted flannel, denim, and worn boots. His presence, which should have been unmistakable, was diluted. Buried beneath layers of something else. His posture, his hair, everything about him felt wrong.

She frowned. "You're not wearing your suit?"

Kal-El glanced down at himself, then back at her. "Oh?" He chuckled at her reaction, shaking his head. "I don't wear the suit all the time, Kara. On Earth, I live as Clark Kent just as much as I live as Superman."

Kara's frown deepened. "But why? You are Kryptonian."

"I am," Kal-El agreed, his voice calm. "But I was raised here. I have a life here, too."

Kara folded her arms, not quite able to put words to the frustration stirring inside her. It wasn't anger, not really. Just confusion. It felt wrong to take off the suit, like shedding a piece of herself. The crest of the House of El was their legacy, their birthright. Shouldn't they wear it always?

Kal-El studied her for a moment, then softened his approach. "I get it, Kara. It's different for you. Back on Krypton, you wore your house sigil every day. It was part of who you were. Here…" He spread his arms, gesturing to the farm around them. "We have different ways of living. I want to show you that."

Kara didn't respond right away, letting her gaze drift back to the pigs. Kal had said he wanted to show her, but all she could think about was the towering skyline of Metropolis, the press of people, the unfamiliar rush of human life.

"…I don't want to go to the city," She admitted, her voice quieter than before.

Kal-El nodded in understanding as if he'd expected that answer. "Then we won't. Let's start small."

He motioned toward the farmhouse. "Come inside. Ma got some clothes for you," He nodded back towards the house, gesturing her to follow. "And don't worry about your suit. Mom will wash it for you."

Kara hesitated, glancing down at herself. Her suit, the only thing she owned, was still clean, despite how often she had worn it. "I've been washing this in the Fortress," she pointed out, before narrowing her eyes at him. "It is not dirty."

Kal-El grinned, leading the way toward the house. "I know. But trust me. Mom does it better."

Inside, Martha Kent greeted Kara with a warm smile, holding up a neatly folded stack of clothes. "The neighbours' girls are about your size," she said. "These should fit."

Kara eyed the bundle, uncertain. "These are… human clothes."

Martha nodded. "They are. If you want to go into town, you'll fit in a little easier this way."

Kara opened her mouth to protest but hesitated.

She had already tried once.

It had been a brief, impulsive expedition. An attempt to prove to herself that she could walk among humans just as easily as Kal-El did. She had flown into town, landing quietly in a back alley, and stepped onto the bustling streets in her Kryptonian suit.

And the stares had come immediately.

People had whispered, some pointing, some nudging their companions. A few had even pulled out their devices, scanning her before she had fully realised what was happening. She had tried to ignore it, tried to walk with confidence, but every step felt heavier, every glance a reminder that she was out of place.

She hadn't lasted more than a few minutes before she turned on her heel and fled, taking to the skies and vanishing back toward the farm. She hadn't been back since.

Kara swallowed and looked back at the clothes in Martha's hands. They still felt wrong, unfamiliar. But maybe… maybe it was worth a try.

She reached out and took them. "…Alright."

A few minutes later, she stepped out of the room wearing denim overalls, a white shirt, and a pair of sturdy boots. The clothes fit well, though the material was not as comfortable as she was used to. She glanced at Kal-El, waiting for his reaction.

He grinned. "You look good, Kara."

She shifted, unsure of how to respond to that. Instead, she turned to Martha. "Thank you."

Martha beamed. "Of course, dear."

Kal-El clapped his hands together. "Alright, before we go into town, we need to talk about blending in."

Kara raised an eyebrow. "Blending in?"

"Yes." He smiled, but his expression carried a quiet sincerity. "Kara, I know this is new for you, but on Earth, we don't walk around as Kryptonians. We live among humans, and that means adjusting. At least in public."

Kara folded her arms. "Adjusting how?"

Kal motioned toward himself. "For one, this."

She frowned. "The human disguise?"

Kal's smile didn't waver, but there was a slight shake of his head. "It's not a disguise, Kara. This is who I am."

Kara blinked at him, thrown off by the certainty in his voice. "But… you're Kal-El."

"I'm both," Kal said simply. "I was born Kal-El of Krypton, but I was raised Clark Kent. That's not just some role I put on. It's who I am."

Kara studied him, her brows knitting together. The way he said it, with so much conviction, unsettled her. She had always thought of him as Kal-El first, a Kryptonian like her, someone who had simply learned to act human. But now, hearing him say it like this… it sounded like he truly believed he was Clark Kent.

That didn't make sense.

"How can you be both?" she asked, frustration creeping into her voice. "You are Kryptonian. You were sent here as Kal-El. That should come first."

Kal exhaled through his nose, patient but firm. "It's not about what comes first, Kara. I didn't grow up on Krypton. I don't have memories of it like you do. Earth is my home. These people? They're my family, my friends. My mother, my father, my life. It's all here."

Kara looked away, suddenly feeling something tight in her chest. He said it so easily. Earth is my home.

She wanted to argue. To tell him that Krypton was his home, that their heritage should come before anything else. That no matter how long he had lived here, he was still Kal-El of Krypton first and foremost.

But he didn't see it that way.

And she was beginning to realise… maybe he never had.

Kal must have noticed the tension in her silence, because his voice softened. "I know this is hard for you. It might not feel right at first. But if you let it, Earth can be home, too."

Kara exhaled through her nose, her fingers curling slightly against the fabric of her borrowed clothes. She still wasn't convinced this was the right way to go about things, but what other choice did she have? Sitting in the Fortress, mourning a world she could never return to, wasn't helping.

"Fine," she said at last, though her tone was less than enthusiastic. "I'll try."

Kal's grin widened. "That's the spirit. Come on." He turned, leading the way toward the driveway.

Kara followed, frowning slightly as they approached the old red truck. The paint was chipped in places, and the engine gave a low rumble as Kal climbed into the driver's seat. Kara hesitated beside the passenger door.

"We're not flying?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Nope," Kal replied, buckling his seatbelt with practised ease. "We're travelling like humans."

Kara sighed, pulling the door open and settling into the seat beside him. The truck creaked under her weight as she adjusted her posture, shifting against the stiff material of the seat. Everything about the vehicle felt inefficient.

"You know this thing pollutes too much to be a viable method of transportation," She muttered, eyeing the dashboard sceptically.

Kal chuckled. "Welcome to Earth."

The drive was a slow, rattling experience that only reinforced Kara's initial thoughts. Kryptonian technology was leagues beyond this, their transit systems could outmatch the speed and efficiency of this primitive machine.

Kara rested her elbow on the window's edge, watching the landscape roll by. The world outside the window blurred past at a speed far slower than she was used to, giving her a chance to observe the golden fields, the stretches of green farmland, the way the morning sun cast long, soft shadows over the earth. For all of its inefficiencies, she had to admit, there was a certain rhythm to the way humans lived. Slower, maybe. But not without its own kind of logic.

By the time they reached the town proper, her earlier calm had begun to unravel. The streets were lined with cars and pedestrians, humans moving about their daily lives in an organised chaos that made her stomach twist with unease.

Kal pulled the truck into a parking spot, turning off the engine before glancing at her. "You okay?"

Kara straightened, realising her hands had curled into fists against her lap. She forced them to relax. "Yeah… Just a little nervous." She asked, keeping her voice neutral.

Kal smiled. "It's alright," He said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Today is about living a day in the life of a human."

With a resigned sigh, she reached for the door handle and stepped out of the truck. "Alright. Let's get this over with."

Kal's expression was full of amusement as he joined her on the sidewalk. "That's the attitude."

Kara rolled her eyes but followed him anyway, stepping into the flow of human life as the town bustled around them.

"Another rule for today," Kal-El said, glancing at her with an easy smile. "You have to speak English the whole time. No Kryptonian while we're out in public."

Kara frowned. She had been learning, of course, but it still felt unnatural. Her words came slower, shaped by a tongue not meant for them. "Why?" she asked, her accent thick, the word clipped.

"Because it's part of blending in," Clark said. "People won't understand you if you speak Kryptonian, and if you want to live here, speaking English is important."

Kara crossed her arms, displeased. "I know some English, Kal. But is hard."

Clark chuckled. "You're getting better. Just keep practising. And remember. Clark. Not Kal."

She exhaled sharply through her nose but didn't argue. Clark. Fine.

Kara took the opportunity to glance around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Small brick buildings lined the streets, their fronts displaying colourful signs with human writing. Some had large windows filled with objects. Clothing, food, strange devices she couldn't yet name. Humans walked along the sidewalks, chatting, carrying bags, going about their lives.

"What are we do?" She asked.

Clark grinned. "Shopping."

Kara furrowed her brows. The word was vaguely familiar. She had heard it before but wasn't sure she understood. "Shopping?"

Clark nodded. "You need clothes. You can't just wear the same thing every day. It's better if you pick them yourself."

Kara glanced down at the borrowed overalls and shirt she was wearing. They felt strange, stiff compared to her Kryptonian attire. And she still wasn't sure about all of this. "I do not… know what is good?" She admitted hesitantly.

"That's why I'm here to help," Clark assured her. "Come on, let's go."

Kara followed him, trying not to feel overwhelmed by the sudden noise of passing cars and chattering people. The store they approached had large glass windows displaying mannequins dressed in different styles of clothing. Above the entrance, the sign was unreadable to Kara.

Clark pushed the door open, and a small bell chimed as they stepped inside. The noise surprised Kara, who jumped back at it, watching the metal device with a cautious stare. The store was filled with racks of clothing, shelves stacked with folded fabrics, and displays of shoes and accessories.

A woman behind the counter glanced up and offered a friendly smile. "Morning, Clark!" She greeted. "I didn't know you were back in town. So good to see you again!" She smiled as warmly as the Kent's did, then looked at Kara with mild curiosity. "And who's this?"

Clark returned the smile. "Morning, Millie. This is my cousin, Kara. She's new in town and needs some clothes."

Kara stiffened slightly under the woman's gaze but nodded. "Hello," She said, her accent making the word slightly awkward.

"She's a distant relative," Clark added, sheepishly. "Recently moved to America."

"Well, any family of Clark is a friend to me. Nice to meet you, dear," Millie said warmly, offering a hand towards Kara. Kara stared at the gesture, unsure what to do in return. With a silent nudge from Clark, she stuck out her hand in a mirrored greeting and watched as the woman took it and shook. "Well, you've come to the right place. Let me know if you need any help."

Clark led Kara toward the aisles of clothing. "Alright, let's start with basics. You'll need a few outfits, casual wear, something nicer in case you ever need it, and maybe something for colder weather."

"We do not feel cold?" Kara said back in confusion.

Clark chuckled awkwardly over her, turning to Millie quickly. "Kansas doesn't get as cold as up north, sure. But it wouldn't hurt regardless."

Kara eyed the options with uncertainty. The styles varied so much, some garments were loose and flowing, others tight-fitting. Some were simple, while others had intricate patterns or decorations. It was overwhelming.

She reached out, picking up a bright red shirt, turning it over in her hands. "This… good?"

Clark nodded. "Yeah, that's a good colour for you."

She seemed pleased by that and added it to the growing selection in her arms. She picked up a pair of denim pants next, but her face twisted in confusion as she turned them over, examining the multiple pockets. "What is?"

Clark chuckled. "Jeans."

"Jeens," Kara repeated, the word unfamiliar on her tongue.

"They're durable, comfortable once you break them in. Pretty common casual wear."

Kara gave him a sceptical look before holding them against herself, trying to gauge the fit. "Look… strange."

Clark laughed. "You'll get used to them. Trust me."

As they continued picking out clothes, Kara kept glancing at him, her mind turning over something else. She hesitated before asking, "Clark?"

He smiled at her quick correction of his name. "Yeah?"

"Krypton have… commerce," she said slowly, picking her words carefully. "We trade, we buy. How different?"

Clark considered her question. "It's not that different. But here, we use money." He pulled out his wallet and showed her a few bills. "These represent value. You trade them for goods or services."

Kara examined the bills curiously. "Paper?" She frowned. "Easily destroyed. Not good system."

Clark smirked. "We have digital currency as well. Banks store money safely, and people access it when they need it."

Kara considered this. "Earth have many banks?" She tilted her head. "Krypton… one bank. Government control all." She paused, deep in thought. "Different. But… same idea?"

Clark nodded. "Pretty much. Just different ways of managing it."

Kara exhaled, still wrapping her head around the concept, but accepted it for now. There was much to learn.

Clark gathered the clothes Kara had chosen so far and walked toward the counter. "I'm going to ring these up," He told her. "If you see anything else you want, go ahead and grab it."

Kara's brow furrowed. "Ring up?"

Clark smiled. "It means I'm buying them."

She nodded slowly, still puzzled by the phrase but deciding not to dwell on it. Instead, she wandered through the aisles, taking in more of the human clothing styles. She paused when she reached a section of swimsuits. Picking one up, she turned it over in her hands, frowning at how little fabric there was.

She had seen humans wear them at the beach before, but the amount of exposed skin was uncomfortable for her. On Krypton, people swam in their regular suits, without the cape, of course.

Her attention drifted when she overheard Clark and Millie talking. "Is she from Europe? Her accent is so... cute." Millie asked curiously.

Clark chuckled. "Well, she did land in Russia before coming here." He joked, not giving a direct answer.

Kara turned back to the clothes, absently browsing through the racks. She sifted through different shirts, her fingers brushing against the fabric. Then, her eyes landed on a section that made her freeze. The symbol was unmistakable. Familiar.

Her family crest. The sigil of the House of El.

One shirt. Then another. And another.

An entire display of them.

Horror gripped her. Her hands clenched into fists as she stepped closer, her heart hammering in disbelief. Humans were wearing her family's sigil? Selling it like a common design?

Kara's face twisted in anger, and before she could stop herself, she hissed in sharp Kryptonian, "Who gave them the right!?"

Clark tensed. "Kara-"

"Who allowed this?" She spat, her voice rising as she held up a shirt. "They take our symbol? Sell it? For profit!?" She turned to Clark, eyes blazing. "It is ours! House of El! Not for-"

"Kara," Clark said quickly, shifting to stand between her and Millie, who was now watching them with mild confusion. "Easy. It's okay."

Kara barely heard him. Her fury burned too hot. "They do not know what it means!"

Clark placed a firm hand on her shoulder, his grip grounding. "Kara, listen to me." He turned to Millie, offering an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. She's just… really passionate about Superman."

Millie chuckled, confused but willing to accept it. "I can see that."

Clark ushered Kara out of the store quickly. Kara stood stiffly outside the store, her fists clenched at her sides. The anger still burned hot in her chest, but beneath it, confusion swirled. She had expected Clark to be just as furious—to demand answers, to tell her how humanity had dared to take what wasn't theirs. Instead, he was calm, patient, as if this was something he had already come to accept.

She didn't understand.

"They do not know what it means," she said, her voice tight. "It is not theirs."

Clark exhaled, watching her carefully. "Not in the way we know it, no. The House of El means 'Of the Stars.' Our family stood for knowledge, for discovery. We were explorers, scientists, thinkers."

Kara nodded sharply. That was their legacy. That was what the crest meant.

"But here," Clark continued, "It has come to mean something more."

She frowned, arms crossing as she tried to steady herself. "More?"

Clark gestured toward the town, toward the people walking by, unaware of the storm in her mind. She watched as a child ran circles around his parents, wearing a blue shirt with their emblem on it. Down the street, a couple shared a frozen food. The woman wore a jacket with the House of El emblazoned on it.

Kara's gaze swept further, and the more she looked, the more she saw. A man leaned against a shop window, sipping from a cup, the sigil proudly stamped across his chest. A passing car had a sticker of it on the bumper, slightly worn but still recognisable. In another window display, a framed photograph of Superman hung beside local heroes, his crest shining boldly in the glass. Even on the alley wall ahead, someone had spray-painted the symbol in bright yellow, the edges rough but unmistakable. It was everywhere. Her family's mark, scattered across this world, claimed by a people who had no right to it.

"To them, it means hope. It's a promise to do good, to strive for the betterment of all."

Hope.

Kara swallowed, staring at the crest painted across the wall. It wasn't worn as a badge of intellect or progress, not as a mark of nobility or achievement. It wasn't about science or discovery.

It was about belief.

Hope wasn't a bad thing. It was just… different.

She let out a slow breath, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "I do not know if I like that," She admitted.

Clark gave her a small smile. "You don't have to. You just have to understand it."

Kara wasn't sure she did. But at least now, she knew why.

--------------------------------------

Kara took the small, rectangular device from Clark, turning it over in her hands. It was thin, smooth, the surface cool against her fingers. She had seen humans with these before, always staring at them, tapping them, speaking to them as if they were living things.

"What this?" She asked, frowning at the dark glass screen.

"A communication device," Clark said, amusement in his voice. "It's called a phone."

Kara narrowed her eyes. "Not look like phone." The only communication devices she knew had been far more advanced. Holographic interfaces, voice commands, instant links to the Brainiac network. This was… primitive.

Clark tapped the screen, making it light up. Kara flinched, then scowled at his smirk. "You touch here," He explained, pointing to a symbol on the bottom, "Then swipe to unlock."

Kara did as instructed, but instead of sliding her finger across the glass, she flicked her hand upward, expecting a projection to appear. Nothing happened.

She tried again. Still nothing.

Clark chuckled.

Kara shot him a glare. "Why laugh?"

"You have to move your finger on the screen, not just-" He mimicked her flicking motion, still grinning.

Kara huffed, gripping the phone tighter. "Stupid. Bad design."

She grumbled under her breath as she finally managed to drag her finger across the screen properly. The device unlocked, revealing a grid of small, colourful symbols. She poked one at random, only for the screen to shift and fill with rows of strange words and tiny pictures. She pulled her hand back as if the device might explode.

Clark, still clearly amused, reached over and tapped an icon that looked like an old-fashioned receiver. "This lets you talk to anyone, anywhere."

Kara frowned. "Anywhere?" She looked around. Smallville was small. Primitive. She had seen no large communication hubs, no relay beacons. "How? No infrastructure."

Clark leaned against the truck, ever patient. "Radio towers, satellites," he explained. "Signals bounce off them, allowing calls to travel across the world."

Kara tilted her head. She understood the concept of satellites, Krypton had used them, though their technology was far beyond this. Still, she was sceptical.

She held up the phone, cleared her throat, and said firmly, "Call Kal-El."

The phone did nothing.

Clark raised a brow. "It doesn't-"

"Call Kal-El," She repeated, louder this time.

The screen blinked to life, and a cold, robotic voice answered, "I'm sorry, I don't understand."

Kara's eyes narrowed. "Stupid machine. Call. Kal. El."

"I'm sorry, I don't understand."

Kara clenched her jaw, glaring at the phone like it had personally offended her. "Not understand? Is simple command!"

Clark was grinning again. "It's not that smart."

Kara scoffed. "This bad AI. Stupid AI. Not like Brainiac."

Clark's smile faltered slightly at the name, but he quickly shook it off. "You have to save a number first. Here-" He took the phone, pressed a few buttons, and handed it back to her. "Now try calling the Kents."

Kara sighed but did as instructed. She pressed the new number and waited, the phone emitting a strange ringing sound. She frowned. "Takes too long."

Clark smirked but didn't argue.

Then, suddenly, the ringing stopped. A warm, familiar voice came through. "Hello?"

Kara startled, then hesitantly lifted the phone closer to her ear. "Martha?"

"Oh! Kara, dear! How wonderful to hear from you."

Kara glanced at Clark, confused. "No video?"

Clark shook his head. "Just voice."

Kara frowned. "And must… talk into here?" She gestured at the bottom of the phone, where the speaker and microphone were. "Not full receiver?"

Martha chuckled on the other end. "You'll get used to it, sweetie."

Kara huffed but softened slightly. "Okay. Just… testing. Clark say… I must learn."

"And you're doing great," Martha said warmly. "I hope you two have a good day."

Kara nodded, even though Martha couldn't see her. "Thank you."

She handed the phone back to Clark as the call ended, crossing her arms. "Audio quality… bad. Not clear."

Clark laughed. "Welcome to Earth."

----------------------------

Kara followed Clark through the store, her eyes darting over the shelves stacked high with colourful packages. The sheer variety was overwhelming. So many choices, so many unfamiliar words. Krypton had markets, but food was mostly regulated, distributed efficiently. This? This felt chaotic.

She watched as he picked out various ingredients. She didn't fully understand what he was making, but he had assured her it was a traditional Earth meal.

He grabbed a bag of green leaves first, tossing them into the cart. "We'll need this for the salad," He said.

Kara wrinkled her nose. "Leaves?"

Clark smirked. "Lettuce."

She eyed it warily. Krypton had greens, but they were carefully cultivated, engineered for maximum nutrition. This looked…wild. Unrefined.

Next, Clark picked up a sack of round vegetables. "Potatoes," He explained. "We'll mash them."

Kara brightened. She thought she recognised the word mash from Martha's kitchen. "Like pie?"

Clark laughed. "Not exactly, but close."

She nodded, satisfied. As they continued, Clark grabbed a few other items, seasonings, oil, something wrapped in paper that he didn't explain. Kara didn't ask. If it was important, he would say.

But something still nagged at her.

She hesitated before speaking. "Why… buy food?"

Clark glanced at her. "What do you mean?"

Kara gestured at the store around them. "Food… is need. Water, shelter. Basic. On Krypton, given." She paused, searching for the right words. "Food… free. Government give all people. Only pay for special, rare."

Clark sighed, placing a bottle into the cart. "Yeah. It's different here. People grow and sell food to make a living."

Kara frowned. "And if… no money?"

Clark's expression grew somber. "It's not a perfect system. Some people don't have enough."

Kara stopped walking. The thought unsettled her. "Then… they starve?"

Clark turned to face her. "Sometimes," He admitted. "There are programs to help, charities, shelters. But some people still fall through the cracks."

Kara's hands clenched. That was wrong. Unacceptable. No Kryptonian would be left to suffer like that. The idea that humans would allow it made her stomach twist. "That… that is cruel."

Clark gave a sad smile. "It is. But there are good people trying to fix it." He gestured toward a small donation box near the front of the store. "See that?"

Kara followed his gaze. The box was simple, worn from use, with a slot for money and a sign explaining it was for the local food bank. But what caught her eye was the symbol on it.

Her family crest. The House of El.

She stared at it, stunned. People walked past, dropping in spare bills and coins, giving what little they could to help others.

Clark's voice was gentle. "They use the symbol to inspire hope. To remind people to look out for each other."

Hope.

Kara swallowed. The crest of El had always meant "Of the Stars." A legacy of science, of discovery. But here, humans had reshaped its meaning. Not for conquest. Not for personal gain.

For each other.

Slowly, she approached the box, digging into her borrowed pockets. She found a few bills Clark had given her earlier for practice. Without hesitation, she slipped them into the slot.

Clark smiled. "That's a good start."

She nodded, her thoughts still racing, but her heart a little lighter. Maybe… maybe this world wasn't as cruel after all.

-------------------------------------

Kara wandered through the cozy Kent home as the scent of cooking filled the air. Clark had insisted on making dinner himself, despite Martha's protests.

"Clark, I've been cooking for you your whole life," Martha called from the kitchen. "You don't have to fuss over us."

Clark chuckled. "Just let me handle it, Ma. You deserve a break."

Kara listened to them with quiet amusement. She could hear Martha muttering about stubborn men and Jonathan laughing softly.

She turned her attention to the living room, her eyes drawn to the mantle lined with framed photographs.

There, frozen in time, was Clark. His entire life displayed in little rectangles of Earth history.

One showed him as a baby, exactly how Kara had remembered him on Krypton. Swaddled in a blanket, Martha beaming down at him. He would've been almost five in Earth years.

Another picture showed a young boy with wild hair, grinning as he sat on his father's shoulders. A teenager in a sports uniform, standing proudly next to Jonathan.

Kara's fingers brushed against the frame, tracing the younger version of Kal-El. He had a life here. A past she would never understand.

Jonathan sat down in his chair, watching her with a knowing smile. "He was a handful, you know."

Kara glanced at him, curious. "Clark?"

Jonathan nodded. "Strong as an ox before he even knew what to do with all that power. Broke every tool on this farm at least once." He chuckled, shaking his head. "Had to teach him how to hold back. Hardest lesson for a boy who just wanted to help."

Kara imagined a young Kal-El struggling to fit in, just as she was now. The thought was strangely comforting.

Her gaze shifted to a more recent photograph. Clark, older now, standing beside a woman with dark hair and sharp eyes. They were both smiling, his arm wrapped around her. Kara's eyes went wide as she recognised the woman.

Martha walked in, wiping her hands on a dish towel. She followed Kara's line of sight and softened. "That's one of my favourites. Clark and Lois at their wedding."

Kara blinked, taken aback. "Wedding?"

Martha nodded. "They got married some years ago now."

Kara's brow furrowed. Kal-El was married? He hadn't mentioned it. She thought back, trying to recall. And then she realised something else.

Clark had been trying to get her to visit Metropolis for weeks now. Always suggesting she meet his friends, his family. Always patient when she said she wasn't ready.

He wanted her to meet them.

And she had been the one pushing away. The thought made her sad, perhaps she was ready to return to Metropolis after all.

"Dinners ready!" Clark called out moments later.

Kara watched as Clark placed the plates in front of everyone, serving himself last. The meal was strange to look at, three distinct portions arranged neatly on the plate. A pile of leafy greens, a smooth white mound, and a thick, dark piece of food at the center. It smelled… good. Warm, rich, slightly smoky.

She hesitated, eyeing the dark portion warily. The texture looked unfamiliar, but there was something about the scent that reminded her of home.

Clark sat down across from her, smiling. "Go on, try it."

Kara picked up the fork, an Earth eating tool, and copied how the others held it. She stabbed a small piece of the dark food, lifting it carefully to her mouth.

The flavour surprised her. It was tender, rich, and savoury, but there was a sweetness to it as well, from whatever seasoning Clark had used. She chewed slowly, thoughtful. The taste sparked a memory. Her father, preparing a rare synthetic dish for special occasions, a comforting bowl of steaming broth.

She swallowed and nodded. "Is… good," she admitted.

Kara took another bite, her expression thoughtful. "Tastes like… roh'tal broth," she murmured.

Clark looked up. "Roh'tal?"

She nodded, not knowing the English to explain. "It's a type of synthetic food. We created food on a molecular level. Everything was precise and had the exact nutrients needed. We ate this more than the plants back in your fortress. Well, not Roh'tal, but synth food in general."

Clark translated her words for the Kents, and taught Kara the words to convey what she said in English. Kara nodded her head in thanks and looked back to the Kents.

She gestured vaguely at the meal. "Plants rare. Hard to grow. People pay extra for them."

Johnathan raised a brow. "So most food wasn't grown at all?"

Kara shook her head. "No need. Synth food… always same. No waste, no shortage. Designed for Kryptonian health." She tapped her fork against the dark portion of food. "Roh'tal… very rare. My father made it sometimes, special occasions. This tastes almost same."

Clark leaned back, thinking. "Earth has synthetic food, but it's not that advanced. Some scientists are working on it, but most food comes from farms."

Kara frowned slightly. "Grown on farms…" She repeated the words, trying to piece it together. She glanced at her plate again, then back at Clark. "Strange. But… taste good."

Clark smiled. "Glad you think so."

As she ate, curiosity stirred. She pointed at the smooth white mound. "What this?"

"Mash potatoes," Clark said. "Remember the potato before?"

She scooped some onto her fork and tasted it. Soft. Creamy. It melted in her mouth, buttery and rich. She hummed in approval.

She turned to the leafy greens. "And this?"

"Salad. Different vegetables. Lettuce, tomato, carrots."

She chewed thoughtfully. Earth food had so many textures, so many flavours. It was more complicated than Kryptonian food, but she liked it.

Then, she tapped her fork against the dark slice again. "And this? What plant this from?"

Silence.

Kara looked up. Clark had frozen mid-bite. Martha and Jonathan exchanged a look.

"Oh, dear…" Martha muttered, placing her utensils down and looking out of sorts. Jonathan looked to Kara with concern and then to Clark, who was suddenly looking pale. If that was even possible.

Her brow furrowed. "What?"

Clark cleared his throat. "Uh… well…" He tugged on his shirt collar nervously. "That's not from a plant."

Kara blinked. "Not plant?"

Clark hesitated. "It's… meat."

Kara frowned. "Meat?" She repeated the word carefully. "Meat… like 'meet someone'?"

Clark shook his head quickly. "No, different word. Different meaning."

She looked down at her plate, suddenly wary. "Did I… break custom?" She asked hesitantly. "Do wrong again?"

Jonathan quickly shook his head. "No, sweetheart, you didn't do anything wrong."

Martha sighed softly. "Clark, you need to explain."

Clark exhaled, rubbing his temple in worry. "Okay. So… you remember the cows from this morning?"

Kara nodded, the first animals she had seen on the farm, before meeting the 'little piggies'. "Yes. Cows make milk." She glanced at Jonathan. "You told me."

Clark's expression turned regretful. "Right. Some cows make milk. But… some are raised for their meat."

Kara tilted her head. "Meat…" She looked back at the dark portion on her plate. "You say not plant. If not plant, then…" Her voice trailed off as understanding dawned.

She stared at Clark. He winced.

Kara stared down at the half-eaten piece of food on her plate, her stomach twisting. It was no longer a warm, rich meal. It was flesh. Animal flesh.

Her hands trembled as she gripped the edge of the table. The taste lingered on her tongue, betrayal and revulsion rising in her throat. She had enjoyed it.

Her breath came sharp and uneven. "No…" She whispered.

"Kara-" Clark reached for her, but she pushed back from the table so quickly her chair scraped against the floor. She nearly stumbled in her haste, her pulse hammering in her ears.

"I... I need…" She couldn't finish. The room was too small, the scent of cooked flesh clinging to the air, making her stomach churn.

She turned and fled.

The screen door banged shut behind her as she stumbled into the open night, cold air burning her lungs. She barely made it to the nearest tree before she collapsed against it, fingers digging into the bark. Her stomach clenched, bile rising, and she heaved.

Clark found her moments later, hovering near as she vomited onto the grass.

"Kara…"

She gasped between ragged breaths, tears stinging her eyes. "I ate it," she choked. "I... I ate..." Another sob wracked through her.

Clark stepped closer, his voice gentle, but Kara flinched away. She couldn't look at him. Couldn't stand to see his face, full of regret that meant nothing now.

"I didn't know," he said. "I should have asked. I should have explained. I just wanted to show you what life here is like."

Kara squeezed her arms around herself, trying to hold together the pieces of her unraveling mind. "Life?" She spat. "This not life. This… this death. You let them live, feed them, care for them, then you kill them." Her voice cracked on the last word.

Clark didn't argue. He just stood there, watching her with a sorrowful expression, like he knew there was nothing he could say to make this better.

A sob wrenched itself from her throat.

Killing an animal. On Krypton, it was unthinkable. It was murder. The worst crime a person could commit. The idea that she had taken part in it. No, worse, that she had enjoyed it. Made her want to claw the taste from her tongue.

Her stomach twisted again, bile rising, but there was nothing left to throw up.

She wiped at her mouth with a shaking hand. "I eat it," She whispered. The words burned like acid. "I- I ate…"

Clark swallowed. "I'm sorry, Kara..."

She let out a strangled cry, pushing away from the tree. Her gaze darted across the farm, searching, frantic. Until she saw them. The pigs. The ones she had watched that morning, so full of life.

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

She moved before she could think, sprinting toward the pen.

"Kara, wait-"

She ignored him, vaulting over the fence in a single motion. The pigs stirred at her sudden presence, snuffling curiously as she fumbled with the gate latch. Her fingers were clumsy, shaking too hard to focus. She tore the gate off with one shaky tear.

"Kara, stop." Clark was behind her now, voice firm but pleading. "You can't take them."

Her breath hitched. "They will die."

Clark hesitated. "I know."

She turned to him, eyes burning. "Then help me. The fortress… I can…"

His expression softened, but he didn't move. "Kara… they won't survive out there. It's too cold."

She gritted her teeth, chest rising and falling in shallow, panicked breaths.

"They do not deserve this," She whispered.

"I know," Clark said again. "But this is how Earth is. People, most people, don't see it the way you do."

She shook her head, vision blurring. This world was cruel. Its people barbaric.

Her voice broke as she whispered, "I want to go home." But there was no home. Krypton was gone.

Her breath hitched, her eyes stinging.

Clark stepped forward, hand outstretched. "Kara, please. Come back inside. We can talk about this. I'll- I'll make it right."

She let out a short, bitter laugh. "Make right?" She turned to face him fully, floating a few inches off the ground now. "How? Will you stop them? Will you tell them no more?"

Clark hesitated. His silence was answer enough.

Kara swallowed past the lump in her throat, lifting higher into the air. The pigs below shifted nervously, sensing the tension, but they were unaware of the doom hanging over them.

"This world is cruel," she said, voice shaking. "You let this happen. All of you. Like it normal."

"Kara-"

She clenched her fists, her whole body trembling. "Barbarians," She cursed in Kryptonian.

Then she shot into the sky, leaving Clark standing alone in the dirt.

---------------------------

Clark sat in the Watchtower's lounge, staring out at the Earth below. His hands were clasped together, elbows resting on his knees. Across from him, Bruce and Diana listened in silence as he recounted the night's events.

When he finished, there was a beat of quiet. Then Bruce exhaled through his nose. "You should've seen this coming."

Clark shot him a tired look. "I know."

Bruce folded his arms. "Kryptonians were an advanced society. Of course their relationship with food would be different. You assumed she'd just… adapt?"

Clark rubbed his face. "I didn't think."

Diana placed a hand on his shoulder, gentler than Bruce but no less firm. "She is grieving, Clark. She's lost everything, and now she's seeing a world that is so unlike her own, one that offends the values she was raised with."

Clark sighed. "I just wanted to share something good with her. Instead, I-"

Diana squeezed his shoulder. "You didn't fail her, Clark. She just needs time."

Clark let out a slow breath, but Bruce wasn't as forgiving. He leaned forward, his expression unreadable. "She called humans barbarians."

Clark's stomach twisted at the memory. "She was upset."

"She meant it," Bruce countered. "And she's not wrong to feel that way. We are capable of cruelty." His gaze flickered to the planet below, as if seeing every war, every injustice, every crime all at once. "But if she can't see beyond that… If she refuses to-"

Clark's hands curled into fists. "She's not like that."

Bruce raised a brow. "Are you sure?"

Clark opened his mouth, then hesitated. Because the truth was, he didn't know.

"She is not lost to you," Diana said, cutting through the tension. "But she is lost. And right now, she does not need judgment. She needs understanding."

Clark stared at the floor, his mind replaying Kara's horrified expression, the way she recoiled, the way she flew off like Earth itself had betrayed her.

"I just… I want her to see the good here," He murmured.

Diana smiled, warm and knowing. "Then show her."

Bruce let out a quiet sigh. "She's young. She'll be angry for a while, but anger fades." His voice softened, just a fraction. "Don't let her face it alone."

Clark took a deep breath, feeling the weight on his chest ease just a little. "I won't."

Diana nodded. "Good."

Bruce stood. "The world's cruel, Clark. It always has been. But you make it better. If anyone can show Kara there's something worth believing in, it's you."

Clark managed a small smile. "Yeah."

Hope. He had to hold onto it. For Kara's sake.

The Fortress was silent, save for the hum of machinery and the faint crackling of a failed compound dissolving into useless residue. Kara barely blinked as she reset the sequence, fingers moving with rigid precision over the controls. The calculations swam before her, fragmented, incomplete.

It should have been simple. She had done this before, every Kryptonian child had. Molecular synthesis was basic science, but without the schematics, without access to the Brainiac database, the process remained frustratingly out of reach. Each attempt ended in failure. Each failure felt like another part of Krypton slipping away.

A voice broke through the stillness. "I didn't realise the Fortress had a science lab."

Kara tensed. She hadn't heard Kal-El arrive, too caught up in her work to pick up on the second heartbeat in the room. She turned just enough to see him setting something down on the counter. A container, warm to the touch, fragrant with spices she didn't recognise.

"It's a kitchen," She corrected flatly, turning back to her work.

"Brought a peace offering." His voice was careful. "Vegan, this time."

"Vee-gan?" Kara repeated the word, not bothering to look up.

Kal-El leaned against the counter, watching her carefully. "Vegan means no animal products. No meat, no dairy, nothing that comes from an animal."

Kara's fingers stilled for a moment before resuming their work. "You shouldn't need a word for it," She muttered. "That should be normal," She paused in thought for a brief moment before adding. "No, Kryptonian's eat animal products too. Milk was a delicacy. Other products too. Unfertilised eggs were a popular ingredient among the wealthy, though, we never had them."

"Vegetarian then," Kal-El nodded. Another strange human word. He turned back to the dish, gesturing to it. "It's an Indian dish. Aloo gobi. Potatoes and cauliflower cooked with spices."

She didn't respond. But she didn't ignore it either. The scent was undeniably appealing, a mix of exotic flavours she couldn't quite identify. But she had trusted Earth food once before, and the betrayal still lingered in the back of her throat. So she kept her attention on her work, ignoring the quiet gnawing of hunger in her stomach.

Kal-El didn't push. Instead, he peered over her shoulder. "What are you working on?"

Kara exhaled slowly. "Synthetic food. The kind we had on Krypton." She gestured toward the machine, frustration evident in her movements. "It's basic molecular synthesis, but I can't get the balance right. The compounds keep coming out wrong. Dense, bland, nutritionally incomplete."

As if on cue, the machine hummed and produced another result. A clump of dull green protein plopped into a dish. Kara scowled.

Kal-El picked up the sample, turning it over in his fingers. "This is amazing," He said, genuine wonder in his tone.

Kara shot him an unimpressed look. "It's defective."

He grinned. "It's food."

She crossed her arms. "It has no taste. The nutrients aren't balanced. This would be considered a wasteful defect back home."

Kal-El didn't seem deterred. Instead, he reached for the curry he'd brought and, to Kara's horror, scooped a bit of it onto the synthetic protein. He mixed them together without hesitation. "Now it has flavour."

Kara's lips parted, caught somewhere between irritation and intrigue. Kal-El held the dish out to her expectantly.

She hesitated.

Her last experience with Earth food still lingered, an uneasy weight in her stomach. But this smelled different. No hidden horrors, no unspoken taboos. Just warmth and spices. Curling in the air, thick and inviting.

Curiosity won out.

Slowly, she picked up a piece, bringing it to her mouth. The texture was soft but structured, unlike the precise uniformity of Kryptonian meals. She chewed, her brow furrowing as the flavours bloomed on her tongue. It was layered in a way she didn't recognise. The synthetic protein soaked up the curry's flavour, making it richer, more palatable. But it was still wrong.

She swallowed, licking the remnants from her lips before shaking her head. "The balance is off."

Kal-El paused mid-bite. "What?"

"The nutrients. The structure." Kara gestured vaguely to the dish. "It's not bad, but it isn't right."

He chewed thoughtfully before shrugging. "Tastes fine to me."

A scoff left her lips. "Of course it does. You grew up eating food designed to be pleasurable instead of efficient."

His eyebrow lifted. "So you do like it?"

Rolling her eyes, she took another bite. "It's… acceptable."

A small smile played on his lips as he set his portion down, gaze drifting to the scattered remnants of her failed experiments. "You know, the fact that you're even doing this is incredible. Creating food from nothing-"

Her posture stiffened. "It's not from nothing."

His chewing slowed at the sudden bite in her tone.

"You can't create something from nothing, Kal-El." A flick of her wrist indicated the machine at her side, irritation lacing her words. "The star forge is powering the process. It provides the necessary atomic energy to restructure base materials into organic compounds."

His brows lifted. "The Fortress has a star forge?"

Arms crossed, she huffed. "Of course it does."

A quiet chuckle escaped him. "I didn't know that."

She tilted her head, unimpressed. "How do you think it maintains itself?"

Glancing around, he took in the familiar walls of the Fortress as if seeing them for the first time. His sanctuary, built on the legacy of a world he barely understood. Sheepish realisation softened his features. "I guess I never really looked into the how."

A muttered comment about Earth-raised Kryptonians and their lack of scientific curiosity barely reached his super ears.

His grin widened as he took another bite.

Kara studied him for a moment before turning back to her food. It still wasn't right. But maybe, just maybe, it wasn't wrong either.

For now, that was enough.

The warmth of the meal still lingered on Kara's tongue, but it did little to soften the knot in her chest. She pushed the empty dish aside, her fingers tracing idle patterns against the smooth Kryptonian alloy of the table. Across from her, Kal-El sat quietly, his usual unwavering confidence subdued.

"I'm sorry," He said at last. His voice measured but sincere. "About dinner the other night. I should have asked… I should have thought about how different this would be for you." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just wanted to share something good with you. A piece of Earth that made me feel connected."

Kara inhaled sharply through her nose. Anger still sat heavy inside her, but it was no longer the blinding kind.

"You didn't think," She agreed, a quiet bitterness to the words. "But…" She added, hesitating in thought. "Neither did I…" Her fingers curled against the table. "I let my emotions control me."

Kal-El tilted his head, listening, patient.

She exhaled slowly, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "I could have handled it better."

It wasn't easy to say. It didn't erase the revulsion she had felt, the overwhelming sense of betrayal at realising what she had eaten. But some of the heat had faded, leaving room for something more complicated.

Kal-El's hand hovered just above hers, a silent offering of comfort. His expression was steady, open. Free of judgement.

"You never have to compromise who you are," He said, squeezing her gently. "Your beliefs, your values. They are not just important, they are intrinsic to you. I would never ask you to abandon them just to fit in." A small, wry smile ghosted across his lips. "I know what it means to stand between two worlds. I don't want you to feel as though you must choose one over the other."

Kara exhaled slowly, the lingering tension in her shoulders easing.

"I should have expected it," She admitted. "Humans consuming animals… It is not as if I was unaware. I simply never considered it on a personal level until it was placed before me." Her brows knit together. "I still find it abhorrent. I will never partake in it again. The very idea of slaughtering another creature for sustenance is…" She paused, pressing her lips together. "It's tragic."

Kal-El nodded but remained silent, giving her space to speak.

"That said," She continued, her voice quieter but no less resolute, "I will not judge them by the standards of Krypton. Our ancestors were no different. Once, long ago, we too took life to sustain our own." Her fingers tapped lightly against the alloy table. "I may never accept it, but I cannot condemn an entire people for walking a path we once did."

A quiet understanding passed between them.

Then Kal-El tilted his head, a familiar warmth returning to his voice. "So… do you still consider them barbarians?"

A quiet breath left Kara's nose, unimpressed. "No," She said, tone dry. Then, after a brief pause, the corners of her lips lifted ever so slightly. "They are not barbarians. Just… primitive."

A chuckle rumbled from Kal-El's chest as he shook his head. "I suppose I can live with that."

She studied him then, truly seeing him. He was not Kryptonian in the way she was. Never raised beneath Rao's light, never spoken their language from birth, never shaped by the same traditions.

Leaning forward, Kal-El rested his arms on the table. "Come back to the farm with me."

Tension crept into her shoulders, but before she could refuse, he pressed on.

"My parents want to see you," He continued. "They want to apologise." A faint smile tugged at his lips. "And if I'm being honest, they're worried about you. You left in the middle of the night, and you haven't exactly been answering your phone."

A scoff escaped her. "Perhaps because I have no desire to engage with that infuriating device."

Laughter flickered in his eyes. "Fair enough," He conceded, before his tone turned softer. "But I'd like you to come back, Kara. Give them… give humanity another chance."

Fingers curled against the table's edge as she averted her gaze.

"This hasn't been easy," Kal-El said, voice steady and gentle. "And I won't pretend to understand what it's like to lose everything." A solemn weight settled over his features. "But you don't have to carry that loss alone. You need people. People who will stand by you, support you." A brief hesitation, then a quiet, earnest addition. "There are good people here. Not perfect, but good. If you care to look, you might see them too."

A slow inhale filled Kara's lungs. Another pause.

"…Your parents truly wish to apologise?"

His smile returned, smaller this time. "They do."

"But…" Kara added, after a beat. "I do not understand," She admitted, her fingers lightly drumming against the table's surface. "By their own traditions, they have done nothing wrong. Why would they apologise?"

Kal-El's expression remained patient, understanding. "That doesn't matter to them," He said. "They know you're upset, and they want to make things right."

Kara frowned, her mind turning over his words. By Earth's customs, she was the outlier. The one who had reacted emotionally. The one who had walked away. And yet…

A small breath of amusement left Kal-El's lips. "Because they care about you," He said simply. "They don't see this as a matter of right or wrong. They just want you to know that you're welcome. That your feelings matter."

She studied him, searching for some flaw in the logic. Kryptonians did not apologise when no wrongdoing had occurred. The concept felt… unnecessary. Apologies were meant to acknowledge faults, to mend offences. And yet, the Kents, good, kind-hearted humans, were willing to offer one despite having done nothing against their own laws.

A strange tightness settled in her chest.

Kal-El leaned forward slightly. "Come back with me," He urged again. "Not because you owe them anything. But because you deserve to have people who care about you." His smile was small but sincere. "And they do."

Kara exhaled, eyes flickering to the remnants of the meal between them. The scent of spice still lingered in the air, mingling with the sterile chill of the Fortress.

For a long moment, she said nothing.

Then, at last, she gave a slow nod. "Very well," She murmured. "I'll go."

----------------------------------------------------------

The sun hung low over the Kent farm, casting long golden streaks across the fields as Kara and Kal descended from the sky. The familiar scent of tilled earth and fresh hay filled the air, a stark contrast to the sterile chill of the Fortress she had left behind.

Martha was the first to step onto the porch, her eyes warm despite the hesitance that lingered in them. Jonathan followed a moment later, wiping his hands on a rag before tucking it into his pocket. There was no tension in their stance, no lingering resentment. Only quiet hope.

"Kara," Martha said, stepping forward for an embrace. "We're so glad you're back."

The sincerity in her voice caught Kara off guard. She had expected awkwardness, discomfort. Not this immediate, unconditional acceptance.

Kal nudged her, barely noticeable. She straightened, meeting Martha's gaze. "I…" She hesitated, words slow, careful. "I leave with anger. Not fair to you." Her fingers curled at her sides. "I… am sorry."

Martha's face softened further, as if she had never once doubted that Kara would return. "There's nothing to apologise for, sweetheart."

"Not true," Jonathan said with a small chuckle. "We should've thought more. Didn't consider how this all might feel for you."

Jonathan glanced toward the pig pen, his gaze settling on the half-torn gate. The wooden slats had been hastily patched together, the repairs sturdy but rushed.

Kara followed his eyes, and her stomach clenched.

She remembered the sharp crack of wood splintering beneath her grip, the way frustration had surged hot through her veins. She had barely thought… hadn't considered, had just acted, with strength that could have done far worse than damage a simple gate.

Panic stirred in her chest. She stepped forward, scanning the enclosure with her enhanced vision. The pigs inside were unharmed, their soft grunts and lazy movements unbothered. No real damage beyond the broken wood, but still-

"I-" The words caught in her throat. She swallowed, turning quickly to Jonathan. "I not mean- I should not-"

Jonathan held up a hand, cutting off her frantic apology with an easy chuckle. "Kara, it's alright."

She shook her head. "No. Not alright. I- I use strength without care. I could have hurt..."

"That's true," Jonathan admitted, nodding toward the gate. "But trust me, you ain't the first Kryptonian to throw a tantrum on this farm."

Kara blinked.

"Clark did far worse when he was a boy," He continued with a knowing smile. "You should've seen him at sixteen. That fence got knocked down more than once." He let out a low chuckle. "Fixing up a gate? Simple."

Kara exhaled, tension easing just slightly.

They stood side by side, watching the pigs shuffle around the pen. One lazily flopped into the dirt, grunting in contentment. Another nosed at the patched-up gate, unconcerned.

Behind them, Martha and Kal spoke quietly, giving them space.

After a moment, Jonathan broke the silence. "You know," He mused, leaning against the fence, "I've been thinkin'. I'm too old for all this."

Kara glanced at him, brow furrowing. "For…?"

"The livestock," He clarified, gesturing toward the pigs. "Ain't got the energy to keep up with it anymore." A sigh left him, but there was no sadness in it, only peace. "Think I'll stick to milkin' cows and farmin' grain. That's enough for me."

Kara considered this, watching the pigs nudge at the dirt. "Then… they will stay?"

Jonathan nodded. "Yep. No more sellin' 'em off." A wry smile tugged at his lips. "Besides," His voice went down to a conspiratorial whisper. "Don't tell Clark this, but my doctor's been tellin' me to cut back on bacon. Says it's not great for the ol' heart."

Kara frowned, concern flickering across her face. "Your heart?"

Jonathan chuckled, patting his chest. "Nothin' to fret over, just gettin' older." His easy grin didn't waver. "I plan on stickin' around plenty longer."

She studied him for a moment, then exhaled, letting it go. If he wasn't worried, she supposed she wouldn't be either.

She truly understood what Kal had meant earlier.

People could change. The Kents had no obligation to do this. No reason beyond the fact that they wanted to. Not because she had demanded it. Not because they had to. But simply because they cared.

The realisation settled in her chest, warm and steady.

Not all humans were cruel. She looked at Jonathan again, this time with something closer to understanding. "…Thank you."

He just smiled. "You're welcome, kiddo."

Jonathan gave her a final nod before stepping away, leaving her alone with the pigs. Kara leaned against the fence, watching as they played, their movements unhurried and content. The simplicity of it all. The warm breeze, the quiet rustle of hay, the animals nudging and chasing one another. It felt strangely grounding.

A soft crunch of boots against dirt signalled Kal-El's approach. She didn't turn immediately, instead observing the way the pigs interacted, how carefree they were in their small world.

"You okay?" Kal's voice was softer here, more relaxed.

She finally looked up at him, and for the first time, she noticed something peculiar. Here, away from the weight of their Kryptonian fortress, his entire demeanour had shifted. His shoulders weren't squared with that impossible Kryptonian pride. Instead, they slouched just a little, a comfortable looseness to them. His smile was gentler, lacking the quiet intensity he usually carried. Even his stance, one foot casually propped against the fence, felt different.

This was not Kal-El, the last son of Krypton.

This was Clark Kent.

Kara studied him, realisation settling like a slow-moving tide. She had known Kal-El, or at least, she thought she had. But had she ever truly known Clark? Had she ever tried to?

"You act… different," She said, tilting her head.

Clark blinked. "Different?"

"You are…" She hesitated, searching for the word. "More… human."

A soft laugh left him. "Makes sense. I did grow up here."

"I know." Her brow furrowed. "But… I not see before."

For so long, she had looked at him as a Kryptonian. She had measured him against what he should be, what Rao would have wanted. The meat, eating it like it was nothing, had cracked that image. Made her see the distance between them. But here, in this place, with his family, his home… the truth was clear.

He was not just Kal-El. He was Clark.

And for the first time, she wanted to know Clark.

"I want see," She said at last, straightening. "Your life. Your… normal life."

Clark's brows lifted. "You do?"

She nodded. "I go to Metropolis. Meet family. See… what is life for you."

For a moment, Clark only looked at her, as if making sure she meant it. Then, slow and bright, a wide grin spread across his face.

"They will be so happy," He said, excitement slipping into his voice. "Seriously, they've been dying to meet you."

Kara stiffened. "Dying?"

Clark let out a small laugh. "Just words. Means they really want to see you."

She relaxed, though she gave him a dry look. "Your language. Very stupid."

Clark chuckled. "You'll get used to it." He nodded toward the house. "Come inside. Mom's making lunch."

Kara frowned. "We eat before, no?"

"Ah, you see," Clark grinned, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and steering her toward the house. "The thing about Earth moms? They always feed their kids. No matter what."

Kara sighed, shaking her head at the absurdity of humans. She let herself be guided toward the farmhouse, where the scent of home-cooked food drifted through the evening air. Kal-El was Clark, of two homes, two worlds. And somehow, he had made them fit together. Maybe, one day, she could too.

The city sprawled beneath them, stretching toward the horizon in steel and glass. Kara had seen Metropolis before, flown over it, stood in its streets, but never like this. Never with her senses so open, so aware.

She and Kal-El hovered above the skyline, their capes rippling in the breeze. Below, the city roared with life. Kara had always known Metropolis was loud, but now, every sound pressed in at once. The layered voices of a thousand conversations, the rhythmic pounding of footsteps against the pavement, the screech of tires, the low hum of electricity running through neon signs.

It wasn't overwhelming, not exactly. But it was distracting.

She glanced at Kal-El, who floated with practised ease, his gaze sweeping the city like he belonged to it.

"You do not hear all this?" She asked in Kryptonian.

"I do," He said, amused. "I just don't let it bother me."

Kara frowned, turning her attention back to the streets. Somewhere below, a dog barked, sharp and insistent. A man's heartbeat spiked as he argued into a phone. A child sniffled, on the verge of tears. She hadn't noticed these things before on her first visit. Not like this.

Kal-El must have seen the frustration on her face because he nudged her shoulder lightly. "It takes practice," He said. "You'll learn to filter it out."

She exhaled, trying to push past the distractions.

Then, a new sound cut through the noise. A sharp, panicked shouting.

Kal-El's expression shifted in an instant. Without a word, he angled downward and shot toward the streets.

Kara followed.

She hovered in the air, her heart pounding as the scene unfolded below her. She had seen Superman in action before, had watched him put out fires and carry wounded humans to safety, but this was different.

Her eyes locked onto the scene below her. Armed humans kicked open the front door of a building, their boots slamming against the glass with a deafening crash. An alarm blared into the air, cutting through the chaotic noise of the street. They pushed their way outside, shoving people as they moved, their faces masked and their hands gripping weapons of some kind.

Kara couldn't make sense of it all. She didn't know what was happening or why, but she could see the fear in the eyes of the people who were running, the panic rising as they tried to flee. It was clear that whatever was going on, it was endangering innocent lives. And that was all Kara needed to know.

Superman stood tall above the scene, calmly assessing the situation. Several of the armed humans immediately raised their hands in surrender, recognising him as the symbol of everything they couldn't fight.

Not everyone surrendered though. Vehicles filled with large bags of human money sped off in opposite directions, two trucks fleeing the scene in a panic.

Kal-El's voice cut through her panicked thoughts. "Kara, stop the second car. I'll handle the first."

Kara hesitated, her mind racing. She didn't understand what was happening, not completely. She knew these humans had done something wrong. Something bad. That much was clear. But she wasn't a hero. Not really. She had never fought anyone before, not like this. Even with all her power, there was a knot of fear in her chest.

What if I mess up?

The second car shot down the road, tires screeching as it sped away from the scene. She had to stop it. But how? Her voice trembled as she called out in broken English.

"Stop, please!" Kara cried, hovering next to the driver's window. It sounded weak, unsure. "Stop vehicle. Please-"

The human driving the truck didn't even look at her. His partner in the passenger seat leaned out the window and raised the weapon towards Kara, a wild panic in his eyes.

Kara flinched before the shots even reached her. Her instinct was to move, to dodge, but it was a reflex. Something her mind hadn't caught up to yet. The bullets struck her chest, but there was nothing. Nothing at all. She felt no pain, but the movement sent her off course. She veered away from the truck just enough for her to knock a traffic sign over, the pole crashing loudly to the ground, sparks flying.

Her heart dropped. She had made a mistake. People cried out in surprise as a traffic light landed on a parked car. Kara watched in horror as innocent humans ducked for cover out of fear. She had frightened them, and hurt Kal-El's city.

I'm supposed to help, not make things worse.

The realisation hit her hard. Kal-El never uses all his strength. He couldn't. And she shouldn't either. If she did, someone might get hurt.

I need to be careful. I need to be gentle.

Kara took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She couldn't afford to let her fear control her. Slowly, she flew behind the truck, her hands extending as she carefully gripped the back of it, easing it to a stop. Her focus was complete. The car slowed down under her guidance, tires screeching but not violently, until it came to a full halt.

The humans inside, still in panic, tried to shoot at her again. She flinched, her instincts betraying her, but she held steady. She knew the bullets couldn't hurt her. But they could hurt someone else. Someone who wasn't like her.

She hovered closer to the car, her hands shaking slightly as she reached for the guns. Kara was careful, hesitant. She didn't want to hurt them, she didn't want to hurt anyone. Gently, she pulled the weapons from their hands, one by one, feeling the tremble in her fingers with each motion.

As she hovered uncertainly, watching the violent humans as they stood, disarmed but still defiant. She had taken their guns, but now she was stuck. She didn't know what to do next. She wasn't familiar with Earth's laws or how to handle criminals. She wasn't a fighter and had never been trained for this.

More importantly, she knew she couldn't just punch them.

Kara stood stiffly as Kal-El landed beside her, his presence commanding as ever. Even without raising a hand, without a single act of force, he had already won. The remaining humans, the ones who had tried to escape, froze under his gaze.

"Stay down." He ordered, his voice calm but firm. There was no anger in it, no harshness, only certainty. The humans obeyed without question.

The wail of sirens echoed through the streets, and Kara turned her head, tracking the police vehicles before they even came into view. The officers arrived quickly, stepping out with a mix of caution and relief. Kal-El moved toward them, speaking in their language, explaining the situation in that same measured way. They listened, their respect clear, some even looking grateful that he was here.

Kara, meanwhile, stayed back.

Her hands curled into fists at her sides as she stared at the damage she had caused. The shattered traffic light, the crumpled signpost, the car beneath it. The startled humans still whispering, still watching her with wary eyes.

She had flinched.

The bullets had done nothing to her, yet she had moved as if they could. And in that moment of hesitation, she had made things worse. She had broken things. She had frightened people.

Kal-El turned back to her, his expression softening when he saw her tense posture.

"Are you okay?" He asked in Kryptonian.

Kara swallowed. For a moment, she considered lying, saying she was fine. That was what a warrior would do, wasn't it? What a hero would do?

But the words wouldn't come. Instead, she shook her head. "I- I broke things," She admitted, voice quieter than before. She gestured toward the wreckage, her stomach twisting. "I scared them."

Kal-El followed her gaze, then exhaled. Gently, he placed a hand on her shoulder.

"No one got hurt," He reminded her. "And you stopped the truck without causing more damage. That's what matters."

Kara pressed her lips together. "I flinched," She confessed. "I should not have. But I-" She hesitated, struggling to find the words.

She hadn't been afraid of getting hurt. She had known the bullets wouldn't harm her. But still, her body had reacted. The instinct to dodge, to move. It had been too strong to ignore.

Kal-El nodded. "It's different when it actually happens," He said. "Even knowing you're invulnerable, your instincts don't change overnight. But you'll get used to it."

Would she?

Kara exhaled sharply, forcing herself to focus. She looked back at the wreckage. "The city is so fragile," She murmured. "Everything here is… delicate. Like living in a world made of paper…"

Kal-El gave her a knowing look. "That's why we don't use all our strength," He said. "Not unless we have to."

Kara thought back to the way he had handled the situation. He hadn't rushed in. He hadn't needed to. Just by being there, standing as Superman, he had stopped half the humans from even trying to fight.

She glanced back at him. "Is the city always like this?"

He shook his head. "Not always. Things happen sometimes, but Metropolis is usually peaceful. It's not an everyday thing." A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Though you do seem to have caught us on a busy day."

Kara huffed, crossing her arms. "Maybe I am just bad luck." It was mostly a joke, and Kara smiled to convey that fact.

Kal-El chuckled, then gestured for her to follow. "Come on. The police have it from here. We should get moving."

Kara hesitated for only a moment, then gave one last glance at the humans still watching them.

Their fear was fading, replaced by something else. Not quite trust, not yet. But gratitude. Maybe she hadn't done everything right. But maybe, she had done enough.

With that thought, she lifted off into the sky, flying alongside Kal-El as they left the streets behind.

------------------------------------------

Before stepping into the bustling world of the Daily Planet, Kara followed Clark into a quiet alley nearby. With a quick glance around, they touched down lightly on the pavement. Clark had already switched into his more human self, his Superman suit hidden beneath the slacks, button-up, and tie that made him Clark Kent.

Kara, meanwhile, adjusted her new outfit, the one she had picked for herself back in Smallville. A white button-up blouse tucked neatly into a soft blue skirt that fell just above her knees, paired with her Kryptonian boots which could pass as human fashion on their own. It was cute, as the woman at the store had called it. Kara didn't like the way the fabric felt, but admitted it still let her move freely. She had even added a white hairband, pushing her golden locks back in a way that kept them out of her face.

Clark gave her a once-over and smiled. "You look nice."

Kara adjusted the sleeves of her blouse, covering the suit hidden behind it. "I feel… different."

Clark chuckled. "You'll get used to it," He paused, putting on a slightly more serious face. "Now remember. We're acting as humans. You remember the cover story?"

"You are Clark Kent," She said, looking up at him with an eye-roll. As she adjusted the cuffs of her blouse, a thought struck her. "Why am I not Kara Kent?"

Clark hesitated, then gave a small smile. "Because the Kent family tree is too easy to search. If someone looked into it, they'd start asking questions we don't want them asking."

Kara frowned. "So why Danvers?"

"A friend helped set up the paperwork," Clark explained, straightening his tie. His tone was light, but there was something in his expression that told her not to push further.

Kara sighed, rolling the name around in her mind. "Kara Danvers…" She huffed. "It sounds weird."

Clark chuckled, handing Kara a second pair of glasses to complete her disguise. "You'll get used to it. Ready?"

Kara exhaled and nodded. "Ready."

------------------------------------------------------------

Stepping into the newsroom, Kara was immediately hit by a wave of sound, the rhythmic clatter of keyboards, the constant ringing of phones, and reporters shouting across desks. The air carried the sharp scent of ink and coffee, a strange but fitting blend of chaos and order. No wonder Clark found comfort here.

He moved through the crowded space with ease, offering nods to familiar faces. His posture shifted, shoulders slightly hunched, movements less assured. It was seamless, this transformation into Clark Kent.

Not an act, but a truth. Kal-El is Clark Kent.

Scanning the cluttered desks and pinboards filled with articles and photographs, Kara took everything in. A red-haired man approached, flashing an easy grin.

"CK! You're back! I thought you'd quit for real this time," He teased, though there was no real bite to it. His eyes flicked to Kara, curiosity lighting up his features.

Clark smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, got back just an hour ago." Then, gesturing to her, he said, "Jimmy, this is my cousin, Kara Danvers."

She offered a polite smile. "It's nice to meet you."

"Jimmy Olsen," The man said, grin widened as he shook her hand. "Welcome to the Planet! So, uh… visiting from out of town?"

A brief hesitation. "Something like that."

Before Jimmy could pry further, a sharp voice cut through the noise.

"Kent!"

An older man with grey hair strode toward them, holding up a crumpled newspaper.

Clark straightened. "Morning, Perry."

"Don't 'morning' me, Kent! You were supposed to email me that city hall report!" Perry White jabbed a finger at him before thrusting the paper into his hands. "If you ever show up on time, I might just drop dead from the shock."

Clark pushed his glasses up. "Well, we wouldn't want that, Chief."

A huff of exasperation, but no argument. Perry's sharp gaze shifted to Kara. "And who's this?"

"Kara Danvers," Clark said smoothly. "My cousin."

"Hmph." Perry gave her a once-over, then nodded. "Welcome to the Planet, kid. Try not to pick up any of Kent's bad habits."

With that, he turned and stormed off, already barking orders at another reporter.

Kara blinked. "He is… intense."

Clark chuckled. "That's just Perry."

Before Kara could respond, another voice joined the conversation, sharp and confident.

"Well, well. Look who finally decided to show up."

Quick, purposeful strides brought a dark-haired woman closer. Sharp eyes, an air of absolute authority. Lois Lane.

Recognition was immediate. They had met before, briefly, when Kara ventured into Metropolis alone. Back then, she hadn't known Lois was Kal-El's wife.

Lois' gaze flicked to her, a small, knowing smile appearing before she looked at Clark. "You're late," She said, holding out a folder. "Your contact at City Hall called, wanted to clarify a quote. Since you weren't answering your phone, they tried me."

Clark sighed, taking the folder. "Thanks, Lois."

Attention fully on Kara now, Lois studied her for a moment before offering a friendly smile. "And you must be Kara."

Kara hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Yes. It's nice to meet you."

Lois' smirk widened slightly. "I have a feeling we've met before."

A fraction of a second's tension passed through Kara, but Lois didn't elaborate. Instead, she gestured toward her office. "Come on. Let's talk somewhere quieter."

With a reassuring look from Clark, Kara followed her through the bustling newsroom. The moment the door closed behind them, the noise dimmed.

Leaning against her desk, Lois folded her arms. "Alright. Now we can talk properly." A warm smile softened her sharp demeanour. "Welcome to the family, Kara."

Before a response could form, she stepped forward and wrapped Kara in a quick but firm hug. The embrace was grounding, familiar in its strength, yet fierce in a way that made it clear Lois had already decided Kara was important to her.

When Lois pulled back, she was smiling. "It's good to finally meet you. Clark's been talking about you non-stop since you got here."

Kara blinked in surprise. "He has?"

"Oh yeah," Lois said, shooting Clark a look. "You have no idea how happy he's been."

Clark pushed his glasses up, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. "I wouldn't say non-stop-"

"He has," Lois interrupted, grinning.

Kara glanced at her cousin, who looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. Warmth spread through her chest. She knew Kal-El cared for her, but hearing that he had spoken about her so much, so happily, made something settle inside her.

Still, something didn't make sense.

Her brow furrowed. "If… if you wanted meet me, why… you say nothing when we talk before? Why you no tell me about marriage?"

For just a second, Lois' expression faltered before she turned a sharp gaze on Clark. "That's a good question." One brow arched. "Clark, why didn't you tell Kara about us?"

A sigh escaped Clark, and he already knew he was in trouble. "I was going to. I just… didn't want to overwhelm her with everything all at once." His eyes softened as he looked at Kara. "You had a lot to adjust to. I didn't want to make it harder."

Lois rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Instead, she turned back to Kara, her expression softening. "I really am sorry about that first meeting. I was in work mode. When I'm chasing a story, I have to ask the questions the public wants answered. I needed to be seen doing my job."

Kara considered this. She had seen what Lois was like as a reporter. Sharp, relentless, focused. She could understand the need to separate personal life from professional work.

Lois sighed, rubbing her temple. "And honestly? Even if I wanted to write something more personal, I couldn't. I can't publish information I learn at home."

Kara frowned slightly. "Why not?"

A smirk appeared on Lois's face. "Because that would make me a terrible wife."

A blink, then a quiet laugh. Fair enough.

Leaning back, Lois continued, "Besides, Clark's been pretty tight-lipped about you." She shot him a pointed look as Kara frowned in confusion at the conflicting statement. "About the stuff that really matters. Oh, he'll tell me about how fast you're picking up English or how you can supposedly create food from thin air-"

Kara shot Clark a disapproving glance. "I explain this already. Cannot make food from nothing."

He shrugged. "She deserves her privacy."

"I get it," Lois nodded, turning back to Kara. "And for what it's worth, I do want to know you, Kara. Not just as Supergirl, but as Clark's cousin."

The warmth in her voice made something settle further inside Kara. "I want to know you too."

Lois grinned. "Good. Because like I said. Welcome to the family."

Hesitation flickered across Kara's face before she finally voiced the other question lingering in her mind. "Still, we met before… you say nothing about being wife of Kal-El."

Lois' smirk softened. "Because I'm married to Clark Kent," She said simply. "Not Superman," Then, she huffed a small chuckle. "Also, it's hard to have that conversation in public, and you already looked so skittish."

That answer required a moment's thought, but eventually, Kara nodded. "I… understand."

Lois raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"

"Yes. It is… secret?"

Lois nodded. "Exactly."

Accepting it easily, Kara smiled. "Is okay. Am happy to meet wife of Kal-El."

Lois chuckled, shaking her head. "Kal-El. It's still so weird hearing someone call him that." She shot Clark a teasing grin. "Sounds way too grand for a guy who forgets to pick up milk."

Clark sighed. "I told you, I got distracted."

"By a kitten in a tree," Lois deadpanned.

Kara, amused, turned her attention back to Lois. "You do not like name?"

"Nah, it's not that," Lois shook her head. "It's just… Clark's Clark to me, you know? But now you've got me curious. If I did start calling him Kal-El, what would my name be?"

Kara tilted her head. "What you mean?"

"Well, I'm married to Kal-El, would I be Lois-El?"

With immediate disapproval, Kara shook her head. "No. You take full name."

Lois blinked. "Wait, full name?"

Kara gave a firm nod. "You would be… Lois Kal-El."

Silence stretched between them as Lois processed that. "Huh."

"Same as me," Kara continued. "I am Kara Zor-El. Is name from father. Only change if marry another man."

Lois made a face. "So I'd just become my husband's full name? No thanks. I'll stick with Lois Lane." She muttered under her breath, "Another patriarchal society. Fantastic."

Clark cleared his throat. "Speaking of names, have you been following the crime reports?"

The teasing glint in Lois' eyes vanished, replaced by sharp focus. "Of course. There's been a noticeable uptick in activity. Robberies, smuggling, even some high-profile weapons deals."

Clark frowned. "Any idea why?"

"It's simple, Smallville." She leaned against her desk, arms crossed. "When Superman's distracted, criminals get bolder."

Kara's brow furrowed. "Distracted?"

A knowing look passed between them before Lois turned back to Kara. "You're kind of a big deal, kid. Clark's been helping you settle in, showing you the ropes. Meanwhile, the city's noticed he hasn't been around as much."

That didn't sit well. Clark folded his arms. "That still doesn't explain why crime is suddenly spiking."

Lois reached for a file on her desk, flipping it open before sliding it toward him. "That's where my investigation comes in. I've been digging, and I'm pretty sure someone's bankrolling this whole mess."

Clark opened the file, scanning the notes and reports. "Who?"

Lois leaned back, a smirk forming. "The trail leads to Gotham."

He exhaled sharply. "That's never good."

"Figured you'd say that," She said, clearly enjoying herself. "So I took the liberty of getting some intel."

His gaze lifted. "You talked to Bruce?"

That smirk widened. "Nope. Got it from someone way more fun."

Clark's expression darkened. "Lois-"

"Relax, Boy Scout. It was just a chat."

Kara glanced between them, confused. "Who?"

Lois casually examined her nails. "Selina."

A groan escaped Clark, even as Kara was left hopelessly confused by the conversation.

With a shrug, Lois replied, "What can I say? We have brunch sometimes."

Kara blinked. "What is brunch?"

Dramatically, Lois sighed. "Oh, honey. We have to fix that."

------------------------------------------------

The conversation had flowed easily, despite the occasional hiccups in translation. Lois had shared bits and pieces of her life before meeting Clark, how she started at the Daily Planet, her relentless pursuit of stories, and the moment she first realised Clark Kent was more than just a mild-mannered reporter. Kara listened intently, absorbing every detail, though the language barrier made expressing her thoughts a challenge. Still, Lois was patient, filling in gaps when needed, and Kara found herself enjoying the exchange.

Eventually, Lois checked the time and sighed. "I'd love to stay longer, but I have to go pick up Jon. I'll meet you two back at home for lunch."

Kara blinked, processing the statement. "You go to Smallville?"

Lois paused. "What?"

"Jonathan Kent… he is in Smallville, yes?"

Clark turned away to hide a smile, but Lois immediately saw through him. She slowly turned to face him, arms crossed. "You didn't tell her?"

Pushing his glasses up, he offered an innocent shrug. "I figured I'd wait until she was ready."

Lois let out a frustrated sigh. "Clark."

He held up his hands in defence. "What? I said I didn't want to overwhelm her with everything all at once." His lips twitched in amusement. "And, at this point, I thought it'd be more fun as a surprise."

Kara glanced between them, still completely lost. "Surprise?"

Clark shot her a knowing wink but said nothing.

Lois pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly exasperated. "You're impossible."

Kara frowned, sensing she was missing something important, but before she could question it further, Lois grabbed her bag. "Fine. Have fun at the Planet. I'll see you two at home." She shot Clark one last pointed look before heading out, muttering under her breath about someone enjoying their secrets too much.

Still confused but trusting Clark, Kara let it go, for now. Instead, she turned her attention back to her cousin as he smiled warmly. "Come on, I'll show you around. If you're going to get to know this world, you should see what my life here is really like."

Clark guided Kara through the bustling newsroom, weaving between desks stacked high with papers and ringing phones. The energy of the Daily Planet was unlike anything she had ever experienced, chaotic yet focused, loud yet purposeful. The sheer volume of human voices, all speaking over one another, was overwhelming at first, but Kara quickly realised that beneath the noise was a kind of harmony. Everyone here had a role to play, and despite their differences, they worked together seamlessly.

As they walked, Clark pointed things out. "That's where the editors sit. If you ever hear shouting from over there, it probably means someone's missed a deadline." He gestured toward a group of reporters huddled near a whiteboard filled with notes and headlines. "And that's the investigations team. They dig into bigger stories. Corruption, crime, politics."

Kara nodded, fascinated. On Krypton, information had been carefully curated, streamlined, and delivered through Brainiac's data systems. Reporters had existed, but not like this, not running around, chasing leads, arguing over wording. The Daily Planet felt so much more… alive.

A familiar voice called out, breaking her thoughts.

"Hey, Clark!"

Jimmy Olsen jogged over, camera slung around his neck. He shot Kara a friendly grin. "And Kara, right? We met earlier."

She smiled back. "Yes. Kara."

Jimmy tilted his head. "So, where you from again? I don't think I caught it."

Before she could answer, another reporter chimed in from nearby. "Oh yeah, I was wondering that too! Your accent's hard to place."

Kara hesitated, glancing at Clark. Who also looked to be caught off guard by the question.

She thought for a moment before answering. "Europe?" She guessed, remembering the name of the continent and how some people in Smallville assumed she was from there.

Jimmy chuckled. "Yeah, no kidding. Eastern Europe?"

"Maybe Scandinavian?" Someone else suggested.

A woman at the next desk shook her head. "No way, she doesn't sound Scandinavian. I'd guess somewhere more… Central Europe?"

Kara glanced between them, amused by their speculation but unsure how to respond. Clark stepped in smoothly. "Yeah, it's Central-ish... But uh, she's still working on her English, so some words are tricky."

Jimmy grinned. "Well, you're doing great so far. And hey, if you ever need help, I got a translation app on my phone!"

Kara smiled. The humans were so eager to be helpful, it was a kindness she appreciated.

As the morning went on, she absorbed everything she could. She watched Clark type up an article, eyes scanning the keyboard with impressive speed.

Even the gossip and humour in the office fascinated her, people chatting about weekend plans, office coffee complaints, and someone's cat who had apparently taken over their laptop at home.

It was different from Krypton in so many ways. Louder, messier, less efficient. But as Kara listened to the hum of conversation and watched the easy camaraderie between colleagues, she felt something familiar beneath it all. There was purpose here, a shared drive to seek out truth, to understand the world.

She lingered by Clark's desk, flipping through a newspaper, her fingers tracing the printed words she still couldn't read. The material was crude compared to Kryptonian data transfers via optical hologram links, but the intent was the same.

"Not a lot of people read those anymore," Clark remarked, leaning against his desk. At Kara's questioning look, he explained, "Printed media is… dying, I guess you could say. Most people get their news from their phones now."

Kara frowned, pulling the phone Clark had given her from her pocket. The sleek little device still felt unnatural in her hands. And it was frustrating, every time she tried to use it, something went wrong. Her fingers moved too fast, or she accidentally activated the wrong function.

Clark chuckled at her expression. "You'll get used to it." A phrase that Kara was beginning to hate.

She wasn't so sure. But as Jimmy strolled by, launching into an animated retelling of a recent assignment gone wrong, Kara found herself caught up in the moment, listening as the others laughed along.

-----------------------------------------------

As they stepped out of the Daily Planet and into the streets of Metropolis, Kara winced. The moment they left the relative quiet of the newsroom, the full force of the city hit her like a tidal wave.

Car horns blared, sirens wailed in the distance, dozens- No, hundreds ,of conversations overlapped all around her. Somewhere, a dog barked. A baby cried. A street musician strummed a guitar.

She squeezed her eyes shut, pressing her fingers against her temples. "Too much," She muttered in Kryptonian.

Clark placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "I know. It was the same for me at first." His voice was calm, grounding. "Come on, let's get home. I'll show you how to handle it."

Kara nodded stiffly, following him as they took to the skies. The flight helped a little, the wind rushing past her ears dulled some of the overwhelming noise, but as soon as they landed on the balcony of Clark's apartment, the chaos pressed in again.

She hesitated, staring out over the city skyline. "How do you live like this?" she asked. "It never stops."

Clark stepped inside, gesturing for her to follow. "You learn to tune it out," He explained. "It takes time, but eventually, your brain stops treating every sound as important."

Kara crossed her arms, sceptical. "And until then?"

Clark grinned. "Until then, you cheat."

He sat on the couch and patted the space beside him. She hesitated before joining him.

"Close your eyes," He instructed.

She did.

"Now," He continued, "Instead of hearing everything at once, pick just one sound. Focus on it."

Kara furrowed her brow. "Which?"

"Anything. Something close."

She concentrated, struggling against the flood of noise until- There. A steady, rhythmic sound. A heartbeat.

Her eyes snapped open. "Yours."

Clark nodded. "Good. Now, try shifting to something else. The clock in the kitchen. The wind outside."

It was difficult at first, but as she followed his guidance, something clicked. The chaos of sound around her began to feel… manageable. Not gone, but no longer crushing.

Clark smiled at her progress. "See? You'll get there."

She exhaled slowly, the tension in her shoulders easing.

As Kara continued focusing, the layers of sound separated like threads in a tapestry. The hum of the refrigerator. The rustle of leaves outside. The rhythmic tick of the wall clock. And then-

A heartbeat. Steady, familiar.

Lois.

Kara blinked, surprised at how easily she recognised it. She was getting the hang of this. But before she could say anything, something else caught her attention. Another heartbeat.

Softer. Lighter.

Her brow furrowed. There was someone with Lois. Someone smaller.

She sat up, eyes snapping toward the door just as it opened.

Lois stepped inside, holding a young boy's hand.

"Clark, Kara," Lois said with a grin. "We're back."

Kara didn't move. She couldn't. She stared at the boy, heart pounding, mind refusing to process what she was seeing.

A child.

But no- not just a child.

Her breath hitched as she took him in. Dark hair, slightly unruly like he'd been running his fingers through it all morning. Wide, blue eyes that sparkled with energy, so eerily familiar it sent a jolt through her chest.

He looked so much like Kal-El.

Not Kal as he was now, but Kal as she remembered him. As a baby, swaddled in his crib. As a toddler, barely steady on his feet, clutching at her hand.

Jon looked barely a Kryptonian year older than Kal had been when she last saw him. And yet, Kal was a man now. Standing beside her. Smiling.

Clark stood, his usual warmth in his voice. "Kara, this is Jon." He placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, smiling proudly. "My son."

A sharp inhale was all Kara managed.

It didn't make sense. Kryptonians and humans- this wasn't possible. It shouldn't be possible. As similar as they were in shape, they were two different species.

And yet… here he was.

A continuation of the House of El. A living bridge between Krypton and Earth.

She barely registered the way her vision blurred until a tear slipped down her cheek. Then, without thinking, she dropped to her knees in front of the boy and pulled him into a tight hug.

Jon stiffened at first, confused, but didn't resist. "Uhh…" He glanced up at his dad. "Is she okay?"

Clark chuckled. "She's just happy to meet you, buddy."

Kara pulled back slightly, hands still on Jon's shoulders. Her voice was thick with emotion. "You… you are real."

"Surprise…" Clark said quietly, smilling down at the two.

She let out a breathy laugh, her grip on the boy loosening as she swiped at her damp eyes. "I- sorry, I just-" She looked between Clark and Lois, overwhelmed. "I never thought-" But the words refused to come. She shook her head instead, trying to steady herself.

Lois gave her a knowing look but didn't press.

Jon, watching her with wide, curious eyes, gave her a shy smile. "Dad said you didn't know about me yet," He beamed, his voice high and earnest. "It's okay! I knew about you, though! I've been waiting forever to meet you!"

Kara let out a shaky laugh, nodding. "Yeah… it's big surprise." She took a moment to really look at him again, his small face, the dark curls, the bright blue eyes that were so much like Kal's. Her mind supplied the Kryptonian word for second cousin, assuming that's what Jon must be to her.

Then Jon gasped, eyes lighting up. "Wait! If you're Dad's cousin, that makes you my-" He scrunched his nose, thinking hard before looking up at Clark. "What's the word?"

Clark smirked. "Aunt."

Jon's face lit up. "Aunt!" He turned back to her, bouncing on his heels. "I have another aunt? For real?"

The word hit Kara harder than she expected. Aunt. Not just some distant relation. Family. Kal's family. Her family. A warm, shaky feeling spread through her chest as she swallowed past the lump in her throat.

She exhaled, then squared her shoulders, nodding firmly. "Yes," She said, her voice cracking under the tears as she embraced the new title wholeheartedly. "I am your aunt."

Jon's grin stretched impossibly wide. "That's so cool!" He wiggled excitedly, then quickly leaned in to whisper, as if sharing a big secret. "Do you got powers too?"

Kara glanced at Lois, whose raised brow was clear enough.

"She just got here, buddy," Lois said, crossing her arms. "Let her breathe before you start grilling her."

Jon pouted for half a second before brightening again. "Okay! But- Um. Can I sit next to her at lunch?"

Kara let out another soft laugh, overwhelmed but so full of something warm.

Clark draped an arm over her shoulders, squeezing gently. "Come on," He said, guiding them toward the dining table. "Let's eat."

Jon grabbed her hand excitedly as they walked, already chatting about the toys he wanted to show her after lunch.

Still shaken, but no longer lost, Kara followed, glancing down at the little boy who was so impossibly real.

Krypton was gone. But the House of El lived.

And she was part of it.

The sky stretched wide and open around them, the air crisp and bright as Kara soared above Metropolis. Wind rushed past her ears, tugging at her hair, but she barely noticed, too focused on staying steady.

Jon flew beside her like he was born to it, rolling lazily through the air, arms crossed behind his head. It looked so easy for him. Every movement was natural, effortless. He didn't even have to think about it.

Kara, on the other hand, had to think about everything. The angle of her arms, the way she tilted her body. Too much, and she'd end up spiralling sideways. Too little, and she'd drop lower without meaning to.

"Relax," Jon said, grinning as he twisted mid-air and started flying backward like it was the simplest thing in the world. "You're all stiff. Flying's supposed to be fun."

She huffed, trying to adjust the way she hovered. "Is work when brain not knowing what body is doing."

Jon tilted his head. "You'll get it," He said easily. "Dad taught you the basics, right?"

She huffed. "Kal teach me, but I still-" Her hand waved vaguely as she tried to find the words. "Stopping hard. Turning hard. Always go too fast or too slow."

Jon nodded. "Yeah, okay," He pointed toward the city below. "Wanna try weaving through the buildings? Might help you learn turning?"

Kara frowned at the skyline. Tall glass towers, narrow streets, so many things to crash into. Her stomach tightened. "Bad idea."

"Only if you hit something," Jon grinned in amusement. It took Kara a short moment to realise he was making a joke. "You just need more training. That's all."

A frown tugged at her lips. "I trained on Krypton. Am aca- academ- academ?…" The English word was on the tip of her tongue, but she lost it. "Am scientist. Train mind for knowledge. Not… this. She gestured vaguely at the sky, at her own awkward posture.

Her stomach dropped as she realised she was once again tilting sideways again. Gritting her teeth, she flailed for balance, nearly overcorrecting before catching herself.

Jon helped her flip right-side up again, watching her struggle with a concerned tilt to his head. "Come on, I had trouble too. Mom freaked when I started floating in my sleep. Sent me to Grandpa's farm for, like, a month so I wouldn't set the house on fire."

Kara blinked. "Floating in sleep?"

"Yeah. And the heat vision? Total nightmare." He shuddered. "Woke up once and nearly melted my bed."

A small, surprised laugh bubbled up in Kara's throat. "This… happen when how old?"

Jon thought for a moment. "Uh… last year? So six?

She stared. "You have year practice."

"Two years," He grinned. "You've had, what, a month? You'll get better!" His expression brightened. "Oh! Have you tried X-ray vision yet?"

She blinked. "What?"

Jon stared at her. "…You don't know you have X-ray vision?"

Confusion flickered across her face. "I can do that?"

"Oh, oh!" He beamed, getting excited all over again. "Okay, wow, we have so much to cover."

Kara stared at Jon, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You joke."

"Nope!" Jon grinned, tapping his temple. "X-ray vision, super hearing, cold breath. You totally have it. Dad says all Kryptonians under a yellow sun do."

"Freeze breath?"

"Yeah! You can, like, freeze stuff." He took a deep breath, then exhaled sharply. The air before him shimmered, frost forming in the shape of his breath before vanishing into the wind. "See?"

Kara's mouth opened, then closed again. Jon kept going, listing things she didn't even realise she had. Microscopic vision. Super breath. Kara listened, overwhelmed but fascinated.

She drifted for a moment, watching Jon fly with the kind of ease she could only dream of. He made it look effortless, like breathing. Kara was still figuring out what her body could even do. But at least she wasn't alone.

She smiled to herself. Back on Krypton, she had no siblings. No cousins her age. But here, she had Kal. She had Jon. Both were still out of her age group. But it was nice.

"I like having nephew," She said aloud, glancing at Jon. "You help. Teach me."

"Well, yeah!" Jon grinned. "We gotta stick together, right?"

She nodded, then sighed. "Wish I meet more like us. Others learning powers. Maybe Kal have more secret family?" Kara chuckled at the joke.

Jon snorted. "More surprise Kryptonians?"

"Maybe," Kara said, amused.

He laughed, but after a second, his face shifted in thought. "Well… there is Conner."

Kara perked up. "Conner?"

"Yeah, he's kinda like my brother. But, uh… not exactly." Kara frowned at his statement and Jon rubbed the back of his head. "It's complicated. He's, uh… Dad's clone."

She blinked. That couldn't be right. Kryptonian cloning was… illegal. No, worse- it was sacrilege. The only clones ever made on Krypton weren't considered real people. Soulless. Empty. Used for organ replacement, then discarded.

Her stomach twisted at the thought.

"Conner lives in San Francisco," Jon added. "With the Titans. Him and Dad… they don't always get along."

Kara wanted to ask more. What kind of person was Conner? Did he think like a Kryptonian? Did he know how his existence would've been seen on Krypton?

Before she could speak, a distant boom shattered the air. Then another. Sharp cracks of gunfire followed, echoing between the buildings below.

Kara's head snapped toward the city. Jon tensed beside her.

Something was very, very wrong.

"Crime?"

"Probably," Jon's expression was serious now, the easy joy from before fading. He exhaled, glancing toward the city. "I, uh… I can't go. Mom and Dad say I'm not ready yet. No hero stuff 'til I'm older."

Kara nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with that. Her first thought was to fly the boy home, focusing on her family's safety over any incident taking place in the city.

Jon looked at her, suddenly hopeful. "But you could do it."

"Me!?" Kara's stomach twisted.

Jon nodded. "Dad's off-world with League work. Someone's gotta help, right?"

Her hands clenched at her sides. She wasn't Superman. She wasn't even close. But the sirens wailed out as voices cried out for help below.

She took a steadying breath, then she flew toward the city.

----------------------------------------------

The city streets were chaos.

Flashing traffic lights blinked erratically, horns blared as cars screeched to avoid collisions, and storefronts flickered as their electrical signs overloaded. Overhead cables snapped, arcing with energy.

Kara took it all in with wide eyes as she descended, landing hard enough to crack the pavement beneath her. Her nerves buzzed, but she straightened her shoulders, trying to look as confident as Kal always did.

Then, she spotted the source of the destruction.

A woman stood at the center of the street, electricity crackling between her fingers. Pale blue skin and short white hair that spiked upward. She wore a smug grin as she watched the city fall into chaos around her, the glow of static energy pulsing in her palms.

Kara didn't know who she was. But everything about her screamed danger.

Swallowing, she stepped forward. "Stop."

The woman turned lazily toward her, raising an unimpressed brow. "Oh, finally. I was wondering when Big Blue would show up." She flicked a spark between her fingers, unconcerned. "Took you long enough."

Kara faltered. She's expecting Kal.

The woman's sharp eyes flicked over her, and her grin widened. "Wait a second… You're not him."

Kara clenched her fists. "I- I stop you."

The villain snorted. "Oh, honey. No, you won't."

And before Kara could react, a bolt of lightning shot straight at her.

Pain exploded across her body. Kara gasped, staggering backward as her nerves burned. Her muscles locked, seizing up from the sudden charge.

The woman, whoever she was, laughed. "What, first time getting zapped? Hate to break it to ya, sweetheart, but Superman usually shrugs this off."

Kara barely heard her. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stand. Her skin still tingled, but she pushed past the pain. She had to stop this.

Lifting off the ground, she rushed forward, throwing a punch-

The blue woman smirked, dodging with ease. She surged past Kara in a blur of electricity, reappearing behind her. "Too slow."

Something slammed into Kara's back, sending her crashing into a car. Metal crunched under her weight as she groaned, disoriented.

Too fast. She's too fast.

A scream ripped through the air. Civilians. Kara's head snapped up. In the chaos, a mother clutched her child, frozen in fear as a stray jolt was sparking toward them.

Kara moved.

She blurred in front of them just in time, taking the hit herself. The electricity sent another shockwave of pain through her, but she gritted her teeth, standing her ground.

The mother grabbed her child and ran. Kara exhaled, relieved. But when she turned back to woman, her patience was gone.

Anger flared.

She launched herself forward, faster, hitting harder. Her punch sent the villain skidding back and forming into pure energy for a moment. The villain reformed with a wicked grin. "Oh, so you do have some fight in you after all."

Kara didn't reply. She swung again. Faster, sharper. The villain dodged, but barely. The street cracked under Kara's force.

She felt the heat rise in her eyes.

Her anger surged, her vision blurring red. She could feel the heat vision burning behind her gaze, begging to be unleashed. She clenched her jaw, struggling to keep it in check.

Focus, control it-

The woman smirked. "Oh, this is fun."

Another bolt. This one stronger. Kara flinched, barely blocking in time. The electricity still burned.

She gritted her teeth. Too much. Too fast. She wasn't winning.

Her mind raced. What would Kal do? How did he fight enhanced people and protect the city while keeping himself in control?

Kara barely had time to catch her breath before another surge of electricity crackled through the air. She twisted, but the bolt still clipped her shoulder, sending a sharp jolt of pain down her arm. She staggered back, gritting her teeth as her muscles twitched.

The villain, still smirking, tilted her head. "Huh. Tougher than I thought." Sparks danced between her fingertips as she stalked forward. "Still, I gotta wonder, what happens if I actually fry you? Think Supes would be mad if I roasted his sidekick?"

Kara forced herself to stand tall. "Not sidekick."

The woman's grin widened. "Oh, I like that fire. But seriously, what are you to him? Some kind of intern?" She flicked a stray bolt at Kara, just to watch her flinch. "Or, oh, wait. Maybe a long-lost sister?"

Kara's fists clenched, tensing as the villain raised both hands, the glow of her electricity intensifying.

The villain laughed, crackling energy coiling around her arms. "Ooooh, I hope so. That's even better. I wonder how Superman will react when he finds out I turned his baby sister into a pile of ashes."

Before she could unleash her attack a golden lasso snapped around her wrists.

The villain barely had time to yelp before she was yanked off her feet and slammed into the pavement. The electric charge around her flickered, the sudden impact breaking her focus.

A shadow fell over them.

"You fought well," A steady, commanding voice said. "But you're not ready for this fight."

Kara blinked, breath still heavy from exertion. A woman stood before her, tall and powerful, draped in crimson and gold. A golden tiara rested against her brow, dark curls flowing behind her as if caught in an unseen wind. Her armour gleamed under the flickering city lights, and in her grip, she held the glowing lasso that bound the struggling villain.

Kara could only stare.

The woman turned her attention to the pinned villain, her expression unwavering. "Stand down, Livewire."

Livewire hissed, struggling against the lasso. "Ugh, now you? I was just starting to have fun."

The warrior's eyes narrowed. "You know how this ends."

Livewire's lips curled into a snarl. Sparks flared around her-

And then, in a blur of movement.

Before Kara could process what was happening, the woman deflected a stray burst of electricity with her metal bracers, closing the distance with impossible speed. A swift strike to Livewire's midsection sent the villain reeling, and with one smooth motion, the warrior swept her legs out from under her.

Livewire hit the ground hard.

She barely had time to curse before the woman tightened the lasso around her, cutting off any attempt at retaliation.

Kara had never seen anyone fight like this before. Every movement was precise, controlled. There was no hesitation, no wasted effort. Just pure, disciplined skill.

It was over in seconds.

Livewire groaned, struggling weakly. "Ugh. Stupid magic rope…"

The warrior ignored her, securing the bindings before standing to her full height. Her piercing blue eyes met Kara's.

"You're strong," She said, her voice calm but firm. "But strength alone won't win a battle."

Kara could only nod, still processing what had just happened.

This woman, whoever she was, was incredible. She fought with the ease of someone who had done this a thousand times before. And she was beautiful.

Not just in appearance, though Kara couldn't help but notice that, too. But in the way she moved, the way she carried herself, like she belonged on the battlefield, born for it.

Kara swallowed, suddenly feeling very, very young.

"…Who are you?" She asked.

The woman studied her for a moment before offering a hand, pulling Kara back up to her feet.

"I am Diana of Themyscira." Then, after a brief pause, she added. "But you may know me as Wonder Woman."

-------------------------------------------------

The battle was over, but Kara's heart was still racing.

Her fists remained clenched as she surveyed the aftermath. Streetlights flickered erratically, cars lay abandoned in the road, and the scent of burnt metal lingered in the air. Civilians peered cautiously from their hiding places, hesitant to re-enter the street.

Livewire groaned from where she lay restrained, but Kara barely noticed. Her body hummed with leftover adrenaline, her muscles coiled tight.

She had lost.

She had rushed in, thinking she could handle it, that she could be just like her cousin. Instead, Kara had nearly lost control. She had been caught off guard and reckless, too focused on striking back instead of thinking smarter.

And if Wonder Woman hadn't shown up…

Her jaw tightened.

"You're still holding tension."

Kara turned, startled. Diana stood nearby, watching her with an expression that was neither critical nor pitying. Just understanding.

She looked away, trying to steady herself. "Am fine."

"You're angry." Diana said, her gaze didn't waver even as Kara kept looking away. "At the villain, at yourself. You think you failed."

Kara exhaled sharply, turning back to the taller woman, her shoulders stiff. "I did fail."

Diana stepped closer, her voice calm but firm. "Failure isn't losing a battle. It's refusing to learn from it."

"I should have done better." Kara frowned, arms crossing in frustration.

She knew metahumans existed. Kal had explained that much to her. But she had underestimated them. She had assumed her strength, her speed, her Kryptonian physiology would be enough. Now, pain still hummed in her muscles from the electricity, and doubt gnawed at her mind. She had been careless.

Diana studied her for a moment before speaking. "This was your first real fight, wasn't it?"

Kara hesitated, then gave a small nod.

"Then you fought bravely," Diana said.

The words took Kara by surprise. Coming from a warrior like Diana, the compliment felt… real. Earned. A small, warm flicker lit in her chest. But it was gone just as quickly when Diana's proud tone shifted, becoming serious.

"But bravery without control can be dangerous."

Kara's fists clenched again. "Am not warrior," She argued. "I never want fight. Am… academic." The word finally came to her, though she said it wrong in her accent.

Diana tilted her head slightly. "You believe that being a scholar and being a warrior are separate things?"

Kara exhaled sharply. "Yes! They are." She gestured at herself, then Diana. "You are warrior. I- was trained for science. Discovery. My life… before…" She faltered for a second but quickly recovered. "Before this. Was not like Kal's."

Diana nodded, but her expression remained firm. "And yet, here you stand. In the middle of a battlefield."

Kara's jaw tightened. "Is not choice."

"Isn't it?" Diana studied her carefully. Kara opened her mouth, but Diana continued. "You had every reason to run. You could have left this fight to someone else. But you stayed. You fought."

Struggling to find the words, Kara looked away.

Diana softened, but her conviction didn't waver. "There is no shame in being a scientist, Kara. But do not mistake yourself for something you are not. You stepped into battle because you could not stand by while others suffered. That is a warrior's heart."

"No…" Kara flinched. Warriors had their purpose on Krypton, in times of crisis. But they were also people of pain and violence. Kara wanted no part in that, she was not a-

Diana took a step forward. "It is not an insult," She placed a hand on Kara's shoulder, grounding but not forceful. "You think I fight because I like war?" She shook her head. "No. I fight because I must. Because the world needs me to."

Kara stared at her, breathing unevenly.

"You have a warrior's spirit," Diana said. "But no training. That is why you lost today."

"I don't want to be warrior." Kara grumbled. Diana frowned at her statement as Kara doubled down. "Am scientist..."

"If that is the path the gods have set you on, then I shall not dissuade you," Diana said, arms folding as she observed Kara with a measured gaze. "But you do need control. Because one day, whether you want to or not, you will have to fight."

A lump formed in Kara's throat. She hated the truth in those words.

"Warrior or not," Diana continued, voice steady, "You must be ready."

Before Kara could respond, a sudden gust of wind sent loose debris scattering across the cracked pavement. The familiar rush of displaced air made her stomach twist even before she saw him.

Superman landed lightly nearby, cape settling around him as he scanned the aftermath. His sharp eyes flicked over the damaged street, the abandoned cars, and Livewire, still bound in Diana's glowing lasso. But when his gaze landed on Kara, it softened with concern.

"Kara."

She straightened instinctively, forcing herself to meet his eyes.

His attention shifted briefly to Diana, and his expression turned apologetic. "Sorry I'm late. Off-world diplomacy." The warmth in his voice couldn't quite mask his regret. "Thank you for stepping in."

Diana nodded. "You would have done the same."

Looking back at Kara, Clark studied her carefully. "I heard you were here first." Kara hesitated, then nodded. His expression softened, but his gaze was careful. "Are you okay?"

Kara forced a nod. "I… tried."

A small, proud smile touched his lips, but the worry in his eyes didn't fade. "That's what matters." Before he could say more, Diana spoke again.

"She has potential," She said, watching Kara closely. "But she lacks control."

Kara stiffened, but Clark didn't argue. He only sighed, exhaling through his nose as his gaze flickered to her again. "I know."

Diana met his gaze evenly. "Let me take her to Themyscira."

Kara blinked. "What?"

Diana turned fully toward her. "Come with me. Let me teach you."

The name meant nothing to her. She frowned. "What is… Themyscira?" The unfamiliar word felt clumsy on her tongue.

Clark answered before Diana could. "It's an island," He explained, voice gentler now. "Hidden from the world, home to the Amazons. It's where Diana was trained."

Kara's brow furrowed. That only made her more wary. "But- I'm not warrior."

"This isn't about war," Diana said simply. "It's about control."

Kara took a hesitant step back, away from the warrior woman.

Diana studied her carefully before continuing, "You rely on brute force because it comes naturally. But it won't always be enough. Training will teach you precision. Strategy. And more importantly, it will teach you discipline."

The words lingered uncomfortably in Kara's mind, but before she could form a reply, Diana took a step closer. "Your emotions guide your power," she said, quieter now, but no less firm. "Today, you nearly lost control."

Kara flinched, looking away. She didn't need to be reminded.

Diana's voice remained steady. "I can help you. Before it happens again."

Kara's jaw tightened. Her gaze flickered to Clark, searching for an escape, but he didn't offer one.

For a long moment, he just watched her, thoughtful and careful, weighing his words. Then, finally, he sighed. "I won't make this decision for you."

Relief flickered through her chest. Though it was short-lived.

"But," He added, meeting her eyes, "I think Diana's right."

Her shoulders slumped.

"She's not asking you to become a warrior," Clark said gently. Kara was feeling otherwise. "She's offering to help you control the power you already have. And I think it's a good opportunity that I can't give you myself."

Kara pressed her lips together. She didn't want to fight. She wasn't a soldier. She was meant to study, to explore, to discover.

But Diana was right in one regard. This would happen again, eventually. It wasn't in Kara's nature to sit back when she knew she could help. And if more maniacs attacked the city…

Slowly, she exhaled and looked back at Diana. "…How long?"

A small, knowing smile tugged at the Amazon's lips. "As long as it takes."

Kara sighed, hesitating before giving a reluctant nod. "…Fine."

Diana's smile widened ever so slightly.

Clark placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You'll be okay. I trust her with my life."

With a reluctant sigh, Kara glanced at Clark one last time. His reassuring nod did little to ease the weight settling in her chest.

She wasn't ready for this. She wasn't even sure she wanted this. But after today, pretending she didn't need the help wasn't an option. Clark could only be around so much, and Jon was too young to teach her this.

Diana turned, expecting her to follow. After a brief hesitation, Kara took to the sky. Following closely behind the warrior woman.

She didn't know what awaited her on Themyscira. Only that there was no turning back now.

Kara followed closely behind Diana as the pair took to the air. Her movement was still shaky and unsure, and Kara had to work hard to keep herself upright.

She found that flying short distances was far harder than she had expected. Going in a straight line, high above the planet's surface, was a simple matter. The trip between the Fortress and Metropolis was easy, assuming she didn't get lost along the way. But following behind Diana through the skies, staying on her tail as they curved around buildings and not slamming right into the side of a building was another thing entirely.

It didn't help that Diana moved so slowly in the air. She was faster than most vehicles below them, but compared to flying with Kal and Jon, Diana might as well have been walking through the streets.

Her jumps were powerful, her movement graceful, but they only barely got out of the city before Wonder Woman started falling back to the ground. She landed with an elegant flourish, making Kara feel almost clumsy as she touched down next to her. They were in an empty field, just outside the suburbs. A sleek black jet was waiting for them.

Kara frowned. She had seen planes before, both on Earth and on Krypton. Kal-El had made a point of teaching her to avoid them since she might damage them by accident. Now that she had the power of flight, she also never considered ever being inside one.

"A plane?" She asked, brushing windblown hair from her face. "Why not fly whole way?"

A ramp descended from the bottom of the jet, as Diana moved towards it. "Because I cannot fly as you and Kal-El can," She explained, her hand grazing the jet's smooth surface. "I can leap great distances, and the winds favour me, but I am no bird," Kara thought on her words, recontextualising the short but frustrating flight out of the city. "This will carry us where we need to go."

Kara followed her inside, still unsure. "Flying faster."

A small smile tugged at Diana's lips. "Perhaps. But I would not last the entire way, and it would be quite rude to make you carry me."

The inside of the jet was... adequate. Not like most of the clunky, outdated machines humans used. The controls looked sleeker, the metal polished, the seats comfortable. It was still nothing like Krypton's ships, but at least it wasn't as crude as the others she had seen.

Fingers trailing over a display screen, Kara nodded in approval. "This Amazon technology?"

Diana only smiled as she moved toward the cockpit.

Excitement sparked in Kara's chest. If this was their jet, maybe the rest of their technology was even better. So far, Earth had been... frustrating. Their machines were slow, their computers ancient. Kal-El lived like it was normal, but to Kara, it was like stepping backward through time.

At last, something to look forward to.

The jet hummed to life, lifting smoothly into the air. Ocean stretched beneath them, endless and blue. Kara leaned against the window, watching the waves pass below.

--------------------------------------------

The flight took nearly three hours, according to the computer that Kara could barely read. Three long hours.

Kara could fly the distance in a few minutes, assuming she knew where she was going. She could've flown there and back a hundred times already. The view outside was nice, but not enough to occupy her attention the entire way.

By the time the jet finally set down, she was restless and tired, and more than a little grumpy.

As the jet descended, Kara's eyes scanned the land below. Themyscira was unlike anything she had seen on Earth.

Lush forests stretched across the island, winding through mountains and waterfalls. White stone buildings, carved with intricate patterns, gleamed under the golden sun. Long bridges of marble and vine connected the cliffs, leading to open courtyards and temple-like structures. Everything looked… untouched. Preserved.

Kara pressed her hand against the window, her curiosity rising again. She had expected something more advanced, but this… This was different. It reminded her of a place on Krypton

Her breath caught as the memory came to her. The old nature reserves, vast sections of artificial wildlife that blanketed the planet. Built after the planet nearly choked itself to death in Krypton's long past. She had visited one as a child, walking with her father under soft red light, touching leaves that glowed in the dark.

Fingers curled against her leg. Krypton was gone. This place was not home.

But still, it was beautiful.

The jet landed smoothly on an open field just beyond the shoreline. The ramp extended, and Diana stepped out first, the ocean breeze catching the edge of her skirt. Kara followed closely, eager to step onto the island.

The moment her boots touched the stone path, she noticed two things.

First, there were only women.

Kara scanned the gathered figures, warriors standing in rows, others watching from the steps of nearby buildings. Not a single man in sight. She had seen all-female teams in Kryptonian academies before, but an entire civilisation? It was strange. She had never considered a world without men.

Second, and more alarming to Kara. There was no advanced technology.

No blinking screens. No floating transport. Not even something as simple as a streetlight. Just stone, wood, and fabric banners rippling in the breeze. She had been looking forward to seeing Amazonian technology. Surely, it had to be better than the rest of Earth's. But instead, she had landed in what felt like an ancient, albeit well-kept, ruin.

Her shoulders sank. This place was worse than Smallville from a technological perspective.

Diana stepped forward, raising a hand in greeting. Several Amazons bowed slightly, others placing a fist over their hearts. A few warriors gave Kara curious glances, their gazes sharp and measuring.

One of the women approached, a tall warrior with dark skin and braided hair, her armour gleaming under the sun. Her stance was strong, her presence commanding.

The woman stopped before them, eyes settling on Kara. When she spoke, the words were completely unfamiliar.

Kara stiffened, unable to understand a single syllable. The cadence, the sounds. None of it made sense.

Brows furrowing, Kara glanced toward Diana for help.

A small smile tugged at the corners of Diana's lips before she turned back to the woman, responding in the same flowing language. The two exchanged a few brief words, their conversation smooth, practised.

Then, her own name.

"Kara," Diana said. Voice as steady as ever even as the words around it were a mystery. A few more words followed, then, "Kal-El."

After a moment, Diana nodded and shifted back to English. "Apologies," She said. "We were speaking the language of the Amazons. She gestured to the warrior before them. "This is General Philippus. She oversees the training of our warriors."

Philippus crossed her arms, now speaking in words Kara could finally understand. "She doesn't look as strong as her cousin."

Kara was thrown off by the language barrier, she was still getting used to speaking English. Now there was a whole new language that the people here spoke? Kara was too caught up considering the inefficiency of having multiple languages on one planet to be insulted.

Only after a short moment did she register the meaning of the words. Kara crossed her arms. "I am strong," She said stubbornly.

Philippus raised an eyebrow, but before she could respond, Diana turned to Kara and motioned for her to follow. "Come. I will explain as we walk."

Kara exhaled and fell into step beside her. The paths were wide, lined with statues of warriors and marble pillars. The Amazons moved with quiet grace, many watching Kara with open curiosity.

"You notice, of course," Diana began, "That there are no men here."

Kara nodded. "Yes. I see." She glanced around once more. "Why?"

Diana's expression remained calm, though there was something firm beneath it. "Themyscira is a sanctuary. A place of peace, granted to us by the gods. Long ago, my sisters and I were made to suffer under the cruelty of men. The gods, in their mercy, freed us and gifted us this island, hidden from the outside world."

Kara considered this. "Men… not allowed?"

Diana nodded. "It is a sacred law."

Kara frowned but didn't argue. It was different from Krypton, very different, but she had learned that Earth's cultures were not like her own. Earth was a collection of many cultures after all. She supposed if these women had suffered, then perhaps it made sense that they would want a place of their own.

Still, it didn't explain everything.

She gestured around them, toward the open courtyards, the towering columns, the sunlit training grounds. "Where is… tech?" she asked. "Machines? Power?"

"We have no need for the inventions of men," Diana said proudly.

Kara stopped walking. She stared at Diana as if she had misheard.

"No… need?" She repeated slowly.

Diana turned to face her, hands resting at her sides. "We do not rely on machines as the world outside does. Themyscira is sustained by something far greater."

Kara's frown deepened, she could not see anything of note. Not even simply lights, instead they had a fire held in a stone bowl. "What greater?"

Diana's gaze flickered toward a nearby brazier, its fire burning bright in the daylight. "Magic."

"Magic?" Kara tried to recall the word. It hadn't been used in her English lessons.

Diana seemed to notice her confusion, and elaborated, "A force of nature, given shape and purpose. We use it to keep Themyscira protected."

Kara stared, the words sinking in. Magic was a force, like energy, or gravity. Something tangible, and powerful.

"How?"

"The gods of Olympus granted us their blessing," Diana replied, gesturing to a nearby fountain. "They allow the magic to flow freely throughout the island, sustaining it. Our plants and animals flourish. The fires never burn out. And water runs endlessly through the fountains like this."

Kara eyed the water flowing from the fountains with scepticism. Of course, Krypton had gods. Like her parents, she was a follower of Rao. But Krypton's gods were more a concept, something to revere and learn from, rather than a tangible presence.

There were always more devout followers on Krypton. Those that believed in the physical existence of Rao, and his role in their daily lives. Even on Earth, some humans seemed to hold great faith in their deities. There was a word for people with that kind of devotion, and the supposed power that those believers held.

People who thought the gods were a literal force of nature. Who gave shape and purpose.

"Magic," Kara scoffed, understanding the word. She shook her head. "Magic is not real."

Diana only smiled. "And yet, here we stand."

Kara didn't buy it. Magic was a word used for things people didn't understand. She knew it was more complicated than that. The crest on her chest demanded it. Diana of Themyscira might not know, or perhaps she refused to reveal it, but Kara would find out the truth.

Her eyes drifted to the brazier. The fire flickered gently in the wind, bright and golden. There were no visible fuel sources. No smoke rising from the coals. Just fire, burning without end.

Still sceptical, Kara reached out and pressed her fingers into the flame. She wanted to feel where the energy was coming from. Perhaps this was some sort of advanced hologram. Maybe they were using a form of geothermal power, or maybe-

Pain shot up her hand.

She gasped, pulling back sharply. Her hand burned, the skin pink with heat.

For a moment, she simply stared at it, stunned. Fire did not hurt her. Earth's sun made her invincible. Mostly invincible, metahuman lightning notwithstanding. But a simple flame should not have harmed her.

Slowly, she looked up at Diana. The Amazon watched her carefully.

"You were saying?"

Kara swallowed, flexing her fingers. The pain faded quickly, but the shock remained.

"Magic," Kara muttered, "I do not like it…"

"Funny," Diana smirked, continuing to walk on. "Your cousin said the same thing once."

---------------------------------------------

Kara stood in the center of the modest stone chamber she had been given, staring at the folded garments on the bed. The tunic was a deep crimson, the fabric lighter than it appeared, with golden embroidery along the edges. Flourished down to a skirt, along with what looked like sandals and bracers.

Diana had assured her that none of the clothing provided for her used leather, unlike the rest of the Amazon's outfits. Another horrific product of Earth's animal cruelty Kara had learned about. Even so, Kara didn't move to pick them up.

Her fingers curled against the worn fabric of her Kryptonian suit. A tether to her past, the last physical piece of home. She'd worn Earth clothing to fit in before, but she had no reason to hide while on Themyscira.

Yet, she was here as a guest of the Amazons and Kal-El had made it clear that she needed to learn to fit in with Earth's society. If she was to train among them, she would respect their customs.

With a deep breath, Kara peeled off the suit, folded it carefully, and set it aside. The Amazonian attire felt unfamiliar against her skin. Lighter, freer, but she still felt oddly exposed. As if she had taken off more than just a uniform.

She pushed the thought aside and left the room.

"You look well," Diana said, waiting for her outside.

Kara frowned. "It is strange," She admitted, shifting awkwardly. "Very loose... and breezy."

"I know it is different," Diana said, giving her an apologetic look. "But it will grow on you. For now, let us go. We shall begin training tomorrow, until then, I will show you the island. And then we shall feast."

Kara nodded and followed Diana down the long halls, her steps slow, and uncertain.

The tour of the island was both fascinating and frustrating. Themyscira was undeniably beautiful, its lush forests and pristine beaches, unlike anything Kara had ever seen. Marble structures, intricately carved with symbols and figures she did not recognise. Courtyards lined with fountains shimmered in the sun, their water so clear it seemed almost unreal.

Yet, as Kara walked through the winding streets, past training grounds and bustling marketplaces, everything felt just as alien as Kara's first days on this planet. The Amazons spoke in a language she did not understand, their words fluid and lyrical, yet completely indecipherable. She caught glimpses of knowing smiles, friendly nods, but every attempt at conversation was met with confusion. Some Amazons tried speaking with her through gestures, pointing to objects or making exaggerated expressions, but the language barrier was a wall she could not yet climb.

Even the way they moved was different. Every Amazon, regardless of age, carried themselves with a quiet grace and confidence that made Kara feel clumsy by comparison. They were warriors, scholars, artisans, but most of all, they were a people deeply connected to their traditions. And she was an outsider.

The strangeness of it all left her uneasy.

As they walked through the heart of Themyscira, Kara began to notice something else. There were very few children. And no elderly. Every Amazon she had seen so far appeared to be in the prime of their life, strong and capable.

She hesitated before asking, "Diana... where are children? The elderly?"

Diana gave her a small smile as if she had expected the question. "New Amazons are rare, Kara. Most of us are immortal, untouched by time. Some choose to leave for the world of man, to live and grow old. Some have joined us after Themyscira's interactions with the wider world, and some... some have been born."

Kara's eyes widened. "Born? But you say men forbidden here?"

Diana chuckled. "They are. But that has never meant Amazons were without companionship. In recent years, as Themyscira has engaged in diplomacy and trade, some Amazons have chosen to leave and bear children, later returning with their daughters to raise them here," Diana explained. "My expeditions into the world of man have brought about some change. After several hundred years of isolation, many Amazons have grown curious to meet outsiders."

They passed two women leaning against the railing of a terrace, hands clasped and foreheads pressed together, their soft murmurs carrying over the distance.

"Though even before then," Diana continued, studying Kara's reaction, or lack thereof, as she gestured at the pair, "We have found comfort in each other."

Kara considered this, nodding slowly. It made sense, assuming she could wrap her head around the immortality aspect.

Diana glanced at her, her expression turning thoughtful. "Some cultures in the world of man do not tolerate such things. They find it strange and offensive. Do you?"

Kara blinked, momentarily confused. Then she realised what Diana was asking. "On Krypton, was not strange," She said simply. "Love was love. No one cared. Men and women, women and women. Men and men. It just... was."

Diana's lips curled into a small smile. "And you?"

Kara hesitated for a brief moment before answering, "I... I think I like both? I never think for it. It just normal."

Diana nodded approvingly. "Then you will find yourself quite at home here."

Kara took another look at the people she passed. Blushing as she realised that the friendly smiles and warm greetings she received might have meant more than she initially thought.

-------------------------------------------------

Dinner was another reminder of how different this place was. Kara hesitated as an Amazon placed a wooden plate in front of her, the scent of fresh herbs and roasted vegetables wafting up. It looked good, but she couldn't shake her unease.

She glanced around the hall, watching as Amazons gathered in groups, their voices overlapping in a language she still could not understand. Long tables were lined with steaming dishes and despite the beauty of the setting. A golden glow of torchlight flickering off the marble walls, the soft hum of conversation. It was impossible for Kara to ignore the large platters of meat. A whole roasted boar sat on a carved wooden slab at the center of one table, its charred skin glistening. Another plate held skewered fish, their scales still faintly shimmering under the firelight.

Kara swallowed, her stomach twisting.

It wasn't that she didn't understand why they ate meat. But after spending so much time on Krypton and after that one disastrous meal with Kal-El, she couldn't bring herself to even look at it. She still remembered the way her stomach had rejected it, how violently ill she had become afterwards.

She pushed back from the table and stood. Diana, seated nearby, caught her movement. "Kara?"

"I need air," She said quickly.

Diana gave her a knowing look but didn't argue. Kara took her plate with her and left the hall, stepping out into the cool evening air.

She wandered until she found a quiet ledge overlooking the ocean. Themyscira stretched out before her, bathed in moonlight, the white stone of the temples glowing softly against the darkened jungle beyond. Waves lapped against the shore, rhythmic and soothing.

Kara sank onto the stone ledge and picked at her meal, her appetite dulled. Her mind replayed the day. Diana's tour, the unfamiliar language, the way the Amazons moved with such effortless strength and grace. They were warriors, each and every one of them, their bodies honed through years- centuries, of training. They carried themselves with confidence.

Kara could not imagine living that long on a single island. An island that by Diana's brief oral history, had not changed in over a millennia. How had they not advanced? Why did they not climb for the stars as so many other civilisations did before them?

A small huff of bitter amusement left her. Krypton wasn't any different when she really thought about it.

Sure, they had technology on a level unheard of on Earth. But they too had chosen the route of isolation. Limiting themselves to a single star system, even when they had the power to go beyond. Krypton had called it a focus on internal unity. But the Krypton Kara had been born into wasn't that far removed from the Krypton of one thousand years ago.

That's what frustrated her the most about this island. The idea that they had stagnated, not because of a lack of ambition, but simply because they had no desire for change.

If Krypton had pursued a desire for change, as it had long ago, then perhaps-

She exhaled, it was pointless to think about. Looking down at her untouched plate, Kara forced herself to take a bite.

-----------------------------------------------

Themyscira was breathtaking at sunrise.

The first light of dawn stretched across the sky, bathing the island in hues of gold and crimson. The white marble temples shimmered under the morning sun, their surfaces almost glowing as the light kissed their edges. The dense jungle beyond the city remained shadowed, the mist rolling down from the higher cliffs in slow, wispy tendrils. The ocean sparkled, waves reflecting the sky's colours, calm yet endless.

Kara took it all in as she followed Diana along a winding stone path toward a large arena carved into the mountainside. From a distance, it resembled the ancient coliseum Kal had pointed out during a flight over Rome. Its towering walls stood strong against the passage of time. The structure was open-air, allowing the morning breeze to sweep through as the first Amazons of the day gathered for training.

The sound of weapons clashing and boots pounding against the dirt floor filled the air. Kara saw women sparring with spears and swords, others practising acrobatics and hand-to-hand combat. Every movement was precise, every warrior fully in control of her strength.

At the entrance of the arena, an Amazon presented Kara with a set of armour. It was similar to what the others wore. A bronze chestplate, skirt reinforced with metal plating and intricately designed bracers. They fit over her tunic, designed to complete the amazonian outfit when worn.

The armour gleamed under the morning light, bronze with golden ceremonial markings etched into the metal in flowing, ancient script. The engravings curled around the edges of the chestplate and bracers, intricate symbols whose meaning was lost on Kara. The Amazons clearly valued tradition, and this armour, while functional, was meant for more than just battle.

As she examined the pieces, her gaze drifted toward Diana's armour. It was the same design, ornate, regal, built for both war and ceremony, but Kara noticed something different about it. Diana's chestplate and bracers had a subtle shimmer, something just beneath the surface, like a power thrumming inside the metal itself. It almost reminded her of Kryptonian technology, how some of the crystals back home pulsed with energy when activated. But this… this wasn't technology.

She hesitated to call it magic.

The skirt armour was simpler. Less of a full skirt and more of a wide belt, from which metal-plated strips draped down, layered to allow for movement. It fit over her current tunic, adjusting seamlessly as she fastened it. The bracers were smooth and lightweight, hugging her forearms without restricting movement.

It felt strange, wearing battle armour when she had no real need for it. She tested the chestplate's strength with her fingers, gently pressing at the metal's surface. The bronze dented beneath her touch, folding like a weak alloy. Her body was stronger than any forged material on this planet. Armour, swords, even bullets. None of it could break her skin.

Diana must have caught the doubt in her expression. "Armour is not only for protection, Kara," She said, voice calm yet firm. "It is a symbol. A reminder of who we are and what we stand for."

Kara hesitated before nodding, finishing the last straps. The weight settled around her. It wasn't heavy, at least not to her, but it still felt different.

As she adjusted the bracers, she noticed movement around them. The other Amazons who had been training in the arena were gathering their weapons and stepping away. One by one, they left, some casting glances in their direction, others murmuring quietly among themselves.

Kara frowned.

They weren't afraid of her, were they? No, that wasn't the right feeling. Their expressions weren't fearful. More… knowing.

She wondered what they knew that she didn't. Diana gestured for her to step onto the sand-covered training ground.

"Before we begin your physical training, we must address something more important."

Kara tilted her head, confused. "What now?"

"Your emotions."

Brows knitting together, she blinked. "What about them?"

Diana crossed her arms, her gaze steady. "You are holding on to something, whether you realise it or not. A weight that clouds your judgement, that makes you dangerous."

Confused, Kara scoffed. "I not understand.

"You are," Diana countered, her voice even. "Perhaps not at this moment. Perhaps not in the ways you think. But if you cannot rein in your emotions, you will be." She stepped closer, lowering her tone, but her words carried no less weight. "And if you cannot control them, you cannot stay here, Kara. Not just on this island. Earth."

The statement hit harder than any strike could. Kara's stomach twisted. "What?"

Diana's expression didn't waver. "You must master yourself before you can master your strength."

Fists clenching, Kara took a breath, trying to push down the frustration bubbling up. "I no emotional."

Diana studied her, then shook her head. "No. You only think you are."

The accusation stung. "I- I have outbursts, maybe. But that's why I am here, yes? Training, learning control." She motioned toward the weapons nearby. "Teach me how to focus power, how to fight. Practical things."

But Diana remained unmoved. "You believe controlling your strength will fix everything. But strength is not the problem."

Kara's brow furrowed. "It is-"

"No," Diana interrupted. "Your anger is."

That made her hesitate.

"Am not angry," Kara muttered, the words coming almost automatically.

Diana gave her a knowing look. "You are."

Lips pressing into a thin line, Kara shook her head. "But I am not-" She exhaled sharply. There were a myriad of emotions bubbling inside Kara at any one time. But anger was a childish response. She knew better than to hold on to it. "I do not break things, I do not attack."

Diana stepped back slightly, allowing her space. "That is not control. That is suppression. You hold back because you are afraid of what happens if you don't."

Kara's chest tightened. "I not afraid."

"You are," Diana said simply. "And I will prove it to you."

Before Kara could protest, Diana drew her sword, the steel catching the light. The scrape of metal echoed in the arena.

"If you truly believe you are in control of your emotions," She said, settling into a ready stance, "Then show me."

Kara hesitated, looking at the blade in Diana's hands. "I do not want hurt you."

"You won't," Diana assured her. "I have faced a Kryptonian's full strength before and lived," Kara studied her face for a moment, unsure how much bravado was behind her statement. Diana smirked, her eyes pondering on a memory before adding. "Ask Kal-El about Darkseid's second invasion one day."

The arena was empty now. The other Amazons had left, but Kara felt their absence keenly. The sun had climbed higher, casting long shadows across the sand. A breeze carried the scent of salt from the sea.

Diana tossed her a sword and raised her shield, her stance balanced and prepared. Kara took a deep breath, gripping the hilt tightly.

"I do not know-" Kara began, holding the weapon in one hand as best she could.

"You are adept at making excuses, Kara Zor-El." Diana interjected, cutting off her complaint. "Humour me and prove you control your own emotions. Attack me with everything you have. Once I am convinced, we will move on to more practical things."

Teeth grinding together, Kara stepped forward. "Fine." Feeling the swords weight in her grip. The blade was as weightless as most objects on Earth to her, feeling small in her hand.

Diana gave a single nod. "Let's begin."

The fight began.

Kara struck first.

Her blade cut through the air, fast and forceful, aimed straight for Diana's shoulder. But Diana was faster. She raised her shield, deflecting the strike with a metallic clang before pivoting away with effortless grace.

Kara spun, adjusting her stance, and lashed out again. Another deflection. Another dodge. No matter how quickly she moved, Diana stayed just ahead, weaving through her attacks with an ease that made Kara's frustration rise.

She lunged, swinging harder, but Diana stepped to the side, avoiding the blade entirely.

"Your emotions cloud your actions," Diana said calmly. "You are letting them control you."

Kara gritted her teeth. "I fine."

She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to keep breathing, but the more Diana dodged, the more her frustration bubbled. She pushed forward, striking again and again. Diana parried the blows effortlessly.

Diana took a step back, lowering her guard slightly. "Why are you angry?"

Kara scoffed. "Because you keep dodging!" She cut away at the air around her. "Am trying to fight, but can't hit you!" She swung her blade hard, aiming for Diana's side. "I no warrior."

"No," Diana agreed, sidestepping the blow with ease. "Yet you could have easily killed me had that strike connected."

Kara huffed. "I wouldn't-"

Diana cut her off. "Had this been with any other of my sisters, you would've carved them clean in half."

"You told me-"

Diana's sword darted forward, forcing Kara to block. The impact rattled her arms, but she pushed forward, using her strength to overpower the taller woman. Diana allowed the force to carry her back before smoothly redirecting the momentum, stepping out of reach once again.

"That still doesn't tell me why you're angry," Diana said, circling around.

The contradiction of her actions and words made Kara growl in annoyance. Diana wanted her to attack without holding back but then chastised her for doing so.

On Krypton, she had been taught that violence was always the last resort. The closest thing she'd ever come to being in a fight was during a particularly heated sports incident, and that ended up with her being pushed to the ground. Now she had the strength of a god, but it meant nothing when she couldn't even land a single hit.

"You are confusing lady," Kara complained, panting. It was the second time since coming to Earth that she had exerted herself enough to become winded. "Tell me to attack, then get mad when I do."

"I am not mad," Diana countered, her movements fluid as she dodged another strike. "I am simply asking a question. I saw this same anger when you fought Livewire." She gestured toward Kara's tightened fists. "This is not new. It did not start with me."

Diana's shield swung out and smacked Kara in the face, the blow strong enough to send her staggering backward. In response, Kara's frustration boiled over, and she swung again, too hard. Diana dodged, as Kara's sword crashed into the ground. The stone beneath them cracked under the force, sending shards flying. A sharp snap followed as the sword in her hands broke in two.

She didn't care. She just kept swinging, her strikes increasingly erratic and sloppy as her anger kept rising. Her breath came fast, and her throat felt tight, her pulse thundering in her ears. Diana blocked her every time, their blades meeting in a storm of steel, her motions as precise and calculated as they had been at the start.

Kara let out a frustrated growl and threw the broken weapon aside. If steel wouldn't do the job, her fists would. She lunged, swinging with raw strength, but Diana caught her wrist mid-swing.

"Your anger makes you sloppy," Diana said calmly, not letting go. "Your anger will make you lose control. And that control will cost lives. So tell me why you hold on to it?"

Kara clenched her jaw. "I lost my home! Wouldn't anyone be angry?"

She swung again, this time with her full power. Diana caught her fist once more, this time with her shield, the force rippling outward in a gust of wind. The ground beneath them cracked.

Diana's expression softened. "Yes. And you have every right to grieve." She paused, eyes searching Kara's face. "But I don't believe your anger is about Krypton alone. This anger has a target. And Krypton's destruction was no one's fault."

An accident. A tragedy. A series of seemingly minor events that all built up to one terrible, irreversible disaster. Kara knew that, had lived it. By the time they knew what was happening, there was no stopping the chain reaction.

But knowing the truth didn't make it any easier to accept.

Another punch. Another block. The heat behind her eyes began to build.

Kara exhaled sharply, blinking it away. Ignoring the burning sensation creeping into her vision.

Diana dodged another strike and slammed the edge of her shield against Kara's side. It barely hurt, but it sent her reeling.

The heat in her vision flared.

Diana stepped forward, her voice steady but pressing. "Who are you angry at?"

Kara surged forward again, fists swinging wildly now. Diana moved with precision, blocking, countering, but never striking with more force than necessary. The more Kara fought, the more destructive her attacks became. Each blow shook the ground. Each step cracked the stone beneath her feet.

The heat behind her eyes grew unbearable.

"Kara," Diana said, her voice steady. "You can let it out. It is safe here. You won't hurt me. But if you want to learn control, you must first acknowledge what drives your anger. Now tell me. Who?"

Kara swung again. This time, Diana didn't dodge. She met Kara's strike with her shield. The impact sent a shockwave through the arena, dust and debris rising around them.

The air around them vibrated. The ground beneath her feet cracked. The heat in her vision burned brighter and brighter, pushing against her skull.

The words ripped from her throat before she could stop them.

"Myself!"

Twin beams of crimson light erupted from her vision, scorching across the training grounds. The ground cracked, stone and sand, blasted into the air as the sheer force of her heat vision tore through the arena.

She screamed.

For the first time since arriving on this planet, she let go.

"I'm angry at myself!" She yelled again, her voice raw. "Why I survive? When everyone else die! I leave them behind! My family, my people, my life!"

She fought back the tears that threatened to fall. She felt the heat, the power, the raw, unfiltered strength. Her breath came in sharp, shaking gasps.

"Now. I have nothing! Kal-El I knew is gone. Is stranger to me. I start over on world that isn't mine. Earth... This primitive place. With outdated ways and strange traditions."

Kara fell to her knees, breathing hard. She pressed her palms against her temples, her fingers tangling in her hair.

"I change everything about myself, to survive," She choked out. "Learn new language, new customs, pretend I normal. When I never be normal again!" Her hands dropped, fists shaking. "Every day, I lose another piece of Krypton! Every day, I forget word, or song, or way sky look at night!"

Her vision blurred. The battle was over, yet the red lingered. She couldn't make it stop. The tears steamed away as soon as they formed, leaving nothing but vapour.

"But you know what makes me angriest?" Her voice cracked, breaking into a broken mix of a cry and a laugh.

She reached out to grab the hilt of a nearby sword, the metal bending under her grasp. The solid metal crumpled into a fine powder, falling through her fingers.

"Because of your yellow sun," Kara continued, sobbing. The red light faded, but the heat lingered. She couldn't bring herself to look up, not even as Diana approached her. She felt the older woman's hand on her shoulder. "Because of Kryptonian cell energy conversion, or Rao's blessings, or... magic!" She cursed silently in her language before continuing. "I now have power to save my people. But what is point?" Her fingers dug into the dirt. "It's not fair."

The words hung in the silence.

Kara swallowed hard and wiped her face, finally lifting her gaze. The arena was a wreck. Cracks lined the stone, training dummies reduced to ashes. The once-pristine sands were scorched into scatterings of heated glass.

Her stomach dropped. "Diana, I-"

The warm hand on her shoulder stopped her.

Kara expected anger. Or disappointment. But when she finally met Diana's gaze, she found neither. The Amazon warrior only looked at her with quiet understanding.

"There is nothing to apologise for," Diana said gently.

Kara shook her head. "I lost control."

"Yes," Diana agreed. "But that is why we are here." She gestured at the wreckage around them. "This arena is meant to withstand forces beyond mortal strength. It has endured the mightiest warriors of my people. Even a god, once or twice. The damage is a good sign, not a failure."

Kara exhaled sharply, her hands still trembling. "I- I no want to feel this way." She forced herself to unclench her fingers, but the tension remained, coiled tight inside her. "I hate, this... anger. I hate what it do for me."

"That is why it is dangerous." Diana nodded, kneeling beside Kara. "Power without control is destruction. And anger, left unchecked, will burn through everything. Including yourself."

Kara swallowed past the lump in her throat. "I know."

Diana's grip on her arm tightened slightly, grounding her. "But you can control it. You will learn." She paused. "You believe your power is a curse from your god? That it is something cruel, given too late."

Kara flinched. She hadn't meant for her outburst to be quite so personal, but the words tumbled out, and once they began, they couldn't stop. She didn't like getting upset, especially not in front of others.

"But what if, instead of a curse, you viewed it as a second chance?" Diana continued, her voice gentle. "You carry your people with you in everything that you do. Your new strength does not dishonour them."

Kara closed her eyes, breathing deeply. Her muscles were still tense, her chest still tight, but she felt the fire behind her eyes cool. She exhaled, feeling some of the weight lift.

A second chance.

She wanted to believe that. Rao, she wanted to believe that.

She exhaled, opening her eyes. "I... I not know how to start."

Diana smiled, standing and offering her hand.

"We begin with training." Kara hesitated for only a moment before grasping it, allowing Diana to pull her up. Diana squeezed her hand. "You will not face this alone, Kara. This, I promise you."

The first punch nearly knocked Kara off her feet.

She had expected it. Diana moved fast. The Amazon's fist struck her square in the chest, sending her stumbling back through the dirt. Her boots dug trenches into the training ground before she finally caught herself.

A mistake. A stupid one.

Training with Diana had been going on for days now, stretching into the week. Even after Kara's first frustrated outburst. After she had shouted, scowled, and burned holes into the sky with her heat vision. Diana hadn't held back. She didn't soften her blows. She didn't change the lesson. If anything, she hit harder, pushed further.

The focus wasn't on winning. It wasn't even about becoming a great fighter.

It was about control.

Strength had never been Kara's problem. She could bend steel, lift mountains, tear through the sky faster than sound. But strength without control? That was dangerous. That was reckless.

That was not the way of an Amazon.

And Diana. Goddess-blessed warrior, unshaken and unwavering, made sure Kara understood.

Kara scowled, rubbing her sternum where the punch had landed. The hit didn't hurt, but the fact that it moved her at all. That stung. She was stronger. She was faster. Yet somehow, Diana kept her off balance.

Diana stood firm, arms at her sides, watching. Always watching. Waiting.

"Again," she said.

Kara gritted her teeth.

Fine.

She charged, fists clenched, moving faster than any normal person could react. She threw a punch with enough force to shatter steel. Diana barely moved. A small shift of her stance and Kara's fist sailed past harmlessly.

Another strike. A twist. Kara's own momentum sent her sprawling to the ground.

Dirt bit into her skin. Her vision blurred with red-hot frustration. Why? Why couldn't she land a single hit? Why did her strength feel useless?

A growl slipped out before she could stop it. Frustration burned hotter than her heat vision.

Diana's voice cut through the haze. Steady. Unshaken. "You're thinking like a hammer. Strength alone means nothing if you can't stay on your feet."

Kara pushed herself up, her breath sharp. She clenched her fists. "I am strong," She grumbled, the words thick with her Kryptonian accent.

Diana raised an eyebrow. "Then prove it by standing tall."

The lesson continued.

Hit after hit, Kara forced herself to hold her ground. Not by fighting back harder, but by adjusting. By learning where to place her feet. By predicting the angle of the next strike. By resisting the instinct to meet force with force.

Diana's attacks were relentless. The Amazon struck like thunder. Precise, punishing. It would have been so easy to lash out, to move faster, to strike harder, to win.

But that wasn't the point. So she endured.

One week turned into two.

Diana was better. Still a thousand years ahead. But, every hit that missed her, no longer resulted in a crash into the dirt. Every frustrating dodge and parry, no longer added to the heat behind her eyes. And the occasional spike of pain when Diana landed a blow, no longer sent her body reeling.

Control.

That didn't mean Kara hadn't picked up on any techniques of her own.

The Amazon fighting style had several different ways to throw a punch. Yet Diana seemed to favour the Ano Pankration form of striking and grappling. Effective against most opponents, not made to counter someone capable of flight. The moment Kara recognised the patterns, she hovered several feet off the ground.

For the first time since they had started training, she saw something different. The briefest flash of surprise across Diana's face.

A tiny opening.

Kara struck. She didn't think. She moved. Her fist slammed into the Amazon's shoulder, knocking her backwards.

Diana rolled through the dirt. The impact shook the very ground. Dirt billowed into the air, forming a cloud that settled back down across the field.

When the dust settled, Diana sat upright.

Her eyes shone. A proud grin spread across her face. "Good," Diana nodded, brushing herself off and settling back into a combat stance. There was a fire in her eyes that told Kara she'd just unleashed Pandora's box. "Now again."

Kara stood, shoulders squared, ready to face the storm.

--------------------------------------------------

Every muscle ached.

Kara staggered down the stone path leading from the training grounds, each step heavier than the last. The soreness had become familiar over the past week, but today… Today was something else.

Diana hadn't just ramped up after Kara's successful strike. She had doubled her efforts. Each hit had been sharper, each lesson harsher. The moment Kara had proved she was capable of adapting, Diana made sure she had no chance to rely on the same trick twice.

It was exhausting. It was frustrating. But it was working.

Kara exhaled, rolling her shoulders as she walked. The warm ocean breeze brushed against her skin, carrying the scent of salt and wildflowers. At least the air here was nice.

The path led her deeper into the city, where Themyscira breathed with life.

Amazons moved about with purpose, but never in a rush. Every step was taken with grace, every action performed with ease. Blacksmiths stood outside their forges, hammering weapons against anvils, while craftswomen sat beneath shaded awnings, carving intricate designs into marble and wood.

Kara passed through the markets. Not markets in the way she knew them, but something far more communal. There was no money here. No bartering, no competition. The Amazons simply gave.

A woman offered freshly baked bread to those who walked by. Another passed out vibrant, woven fabrics to a group of warriors. A sculptor lined her stall with delicate wooden carvings, free for anyone to take.

Kara had started collecting them. Small tokens of the island, reminders of a world so different from Krypton. In her satchel, she carried a handful of carved animals. An eagle, a lion and a wolf. Today she picked up something called a turtle.

A small part of her wondered if she should feel guilty, accepting such things without giving something in return. But when she had tried to offer some of the human money Kal had given her, the Amazons had laughed and pressed the gifts into her hands anyway.

Children ran past her, laughter echoing through the streets as they weaved between armoured warriors. Looking so out of place, she was sure those kids were two out of the only five on this island.

Kara still wasn't used to that.

There were no elders here. No fragile bodies slowed by time. The women of Themyscira were eternal, their strength unyielding. In a way, it was strange to see children at all, knowing that most Amazons had lived for thousands of years.

Her steps slowed as she neared the central plaza, where statues lined the open square. She had passed them before, but now, after weeks of living in this city, she recognised them.

Zeus. Tall, thunder in his gaze, his hand outstretched toward the heavens.

Athena. Armour-clad, a spear in one hand, an owl perched upon the other.

Hera, Ares, Artemis. Figures of legend, rendered in marble and gold.

Krypton had gods too, Kara thought. Not in the same way, not with giant temples and statues, but myths. Stories of Rao, the red sun, and the goddesses who wove the stars into the sky.

She wondered if they belonged here, among these figures.

If Themyscira honoured warriors and legends, would they honour those from Krypton as well? Legends of other cultures?

Her gaze flickered to a newer-looking plaque, one she had not noticed before. It did not depict a god, but a collection of symbols. Most of the symbols made no sense to her, they were not a language, and the meaning was lost on Kara.

A few of them, however, she did recognise. A lightning bolt. The winged symbol on Diana's armour. Another winged creature, but darker and sharper. A green circle that reminded Kara of something on the edge of her memory. And most surprisingly to her, the house of El.

Kara furrowed her brows, making a note to ask Diana about it later. With a sigh, she moved on. It was just another reminder of how much she still had to learn.

For now, her feet carried her forward. Away from the statues, past the city streets, toward the one place she knew would bring relief.

The bathhouse.

------------------------------------

Kara had been introduced to the public baths after her first day of training. At first, the idea had seemed strange.

Diana hadn't scolded her when her frustration had boiled over, when she had shouted, stomped, and nearly set the sky on fire with her heat vision. She hadn't lectured or pitied her.

She had simply taken Kara by the wrist and led her here.

Kara still remembered stepping inside for the first time, breath catching at the sight of the vast chamber carved from smooth stone, steam curling through the air like ghostly tendrils. The architecture was stunning, with high archways, engraved pillars, and water flowing through natural channels that fed into several pools of varying depths. Heated by either magic or volcanic springs, Diana refused to explain which, the baths shimmered and their surfaces rippled with soft waves.

It was peaceful. Beautiful.

And utterly horrifying.

Because the moment Diana had stripped down without hesitation and stepped into the nearest pool, Kara had nearly died on the spot.

An open space where people simply bathed together? No stalls, no curtains, no privacy?

It had taken every ounce of Kryptonian willpower to keep her eyes trained on the walls, her face burning hotter than her heat vision.

The first few dips had been awkward, to say the least. Even after Diana had left her to soak alone, Kara had never felt so exposed. Earth bathing was already a far longer experience compared to what she was used to, but this? This was something else.

The Amazons had no shame when it came to their bodies. They bathed freely, laughing, chatting, scrubbing each other's backs with no hesitation at all. Kryptonians weren't exactly prudes about there bodies, but they had a culture of privacy when it came to hygiene, one that Kara had assumed humans also followed.

She spent the next several days here sneaking in at odd hours, trying to find a moment when the place was empty.

It rarely was.

Even now, she peeked cautiously inside before stepping through the entrance.

To her relief, the bathhouse wasn't as crowded as it usually was. A few Amazons lounged in the larger pools, their voices carrying through the mist, but she found an empty bath in the farthest corner.

She stripped off her sweat-stained training gear and slipped into the water.

The heat enveloped her instantly, sinking into her bones, washing away the ache of battle. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as her body sagged against the edge of the pool.

For a moment, she simply existed.

No fighting. No training. No proving herself. Just warmth.

Her thoughts drifted.

Everything still felt unreal. She had landed on Earth, lived among humans, learned to fly, learned to fight, learned to hold back. And now?

Now she was on an island hidden from the world, training under a Warrior Princess. Like some childhood story come to life. A small smile tugged at her lips.

Then she heard voices. Loud ones.

Her eyes snapped open as a group of Amazons entered the bathhouse.

Oh no.

Kara instinctively shrank deeper into the water, willing herself invisible. No such luck.

Several Amazons spotted her almost immediately, their faces lighting up. They strode toward her, their toned forms cutting effortlessly through the mist, and before Kara could react, she was surrounded.

They called out to her in their native tongue, voices overlapping in a wave of unfamiliar syllables.

"Kara!"

Kara swallowed, face burning, unsure of what to do. It wasn't that she disliked them. Far from it. The Amazons were kind, patient, welcoming. But being surrounded while completely bare, while they spoke to her so openly?

…It was new.

The woman all took their seats around Kara. Either oblivious or uncaring of the way she immediately looked away from all of them to instead admire the carving on a random pillar.

Their speech still got through to Kara. Questions upon questions were bombarded at her. A few of the women re-enacted the punch Kara had given Diana, no doubt asking where and how exactly Kara pulled off the feat.

When it became obvious that the women were not going to leave her be anytime soon, Kara resigned herself to her fate. Looking back down to meet their gazes.

And only their gazes...

Kara exhaled. She could do this. Amazonian. Small words. No nervous babbling.

----------------------------------------------------

Training was not just about power. Not just about fighting.

Diana made that clear from the start.

Kara expected combat. She expected bruises, exhaustion, the relentless push to be stronger. What she hadn't expected was to spend hours bent over thick books, tracing unfamiliar symbols with her fingers, mouthing strange words under her breath.

Reading. Writing. Language.

Even Kal-El hadn't taught her how to read English yet. He had meant to, of course, but between learning to control her strength, hiding her powers, and adjusting to Earth's strangeness, it had never been a priority. She had gotten by through listening, mimicking, picking up words through context.

Now, on Themyscira, she was being taught properly. And despite everything, despite her initial frustration with twisted sounds and unfamiliar grammar-

She loved it.

Even with her view of books as primitive technology, she had forgotten how much she craved reading, craved learning. It was another piece of herself she hadn't realised was missing.

Amazonian was easier than English. She learned far faster than last time.

The letters looked similar to those she'd seen in America. But they were also different. Strange, curved and slanted, but once she understood the pattern, it clicked. The rules all suddenly made sense.

Then, they gave her books.

Tomes filled with history, philosophy, poetry. She sat beneath shaded archways, brow furrowed, sounding out words under her breath. At night, enhanced vision strained over pages until her eyes dropped.

Speaking was harder.

Words twisted in ways that made no sense. Some changed meaning depending on how they were said. Others had no direct translation to anything Kara knew. She fumbled through phrases, tripped over sounds that refused to sit right in her mouth.

But the Amazons were patient.

They spoke slowly, repeated phrases, corrected her gently. Some laughed, not in cruelty, but in encouragement. They clapped when she got things right, nodded when she strung a full sentence together.

By the second week, she was speaking back. Not perfect. Not fluent. But enough.

Once Kara could speak, even a little, the Amazons' friendliness doubled.

Before, they had been kind, patient. Now, they were interested. Everywhere she went, they found her.

In the library, bent over a history book? An Amazon would settle beside her, asking what she thought of the stories within. Did her people have myths like these? Did she believe them?

Walking through the city, stretching sore muscles after training? A weaver would wave her over, offering a seat beside her loom, asking if she had ever made fabric before. When Kara admitted she hadn't, they handed her threads, guiding her fingers with warm amusement.

Meals were the worst… No, the most intense. She barely sat down before half the table turned to her, rapid-fire questions launching from every direction.

"What is your favourite food?"
"Does Krypton have festivals?"
"What were your warriors like?"
"How does your flying work?"
"Does it tire you, or is it as natural as walking?"

She tried to answer, she really did. But there were so many voices. So many people.

Kara wasn't used to this.

Back before Themyscira, she barely spoke to anyone but Kal-El and his family. She had never blended in. It had been safer to stay quiet, to observe. Even among humans, she was alien. And humans, despite their kindness, feared what was different.

But here…

Here, people wanted to know her.

Not just as the girl who fell from the sky, not just as Diana's student. They wanted to know Kara.

It was overwhelming, yes. Exhausting, even. But it brought no end of a smile to Kara's face, feeling so welcomed by this community.

Even if she had no escape, like right now, in the bathhouse...

"You trained hard today," One noted, voice warm.
"Diana pushes you because you are strong," Another added.
"You punched her good!" A third laughed.

Then the questions started.

"What was your home like?"
"Did you have warriors, like us?"
"Do you Supermen have their own fighting style? Can you teach us?"

Kara sighed, sinking deeper into the water, letting the heat soak into her bones. Her face burned and not just from the attention. Still, she answered.

Slowly, carefully. Her words weren't perfect, but they understood her.

"Home was… beautiful. Different. Many city… or, um? No, few city. Very big." Kara explained, relaxing her blush as she focused on her words. "Have warriors, yes. But no fly like me. Get power from yellow sun here. Warriors use…" She fumbled her hands before miming a gun. "Krypton had many fighting style. But I no warrior back home. So I no teach. Sorry..."

And even as she struggled, even as she fumbled her way through conversations, she realised something.

She liked this.

It was new. It was loud. It was a lot. And she was a part of it.

-------------------------------------------

Another week passed by. The sun was high, casting long shadows across the training grounds, as Diana called Kara to the entrance of the arena. Her tone was calm, but there was something in her gaze that made Kara feel the weight of what was coming.

Kara stood before Diana, tension tightening in her chest. The morning air was cool, but it did nothing to steady her nerves. Something about the way Diana watched her, measured and unwavering, made her stomach twist. This was different.

"You have come far," Diana said, her voice carrying the weight of authority. "But there is one final trial."

Kara straightened. "What kind of trial?"

Diana's expression gave little away. "One that will test more than your strength. You have the Strength of Zeus, but power alone is not enough. The Wisdom of Athena must guide you. The Speed of Hermes will mean nothing without the Discipline of Ares. This trial is not just about winning. It is about proving that you understand what it truly means to fight as an Amazon."

Kara's brows pulled together. "So… what I do?"

Diana's gaze flickered past her, toward the training grounds. "You will enter the arena. General Philippus will be waiting."

Kara blinked. "Philippus?"

A nod. "She will command a squad of Amazonian warriors. They will be your opponents."

Kara's stomach dropped. "Wait. "I thought I be fighting you."

A low chuckle left Diana's lips. "I fear not even the arena would survive if we battled at full force." A hint of mischief lit her eyes before her expression turned serious once more. "Trust in your instincts, Kara. They will not lead you astray."

The reassurance should have been comforting, but her mind still spun. Philippus's wasn't the most friendly Amazonin on the island, but her intimidation factor plummeted the day Kara found out the average Amazon was nothing like Diana.

A squad of Amazons sounded impressive, but also, underwhelming. After so much combat with Diana.

Swallowing hard, she gave a firm nod. "I ready."

Diana studied her for a moment longer before gesturing toward the arena. "Then go. Your trial awaits."

------------------------------------

The strikes came fast. Measured, disciplined, relentless. Kara pivoted, twisting away from a sweeping kick, feeling the rush of air as it narrowly missed her. A fist shot toward her ribs. She blocked it with her forearm, absorbing the impact without effort.

Her instincts screamed at her to counter. To strike back. A single, well-placed hit would send her opponent flying. She had the power to stop this fight in an instant.

But that wasn't the trial, Kara worked that out immediately.

Philippus stood at the edge of the arena, watching with the keen eyes of a commander, arms crossed over her chest. She had not spoken since the match began, but Kara felt her presence like a shadow over the battlefield.

Kara grit her teeth. She wasn't losing her footing, wasn't even struggling. The real challenge wasn't surviving the onslaught. It was choosing how to end it.

Another Amazon leapt at her from behind. Kara reacted instantly, shifting her weight just enough to spin out of the way. Her foot caught the ground at the last second, stopping herself from moving too fast, too strong. The Amazon landed, recalibrating, pressing forward without hesitation.

The others seized the moment. A strike clipped her shoulder. Not hard enough to hurt, but enough to remind her that she wasn't untouchable.

A lesson.

Philippus nodded approvingly from the sidelines, speaking for the first time since the trial began. "Good. But tell me, Kara. What is your strategy here?"

Strategy? Kara barely had time to think between deflecting blows.

She ducked beneath a swipe, her mind racing. The trial wasn't about overpowering them. But it wasn't about endurance, either. If it were, she could stand there and let them attack until they tired. But that wasn't what Philippus wanted.

She needed to engage. To fight as a warrior, not a brute.

Another strike came for her midsection. This time, instead of simply dodging, Kara redirected it, catching the Amazon's wrist and twisting. Just enough to shift her balance, to send her stumbling without harm.

A second warrior lunged. Kara sidestepped smoothly, raising her arm in a controlled block, forcing her opponent to retreat rather than crash into her.

Philippus watched. "Better. But hesitation will cost you."

Kara's breath hitched. Hesitation?

A sharp, yet muted, pain suddenly jolted through her leg. Another Amazon had swept low, catching her off guard. Kara staggered back, for the first time losing ground.

Philippus's voice rang out, calm but firm. "You think restraint means passivity? A warrior does not run. A warrior reacts."

The squad surrounded her again, their eyes like those of hunters testing their prey. But Kara was no prey.

She exhaled sharply. Think. Not strength. Skill. Not dominance. Control.

This time, when the squad moved, Kara moved with them. Not just defending, but leading. She didn't need to overpower them. She needed to flow through them.

Her next step was deliberate. She blocked one attack, then twisted her opponent's momentum against her, sending her off balance. Another tried to grapple her, Kara ducked low, sliding out of reach instead of breaking the hold with brute force.

The squad adjusted, but so did she. It became a dance. No longer was Kara simply dodging and deflecting. She was fighting. Not with overwhelming strength, but with precision.

An Amazon lunged, aiming a strike toward Kara's midsection. Instead of sidestepping, Kara caught the warrior's wrist, twisting just enough to send her off balance. With a controlled movement, she swept her opponent's legs out from under her and pinned her to the ground, pressing just hard enough for the Amazon to yield before releasing her.

Another came at her from behind. Kara sensed it. The shift in the air, the movement in her periphery. She turned, her arm raising in perfect timing to block a high kick. Instead of retaliating with brute force, she matched her opponent's strength, pushing back just enough to knock her off her footing. A firm grip on the Amazon's shoulder, a swift maneuver, and she guided her down to the ground without harm.

One by one, the warriors fell. Not in pain, not from overpowering force, but through skill. Kara adjusted her strength with each strike, controlling every movement, ensuring that she never hit harder than necessary.

She pivoted, meeting another opponent mid-strike. Their arms locked, muscles tensed against each other. The Amazon gritted her teeth, pushing forward, but Kara no longer fought with raw power. Instead, she redirected the force, stepping aside and using the Amazon's own momentum to send her into a controlled roll across the ground.

The final warrior charged, spear in hand, the metal tip swinging toward Kara's side. Kara embraced the attack, letting the blow smash harmlessly into her ribs. Before her opponent could recover, she grabbed the woman with a swift, fluid movement. Pulling the warrior into a grapple, locking her arms in place.

The Amazon struggled for a moment, then relented.

Silence fell over the training grounds.

Five warriors lay at Kara's feet. Disarmed, subdued, but unharmed. Each one breathed heavily, their gazes filled with something between respect and quiet acknowledgement.

Kara stood tall, heart pounding. Not from exertion. From something else.

Excitement.

Philippus stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over the fallen warriors before settling on Kara. Arms still crossed, she nodded, her expression unreadable.

"In our tradition," She began, voice steady and commanding, "An Amazon must prove her strength before she is recognized as a true warrior. Typically, this requires a great feat. Something to rival the labours of Heracles himself."

Kara listened intently, her breathing slowing as she absorbed the weight of Philippus's words.

"But you, Kara Zor-El, already possess the strength of Heracles," Philippus continued. "You did not need to lift a mountain or wrestle a beast to prove it. That was never the question."

She took another step forward, eyes sharp as she studied Kara.

"Your trial was of a different kind," Philippus said. "It was not a test of raw power, but of restraint. Of control. And most importantly, of mercy. The mercy of Eleos."

The murmurs among the watching Amazons quieted. Kara blinked, the name unfamiliar, though she understood its meaning well enough.

Philippus turned to the five warriors who had faced her. "Are you satisfied?"

One by one, the Amazons rose. Each bore bruises and sweat, but no real injuries. Their expressions, once steeled for battle, had softened with respect.

The first warrior to stand placed a fist over her heart. "She fought with honour."

The second nodded. "She did not humiliate her foes, nor did she allow herself to be beaten."

The third wiped sweat from her brow before grinning. "She read our movements like an oracle. I've never been thrown so gently."

The fourth smirked. "I expected Kryptonian strength. I did not expect skill."

The final Amazon hesitated, then sighed, shaking her head with something like exasperation. "Kryptonians are terrifying..."

A few chuckles rippled through the crowd. Even Kara couldn't help but smile.

Philippus inclined her head. "Then it is decided." Her gaze returned to Kara. "The trial is over. You have passed."

Kara exhaled slowly, a strange warmth filling her chest. Since coming here, she had been hesitant about turning into a warrior. Soldiers dealt in death and Kara had wanted no part in that.

Now she understood. Like with every profession in the world, not all warriors were made the same. Kara still had her heart set on science. To pursue her family's legacy. But that did not mean she couldn't also use her strength for good.

She just had to learn what kind of warrior she wanted to be.

---------------------------------------

Celebration roared below. Laughter, song, the clatter of goblets raised in cheer. Kara had assumed they were simply enjoying another feast, toasting her hard-fought trial, but she didn't feel much like celebrating. She had quietly slipped away, retreating to the highest rooftop she could find.

The air was crisp, carrying the scent of roasted meats and spiced wine, but she had no appetite. She sat cross-legged, arms wrapped around her knees as she gazed at the waves. The sky burned with deep oranges and purples as the sun dipped closer to the horizon. Themyscira was beautiful. A paradise.

Yet, even here, in a place full of warriors and legends, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was… between things. Between worlds. Between places she belonged.

A soft gust of wind swept past her, carrying with it the faint rustle of movement. Kara didn't need to turn to know who had joined her.

"You always do prefer solitude over feasting," Diana said, landing lightly beside her.

Kara glanced up, offering a small smile. "Loud. Many people." She tapped her ear. "Too much noise in head."

Diana chuckled, settling beside her. "That, I understand." She glanced down at the revelry below. "Still, you should let yourself enjoy this moment. It's not often my sisters celebrate like this."

Kara smirked at that, gaze drifting back to the ocean. The two sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the waves lap against the cliffs.

"You did well today," Diana said eventually, her voice laced with genuine pride. "You have passed your trial."

Kara exhaled, letting her head rest against her knees. "Still not as good as you."

Diana arched a brow. "And yet, you bested five of my sisters without a single injury among them." She gave a knowing smile. "That is not an easy feat, Kara."

A shrug. "Not same. You-" She hesitated, searching for the right words. "You master. I still... learning."

Diana nodded. "Then learn. Keep training. Grow stronger with every battle, with every lesson." She turned her gaze skyward. "Experience is the greatest teacher of all. No mentor, no trial, no training regimen can replace it."

Kara's gaze flicked down to what Diana was carrying. A carefully wrapped bundle, the gleam of metal peeking through the cloth.

Diana followed her look and smiled. "I have something for you. Two things, actually."

Kara sat up slightly, curiosity sparking in her chest.

Diana unwrapped the bundle with deliberate care, revealing the first gift. Kara's breath caught.

Armour. Crafted for her.

Unlike the simple training gear she had worn before, this was hers. Forged with her in mind, made to fit her and her alone. The breastplate was a golden-bronze, polished to perfection, its surface sleek and contoured. At the center, carved with precision, was the crest of the House of El

Accompanying it were bracers of the same material, reinforced yet elegant, and a finely shaped shield, sturdy but light. Alongside it rested a sword, its blade gleaming under the setting sun, the hilt wrapped in deep red leather. The design was unmistakably Amazonian, yet something about it felt… hers.

Kara reached out hesitantly, running her fingers over the armour's surface. "Mine?"

Diana nodded. "A warrior should have armour befitting her strength." She smiled. "Though you may find it more ceremonial than practical, compared to most."

Kara turned the bracers over in her hands, marvelling at their craftsmanship. She pressed her thumb against the edge of the shield, testing its strength. The metal took significantly more force to start bending under her Kryptonian grip, she released her thumb before any real damage was made. Whatever it was made from, it was meant to endure.

And then there was the sword.

Kara carefully lifted it, feeling its weight, or trying to at least. The edge was razor-sharp, made for battle, yet Kara knew she would likely never use it.

She wasn't a swordswoman. Not like Diana.

But the fact that it had been made for her stirred something warm inside her. She traced the House of El sigil again, feeling a quiet pride settle in her chest.

"Is beautiful," She murmured. Her lips curled into a small, genuine smile. "And strong." She tested the shield in her grip. "Like Themyscira."

Diana's expression softened. "As are you."

Kara glanced at her, startled by the sincerity in her voice.

She felt her face grow warm, the unexpected compliment catching her off guard. She turned slightly, shifting to hide the faint blush creeping across her cheeks.

Diana was… difficult to place in her mind.

At times, Kara saw her as a mentor, someone who carried the wisdom of centuries. Yet, despite her age, Diana still had a youthful presence, a kindness that didn't feel distant or unattainable.

Some of the Amazons, women who had lived for hundreds, even thousands of years, felt closer to Kara's age than they had any right to. A strange paradox.

And yet, Diana had always felt… steady. Someone who guided, protected.

Not quite like Kal, not quite like a sister.

Something more… maternal?

Kara pushed the thought away before it could linger. She busied herself strapping on one of the bracers, testing the fit. It was perfect, of course.

She cleared her throat. "What is, second gift?"

Diana leaned back slightly, a teasing glint in her eye. "The second gift has already been given. You simply haven't realised it yet."

"What mean?" Kara frowned, tilting her head.

Diana gestured to the island below. "This was not merely a trial of control, Kara. What you took part in, was our rite of Olympian Blessing. A formal trial we give all women who come to train on our island."

Kara blinked, processing the words.

"My sisters are not simply celebrating a victory or a spectacle of combat you performed," Diana's voice took on a formal tone, steeped in tradition. "By the rites of Olympus, you have earned the right to call Themyscira home. You are, by our laws and customs, an Amazon."

Kara's breath hitched. "I… I Amazon?"

Diana smiled, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Yes. You may stay here, train here, live among us. Themyscira is yours, should you wish it."

Kara turned, looking down at the celebration below with new eyes.

Before, she had assumed the Amazons were simply being polite. That they were honouring a guest, nothing more.

But now?

They weren't just celebrating a warrior's victory. They were welcoming a sister.

A home.

She thought of Krypton. Of the world she had lost, the one that would never be hers again. But Earth… Earth had given her new places to belong. The Fortress of Solitude, a piece of her past preserved in ice. Smallville, where she had felt the warmth of family. Metropolis, where that family had extended.

And now, Themyscira.

Another home. Another family.

Kara held the armour tightly, running a hand over the engraved crest once more. It felt strange. Having something new, made just for her, something that tied her to this place, this people.

She was grateful. Truly.

But she also knew she couldn't stay.

She had Kal-El and his family waiting for her. A world outside of Themyscira that she had barely begun to understand. She still had so much to learn, so much to experience. And, if she were being honest, she wanted to spend more time with them. With him.

She thought of her cousin, of the way he had welcomed her to Earth with open arms. The way he had tried to guide her, even when she resisted.

She belonged there, too.

She looked up at Diana, her expression soft yet resolute. "Thank you," She said at last, voice quiet but full of emotion. "This… means much." She exhaled slowly. "But I cannot stay. I have family. I… belong there too."

Diana nodded, unsurprised. "I expected as much. But you are welcome here always. Themyscira is as much your home as it is mine. You may return whenever you wish."

Kara nodded. "I come back. Promise."

Diana smiled, then shifted slightly, as if remembering something. "As for me, I must also depart."

"Leave?" Kara frowned.

"The League needs me," Diana explained, her tone calm but firm. "There is always work to be done in the world of man."

Kara felt a pang of disappointment. She had grown used to Diana being here. Her steady presence, her wisdom. It was strange to think of Themyscira without her.

Still, she understood. Diana was Wonder Woman. She had responsibilities beyond this island.

Diana placed a hand on Kara's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Enjoy the celebration, Kara. It is not every day an Amazon is born." Then, her lips curled into a small, teasing smile. "And when you next see Kal-El, give him my regards."

"Give… what?" Kara blinked.

Diana chuckled. "My regards. It means to pass along a greeting."

Kara's brow furrowed. "Strange way to say hello."

Diana's laughter was warm and full. "You will get used to it."

Kara brow furrowed harder at that dreaded saying, but she smiled again at the woman.

Stepping back and lifting into the air with effortless grace. The golden light of the setting sun caught the edges of Diana's armour, making her appear almost otherworldly for a moment. A figure of legend, returning to the world where she was needed most.

She hovered for a moment, looking down at Kara one last time.

"Until we meet again," She said.

Kara raised a hand in farewell. "Until then."

With that, Diana pressed a button on a small device near her ear. A deep, resonant hum filled the air as, suddenly, a brilliant circle of crackling energy burst into existence before her. Golden light surged and pulsed within its core, forming a tunnel of pure energy. A gust of displaced air rippled through the space around them as the portal stabilised.

Kara's eyes widened. She took an instinctive step forward, staring at the strange phenomenon.

"What kind magic is this?" She asked, awestruck.

Diana turned slightly, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Not magic," She corrected with a knowing smirk. "Technology."

Before Kara could question further, Diana stepped forward, vanishing into the glowing corridor in an instant.

With a crackling boom, the tunnel collapsed, its energy folding in on itself before disappearing entirely.

Kara remained frozen in place, staring at the now-empty sky.

"Technology?" She muttered under her breath. "...Definitely magic."

Shaking her head in disbelief, she turned back toward the festivities, still wondering just how that worked.

Kara took a long moment, feeling the weight of everything that had just happened settle inside her.

She looked down at the feast below, the flickering torchlight illuminating the figures of Amazons as they sang, laughed, and celebrated.

Before, she had thought they were simply honouring a guest. Now, she knew the truth.

They were celebrating her. They were welcoming a sister.

Kara smiled to herself.

Then, with a slow breath, she stepped off the rooftop, letting herself drift down into the festivities below.

The Amazons greeted her with cheers and open arms, pulling her into the heart of the celebration. The rhythm of the drums thrummed in her chest, the sounds of laughter and joy surrounding her.

Someone took her hand spinning her into the dance. Kara hesitated for only a moment.

Then, she let herself be swept up in the moment, laughter spilling from her lips as she moved among her newfound sisters. For the first time, she let herself simply be. Not as a warrior in training, not as a Kryptonian learning restraint, but as an Amazon among Amazons.

Tomorrow, she would say her goodbyes. She would return to Kal-El, to his city, to the life that still awaited her beyond this island.

But Themyscira would always be here. And no matter where the future took her, she would always be a part of it.

Themyscira faded behind her, a jewel of green and gold shrinking against the vast blue of the ocean.

Kara didn't look back. Not because she didn't want to. Rao, she wanted to. But because she knew she would return. Often. This wasn't goodbye, not really.

Still, her mind lingered on the farewells.

The Amazons had sent her off the only way they knew how. With a feast, with celebration, with enough wine to make even the mightiest warriors sway. They had sung, laughed, toasted to her strength and her future.

And in the morning, when Kara had woken without a hangover, they had all groaned in dismay.

"Unfair," One had grumbled, rubbing her temples as Kara stretched, perfectly fine.
"You cannot drink like us and not suffer like us," Another had muttered, as Kara collected her suit.
"Kryptonian," The third woman grumbled, eyeing Kara as she now dressed in her red and blue. "Like I said… Terrifying."

Kara simply responded with a grin.

The women of Themyscira were proud, strong, loyal, and Kara loved them all. She had made friends here, more than she ever expected. Found a whole new family in an unlikely place. She let her newfound friends recover in peace and had taken her leave from them quietly, soaking in the final moment of this beautiful paradise.

But that was a thought for another time.

Today, she flew for America. For Kal-El. For the other family she had made.

She couldn't wait to tell them everything.

Metropolis stretched beneath her, golden in the afternoon light, the skyline dotted with glass towers and the ever-watchful Daily Planet globe.

It was a familiar sight. A fact that both comforted and amazed her. She'd only been in the city a handful of times and yet, the sight was welcome. But something felt off.

Kal-El wasn't here.

Kara hovered for a moment, scanning the city for the red-and-blue blur that usually streaked between buildings, listening for the telltale thunder of his impact as he landed on rooftops. Even a quick check of his apartment and workplace yielded the same result. He wasn't in the city. Nothing.

With a burst of speed, she left the city behind, crossing miles of countryside in seconds. Rolling fields replaced steel and glass, the golden waves of wheat stretching far and wide. Smallville.

She spotted them immediately, Kal-El and his son.

They sat on the roof of the farmhouse, the boy watched as his father gently repaired some tiles, pushing in nails with a careful index finger. Both were dressed in casual clothing, they noticed Kara's approach immediately, their heads tilting up to look at her.

Martha Kent stood on the porch, shading her eyes as she looked up, following the boy's attention. The moment she spotted Kara, she waved, a warm, welcoming gesture.

Kara swooped down, landing lightly, her boots barely rustling the grass. Kal and Jon hovered down from the roof to meet her.

Well, Kal-El hovered down... Jon simply jumped.

"Kara!" Jon shouted, bouncing over, arms thrown out to hug her.

She caught him with a grin, letting him squeeze her around the waist. She embraced her nephew with a laugh.

"Jon, be careful with your knees," Martha called from the porch, earning a smirk from the Kryptonian trio.

"I'm fine, Grandma!" Jon protested. Martha simply waved the boy away.

Kal chuckled, shaking his head before giving Kara a warm, welcoming smile. "Welcome back, Kara," He took a step back, taking in Kara's full appearance before adding. "That's a new look."

Kara's Kryptonian suit had been updated, partially. The original outfit remained, Kara would never part with her science guild attire, however, she wished to also honour the Amazonian culture she had experienced and become a part of.

Armoured braces of golden bronze, embossed with the House of El crest, sat comfortably over the cuffs of her suit. The cuirass engraved with her sigil was still resting in a sack she carried, along with her sword and shield. But the pteruge skirt and belt, dyed red and edged with gold, adorned her waist and matched well with the rest of her suit.

The addition blended into her original attire, creating a unique, new look. Mixing both sides of her new identity.

Kara smirked, setting her sack down with a soft thud. Jon's eyes lit up, immediately trying to peek into it. The sack was filled to bursting with souvenirs from Themyscira.

She fidgeted with her suit. Kara wasn't sure how she would be received, Kryptonians didn't usually accentuate their attire.

"Amazonian influence suits you," Kal said, nodding his approval. Kara was about to reply when Jon let out a yelp of delight.

"Whoa, did you get a sword?" Jon asked as he pulled the blade from the sack.

Both Kal and Kara shot a look of panic at the young boy, Kal-El reacting quickly as scooped the blade from the boy's hands and returned it. Kara laughed, watching Jon pout as the sword disappeared from view.

"I take it you had a good time?" Martha stepped closer, a knowing smile on her face.

Kara's grin widened, excitement bubbling up as she prepared to tell them everything. She barely took a breath before launching into her story.

"Was so good!" She gushed, her hands waving excitedly. "Diana. She train me. Very, very hard. Much fight! Many hit! But I get strong!"

She punched her fist into her palm for emphasis, rocking on her heels as she continued. "Amazons! Much fun! Made many friend! We drink. Eat. Sing! Dance. Fight. Play. They love me! I love them! So many beautiful, strong women, much respect!"

Martha looked almost puzzled, while Kal and Jon exchanged glances. Kara was a little too wrapped up in her own excitement to notice.

"They teach me, how to read," Kara pulled out a book from the sack, a slim volume of ancient poetry. "Learn stories of people. Heroes. Gods! Learn much!"

Kal-El was smiling along to her enthusiastic words, however he looked like he wanted to speak, opening his mouth only for her to steamroll him with more words.

"They learn from me too," Kara continued, practically bouncing. "Always ask question. Everywhere I go. Even in bathhouse..." She blushed before shaking off the thought. "I tell them, my history, about Krypton, they write for me. Our history, in their libraries!"

She threw her arms out, eyes bright with excitement, expecting them to follow along.

Silence.

She blinked. Her grin faltered, just a little.

Kal-El smiled politely and raised a hand to get her attention. "Um, Kara?" He started, trying to hide his grin. "Can you… translate that into English for us, maybe?"

Kara blinked, looking confused. She replayed the conversation in her head and realised, to her embarrassment, that she'd been speaking Amazonian. With a gasp, she slapped a hand over her mouth, blushing furiously.

"Oh!" She squeaked, in English this time. "Sorry! Sorry!"

Martha moved close, taking Kara's hand and reassuring her with a pat, smiling warmly. "Why don't we all get inside. You can tell us all about your trip and your new language skills over dinner. Sound good?"

Kara nodded, picking up her sack and following the elder Kent into the house, her cheeks burning. Jon followed along, peppering Kara with questions about her adventures. Kal-El trailed after them, smiling gently as he shook his head.

-----------------------------------------------

The dinner table was warm, lively, and filled with the scent of Martha's home cooking. Outside, the sun had dipped low, casting golden light through the kitchen window as the family gathered, passing dishes and listening to Kara. This time, in English.

She retold everything, just as excited, just as animated. From training with Diana to feasting with the Amazons, to the lessons in history, the stories of heroes and gods. Her hands moved as she spoke, gesturing wildly as she described the warriors she'd befriended, the ones who had challenged her, the ones who had stolen her breath with their strength, their beauty.

A chuckle came from Jonathan Kent, who had joined them for dinner. "Sounds like you had yourself an adventure, young lady."

"Yes! Much fun-" Kara paused, frowning. "Very fun?"

Martha smiled gently. "A lot of fun."

"A lot of fun," Kara repeated, nodding. She made a mental note of that.

Across the table, Clark leaned forward, resting his forearms on the wood. "I have to admit, I'm impressed," He said. "You picked up Amazonian that fast?"

Her head tilted. "Not pick up. They teach me."

A short laugh escaped him. "Still, that's impressive. I mean, I know of the language, but I can't speak it."

Kara blinked. "You not learn?"

He gave a lopsided smile. "Well, I know it's an offshoot of Latin and Ancient Greek, but…" He chuckled into his cup, taking a sip before looking back at Kara. "Only women are allowed to learn it."

That made sense. Even the mighty Superman couldn't visit a place like Themyscira.

Puffing her chest out, she grinned. "Yes! I learn much! Uh- I learn a lot?" She turned to Martha her nodded in approval. "Not fluent. But can talk. Say things. Sentences. Even read." She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "But… I still not read English."

Clark frowned, looking guilty for his part in the matter. Kara knew that it wasn't his fault, there were so many things to learn when she first arrived. English lessons were often accompanied by flying and history lessons, no time to learn a whole new alphabet.

"I hear English. Speak English. But not read." A sigh escaped her, her shoulders drooping. "Want to read. See many books. Many. So many books," She gestured over to the Kent's modest shelf, packed with paperbacks and leather-bound novels.

A thoughtful silence settled over the table.

Then, Martha clapped her hands together, a determined look in her eyes. "Well then, that settles it. We'll teach you."

Kara perked up. "Yes?"

"Of course," Jonathan added. "No reason you can't learn. You picked up all that Greek fast enough. English shouldn't be any trouble for you."

"And I'll help when I can," Clark added, smiling at Kara. "You'll have it in no time."

From his seat, Jon practically bounced. "I can help with books! Comics are super easy to read!"

Martha gave Kara's hand a reassuring pat. "And I can help with writing. I think I still have Clark's old workbooks from school somewhere around here. I'm sure we can find some for you to practice with too."

Kara beamed. Family. Home. Support. She couldn't have asked for anything more.

"Yes!" She said brightly. "I learn. I read." A resolute nod followed. "I read good!"

Clark raised a correcting finger, trying not to laugh. "Well."

Kara frowned. "I read well?"

Around her, laughter filled the dining room. Warm and bright. It was good to be home.

---------------------------------------------

The days that followed settled into a steady rhythm. As promised, the entire Kent family worked together to teach Kara to read and write.

Martha found a whole box worth of old workbooks and children's books. Simple exercises to help her learn the alphabet. Kara worked on those every morning, sitting at the dining room table, her brow furrowed as she traced letters onto an old notebook, writing out the alphabet, again and again.

The format was remarkably similar to the Amazonian alphabet, making it relatively simple to understand and apply, even if the script itself was different.

The process was slow and laborious, but rewarding. Each day her knowledge grew, and her confidence improved. Her time, however, wasn't purely dedicated to her studies.

Kara spent the odd afternoon floating through Metropolis's skyline, keeping a watchful eye on the streets below. Kal-El invited her along on his patrols, although Kara was suspecting that it was just an excuse for her company. The pair would fly between several populated areas, chatting about everything and nothing, occasionally landing to assist the citizens of the city in trivial, yet fulfilling matters. Like collecting runaway balloons for children.

"It isn't just about stopping crime," Kal-El explained with a smile, helping an elderly man with his car. Lifting it high enough to change a tire. "It's also about helping people. Making their lives easier. And letting them know you're here."

Kara nodded, trying not to look like an awkward statue as the man thanked them. The humans of Metropolis still treated Kryptonians like gods, and it made her a little uneasy. Still, she smiled politely and waved off his thanks.

"You get used to it," Kal-El said, his cape fluttering in the breeze as they took flight.

"You not feel… strange?" Kara asked, glancing at the man as he waved.

"A little," Kal admitted. "It's something I've learned to live with," He admitted. "People are going to see us differently, no matter how much we try to just be… normal. But if it makes them feel safer, if it gives them hope, then I think it's worth it."

The pair did another tour of the city, flying gracefully through the multilayered highways of Metropolis. Kal smirked playfully. "And hey, if nothing else, the hero worship is a great confidence boost."

It was a joke. Kara could hear the slight strain in Kal's laugh at the comment. She glanced down at the streets below, watching as people moved through their daily lives. "I want to help," She said, her voice quieter. "But not be… worshipped."

Kal laughed, ruffling her hair before banking right. "Come on, let's go grab lunch. I know a great little diner."

-------------------------------------------

More days passed, and soon Kara quickly advanced past Martha's collection of books and began picking up others. Lessons on the farm were quickly swapped out with lessons in Kal-El's house, sitting around the kitchen table, tracing letters with careful strokes, her tongue sticking out in concentration as she worked on more advance words and phrases.

"Ugh," Jon groaned, slumping over his worksheet beside Kara. "Math is the worst…"

The pair sat side by side, heads bent over their books, pencils tapping against paper. Jon had become her study partner, tackling his own school assignments as she worked through her lessons. Kara quickly peaked over, glancing at his work.

"Not worst," She corrected, pointing at the equation. "Math is easy. Identify pattern. Multiples of four, see. Make twenty-four here, and thirty-six there." She ran her finger along the page, explaining the pattern.

"Well it's easy for you," Jon mumbled. "Math is maths. You probably know a bajillion numbers already. It's not like learning a new language."

Kara chuckled and shook her head. "Actually, learning Earth math and language are same," She said, tapping her pencil against the paper. "On Krypton, we use a twelve number system when counting. Earth only use ten. That mean, when counting, I must learn new numbers. Less numbers than Krypton."

Jon looked at her, puzzled, as Kara wrote out Kryptonian numerals alongside the Earth standard numerals. Pointing out the extra two numbers.

"Math easy, I like it," Kara smiled, chuckling at Jon's confused stare. "But need to convert in head all the time. Very confusing," Jon let out a tired groan, scratching his head at his worksheet. Kara gave his shoulder a sympathetic pat. "Here, we work together. I help math. You help spelling, yes?"

Jon doubled down on his homework, a determined expression crossing his face. Kara took his renewed motivation as motivation for her own lessons.

-----------------------------------

The restaurant hummed with life, the scent of coffee and fresh pastries mingling with the steady murmur of conversation. Across from Lois, Kara stared in mild astonishment as a towering stack of muffins and pastries landed in front of her, practically defying gravity. A questioning glance was sent Lois's way.

"Is… much food normal for brunch?" She asked, poking at the fluffy layers with her fork.

Lois smirked, taking a sip of her coffee. "Depends on who you ask. Some people stick to fruit and toast. Others," She gestured toward the plate, "Go all in."

A thoughtful hum escaped Kara as she stabbed a piece of muffin and took a bite. "Earth loves food. Many meals. Many words for meals."

"You're catching on," Lois said, amusement laced in her voice.

The sweetness of sugar and the warmth of chocolate melted pleasantly on Kara's tongue, making her eyes widen. "Very good. Sweet. Soft. I like."

Lois chuckled. "Glad to hear it. Now, you ready to meet some of my friends?"

Before an answer could come, three women approached the table, sliding into the booth with casual ease. Greetings were exchanged, the energy light and familiar.

"Lois, you should have warned us Clark's cousin was a supermodel," One of them teased, giving Kara an appraising look.

A piece of muffin paused midway to her mouth. "Me?" She asked, brows furrowing.

Lois rolled her eyes. "Ignore them. They're nosy."

"Hey!" The second woman feigned offence before flashing Kara a warm smile. "We're just curious! Lois doesn't bring just anyone to brunch."

A redhead in a sharp blazer leaned forward, curiosity evident in her gaze. "So, Kara, how are you finding America so far?"

The question made her pause. A slight tilt of her head accompanied her puzzled expression. "Find America? It not lost?"

Silence fell for a beat before Lois chuckled, shaking her head. Then laughter erupted from the rest of the table.

"Okay, I like her," The first woman said, grinning. "But seriously, how's it been settling in?"

Relaxing into her seat, Kara considered the question. "Much to learn. Much to see. But good people. Many help. Kind."

A small, approving smirk played on Lois's lips. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

The conversation flowed easily after that, with Kara listening intently as Lois's friends swapped stories about work, city life, and the occasional strange encounters in Metropolis. It was different from the discussions she had with Kal-El or the Kents. Lively, fast-paced, filled with casual teasing and inside jokes.

By the time the plates were cleared and coffee refills had stopped, Kara had gained a new appreciation for brunch. Not just for the food, but for the company.

Lois nudged her playfully as they stepped outside. "So, what do you think? Worth the hype?"

A moment passed before Kara answered. "Food good. Company better."

With a chuckle, Lois slung an arm around her shoulder. "That's the right answer, kid."

-------------------------------------------

After her brief experience with brunch, Kara had been eager to experience more Earth customs, so when Jimmy Olsen invited her to lunch one afternoon, she happily accepted. Eating out was still a novelty, and without Kal-El or Lois guiding her, this felt like another step toward blending in.

Seated at a small wooden table, she scanned the menu with fascination. The sheer variety of options made her brows knit together in concentration. Some words she understood. Bread, fruit, eggs. Others were a mystery. Brioche? Hollandaise? Quiche?

Across from her, Jimmy stirred his coffee, watching her expression shift between curiosity and mild confusion. "Oh sorry. I didn't even think about that. Did you need help translating? Here-"

He started to lean over when Kara held up a hand, halting his approach. "I am fine. Just many words. Much food. I do not know them all, yet."

"Anything standing out?" He asked, amused.

She tapped a finger against a dish description. "What is... 'frittata'?"

"It's kind of like an egg pie. No crust."

Kara considered this, remember to ask the most important question before eating anywhere. "Is it vegetarian?"

"Uh, that depends," Jimmy answered. "Do you eat eggs? Cause I know some vegetarians don't."

"I eat eggs," Kara hummed, scanning the menu for more dishes. "Do not eat meat. But animal products are... how you say, grey area?" She looked over the menu once more. "Are eggs here?..." She gestured vaguely, thinking of the word. "Do birds live happy life?"

Jimmy blinked, taken back. "Oh! Um, I think so?" He scratched his head. "The Planet did a story on our eggs last year. I think we interviewed a local farmer. I can look it up and send you the link later if you want."

Kara grinned brightly. "Yes! I thank you. Is very helpful." Her frown deepened as she scanned the menu again. "And... eggs Benedict?"

"That one has ham."

"Ah. No," She shook her head. "No meat."

Jimmy raised an eyebrow. "So... You're vegetarian? That's cool."

"Yes," Kara confirmed simply, not picking up the exaggeratedly casual tone.

"Is that like a, religious thing?" He asked, waving a waiter over for the table.

"No," Kara said, glancing over the menu. "Or? Maybe? My family no eat-" She paused, thinking over her English lessons. "Did not consume, meat. So part of personal culture." She corrected, smiling at herself.

"Fair enough."

The waiter arrived and Jimmy placed their order, Kara asking questions about the menu items. She finally settled on avocado toast with roasted tomatoes and a caramel latte, pleased with her selection.

As they waited for their food, he leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "So, Clark told me you've been away for a while. Visited Greece? What's that been like?"

Kara hesitated briefly before answering. "Different. Much to learn. Earth is… big. So many people. Many customs. Some similar, some not."

"Yes," Jimmy chuckled awkwardly. "Earth does have a lot of people. And lots of customs?" He frowned at the statement but shook it off. "Though I don't usually see people get this excited about reading a cafe menu."

"Reading menu is exciting!" Kara insisted. "I can read now. And choose food. Small thing, but... important."

Jimmy found himself smiling at her enthusiasm. Kal-El had called this man one of his closest friends, and Kara could see why. He had a gentle nature, and seemed eager to connect.

"I've got to admit, you're doing great," Jimmy said. "I've never really been able to pick up languages that easy. I tried to learn Mandarin a few years back, but I think I can barely get through ordering dim sum.

"Thank you. Is... hard sometimes," She admitted. "But learning is good. Helps me fit in. Be part of Ka- uh, Clark's home. Of America."

Jimmy gave her an encouraging smile just as their food arrived. The pair spent the rest of their meal discussing the Planet, the various departments, and Jimmy's photography. He talked passionately about his work, showing her a small portfolio he had on his phone.

"You take very nice pictures," Kara said, scrolling through his photo album. "My Aunt used to enjoy photo making. Filled house with many images. Had great picture of Jewel Mountains in my bedroom. Gift for name day."

Jimmy tilted his head. "Jewel Mountains?"

Kara froze, realising her mistake. "Uh, is place. In... Europe?"

"I see," He nodded. "So this isn't Clark's mom we're talking about. You have more family over there?"

"Ah, no," Kara said quickly, trying to hide the sadness in her eyes. She really didn't want to go down this route, especially not on her first day of solo blending in.

Luckily, Jimmy took her discomfort and redirected the conversation. "You know, when Clark first introduced you as his cousin, I had trouble trying to figure out the family connection," He smiled softly. "But the way you get excited about the little things. Reading, photos, food. You might as well be Clark's little sister."

Kara beamed from the familial comparison, unaware of the fond look the boy was giving her. To Kara, there were no subtle glances, no playful smirks or hints. As far as she was concerned, She was just happy to be having a normal conversation.

"So," He said casually, "This whole travelling thing you're doing. Have you, uh… met anyone special yet?"

Kara blinked at him mid-bite, then swallowed. "Yes! Many people."

Jimmy chuckled. "No, I mean… like, special special?"

Her brow furrowed in confusion before her expression cleared. "Oh! You mean romance?"

"Yeah," Jimmy said, rubbing the back of his neck.

She considered the question. "Met many interesting people. But... not looking for romance. Want to explore. Experience. I want to learn Earth first."

"Yeah, that tracks." He let out a short sigh, running a hand through his hair.

Kara tilted her head. "Tracks?"

Jimmy grinned, shaking his head. "Nothing, sorry." He gave her a reassuring smile. "To good food and friendship then." He said with a smirk, lifting his coffee cup. Kara followed suit, clinking her latte against it.

"Yes! Good food and friendship!" Kara declared.

---------------------------------------

Kara had been living on the Kent farm for weeks now, nestled in the comfort of Clark's old bedroom. It had been a temporary arrangement at first. Just a place to stay while she figured things out, even if they had no intention of ever kicking her out. But the longer she remained, the more the room shifted from a relic of Clark's childhood into something else entirely.

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Kara glanced around, taking in the changes. The shelves, once filled with old baseball trophies and high school yearbooks, now held books gifted by Martha, Lois, and even Jon. Everything from classic literature to children's comics. Her neatly folded Themysciran garments sat stacked beside flannel shirts Martha had lent her for cold mornings. The small wooden desk, which still bore faint scratches from Clark's early schoolwork, was now cluttered with her own notebooks, where she painstakingly practised writing in English.

And the floor? A chaotic mix of keepsakes. Trinkets from Themyscira. Intricately carved figurines, a bronze armband, and a beautifully bound book of Amazonian philosophy. Mingled with small gifts from America. A Metropolis postcard from Lois, a dream catcher from a neighbour, and a simple necklace Jon had excitedly picked out for her at a market stall.

It was only as she looked around that she realised just how much she had accumulated.

A quiet chuckle came from the doorway. "You've been busy," Clark said, arms crossed as he leaned against the frame. His tone was light, but his amused glance swept over the growing clutter.

Kara huffed playfully, shoving a pile of books into a more organised stack. "It's not that bad."

Clark raised an eyebrow, stepping inside. "I don't remember my room looking like a museum exhibit."

She tossed a pillow at him. He caught it effortlessly, grinning.

"Okay," She admitted, rubbing the back of her neck. "Maybe I've been… collecting things."

Clark sat on the edge of the bed, watching as she idly ran her fingers over the Amazonian book's gilded cover. His smile softened. "It's good to see you settling in. You're making a life here."

That gave her pause. She had been so focused on experiencing Earth, learning the customs, making connections, building trust, that she hadn't truly considered what that meant long-term.

She could return to Themyscira. She could go back to the Fortress. But neither of those places felt right.

"I want to be here," She admitted, looking up at him. "Like you."

Clark nodded. "Then maybe it's time to start thinking about finding a place of your own?"

Kara blinked. She hadn't even considered that. The farm had been comfortable, safe. A good starting point. But Clark was right. She wasn't just visiting anymore. She was staying. And that meant more than just collecting souvenirs. Her gaze drifted back to the room, to all the things she had gathered.

A home wasn't just a place. It was something you built.

Johnathan's words echoed in her head. The man was wise beyond his years and Kara had come to value his advice. She was glad Kal-El had grown up with the man as his father. She couldn't think of a more fitting substitute for Jor-El, and could imagine both men getting on very well.

Clark watched her work through the thought, a knowing look on his face.

"A home…" Kara's lips curled into a smile. "Yes, I'd like that."

"Of course, you don't have to decide anything yet," Clark said, his voice a soft reassurance. "And Lois and I will help, any way we can-"

"I need money for that," Kara thought aloud, considering the logistics.

Clark chuckled, standing up. "Yeah, that's usually how it works," He picked up one of Kara's carved figures, inspecting it. "But I have a friend who's pretty good with finances. Considering how much money he's already invested into you, I doubt the rent for a small apartment will make a difference."

"Me?" Kara asked, confused.

Clark didn't look up from the figure. "Same friend who helped create your human identity," He explained.

"Thank you..." Kara said, still planning in her head. "But I no wish to be burden. Can get job, yes? Pay for things."

"You could," He admitted, a look of surprise crossing his face. "You should… eventually. Yeah." His confused gaze shifted to another proud smile. "Had anything in mind?"

Kara looked up at her cousin and smiled. Determination settled in her heart. "Yes. Can work Earth Science!"

A/N: Apologies for anyone who actually knows Rocket Science. But this chapter does have some fictional pseudoscience in it

---

Science had always been Kara's path. From the moment she was born, her future had been carefully mapped out. Just as it was for every Kryptonian. She had studied diligently, absorbing knowledge with pride, never questioning the plan laid out before her. It was who she was meant to be. And yet, here on Earth, none of that seemed to matter.

Kal-El leaned against the counter, arms crossed as he considered her predicament. "Things don't work the same way here," He explained. "Most people don't grow up knowing exactly what they want to do. A lot of them take jobs just to get by, even if they don't love them."

The idea unsettled her. "That's inefficient," She said, frowning. "What if no passion for work? How can they do best job?"

With a small chuckle, Kal-El shook his head. "They just do. Not everyone gets to follow their dream job."

She looked down at the counter, lost in thought. This wasn't something that Krypton had ever prepared her for. In a world where every detail of a person's life was known, where every career path was laid out for you, there was no need to consider what one would do. The Brainiac Data Mind accurately predicted the ideal career for each child upon their first year of education. Kara was no exception.

Even worse, the Earth system was working against her. Simply having the knowledge wasn't enough. Humans wanted proof. Certifications, degrees, official documentation of education she couldn't provide. If she wanted to work in science, she would need to start all over again.

Lois strolled in then, dropping a thick folder onto the table with a knowing smirk. "Good news," she announced. "I found a few options."

Hope flickered for a brief moment before Kara opened the folder and saw the reality of what Lois had put together. A list of universities. Programs that stretched out for years. The excitement drained from her face.

"I already know all this," She said, flipping through the pages. "More than this."

Lois chuckled and pushed out a pamphlet. "Just because you lived in a technological utopia doesn't mean you know everything. The real world is full of surprises," Kara frowned at her statement, picking up the glossy paper and looking over the contents. "How much rocket science do you really know when you don't have a Kryptonian internet to fall back on?"

Kara glanced up. "A lot of rocket science..." She said, slowly. "I help father build ship that send me here."

"Oh..." Lois paused, considering her next words. "Well, I still think this would be a good place to start."

The paper crinkled under Kara's fingertips. Scrunching up the page, she let the crumpled ball roll onto the counter. It wasn't fair. She had already put in the work, why should she have to start from the beginning?

"Look, what Lois means is," Kal-El jumped in, trying to smooth things over. "This is the best way to prove your skills. It's a process, and a little frustrating, but it'll be worth it," He smiled with that annoying optimism he always had. "Plus, if you really know everything and more, the teachers might fast-track you into a master's program."

"And how long that take?" She asked, her frustration building.

"Uh..." Kal-El paused. "I uh... I'm not sure. Two years?"

Kara scoffed. She set the folder aside, jaw tightening with quiet determination. If Earth's system wouldn't recognise her knowledge, she would just have to prove herself another way.

------------------------------------------

The folder sat untouched on the counter for the rest of the evening. Every so often, Kara's eyes flickered toward it, but she refused to pick it up again. The thought of spending years re-learning what she already knew was too frustrating to dwell on.

Instead, she turned her attention to a different approach. One that didn't involve lectures, exams and wasted time. America was called the 'land of opportunity' for a reason. Maybe there was another way.

Slumping onto the couch with her phone in hand, she braced herself for another battle with the clunky device. Navigating the so-called World Wide Web was an exercise in patience. Everything took longer than it should, requiring multiple steps and endless distractions. Brainiac's systems had been seamless, effortless. Pulling information directly to and from her mind via her neural network. Here, on Earth, even a simple search involved typing, loading, scrolling. And advertisements.

Rao. So many advertisements.

Gritting her teeth, she continued her search, refining the terms again and again. Somewhere in Metropolis, there had to be a place that would recognise skill over credentials. Her efforts were finally rewarded when an ad popped up among the clutter.

Open Tour for Prospective Applicants — Apply Today!

The words immediately caught her attention. A tour? Of an Earth science laboratory? Her heart thumped excitedly. The perfect solution.

Sitting up straighter, she tapped the link and scanned the details. The facility specialised in experimental technologies, advanced physics, and interstellar research. Exactly the kind of work she had trained for on Krypton. No mention of degree requirements in the description, only an invitation to visit and learn about their programs. And best of all, it was located in the heart of Metropolis itself.

Excitement stirred in her chest. This was it. An opportunity to prove herself.

She didn't bother running the idea by Kal-El. He would only try to convince her to wait, to go through the "proper channels." But she had waited long enough.

Tomorrow, she would step back into the world of science, on her own terms.

-----------------------------------------------

The following morning, Kara stood among a small group of eager applicants outside the towering Metropolis skyscraper. Sunlight gleamed off the building's sleek glass exterior, reflecting the city's skyline like a promise of innovation. The hum of conversation surrounded her, aspiring scientists, engineers, and students murmuring about their excitement, speculating on the kind of technology housed within.

A middle-aged man with greying hair and sharp eyes stepped forward to greet the group, he carried himself with the confidence of a man accustomed to intellectual leadership. With a polite but businesslike tone, he welcomed them before leading the way inside.

"Welcome, everyone. My name is Doctor Emil Hamilton, I'm the Director of Research and Development," He announced, leading the group through the main entrance. "It's lovely to see so many people interested in our research today," He gestured toward the sleek walls. "Now if you'd all follow me, I can show you around our state-of-the-art facility."

Eagerly, Kara joined the rest of the crowd, stepping into a world that was meant to be hers. A large elevator took them down below the street, only two floors deep, but Kara could see beyond the simple structure. The building extended deeper, Laboratories stretched beyond glass-panelled walls, bustling with scientists in white coats. The scent of sterile air and metal lingered as machines hummed softly in the background. Monitors displayed complex data streams, and robotic arms moved with calculated precision over delicate instruments.

"Naturally, we can't show you everything. Not with security protocols, and also the patent lawsuits," The Doctor chuckled to himself. "But I'm confident you'll get a feel for the atmosphere and what we do here," They passed by a glass-panelled wall, showcasing a breakdown of Earth rockets and the International Space Station that floated somewhere in Earth's orbit. "These first few levels are open to the public, most of the actual science takes place lower down," His voice dropped as if he was sharing a secret. "Where the real magic happens."

Kara stared through the glass, her eyes tracking a series of calculations displayed on a nearby monitor. Numbers and formulas raced across the screen.

"This research facility started out purely as an aerospace research and development division," The Doctor explained. "However, we now operate a number of programs, including the latest in bioengineering and nano-tech. Take your time and explore," He motioned to the various displays and interactive activities. "Our staff are here to answer any questions you may have, and at the end, there is an opportunity to apply for positions in the upcoming intake."

Dr Hamilton gave a short bow and then stepped away, allowing the group to explore the facility. Immediately, Kara turned her attention to the monitors. They flicked over, displaying new projects. An incredibly rudimentary take on synthetic nutrition and energy production. Kara rolled her eyes. The design was inefficient, wasteful, and impractical. Kryptonian science had surpassed this level of technology long before she was born, and more than once while walking the showroom floor, she had to bite back a laugh at what humanity considered cutting-edge.

Several humans were looking on in amazement towards the facility's inbuilt AI system. Impressed when it performed the most basic of functions. Kara had to force herself not to shake her head in dismay. It still relied on human input rather than direct neural interfacing. How could anyone consider this advanced?

Still, she couldn't deny the thrill of being surrounded by intellectuals again. The air buzzed with curiosity and ambition, reminding her of her old life. She listened intently as Doctor Hamilton explained their latest projects, nodding along even as she mentally filled in the gaps in her English lexicon.

A young man beside her whispered excitedly, "Can you believe this? We're looking at the future."

Kara smiled, but didn't respond. This wasn't the future, not yet. But maybe, just maybe, she could help bring them closer to it.

----------------------------------------

The tour continued through two more floors of showrooms, each unveiling what the facility touted as its most innovative advancements. Kara took it all in with a mix of amusement and curiosity. While the technology fell far short of what she had studied on Krypton, she found herself enjoying the experience nonetheless. There was something refreshing about seeing the way humans pushed forward, striving for progress even when the path ahead was uncertain.

Displays of robotics, energy solutions, and bio-engineering lined the halls, each accompanied by interactive panels and enthusiastic researchers ready to answer questions. Other applicants eagerly approached the scientists, discussing theories and research, asking about potential internships. Kara noticed how easily they engaged, the way they introduced themselves, making connections that might help them secure a place in the program.

Realisation struck. If she wanted a job here, she couldn't just wait for someone to notice her. She had to prove herself.

Scanning the room, she searched for an opportunity, something that would let her showcase her knowledge. A conversation near the back of the room caught her attention. Two scientists, deep in discussion, their voices hushed but tense. The words "faster-than-light travel" piqued her interest, drawing her closer.

One of the researchers, an older man with wire-rimmed glasses, gestured toward a complex equation on a transparent screen. "Even with our best propulsion models, breaking the light-speed barrier is theoretically impossible. The energy required would be infinite."

His younger colleague, a woman with short, dark hair, nodded. "And yet, we know it happens. Maritans, Thanagarians, even Tamaraneans. They've all achieved interstellar travel far beyond what should be feasible. There has to be something we're missing."

Kara folded her arms, considering their dilemma. She had planned to observe quietly, but the errors in their calculations were glaring. It took Kara some time to read the math they were working with. But once she did, her mouth twisted into a slight frown. Their theories were flawed, based on outdated physics.

Holding her tongue suddenly felt impossible. "You are missing a fundamental force," She stated, her accent thick but her confidence unwavering.

Both scientists turned to her, blinking in surprise.

The older man adjusted his glasses. "Excuse me?"

Kara gestured toward the equation on the screen. "Your model does not account for the underlying framework of spacetime. You treat space as a fixed medium, but movement at light speed, or beyond, requires understanding the force that interacts with it."

Frowning, the younger scientist folded her arms. "And what force would that be?"

Rao'Vash'Kotar

Searching for the right words, Kara hesitated. In Kryptonian, the concept was simple, a well-documented principle of astrophysics. One of the seven forces of the universe. Tapping into a cosmic energy field and force based around velocity and movement, able to bend space and time around itself so as to move at great speeds without breaking the laws of physics.

In the language of Earth, she struggled. There were no words, not exactly. Only a jumble of concepts.

"You too caught up on mass of object, while using energy of propulsion," She began, moving forward to tap on the monitor. When it didn't respond how she wanted, she gestured for a writing utensil. The older researcher offered her a pen. "Here, you see." Kara wrote out the Kryptonian formula and then did a rough translation to Earth maths. "Forget the mass, focus instead on the force. Take energy from acceleration instead of using. Create recurring cycle, push back against spacetime. Then..." She paused, struggling to translate.

"You break the light-speed barrier?" The older scientist finished, watching her intently.

"Yes." She smiled.

He shook his head. "But that's not possible. There is no such force."

Kara shrugged. "Force exist," She said, confident. The confidence wavered slightly, and she tried to find a way to explain. "Force like..." She searched her memory. "Movement. Speed?"

"The Speed Force?" The younger scientist's brow furrowed. "Like the Flash? That's... more metahuman physics, isn't it?"

"No, is physics," Kara said, pointing back at the board. "See here?" She tapped her hastily written maths. "Like wave. Push ship out, faster and faster. Go past light in same time."

The researchers exchanged glances, their scepticism evident. Yet, something in her tone, the certainty with which she spoke, made them hesitate.

The older scientist narrowed his eyes. "Alright, say we assume there is some unknown force at play. How exactly would we measure it? And more importantly, how would we harness it to fuel a spaceship without creating a massive energy sink that could consume the entire vessel?"

Kara turned her paper over. With smooth, practised movements, she adjusted her calculations, introducing variables that accounted for the force's interaction with spacetime. The numbers shifted, aligning into something more complete.

The younger scientist, looking over Kara's shoulder, gave a low whistle. "This… this actually corrects the energy paradox," She turned to the older man, who was still frowning in doubt. "You know, assuming the maths checks out."

The older scientist let out a huff, picking up Kara's work and holding it up for a better look. His face remained stoic, unreadable. After several minutes, he shook his head, turning away.

"It's an interesting idea," He said, turning to his colleague. "I'm not too up to date with metahuman physics to say whether or not it's valid."

Kara's chest tightened. They didn't believe her.

The older scientist put the paper in his jacket pocket. "But… I know a doctor up in Central City who could probably give us some insight," Kara's expression brightened. "Personally, I think there's still too many unanswered questions to consider it as an actual theory…" He didn't finish his sentence. Instead, he glanced over at Kara, his eyes lingering as if seeing her for the first time. "Who are you, exactly?"

"I am..." She paused, searching for the right word. A slow, satisfied smile spread across her face. "Someone looking for a job."

---------------------------

As the tour wound to a close, the group gathered in the main lobby, chatting excitedly about everything they had seen. The other applicants exchanged business cards with researchers, discussing follow-up emails and internship applications. Kara, however, had her sights set on something more immediate. She approached Doctor Hamilton's office just as he finished an interview with another applicant.

With her usual confidence, she stepped forward. "I want to work here," She stated plainly.

The Doctor blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Pardon?"

"Work," She repeated, gesturing around the facility. "I want to work here. Research, learn. Help. Have much knowledge to give."

Hamilton's expression shifted from surprise to bemusement. "I see." He gave her a polite but sceptical look, tapping something into his handheld computer before looking back up to the girl. "You do realise that positions here require credentials, Miss Danvers, is it?" Kara nodded her head. "Degrees. Doctorates, in most cases."

Brows knitting together, she frowned. "Doctorate?" The word was familiar, but the context escaped her.

A few nearby applicants chuckled, and one of the younger scientists smirked. Hamilton, to his credit, remained professional, though a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. "A doctorate. A PhD. Years of formal education and published research in a given field. All I see here is are basic foreign diplomas and not much else."

The words did little to clarify. On Krypton, science was a lifelong discipline, but it had never required something as arbitrary as a piece of paper. "I don't have this," She admitted. "But I know science. Have studied my whole life."

His expression softened, though his answer remained firm. "That may be, but knowledge alone isn't enough. We have standards for a reason. Frankly, Miss Danvers, I'm a little confused as to why you came today? Our labs are open to the public every weekend."

Kara bit her lip, glancing down at the floor. A frustrated sigh escaped her, and she looked up. Meeting Hamilton's gaze with her own stubborn stare, she held her ground. "Please," She insisted, her voice steady. "Is only thing I have."

The professor's lips twitched into a slight smile, and he shook his head. "I'm sorry," He said, and his tone suggested he truly was. "I can tell you're a bright girl. If your education is as impressive as you claim, then perhaps I can suggest some schools for you to contact. But until then, I'm afraid there's nothing I can-"

Disappointment threatened to take hold, but before she could argue, hurried footsteps approached from behind. The older physicist she had spoken with earlier came rushing into the room, slightly out of breath.

"Doctor Hamilton, a moment?" His voice was urgent, his eyes darting to Kara.

Curiosity replaced doubt as Hamilton turned to him. "Is something wrong?"

Rather than answering immediately, the physicist leaned in, whispering something that made Hamilton's brow furrow. His gaze flicked toward Kara, then back to the physicist. With a slow nod, he retrieved a tablet and pulled up the calculations Kara had written earlier.

The room grew quiet as he studied them. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his fingers swiped over the screen as he double-checked the numbers. A long silence stretched between them before he finally exhaled, setting the tablet down.

"This… is extraordinary," He murmured. "These variables... Are you sure?"

"I've already got a team in Central looking over it," The other scientist said, far more emotive than when Kara originally spoke to him. "They're running more thorough simulations. But so far, everything is checking out."

Hamilton's eyes widened, and a smile crossed his face. "This is..." His gaze returned to Kara. This time, he looked at her with newfound interest. "Where did you get this formula? Did someone show you how to do this?"

Kara smiled, feeling a small bubble of pride rise in her chest. Finally, someone was taking her seriously. "Yes, I learn," She said, standing a little taller. "My father teach me."

Doctor Hamilton checked his tablet computer again, frowning as the words 'Deceased' came up on Kara's parental background. "Your father? He had a PhD in physics, then?"

"He is scientist," Kara said, as if the answer were obvious. "Great man. Great scientist. Is why I want to be like him. Learn. Make discoveries. Share knowledge. Help people."

Doctor Hamilton considered the young woman before him, taking in her eager eyes and proud posture. She had none of the arrogance that usually accompanied those who thought they knew it all. No, her enthusiasm and drive was genuine, born out of a love for learning.

"And do you know any more formulas like this one?" He asked, watching her reaction carefully.

Kara's smile widened, and she nodded eagerly. "Oh yes. Many."

The weight of the moment settled over them, and for the first time since arriving, Kara saw genuine respect in their eyes.

Hamilton straightened, regarding her with newfound interest. "You don't have a doctorate, and I have no idea where you learned this level of physics, but…" He paused, glancing at the other researchers before making a decision. "We may be able to make an exception."

Hope flickered in her chest. "Exception?"

"It'd have to be on a trial basis," He explained, folding his arms. "We don't normally take people with no academic experience, ever. I'm not even sure the Board will go for it," Hamilton tapped some more on his tablet. "But... what if we made it a scholarship?"

"Scholarship?" Kara asked, tilting her head. She'd read that word on Lois's pamphlets. "Ehh, schooling is long time."

"You wouldn't need to go back to school," Hamilton assured her. "I have some pull with some local universities. We could sponsor your education, have you work here as an intern for a year or two, and once you earn a doctorate, we'd consider letting you become a permanent member of our research team. All you'd need to do is prove yourself. ...and publish a couple of papers near the end of your degree."

Kara considered the offer. It wasn't a direct position in the lab. Still, a scholarship. One that would help her prove herself.

"Internship is paid, yes?" She asked, wanting to confirm the details.

"Yes. Not as well as a doctorate salary, but we compensate our interns fairly. Enough to cover expenses, at least," Hamilton answered. "It's not a full-time position, either. Legally we can't hire a full-time intern, on a scholarship, but I'm sure we can work something out," Both men looked at her eagerly as Hamilton held out his hand. "So, what do you think?"

Kara nodded, her smile growing as she reached out to take the man's hand. "I accept."

-------------------------------------------

That evening, Kara floated into the Kal-El's apartment, barely able to keep the excitement from bubbling over. She found Clark at the kitchen table, papers spread in front of him, a furrow of concentration on his brow.

The moment she stepped inside, he looked up, expression shifting from mild surprise to curiosity. "Good day?" He guessed, a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.

Kara grinned, dropping into the chair across from him. "I got a job!"

Clark froze. His pen hovered midair before slowly lowering to the table. "...What?"

"A job! Internship! Actually, scholarship, but no schooling. Only work." She leaned forward, hands braced against the table. "I will work, I will research, and I will get doctorate like human scientists do!"

For a second, Clark just stared, mouth slightly open. "Wait. You got hired? Today?"

"Yes!" She nodded eagerly. "I proved myself. Go see science lab. There was problem in their research, I solved it. They were impressed. Very impressed."

Clark exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Kara, that's incredible. I mean. Seriously, I spent half the day trying to figure out how to get you into a place like STAR Labs. I was even considering talking to them as Superman to see if they'd take you on."

"You would do that?"

He shrugged. "Of course. I was worried about how long it would take for you to find the right place." He shook his head, clearly still processing. "But you just... did it. All on your own."

"Yes! You see?" Kara puffed up with pride. "I not need special help. I am very capable!"

Clark chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I see that now. Wow. Alright. So, what's next? When do you start?"

"Tomorrow!" Kara said happily. "They give orientation and training tomorrow," She paused, her smile faltering slightly. "I not really understand what that means. But I work human science! And add Krypton science. Make life better for all humans, yes."

"I have no doubt," Clark said. Then, his smile shifted, and his expression became thoughtful. "So, which lab did you say this was?"

Kara's eyes lit up. "Oh, yes. I get identification card." She reached into the satchel bag she had been carrying and pulled out the lanyard, proudly showing off her new employee pass for him to admire. "See? Level Three-A! Not lowest level, even!"

Clark leaned in, his eyes scanning the card. His expression softened at first, then froze. His lips parted, but no sound came out. Kara, oblivious to her cousin's growing horror, turned the ID card over, reading the words with pride.

The company logo flashed, its name bold and embossed along the top. A photo of Kara's smiling face appeared below. Like on Krypton, the Science guild was a second home of sorts, a place she could belong. Like on Earth, Kara had once again collected another place she could call home.

LexCorp.

Clark sat at the kitchen table, his elbows resting on the wood, fingers laced together as he stared down at nothing in particular. His mind was a tangled mess of worry and indecision, running through every possible way he could approach the situation. How was he supposed to tell Kara?

Kara had made whole leaps and strides in her adaption to this planet. Venturing off on her own to not only apply for a job in a field she wanted, but to actually get herself hired and position herself in a deal that worked towards her future. Clark couldn't have been more proud of her. But of course, she couldn't have known of the devil in the details.

He could tell Kara not to go, not to take the job that she'd been so excited about. Explain to her the dangers, the consequences, but would she listen? Would she even understand? Or would Kara just feel like he didn't trust her judgement? She might brush off the warning entirely.

And what if he didn't say anything? Could he live with that? Let her go into LexCorp every day, working under the shadow of everything Lex Luthor had built?

A deep sigh escaped him. His eyes lifted to Lois, who was leaning against the kitchen counter, arms crossed, watching him with a knowing look.

"Alright," He admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know what to do."

Lois didn't even hesitate. "Tell her." The same answer she'd given him an hour ago when he'd first brought up the subject.

Clark winced. "I can't just tell her."

"Why not?" Lois pushed off the counter and walked toward him, shaking her head. "Clark, she deserves to know what she's getting into. It's LexCorp. You know, the same company that's been trying to kill you since you moved here?"

Clark sighed again, rubbing his temples. "I know that, Lois, but she's so happy about this. She finally found something she's passionate about, something that makes her feel her old self while also like she belongs here. How am I supposed to take that away from her?"

Lois planted her hands on her hips. "By being honest. By telling her that the place she's so excited to work for has a long, rich history of being evil."

His shoulders tensed. He knew this conversation was coming, but he still wasn't ready for it.

Lois, however, was.

She started counting on her fingers. "Let's go down the list, shall we? Illegal weapons research. Human experimentation. Attempted mind control. That time they cloned you. That time they built an army of robots made to fight you." She shot him a sharp look. "Oh, and let's not forget the dozen or so times Lex personally tried to kill you."

Clark grimaced. "That was Lex, not the company. LexCorp hasn't done anything like that in years. Not since Lex went to prison."

Lois let out a dry, humourless laugh. "Oh, please. You think LexCorp didn't know exactly what their boss was up to? That all those high-level executives just happened to miss the illegal, top-secret projects being run in their own labs?" She folded her arms. "Do you think every rotten scientist and exec just vanished? Or do you think maybe, some of them stayed?"

Clark exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't like the idea any more than you do, but there's no evidence to prove they've been doing anything wrong. And I don't want to take this away from Kara just because we have a bad history with Lex. What if I'm wrong? What if it's different this time?

"It's not." Lois gave him a pointed look. "You're acting like the monster died just because we cut off the head. Newsflash, Smallville. Luthor is a sneaky and cunning bastard. He will find ways to worm around the system. You know this, I know this, Kara needs to know this."

"You're talking like Lex still has a hand in all of this." Clark pointed out, folding his arms across his chest.

"Clark..." Her voice softened just slightly, enough that he could tell she wasn't just trying to argue. She was genuinely worried. "Look, I get why you don't want to tell her. I really do. But Kara isn't a kid. She deserves to know exactly what kind of company she's walking into."

He sighed again, long and slow. "I just… I don't know how."

Lois watched him for a long moment before shaking her head. "Well, you better figure it out fast. Because whether you tell her or not? Sooner or later, she's going to find out."

------------------------------------------

Excitement buzzed through Kara's veins as she stepped into LexCorp Tower, her boots clicking against the polished floors. The vast, futuristic interior, by Earth standards, gleamed with pristine efficiency, the air tinged with the faint hum of machinery at work. A new beginning. A chance to do something meaningful.

Dressed in business casual, she adjusted the strap of her bag and made her way to the elevators, where a security officer gave her a quick glance before waving her through. Her official ID badge hung from her neck, making it real. She, Kara Zor-El, had a job as a scientist. The very idea still sent a thrill through her.

At the research wing, she was greeted by Doctor Sydney Happersen, the older scientist she'd impressed during the tour. He was already deep in conversation with another researcher, but the moment he spotted her, he broke off mid-sentence. "Ah, Miss Danvers! Right on time. That's a good start." He gestured for her to follow.

The lab stretched before her. Rows of workstations, humming machines, and walls lined with research displays. Engineers and scientists bustled about, lost in their projects. Kara had worked in Kryptonian research labs before, but there was something thrilling about stepping into an Earth lab, knowing she could contribute.

As they walked, Sydney wasted no time. "Your insights into faster-than-light travel were intriguing. We could use someone like you in that department. I assume that's where you'd like to focus your efforts?"

The offer was tempting, but Kara shook her head. "I was hoping to work on something… more immediately beneficial?" There was a slight drop in Sydney's expression, that spurred Kara to speak faster. "To Earth! Thing like, climate control, pollution clean-up, or synthetic food growth?"

Sydney arched a brow. "Ambitious."

Determination settled in her chest. "I have knowledge to help. So I should help, right?"

A chuckle escaped him as he led her to a workspace. "Everyone wants to save the world, Miss Danvers. The problem is, trying to fix everything all at once will only burn you out." He leaned against a lab bench, folding his arms. "My advice is to start small."

His words made sense, though Kara's mind still raced with possibilities. "Alright… synthetic food production, then."

The sooner Kara could get humans to stop consuming meat, the better. Along with that, the idea of humans around the world still starving made her stomach twist with unease. Kara didn't know every single problem in the world, but she knew about this one. And if she could help solve it, she would.

Sydney hummed thoughtfully. "Not exactly what I meant," He began, tapping his chin, "There are numerous ways to approach the issue of synthetic food, each with its own challenges and rewards. So far, I'm only aware of the cloning by-products. Which isn't the best, considering the resources required. We've been working on solutions, but I'm not a bio-chemist."

Cloning was not an avenue that Kara was comfortable with. Too many things could go wrong. Kryptonian food production was designed to be sustainable, not only in terms of resources, but also the environment and the planet. No risk of creating self-replicating plants that ruined entire ecosystems.

"Alright, how about this?" Sydney thought aloud. "You want to create synthetic food? But let's break that down even further. What, in your opinion, is the most basic problem you need to solve first?"

The question made her pause. Creating food synthetically wasn't just about making something edible. It was about replicating complex organic matter. That required matter manipulation, which required energy.

Kara frowned in thought. "Before we create synthetic food, we'd need advanced matter manipulation."

Sydney gave her an odd look, but prompted her to continue.

"To do that, we need massive, power source. Big, but safe." She reasoned. Sydney opened his mouth, but Kara spoke before he could. "But before that. We need efficient storage for power."

The older man nodded his head, albeit still a little puzzled. He was having trouble following Kara's line of thought, but could get behind the concept of creating more efficient methods for storing and transferring power.

Realisation struck like lightning. Earth's energy storage technology wasn't anywhere close to what Krypton had. It would be functionally impossible to manipulate matter in a way that could allow her to recreate a food replicator. She needed to create her own solution. The first step wasn't the food itself. It was creating a better energy storage solution.

A Kryptonian Battery.

Sydney blinked, tilting his head to the side. "I'm not quite sure where you're going with this, but I think I might like it."

Kara grinned. She was already racing through ideas. Excitement surged through her. "I think I know where to start."

-----------------------------------------------------

The steady hum of machinery filled the lab as Kara scrolled through data on her monitor, occasionally jotting down notes. A few days into her new job, she'd settled into a rhythm. Analysing energy storage methods, brainstorming improvements, and studying Earth's limitations in the field. Progress was slow, but she reminded herself that big breakthroughs didn't happen overnight. One discovery would lead to the next, and then the next, accelerating until she finally had something tangible.

LexCorp's research division was welcoming. Her team, composed of experienced engineers and physicists, had been nothing but friendly. Sure, she was treated like an intern, handed data to review rather than directing projects, but it was with respect. The others had already taken notice of her, mostly because of her unexpected contribution during her first visit. The math behind faster-than-light travel had been a passing comment from her, but to them? It had been groundbreaking.

That reputation had made the adjustment easier. The past few days had been positive. Kara felt like she belonged.

She was deep into a model outlining Earth's lithium-ion technology when a noise reached her ears. One no one else reacted to.

A distant explosion. Muffled at first, but unmistakable.

Kara's head snapped toward the windows. From this high up, the city stretched out in all directions, a sprawling sea of steel and glass. It only took her a moment to find the source. A column of smoke was rising against the skyline, black and thick. Seconds later, she heard screams. Dstant, faint, but real.

Something was wrong.

No one else had noticed. The lab was insulated, soundproofed. Scientists continued their work, immersed in their projects, discussing formulas and energy yields. Kara glanced around, but everyone was oblivious.

Her pulse quickened. She had to go.

But then the hesitation hit.

Kara had never hesitated when it came to helping people. And she wasn't hesitating because of what needed to be done. She was hesitating because of this.

The lab. The job. The sense of normalcy she was trying to build.

If she disappeared now, would anyone question it? Maybe not today, but eventually?

Sydney's voice pulled her back. "Miss Danvers?"

Kara blinked. He was watching her, brow furrowed.

"Something wrong?"

Yes. But she couldn't say that.

"I, uh, I need to step out for a moment," She blurted, already pushing away from her workstation.

Sydney raised an eyebrow. "Everything alright?"

Kara forced a sheepish smile. "Yeah! Just… need some fresh air. Long morning."

Sydney didn't question it. He waved her off, already shifting back to his work.

Kara took that as her cue and slipped away, her mind racing.

The moment she was out of sight, she moved fast. Down the hall, into the nearest stairwell, up several flights until she reached an empty rooftop access.

Time to go.

A heartbeat later, she was airborne.

Wind rushed past Kara as she soared toward the heart of the destruction, pushing herself faster. The distant hum of the city had been replaced by the wail of sirens, the crash of debris, and the unmistakable roar of battle.

Since coming back from Themyscira, she'd only handled small incidents. Stopping a runaway car, catching some collapsed scaffolding before it hurt someone. Simple things.

This was different. A real fight.

Her first since the lightning woman.

Nervous excitement coiled in her chest, mingling with tension. She was stronger now. Faster. Diana had drilled her relentlessly, teaching her to fight not just with power, but with technique and discipline. But training wasn't battle.

Now was the moment of truth.

Below, the streets of Metropolis were chaos. Smoke billowed from burning vehicles, chunks of concrete lay scattered from shattered sidewalks. Civilians scrambled for cover, fleeing in every direction. A city not used to devastation. Metropolis was, most of the time, peaceful.

But not today.

Her eyes locked onto the source of the destruction. In the middle of the street, a figure pulsed with raw, radioactive energy, his body glowing with an unstable green light. A molten skull burned at the center of his head, visible through the searing brightness. His every movement sent out pulses of radiation, warping the air around him.

A metahuman.

How common are they here?

Superman was already there, fighting at a distance, dodging blasts of sickly green energy that left blackened scorch marks in the pavement. His movements were careful, measured. Holding back.

Kara descended fast, landing gently enough not to crack the pavement. "Need hand?"

Kal barely had time to glance at her before Atomic Skull unleashed another blast. Kal-El blurred out of the way, closing the distance in a flash and striking hard enough to send the metahuman skidding backward.

Kara took the moment to ask, "Who is this?"

"Atomic Skull," Kal-El answered, barely taking his eyes off their opponent. "Strong, dangerous, and capable of energy blasts that will hurt us. He's acting as hired muscle for the heist."

Kara frowned. "Heist?"

"The others already got away," His tone was edged with frustration. "We need to contain him."

She barely had time to process that before Skull was back on his feet, green flames licking at the edges of his body.

Kara didn't wait for permission. She moved.

Skull swung at her. Wild, heavy, relying on brute force. She ducked, pivoting, letting his momentum carry him forward before deflecting his next attack with ease. The Amazons had taught her to use her opponent's movement against them, and she did exactly that. Grabbing Skull's arm, twisting, and using his own weight to send him hurtling into the pavement.

Superman took the opening, driving a solid punch into Skull's chest. The impact sent him sliding again, shattering nearby windows.

Skull roared in frustration, his glow intensifying. Another blast of energy erupted from him. Kara and Kal dodged, splitting apart.

"He's getting more unstable," Kal warned.

"I noticed."

They had to end this fast.

Kal-El was still holding back, still careful in how he fought. Kara understood why. Every punch he threw could level a building if he wasn't careful. But they needed to contain Skull somehow.

An idea sparked.

"Hit him hard," Kara called.

Kal hesitated, glancing her way. "Kara-"

"I'll hit him before he hits anything," She assured, gesturing up into the sky.

A beat of hesitation. Then Kal nodded.

He blurred forward, his next strike landing with enough force to launch Skull into the air.

Kara was already moving.

She shot up, twisting mid-flight to intercept, slamming her own fist into Skull's gut and redirecting his trajectory, right over the Metropolis skyline.

He groaned, energy flickering dangerously, but they weren't done.

Before Skull could recover, Kal-El was beside him in an instant. The Super-duo moved together. Precisely, methodically. Kal and Kara traded blows, pushing Skull further and further away from the city, until there no longer any need to pull their punches. Once over the ocean, both slammed down, extinguishing Atomic Skull's flames as he hit the water.

For a moment, there was silence. Kal-El drifted down to pick up the now unconscious meta. Sirens wailed in the distance. Metropolis PD was following behind as fast as they could.

As the dust settled, Kara let out a breath. She did it. She touched down on the nearby docks, where Kal had dropped off the Atomic Skull. She was breathing heavily, before glancing at Kal. "We make good team, yes?"

Kal glanced at her, his expression breaking into a smile. "Yes. We do."

A grin tugged at her lips. With the immediate danger contained, Kara allowed herself to breathe, shifting her stance as the wail of sirens grew louder.

Over the horizon, Metropolis PD was arriving, their convoy led by a specialised containment unit. Thick, reinforced transport vehicles designed for holding metahumans. The flashing red and blue lights reflected off the glass of nearby buildings.

She turned her gaze back to the man responsible for all this.

Atomic Skull lay sprawled on the ground, his eerie, glowing body flickering as his energy output wavered. Despite the beating he'd taken, he didn't look nearly as battered as he should have. A few scuffs, a slight dimming of his radioactive glow, but nothing that screamed defeated. Even unconscious, there was an unsettling power radiating from him, a constant heat warping the air around him.

Kara crouched beside him, studying him closer. "He tough," She muttered. "Took all that, still looks strong."

Kal-El folded his arms, standing just a few steps away. "Yeah, He's usually a handful."

That wasn't an answer. Kara glanced up at him. "So? What is wrong? Why skull exposed? ...and green."

Kal hesitated. It was small, just the briefest flicker of reluctance, but it was there. Kara noticed it immediately.

Finally, he exhaled, tilting his head slightly toward her. "His name was Joseph Martin. A college student. Smart, ambitious… until he got tricked into participating in an illegal experiment."

Kara's brow furrowed. "Tricked?"

"The experiment wasn't what he thought it was." Kal's voice was even, controlled, but there was an edge of something behind it. Frustration, maybe. "He was told it was a cutting-edge research program, something that could change the world. Instead, it changed him, turned him into this."

"How awful," Kara murmured.

"I tried to help him," Kal continued. "But he never wanted help. He embraced it. The power, the destruction. He gave in to it. Became a criminal."

Kara frowned. "That it? He just, turn evil?"

Kal was quiet for a moment. "It's not always that simple. Maybe, in the beginning he wanted a normal life. But anger, power, resentment. It changes people. And now?" He exhaled, glancing down at the unconscious metahuman. "This is all that's left."

Kara absorbed that, her gaze lingering on Atomic Skull.

It was tragic, yes. But it wasn't surprising. Krypton had its own history of science gone wrong. People seeking advancement, pushing boundaries, only to create something they couldn't control.

"So, who ran experiment?" Kara stood, dusting off her hands.

Kal didn't answer right away. Then, finally.

"LexCorp."

Kara didn't know what to think. She turned to Kal-El to confirm what he'd said, only to see him looking back at her. Kal's expression shifted, waiting to see how Kara would respond.

"Genetic manipulation at Earth's level is a bad idea," Kara said, shaking her head. "I can not imagine people I work with, do something like this."

The information sat uneasily in Kara's mind, but she refused to jump to conclusions. Science was about discovery. Sometimes discovery led to mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes were dangerous. But mistakes and evil were not the same.

She glanced at Kal-El again. He was watching her, not pushing, just waiting.

"The scientist," Kara said slowly, piecing the sentence together in English. "Was he… punished?"

Kal-El nodded. "He was arrested years ago. The experiment was shut down."

That was enough for her. The law had handled it. A bad scientist, caught, punished. The world moved forward.

She exhaled, nodding. "Good. Then, problem solved."

Kal's mouth pressed into a thin line, like he wanted to say more. But he didn't. Instead, after a moment, he shifted.

"How has work been?" His voice was lighter now, carefully steering the conversation away.

That question made her brighten. "Good! Very good." A small smile played at her lips. "People are nice. Treat me with respect. I am still new, but they listen to me. Even call me smart."

Kal-El's expression softened. "That's because you are smart."

Pride swelled in her chest, but she shrugged it off, pretending it wasn't a big deal. "I have small reputation. My math, FTL equation, they think is impressive."

That made Kal chuckle. "Of course they do."

Kara practically vibrated with excitement. She leaned forward slightly, eyes bright. "Work is good, but slow. Rao, so slow."

Kal-El raised an eyebrow. "Slow?"

"Yes! I must learn how Earth tech works first." She waved a hand for emphasis. "Before I even start think about adapting Kryptonian principles. If I not know limits, how can I adapt?"

It made sense to her, but the process was frustrating. Krypton's energy solutions were so advanced, and yet, here she was, backtracking. Learning about lithium-ion batteries, capacitor-discharge rates, and the inefficiencies of Earth's power grid. All necessary, but still.

And that wasn't even the hardest part.

Her expression twisted slightly. "And materials, that is problem too. I cannot just say, 'This works on Krypton!'" She shook her head. "No, I must find what works here. What is stable, safe, cheap. LexCorp does not have access to nth metal or transuranic composites."

Kal-El smiled slightly. "Sounds like a challenge."

A grin tugged at Kara's lips. "Yes! But good challenge."

She truly liked this work. She was learning, she was contributing, she was surrounded by people who saw her as intelligent. It felt right.

Except for one thing.

A groan escaped her as she slumped. "Flying is annoying."

Kal-El blinked. "You?" He gestured at her, amused. "Annoyed by flying?"

"Yes!" She huffed. "Every day. Smallville, Metropolis, Smallville, Metropolis!" She threw her hands in the air. "Is short trip. But annoying. See half of America every day. Gets old."

Chuckling, Kal-El crossed his arms. "My couch is always open."

That made Kara laugh. "No. I cannot use couch."

It wasn't that she didn't appreciate the offer. But she needed her own place. A home. Something to ground her, make her feel like she truly belonged here.

Kal nodded, as if he'd expected that answer. "Then you should start looking."

"I will."

Soon.

The city stretched out behind her, calling her back. The police were approaching, parking up on the docks entrance and marching towards them.

Kara straightened, rolling her shoulders. "I must go before people notice."

Kal-El glanced toward the wreckage of the earlier battle. "I need to check the crime scene anyway. See if I can track the ones who got away."

For a moment, she hesitated, watching him. The story about Atomic Skull still lingered at the back of her mind.

Then she pushed it away.

With one last nod to Kal-El, she shot into the sky, soaring back toward LexCorp and the work that awaited her.

Science could be dangerous, yes. But that was why good people needed to direct it. And the people at LexCorp? They were good. Smart. Careful.

Nothing to worry about.

------------------------------------------------------------

The soft clink of silverware against fine china echoed in the otherwise silent room.

A perfectly arranged meal, seared filet mignon, asparagus, and a glass of red wine, sat untouched on the polished mahogany desk. The man at the desk had no interest in food. Not yet. He had more pressing matters to attend to.

A classified corporate report, filled with dense equations and projections, technical jargon meant for only the most advanced minds. But to him, it was nothing short of fascinating. He understood every calculation, every theoretical model. The potential applications were endless.

Then there was the extra piece.

A separate note had been attached. Hastily written equations scrawled in the margins. Different from the neat formatting of the report. This had been added as an afterthought. The handwriting was tight, confident. The kind that belonged to someone who thought fast and wrote faster.

A bright young genius, they called her.

He lifted the note, studying it. The equations were refined, but it was what lay above them that caught his full attention.

Alien script.

Not an accidental notation, not an unfamiliar language. Kryptonian.

He exhaled slowly, running a finger over the edge of the page. Even without translation, he recognised the symbols. The foundation of the equation had been written in Kryptonian first, before being converted into something readable for human scientists.

A bright young genius, indeed.

He followed the paper trail. Placement: Research and Development, energy division. Supervisor: Dr. Sydney Happersen. Current project: Experimental energy storage and application.

Happersen.

A competent scientist, though lacking vision. But that wasn't what mattered. What mattered was the genius hidden within his team.

The girl.

He let the note settle onto the desk, eyes narrowing slightly.

Kara Danvers.

He had spent years studying Kryptonians. Their strengths, their weaknesses, their potential. And now, one of them was here, in his company, working under his resources.

It was almost poetic.

Finally, he leaned back in his chair, gaze shifting beyond the desk, to the walls around him.

One was glass. Thick, reinforced. A barrier between him and the outside world. The rest of the room was clean, minimalist, without clutter or distraction. Everything he needed was provided. Luxury meals, fine wine, tailored suits, access to information.

It was a prison.

But not one built for common criminals.

The security guard at the far end of the room remained perfectly still, standing at attention, watching him. Always watching.

The man in the suit reached for his glass of wine, swirling the deep red liquid before taking a slow, thoughtful sip. Then, without looking up, he gave his order.

"Tell the board to approve full funding for whatever project Happersen and his team are working on. No restrictions."

The guard gave a sharp nod. "Yes, sir."

The man finally lifted his fork, but his mind was still elsewhere.

On the script. The potential. The girl.

His lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

"And this girl. Miss Danvers…" He let the words hang for a moment before delivering the final command. "Keep me updated on her at all times."

The guard didn't hesitate.

"Of course, Mr. Luthor."

Metropolis stretched around Kara like a canyon of steel and glass, towering buildings reflecting the midday sun, the streets alive with movement. Cars rumbled past, honking in frustration. People hurried along sidewalks, lost in their own worlds, talking into tiny devices or sipping from steaming cups. The city felt alive in a way she still wasn't used to. Loud, fast and full of things she didn't fully understand.

But she was learning.

She had a job now. A real one. A scientist, in training, at LexCorp. It made her proud to say that, even if her title was just intern for now. She had always wanted to help the world, regardless of which world that was.

Still, she needed a place to call her own. She couldn't sleep at the Kents forever.

Clark had offered to help when she told him about the apartment listings she found online. He knew Metropolis far better than her and it would be nice to spend some time with him.

Now, walking beside him, she clutched the printed-out listings in her hand. "This one," She said, pointing to the address at the top. "Nice area. Good price."

Clark glanced at the paper, then at the neighbourhood around them. "Looks promising."

The streets were clean, lined with small shops and restaurants. A few trees stood along the sidewalk, their leaves swaying gently in the wind. It felt peaceful. Safe. Kara allowed herself a small smile. Maybe this would be easy.

They reached the building, and Kara's hope grew. The lobby was bright and modern, the air smelled clean, and there was even a small security desk by the entrance.

But then, they stepped inside the apartment.

Kara froze.

The room, if it could even be called that, was barely big enough to turn around in. A single window let in a thin stream of light, casting a dull glow over a scratched wooden floor. The 'kitchen' was a tiny counter with a single stove burner.

Kara frowned, stepping further inside. Where does the bed go? She turned in place, scanning the cramped space. The whole apartment felt like a supply closet with a window. Even back on Krypton, the smallest quarters had been larger than this.

She looked up at Clark, expecting him to say something, but he just gave her a hesitant smile.

Before she could voice her confusion, the real estate agent strode in with a bright, well-rehearsed smile. "So! This unit is a steal for this neighbourhood. Open floor plan, plenty of natural light, and an efficient layout."

Kara blinked. "Where bed?"

The woman hesitated. "Oh, well, many tenants use a pull-out couch or a Murphy bed to maximise space."

Kara's frown deepened. "Murphy…?" She looked at Clark for help.

He coughed lightly. "A bed that folds into the wall."

Kara's confusion only grew. Why hide the bed in a wall? Do humans not sleep every night? She glanced around again, trying to picture how anyone could live here.

The agent, mistaking Kara's silence for interest, pressed on. "The location is amazing, and utilities are included. You won't find a better deal at this price."

Kara glanced at the listing in her hands. "People pay money? For…" She gestured at the room, searching for the right words, "For this?"

The agent's smile stiffened. "It's very reasonable for Metropolis."

Kara scoffed, unable to hold back. "You are joke."

The agent's face darkened. "Excuse me?"

Clark quickly stepped between them, placing a firm but gentle hand on Kara's shoulder. "I think we'll keep looking. Thank you for your time."

Kara let herself be guided out, still shaking her head. Once they stepped back into the fresh air, she exhaled sharply and looked up at Clark. "Humans… how they buy this? This is-" She struggled for the word. "Robbery!"

Clark sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. Welcome to city living."

-----------------------------------------

After the first apartment disaster, Clark took a moment to teach Kara how to read the listing details properly. Specifically the square footage.

Kara had been more focused on the pictures, assuming if an apartment looked big, it was big. Now, with this new knowledge, she immediately threw out half of the listings she had saved.

"This one," She said, pointing at the next option.

The building was stunning. A sleek high-rise that gleamed under the midday sun, with a pristine lobby, a uniformed doorman, and elevators so smooth they barely felt like they were moving.

When they stepped into the apartment, Kara's gasped in awe.

It was huge.

Wide-open space, gleaming hardwood floors, high ceilings. The living room opened up to a balcony, perfect for easy sky access. The floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with natural light. The living room was big enough to host as many people as she wanted.

Kara spun around in delight. "Yes! This! This is good!"

Clark, stood stiffly by the door, not looking quite as excited. "Kara-"

She barely heard him, already moving through the space. The kitchen was big and modern. The bedroom had so much room for a real bed. No Murphy beds. No pull-out couches. An actual home.

"I take it," She declared, clapping her hands together. "This is mine."

"Kara-"

She turned to the real estate agent. "I sign now, yes?"

Clark pinched the bridge of his nose. "Kara. Did you even check the price?"

She blinked, thrown off. "I-" She hesitated. "It was good size, so… I pick."

Clark sighed, walked over, and pointed at the listing in her hands. Kara followed his finger to the rent price.

Her heart stopped.

"…oh."

She did some quick mental math. Factored in her salary. Adjusted for food, utilities, Earth expenses. It would take her thirty years to afford this place.

"Ah." She swallowed. "That… is big number."

Clark nodded. "Yeah..."

Kara stared at the number again, then at the apartment. Her perfect, beautiful apartment.

"…I cannot live here."

Clark gave her a sympathetic pat on the back. "No. No, you can't."

Kara exhaled, shoulders slumping. With great reluctance, she turned back to the agent. "I change my mind."

The agent, professional as ever, just nodded. "Of course. Let me know if you'd like to see any other properties."

Kara barely heard him as she trudged toward the elevator, her dream apartment fading behind her.

Clark walked beside her. "We'll find something, Kara."

Kara just sighed. Right now, that was hard to believe.

---------------------------------------------

The afternoon stretched on, and with it, Kara's optimism faded.

After the disaster with the second apartment, Clark sat her down at a nearby café, took out her listings, and went over them properly.

"See this number?" He tapped at the price section. "That's monthly rent. And this-" He pointed lower, "-is the security deposit. You have to pay that upfront. And here? Utilities, not included."

Kara groaned, flopping back in her chair. "Everything is so much money."

Clark smiled sympathetically.

Together, they crossed out nearly half of her listings, narrowing it down to places that fit her budget. Which… wasn't many.

And the ones that did?

Awful.

The next few apartments were no better than the first two.

The third apartment they visited was somehow even smaller than the first. Kara stepped inside, stretched her arms out, and nearly touched both walls. "This… is closet." She turned to the landlord, frowning. "You rent closet?"

The landlord's eye twitched. Clark, ever the peacemaker, put a hand on her shoulder and gently guided her out before an argument could break out.

The fourth was larger, but the second they opened the door, an overwhelming stench hit them. Kara gagged, coughing into her hand. "What is that?"

Clark sniffed and winced. "Mold. And… maybe something died?"

Kara grimaced. "Why apartments all smell like dying?"

The landlord, clearly used to this reaction, forced a smile. "I assure you, it just needs a little airing out."

Kara and Clark were gone before he could finish his pitch.

The next apartment seemed promising. Spacious, decent price, even a balcony for easy sky access. Kara was hopeful right up until the moment a train roared past. The whole apartment shook, the windows rattling so hard Kara thought they might shatter.

Clark just sighed and crossed another listing off.

Then, they found it.

A beautiful apartment in a quiet building. It had high ceilings, fresh paint, and polished floors. The kitchen was modern, and the rent was surprisingly low.

It seemed… too good to be true.

After a long day of disappointments, Kara was trying not to get her hopes up, but as they stepped inside, she couldn't help it. The apartment was beautiful.

Clark, however, didn't share her excitement. His brow furrowed as he glanced around.

Kara turned to him. "What?"

He hesitated. "Something feels… off."

Kara frowned but decided to ignore his paranoia. She wanted to like this place. It was the first apartment that didn't feel like a shoebox or a health hazard.

But then, as the landlord led them down the hall, Clark tensed beside her. He wasn't looking at the apartment anymore, he was looking through it.

Kara, catching on, activated her own X-ray vision.

Below them, in the basement, crates upon crates were stacked against the walls. Guns. Drugs. Stolen tech. Armed men stood guard, checking inventory.

"Intergang…" Clark uttered under his breath. The word was foreign to Kara, but she immediately grasped the meaning.

With a hard sigh and turned to Clark. "We go now?"

Clark nodded.

"Something wrong?" The landlord noticed their sudden shift in mood.

He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "No, we just realised this isn't the right place for us."

Before the landlord could protest, they were already out the door. Superman and Supergirl returned shortly after in a surprising raid of the basement.

-----------------------------------------

A few days had passed since the apartment hunt disaster. Kara sat in the bustling newsroom of the Daily Planet, her arms crossed, her mood as grey as the clouds outside.

She was slumped at Kal's desk, watching him type away at his computer, the sound of keys clicking filling the space between them. Around them, reporters hurried back and forth, phones rang, papers rustled. Kara was getting used to the chaos of the city.

What she wasn't getting used to was how impossible it was to find a place to live.

With a deep sigh, she let her head fall back against the chair. "Kal-El…" She groaned.

"Clark." He corrected in acknowledgement but didn't look away from his screen.

"Clark," She waved a hand vaguely. "How… humans live?"

That got his attention. He turned, raising an eyebrow.

Kara sat up, gesturing wildly. "Rent! Apartment! Money! Everything too much! Is robbery!"

"Yeah, I know," Clark smiled sympathetically. "Metropolis is expensive."

"Expensive? Is impossible!" She huffed, then leaned forward, lowering her voice. "I cannot afford box with toilet. Makes no sense!"

Clark chuckled. "Welcome to-"

Kara smacked him over the head before he could finish his infuriating saying. Just as Kara was about to voice her frustrations further, Lois strolled over, holding two coffees. She handed one to Clark before raising an eyebrow at Kara. "What's got her all worked up?"

"Rent," Clark answered simply.

Lois let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "Oh yeah. It's brutal out there."

"How you do it?" Kara demanded. "How afford?"

Lois shrugged. "Clark and I have a shared income. We both make good money."

Kara frowned. "So… two money. That how?"

"That's a big part of it," Clark admitted.

Kara let out a dramatic groan, dropping her head onto Clark's desk. "So I need… what, husband? Roommate? I need two money?"

"Hey, I have three roommates," A voice piped up.

Kara lifted her head to see Jimmy Olsen following behind Lois with a box of pastries.

"Three?" she repeated, horrified.

Jimmy nodded. "Yeah. Otherwise, no way I could afford my place." He sighed, shaking his head. "Metropolis rent is a nightmare. Even my landlord raised the rent last month. He said it was because the area's getting more 'desirable.'"

"Why?" Kara tilted her head. "What change?"

"I don't know for sure," Jimmy shrugged. "But I heard that Bob was working on a piece about it. Something about how rent's skyrocketing because of recent 'super activity.'"

Kara blinked. "What mean?"

"Apparently," Jimmy leaned against the desk, offering a doughnut to Kara. "Since Supergirl started showing up more, some landlords are jacking up prices. 'Two super people are better than one!' That kind of thing. People think Metropolis is even safer now, so rent goes up."

Kara stared at him, mouth slightly open. Clark cleared his throat awkwardly. Lois just smirked and sipped her coffee.

Kara slowly leaned back in her chair, eyes wide with dawning horror. "...I make rent worse?"

"Hmm?" Jimmy asked, oblivious as he offered food to Lois.

Clark coughed, gesturing for food and drawing his attention before anyone said anything damming. Kara slumped further, her whole body deflating.

First, she couldn't afford an apartment. Now, she was making it harder for everyone else to afford one too.

She let out a long, miserable groan.

"Hey, don't let it get to you," Lois tried to cheer Kara up, offering her a reassuring smile. "You'll find something eventually. It just takes time."

Kara sighed, unconvinced. "Feels like I need miracle."

Clark gave a sympathetic frown. "If you find any more listings you like, let me know. I can go with you next weekend and check them out. We'll figure something out."

Kara gave a small nod but didn't say anything. The conversation had drained her, and the weight of reality was settling heavily on her shoulders. With a muttered excuse, she stood up and left the newsroom, stepping out into the cool Metropolis air.

As she flew through the city streets, frustration bubbled in her chest. How could something as basic as finding a place to live be this difficult? She had survived Krypton's destruction, fought metahuman threats, and yet Metropolis rent might be the thing that finally defeated her.

The Fortress of Solitude was always an option. It was peaceful, quiet, familiar, but also isolated, and too far from her job at LexCorp. Themyscira was another possibility. The Amazons had been welcoming, and the idea of living among them again was tempting. But, once again, it was too far. Too disconnected from the life she was trying to build here.

She needed something close enough to Metropolis but not impossible to afford.

That's when it hit her. Kara stopped mid-flight, realisation dawning.

She didn't have to live in Metropolis.

There were other cities, other towns just outside Metropolis. Krypton only had a handful of mega-cities across the planet, but human housing was scattered across the entire planet. She had been so focused on finding a place within the city limits that she hadn't considered living just outside them.

Excited, she pulled out her phone and started searching.

Kara scrolled through listings, eyes scanning the details with renewed hope. Towns and cities just outside Metropolis, close enough to fly in for work but far enough that landlords weren't inflating rent because of her existence.

She quickly filtered the options, square footage, rent price, and most importantly, no hidden Murphy beds. Within minutes, she had a shortlist of several promising locations.

Relief washed over her as she quickly marked the best options, preparing to visit them immediately. She couldn't wait for the weekend with Clark, this was something she needed to do now. Time to see if these places lived up to the pictures.

Before long, she was soaring through the skies again, eager to check out her first choice. The air was crisp, and for the first time in days, Kara felt like she was finally making progress. A home wasn't just a dream anymore. She was going to find it.

--------------------------------------------

Clark leaned back in his desk chair, the rhythmic sound of typing slowly fading as he finished up his final tasks for the day. He had a few minutes to spare before heading out to meet Lois for dinner, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Kara. He hadn't heard from her in a couple of days, and after their last conversation about the apartment hunt, he couldn't help but wonder how she was holding up.

He pulled out his phone, quickly typing up a message.

"Hey, just wanted to check in on the apartment hunt. Need any more help?"

He hit send and sighed, glancing out the window at the busy streets of Metropolis. He knew Kara had been struggling with the soaring rent prices in the city. It seemed like everything was just a little too expensive for someone who was just starting out. Kara was tough and she could handle it. Still, he couldn't shake that protective feeling that always seemed to bubble up when she was involved.

His phone buzzed a few seconds later, snapping him from his thoughts. He picked it up, a smile tugging at his lips when he saw Kara's name. But as he read the message, that smile faltered, replaced by a slight furrow of concern.

"Already found it!! It's perfect! Not big like your place but will be home "

Clark's heart lifted at the thought of her finding a place, but his mind immediately jumped to all the things that could go wrong with such a quick decision. Was it safe? Did she really check everything out? Kara was great at handling herself, but sometimes her excitement could lead her to overlook the finer details.

He quickly typed back.

"Really? That's awesome! But are you sure everything's good? No hidden fees, no shady clauses in the contract? Just making sure you didn't miss anything."

He hit send and waited, tapping his fingers nervously against the desk. The seconds dragged by until finally, Kara's reply popped up. Readable, but covered in emojis, Jimmy had explained the concept of them to her over lunch once and now Kara added them to every single text she sent.

"Everything is perfect! No hidden stuff. Just a nice little place. Not huge like yours, but close to work. "

Clark let out a small breath, the tension in his shoulders loosening. She sounded confident. She was sure of herself. But still, something nagged at him. He needed to know more.

"Where is it? Do you know the name of the suburb?"

There was a slight delay before Kara's message came through, no doubt struggling to type out the words needed. The mental image of Kara growling at her phone still made Clark chuckle.

"Not in Metropolis. :/ Rent too high there. But I got super lucky! Next city over has very low rent for some reason? :O"

Clark blinked, his excitement for her quickly dampened by a sense of unease. Next city over. It was too vague, and the mention of "very low rent for some reason" only deepened his concern. He read the message, then re-read it. Next city over has very low rent for some reason? His smile faltered.

Oh no.

His phone rang before he could respond, cutting through the tension. Clark let out a long sigh, glancing at the screen in dread. Pressing answer, he braced himself for whatever was coming.

"H-hey there?"

The line crackled for a moment before the voice cut through. Sharp and annoyed.

"Clark…" Bruce's tone was clipped, barely concealing the irritation beneath. "Would you mind telling me what the hell is your cousin doing in my city?"

The apartment was small, but it was hers.

Kara stood in the middle of the room, hands on her hips as she surveyed her new domain. The walls were scuffed, paint peeling at the corners, and the floorboards groaned when she shifted her weight. A heavy, cast-iron radiator sat against the far wall, hissing intermittently and barely fighting off the chill creeping in through the drafty window. The sounds of Gotham filtered through the glass, sirens wailing, engines roaring, a distant, angry shout.

But it was her apartment. Kara couldn't help the proud smile tugging at her lips. Besides, the cold didn't bother her anyway.

She set to work, unpacking the meager collection of belongings she'd managed to gather. The Kents had given her a temporary bed, a thin mattress on a squeaky wooden frame, along with a blanket and pillow. She made the bed quickly, tucking in the edges and patting it flat, trying to make it look inviting despite its simplicity.

Clothes came next. She hung a few blouses and skirts in the narrow closet, carefully smoothing wrinkles with her hands. Her work clothes, all neatly folded, went onto a shelf. In the cramped bathroom, she arranged her toiletries on the edge of the chipped sink.

Back in the main room, Kara stood back and took it all in. The apartment was bare, the few personal touches hardly enough to make it feel like home. The cracked walls seemed to loom closer, and the flickering light overhead buzzed faintly, creating a low, nagging hum.

But she could imagine it, a couch in the corner, maybe a table and chairs by the window. Shelves filled with books and knick-knacks, pictures on the walls, and curtains thick enough to block out the orange glow of streetlights.

"It will be good," She said aloud, nodding firmly. She could make this work. It was her place, her own space to shape.

The excitement carried her through organising the rest of her belongings, folding away blankets, stacking books, and arranging a stack of magazines on the counter. She'd grabbed them from a newsstand, fashion, pop culture, and a few science journals. Reading material to help her understand this world better.

Kara leaned against the chipped windowsill, staring out into the tangled sprawl of Gotham City. Neon lights flickered through the haze of fog and pollution, casting garish colours over cracked rooftops and grimy alleys. Somewhere below, a car alarm blared before abruptly cutting off.

There was a certain charm about this city that made it stand out among the others like it. The architecture was beautiful, but the buildings had been built and rebuilt, added onto, renovated and restored. Whereas Metropolis looked like a city that had been planned and carefully built, Gotham had grown, like a tree.

The streets twisted and wound, weaving in and around each other, splitting and merging seemingly at random. Years upon years of human life, generations and generations, had left their mark on the city. It felt almost organic, alive in a way that was different from Metropolis.

It was utterly alien to Kara. But, there was something exciting about that.

Kal-El had been less than pleased when he learned she was moving here. He was supportive, he always was, but Kara wasn't ignorant to his gentle nudges and suggestions to move anywhere else.

"Gotham's dangerous," He'd said, brow furrowing with that concerned big-brother expression she'd come to know too well. She'd never had a sibling, neither of them did, and yet, the relationship they shared felt like what she imagined a sibling's would be. "It's not like Metropolis. Crime there isn't something you can just punch away. And Batman...he doesn't trust easily."

Kara had rolled her eyes, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Kal, I'm not helpless." Her thoughts didn't even consider Kal's words, too preoccupied with the same thought experiment she usually had when talking to Kal-El.

Wondering if they would be as close if Krypton had not been destroyed.

Kara sighed, the weight of her thoughts pressing heavily on her shoulders.

If Krypton hadn't been destroyed, she would have grown up surrounded by family. Kal-El would have been a distant presence, a younger cousin more concerned with his own studies and pursuits than with the older girl who occasionally visited from Argo City. A face she'd know but not really understand.

Would they have been close? The question gnawed at her. On Krypton, life had been structured, a place for everyone and everyone in their place. Kal-El would have grown up the son of Jor-El, the radical politician always warning of doom.

The thought left her strangely hollow. The bond they shared now was forged in tragedy, grief and survival linking them in ways Krypton never would have.

And then there was her father, who had clashed so often with Jor-El over politics and science, ideology and ethics. Disagreements that had grown bitter over the years, the rift widening. Yet in those final desperate days, those arguments seemed so small, meaningless. Jor-El had sent his son away, and Zor-El had followed his example, sending her.

The pain of that memory twisted like a knife. He'd promised she would protect Kal-El, raise him, guide him. But the journey had stretched decades, and Kal-El had grown up on his own. By the time she arrived, he was already a hero, a symbol of hope and strength. She was the one who needed guidance.

It was strange to feel grateful and guilty all at once. What kind of life would she have had if things had gone differently? Maybe Kal-El would have followed his father's path, leading Krypton politics. Maybe they still would've worked together? Cousins bridging their father's divide.

And what of Kara herself? She had only just started her journey in the Science Guild, still uncertain of what field she wanted to specialise in. She could have been a great scientist, working side by side with her father. Would she have married, started a family of her own? She tried to imagine herself living a quiet life on Krypton, the wife of another scientist or engineer, or perhaps even a politician. The image flickered, uncertain and hazy.

Would she have even been happy?

The thought hit her harder than expected. The truth was, she didn't know. She would've had a purpose, a clear path set before her. But would she have ever had the freedom she did now? The independence to make her own choices, even if they led her here, alone in a drafty, broken-down apartment in Gotham City?

She smiled faintly, rueful. Maybe Kal-El was right to worry. The city had a heavy presence, like it was always watching, always listening. Even the air felt hostile.

But she was here. Her choice. She wasn't about to run back to Metropolis just because Gotham was different. Krypton was gone, but she was still here. She could build something new, carve out a life for herself instead of letting fate or family dictate it.

"Just...be careful," Kal-El had said, giving Kara a firm hug.

"What's the worst that could happen?" She'd said back with a grin. She didn't want quiet and peaceful. She wanted to be part of this world, to make a difference, to stand on her own. Kal-El might be protective, but she was Supergirl. She could handle herself.

But now, standing alone in the flickering light of her apartment, that confidence wavered. The reality of it settled over her, pressing down like a weight. The noises of the city outside were no longer intriguing, just harsh and jarring. Shadows danced along the peeling wallpaper, stretching and shifting. The radiator let out a gurgling groan, and Kara flinched before realising what it was.

She looked around her apartment, her new home, and tried to focus on the good. It was hers. She was independent now, free to make her own choices, free to build her own life. But the silence gnawed at her, refusing to be ignored.

It was the first time in months she was truly alone.

At the Fortress, she had the echoes of Krypton, the whispers of her culture and people. It wasn't real, but it was familiar. On Themyscira, the Amazons were distant but present, watchful eyes studying her from the cliffs. The Kents had been warm, always nearby with gentle smiles and comforting words.And Kal-El had been a constant presence, hovering, worrying, but always there.

Now, the empty apartment felt cavernous. The walls seemed to close in, shadows pressing tighter.

The silence pressed against her like a physical weight. The draft in the apartment felt sharper now, cutting into her skin despite the blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The glow of Gotham's lights through the grimy window seemed colder, more hostile.

The grief came creeping in, old, familiar, and unwelcome. Kara thought she'd outrun it, buried it deep enough that it wouldn't find her. But here, in this tiny apartment, it lingered like a shadow.

She remembered those first weeks on Earth, the shock of the crash, disoriented and grief-stricken. The world was wrong, too loud, too bright, too small. The sun felt wrong on her skin, the air burned in her lungs. The sky was the wrong shade of blue. It was all wrong.

She'd cried every night, curled up on a bed in the Fortress of Solitude, clutching at the phantom memory of a world she'd never see again. Her family's faces flickered in her mind, Zor-El's stern expression softened by pride, Alura's gentle but commanding gaze, her friends from Argo City. All gone.

The loss had consumed her, a pit of despair swallowing her whole. She remembered thinking, if this was life now, she didn't want it.

Kal-El had been there. He'd pulled her out of the darkness, patient and persistent, his gentle reassurances easing the ache. She'd watched him, the little boy she was meant to protect, grown into a man. Far too human but still Kryptonian in the ways that mattered. A symbol of hope.

But the silence was suffocating.

She bit down on her lip, hard enough to hurt, forcing back the tears. Crying wouldn't bring Krypton back. Wouldn't undo what happened. She was Kara Zor-El, last daughter of Argo City. A survivor.

"I'm not alone," She whispered, clutching the blanket tighter.

She thought of the Kents, their kindness and farmstead wisdom, filling the emptiness with warmth and acceptance. Kal-El's reassuring smile, he taught her how to fit in, and she'd clung to his optimism. The Amazons, strong, fierce, and unyielding, who'd called her sister despite her alien heritage. Even her job at LexCorp, where she was learning how to restore technology of her world, and use it to better the lives of Earth.

It wasn't Krypton. It never would be. But it was something.

"I'm not alone," She repeated, firmer this time. She focused on the faces of the people who cared about her, the connections she'd made.

Hope stirred. She wasn't alone. She had a chance to rebuild, to make a new home here. She could do this. She would.

Then she heard it, a scream. A sharp, desperate cry that shattered the silence. Her head snapped up, instincts kicking in. The fear and grief melted away, replaced by focus. The distant plea for help sent a surge of purpose through her veins.

Kara pushed off the bed, throwing the blanket aside. She crossed the room in a blur, the window swinging open as she leapt through it. Wind whipped her hair as she soared into the night. Her posture shifted, shoulders back, chin up. Kara Zor-El faded away, and Supergirl emerged.

----------------------------------------------------

Supergirl soared through the cold night air, her cape snapping in the wind as she zeroed in on the source of the scream. The sound echoed from a narrow, dimly lit alley wedged between two crumbling apartment buildings. The brick walls were stained with years of neglect, graffiti layered upon graffiti, and trash piled against rusted dumpsters.

She landed with a gust of wind, the air whipping past the man clutching a knife and the woman pressed against the wall, clutching her purse with white-knuckled desperation. Both froze, eyes widening as Supergirl straightened, hands on her hips. The red and blue of her uniform stood out starkly against the gloom, the S-shield gleaming in the harsh yellow glow of a flickering streetlight.

"Hey," Kara said, voice heavy with her Kryptonian accent. "You no threaten people. Stop now."

The mugger blinked, then sneered, his bravado crumbling under her unimpressed gaze. He shifted the knife, holding it out in a shaking grip. "Back off! I-I'll cut you!"

Kara arched an eyebrow. "Try." She crossed her arms over her chest.

The man hesitated. The woman's eyes darted between them, fear etched into the lines of her face. He lunged. Kara grabbed the blade, fingers wrapping around the metal. It bent like soft clay, twisted into a useless knot. Kara looked at the mangled knife, then back at the mugger. "Bad idea," She said, unimpressed. "Run."

He didn't need to be told twice. He spun on his heel and bolted, shoes slapping wet pavement.

She turned to the woman. "You… okay?

Wide-eyed, the woman nodded slowly. "You- are you-" Her gaze flicked to the S-shield, confusion clear. "What are you doing here?"

Before she could respond, a cry echoed from somewhere nearby, another plea for help, high and frantic. Kara shot the woman an apologetic look. "Sorry. Be safe!" And then she was gone, rocketing upward, cape flaring.

The scream led her to a busy street, where a scrawny teen was sprinting, clutching a stolen purse. A woman chased after him, shouting for help. Kara landed ahead of the thief, blocking his path.

"You stop now!" She called, planting her hands on her hips just like before.

The teen stumbled, eyes wide. He glanced over his shoulder, then back to Kara. "Oh, hell no," He muttered, dropping the purse and sprinting down an alley. Kara watched him go, frustration creeping in.

She scooped up the bag, hovering over to the owner, who stared at her with an awed expression. "Here," Kara said, holding it out.

The woman just gawked at her, stunned. Kara glanced down at herself, then back at the woman. Her appearances as Supergirl had been few and far between so far, but the citizens of Metropolis had all but fallen over themselves in thanks when she had saved them. Kara didn't enjoy the hero worship, but it somehow felt better than whatever this was.

Passersby began to stare, pointing at her, whispering to each other. A murmur ran through the crowd, rippling outward.

Kara looked around, frowning. This didn't feel right. Her instincts, finely tuned after weeks of training and fighting, were going off. There was a tension, a hostility building in the air. The people didn't look relieved. They looked… afraid.

Kara didn't get it. However, before she could ask any questions, a crash echoed from a nearby corner, followed by angry shouts. She sighed, glancing back. "Sorry. Must go."

She shot off again, cape flaring as she zipped through the chill air.

A corner store's front window was shattered, jagged glass littering the sidewalk. A group of hoodlums laughed and jeered, spray paint cans hissing as they defaced brick walls. One swung a bat, smashing more glass.

Kara landed with a thud, shards crunching under her boots. "Stop!" She ordered, crossing her arms. "Enough."

The group turned, startled, eyes wide. One thug with a wild grin brandished his bat. "Who the hell are you?"

Kara frowned. "Supergirl."

He scoffed. "Yeah, right." He swung the bat, aiming for her head.

Kara sighed as the bat made contact, wood splintering across her face but she hardly felt a thing. The thug yelped, stumbling back. She blew out a gentle breath, wind pushing the hoodlums over like paper dolls. They quickly dispersed, fleeing into the night.

She turned to the store clerk, who poked his head out from behind the counter. "All good now," Kara called, giving a thumbs-up.

The clerk blinked. "Uh...thanks?"

She looked around at the mess. The graffiti was ugly, words scrawled with careless disregard. Angry, spiteful words. Kara was about to offer to clean up when another scream was heard off in the distance.

"Really?" Kara groaned, as she shot back into the sky, muscles tensing as she tracked the sound.

More shouts. More desperate cries.

Kara sped from crime to crime, petty thefts, muggings, vandalism. One after another. It felt like every corner of Gotham was alive with violence. She stopped a robbery at a gas station, broke up a scuffle between rival gangs, and yanked a carjacker out of a taxi.

But every time she turned, there was more. More fear, more desperation.

The city seemed to pulse with crime, the streets winding and twisted, darkened by shadows that never seemed to fade. The air tasted dirty, grit coating her tongue. The sounds of sirens and distant shouts gnawed at her, a constant thrum of chaos.

"This...crazy," She muttered, catching her breath. "Why so much?"

Even without a cry for help, Kara spotted trouble, a group of masked men were readying weapons and disusing plans for a 'hit' of some kind. She flew towards them, dropping down on them when she noticed something odd.

Someone else had joined her in the fight.

-------------------------------------------------------

Kara had barely touched down when the shadows came alive.

She blinked, eyes wide as a figure dropped from the rooftop above, a blur of black and muscle, hitting the ground with a soundless grace. The masked thugs barely had a moment to react before the figure struck, each movement efficient and brutal. Limbs cracked, bodies folded, and men crumpled to the ground in twitching heaps. The whole thing took seconds, a whirlwind of violence that left five would-be hitmen groaning on the ground.

Kara stared, jaw slack. She'd seen warriors on Themyscira, powerful, graceful, and skilled, but this was something else. An acrobatic dance of efficiency and lethality, every move honed to perfection. Whoever this was, they fought like a predator, all instincts and precision.

In the end, Kara's only contribution to the conflict was acting as a distraction while a Bat-vigilante worked their magic.

A chill crept up her spine. She knew of the Batman, Kal-El's tales of the brooding vigilante were sparse but vivid, painting a picture of a shadowy terror who brought justice from the darkness. Kal-El had spoken of Batman with a mix of respect and frustration. An ally, and a friend. Dangerous, but reliable.

Kara studied the dark figure, masked and cloaked in black. Muscular but lithe. She frowned, this wasn't quite what she had imagined. Batman was supposed to be taller, broader. More intimidating.

She stepped forward, raising a hand in greeting. "You...Batman?"

Without warning, the vigilante's arm flicked forward. A metallic whistle cut through the air. Kara's eyes widened as a pair of bolas tangled around her arms, pinning them to her sides. A second whip of motion, and her legs were bound in an instant.

She blinked down at herself, stunned. "Wait, what-?"

With a grunt, she flexed, the cords snapping apart like twine. Kara watched the remnants fall, eyebrows raised. "Hey! That not nice!"

The vigilante didn't react, only lowered their arm slowly, body tense.

The figure turned, and Kara got a better look, shorter than she expected, lean but powerfully built. The mask was different too, more unsettling, stitched together with a sewn mouth and two featureless black eyes. A strange, ragged look that seemed almost feral.

Then the vigilante stepped forward, and Kara saw the symbol. Golden-yellow trimmed, but clearly visible in the dim light. A stylised bat, wings spread. It also became obvious now that this was a woman.

"Okay, you no Batman," Kara muttered, nodding her head. "You Bat...Person? Bat-uh...Friend?" She ran a hand through her hair, feeling awkward.

The vigilante, Batgirl, made no sound, simply stared at her with a cold, assessing gaze.

Kara shifted on her feet, undeterred. "I Supergirl. New here. I...help?" She pointed to the unconscious thugs. "Maybe...work together?"

Batgirl didn't respond.

Kara smiled, hoping to break the tension. "You fight very good. Um- well. Very strong. Much...kicking." She gestured awkwardly.

The silence stretched on.

Batgirl didn't move, but Kara felt the weight of their stare. A creeping dread slid into her gut. This was a test. A threat assessment. She remembered Kal-El's warning. Gotham's dangerous. Batman doesn't trust easily.

Kara sighed. "Look, I here to help," She said slowly, holding up her hands. "Not enemy."

Batgirl cocked their head. Kara watched, fascinated, as a gloved hand reached up and tapped on the side of their mask. Kara heard the distinct chatter of a radio, a voice buzzing. However, it was too muffled even for her to understand. The figure listened, then gave a slow nod.

She didn't respond. The mask covering any hint of expression. She tilted her head, a silent question. Kara felt a prickling sense of unease.

Kara hesitated, scratching the back of her head as she studied the masked woman. "Okay, so...you no talk?" She ventured, brows knitting together. Batgirl gave no response, only tilting her head in that curious, assessing way.

"Right. Quiet type. That okay," Kara continued, undeterred. "We fight crime together, yes? I strong. Very fast. Can see through, well, most things. Is good, right?" She grinned, flashing a hopeful smile.

The masked woman's silence was unnerving. Her eyes, or rather, the black slits of her mask, never wavered from Kara. Then, in a swift, fluid motion, she pointed to the rooftop. Before Kara could ask what she meant, Batgirl shot a grappling line, the cable hissing as it reeled her up in a blur of motion.

Kara crouched, leaping skyward in a graceful arc to land beside her on the roof. "No point running, I can fly, you know," She teased. Batgirl ignored the comment, posture tense as she scanned the horizon. Kara sighed. "Still not talk, huh?"

"I've heard enough," Came a low, gravelly voice from behind her.

Kara's spine went rigid. She whirled around, eyes wide as she found herself face-to-face with the Batman. Cloaked in shadows, towering and imposing, he glared at her from beneath the infamous cowl. She hadn't heard him approach, not even with her super hearing.

"Whoa!" Kara yelped, clutching her chest. "You very sneaky man!"

"Not sneaky. Prepared," Batman countered, eyes narrowing. He flicked his gaze toward Batgirl, a subtle nod. She relaxed but kept her focus on Kara.

Kara's attempt at a friendly grin faded as Batman's cold glare bore into her. He seemed more shadow than man, the darkness draping over his form like a living thing. Even Batgirl, who'd been silent until now, stood tense beside him.

"I heard of you," Kara began, trying to sound enthusiastic. "Kal-El says you great hero! You are...um, very brooding. But good!"

Batman's scowl deepened. "Superman has a lot to say."

Kara puffed out her chest. "Yes! I am hero too. Like him."

"Is that what you call it?" He didn't look impressed.

Kara blinked, thrown off. "Yes?"

Batman crossed his arms. "Tonight alone, we have reports that you stopped four muggings, a carjacking, and a gang vandalism."

"Yes!" Kara beamed. "And I did fast! Very efficient!"

"And every single time, you let the criminals go." Batman's eyes narrowed.

Kara's confidence wavered. "Well… they run away. I stop bad thing from happening."

"And they'll be back on the streets tomorrow," Batman stated. "Because you didn't investigate. Didn't follow up. You reacted, played at being a hero, and let them scatter. You solved nothing."

Kara scowled this time. "Crime still stopped."

She met his glare, frustration burning behind her eyes, but then her gaze flicked down. A small lead box rested against Batman's utility belt, his gloved hand idly draped over it. Kara frowned, squinting with her X-ray vision, only for it to stop cold, obscured by trace lead in his cowl.

"You can't just fly in, punch a problem, and call it a day," Batman's frown was steady, but disapproving. "Every crime is a thread. You follow it back to the source. You build a case. Otherwise, all you've done is make noise."

"Too much problems," Kara argued, "I not have time, city need help."

"That's why Gotham needs a scalpel, not a hammer. A hero who doesn't understand the city she's trying to protect," Batman grumbled. "Will only get in my way."

"I help!" Kara clenched her fists. "I protect people!"

"That was a stakeout operation which was two weeks in the works," Batman countered, pointing towards the several unconscious thugs below. "Until you blew through, ignoring our protocols, and nearly wrecking the operation. We might never find who Black Mask is targeting until it's too late…"

Batgirl held up a bloodstained slip of paper. "Terence Strong. Gotham General. Room 304B."

The words were a surprise for Kara, who'd assumed Batgirl couldn't talk at all. Batman held out a hand to inspect the note further.

"They were talking. Before," Batgirl explained, her voice was professional but had an odd accent that Kara couldn't place. "Supergirl is very… loud." Kara wilted under her observation just as Batgirl turned towards her, bowing slightly. "But fast, strong. Make's good distraction. You did well tonight. Happy to work together again."

Kara perked up, pleased by the praise. "Really?" She shot a smug look at Batman, who ignored her. "Thank you!"

Batman stared at her in stony silence, then reached into his belt and tossed a small device her way. Kara caught it out of the air, staring at the compact communicator in her hand.

"If you're going to stay, then you'll call before you act," Batman ordered. "Every time."

Kara scowled again. "I not-"

"It's not a request," He interrupted.

The communicator's cool weight settled in Kara's palm as Batman's glare pinned her in place. She glanced from the device to the imposing vigilante, a surge of irritation bubbling up. She wasn't some child to be scolded or managed, she was here to help.

"I not need restraints," She protested, clutching the communicator. "People in trouble. I help."

"You'll help by following orders," Batman barked, his voice a low growl. "Or you'll make things worse."

Kara scowled, grip tightening until the device creaked in protest. "You not nice person."

A snort of laughter escaped Batgirl, who quickly masked her amusement behind a shift in her weight. The glare Batman shot her way was sharp enough to cut through armour, but she only shrugged. "Listen, Supergirl. Gotham's different from Metropolis. There are layers. Threats that don't stay down just because you punch them."

Kara's mouth twisted into a pout. "Punching work very well before."

Batgirl nodded in agreement. "Play along for now. You'll will learn."

"Shouldn't have let them talk." Batman muttered under his breath, words barely audible to anyone except those with superhearing.

Kara blinked. "Wait, you not let her talk before?"

Batman ignored her question, typing into a computer on his wrist. "Oracle, give me everything you have on Terence Strong, and tell GCPD to get to Gotham General, room 304B."

Kara was utterly ignored as the Bat began his own conversation with someone in his communicator. She turned to Batgirl, who looked like she was also privy to whatever conversation was going on.

"This is dumb," Kara grumbled. "I not a child. I strong. I can help."

"And you'll help by following protocol," Batman growled, looking back at her. "No solo missions. Not in Gotham. Last warning. Stay out of my way. We'll handle it."

The words left no room for argument. Kara flicked a glance to Batgirl in support, who shot Kara an apologetic shrug.

Before Kara could argue any further on the matter, Batman was gone. She spun, scanning the rooftop. Nothing. No flicker of movement, no sound. He had vanished.

"What-?!" Kara gasped, wide-eyed. "He just- where?"

Kara turned, ready to complain, but Batgirl was gone too. No whisper of a grappling line, no sign of departure, just silence.

She stood alone, staring at the dark skyline, irritation and confusion churning within her. Hands on her hips, she blew a lock of hair from her face. "This city very rude..."

Kara closed the apartment door behind her with a soft click, turning the lock out of habit more than necessity. She paused for a moment in the dim, quiet space, letting her eyes adjust to the familiar shadows.

Her apartment was small and almost empty. A cheap folding chair sat in one corner beside a makeshift table made of stacked cardboard boxes. No pictures on the walls, no rugs, no shelves. Just bare floors, cracked plaster, and a narrow window with a crooked blind that didn't quite close all the way.

It was fine. It served its purpose. She had a plan.

In her head, she'd already mapped out what she wanted. A table. Something real, not made out of boxes and tape. Maybe even a bookshelf, for all the Earth books she was slowly collecting. And a chair that didn't look like it belonged on the street. Something she could curl up in, maybe by the window.

She'd saved enough from her internship stipend to make it work, and she'd circled the upcoming weekend in her calendar as her Big Furniture Day. Not that she had a car, or knew how to drive one, but she figured she'd manage somehow. Maybe she could carry everything back herself. Gently.

She let out a breath, then dropped her bag by the door and stepped out of her shoes, flexing her toes against the cold floor. Her shoulders sagged a little as the tension of the day began to drain away.

LexCorp had been unusually lively today, borderline celebratory, in its own restrained corporate way. Dr. Sydney Happersen, Kara's supervisor in the R&D department, had been smiling all afternoon, practically glowing with satisfaction after the board had approved expanded funding for their enhanced battery project. New equipment. More staff. A bigger lab. It was a big deal, Kara could tell, even if most of the technical details still flew over her head now and then.

Still, she liked Dr. Happersen. He was firm but fair. And he had been genuinely proud of his team today. That pride had rubbed off on Kara, warming her through the long hours of observation, data logging, and trying not to mix up acronyms.

Now that the day was over, the silence of her apartment hit like a wall. Kara crossed the room in three slow steps and sat down on the edge of her mattress. She reached for the worn paperback beside her pillow, English Grammar Essentials: Level One, flipping it open to a random page.

After a few moments of staring blankly at the paragraph about auxiliary verbs, she sighed and let the book fall closed in her lap.

Learning English was harder than she thought it would be. Not the words themselves, her brain soaked up languages easily, but the way people used them. The tone, the timing, the strange phrases that never meant what they said. She wanted to get better. She needed to. Understanding the language meant understanding the people.

But it was exhausting.

Not just the reading. Everything.

Kara rubbed the bridge of her nose and sighed, slouching against the wall. She had expected Earth to be different. That wasn't the problem. She'd known the languages would be strange, the customs confusing, the food weird-smelling. She was prepared for cultural differences across countries, and continents. But between cities?

Smallville, Metropolis, Gotham. They may as well have been on different planets.

In Smallville, people made eye contact when they spoke. They asked you how your day was and expected a real answer. They left casseroles on your doorstep when someone made extra and knew your name even if you didn't know theirs. Kara had barely been there a few weeks total, but she could still remember the warm, heavy silence of the wheat fields, the sound of wind over the flat land.

Metropolis was nothing like that. Everything was fast, vertical, hungry. People talked in clipped sentences, walked with their heads down, and worked like they were racing an invisible clock. Even kindness had an edge to it, a transactional weight.

And Gotham…

Gotham was chaos wearing a trench coat. The city breathed differently. Spoke in hushed tones and sideways glances. Kara couldn't tell if the people were afraid or just used to being cautious. Even the sky felt heavier here, the light dimmer somehow. It wasn't just the pollution, it was something deeper. Something in the bones of the place.

It made her head spin.

On Krypton, the idea of such regional differences would've been laughable. From Argo City to Kandor, everyone spoke the same dialect, followed the same customs, laughed at the same historical comedies. Culture wasn't just shared, it was uniform. Purposefully so. Kara could walk into any room on the planet and know what was expected of her. Know how to act, what to say, what things mean. That unity was part of what made Krypton feel whole. Predictable. Safe.

Earth life wore on her in a way she'd never expected. Sitting at a desk. Navigating office politics. Smiling when people made jokes she didn't understand. Pretending not to notice when someone looked at her too long or asked questions she didn't know how to answer. It was a quiet kind of strain, constant and unrelenting.

It was maddening, sometimes. To live on a world where the rules changed every hundred miles. Earth was a whirlwind. Beautiful, yes. Alive, certainly. But messy. Disorganised. Chaotic.

She exhaled slowly and looked down at the book again. Maybe just one more chapter before bed.

Crash!

Kara's head snapped up. Her eyes narrowed.

Her hearing sharpened instinctively, tuning in past the buzz of her apartment light, past the murmur of distant TVs and the rattle of pipes in the walls. Down the block, a building's storefront window had just been shattered, she could hear the tinkle of shards hitting tile, the frantic shuffle of footsteps, and the sharp bark of a voice. Male. Nervous. Someone was yelling about the register.

A robbery.

Her muscles tensed before she even realised it, and in a blur of motion, she was on her feet, already spinning into the corner of her room. Her Earth clothes dropped to the floor in a whisper of fabric, replaced by the deep blue and red of her Kryptonian suit. Her cape settled against her back as she moved to the window, fingers brushing the edge of the sill.

Then she paused.

Her hand hovered over the frame.

Batman's voice echoed in her memory, not yelling, not even angry, just… measured.

"No solo missions. Not in Gotham. Last warning. Stay out of my way."

Kara clenched her jaw.

It would take seconds. She could be there and back before anyone even realised it. But that wasn't the point, was it?

She stepped back from the window.

A moment later, she opened her small drawer and dug out the tiny communicator Batman had given her on the rooftop. The one he'd told her to use before taking action. She'd been tempted to throw it into space the second she got home.

But she hadn't, cooler heads remained.

She stared at the small device for a second longer, then fitted it into her ear.

There was a brief click of static. Then-

"Identify."

The voice was female, cool and professional.

"Ka- uh, Supergirl?" Kara answered, only just remembering her alias in time.

"Hi, this is Oracle." came the voice again, clear, confident, and a bit amused. "Oh, Supergirl! You actually called. That's a surprise. Batman had expected you to go rogue at least three more times before reaching out."

Kara blinked. She could practically hear the smile in Oracle's voice, but the synthetic overlay and echo in the line made it far more familiar to talking with her old Brainiac interface, if not a little more chirpy.

She shook off the memories. "I heard robbery," Kara said, her tone uncertain. "Down from me. A store. I going to-" She stopped herself.

There was a pause on the other end, then a chuckle. This AI was a lot less monotone than Brainiac had been.

"Well, colour me impressed. You listened," Oracle continued. "Calling into Bat-comm and reporting crimes instead of punching through walls. Progress. That's more than most of the Bat-family can say in their first week."

Kara frowned slightly. "Bat family?" She shifted her weight, glancing back toward the window. Her questions could wait, someone needed help right now. "So… what I do?"

"Hold position for now. Let me get a camera feed. Ah, yep, there it is. Corner of 9th and Miller. Convenience store. Two suspects. One armed. Looks like standard smash-and-grab. No hostages. Unless you count the clerk."

Kara squinted, one hand still pressed to the tiny communicator in her ear, her enhanced vision picked up exactly what Oracle had described.

"You're fast," She murmured, impressed. "Interface responds quicker than other Earth computers. Very advanced. You are high-functioning Earth AI, yes?"

The voice modulation and the data access made her sound like Brainiac, if Brainiac told jokes. There was a brief pause on the line. Then a dry chuckle.

"High-functioning Earth AI, huh?" The voice was amused, almost flattered. "If a Kryptonian scientist thinks I'm that smarter than most computers, I must be doing something right."

Kara flushed slightly, even Earth AI had been programmed for humour that flew over her head. She was about to ask another question, when Oracle's voice cut back in, more focused this time.

"Focus, Supergirl. Let's walk through this next part slowly."

Kara nodded, already slipping outside and floating into the night sky.

"This is Gotham. You don't do big entrances here unless you want a lecture from the Bat. Subtle. Quick. Precise. You're not trying to impress anyone, just stop the bad guys."

"I understand," Kara said, determined. "Subtle. Quiet."

"Good. Now you've got two men. One's outside, he's the lookout. The other's at the register. Nervous, maybe armed. Stick to shadows. Prioritize the gun if you see it."

Kara landed silently, crouching near the edge. Her enhanced vision zoomed in on the scene below. The storefront window shattered, a terrified cashier crouched behind the register, and two men, both masked, both sweating bullets, scrambling to fill a duffel bag with cash and cigarettes.

"They're panicking," Kara whispered. "Should I punch now?"

"You've got the element of surprise. Use it. Take the lookout first, then the one behind the counter. Fast. Quiet."

Kara nodded, then dropped from the roof. Two figures. One outside, shifting nervously by the door. The other behind the counter, stuffing bills into a bag, hands shaking. The cashier crouched low, unmoving but alert.

She landed behind the lookout with a soft thud, clapping a hand over his mouth and gently, very gently, pressing him down to the sidewalk. He squirmed in her grip until he realised he couldn't move her arm an inch.

By the time the man behind the counter looked up, Kara was already inside. She blurred forward, catching the gun mid-raise and crushing it in her palm.

The man screamed, not out of pain thankfully, but the shock was still there. Kara winced. So much for quiet.

"Make sure you secure them, safely." Oracle nudged in her ear.

She looked around for something to tie them with and found nothing useful. Giving up, she grabbed part of the collapsed display rack, a metal pole about three feet long, and twisted it around their wrists like a ribbon.

"Secure," Kara said, pleased with herself.

There was a beat of silence over the comm.

"…Okay, well, points for improvisation." Oracle sounded exasperated, but also trying not to laugh. "Next time, maybe don't destroy public property. That display was worth more than whatever they were taking from that register."

Kara looked down at the crushed stand. "Oops."

"You did fine. Cashier's unharmed, suspects restrained. GCPD's on the way. Let's call it a solid B-minus."

Kara frowned. "Is that good?"

"For Gotham? That's fantastic Supergirl. The cops are three blocks out. Time for an exit."

Kara nodded and stepped out of the store, and lifted into the air. Just as she rose above the rooftops, Oracle's voice returned.

"Still have energy?"

"Yes," Kara said, without hesitation.

"Good. Batgirl's requesting backup near the Narrows. Sounds like something bigger than a robbery. You up for another?"

Kara's eyes brightened. "Yes. Point me location, AI."

"Transmitting coordinates now. Don't get cocky, Kryptonian."

"I won't," Kara said. "I'll try not break things, next time."

"We'll work on it," Oracle said, almost fond. "Welcome to Gotham, Supergirl."

Kara took off into the smoky sky, ready for the next challenge.

-----------------------------------------------------

The Narrows were quieter than usual. Quiet compared to Kara's neck of Gotham, which meant something was definitely wrong.

Kara hovered just above the rooftops, the cold wind tugging at her cape as she scanned the block below. Her breath fogged slightly in the night air. A low mist clung to the broken alleys and rust-stained brick walls like a second skin.

Three rooftops down. A silhouette crouched motionless at the corner of an old tenement building. Kara drifted silently toward it, careful not to disturb the air too much. She landed lightly, her boots making no sound.

Batgirl didn't flinch. She'd known Kara was there before she touched down.

The vigilante didn't speak, didn't turn, just raised one hand, index fingers extended, a subtle gesture to wait. Kara paused as Batgirl pointed down at the building across the alley. A warehouse. Unlit, quiet, but not abandoned. Kara could hear faint murmurs, the creak of crates shifting, and the low mechanical whine of a hydraulic lift.

Batgirl finally turned to face her.

Even in her enhanced vision, Kara couldn't see the eyes behind the cowl. The mask revealed no part of her face. Her expression was impossible to read, but still, she felt the intensity behind them. She nodded once, then held up three fingers, pointing at the warehouse.

Three guards outside. Kara nodded in return.

Batgirl touched her earpiece, glancing Kara's way, then tapped her own communicator. Kara's clicked softly.

"Supergirl," Oracle's voice filtered in, "You've met Batgirl. She doesn't talk much. Don't take it personally."

Kara glanced sideways. "I don't mind."

Batgirl's head tilted, just slightly, as if acknowledging that.

"Alright, here's the situation," Oracle continued, her voice getting brisk. "That warehouse is one of the last confirmed drop points for Black Mask's new weapons circuit. And before you ask -no, not that Black Mask. Roman Sionis is still very dead."

"Who?" Kara's brow furrowed. She had no idea who Oracle was talking about.

There was a pause, then a dry sigh. Could AI sigh? Branianc never sighed. "Right. History lesson incoming. Try to keep up."

Batgirl crouched again, adjusting something on her belt and nodded for Kara to lean in. The moment felt oddly conspiratorial. Kara stepped closer, crouching beside her in the dark.

"Gotham used to be worse," Oracle said. "Hard to believe, I know. Back before most of us chose to jump off rooftops in spandex, the city was run by several people, Carmine Falcone, Luigi Maroni, Tony Li, Cosa Nostra and Roman Sionis. They were called the five families and were bad news for Gotham. Think organised crime meets Wall Street corruption, with a sprinkle of medieval torture. They owned everything. The cops, the judges, half the city council."

Kara couldn't imagine Gotham being in a worse state than it was now.

"This eventually lead to Batman putting on the cape and cowl and beating them down." Oracle continued. "He declared war. Took them down one by one. Sionis was the last to fall. Smart, brutal, adapted faster than the others. But in the end, he made a deal with the Joker. That's like playing fetch with a shark. Didn't go well."

"Joker?" Kara asked.

"That's a whole other history lesson we don't have time for." Oracle chuckled grimly.

"And that was... long ago?" Kara asked instead.

"Bingo," Oracle said. Another saying Kara didn't yet recognise. "Now someone new's taken up the Black Mask name. Whoever they are, they're smarter, more ruthless, and heavily armed. Tonight's stash includes illegal rifles, military drones, and enough explosives to turn a city block into a crater."

Kara glanced at Batgirl. She'd stopped adjusting her gear and was watching her, still silent, but now studying Kara in a way that made her feel… seen. Like she was being measured.

"I handle explosives," Kara said. Not entirely confident of her statement.

Batgirl's gloved hand flicked up. A quick motion. Window. Second floor. You. Front door.

"The front?" Kara blinked. "I thought Batman want silent? Not break things?"

Batgirl shook her head and spoke instead. "Supergirl fast, strong and Noisy," It sounded like an insult, but she kept talking. "Use strengths. I'll hide in cover of noise. Find lieutenants."

Oracle cut in. "This isn't a brawl. It's surgical. Let her run point. You hit from the front, take out the support crew. Draw some noise. Give time for Batgirl to zero in on whoever is running the show down here. We stop them here, or lose the trail."

Batgirl's hand darted out, suddenly, and Kara flinched, only to realise the vigilante was offering her something.

A small, sleek tracking beacon.

Kara took it, feeling its weight in her palm. When she looked back up, Batgirl had already fastened her grappling hook and was poised on the edge of the rooftop.

"Oh good idea," Oracle said into Kara's ear. "Supergirl, keep that handy."

Kara watched Batgirl for a beat. "You know," She murmured, "I not used to working like this. Usually just… fly in, hope for the best."

Batgirl paused. Then, softly, almost a whisper, she said, "Not in Gotham."

And with that, she was gone, zipping across the alley with graceful ease, landing without a sound. A shadow that melted into the warehouse window.

Kara stood alone on the rooftop for a moment, the mist swirling around her boots.

She tucked the tracker into her belt, took one last breath, and leapt into the dark.

-------------------------------------

The warehouse exploded into motion the moment Kara burst through the front door.

The door crumpled under the force of her entrance, skidding across the floor and smashing into a stack of crates, which promptly collapsed in a shower of splinters and loose ammunition.

Four men opened fire without hesitation.

The bullets pinged off her chest, her shoulders, her cheek. Kara barely felt them. She kept walking.

"Hi," She said, smiling awkwardly. "Please stop shooting."

They didn't.

With a sigh, Kara reached out, gently tapped one man on the forehead, and watched him fold like a towel. Another tried to run, she blurred in front of him and plucked the rifle from his hands like it was a twig. A third actually got bold, lunging with a combat knife, which snapped as it made contact with her hand.

"This is very sharp," She frowned, then flicked what remained of the weapon across the room into a steel beam with a musical ping.

By now, panic had set in. Men scattered, shouting orders, slamming shut crate lids, trying to burn papers and smash hard drives. A few sprinted for the back exits, only to find them welded shut, Batgirl's handiwork.

Kara spotted her high above, crouched on a hanging catwalk, almost invisible in the dim light. She dropped down silently, landed behind one of the lieutenants trying to torch a set of blueprints, and knocked him out with a precise jab to the neck.

Kara couldn't admire for long, she had her own job. A loud clink drew her attention, someone had rolled a grenade across the floor.

It was live. She could hear the humming pulse of the mechanics inside it. Kara picked it up and held it between two hands, the explosion muffled as she covered the entire thing. Admittedly, there was some pain to that trick, like a person who placed their hand on a hot pan for a split second. Kara shook her fingers as the heat dissipated.

Behind her, three more men rushed with guns at the ready. She sighed and knocked them aside, careful to pull her punches, nudging them into unconsciousness without any broken bones.

Across the room, Batgirl was a blur in the rafters, darting, kicking, disabling. But not aimless. Every movement had purpose. She targeted lieutenants and saboteurs. At one point, Kara saw her plug a small drive into a central terminal and begin copying files mid-fight, ducking behind a stack of crates when one of the guards stumbled past.

Kara held her position at the center, a one-woman gravity well, keeping all attention on her while Batgirl ghosted through the dark.

It was working. Surprisingly well.

Kara flattened a final attacker against a wall, gently, and paused, scanning the room. Smoke curled from the smouldering papers. Most of the gang was down. Batgirl had just zip-tied a flailing lieutenant to a forklift.

Then Oracle's voice clicked in her ear again. "Heads up. One of them's slipping the net. Disguised. Civilian jacket. Scar over left eye. That's your target. He's important. Tracking device, remember?"

Kara scanned, eyes narrowing. There, by the side entrance. The man was hunched, dragging a limp, clutching a clipboard like a delivery driver. She would've missed him if Oracle hadn't said something.

She blurred over in an instant, landing in front of him. The man froze.

"I- I'm just here for pickups- look, I don't-"

She grabbed his collar. Kara pressed the tracker gently to his belt, right above the seam. The adhesive clicked into place. Then, for show, she shoved him back.

"Go. Choose better job..."

He didn't wait. He ran, limping, stumbling through the smoke and vanishing into the dark. Kara exhaled, confused as to how letting someone go would help.

"Confirmed, tracker is placed" Oracle replied, calm and satisfied. "You're getting the hang of this."

A quiet shuffling drew Kara's attention. Batgirl had returned, emerging from the shadows like a whisper. She approached Kara slowly, her gaze scanning the fallen gang members, the broken crates, and the twisted grenade parts still crumbling from Kara's palm.

Kara opened her mouth to explain, but Batgirl held up one hand. Not to scold. To… acknowledge.

Then she held out a small data stick, placing it snugly into her belt before nodding once.

"We make good team, yes?" Kara asked.

Batgirl nodded again, almost a smile, though it was hard to tell behind the mask.

Oracle spoke again. "You've both done good work tonight. We've got a trail now. This Black Mask won't know what hit him."

--------------------------------------------

Kara and Batgirl spent the next hour moving through the ruined warehouse, stamping out small fires and sifting through the rubble.

She wasn't entirely sure what they were looking for. Every time she pulled something from the debris, charred blueprints, bent flash drives, scraps of paper, Batgirl would appear beside her, silently scanning the find. She tucked some items away, discarded others, and lingered longest over a half-burned sheet covered in what looked like a coded message.

Kara tried to make sense of it, tilting the page one way, then the other. "Is this… backwards? Or just drawing of fish?"

Batgirl didn't answer. She crouched beside Kara, eyes narrowed, and carefully slipped the page into a secure pouch at her belt.

Before Kara could ask what it meant, a low voice rumbled behind her.

"Report."

Kara nearly jumped out of her boots.

She turned, too late, to see Batman standing right behind her. Again. Silent as ever.

Does he do that on purpose? She wondered, heart still thudding.

He didn't even look at her. His attention went straight to Batgirl, who began a rapid debrief of the events that just transpired. Kara stepped back, feeling once again like an outsider in someone else's city.

Then she noticed the newcomers flanking him.

To his left stood a young woman in a purple hood and mask, clearly armoured but casual in a stance, like she didn't take the whole doom-and-gloom aesthetic too seriously.

To his right was… a child.

Kara blinked. The boy couldn't have been older than Jon, yet he wore a cape and scowled with more intensity than half the criminals they'd just fought.

"Um," Kara said slowly, leaning toward Batgirl. "Why is child here?"

The boy snapped to attention, glaring at her like she'd insulted his entire bloodline.

"The only child here is you, Kryptonian."

"What?" Kara took a double take at the boy.

"I've studied your files. You're emotionally volatile, impulsive, and a liability. You should go back to Metropolis where someone can supervise you."

Kara's jaw dropped. "Okay, you are rude child. Why you here? Don't you have bedtime?"

His glare held even as she towered over him. "I could dismantle you in thirty seconds."

Kara couldn't believe what she was hearing. This child was picking a fight? With her? The very thought baffled her just as much as it amused her.

"All I need is a rock…" He grumbled, ignoring Kara's stare of utter bewilderment.

Before Kara could respond with something she might regret, the woman in purple stepped forward with both hands raised.

"Okay! Timeout, murder muppet," She said cheerfully, pushing the boy back with one hand on his forehead. "Let's not start a street fight with someone who can punt you into space."

The boy shrugged her hand off and glared back at Kara, but didn't say anything else. Kara blinked. Murder muppet?

She turned to Kara, her tone immediately shifting to giddy excitement. "Oh my god, hi! You're Supergirl, right? Like, actual Supergirl?"

Kara nodded, still confused. The young woman beamed, her smile was hidden behind a face mask yet still infectious.

"Call me Spoiler." The woman, Spoiler, said. She reached out and shook Kara by the hand. "I'm a huge fan. It's amazing to meet you."

"Thanks?" Kara managed, surprised by the energy.

Spoiler shook her hand, excited, and kept talking. "I've been following you on the fan-site since you appeared in Metropolis. Oh, and I love the suit modifications. Amazonian, right? Very badass."

"I have fan-site?" Kara asked, bewildered. The child grumbled something under his breath.

Spoiler grinned and nudged the still-glowering boy with her elbow. "Ignore Robin. He hates fun."

"I do not hate fun," Robin muttered.

She turned back to Kara, dismissing Robin's grumbles. "He's always like this. Batman's grumpy, Robin's worse. But don't worry, not all of us brood."

Kara tilted her head. "Are there… more of you?"

"Oh yeah," Spoiler nodded. "Red Hood broods. Like, full-time brooding. But Nightwing? He's fun. Red Robin's kind of a dork, but a charming one. And Batgirl-" She leaned over to Batgirl, placing a casual arm over her shoulder. Batgirl didn't shrug it off. "She pretends to brood, but she's actually a cinnamon roll."

Kara blinked. "She's… what?"

Spoiler's chatter helped relieve the tension, smoothing over the rough edges left by Robin's biting tongue and Batman's cold silence. Kara found herself relaxing, just a little. It was strange, this woman in purple with the excitable energy of a golden retriever had done more to calm her nerves than anyone since she'd landed in Gotham.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Bat-Family got to work.

Batman moved through the warehouse like a shadow, checking scorch marks, broken terminals, and shattered crates. Robin stuck close behind him, already talking through possibilities and patterns like he was solving a logic puzzle in real-time. Batgirl said nothing, but her gestures were sharp, purposeful, efficient. She coordinated the others with nothing more than a glance or a nod.

Kara watched them, impressed. And also, overwhelmed.

There was no confusion, no pause. Each of them seemed to know exactly what the others were thinking. When Robin pulled a damaged drive from the wreckage, Batgirl was already there with a recovery kit. When Batman found a burned scrap of legal correspondence, Robin scanned it and Spoiler made a snarky comment about the font. Even Batman grunted in vague amusement.

Kara took a cautious step back, unsure where to fit in.

But Batgirl caught her eye and beckoned her forward. Without saying a word, she gestured toward the neatly stacked evidence Kara had recovered earlier. Burnt blueprints, a twisted hard drive, and the strange coded page. She pointed to each in turn, giving Kara a nod of acknowledgement.

"This help?" Kara asked, still unsure to what the team was even doing.

Batgirl gave a small, firm nod. Then, she turned back to Robin and passed him the coded sheet.

"Nice," Spoiler whispered beside her. "That's Batgirl for 'good job'. Be proud."

Kara flushed a little. She didn't fully understand what she'd found, but the recognition felt… nice.

Robin was already flipping through the pages and muttering under his breath. "This matches the ledger we found last week. Definitely part of the same operation. Look. This shipment was routed through the dockyard. Recognise the ship name?"

Once again, Kara felt like she was missing something. A lot of things, in fact. She watched silently as the team appeared to have an entire conversation without saying a word.

"Yes," Batman said, without even looking at it. His voice cut through the room like a knife. "These transactions were laundered through a shell company owned by a man named Leon Graves."

The name meant nothing to Kara, and by this point, she'd long stopped trying to follow the thread. Still, Spoiler leaned over again and murmured.

"Graves. Shadiest corporate lawyer this side of Gotham. Total scumbag. You can practically see the grease in his hair just from reading his emails."

Batman ignored her and continued. "He'll be our next lead. Robin and I will pay him a visit. Batgirl, Spoiler. Follow the tracker back to the source. See what else you can find." He turned to Kara but didn't say anything beyond giving the smallest of nods.

Batman and Robin didn't linger.

As soon as the orders were given, they moved. Batman gave a final glance toward Batgirl, then vanished up the nearest ladder without another word. Robin followed, nimble and precise, barely making a sound despite the creaking metal.

Kara took a slow step toward the fire escape, craning her neck to try and catch a glimpse of how Batman managed to disappear.

She focused her vision, scanned the rooftop, he was there, outlined in shadow. She blinked.

Gone.

Kara squinted at the empty ledge. "Does he teleport?" She muttered. "Is that thing? Did I miss thing?"

Spoiler sidled up next to her and chuckled. "Nah. He's just being dramatic. Ninjas don't need capes, but Batman? He needs the drama."

Kara shook her head in disbelief and gave a soft laugh. "You people are exhausting. I'm going to bed."

Spoiler blinked. "Wait- bed? Like, now?"

"It's two in morning," Kara said. "I work tomorrow."

"Wait, you have a job?" Spoiler baulked. "Supergirl has another job?"

"Yes? I do Earth science," She said proudly.

Batgirl stepped forward, posture straight and hands behind her back. "Thank you for your assistance," She said formally. "We hope you'll continue. We made good team, yes."

"Yes," Kara smiled, chuckling at Batgirl's mirroring of her own words. "I'd like that."

Spoiler nudged Batgirl with her elbow. "And maybe next time, we hang out like, I don't know- actual people? Civilians? Get a coffee or something? You do drink coffee, right?"

Kara raised a brow, amused. "I'm drink coffee, yes."

Batgirl hesitated. Kara could tell, even behind the cowl, that something shifted. Her posture stiffened, not from formality, but nerves. Her hands twitched slightly at her sides.

Spoiler noticed too.

"C'mon," She said, a little softer. "It's freakin' Supergirl."

There was a long pause.

Then, without a word, Spoiler reached up and peeled off her mask. Blonde hair spilled out in messy waves, and she offered a lopsided grin.

"Stephanie," She said, extending a hand. "And yes, I know- We could totally be sisters."

Kara took the offered hand, her smile widening. "Kara. Pleased meet you. How be sisters from hair?"

"Kara…" Stephanie mused, chuckling at Kara's other question. "That sounds very... human?

"Is Kryptonian name," Kara corrected. "Kara Zor-El."

"Huh," Stephanie blinked. "Not sure what I was expecting, but I'm glad you're not, like, 'Zor-agna' or something."

Kara didn't bother to mention that Agna-Zor was a friend of her mother's, but she smiled at the apparent joke. Stephanie grinned back. Then, with a quick glance toward Batgirl, nudged her again.

Batgirl still hesitated. Then, slowly, she reached up and removed her cowl.

Kara wasn't sure what she'd been expecting, but the woman underneath wasn't it.

Cass had delicate features, strikingly sharp eyes, and a faint scar along her cheek that caught the moonlight. Her expression was quiet, uncertain, but her gaze held steady with Kara's.

"Cassandra Cain," She said softly.

Kara stared, maybe a moment too long.

"You're… really pretty," She said before she could stop herself.

Cass blinked. Then looked down, just a little, a shy twitch at the corner of her mouth.

Stephanie beamed. "See? This is so gonna work. The three of us? Unstoppable. Call us the world's finest."

Kara smiled, warmed by the easy camaraderie, smiling softly at the two girls, even as her gaze lingered when Cassandra looked back at her.

"Well, this is adorable," Stephanie declared, putting her mask back on and preparing her grappling hook. "I knew tonight was gonna be great! Team-up, explosions, mystery cryptic clues, and now a new bestie who can bench-press a bus."

Kara chuckled.

Okay! We are officially making plans." She went on. "Girl's day. Coffee, Shopping, maybe rooftop parkour if Cass is in the mood."

Cass gave a single small nod, a smile tugging at her lips. Kara had the sudden urge to see that smile more often.

"We should invite Oracle!" Stephanie added, already reaching for her comm. "Hey, O! You there? Big plans are forming. Can you handle some caffeine-fueled chaos in the near future?"

A soft voice responded almost instantly, calm but laced with humour.

"Define 'chaos.'"

"Coffee. Us. Supergirl. Tour the newcomer to our fair city"

A beat. Then, more brightly.

"Count me in."

Kara tilted her head, confused. "Wait… Oracle?" She motioned at the communicator in her ear. Cassandra nodded, also putting her mask back on. "But, how AI drink coffee?"

Batgirl tilted her head, mirroring Kara's question with amused silence. Spoiler lost it. She doubled over with laughter, holding her stomach.

"Did I… make joke?" Kara turned to Batgirl for an explanation, but Oracle's voice cut in first.

"Apologies Kara, but I'm not a high-functioning Earth AI. Just a girl, with a computer."

Kara's eyes widened slightly. "Oh. I thought… Sorry," She trailed off, feeling embarrassed.

"She just sounds like a robot sometimes," Spoiler choked out between fits of giggles. "But trust me, girl guzzles espresso like it's the elixir of life."

Batgirl placed a comforting hand on Kara's shoulder, silently telling her not to feel embarrassed.

"That's okay," Oracle, the human person, said into Kara's ear. "We'll show you the ropes. Starting with Gotham's one halfway decent coffee spot that isn't also secretly a front for a crime syndicate."

Kara smiled. She still didn't fully understand the rhythm of this city, this strange little found family in capes and cowls, but she wanted to. And coffee sounded wonderful.