Kal El

Rustic woodland….couldn’t we have gone with simple ol’ John Deere farming? Green and yellow tractors and big red barns? 

A deadpan stare transformed into confusion painted across the soon-to-be-father’s face as he stood in the middle of the children’s store, fingers interlaced and cradling his skull as he stared down the countless racks of onesies and footie pajamas. “She told me rustic woodland. What in the world is a rustic woodland, anyway?”

“Trees and baby woodland creatures.” Kal spoke softly as he came to a stop beside his counterpart, a little smile on his face. He’d heard his voice from across the store (and two floors down), and had come to see if he could help. Despite it being years since his own son had been small enough to fit in any of the cute clothing on display. “Here,” picking up a pale yellow set adorned with playful squirrels and deer he held it up for Clark’s perusal, “Like this one.”

Cisco looked at the woman in his arms and tilted his head. Medical stuff wasn’t exactly his forte, but he could get by if needed. His mind stopped when Kal said the woman was a meta and not a nice one. “What do you mean? Like she’s being manipulated into using her powers for evil?” He asked as he glanced from Kal to the girl. “I mean I can do some tests on her and we can put her in the pipeline until we figure out what’s wrong with her.”

“Unfortunately, that’s exactly what I mean. I didnt pick up any foreign device which might be relaying instructions from elsewhere. But there could be mind control of a different kind in play. Or simple coersion.” When Cisco agreed to check her over and hold her in the secure facility beneath the labs, Kal nodded, following the scientist into the vast building. “I really appreciate this, Cisco.”

Jason flushed a little at Superman’s response, nodding his head with a small laugh. He usually wasn’t one for formalities of any kind but… well, the man of tomorrow deserved respect even from him. He could hear the cape picking up every so often with the slight wind this high up, fluttering against the concrete of the roof in a rhythm that was oddly calming. “It’s been… quiet.” He muttered, not entirely sure if he was thankful for that or not. He wanted to occupy himself, but he also knew one slip-up… and he didn’t have Rose to hold him back this time. “Honestly, I’ve not covered much ground tonight.” He admitted. “I’ve got a lot on my mind, don’t want to half-ass it, y’know?” He muttered, not entirely sure how much he wanted to spill his guts to the shining beacon of truth and justice. But if anyone understood the pressure of holding the world on his shoulders, it had to be him, right?

He let the quiet rustle of the cape fill the silence for a moment, eyes scanning the horizon before coming to rest on Jason’s profile. It was clear the youger man was laden with troubles, not least of which was trying to keep the city and it’s people safe when threats seemed to appear from every point of the compass. “Take that as a brief blessing, a reprieve before inevitably something else comes along to throw a wrench in the works.” Tilting his head, the briefest of frowns flitted across his features at Red’s words, “I’m not sure any of Bruce’s protégés ever ‘half-ass’ things. Can I help?”

Albeit a different iteration, the gravity, air and subtle vibrations of the place brought up memories he hadn’t even known he had. Memories from when he was a baby, brand new to the world, experiencing his home for the first and last time. He’d never seen much beyond the crystal structures of his parents’ dwelling, but now he had a whole city to explore, including a park with trees of varieties unknown, at least to him. Oh he’d read about them, been told by the holograms of his parents, but that was singularly different to actually seeing them for himself. Touching them.

It was with wide eyes that he looked upon this slice of Krypton and though the booming message had informed him of the trap when he’d first arrived; he was actually glad of the experience. Even a day later and his wonder hadn’t faded, so much so that when he pricked his finger on a thorn he actually laughed. Looking around he tried to work out where he might find the others who had been drawn to this world as he had. Should ask for Clark or Kara? Or perhaps just to be directed towards the Els’ house?

“Well I think we should go to that really great brunch place and perhaps you are thinking it is premature to be making breakfast plans when we are still eating din-”

It was embarrassingly evident that it took Kory a few seconds too long to realize that she was no longer gazing adoringly at the visage of her new friend. Rather, she was suddenly outside for some reason. In her pajamas with a bowl of half eaten cereal resting in her palm. Cinnamon Toast Crunch tastes best late at night, in Kory’s honest opinion, and she’d convinced Grace of this as the credits rolled across her screen. Yet, the second spoon was missing from the cerulean blue ceramic and Grace herself had vanished. Huh. Absently, Kory continued to bring her own spoonful to her lips, still managing to maintain her appetite as she regained her faculties. Holding the silverware between her teeth she finally noted the small congregation of bystanders gathering to gawk apprehensively at the towering, orange-hued woman. Forgetting momentarily that she was certainly not still in Central City – if the construction of the buildings nearest her were any indication – her friendlessness won out over the confusion. Popping the spoon from her mouth she used the utensil to wave kindly. 

“Greetings! Might you be able to tell me where I am?" 

But her answer was promptly delivered when her face flashed across a adjacent screen. It was a strangely pleasant surprise to watch the reel of her greatest accomplishments on earth. From her earliest days fighting alongside the Titans – and seeing her old friends brought a melancholy quiver to her lips – to her stint with the Outlaws. The dreamy slant to her lips gradually dropped when it became clear that the baritone narrator was not extolling her valor but rather condemning it. Your time today is meant to help you realize your own humanity and once again find your humility. Brows furrowed, Kory finally began to understand that this was potentially a dire situation.

Setting her bowl aside, she determined that gathering more information about where she’d been transported was the wisest course of action. Tilting her head back, she awaited the familiar blissful sensation that would envelope her as she was propelled into the air. However, she remained rooted to the earth. She glanced down at her feet, perplexed, and attempted to rise once more without success. Indeed, while Kory remained unharmed, the cords of power that normally coursed through her veins had been severed. "What this isn’t good…”

Swimming had always relaxed him, something about cutting through the water felt like flying, though without the constant tug of gravity trying to drag him back down to earth. The coolness of the water flowed around him as he turned and pushed off for another lap of the pool, anonymous amongst the others making use of the Met U baths. Growing up in a place as landlocked as Smallville he’d been delighted when he was first able to swim in the ocean off New Troy. Of course there had been Crater Lake, but that was very different.

He felt the pull before he could really pinpoint what the cause was, though no sooner had he stopped to tread water than he founf himself standing barefoot and dripptin the middle of a thriving city he had no recollection of. His face, and that of Kara, Clark and others flashed across a giant screen, mocking their actions and titles bestowed upon them by the people they protected. Kal could feel the effects of the red sun above almost immediately, the residual power from Earth’s yellow sun directing to his basic functions, effectively incapacitating all his solar powers.

Humanity and Humility. He could do the second without question, but he never could truly be human. Oh, he’d given up his powers before, but the threat of Zod had made him reclaim them and Jor-El hadn’t offered the opportunity again. Argo City, a place he’d never been, yet unmistakeably Kryptonian.

“Thanks,” he offered with a smile, fingers tapping against the hard plastic of the door. Bruce watched as scenery passed in a blur, rural transforming into urban as they drew closer to the city. “Metropolis? Very nice. I’ve visited a time or two, several years ago. Business trips to satellite locations are fairly common in my line of work.” Beit under the cowl or in a suit, he wasn’t completely lying through his teeth. “I hail from Gotham, born and raised. Though, things already seem to be lighter here, so maybe I’ll stick around for a little while.”

“Thanks again, Clark. I really do appreciate it. It’s not everyday someone stops to pick up a hitchhiker looking like me,” he laughed, pulling the visor down to look in the mirror at his haggard appearance. He knew he’d get an earful from Alfred about his hygienic habits. “Maybe you can give me some recommendations on places for meals and coffee. I’m sure I’ll have a plethora of meetings very soon that require ordering in, and I’ll never hear the end of it if I choose sub-par lunch and coffee options.”

Kal managed to mask the wince which followed Bruce telling him where he grew up. Knowing all too well how dark Gotham was and particularly how cruel a home it had been to his Bruce when he was younger. “Central City is certainly a very up and coming location, Metropolis is getting worried there may be a new rival.” Kal chuckled, “I find myself travelling a lot too, flyby visits don’t really let you get a feel for a place. But if you’re in town for a few days maybe you’ll have time to explore more than meeting rooms.”

A full picnic hamper sat next to him, waiting for his invited guest to arrive. Kal was miraculously early for once, but soon enough a shadow fell across his face as his cousin arrived. “Hey, Kara.” Smiling up at her, he got to his feet and drew her into a hug. “It’s good to see you.”

alex shook her head softly, “there was nothing either of us could have done.” she told him - with his enhanced metabolism, he had more of a chance to be talked down than alex ever did. the effects of the toxins lingered in her system until she was administered the antidote. and even after, she felt very fickle for days on end. “it was…a long road, to get back here. and it’s hardly over. whoever orchestrated this attacked deo agents and assets alike. it’s no longer just a matter that argus would handle on its own.” 

Giving a little nod, he sighed ever so softly, Alex was right of course, but he hadn’t enjoyed the ordeal. The lack of control, the overwhelming feelings ruining any rational thought processes. He was lucky that the effects had worn off quickly once his body started to fight back. For those needing the vaccine, the road was much longer. “I’m glad you’re back, Alex. Are we any closer to finding out who orchestrated the whole thing?” He didn’t believe Ivy had been a fully willing participant in the complicated plot which had taken over the entirety of Central City.

Jason stiffened when he caught something from the corner of his eye, his hand drifting to his gun holster as he turned to see who had intruded on him. His grip on the handgun slackened immediately at the sight of the red and blue suit and bold S emblazoned across it. It wasn’t an exact match to the one he had become familiar with since the Supers came to this Earth, but unmistakable all the same. “Superman.” He cleared his throat roughly when it cracked slightly in awe - even through his turmoil there was a part of him that remembered being captivated by the concept of superheroes, so far from Gotham’s shadows, spreading light and hope in cities he was sure he’d never see. “Uh, no, sir. Not at all.” He muttered, waving his hand at the empty space beside him. “I’m just… taking a break from patrol.” He gave the excuse with a half-hearted shrug. In truth he had been parked on this rooftop far longer than he would usually allow himself. Between everything that had happened, Alfred missing, and the familiar stir of the Pit rearing its head, he had been far less productive tonight than he was usually.”

The hint of awe in Jason’s voice reminded him forcibly of a much younger version of the man before him uttering his name in the same way, eyes huge behind the black domino mask of his Robin suit. “Red,” Kal inclined his head in a little nod of greeting, hoping the other hero wouldn’t mind the shortening of his name as a form of address. “You’re very polite, but there’s no need to call me sir.” Flicking his cape out of the way, Kal sat in the indicated spot, feet dangling over the edge of the building and red material spread behind him like a train. “It’s important to take breaks, so you don’t overtax yourself. Give a little time to reset and refocus.” Kal commented quietly, he tried to suggest the same to Bruce back home, to little success. “How has patrol been? I haven’t heard many disturbances tonight.”

​Cisco made a face when he noticed the man soaring around STAR Labs. He thought it was Clark stopping by, but then he noticed who it really was. “Kal…you can call me Cisco…” he said rather nervously because it was still weird seeing Ray’s face in a Superman suit. “What’s going on, Supes?”

“Thank you, Cisco.” Following Cisco into the building, he glanced at the woman in his arms who was starting to stir a little after her temporary daze. “I’m afraid this young lady has been using her meta abilities to cause harm. Though I don’t think she was acting on her own behalf.” He didn’t want to mention the pipeline outright, not where everyone could hear, but having a meta proof place to keep her safe was preferable to prison.

“fortunately, i’m familiar with protocols of clearing agents for active duty. it’s just a matter of knowing what to say.” alex tapped the stamped form against the surface of her desk, “the last thing i need is more time off. i’m sure you can understand that – there’s too much that needs to be done.”

“I understand completely,” Kal agreed, a smile of understanding on his face. They’d both fallen victim to the toxins and as such had both been ‘benched’ for a while. Hopefully Alex’s stamp of approval meant he could patrol the skies again with the DEO’s blessing. “How are you feeling after everything? I’m sorry I couldn’t help... I’m just glad Kara was there to talk me down.”

“You look very contemplative. Do you mind if I stay here a moment?”

Director Danvers: Supergirl? Miss Luthor, ma’am? This is Agent Vasquez.  Director Danvers: Director Danvers is currently at the DEO, ma’am. She’s not…fit to establish communication.  Director Danvers: We believe Director Danvers may have been affected by the unknown toxin. Some other agents and myself have managed to incapacitate her in a not lucid state. She’s currently in the med wing, not many agents are aware they think she’s just been injured during evacuations. Director Danvers: Awaiting directives, ma’am. 

Lena: Agent Vasquez? Is… is she okay? Lena: Keep her stable, I’ll be there immediately. Lena: Supergirl, head back to the DEO but don’t engage with the Director until we know her status.

@girlofxsteel @agcntdanvcrs

Supergirl: I don’t care what her status is. I am going in to see her. Nothing she can say or do will hurt me. I need to see her. Supergirl: Agent Vasquez prepare the lobby for my landing.

@agcntdanvcrs​ @thelastgoodluthor​

Superman: Make that a double landing, Agent Vasquez.

Superman: I’ve cleared my head, maybe I can help the Director with hers.

A smile pulled at his features at the other’s kindness, his fingers wrapping easily around the warm mug. “Thank you, Kal. That definitely sounds about right,” Clark mused, a small ache in his heart as he thought about his mother back in Smallville. The Super sipped at the tea, the heat not phasing him as he swallowed. “Just a feeling of emptiness, I suppose. I saw a man with his kids earlier, and it just made me realize how much I want kids of my own.”

“You’re welcome.” Kal offered another smile, recognising the expression on the other man’s face and wondering how long it had been since he’d been back home to the farm. “Ah, that’s a feeling I remember.” Sipping his own tea, he cradled the mug carefully. “I wanted children, but thought I had to be with another Kryptonian to have them. I was wrong of course.” He gave a soft laugh, realising now how ridiculous that assumption had been. “Have you mentioned this to your Lois?”

“Wow,” the gravity of his statement permeating farther into her strong posture. “Do you know that it’s possible that we may encounter someone on that level here?” Kara didn’t know if this world could sustain yet another life threatening, earth ending foe with the box in play and the ominous shadow that sat in the shallows. “Good. We gotta stick together. A family that fights together, stays together.” Kara bowed her head momentarily. She understood how it felt to be displaced from everything that she knew. Yet, she knew that this experience came with an unimaginable amount of grief only a parent could bare. “I am starting to understand that all Lois’s are just as super as we are. We’re lucky to have you here.” 

“I hope not. I want to say no. But if Doomsday made it to earth in my universe he could do the same here. Have you had much debris from Krypton show up?” They had enough on their plates with Pandora’s box being opened and the occupants still at large; he sincerely hoped Doomsday wouldn’t add to their troubles. “That they do. I’m lucky enough to have a strong family on both earths I’ve lived in.” Kara’s words couldn’t be more true and he nodded with a smile, he hadn’t met the Lois of this earth yet, but by the sound of it she was very much like his own had been. “Well, so long as I’m not stepping on anyone’s toes.”

alex bowed her head with a smile before she again cleared her throat and nodded as she perceived his information, “that possibility is something i consider, although it doesn’t fill me with any comfort.” alex admitted with a shake of her, “i always appreciate the input of anyone from another earth. have you encountered something similar?”

“No, it wouldn’t. Teleportation is a very tricky ability to track, unless you can hone in on energy signatures. Watchtower used to be able to do that at home, and the Fortress. It’s a shame I don’t have Kelex here.” He understood the frustration and concerns Alex must have. Being head of the DEO meant a lot of responsibility and expectations lay on her shoulders. “On my earth there were multiple escapees from the box. None of them teleporters. But all of them powerful in their own right. The entire Justice League worked together to bring them in.”