Respite

Since I came here, I didn't know what to expect. This world was so strange; when I landed here, all I felt was fear and uncertainty. This was an unfamiliar land with unfamiliar people. People whose cultures I did not know, people who were so vastly different from my own I didn't even know how they would've reacted to me. I was scared but I was lucky, he was there. I didn't know why he helped me, but he did, and he asked for nothing in return. In the very short time I've known him, he's shown me so much kindness.

He clothed me, fed me, and taught me. I didn't know why I was developing these abilities, but it was all so awful. I heard and saw everything. I heard people speak in their unfamiliar tongue, and I heard people scream. I saw through everything, and my eyes hurt. The sun seemed more intense, as it felt as though it burned my eyes. But he helped again, saying to focus only on my own rapid heartbeat. To drown out all the noise and focus only on something singular.

He told me to only focus on what was in front of me with my eyes. To not strain them and to let them relax. It took some time, but I managed to adapt, if only a little. And then, best of all, he helped me learn how to fly! That free feeling as I soared through the sky was almost enough to make me forget. About father, mother, and Krypton. But I could never forget them; those events were forever etched into my mind. And I would not insult my parents image by ever forgetting. No, but I would live on for their sake.

Luckily, I met someone who chose to go out of their way to help me find Kal-El. I don't know if I would've ever made it without him. This world was so unfamiliar and primitive. I'm truly grateful, Emet.

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She's just staring at me, yet she's not uttering any words. She seems to want to talk, but neither of us wants to take the initiative. So I turn towards the vast cityscape; the sun was all but setting yet it did not dwindle this view from up high. Seated atop a building ledge, I and Kara merely gazed at the city. It had been this way for awhile now; Superman had to go be a hero. And he wanted answers as to why Kryptonite Man was made out of Kryptonite or something. He wanted Kara to momentarily stay at his place until he got back, but it was obvious that she would rather not be confined in a small space. After learning how to fly, she no doubt experienced the same feeling of freedom I did. Locking her up now would've been akin to caging a bird.

But Superman had deemed me trustworthy enough to look after her, so to speak. I suppose I understood; I bore her no ill will, as I did go through the trouble of bringing her to him. But now we were stuck in this awkward silence. I was never one to converse much; I never had any friends growing up, nor did I have a family. So talking was rarely required. But I suppose I could start now at least.

"So, is Superman going to take you in?" I started, the seemingly random question slightly surprising her.

"Huh? Oh, we didn't exactly have much time to talk about it. But he mentioned I could live with his parents of Earth. They live in a place called Kansas." She spoke, and I noted her tone.

"You don't seem all that excited."

"It's not that. It's just that I feel like I'm barging in on his life. He seemed to be doing well, and here I come from out of nowhere, placing a burden on him." Hmm, she was down once again. This, too, was understandable. Superman had statutes made for him, and far and wide, his praises were sung. It seemed like he was doing well.

"Listen, Kara, I don't think I'd be the best person to talk to about these kinds of things, but I'd be willing to give my perspective on the matter." She remained silent as she looked at me with slight anticipation. "The people of Earth see Superman, Kal-El, as a God. He's all powerful and seems to be everywhere at once. You probably saw all those statutes made in his honor. Even his villains admire him." I started, a look of confusion briefly passing her as I continued.

"He's at the top; others place burdens on him, burdens that no man could bear. But he bears them all, all while a smile is present on his face. No doubt he has tons of friends and family, but he's lonely. He has all that power, and he's content with using it for others. He's the strongest. And the problem with being the strongest is that no one asks if you're okay. I know I've been droaning, so I'll get to the point. You're the first non-hostile Krypton he's encountered. You're like him. And he's happy—happy that finally there's someone else like him. " I'd finish with a smile, but I can't muster one up. "And to make it better, your family."

Kara's eyes were filled with consideration for my words, mulling over them as she looked over the cityscape. I'm not sure if my words really hit the mark; I was just spouting our random things, really.

"Thanks, I mean it." She finally spoke, a bright, almost otherworldly smile adorning her face. It made sense; she was an alien. "But, mind if I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"Why'd you help me?" I raised an eyebrow at her question. It was odd that she decided to ask this now, of all times. But how to answer? I'd be lying if I said I did it out of the goodness of my heart. But not like I did it for any nefarious reasons. I suppose it didn't matter.

"Because I felt like it and I could. I had the power, so why shouldn't I have helped you? It was no the skin of my back."

"Heh."

"Something funny?" I asked as she let out a small laugh.

"No, it's just that I didn't know what to expect when I landed here. I thought my life would be getting worse, but I'm glad I met you." Another bright smile comes my way. I wish I could smile that much.

"Same." I merely said it with a nod. "Mind if I ask you something?"

"After all you've done for me, an answer is the least I owe you."

"Do you plan on being a hero?" My question seemed to have slightly taken her by surprise. I already knew the answer to the question, but I wanted to know why she ever wanted to become one.

"Well... I know I have the power, but I'm not like Kal-El. I don't think I could ever risk my life for people that aren't mine." She answered, though she seemed uncertain to a degree.

"That's understandable."

"Yeah, but what about you? I heard from Kal-El that you saved some humans. Are you a hero?"

"Not really; I just helped because I could." I answered, but my answer didn't seem to satisfy her.

"But why? There was a chance you could've been hurt, no? Why take it and risk an injury or something worse by saving people that aren't your own?" She asked with slightly furrowed brows, no doubt trying to wrap her head around it. It wasn't really complicated; I helped because I could.

"Like I said, I helped because I could."

"That's not much of an answer." She said it with a frown.

"I don't know what you want." I shrugged. "I said what I meant, and I meant what I said."

"Hmph!" She just pouted? As she looked away. Childish, but I guess a decent answer wouldn't take any skin off my back.

"Well, if you want a better answer..." My voice trailed off as I immediately got her attention back.

"Yes!" She seemed to beam at my words as I continued.

"See, not long ago something happened to me. I would rather not go into details of what that 'something' was, but it had changed me. I wasn't always so dull. But the point is that 'something' could've been avoided. So I'd rather not let that happen to some random civilians." No, I'd rather just inflict Death on scum who deserve it.

I left the last part in my thoughts as I chose not to speak it. Kara looked like she wanted to say something but was stopped.

"Kara, Emet." Superman's voice reached both our ears as he landed behind us. The two of us got to our feet as we turned to meet his gaze.

"Kal-El? You're finished?" Kara asked as the former sent a nod.

"Yes, it took some time, though. Sorry I kept you waiting, but it's time we go."

"Oh." Kara seemed very down for some reason, and I didn't have time to ponder it as Superman approached me.

"Here, I managed to tell a colleague about your situation, and he managed to get you a place in Metropolis. It will take some time before all the Justice League members can come together for a meeting, so it may take awhile before I plead your case." He explained as he handed me a set of keys and a note with an address scribbled on it.

No doubt Batman was this colleague. The Dark Knight and Superman were close, so he probably went to him with this first. I've no doubt a trip from Metropolis to Gotham was a simple thing for the man of steel. So with a thank you, I took the key and paper before turning to Kara.

"Well, I suppose this is where we part ways. Goodbye, Kara." She seemed kind of sad, strange.

"Will we see each other again?" She asked a bit hesitantly.

"Maybe, not sure. But take care." I felt like this farewell would've been better if I smiled back. Oh well.

Bidding Superman goodbye I took off flying, just for me to slightly stop.

I had no idea where this address was. I'd turn back around, but that would be awkward, so I flew on. lamenting my stupidity.

So I was forced yet again to ask for directions from some pedestrians. I'm starting to see a pattern here. But it was no tedious process asking for directions, as I found my way to my temporary abode rather quickly.

A rather large apartment complex. Entering it, it was easy to see this was a rather expensive-looking place, and strangely enough, the receptionist let me through without so much as a word. I shrugged it off as I moved to the elevator. Moving to the fourth floor, I reached it in no time. I stepped out to a clean hallway with a red carpet draped over a smooth wooden floor. White walls and a few small chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

Number 46 is mine temporarily. Unlocking the door, I pushed past it as I entered the apartment. It was luxurious; I was almost left speechless.

The walls were painted in muted, tasteful colors such as beige, cream, and light gray. The flooring was made from high-quality hardwood and cushioned with soft, plush carpets in the bedroom and living areas. But what stood out was the spacious living area. The large windows let in plenty of natural light and offered a splendid view of the surrounding cityscape. Large, comfortable sofas and chairs provided ample seating, while high-quality artwork and tasteful decorations adorned the walls. There was a coffee table and other furnishings, such as bookcases and cabinets, that seemed to be made from high-quality natural wood and featured sleek, modern designs. The luxurious bedroom is something else that stood out. It was generously proportioned and designed with both comfort and functionality in mind. The bed was the centerpiece of the room and was fitted with high-quality linens, plush pillows, and a luxurious, comfortable mattress. The room featured a flat-screen TV, a sitting area, and other amenities such as a walk-in closet and a dressing area. The bathroom was equally spacious, featuring top-of-the-line finishes, fixtures, and amenities. The bathroom had marble countertops, large mirrors, spacious showers, and even a Jacuzzi bathtub, along with more high-end finishes.

Yep, definitely Batman who sponsored me this, or maybe Green Arrow now that I think about it. The Justice League does have some rich members.

I guess it didn't matter; for now, I'll indulge. So I jumped into the large bed, comfortably sinking into the most comfortable mattress in the world. Seriously, I don't think I could ever lay on another bed again. This was just too good. Hold up...

If it was Batman who got me the place, then did that mean it was bugged? Would he bug a kid's room? I mean, this was Batman, so maybe. I guess he'd be right to be that cautious, but I still don't know how I'd feel if someone was watching me sleep. I sunk my face into the pillow as I let my thoughts wander.

It's not like I'm trying to hide much, besides the fact that I killed Firefly. But he was a C-lister at best. Any fool with a gun and decent aim could do him in. Still, I dare not let my guard down. I need some cards up my sleeve. Creating life—that would be my single card.

I'll keep that hidden as long as I can. I'll throw away some fancy spells and whatnot, but not that.

But wait... I wonder if I could create a Primal, how much Aether would that require? Very, very much, Aether. But I could feel it; my Aether all but engulfed everything. It was boundless, so I could, in theory, bring forth a Primal, no? But I would also require belief to bring forth any kind of primal Or I could use something else. Summoners could bring them forth without the use of rituals or the beliefs of people. So I could too; I know I could.

I imagined the vast power they could wield. Said power would only grow stronger when they got more Aether. Give them enough Aether, and they'd be nigh unstoppable. That vast power under my command...

I grinned at the idea. It seems I have a new goal.

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"Ughhhh." I groaned as I sunk my face deeper into my pillow. I didn't want to leave; it was so comfy. But the harsh sun's rays continued their assault on my delicate face. "Ugh, I'll remember this sun; you're on my shit list." I threw off my covers as my feet touched the ground. Scratching my head, I was quick to note my immense bed hair. I don't think I've ever slept so comfortably before. If I could marry you bed, I would. Alas, I must leave you for the time being. So I moved to the comically large bathroom and stepped right in front of the mirror.

That same feminine doll face stared back, forcing my impassive expression to break I scowled at my own reflection. When I perfect my body modifications, the first thing I'll do is get rid of this girly face and maybe give myself some much-deserved height. Seriously, even Kara was taller than I was. Yet I dare not lament. I took the tooth brush provided and went on monotonously brushing my teeth before rinsing my face off with warm water.

Ah, I'm awake. I tend to get moody in the morning. I apologize.

Stepping away from the mirror, I walked outside of the bathroom and promptly jumped back into my bed. I lay motionless as I pointed at the ceiling. Time to assess some things.

Kara only recently came to Earth, so there were few possibilities for where that could lead. Some concerned Darksied, while others concerned the far future. DC continuity was inconsistent, to say the least. I'm already having a hard time figuring out in which one I am. But if Darkseid shows up, then I'll be gone. I'm not sure I'm ready to fight an Avatar of his. I saw what he was capable of if you pissed him off enough. And I, for one, would much rather not be on his shitlist. But still, I'll have to develop my magic soon.

It was simple to cast attack spells such as true fire, true tornado, and what not. They were simple to envision and had the potential for vast destruction. There was also True Cure, a healing spell that I haven't been able to make use of yet. It required me to expose any injured party to my Aether. But all these spells could be considered parlor tricks when I could create life.

It was going to be a long process, but eventually I'd get there. I'll bring forth the first Primal. I already had a clear image of the primal; I just needed to refine my ability. Yes, soon my power will grow more and more. Hmm, however, besides Creation Magic, something else still alludes me, but I suppose that isn't important right now. For now, I focus on my primal...