11. Date
- Bibbo's Restaurant -
Zion munched on the shawarma as he glanced at the clock. It was only 3:15 PM, just fifteen minutes into their conversation. He turned to Bruce, who had finished his cup of coffee. Bruce was getting ready to leave; he didn't have time to sit around and enjoy the day.
"I'll return and analyze the blueprint. I'll contact you once I've made a decision," Batman stated.
"How will you contact me?" Zion inquired.
Batman paused, realizing that he had promised to find Zion almost instinctively. He had always known how to reach the people he dealt with; if not, he would find a way. He was Batman, after all.
However, Zion was an enigma. Bruce had attempted to locate individuals named 'Zion' rather than 'Upgrade' (hoping that no one would name their child 'Upgrade'), but he had only found a handful of people with that name, none of whom matched the person he had met today. He didn't even know if the person before him was using their real appearance.
Furthermore, he had discovered several algorithms running on his computer that erased all traces of specific data. He knew the data being deleted was related to an identity, but he couldn't determine whose. He couldn't even break down the code to identify it, and it was his own computer.
"Here," Zion slid a small pen drive toward Bruce. "It contains a list of materials I need and my phone number. Just give me a call, and I'll meet you at the cave."
Bruce didn't respond with words but nodded before departing. He pushed open the door and stepped out into the bright early evening. His civilian attire allowed him to blend seamlessly with the bustling Metropolis crowd.
As Zion watched, Bruce disappeared into the city's busy streets.
***
Zion continue to observe the daily life of Metropolis. He watched as people hurried past, each absorbed in their own world, their faces hidden behind newspapers or glowing screens. Towering skyscrapers loomed overhead, casting long shadows on the sunlit streets.
Despite being surrounded by so many people, a sense of loneliness crept over Zion. He was beginning to feel homesick, though he would never admit it. He missed the familiar sights and sounds of his hometown, as well as the comforting annoyance of his friend, Mark. He had never left that "boring" town, as he calls it, throughout his life. That town was his home, but he had tasks to complete here.
He needed to prepare, especially to confront Darkseid, not kill. Killing Darkseid would have far-reaching consequences through time, and he couldn't afford to be swept away by the tide it would create. Then there was Doomsday, an absolute killing machine that posed a serious threat to Superman.
But with me building the Stellar Armor, that shouldn't be an issue. Yep, that's what I'll call the yellow sun armour. It should enhance Superman's strength enough for him to battle Doomsday without tiring.
And let's not forget yours truly will be present. I can simply reduce Doomsday to atoms with Atomix. Ben couldn't use Atomix for extended periods because of his stamina; it took a considerable toll on him. But I don't have that drawback. I mean, Atomix created a miniature sun and left it suspended even after reverting to his original form, that was only one of his feats.
I won't admit that Ben is weak just because he lost to Malgax. We all know Ben was getting fatigued, especially while using Atomix.
Let's just agree that Ben never used his alien at full power. He always held back during his fights.
As his thoughts drifted further and further, he became lost in them, and time became irrelevant, with only his thoughts to alleviate his boredom.
***
Zion slowly emerged from his reverie, refocusing on reality. He glanced at the clock; it read 3:59 p.m. Kara was due to arrive. Zion straightened in his seat, exuding confidence, shedding his previously bored expression. As he composed himself, the door to Bibbo's Diner swung open, and there she was – Kara Zor-El, entering with an air of casual confidence.
For their meeting, Kara had opted for a tomboyish outfit that exuded effortless style. She wore a simple black tee that highlighted her casual yet attractive demeanor, paired with dark jeans that perfectly complemented her top. These comfortable yet flattering jeans accentuated her relaxed yet fashionable look. Over her shoulders hung a black leather jacket, adding a touch of edginess to her ensemble.
Her hair was neatly combed to the side, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with a faint smile as she spotted Zion. Her appearance was effortless, yet it carried a stunning charm. Zion found himself captivated by Kara's presence, completely enchanted. (A side note: If Mark were here, he might have teased Zion for being smitten, but unfortunately, he's not around.)
Zion greeted her with a warm smile as she approached, although his mind struggled to re-anchor itself to reality. As Kara settled across from him at their table, the bustling diner seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them in a suspended moment in time.
"Hello, Zion," Kara greeted him.
Zion shook off his momentary daze, his thoughts finally regaining their composure. "Ah... Nice to meet you... You look stunning," he complimented her without thinking.
Kara returned the compliment with a polite response, albeit a bit reserved. As their eyes met, Zion briefly glanced at his own attire and then back to Kara, reassuring himself that he had dressed appropriately, far better than his initial plan of showing up in an exquisite tuxedo.
It was a blue jackets with white t-shirt and dark blue jean.
"Thank you for the compliment, and for meeting me here," Zion replied.
Kara acknowledged his gratitude with a nod before they discussed the idea of having a meal to continue their conversation. The decision was swiftly made.
Zion signaled the friendly waitress over to their table. She approached with a kind smile, noting Zion's busy day.
The waitress addressed Kara, "And what would you like, dear?"
Kara perused the diner's menu, taking her time to explore the unfamiliar dishes of Earth. After contemplation, she made her choice. "I'll have a cheeseburger and a milkshake, please. I've heard it's one of the best dishes to try here."
The waitress turned her attention to Zion, inquiring about his order. He promptly replied, "I'll have the same."
With their orders placed, the waitress departed, leaving Zion and Kara to continue their conversation while they awaited their meal.
Zion shifted his attention to Kara, his demeanor composed and collected. "So, Kara, how has your experience been on this Earth?"
Kara hesitated for a moment, catching Zion's emphasis on 'this Earth.' Her guard went up as she asked, "What do you mean by 'this Earth'?"
Zion clarified, "I meant this Earth where you arrived only ten days ago. How have you found your time here?"
Kara's inquired, yet alert of any sudden momens, "How did you know about that?"
"I know many things, Kara. From your arrival on Earth to the fight with Zod and dying at his hands," Zion replied, not providing a direct answer.
"How did you know?" Kara asked, her eyes turning red with impatience.
"Wow, wow... calm down, you don't want to kill civilians," Zion raised his hands in surrender. "I am something similar to your existence, Kara. An anomaly that shouldn't exist, at least on this side of the multiverse."
"You are from another universe?" Kara asked, seeking clarification about his origin.
"No, no, I was born and raised here, on this very planet that's orbiting around the yellow sun and is a trouble magnet," Zion replied.
"Then how do you know all this?" Kara remained skeptical.
"My body was born on this planet, but not my soul. My soul comes from outside this multiverse. You could say I am a reincarnator." Zion shrugged. "I have eons of memories in my head, which is weird by the way. It's like being an old man who understands the secrets of the universe and, at the same time, a child who's curious about the stars in the sky."
Kara absorbed this unusual explanation without further comment, processing the nature of Zion's existence.
"Why are you here? There must be a reason for your presence," Kara inquired, believing there had to be a purpose behind it. She, herself, had a duty to protect this Earth, a commitment made with that mysterious entity who had saved her.
"Well, I am here to prepare the champions of Earth to fight the fight of their lifetime. And I do know the person who brought you here, but I can't tell you about him," Zion explained cryptically.
"Then why did he save me?" Kara pressed, seeking clarification about her specific role.
"Well, I can only say that your existence is special, Kara," Zion replied, leaving her with no further explanation.
Kara contemplated this response, realizing that delving further into the matter related to her arrival or the enigmatic being who had saved her might be fruitless at this time. Instead, she shifted her focus to other pieces of information she had received.
While Kara contemplated, a waiter arrived with their food. Zion acknowledged the waiter with a nod of appreciation before turning his attention back to Kara.
"What about the threat?" Kara asked, referring to the danger she had been informed of.
Zion smiled mysteriously but remained silent.
"What are you preparing us for?" She pressed, her tone becoming more assertive.
Zion continued to withhold specifics and merely locked eyes with her. His gaze conveyed a sense of childish amusement and a hint of mischief. Zion enjoyed causing chaos and witnessing the world burn, yet he also offered a path to salvation, only to watch it crumble.
Kara met Zion's gaze with confidence and unwavering determination. She had seen her own death and was not afraid of impending danger. She knew that whatever threat Zion spoke of would require all her will and strength.
"Do you really want to know?" Zion asked, his voice tinged with excitement.
"Yes," Kara affirmed resolutely.
"A mad god," Zion replied.
"A GOD?" Kara exclaimed, taken aback by the revelation.
"No, not 'GOD.' Weaker, a lesser powerful 'god,'" Zion clarified.
Kara fell into a thoughtful silence, contemplating what Zion had disclosed. "How powerful is he?"
Zion leaned forward, resting his head on his clasped hand. "He is a cosmic entity powerful enough to defeat Superman under the blazing yellow sun."
Kara remained silent, her mind racing. She didn't know the extent of Superman's strength, but she was aware that he was considered the most powerful being on Earth. If he even couldn't defeat this mad god, then they faced a formidable adversary.
"Then how are we supposed to defeat this god?" Kara asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.
"I have a plan, a plan to defeat this mad god, a plan that involves..." Zion paused dramatically, "A rubber chicken!"
*****