The Strange Girl II

Damian's POV:I decided to stay behind and keep an eye on the girl while Father and Superman stepped out to inform the Justice League about her. For a while, everything was quiet, but boredom set in quickly. After pacing the room a dozen times, I convinced myself it would be fine to step out for just two minutes.

When I returned, the bed was empty.

"What the…?" I muttered, scanning the room. My instincts kicked in, and I sensed movement behind me. Without thinking, I moved to evade—a pen?

The object clattered harmlessly to the floor. I turned to see the girl standing behind me, her stance defensive, her eyes fierce as she stared me down.

"Who are you?" she demanded.

Zara's POV:

I woke suddenly, my body stiff, my mind groggy. For a moment, I thought it was a nightmare. But as I looked around, the unfamiliar surroundings confirmed my fears.

"This isn't my home," I whispered, trying to steady my breath. My fingers instinctively searched my clothes. "Where is my sword?"

Panic set in as I began to search the room. My eyes landed on a strange contraption. Picking it up, I turned it over in my hands, trying to make sense of it. Suddenly, the door opened. Startled, I reacted without thinking, throwing the object at the figure who entered.

He dodged it effortlessly, and our eyes met. He was wearing a mask. My unease grew.

"Who are you?" I asked, forcing my voice to sound commanding, though it came out shakier than I'd hoped.

"I'm the one asking the questions here. Who are you?" he countered, stepping closer with cautious movements.

"Do not come any closer," I warned, trying to sound firm. To my surprise, he stopped. His tone softened.

"I'm sorry. What is your name?"

His gentler approach caught me off guard. If he wanted to harm me, he could've done so while I was unconscious. Hesitating, I finally answered, "I am Zara Zor-El. Who are you?"

His eyes widened in surprise, but he recovered quickly. "I'm Damian. Your father is Zor-El, right?"

I nodded, swallowing hard. "Was. He sacrificed himself so I could survive." The memory clawed at my chest, but I held back the tears threatening to spill.

Damian's expression softened, pity flickering across his face. But then his tone shifted.

"You have a sister, am I right?"

I blinked at him. "How do you know that?"

He smiled faintly. "I just know."

Before I could press him further, the door swung open, and two older men entered. My gaze locked on one of them, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Kal-El?" I breathed, stunned.

The man I recognized turned to the other, confusion evident on his face. "How do you know me?"

A smile broke across my face, the first in what felt like an eternity. "I am your cousin."