It was safe to say that Clark's regime was in shock. It must've felt surreal. Like a dream. When Val-Ul had returned with a broken Superman in tow, they knew everything would change. The son of Ul dropped him on the ground like a pile of trash before zooming away.
His destination? Stryker's Island. His body flew directly through the prison. Walls were just paper to him. Upon reaching the lowest level, he crashed right through Kara's cell.
Only now was she able to see what the man looked like. Raising her tired eyes and dirty figure, she took in the visage of another kryptonian. One that could change futures on a whim. Tall…strong…handsome. Brown curly hair that framed his head and face perfectly. Golden eyes that reflected her image within.
"Val-Ul…" She croaked softly. Supergirl hadn't used her voice for about a year.
The son of Ul crouched in front of her. He leaned into her ear. A lazy grin could be seen on his face.
"You're welcome." He whispered.
".............."
He then stood back up and floated around the cell. Multiple red sunlight devices were destroyed alongside inhibitors and anything else that kept her weak. Kryptonite chains being one of them.
Once she was free, Supergirl flopped onto the ground like a marionette without strings. She was almost as weak as Val's messenger had been on their first meeting. It made his expression twitch with suppressed anger.
He returned beside her and raised his hand. It took a while for Supergirl to even look up at him. She only gasped before speaking.
"...What?" She asked weakly.
"Take my hand."
"I…can barely…move." She gasped.
"Take my hand. This is the first step to freedom. Get up. Grab my hand and reach the sun. Fight for it. Don't rely on anyone else again."
".............."
Kara Jor-El looked at him in disbelief. Did he have no sympathy for her? Was he into that type of thing? Watching her grovel and struggle on the floor? Only once she saw the purity in his gaze did she eliminate those thoughts.
Her body shivered with the effort needed to rise. A trembling arm reached out toward Val's hand. Before it could fall, he gently caught her hand. She was pulled into his arms.
"Good." He said.
"...Arrogant." She hummed. Val only scoffed.
Holding her in a princess carry, he flew her out of the prison. They went directly through the holes left from Val's entry. Supergirl felt safe and secure…then she felt the sun.
…
…
…
Bastion - The Bless-ed Universe
The multiversal warp gate activated with a flash of green energy. It was no longer the colors resembling the speed force. The Cathexis had switched energy sources. Flash would no longer be needed to return to the Injustice timeline. The coordinates had been recorded.
Kara Dru-Zod floated in the vicinity, waiting with impatience. Val-Ul had left her here with his crown. It was unfair. Why couldn't she stay by his side no matter what? It didn't matter what he did on the other side…whether it was evil or good…she must be there. She must.
A silhouette stepped out of the glowing gate. An iconic bodysuit. Light grey, almost seemingly white at times. A velvet cape with golden outlines…he was here. The Father had returned.
As soon as they made eye contact, she burst into motion. Rocketed towards him. Right before she crashed into his large chest, she noticed another man step out of the warp gate.
WHOOM
Her movement stopped with incredible force, causing the air to crackle. Val-Ul rolled his eyes. This girl always cared too much about appearances. Was it too bad for her image to just hug him? So ridiculous.
"Who is that? Is it Kal-El?" She asked.
The son of Ul patted her head before turning to the man behind him. Stepping out of the warp gate was a battered and bruised Kal-El. His steps were measured as if the perfect step would eliminate any pain.
His eyes were wary upon noticing Kara's gaze and casual display of strength. The crown on her head meant something…Trying to remain as cordial as possible, he smiled slightly. Beard still patchy…fully covered in healing injuries.
"Hello. I'm indeed Kal-El. Nice to meet you. I'm surprised that another kryptonian is already waiting on the other side." He said. The Messenger's eyes narrowed.
"Do you know who I am, Kal-El?"
"I don't believe I do."
The daughter of Zod turned to Val. Without speaking or telepathy, they understood each other's thoughts. Clark indeed had no clue. Val-Ul shook his head with a lazy smile. Once everything was conveyed in under a second, Kara turned to Clark with a glare.
"You step into our universe without knowing of your safety. Watch your back, Kal-El. My name is Kara Dru-Zod. Daughter of General Zod."
Superman's expression faltered for a second. A shiver went down his spine. Were the kryptonians of this universe destined to be hostile? It was unfair.
"Kara…there's a Kara in my universe too. It seems many things are similar between realities but different at the same time. Nice to meet you."
"I haven't met this other…Kara…though I'm sure that I am the superior version." She stated with her hands on her hips.
Val-Ul couldn't help but roll his eyes. Was she trying to prove her worth? Did another Kara from a different universe make the Messenger's position feel shaky?
"Alright. Enough pleasantries. Let's show him around." Val-Ul declared.
"Hmph." Kara crossed her arms.
As soon as they left the open laboratory, Clark was shocked. Only now did he realize that this wasn't Earth. His gaze immediately shot back to Val. The son of Ul raised his arms.
"This planet is known to humanity as Bastion. It is a second home to the people. The process of settlement is quite new…so things still seem more militaristic here. Over time it should resemble Earth's society." He explained.
"...Second home…"
Kal-El looked up to see a starship docking onto a platform. The hatch opened with a hiss, revealing several humans walking out. His eyes widened. The Man of Steel flew higher into the sky.
His supervision went as far he could manage, observing the cities and environments. Kryptonian hybrids could be seen leaping toward the clouds, landing on mountain ranges and battling large beasts.
Others could be seen living normal lives. Leaving work and heading home to waiting family members. People spent time with friends. Cuddled with pets. Drank beer. It was unbelievable.
"How far has technology advanced in this universe?!" He asked with an incredulous tone. Kara spoke up.
"We've given humanity ways to advance technology organically. Small pushes here and there using our own kryptonian tech…but we achieved our goal." She said.
"You gave them our tech?!" Kal exclaimed. Almost sounded angry. Kara's eyes narrowed.
"Watch your tone. A lesser version. It cannot match up to ours." She stated. Her tone was dry. Clark sighed.
"I know you hate me…but I won't apologize. In order to save my Earth, I had no choice but to defeat them. I won't apologize for saving humanity from extinction." He explained.
"................."
Kara closed her eyes. It almost seemed as if his words impressed her. She didn't respond but her posture softened a bit. Val-Ul took this moment to step in.
"We are at odds. We dislike you, Kal. Even so…you were still able to set foot in our universe. Can't you see how we value our own kind?" He explained.
Clark thought for a moment. Only after watching the planet for a bit longer did he speak. Longing could be heard in his voice.
"I want to see Earth."
"Then let us proceed." Val said.
Enveloping everyone in his bioelectric aura, the trio vanished from the skies of Bastion. It felt like a blink to Kal-El. One moment they were looking at Bastion…then the next moment they were in space looking down at Earth.
Without wasting any time, Clark accelerated down toward the planet. Kara moved to follow but was stopped by Val-Ul. A mental link was opened.
'Let him be.' He spoke in her mind. Now that Kal-El had flown off, she wrapped around his arm.
'Where is he going?' She asked.
The son of Ul held her waist with both hands. Lifting her up, his lips pressed against hers. It had only been a few hours since they'd been apart…but the distance was an entire universe. Even when they pulled back, they didn't let go.
'He went to go see his wife.'
'He married a human? That is reckless.'
'They even had a child.'
'Impossible. How is she alive? There's no way she survived impregnation.' Kara asked.
'There are ways around it…and she isn't alive. Not the one from his timeline at least. That's why he looks like that.' Val revealed.
'................'
Kara used her supervision to observe Kal-El. She didn't feel much sympathy for him. What did he expect? There are dangers that come from being a kryptonian. Especially if their partner is weak.
'Did anything happen while I was gone?' He asked. She lightly slapped his arm in response.
'You said you would only take an hour, but it took more than two. You're late.'
Val scratched the back of his head. This woman…things happen sometimes! Can't she just answer the question?
'Kara…'
'Fine. Some little imp guy with a top hat appeared and tried to manipulate me. Once I realized that my abilities didn't affect him, I relied on the crown. The guy ran away like a beaten dog.' She revealed.
'Can you tell me a bit more about this guy?' Val frowned. It seemed the multiverse was truly opening up.
'He kept calling me the alternate Superman. Even laughed at me for being a woman. His name was weird too. There weren't any vowels in it. Uh….Mxyz….Myx…' She trailed off while trying to get it right.
'Mxyzptlk?' Val finished.
'That's it. How'd you know?' She questioned with a frown.
'I know many things, Kara.' He grinned slightly.
'Hmph.'
'Did he try to harm you?' Val's tone turned dark.
'No. It seems he wanted my help, but I told him to get lost.'
'...Okay. Don't trust anyone unless I'm there. You did a good job.'
He cupped her chin. A few kisses later and they were ready to check up on Kal-El. They flew down toward Metropolis.
Superman could be found sitting on The Daily Planet's rooftop. His gaze was serene while observing the distant horizon. Futuristic buildings and streets. There were no poor people, no dark side of the city. No dark side of the world even.
Such a thing truly felt impossible…but he was staring at it. How in the world did Val-Ul achieve such a thing? It was amazing. It was…
"Have you gotten a good look at Earth?" Val-Ul's voice reached his ears. He didn't even glance at them.
His gaze went back down to the sidewalk across the street where Louis Lane could be found having a bite to eat. Jimmy Olsen was by her side, listening as she went on and on about new leads and juicy scoops. Clark's eyes watered as he watched her live happily.
"It's…beautiful."