Disclaimer: I don't own Batman, Superman, Justice League or its characters.

This fic deals with slavery and everything that comes with it. I almost chose the M rating because this universe deals with big consent issues, but there's nothing graphic, just mentions of some serious topics, so I don't think it's that bad. If you think I should change it please let me know.

For more details read the footnotes. Also, the parenthesis means they're speaking in Kryptonian.

...

Kal-El floated through the long hallway, his silver and blue robes almost touching the thick carpet that covered the marble floor as he headed in the direction of the Great Hall. With his head held high and shoulders squared he pulled the large ornate doors open, only to pause before entering.

He saw Zor-El sitting on the dais at the far end of the room, his long red and gold robes covering the marble floor under him. On the red carpet before him stood two humans.

One of them, the man wearing the engraved gray uniform assigned to the humans working under the Kryptonian's command as guards turned his head in his direction with a proper bow. The man was tall and bald, and Kal caught a glimpse of his deep green eyes in the second it took him to look down. The other human didn't move an inch.

He was a slave that much was clear from his submissive posture and the nudity, a dark cloth pooled at his feet. Kal could only see his back, but rather than dwell on the corded and firm muscles of the pale body, he was transfixed by the bruised and scarred skin he saw there.

He knew humans were fragile creatures and that sometimes they had to be punished for their misconducts, but never before had he seen the physical evidence of such punishment so closely. The slaves serving in the El House were some of the best-trained humans, so punishments had almost never been needed here.

Kal forced his eyes away from the slave's flesh and looked to where his uncle was sitting and addressed him in Kryptonian. ( "I apologize for the interruption, uncle. I did not know you had a meeting." )

The older Kryptonian dismissed the apology with a wave of his hand. ( "Come in, Kal-El." )

He closed the door and floated to his uncle's side. He nodded at the human guard before his eyes followed the silver chain on his hand, connected to the slave's collar. That was when he noticed the plain silver collar and manacles that meant he didn't belong to a Kryptonian House.

That could explain the current lack of clothing. Kryptonians were allowed to examine the slaves thoroughly before making a purchase, though that usually happened before they were brought to the palace. He was also not aware his uncle was planning to purchase a new slave.

Kal wondered what was so special about this human as he watched him, taking in the broad shoulders and strong legs. The slave's head was tipped slightly downward so most of his features were hidden by dark hair.

"Kneel," Zor-El commanded, and Kal watched the slave go down to his knees in one fluid motion, feet tucked under him.

"Now," The Kryptonian started, addressing the other human. "You were about to explain to me why you brought a damaged slave to my palace as an offering."

"Ah yes, sir." The servant cleared his throat, standing up straighter. "This human was involved in the minor fugue that occurred last year in one of the slave training camps in the East."

Kal's eyes shifted in his uncle's direction and he wasn't surprised by the look of rage that crossed his face. The escape of a handful of slaves (most of them young) had been a grave incident, and, being the head of one of the more prominent families Zor-El took part in the council meeting where they delivered harsh orders to pursue and punish the guilty parties, as well as to strengthen the security in the camps.

There was no visible reaction from the slave at the accusation, and Kal didn't pick any internal reaction either.

"He was properly punished, of course," The human guard explained, pointing to the slave's scarred body. "But General Zod thought that having him directly under your service to teach him his rightful place could perhaps be a notion worth some consideration from you, my Lord."

Zor-El leaned back in his seat, hands clasped together as he contemplated the offer.

"You. Lift your head."

The slave lifted his head slowly and Kal was surprised by how young his face looked. That thought passed quickly as he met a pair of mesmerizing azure eyes framed by large, thick eyelashes. The gaze wasn't defiant and yet, there was a spark of something.

Zor-El looked away from the slave who lowered his eyes properly as the attention of the Kryptonian master shifted away from him.

"Is he well trained?"

"Yes, Master. He completed his training in all areas after he was recaptured."

Kal took his eyes away from the slave to find his uncle watching him. He held his gaze for only a couple of seconds before looking away.

"I will take him," Zor-El announced to the human after pondering for a moment longer. "It should be beneficial for both parties."

The guard's green eyes shone softly. "As you wish, my lord. I will see to it that the ownership title and proper documents are drawn up and presented to you immediately."

Zor-El waved a hand in clear dismissal. "Go."

The human bowed in reverence to the two Kryptonians with a fist held to his chest before leaving the room.

Kal-El didn't see the human leave, looking down at the slave still in front of him with his hands folded demurely and lowered gaze.

( "He's yours, Kal-El." ) Zor-El said after a moment of observing his nephew.

Kal dragged his gaze away from the slave. ( "Excuse me?" )

( "Your aunt and I already have our own personal slaves, so it is a practical decision to cede this one to you. I'd prefer it if you had a slave that was in better conditions, but seeing it is long past time you owned a personal slave and yet you have not seen fit to purchase one, I'm willing to concede in that regard." )

Personal slaves were of the highest grade, additionally trained to serve in a sexual capacity, though it was the Master's decision whether they were used in that form or not, and while Kal had never felt any interest in owning one, he couldn't deny he felt a certain curiosity about this slave. The human was beautiful even with all the marks that marred his body, but it wasn't only his physical appearance what drew Kal's attention.

( "You can take him on a probationary period." ) The older Kryptonian suggested. ("If you're not satisfied with his skills we can put him to use in another area or simply sent him back." )

He looked back at his uncle. ( "I- Okay. Yes, I will take him." )

Zor-El nodded before turning to the human. "Cover yourself."

The slave shifted his body gracefully to lift the dark silky dressing gown that had been pooling at his feet, slipping it on with ease before resuming the correct kneeling position.

His uncle rose from the chair, floating down the stairs of the dais to stand closer to the slave.

"Raise." He ordered, waiting until the slave was standing before speaking. "Kal-El will be your Master now. You are to serve him properly and follow his every command. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master." The slave replied, voice smooth and soft.

The older Kryptonian turned to him as the slave lowered his eyes. ( "He's all yours." )

Kal hesitated a moment before floating to the slave's side, looking at the human's dark head before reaching for the silver chain connected to the collar.

( "We will order for proper clothing and a collar." ) Zor-El said, eyeing the slave before turning to his nephew. ( "I will send one of the slaves to your quarters with provisional clothing and you can provide them with a list of anything else you see fit to purchase." )

( "Yes, uncle." )

( "You may go." )

Kal tugged at the silver chain. The slave bowed deeply in deference to the older Kryptonian before walking after him.

( "Kal-El." ) Zor-El called. He waited until his nephew turned and gave him a meaningful smile. ( "Enjoy your new acquisition." )

...

a/n: And this is the part where I tell you this is just a little glimpse of this other universe where Kryptonians invaded Earth when their planet was about to be destroyed (though not all of them survived, like Kal's parents) and turned humans into slaves. I just couldn't get the idea out of my head.

This is also far from my usual stuff, so please do let me know what you think!

English is not my native language, so any tips or corrections are welcome.