Now here is Ch 2, young Kendrix' new life with a new family and ironically, an alien planet. This may seem a little rushed, but I did it on purpose. This is because the following Chs will be fairly dragged out, so it may start off a little too fast to yer liking.
Chapter 2: Life on Earth
Twenty Fours Years Later…
(Scene: Morgan Dairy Farm, Angel Grove, Earth/Elizabeth's POV)
I threw the stick into a field full of dairy cows and watched as Rex, our German Shepherd ran after it, tail wagging. It was a bright sunny day on the outskirts of Angel Grove. My family are Dairy Farmers, well my dad, runs in the family, but when I get older, I want to be a scientist and I have my mom's support. She's a Geneticist, studies genes and the chemical make-up and what makes each gene in our DNA unique in terms of function. Rex came back with the stick I threw and dropped it. He looked up with his adorable brown eyes, begging me to throw it again.
I picked up the stick, preparing to throw it, until he started bow low and growl. He must sense something wrong. I heard something coming in our direction, it wasn't coming from the ground, it was coming from above. I looked up hesitantly, to see a gleaming spacecraft about to crash land! I grabbed Rex and ducked as the ship zoomed past us, missing us and our cows, crashing behind us with a loud bang.
I stood up, Rex instantly ran over to the ship out of pure curiosity, I ran behind him. I cautiously approached the ship, Rex was wagging his tail, faster than normal. He's excited about something as he pawed at the spacecraft. I marvelled at the design and engineering behind it. It was far beyond what our technology is capable of, despite major changes and advancements.
I peeped into the ship, upon sight, I almost screamed! It was a young teenage girl, no more than twelve, a year or two younger than me. I watched as the blonde teenager stirred, but still unconscious. I sighed in relief, she's alive! Soon, mom and dad came rushing out with fear in their eyes.
"Eliza! Are you OK? Are you hurt?" My mom asked frantically,
"Yes mom, I'm fine, but you have to see this!" I exclaimed. Catching mom by the hand, I showed her what was in the ship and it shocked her to the new time!
"Oh. My. God!" She was speechless,
"What is it honey?" Dad questioned,
"Not it Alan, her. It's a female teenager." Mother examined the ship analytically, before saying.
"We have to get her out of that ship, she could be hurt.",
"Sarah! Are you crazy!? We don't know who or where she comes from! For all I care, she's an alien!",
"An alien, that looks human from head to toe. Please help me." She begged,
"Alright, let me get some tools to open it up." Upon saying that, the hatch opened with a hiss.
"Or not." He grumbled. Mom placed two finger on her neck to check for a pulse.
"She has a pulse and it's surprisingly strong. This is fascinating!" Carefully, she picked up the girl and walked inside our home. Mom placed the unnamed teenager on the couch and wrapped her in a blanket. Now, all we have to do, is wait for her to wake up.
Three Hours Later…
I checked my watched: 18:30 it's been three hours since we freed this girl from her small ship and she showed no sign of waking up. That was until I heard her groan. I leaped out of my seat. I looked excitingly as she opened her eyes, blue eyes!
(Kendrix' POV)
I slowly opened my eyes as I regained consciousness. I scanned my surroundings and was met with a smiling… what are they called again? Human! Out of shock though, I jumped back. She raised her arms.
"Easy, I'm not going to hurt you. Do you understand me?" Clearly yes, I'm multilingual!
"Yes, I can understand and now can you tell me, where I am!?" I demanded,
"No need to be rude. You're in my home, outside Angel Grove. My family run a Dairy Farm." She explained. I cocked my head in interest.
"What's a… dairy… farm?" She smiled again, seemingly liking my curiosity.
"A Dairy Farm is farm where we raise cows to produce milk that can be sold throughout the states.",
"What's a cow?",
"This is going to take a while." She sighed. That was when another woman walked in.
"Oh you're awake!",
"I am indeed Miss." I said politely,
"You can speak English fluently! Impressive!" Why is she so fascinated with me?
"I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Sarah Morgan and you just met my daughter, Elizabeth Morgan. My husband Alan is in the kitchen making up some food for you. I take it you must be starving!" My stomach growled, which I clutched in embarrassment. Elizabeth chuckled.
"Don't worrying, it's happen to me a lot as well. So what's your name?"
"Kendrix. Kendrix Jor-El. I'm from the planet of Krypton, which is now gone!" I began to cry, I lost my home, my family, my friends! Oh Rao! What happened to my little brother!? Did he make it?
"Hey, hey it's OK. What happened?",
"I- I watched my home planet explode, killing everyone I love." I sobbed. Feeling sympathy, I felt Elizabeth hug me. For some reason, it was kind of her, the humans here actually show some compassion. Next, a male walked in with a tray, I'm guessing he's Alan. He set the tray down, presenting me with Earth food. I looked at curiously.
"It's called a burger. Go on, try it!" Elizabeth urged. I picked up the 'burger' and bit into it. The bun was… toasty and the meat tender. I liked it and in two minutes, I finished it all.
"Thank you." I said,
"You're welcome. You know, Kendrix, you can stay here. Myself and Alan are willing to take care, of you. We talked while you were out. We're welcoming you into our family Kendrix." My eyes went wide, are they serious!?
"Are you sure? I won't be a burden to you all?",
"Of course not!" Elizabeth squealed, "I'll have a younger sister! And I can teach you all of Earth's customs and traditions.",
"You're planet has customs?",
"We'll get to that some other time. Right now, you need to sleep." I smiled, I feel so welcome here, after hearing all my Kryptonian friends saying how selfish, stupid and primitive humans are. They're far from it.
"OK you two, Eliza, bring Kendrix up to your bedroom. You are sharing and Kendrix, in the morning, would you mind if I asked you a few questions about Krypton? I'm really curious." Sarah asked me.
"Sure, I don't mind." I got up and followed Elizabeth upstairs to her room. We entered. It was quite normal, her room littered with science books. Elizabeth pulled something and gave me some clothes.
"They're called PJs, short for pyjamas. It's what we sleep in, instead of clothes." I kindly took them and we changed, surprisingly, I was the same size as her. I hopped into the extra bed, it's equally comfy as the ones back home. Mom, dad, I already miss you. Why did you make me go? My head hit the pillow and I entered the realm of sleep.
Next Day…
(Elizabeth's POV)
I woke at 6:30 to see Kendrix tossing and turning uncontrollably, not to mention, talking in her sleep. I was about to shake her, to wake her up from her nightmare. Before I could, she sat up like lightening, all of a sudden, this concentrated stream of blue rays shot from her eyes! Her eyes! As she screamed.
"Mom! Dad! No!" Her eyes were open, they weren't glowing, they were their normal blue colour. She looked up at the ceiling, staring at the hole she created by burning. Oh my god, she has some kind of Heat Ray Vision! Suddenly, mom and dad came running in.
"What happened!?" I waved my hand,
"Nothing serious. Kendrix just had a nightmare." That was when dad looked up at the ceiling because he smelt burn.
"How on Earth does a nightmare burn a hole in the ceiling?" Kendrix looked at me sheepishly,
"I uh… discovered… one of my abilities.",
"She can shoot heat rays from her eyes!" I said.
"Heat Vision." Kendrix muttered. Mom and dad just stared at each other.
"Maybe for today, we can help figure out the rest of your… abilities. The neighbours tend to mind their own business so it's quite safe." Kendrix nodded wordlessly.
"Now get up and get dressed. We're having breakfast and we'll also discuss about school." My mom explained.
(Kendrix' POV)
Are they thinking of enrolling me into their Earthly schools!? Well, I shouldn't argue, it's the best way to fit in. Myself and Elizabeth changed into our clothes. My older 'sister' let me take her jeans, a red shirt and her extra pair of runners.
"Hey, you look good in red. It suits you.",
"Thanks. I guess." We rushed down the stairs and entered the kitchen. I stopped all of a sudden when I was met with a black and golden-brown creature. Everyone noticed the fear in my eyes, but instead of going for me, the creature wagged its tail and leaped on me! I squealed as I hit the floor and being attacked by a lot of licks.
"Rex! Down boy!" Elizabeth laughed. The animal listened and got off me. I hesitantly brought my hand towards the creature and scratched it behind its ear. The animal tilted its head, liking the scratch.
"You're not so bad. What is it?",
"It's called a dog. They're a canine species that descended from wolves. This here is Rex, he's a German Shepherd." Elizabeth told me,
"There are others?",
"Yes, loads of breeds. Fascinating animals dogs are." Sarah smiled. Well, I've to be introduced to more Earth food and I already met one of Earth's animals. How many secrets does this planet hold?
We sat down and began to eat. The food was satisfactory, guess I'll get used it, the sooner I get settled in.
"So Kendrix, how do you feel going to school? Starting this Monday?" I put my fork down.
"Well, um… I guess it'll be another experience for me, then I won't mind.",
"That's great, you're going to Eliza's school; Angel Grove High School. You'll be in the same year as her, despite the year age gap, we'll just say you're really smart and you jumped Grades. I'm already guessing the stuff you learned on your home planet is pale in comparison to our education." Said Sarah,
"No no." I replied quickly, "It's no problem. I really want to get accustomed to Earth's principles. It's just that… Maths and Science subjects are… um… primitive?" I said gently.
"That's OK, just try not to make the teachers raise eyebrows. Your knowledge is the equivalent of a PhD Scientist." Said Sarah. I nodded. Once we finished eating, I helped clear table and Sarah let myself and Eliza go. Heading for outside, I reached out to the door, intending to open it, instead, I unintentionally and without little effort, ripped the door from its hinges! Super Strength! I have to learn to control that now! Alan entered and saw me holding the door I ripped off.
"You just did not…",
"Sorry? I just realised I have Super Strength." I smiled nervously, following a small giggle by Eliza.
"First you burn a hole in the ceiling and now rip the door off the hinges?",
"I said I'm sorry.",
"You just get weirder and and weirder by the minute." I put the door down gently and we exited the house. I breathed in the fresh country air and enjoyed the rays of the Yellow Sun. Then Eliza broke my moment of peace.
"Come on! I'll race you to the barn!",
"The barn?" My voice was full of confusion,
"The big giant shed over there." She pointed, it was approximately half a kilometre from us.
"On three! One…",
"Two…" I counted, grinning,
"Three!" We said at the same time. Before Eliza could even make a stride, I was gone in a blur, time almost seemed to slow down and literally, in two seconds, I was at the barn. Whoa! I have Super Speed as well! Must control that too, making a mental note to myself. What other powers do I have? Is this what mother's been telling me about? These abilities, or powers, I'm getting them from the Yellow Sun! Or another fact too, Earth's Gravity is lower than that of Krypton's. Eliza came jogging up to me.
"How did you do that!? You were there, now here before I could make a stride!",
"Just learned I have Super Speed.",
"Did you ever have these powers on Krypton?" Eliza questioned curiously. I shook my head.
"No, Kryptonians behave no more or less like your kind.",
"Except the fact you're planet is way more advanced technologically." I laughed,
"Yeah, very true. So, what will your school be teaching?",
"Let's see… English, Maths, Geography, French, German, History, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and other subjects, there are others but I couldn't be bothered to list them all. You have to choose eight.",
"Well, English and Maths are obligatory, my other six will be Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geography, French and History.",
"Damn! You Kryptonians are smart. Science subjects and Maths will be no problem to you." We decided to sit down.
"I always loved Maths and Science. I love how new things are constantly being discovered, what's out there in the world. Our universe is a big place." I answered.
"True, very true." Eliza mused,
"Will you be comfortable in my school?",
"As long as I'm with you, I'm fine." My sister smiled,
"It just so happens, you picked the exact same subjects, so you will be with me.",
"You know what, I can't wait to experience your school. Earth is just a wonderful planet!" I said with much excitement in my voice. Eliza embraced me with a sisterly hug, I hugged her back, but a bit too much.
"Ow! Super Strength!" She yelled,
"Sorry! Sorry!" I chuckled.
Monday…
(Scene: Angel Grove High School, Angel Grove, Earth/Kendrix' POV)
Eliza and I stepped off the bus. My first time being on Earth's mode of transport. I tightly clutched my school bag with the books inside. I was nervous, what if I don't fit in? Maybe I thought about this too soon. I felt Eliza clutch my arm.
"Follow me and you'll be fine." I nodded wordlessly and walked behind her we entered the school. It was bustling with life as students talked, grabbing books all that. I felt uncomfortable, they're not Kryptonians, they're just humans. Then, the… what was she called again? The Principal of the school came walking by. She stopped by us.
"Elizabeth, I see you have a new sister. You're parents talked to me over the phone about her." I gulped,
"Yup. This is Kendrix Ms. Appleby." I smiled nervously, she did look a little intimidating despite her petite, chubby size.
"Well then, I hope you fit in and try not to break any rules Day One my dear." And she left us. My Dear! Who does she think she is!? My aunt? Then something struck me, my Godmother Astra, I wonder what happened to her? But I'm sure she died, along with my Aunt Allura. I still miss my real family, Kal-El is only a baby, he won't remember Krypton, I had twelve years and that can be hard. Suddenly, the bell rang, it was so loud! I jumped a little and clutched my ears until it turned off.
"Keni, it's OK, it's just the school bell signalling first period." Eliza said to me gently. Once I calmed down, I followed her to Maths.
(Scene: Maths Class, Angel Grove High School, Angel Grove, Earth/Kendrix' POV)
We walked into Maths Class. I watched as students took to their seats, but I made sure I stayed near to Eliza and I grabbed the seat next to her. The Maths teacher entered, he was a middle-aged man, somewhere in mid forties, early fifties. He stood at his desk and opened a book, probably checking to see who's present.
"We have a… Kendrix Morgan am I right?" He looked up, so I raised my hand.
"Ah, yes, you're Elizabeth's younger sister. My name is Mr. Cranston. Well, I hope you fit in, but I also hope you can catch up and fast, we covered a third of the maths course." I nodded. Reaching into my bag, I pulled out my textbook and notes copy.
"Alright class, I hope you remember how to do your Differentiation and all the three rules we went through last week." The whole class groaned, this is not what I expected, I thought the class would be very enthusiastic about Maths.
"Don't get your hopes up Keni, my class is always like this." Elizabeth whispered. Mr. Cranston handed out the worksheets. Once I got mine, I quickly looked at it. I mentally groaned, this is Year One Maths back on Krypton! I learned how to do this at eight years old! Opening my copy, I started the first question.
"Question 1: Differentiate xe to the -x." Easy, I said to myself. So I wrote:
"dy/dx = u(dv/dx) + v(du/dx)
du/dx = 1; dv/dx = -x squared e to the -x
dy/dx = x(-x) + x squared e to the -x(1)
= -x^2 + x squared e^-x
= x^(-1 + e^-x)"
I had a quick look at Question One, I was happy with it and the rest of the questions were a breeze.
Forty Minutes…
The bell rang, everyone rushed out of their seats, also handing back their worksheets to Mr. Cranston. Eliza and I got up, handing our sheets to Cranston. Once we were out, next class: Double Physics. Yah!
Break Time…
(Scene: Canteen, Angel Grove High School, Angel Grove/Kendrix' POV)
Carrying my tray with my food on it, I walked towards Elizabeth and sat down. I took an apple and bit deep into it. My first piece of fruit, tasted alright I guess.
"So, how are you finding it?" Eliza asked,
"It's not bad, although I expected more from the students, I thought they'd be enthusiastic about their classes.",
"That's life here, not everyone enjoys school.",
"Then why do they bother to come and learn, if they're not willing to put the work in? If my mentors heard of such atrocity, then this whole place will be doing 4-D Geometry until you all go mental!",
"Our laws demand that all children have to go to school. Although, there are a few out there, like you who love school." Eliza added, to make me feel better.
"Hey, do you mind if we sit next to you two?" A young lad with an oriental look about him,
"Um… sure, go ahead." They took their seats,
"Hi, I'm Kai Chen." I shook hands with him, being careful not to crush his hand,
"And I'm Mike Corbett. You two?",
"Elizabeth Morgan.",
"I'm Kendrix J- Morgan." Rao! I was about to say Jor-El! I hope they didn't notice my stammer.
"So… you're sisters?" Kai asked us,
"You could say that. Kendrix' parents died in a car crash. Social Workers were involved and my parents took little Keni in our care. We are not sure what's going on with her other family members and why they haven't come forward." Oh! I remember that little made-up story to cover my past as an 'alien'. Sarah and Alan told me to use that little tale if anyone asks.
"Kendrix, I'm… I'm sorry, that was stupid of me!" Stuttered Kai. I shook my head,
"It's fine." I bit into my apple again. "Eliza and her family are great." The bell rang again, this time, I didn't flinch.
"See you at the gym. PE next!" Mike grinned.
"PE?" I said to Eliza,
"Physical Education. Meaning the girls are going to get a little beat up by the guys."
(Scene: Gym, Angel Grove High School, Angel Grove/Kendrix' POV)
I stepped out of the Changing Room with Elizabeth, dressed in tracksuits. We saw the PE teacher, or teachers. One of them blew the whistle, signalling us to come forward.
"Alright class! My name is Jason Scott." Said the guy with the short brown hair,
"And I'm Tommy Oliver. We don't care about formalities once you guys co-operate with us." Tommy was a tall, also long brown-haired man.
"OK, break up into a single line and give six laps." The class groaned, do they not like running? On my planet, we be made to run ten laps! Breaking into a single line, I began to run. Everyone seemed to be tiring at Lap 3, I wasn't near tired, not even breaking a sweat! By Lap 6, everyone, including my sister, my eye caught Mike and Kai on the floor, gasping for air.
"How are you not drop dead on floor?" Tommy asked me,
"Um… I have good cardio!" I answered quickly. Tommy shook it off. Once everyone gained their breath, Jason had us climbing the rope in the quickest time possible. Everyone had their turn, by the time it came to me, I did my bit. Thanks to my Super Strength, I didn't feel the strain in my arms unlike the others. Once my hand hit the black, I climbed down.
"Impressive Kendrix, 8.45.06. That'll be on the record books for a long time." He smiled. Soon, they had us playing Basketball. I with Eliza, Mike and Kai thank god. Tommy quickly went over the rules.
Taking our positions, Mike stepped in for the Jump In. Preparing myself, Jason threw up the ball. Mike leaped and slammed his hand on the ball towards me. Instinctively, I grabbed the ball and began to dribble. Moving past several people on the other team, I did a chest to Eliza and she scored our first basket! I walked over to her and we hi-fived. It was the other team's ball, so they got the throw in.
After forty minutes of Basketball, the bell rang. PE over already? I was having fun with Earth games!
Evening…
(Scene: Morgan Dairy Farm, Angel Grove, Earth/Kendrix' POV)
We stepped off the bus, walking back home. I actually liked my first of day school, I was still disappointed about the student's attitude towards education. Eliza broke the silence.
"So… you're not going to drop out on us?",
"What? No! I like it! As I said, I want to fit in, try to find my place here on this Earth.",
"I'm glad you're so accepting." My sister added,
"I still miss Krypton though. It was my home for twelve years." I also wondered what happened to Kara. She's a year older than me. Did she make it? Once we reached the farm, both Eliza and I filled our parents in on what happened.
Seven Years Later…
The school years flew by before I knew it. I became great friends with Mike and Kai, Rao! I started hanging out with them when I got more comfortable! I went to the park with them, I experienced my first trip to the cinema. Sarah and I became close like proper mother and daughter, she encouraged my growing interest in Science. During the Summer Holidays, I played my part in helping Alan around the farm. He admitted some of my powers were really handy. I enjoyed celebrating Earth's traditions, like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
My years on Earth flew so fast, I transitioned from High School to University, taking a Bachelors Honours Degree in Biology and I'm in the middle of doing my Masters! Even better, Eliza and I were handpicked by the Galactic Space Alliance in the Science and Research Department! Thinking about it now, my life has only begun.
And that's a wrap! I hope I gave no one a headache with Differenciation. Gotta love Maths!