Disclaimer: I do not own Justice League or any of the characters associated with DC Comics.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Diana sat calmly at the table, staring evenly at the expressions on her teammates' faces. Hal seemed neutral towards the idea while Oliver was grinning in approval. Arthur looked to be considering the idea and Diana knew she could sway him to her side. Wally looked confused and Bruce was scowling.

"Why?" Bruce glared at her, "We have a good situation going here."

Diana raised her brow and knew she wasn't the only one. That was a lie, "No, we don't! We had to let Mongul go because we didn't have any place to hold him. You handed him off to A.R.G.U.S and none of us have any idea what they did with him!"

"That's none of our concern." Bruce sounded like he was reading a definition.

Diana raised her hands in disbelief, "Fine, what about A.R.G.U.S controlling our every move and only telling us when we can help the world? That doesn't sound like justice. We need to separate! Have our own organization and not be affiliated with any government!" She said passionately.

Arthur nodded, "Wonder Woman has stated facts, Batman. At first, I was hesitant to agree, but now I do."

Bruce rose to his feet and stalked out of the room, "We are not doing it." He growled out as he exited the room.

"Damn! What got up Bat's underwear?" Wally spun in his chair.

Diana frowned. That was a good question. Bruce was a logical man. It didn't logically make sense to continue as they have been doing, "I don't know. We'll talk about it some other time with him. Now, have you all come to a decision?"

Wally beamed at her, "I'm with ya, Wonder Babe."

Hal sighed, "It makes sense and A.R.G.U.S has always creeped me out."

Oliver was twirling an arrow between his fingers, "I'll do anything to stick it to ole' Amanda Waller. Plus, I don't trust the government. Never have, never will." He smirked.

Diana smiled, "So, all we need to do is get Bruce on board." She heard murmurs of agreement and turned to Hal, "Now, onto the main reason we called this meeting. Hal, what did you learn from Oa?" She heard Bruce try to discreetly sit back down without anyone noticing. She smirked, it's too bad for him that she had enhanced senses.

Hal ran his hand through his hair tiredly, "Not a lot. The ring already identified Mongul as a Debstamian. This 'mysterious' figure is still a mystery."

Diana felt bad about lying to her teammates and omitting the fact that she knew who the 'mysterious' man was. She promised them that they could live their lives in peace, though. Amazons always keep their promises. Plus, it seemed like a secret that was too intimate to share.

"The Guardians have no idea who this guy is or at least they claim to know nothing." Hal looked at his ring, "From what I've discovered, most races in the universe are comparable to us. Comparable to humans in strength, intellect, and ability. But they are always exceptions to any rule." Hal seemed to look for words, as if trying to explain, "There are legends of races that hailed above all the others." Hal sat down, "Let's see, there were: Czarnians, New Genesians, Apokoliptians, Manhunters, The Reach, Celestials, Debstamians, and then the Guardians."

Diana's eyes widened and her jaw slightly dropped, 'Celestial blood detected. Termination required.' That's what the robot had said on the ancient ship in the Arctic. The one Kal had crushed with his bare hands. Was she a Celestial? Did that mean the Olympians were really the alien race of Celestials masquerading as deities?

"Wait, the Guardians are a race?" Wally leaned forward. Diana did as well.

Hal nodded, "Yes. Those races were the greatest of all the races. They were the knights of the cosmos." Hal closed his eyes and arched his neck back, "Then, there were the Kryptonians." He said ominously.

"What about the Kryptonians?" Bruce glowered at Hal.

"If all those other races were the knights, then the Kryptonians were, simply, the kings. Everyone feared them, even the Guardians. Their technology, intellect, and power were unparalleled. Of the races I mentioned above, only the Guardians, New Genesians, and Apokoliptians remain. Well, and apparently there are a few more Debstamians."

"What do you mean 'remain'?" Oliver had stayed quiet until this point. Diana wondered the same thing.

Hal looked sick, "Extinct. Krypton had a tradition called Eradication. It's what it sounds like. Any race that dared to challenge them was slaughtered like helpless babes. There were countless others besides the ones mentioned earlier. I don't know who they were because they were eradicated so long ago. The Guardians had no records of them." He shuddered.

Oliver whistled, "Wow. They had some serious firepower."

"More than you could imagine." Hal whispered, "Based on the very few records the Guardians have on Krypton, their technology was the envy of everyone. They were an ancient race, the greatest of them all and could just live off of any type of sun's energy. No food, water, substance, sleep. Many believed them to be gods. In fact, many civilizations worshiped them as such, including Almerac."

"You said 'were.' Why was that?" Bruce frowned.

Hal fiddled with his ring, "Krypton's gone. Their planet went supernova and the explosion obliterated a little over half a galaxy." He paused, lips pursed, "Now, they are extinct. It's ironic, really." He murmured.

Diana pinched her eyebrows, "Were there any survivors? If Mongul is a Debstamian, then surely there has to be at least a few Kryptonians left."

Hal shook his head, "No, it's been almost 28 years since Krypton's destruction. If there were any Kryptonians left, the Guardians would know." He said adamantly, "A Kryptonian would never stay in the shadows. They're simply too powerful."

Diana frowned. Hal placed too much faith in the Guardians. It was comparable to her old faith in the Olympians, or was it Celestials? She didn't know. She would have to ponder that later.

"So, the Guardians know everything?" Batman growled, "Because that's what it sounds like and you said they didn't know who this 'mysterious' stranger is."

"I said they claimed not to know anything." Hal pointed out, "The Guardians don't know everything, but they would know if a Kryptonian still lives."

Silence ensued.

Diana needed to know, "Who were the Celestials?" She asked curiously, making sure to keep the anxiousness out of her voice.

Hal looked at her strangely, "Why do you want to know?" She saw the rest of her teammates look at her expectantly.

She said the first thing that sounded plausible, "Well, what if this 'mysterious' stranger is a Celestial? If you tell us about them, then maybe we could narrow down who this guy really is and his abilities." She lied. She's certain that Kal was not a Celestial and that she herself was.

All her teammates nodded in agreement, even Bruce, and Diana almost sighed in relief. He would have been the hardest to convince.

"That makes sense." Hal looked at his ring and it glowed.

"What are you doing?" Wally was looking at the glowing ring curiously.

"Searching through the Guardians' database for the Celestials." He replied absentmindedly. For several seconds, he continued to stare into the ring, eyes glowing green.

Diana was feeling impatient, "Does it take this long?"

"Ah! Got it." Hal looked back at them, "Celestials were an ancient race, like the Kryptonians. They were eradicated by the Kryptonians when their leader, Sunorc, declared that the Celestials were the most powerful race in the universe and the Kryptonians were weak, unworthy of their position of power, of the throne of stars they resided upon."

Oliver whistled in surprise, "That was the wrong move, apparently."

Hal nodded, "Yes, it was. Anyways, the declaration sent shockwaves through the cosmos and when Krypton heard of Sunorc's insult, they immediately invaded the Celestials' homeworld, Supmylo. The Celestials were very powerful, if legends were true, they were able to manipulate matter itself and were very strong. But they were not Kryptonians. Celestials' relied only on their physical abilities while Kryptonians embraced their physical abilities and their intellect to create technology beyond powerful. Physically, the Celestials' seemed to be the only race that could equal a Kryptonian in pure physical power. Darkseid probably could as well, but no one knows." Hal looked annoyed, "The details of the eradication are lost, but everyone knows that the Celestials' are no more because of their arrogance."

Diana thought about the Olympians and their own arrogance. She had never met her father, Zeus. She never wanted to because he was probably just like his own father, Cronus.

Her eyes widened, lips parted in discovery.

Sunorc was backward for Cronus. She mentally replayed Hal's story about the Celestials, sorting through all of the information he had revealed. Supmylo was backward for Olympus. She was right! The Olympians were a facade, hiding the survivors of the Celestials' eradication. She was a Celestial. A hybrid of human and Celestial, with Celestial more dominant as she was only a quarter human. She was an alien.

"Hey, what's wrong, Wonder Babe?" Wally was looking at her in bemusement, "You look pale. I didn't even know you could be pale."

Diana swallowed, "It just disturbs me how the Celestials' were slaughtered." She lied. That didn't concern her at all. Based on the attitudes of her family and the stories she has heard of Cronus, they were probably asking for it. War was a part of existence. Genocides unfortunately happen. She remembered reading about Adolf Hitler and his concentration camps, designed to kill people of Jewish ancestry. She doesn't condone what the Kryptonians did, but it doesn't surprise her. When someone is the king, as the Kryptonians were of the universe, any insult to them means instant and often brutal death.

"Yes, I agree. Thank goodness they are extinct." Hal clenched his fist, "Any more questions?"

Arthur spoke, "Yes, I have one. What did these species look like?"

Diana nodded in agreement. That was an excellent question.

Hal looked surprised, "The only ones that looked human were Kryptonians and Celestials.

Celestials' looked like humans. Diana didn't need the confirmation but it further augmented her discovery. Was her entire life a lie? Her beliefs? Were any of the stories that her mother often told her as a child real? Had her father manipulated her entire life into one enormous lie?

Yes.

"So, this 'mysterious' stranger must be kin to one of those races," Bruce concluded.

Hal shook his head, "No. Both races are extinct. It would be impossible for either of them to hide."

Indignation flared in Diana's heart. For the Celestials, it was easy. They've probably been hiding for thousands of years, like cowards. She wondered briefly if Kal and J'onn were a Celestial hybrid like her. Maybe, they were the offspring of Hercules, Zeus, or even Ares, the slaughterer of her family. She doubted it though. J'onn didn't seem to be anywhere near as strong as his brother and Kal seemed as strong or even stronger than her. Maybe, they were Kryptonians but she doubted that as well. Wouldn't the Celestials kill them in vengeance? Matter of fact, they didn't seem to share any abilities with one another. Maybe, they weren't brothers by blood. Diana had heard of the process of adoption. The idea was foreign to her but she thought it was one of the greatest concepts that humans have ever implemented.

"So, we have no leads?" Wally exploded, "I need to thank that guy! He saved my life! I don't know if I deserved it." He whispered.

Diana smiled gently at Wally, "I'm sure wherever this 'mysterious' guy is, he saved you because you are a good person, with a gentle heart."

"Really?" Wally sounded shy. It was hard to remember that he was the youngest out of all them at 19 years of age.

"Yes, Wallace." Arthur allowed a smile to grace his stern face, "You are a worthy comrade and even more worthy of a man."

Wally blushed, "Well… You know," He gestured.

"To answer your question, Wally. No, we do not have any leads." Bruce informed.

"I still need to thank him," Wally said, eyes gleaming with determination.

Diana gently squeezed his hand, "I'm sure you will be able to." She wondered if she could convince Kal to speak with Wally. He could hide his face and reassure Wally that he was worthy of saving.

Wally beamed at her, "Thanks, Wonder Babe!" He was clearly feeling better. She had told him countless times not to call her that, but he did it anyway, smiling goofily at her whenever he did so. The name had, unfortunately, grown on her.

Oliver piped in, "Do we have any ideas on how to track this individual?"

"No, but we need to come up with one fast." Bruce scowled at nothing.

"We're forgetting something." Diana said, "This 'mysterious' man might be trying to help or wants to be left alone." She came to Kal and J'onn's defense.

Bruce glowered at her, "That's not his decision. He is a threat and we need to find him." he rose and stalked out of the room.

Oliver whistled, "Boy, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning."

Diana glared at the spot where Bruce sat. He was so paranoid! He didn't trust anyone and thought the absolute worst of someone without ever having met them! It made no sense to Diana.

"I'd say that's all for this meeting. Bats is getting on my nerves." Wally zipped out of the room.

Everyone shuffled out of the room, leaving Diana alone. She stood up and looked out the window. She yearned for Themyscira or Smallville. There was a simple joy in living in small communities that she missed. She wondered what Kal was doing.

Maybe, he would take up her offer to talk. Diana hoped that he would. It would be nice to talk with another alien like her. She didn't feel as lonely when he was around.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Kal sipped his Budweiser and watched the Metropolis Sharks game as J'onn was relaxing on the couch. It had been a few weeks since Diana had stopped by unannounced and Kal had kept in contact with her. They would meet at Metropolis Park. They laughed over stories from their childhood and shared with each other the loneliness they feel each and every day. Kal learned that Diana was actually of a race called Amazons and her father was the Olympian, Zeus. She knew that he was an alien but he didn't tell her that he was the last of his kind. He didn't tell her of the Kryptonians' gory and bloody history. Maybe, it was because he had been hiding and lying for his entire life or maybe A.R.G.U.S could have tracked her. He didn't know. He didn't trust easily and even though he was beginning to trust her, old habits die hard.

She told him that she herself was actually an alien. Apparently, the Olympians were actually an alien race known as Celestials. Kal remembered what his father said, 'She seemed to be a Celestial hybrid of some sort based on the Android's readings.' Kal had a bad feeling that the reason the Celestials were on Earth, and that they were so small in number, was because of a Kryptonian eradication. He even told her that he and J'onn weren't siblings by blood. She didn't seem surprised and told him about how she loved the idea of adoption. He realized that beneath all her power and strength was a deep kindness he had encountered in very few individuals.

He liked her.

He's tried to deny it and force himself to stop, but apparently, the heart wants what the heart wants. That shouldn't be possible since he was a Kryptonian and doesn't have a heart, but it happened anyway.

"Grab me some Oreos, Kal." J'onn waved his green hand in his direction over the couch.

Kal rolled his eyes and in less than a second a pack of Oreos was lying in his brother's hand, "Here you go." He muttered, blurring back to the kitchen.

"You are not alone." All the lights in the house sizzled out. Kal stared at the outline of a man on his television. He could hear people in Smallville and Metropolis shout in outrage at the power blackout. "My name is General Zod. I come from a world far from yours. I have journeyed across oceans of stars to reach you. For some time, your world has sheltered one of my citizens. I request that you return this individual… to my custody. For reasons unknown, he has chosen to keep his existence a secret from you. He will have made great efforts to blend in. He will look like you… but he is not one of you. To those of you who know his current location… the fate of your planet… rests in your hands. To Kal-El, I say this: Surrender within 3 Earth hours… or watch this world suffer the consequences." The television abruptly switched back to the Sharks' game. The power returned and Kal could hear every heartbeat in the country throb in fear.

"He is a Kryptonian." J'onn floated over to him, "What are you going to do?"

Kal looked desperately to his brother, "I don't know." He felt a joy that he wasn't alone in the universe, but Zod sounded like a man who would do whatever it took to seek the fruits of his labor.

"I would say, we should go to Jor-El but he only gave you an ultimatum of 3 hours." J'onn murmured.

Kal was of the same mindset. 'Watch this world suffer the consequences.' Zod's words echoed in his mind.

"Diana might be an option." J'onn gestured to the screen, "It's you he wants. I have a feeling if I went with you, I would only hinder your progress."

Kal nodded, "I'll be back." He blurred out of the house and took to the skies.

He needed to talk to Diana.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Diana stared out at the gigantic ship from her window. 'To those of you who know of his current location, the fate of your planet rests in your hands.' Zod's ominous words reverberated in her ears. Could she give Kal up? Will Zod go through with his threat? She didn't like the answer.

Diana ran a hand through her silky hair and turned around. She wasn't surprised to see Kal standing in her room. She had gotten over the annoyance that he could easily sneak up on her whenever he wanted. She surged forward and hugged him tightly.

Kal's arms wrapped around her back. He was stiff, almost robotic. Diana pulled back and placed her palm on his cheek. He unconsciously nestled his face into her hand and Diana smiled gently, "I was worried you would immediately surrender to Zod." Saying that name gave her foreboding feelings.

"I don't know what to do," Kal admitted, his voice was a whisper, almost broken. He looked defeated. He sank onto her bed and ran his hands over his face.

Diana frowned, "Do you know why he wants you?" Why would someone care so much about one citizen of their race?

"I don't know." Kal looked wild, "I thought I was the last of my kind and now, I found out there are more but they don't sound friendly. I don't think they're looking for a reunion."

Diana gave a question to the suspicion that had formed in her mind over the past several weeks, "Are you a Kryptonian?"

Kal froze, "Who told you that name?" He demanded.

"Hal did. He told us of how powerful Krypton was." Diana sat next to him on her bed, "I don't care about the sins of your people…" Diana swallowed, "I care about you." She admitted.

"Good." He wrapped his arms around her once again, "I was so worried you would hate me."

Diana chuckled, "I don't care for Zeus or any of the other Celestials… They probably deserved it."

"I don't see any other choice. I will need to surrender." Kal whispered into her hair.

Diana pulled back, "What? No, there has to be another solution. The League could defeat them." She knew that wasn't true. If even half of the stories Hal said were true, the League would be decimated.

"It's me he wants. Not J'onn or you or anyone else. Just me. I'm not surrendering to Zod. I will be surrendering to mankind. There's a difference."

Diana frowned, "What does your warrior's instinct tell you?" She demanded.

Kal raised an eyebrow, "My what? Warrior's instinct? What is that?"

Diana growled. She had to stop using Amazonian terms, "Gut! What does your gut tell you?"

Kal stared at the wall. She knew he was actually looking through the building at the ship that orbited the Earth, "That Zod cannot be trusted." Kal sighed and looked back at her, "But I'm not sure the people of Earth can be either."

Diana nodded in understanding, "You are in quite the conundrum." She hummed against his neck, "Is there anything on that ship that could give you answers?" She asked curiously.

"I'm afraid of what my father would say." Kal closed his eyes.

"Father? I thought your father died 10 years ago?" Diana was incredulous. Her eyes widened as she realized how blunt she was, "I'm sorry! That was so ru-"

Kal's beautiful laughter interrupted her apology, "No, this is my space dad. My birth father, Jor-El."

Diana smiled in relief. She's glad he wasn't offended, "Why don't you ask him? The only way to face your fear is to travel to it. To face it." She recited her mother's teachings.

"There's not enough time. I only have 2.5 hours until Zod's timer runs its course."

"That's plenty of time. You can move as fast as Wally. You should have plenty of time."

Kal stilled, "Would you come with me? I'll bring J'onn as well." He sounded as vulnerable as an indestructible man could. He might be the most powerful being on the planet, maybe galaxy, but his heart was not indestructible.

On the inside, he was as breakable as any human.

"Yes, I am quite interested in meeting your 'Space Dad'. Plus, it would be good to see J'onn again." Diana unwound herself from his grip and grabbed her armor, "Let's go."

Maybe she'll learn more about the Celestials and her powers.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Diana stared at the man in front of her. She wouldn't believe the man was dead for decades if Kal hadn't swiped his hand through his father's head, creating blue sparks.

Jor-El assessed her, "She is the Celestial hybrid."

Diana looked to Kal in confusion. How did Jor-El know her lineage?

"Yes, we know. What can you tell us about Zod? I assume you know about his ultimatum." Kal looked desperately at his father.

"Dru-Zod and I were best friends. We scored the highest compatibility scores in Kandor's modern history during our training. That was a test that determined which Kryptonians would work most efficiently together. He quickly rose through the ranks of our military and was soon put in charge of Krypton's forces. He is a cunning man who is willing to do anything for 'The Glory Of Krypton.'" Jor-El looked to the side and Diana looked on in disbelief as constructs appeared out of midair to showcase a story, "During Krypton's final days, Zod attempted a coup. He sought to eradicate the degenerative bloodlines that led Krypton to its fate. The Codex was Krypton's greatest treasure. It contained the genetic information of every individual in the Kryptonian race. It held the genetic attributes of all artificially incubated infants before their inception."

J'onn frowned, "Why does Zod seek, Kal? He doesn't have the Codex."

Jor-El smiled, "Kal-El does have the Codex." The deceased man sounded proud.

"What? No, I don't! I have no idea what it looks like! Is it inside the ship that brought J'onn and I here?" Kal looked to J'onn, "Have you seen it?"

"J'onn has never seen it, my son. I stole Krypton's main Codex and bonded its genetic information within your individual cells, Kal. Krypton's people are preserved in your body, my son." Jor-El explained, "Zod seeks the Codex above anything else. It is the key to Krypton's rebirth. He will do anything to see it in his hands. The reason Zod is alive is that after his failed revolution, he along with all of his compatriots were sentenced to three hundred cycles of somatic reconditioning to the Phantom Zone for their treachery."

"What's the Phantom Zone?" Diana asked. It sounded like a prison.

"The Phantom Zone is a plane of existence located in subspace. It is a fearsome prison used by Kryptonians to trap and imprison the evilest, malevolent and corrupt. When Krypton exploded, Zod and his Sword of Rao loyalists were liberated from their sentence. They have been tirelessly searching for you, Kal ever since." Jor-El stepped closer, "You have precious time remaining, my son. If you do not surrender to Zod, he will eradicate Earth."

Diana's eyes widened. Thanks to Hal's briefing, she understood the significance of the word Jor-El used, "Is there a way to send them back to the Phantom Zone?"

"Yes, but I do not have enough time to explain. You have only minutes remaining. The Army is gathered in Arizona. If J'onn stays to warn your teammates; Diana, then you can join Kal and vouch for him to the military. He will need your support." Jor-El said urgently.

"I'll go." Diana laughed at Kal's expression, "I have your back."

"You must be careful, Diana. Zod will take notice of your presence and become intrigued… I suspect you will be forced to join Kal in surrendering. You will inevitably be discovered as a Celestial and Zod will seek to finish what the Kryptonian's of the past failed to do: eradicate all of the Celestials."

Diana nodded calmly. She wondered if her father even knew that there was Kryptonians orbiting Earth. Probably not. She was prepared, she was an Amazon. Amazon's do not let fear hold them back, "I understand the risks, Jor-El. Where Kal goes, I go. He'll need my help."

Jor-El smiled, "Thank you, Diana. You are of truly great character. Kal will flourish with your support." He looked at Kal imploringly.

"Alright, let's go. J'onn, you'll warn the League?" Kal blurred out and before Diana could even process what he asked, he was wearing an ancient looking garment. Diana was awestruck. He looked like a god, cape flowing behind him, the blue suit, upon closer look, seemed to have words inscribed on the alien chain mail.

"Yes. Now, go. I trust you, brother." J'onn floated over and he suddenly shifted green. Diana's eyes widened. So, this was J'onn's true form. It was like Pete said, he was completely green and his eyes were orange. J'onn pulled Kal into a fierce hug and Diana felt the need to look away, but she couldn't. The two brothers gripped each other tightly, saying goodbye if things do not go as planned. Diana felt tears prick her eyes, the scene was almost intimate, 2 brothers who have stood together all their lives have to separate and may never see each other again.

"I'll be fine, J'onn. Nothing will happen." Kal reassured J'onn along with himself.

J'onn chuckled, "I know you'll be fine. You have quite the résumé built up for causing trouble, though."

"Whatever, J'onn." Kal laughed and stepped away, "Godspeed, brother." He looked to Diana, "Are you sure about this? I have no idea what Zod will do."

Diana stepped next to him, "I'm certain. Now, come on. We need to get to Arizona in 3 minutes."

Kal smiled, "Not a problem. For you, on the other hand, I don't know if you can keep up." He teased and abruptly blurred away.

Diana laughed. She had never been able to race anyone while flying, this will be fun.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Diana landed next to Kal in front of General Swanwick. Tanks, guns, jets, the most advanced weapons Earth could offer, and pretty much anything that could be used to harm someone was pointed at Kal upon his arrival. When she arrived next to him, the military warily lowered their weapons.

"Well, you've gotten our attention. What is it that you want?" Swanwick snarked.

"I'm here to surrender to Zod. You can send a message entailing the details of my choice, General." Kal said calmly.

Swanwick narrowed his eyes and turned to Diana, "What are you doing here, Wonder Woman? Do you claim kin to him?"

Diana smiled cordially, "I'm not kin to this man, General. He is simply my friend and I am here to support his decision, speaking up for him when nobody's else's would."

Swanwick didn't look convinced, but he accepted her reasoning without comment, relieving Diana, "Alright, I'm going to have to ask you both to come with me. We have questions that need to be answered."

"Understood, General." Kal inclined his head respectfully.

Swanwick motioned for them to follow him and 8 soldiers with high-powered assault rifles - that Diana knew would really hurt her - surrounded them like an escort.

Once the reached the front of the building, Swanwick turned around, "I'm going to need you to wear these, sir." He pulled out a pair of super durable meta-human dampening handcuffs.

Diana's eyes widened. Waller! That insufferable woman must have provided the cuffs to General Swanwick.

Kal didn't bat an eye at the request and obediently allowed the cuffs to be secured around his wrists. Diana remembered when Wally had tried on the cuffs many months ago on the orders of Batman. Her teammate's jaw had dropped as his connection to his abilities was nullified. He hadn't panicked and had desperately sought to uncuff himself, thanking Batman extensively when he was released.

Kal didn't even seem affected by the cuffs.

Swanwick turned to her and opened his mouth, but seemingly thought better of it, "This way." He murmured and placed his hand on a palm scanner.

Compared to the A.R.G.U.S facility, the base was quite rudimentary, but very developed compared to any of the other bases Diana had been to. Swanwick eventually led them into a room with a table and 2 chairs, "Sit in the chairs and in a few moments, we'll get started." He ushered them into the room and slammed the door shut. Diana heard every security measure they had implemented into the door, trying to prove that escape is not an option.

Diana was almost certain that they were trying to reassure themselves, not their prisoners.

Diana took the seat furthest from the door and saw a mirror built into the wall on the side. Her reflection stared back at her curiously. She was almost sure it was actually a window from another room. Kal sat across from her, handcuffs clinking against the steel table softly.

Diana shook her head in wonder, "I can't believe that you let them handcuff you."

Kal chuckled, "It wouldn't have been much of a surrender if I had resisted." He sighed and his eyes became sad, clouding with emotions, "And if that's what makes them feel safe," He stared at the cuffs adorning his wrists.

Diana frowned in sympathy. She tried to find a distraction to talk about when she saw the 'S' symbol, proudly displayed on his chest, "Why do you have an 'S' on your chest." She tilted her head to the side, wondering what it could represent.

Kal looked up at her, eyes twinkling in amusement, "It's not an 'S' symbol, Diana. …On my world, it means hope."

Diana smiled, happy to know that Kal had part of his culture, "Well, everyone here is going to think that it's an 'S' symbol." She stared at the symbol. It was beautifully integrated into the garment and she tried to read the very fine lettering in the fabric. It was enscripted and beautiful characters were interwoven delicately, begging to be read aloud. She, unfortunately, didn't know his language, didn't know Kryptonian, though. Diana wasn't even sure if Kal himself knew his native language. She looked back up at him, eyes connecting with his own. He painted a powerful picture, "You know, I'm called Wonder Woman." She pointed to herself and then at him, "How about you be called Superman. Because of the 'S'."

"Sir? Hi, my name is Dr. Em-"

Kal turned his attention to the mirror, "Emil Hamilton. I know, I can see your ID tag in your left breast pocket. Along with a half-eaten roll of wintergreen Lifesavers, and a cell phone that is the best Earth can offer. I can also see the soldiers in the next room… preparing that tranquilizing agent of yours." Kal tilted his head, "I promise that you won't need it."

Diana knew that it was logical for them to fear Kal and have a contingency plan to eliminate him if necessary, but she felt anger rise in her. She had to clench her fists to keep from causing a scene.

"Sir, you honestly cannot expect us to not take precautions. For all we know, you could be carrying some kind of alien pathogen." Dr. Hamilton's voice sounded unnerved, almost fearful.

"I've been here for almost thirty years, doctor. I haven't affected anyone." Kal stared at the window.

"That you know of." Swanwick's voice cut through the air, "We have legitimate security concerns. Now, you've revealed your identity to Wonder Woman. Why won't you do the same with us?"

Kal sighed and stood up. He walked to the glass and effortlessly broke through the cuffs, "Let's put all our cards on the table here, General. You're scared of me because you can't control me." Kal said bluntly, unwavering in the face of the military, "You don't, and you never will. But that doesn't mean that I'm your enemy."

"Then who is? Zod?"

"That's what I'm worried about."

Swanwick's sigh was heard through the speakers, "Be that as it may, …I've been given specific orders to hand you over to him."

Kal nodded, "You do what you have to, General."

Diana stared at her reflection in the steel. She was ready. Whatever Zod did, she would not be unprepared. She had been unprepared for Mongul and Wally had almost died because of her lack of insight.

Never again.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Diana stood beside Kal as they waited for Zod to arrive. She looked up at her tall companion, he was the epitome of calm, but she knew that it was just an act. He was nervous, she was as well.

"Thank you." Kal stared at her tenderly, eyes trying to tell her something.

Diana scrunched her eyebrows, "What for?"

"For believing in me when I had never even believed in myself." He said softly, eyes memorizing her features.

Diana smiled, "Well, maybe someday you can return the favor."

Kal leaned down, hands reaching out for her own. She had the unexplainable thought that he was going to kiss her. Their faces were inches apart, eyes saying everything that needed to be said.

Diana was just about to kiss him when she felt something slip into her hand, "Take this. Zod wouldn't think to search you for it. Hide it! Keep it safe!" He whispered the last part and looked above her head, "They're here."

Diana swallowed, "In the highly unlikely chance that they don't want me to come with you as well," She leaned up and kissed him, feelings conveyed that she feared she could never say aloud.

Kal stiffened, arms instinctively wrapping around her waist, their lips soothing each other's fears.

Diana pulled back reluctantly, "If they try to kill you, get out of there." She didn't wait for his response, flying over to where the military was stationed, several hundred yards away.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Kal had trouble concentrating on the approaching ship. Diana had kissed him! He could still feel her lips on his own, the feeling of her in his arms. He had been overwhelmed by her, her smell, her heartbeat, and the feel of her soft skin as they kissed. The moist, swollen flesh that had aroused him. Kal was brought of his thoughts by the sound of the craft landing, creating dust clouds, shielding them from the view of the military.

A woman stalked out of the ship, powerful armor adorning her body. She was very beautiful, but her eyes showed a killer who had no remorse or guilt. She was an apex predator, seeking to kill for the pleasure of it. He towered over her, but Kal had the feeling his height wouldn't make a difference if they were to come to conflict.

"Kal-El," The woman stared at him in what Kal believed to be disgust, "I'm sub-commander, Faora-Ul. On behalf of our esteemed General Zod, I extend you his greetings." She stared at him expectantly.

"It is an honor to meet you, Faora-Ul. Are we prepared to depart?" He questioned neutrally, unwilling to let her see how nervous he felt.

Faora smirked, "Not yet, Kal-El. Who was the woman who was standing next to you only moments ago? The scanners had picked up something strange about her, an anomaly of sorts, if you will. I do not know why because the alert was only accessible to General Zod. Now, who is she?"

Kal refused to feel intimidated, "She was a friend." He said simply, flatly, "You have no reason to be interested in her."

Faora frowned and circled him, like a predator stalking their prey, "Why so vague, Kal-El? She's of no threat to us, are you trying to protect her?" Faora's eyes gleamed with triumph, with vague amusement, "Perhaps, you care for her."

Kal couldn't keep the scowl from appearing on his face, he didn't even know if his eyes had turned demonic red. He was having enough trouble trying to quell the urge to punch the insufferable woman who was his kin.

Faora laughed, but it was not friendly. Rather, it was one of dark amusement, "At least you've chosen her as a mate, not one of the humans." Faora turned to stare curiously at the military. "Come, Kal-El. I would like to introduce myself to the race that has kept you safe for so many years."

Kal couldn't see any choice except oblige to her wishes. He had a feeling that the only reason Faora had wished to introduce herself to the military was so that she could meet Diana.

XxXxXxXxXxX

"What are they doing? They have their damned citizen! Do you know anything about this?" Colonel Hardy glared at her, brown eyes blazing with rage.

Diana raised a brow calmly, "I have no idea what is taking so long." She said truthfully. She had been expecting a man to exit the craft, not a woman who carried an air of danger. Diana had wanted to see Zod, see the man who had threatened Earth and claimed kinship to Kal.

"Why are they coming this way?" Swanwick questioned incredulously, "This wasn't part of the arrangement."

She ignored the General, thinking that it was slightly naive for them to think that the terms of the arrangement would have been followed. Rather, she assessed the woman walking in front of Kal, leading him like a master might their slave. Diana grit her teeth at the thought, eyes taking in the harsh, beautiful features of the woman. She was a fellow warrior, carrying herself with power, authority, and grace.

The woman stopped a few feet away from Diana and Swanwick, "Are you the ranking officer here?" She asked the General but was staring intently at Diana, eyes cold and assessing.

"I am. What is the meaning of this? Where is this General Zod?"

The woman finally tore her gaze away from Diana to look at Swanwick with thinly-veiled contempt, "I am General Zod's sub-commander, Faora-Ul. I would like this woman," Faora pointed at Diana, "to accompany me along with Kal-El." Faora smirked at Diana, eyes gleaming with arrogance.

"Are you crazy? You asked for the alien! Not for one of our own!" Swanwick stepped closer, shaking his head adamantly.

Diana admired the man's courage, but she was not about to allow him to be killed, "I'll go. It's okay, General. I'll be fine." She stared into Kal's eyes.

Faora noticed her gaze and smirked, "Thank you…" She trailed off, obviously seeking her name.

"Wonder Woman." Kal finished quickly, eyes begging her not to say her real name.

"Thank you, Wonder Woman." Faora didn't look satisfied by Kal's answer but seemed to let it go. She turned to Swanwick, "Thank you, General for your planet's hospitality in keeping Kal-El safe for so long." She swiftly made her way back to the ship, not waiting for Swanwick's answer.

Diana stepped around Swanwick and Colonel Hardy, aligning herself next to Kal. They swiftly followed the sub-commander's form, "Are you sure about this?" Kal asked quietly.

She smiled at him gently, "Yes, Kal. We'll do this together. You won't be alone."

The interior of the ship was similar to the ancient ship from the Arctic. Technology beyond advanced adorned every corner of the ship and Diana felt slightly intimidated. She was pretty sure that all of those weapons could easily kill her.

Within a second, they were in outer space, docking into the large ship that orbited Earth. Diana stared in awe at the planet, she had never been in space before.

"The atmospheric composition on our ship is not compatible with humans. You will be required to wear a breather beyond this point." Faora tilted her side to the side and handed Diana the breather, "You are an alien, with only a quarter of your blood belonging to the humans. You should be able to survive the gravity on the ship."

"Should?" Kal questioned lowly.

"Relax, Kal-El. Wonder Woman will be fine, won't you?" Faora's eyes dared her to contradict her statement.

Diana smiled calmly, "I'll be fine, Kal. Don't worry."

Kal didn't look convinced but let the matter drop. Diana was tempted to take his hand but knew that it wouldn't bode well for her if she did.

The wall in front of them turned invisible and Faora calmly walked through. Kal followed dutifully, his body becoming taller, stronger, commanding, he looked like a king. Diana stepped beside him and almost fell. Kal gripped her arm tightly, "Are you okay?" He whispered.

"I'm fine. The gravity is intense." She gritted out. She would have a very hard time fighting on the ship. She was at a disadvantage! She could not allow that! Kal needed her, so she straightened and inhaled deeply, the breather supplying the necessary air, "Let's go, Kal. I'm fine." She lied.

He narrowed his eyes, knowing that she had lied. He opened his mouth to undoubtedly question her again, "No you're not. What's-"

"Kal-El, come. It is time for you to meet General Zod."

Diana followed Kal's form as he walked through another wall and a huge room opened before them. A little over a dozen beings were in the room, but her gaze was drawn to the man standing before the view overlooking Earth.

Zod.

The man turned around, "Kal-El," He smiled and Diana was struck by the very real relief that shined in the man's eyes, "You have no idea how long we've been searching for you."

"I take it you're, Zod," Kal said neutrally, refusing to be cowered. Diana was impressed.

Faora snarled, "General Zod, our commander, free birth!"

"Faora," Zod raised his voice, eyes narrowing in anger, sending shivers up Diana's spine. That unholy rage that glowed in Zod's orbs was almost frightening, "We will forgive, Kal for any lapses in decorum that he inevitably displays. He is a stranger to our ways, Faora. This is a cause for celebration, not conflict."

"Forgive me, commander." She tapped her fist twice to her chest and Zod nodded, seemingly appeased.

Kal watched the interaction in longing, and Diana couldn't even imagine what it was that he must have been feeling, couldn't imagine how it would feel to be in his place. Suddenly, he began to sway on his feet, pain carved into his handsome features. Her eyes widened as he wobbled on his feet, looking like a drunkard.

"I don't… feel… well. I feel… weak." Kal grit out before he collapsed to the floor, blood streaming out of his eyes, ears, and mouth.

"Help him!" Diana screeched, kneeling beside him, trying to offer whatever comfort she could, trying to figure out what was wrong, "What's happening to him?" She demanded, glaring up at the General.

"I cannot help him, Wonder Woman," Zod said with solemn eyes, the utter sorrow poisoning his tone tangible, "He is rejecting our ship's atmospherics. He spent years adapting to Earth's ecology, but he never adapted to our own, his own."

"There has to be something you can do!"

"There is nothing to do. Whatever is happening will need to run its course. Kal-El will be fine; he is a Kryptonian, and he will heal."

Kal layer limply on the deck of the ship, blood beginning to stop streaming out of his body. His healing factor was already beginning to work.

"Now, who are you?" Zod circled Diana, Kal held in her arms, "You hold ancient DNA, one the system had not seen in several millennia. You also hold DNA that the system had never seen before. It's almost similar to Kryptonian in a way, but very, very diluted. So, who are you?"

Without Kal, Diana was at a disadvantage; she was outnumbered and the gravity was bearing down on her, muscles beginning to ache under the strain, "I am a Celestial hybrid." She admitted, seeing no other course of action that she could take.

Various gasps were heard throughout the deck, including Faora's, but Zod didn't even look surprised. Rather, he smirked in triumph. He had somehow already known! How could he have possibly known? The General of what remained of Krypton stopped and looked down at her, "Now, tell me, where are the Celestials? Where are your kin? Where have those pretenders been hiding?"

"I don't know," She said truthfully. She had no idea where Olympus was, no one did, "I've never met any of them." She said quietly, almost ashamed.

Zod narrowed his eyes, "How fortuitous for you, Wonder Woman It is no matter, I will find them and Kal-El will join us in the final Eradication of the Celestials." He turned to Faora, "Prep her for the intrusion."

"Of course, General Zod." She tapped her fist twice to her chest and stalked towards Diana, hand holding something.

"Have fun, Wonder Woman," Faora smirked and before Diana could react, a needle was jammed into her thigh. The effect was instantaneous, drowsiness swept through her body, weakness poisoning her limbs. She tried to fight back, tried to hold on so she could protect Kal, but holding back the tide of unconsciousness was insurmountable. She fell back, head crashing to the deck, eyes closing as darkness claimed her.

XxXxXxXxXxX

J'onn calmly flew to the warehouse that housed the Justice League. He knew his own task was simple compared to his brother's, but it will not be easy to gain the League's trust. He could use his telepathy but he wanted the heroes to trust him, trust he and his brother, of their own free will. After his brother and Diana had departed, J'onn had immediately departed for Washington. He had had no idea how the League would receive him but knew that he had to try and gain their trust.

The Last Son of Ma'aleca'andra turned intangible and descended through the roof of the warehouse. J'onn was relieved all the members were present, to need to gather any would waste time they couldn't spare. He walked through the wall and calmly observed the meeting.

"We have to do something! Those aliens haven't left and Diana is gone." Bruce Wayne growled.

"When was the last time that any of us saw Wonder Babe?" Wally West asked seriously, clearly nervous but trying to keep it hidden. J'onn had to give the kid points for pulling it off.

"When we spoke about the Kryptonians." Hal Jordan said, "That was yesterday."

J'onn's eyes narrowed at the word 'Kryptonians'. His eyes glowed as he quickly scanned the Lantern's apex of thoughts, gathering what events took place yesterday.

"I do not know what any of us could do. I mean, without Diana, we have no heavy-hitter and are very vulnerable, weak even." Oliver Queen's usual charm was nonexistent, "And if these guys are related to the 'mysterious' man, then we're fucked like a cheap hooker on the receiving end of a gangbang."

Nobody offered protest, the atmosphere turned solemn and depression settled into all their hearts.

"Perhaps, I could be of assistance," J'onn revealed himself, becoming tangible for all to see.

The shock on all their faces, even Bruce Wayne's was amusing. Hal Jordan quickly wrapped constructs of chains around him, "Who are you?" He snarled.

"Please, there is no need for conflict." J'onn stated calmly, "I am here to help."

Bruce Wayne stalked over and glowered, "Who are you?"

"My name is J'onn. You need to trust me."

"Why should we trust you, dude?" Oliver Queen said flatly.

"Yeah, you could be trying to double-cross us or something!" Wally West jumped out of his seat in realization.

Arthur Curry finally spoke, "You might be of allegiance to General Zod."

"I claim no allegiance to General Zod, neither does my brother." The words had the intended effect as all members froze.

"Brother?" Wally West asked faintly.

J'onn nodded, "Yes, my brother. We can both help each other, you know? You need our assistance and we need yours."

Hal Jordan squeezed the chains tighter, "Why on God's green Earth should we believe you?"

"Because Diana does." J'onn played his ace, hoping that the house wasn't already full.

"What do you know about Wonder Babe?" Wally West zipped over and stared into his eyes.

"I know that she is my friend, and that she considers me a friend as well, and I trust her. You should trust her judgment." J'onn tilted his head.

"Let's hear him out. He might be able to help us and he does know Wonder Babe." Wally West looked at his teammates.

Bruce Wayne did not look happy, "You're going to believe him, Wal- Flash?"

"We have no reason not to," Wally West shrugged and sat back down in his chair, "He clearly could have killed all of us and none of us would have ever seen it coming."

"I agree, let us give this man our attention." Arthur Curry sat back down as well, making his decision clear.

"Alright, he's the only lead we've got." Oliver Queen pointed out, "Let's give him a shot,"

Hal Jordan reluctantly dissolved his constructs, "Fine, but the second something sounds fishy, we clobber his ass."

Bruce Wayne grit his teeth, "I do not like this," He began, but was interrupted.

Wally West waved his hand dismissively, "You don't like anything, Bats. Just sit the fuck down already."

J'onn admired Wally West's courage. The Batman was feared by most throughout Gotham City but this 19-year-old boy was able to stare him in the face and order him around fearlessly.

"Let's do this, then." Bruce Wayne glowered and sat down, "So, tell us, J'onn, how can you help us?"

J'onn stood before the Justice League, "I suspect that General Zod will destroy Earth. You must be ready to defend it. Green Lantern, do you have any clues as to who Zod claims kin to?"

Hal Jordan frowned, "No, I've never heard of a 'Zod'."

"Zod is a Kryptonian."

"That's impossible! Krypton went supernova decades ago! There are no more Kryptonians. You lie!" Hal Jordan slammed his hand on the table.

"I am not lying, What was the civilian that Zod desired? What was his name?"

"Kal-El," Wally said in bemusement.

J'onn sighed, "He's my brother, adopted, and… he is a Kryptonian."

"If he is a Kryptonian, what are you?" Arthur Curry questioned, leaning forward.

"I am a Manhunter,"

Hal was flabbergasted, "That's another lie! The Manhunters are extinct! They were eradicated by Krypton only a few months before they themselves became extinct!"

J'on raised a brow, "Many thought that of the Debstamians." He pointed out.

"The Guardians records detail that Manhunters were green. You are not green."

J'onn sighed in annoyance and shifted, "I am a Manhunter, just listen to me, you fools!" Their shock over his appearance soothed his slightly ruffled emotions.

"Why?" Bruce Wayne asked, "There is no reason to."

"Do you want your planet to be eradicated?" J'onn cried out in exasperation. Humans were so stubborn, "I know that you understand the significance of that word!"

Wally was tensed, face pale, "Alright, we'll listen to you, J'onn."

XxXxXxXxXxX

"Hello, Kal, or do you prefer Clark? That's the name that they gave you, isn't it?" Kal opened his eyes to the sight of Zod standing above him, the farm outlined behind him. He felt the grass beneath his fingers, soft and lush.

He stood up slowly while Zod calmly watched, "Where are we?" Kal asked in awe.

"Your mind, Kal. I will admit, your consciousness was quite difficult to infiltrate, but eventually, I succeeded, as I always do."

Kal turned around to stare back at Zod, "We don't have telepathic abilities. How are we in my mind?"

"This is basic Kryptonian technology, Kal. Rudimentary, really, developed eons ago by Zor-El, your ancestor. It is primarily used for learning, sharing information and memories, training and much more." Zod raised his head slightly, "For example, we used this to learn all of Earth's numerous languages in minutes."

"So, that's how you were able to speak to the people of Earth all at once in their own language," Kal concluded.

"Yes, Kal, it is also how you are speaking Kryptonian, now." He smiled vaguely, "Call it… a gift,"

Kal quickly got over his shock of the 'gift' Zod had given him, "Why are we here?"

"So that you may choose, Kal-El, and make the correct choice." Zod tilted his head and the scenery changed. The farm swirled, colors changing rapidly, blurring together until he could no longer distinguish which was which. Then, it stopped. A place he had never seen before, but Kal knew that this was Krypton, his homeworld. He looked around amazed, it was the first time he was seeing Krypton itself with his own eyes. He didn't know why he expected it to be similar to Earth, maybe it was because he always wished it was.

He was wrong.

The sky was basked in a deep red, highlighted by the super-giant red sun, Rao. The planet was orbited by 4 moons, one was destroyed and Kal knew that was Wethgor - he assumed that it was because of Zod's 'gift' that he knew the names of everything. The scenery changed again, and Kal was basking in the knowledge that he now had of his culture. The planet featured many cities that were towering metropolitan areas surrounded by walls and towers. It seemed none of the planet's structures had any straight lines. Canyons and oceans composed most of the terrain. It almost seemed that the very environment followed his people's will, it was artificially built.

The city was populated by countless, swirling towers, built on the seemingly artificial mountains. These mountains were the foundation of the entire city, the buildings swirling through, under, and out of the mountains. Kal squinted, some of the city was under the ground, swirling beneath the dense soil.

"This was Kandor, our greatest city and, eventually, our only city." Zod supplied.

Kal turned to look at him, "Why only one city?" He gestured to the scene before him in confusion.

"To spare resources," Zod gestured to the city, "The population of our people was carefully organized. As a result, Kandor was the only city that there needed to be."

"So, Krypton had a small population?"

"No, Kandor held well over a billion people." Zod chuckled at his expression, "Quite impressive, isn't it? We were the crowned king of the universe, a jewel glowing through the darkest parts of the cosmos. We were the envy of everyone, feared by all, the pinnacle of power, and a race so extraordinary that none could ever hope to compare." Zod closed his eyes in a curious mixture of sorrow and rage, "Then, this happened," He gestured around.

Kal watched Krypton explode. An enormous wall of fire shot out of the ground, reaching the atmosphere. The planet ruptured, quaking, buildings toppled and global annihilation swept across the planet, fire swallowing everything like a starved babe. Then, everything stilled for just a second and then death claimed all. Kal screamed, tears streaming out of his eyes like faucets. His cry continued for eternity, echoing in his mind.

Zod put his hand on his shoulder, "I understand how you feel, Kal. I had tried to prevent this from happening, and your father had as well."

"How did this happen?" Kal asked in disbelief, in grief.

Zod's eyes were ancient, staring at the desolation of their world, "To know the story of the how you must first know the past." He stood straighter and the farm appeared again, grass soft beneath his feet, "I was Krypton's military leader. Your father, our foremost Thinker, and innovator. We were raised together, trained together… we were as brothers. We achieved the Eradication of Ma'aleca'andra together, bringing great glory to Krypton. We scored the highest compatibility score in Krypton's modern history. We were the leaders of two of the four Noble Houses. Eventually, Jor-El came to me with his findings of Krypton's impending doom. We each had a different solution to the problem; your father wanted to bring his findings to the High Council, but I knew that those old hags wouldn't believe him. As a result, I chose a different path."

"What happened?" Kal asked, riveted by the story that Zod was recounting.

"In return for my efforts to protect our civilization and save our planet, I and my loyalists were sentenced to the Phantom Zone. And then the destruction of our world freed us." Zod closed his eyes in sorrow, "We were adrift, destined to float amongst the ruins of our planet until we starved."

Kal frowned, "How did you find your way to Earth?"

Zod smiled slightly, "We managed to retrofit the Phantom Projector into a hyperdrive. Your father had made a similar modification to the craft that brought you here. And so the instrument of our damnation had become our salvation. We sought out the old colonial outposts looking for signs of life, but all we found was death. Cut off from Krypton, these outposts withered and died long, long ago - from the Desecration Without Name, no doubt. When we arrived at the barren colony of Daxam, we salvaged what we could: armor, weapons, even a World Engine. For 27 years, we prepared until finally, we detected a distress beacon, which you triggered when you accessed the ancient Scout Ship. You led us here, Kal." Zod stared at him intently, "And now, it is within your power to save what remains of your race. On Krypton, the genetic template for every being yet to be born was encoded in the registry of citizens. Your father stole the registry's Codex and stored it in the capsule that brought you to Earth."

"For what purpose?" Kal questioned quietly. He didn't like where this was going.

"So that Krypton can live again on Earth. The Codex has at times, in the past, brought beings back from death itself. We will be able to bring Krypton back from death. Now, where is the Codex, Kal?"

"If Krypton lives again what happens to Earth?" Kal asked warily, eyes noting the changes in the sky. A World Engine had crashed through the sky and into the ground, creating a massive shockwave, the earth shook for countless miles in response.

"The foundation has to be built on something, Kal. Even your father recognized that." Zod stood calmly through the dust storm, winds whipping around at 500 miles a minute.

Kal shook his head, distraught at what his options were, "No, Zod. I can't be a part of this."

"Then what can you be a part of?"

Kal began to sink through countless human skulls, foreshadowing the Eradication of Earth, "No! Zod! No! No!"

His eyes snapped open and he tried to sit up but was strapped down, Kal's eyes darted to the side. Zod was staring solemnly at him, "Your father acquitted himself with honor, Kal. Without his actions, Krypton would never have the chance to be reborn. We all owe our hope to your father, Kal. He was the greatest man that I've ever encountered. I truly wish our paths had not diverged." He paused and his eyes became stormy with memories, "He would still live if not for his chosen path."

"You killed him." Kal breathed out, scarcely understanding what Zod was saying.

Zod nodded, "I did and not a day goes by where I don't feel guilty for murdering my best friend. But I do not regret it. If I had to do it again, I would. I have a duty to my people and I will not allow anyone - even my best friend nor his son - to prevent me from carrying it out." He turned around and stalked out of the room leaving Kal alone with the discovery of the truth.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Diana awoke with a gasp, hand flying to her thigh in remembrance of the needle.

"You have good instincts," A voice echoed behind her. She whirled around, ready for a threat, and she received one. Faora was standing calmly, only in a black skinsuit very similar to Kal's, eyebrow raised in mocking.

Diana quickly observed her surroundings, her hand trying to stem the flow of blood from her leg.

They were on Themyscira!

Her eyes widened and she whirled around, "How did you get on Themyscira?" She demanded, hands trying to grip her nonexistent weapons.

"We are in your mind, Wonder Woman or should I call you, Diana?" Faora smirked, eyes colder than any ice on Earth.

"Where is Kal?" She growled, "How are you in my mind?"

"Kal-El is occupied," Faora smirked, "Our technology is far beyond your primitive species, Diana."

Diana grit her teeth, "Why are we in my mind?" She still had trouble grasping the concept of being in her own consciousness.

Faora stalked closer, "To learn, you are the only one to discover his identity and existence. He trusts you." She sneered, "He cares for you," She narrowed her eyes, "At least, he chose you as a mate instead of those ants."

"They are human beings!" Diana yelled, ignoring the fact that Faora called Kal on his feelings, "You have no right to look down on those weaker than you!"

"I have every right, Diana." Faora said cooly and looked around at Themyscira, "Now, your consciousness chose this place as most comfortable, why was that? Was this your home, Diana?"

"Why ask a question you already know the answer to?"

"I was testing to see if you would lie to me. What memories does this place hold?" Faora swiveled to face Diana, "What horror lingers here? Show me!"

Diana watched the scenery blur in response, her stomach bubbled in dread, she had a feeling what horror would appear. The scene stilled and she was brought back to that terrible day when she found her people slaughtered.

She watched her memory-counterpart race on the sand to the temple of Athena, "goddess, HELP US! PLEASE!" She had cried out. No response was given and her counterpart raced to the palace, trying not to look at the slain faces; she was not successful. The younger Diana arrived at the palace, bolting through the enormous hole in the wall, bypassing all the raging fires and dead bodies. She found her mother in the Throne Room, a sword embedded through her chest and Diana screamed out in agony. Her counterpart raced to Hippolyta's side, "Mother! You'll be fine, I promise!"

Diana sniffed as she watched her younger self, struggling with all her might to help her mother, "Stop this," She begged.

"No," Faora was staring at the scene critically, eyes alight with pleasure.

Diana roared in anger and attacked Faora, attempting to sweep her legs, but Faora simply gripped her leg and threw her back, "Please!" She cried out, "Please, stop this." She screamed.

"No, Diana, watch!"

Diana, against her will, turned her head to watch her mother's death a second time.

The younger Diana had pulled the sword out of Hippolyta's chest, hands trying to quell the flow of blood. Her mother's eyes snapped open, "Diana," She breathed.

"Yes mother, I'm here. I'll help you! I can stop the ble-"

"It's too late, my darling." She coughed up blood, caking Diana's face.

"No, it's not! I will help yo-"

"Be strong, my beautiful daughter." Hippolyta struggled to breathe, "Ares… did this… retribution… crime, birth." Her eyes clouded, death claiming her as it did all her Amazon sisters, "Don't… let grief… consume you, my… sweet girl."

Hippolyta was dead, just like all her people.

The memory vanished and Diana wept, "Why?"

"Interrogation," Faora replied calmly, "Plus, it's fun."

Anger invigorated Diana's blood, she blitzed her torturer but was batted aside easily, crashing into nothing, yet everything.

"You are weak, Diana. You have so much to learn."

Diana let darkness consume her.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Kal looked up when a scrawny man entered, "Who are you?"

"Jax-Ur, free birth," The man responded blandly, "I am General Zod's lead scientist." He picked up a tool and Kal was filled with apprehension, he tried to escape his bonds.

"Your efforts are futile, free birth. The strength that you have derived from the yellow sun has been neutralized on this ship. You are now as weak as a normal Kryptonian, just as you should be."

Kal stopped his efforts of escape, "How strong are we? Without the yellow sun, how strong are we?"

Jax-Ur stopped his measurements, "Our skin, muscle, and bone tissue have many times the density of the same tissue in the body of a human being, making us extremely durable. We possess an incredible healing factor that surpasses any other race. Our bodies musculature is considerably more efficient than that of most. As a result, our muscles produce no fatigue toxins. We are able to perform at peak physical capacity for a long period of time without tiring at all."

Kal swallowed, "So we are way stronger than humans even without the sun?"

"Yes, free birth, our kind evolved because Krypton was inhospitable, freezing cold, powerful gravity, and little to no food. Our kind's muscles and bones evolved to survive under the insurmountable gravity, but we still needed nourishment, nutrients. We needed something to keep us healthy, so we began to thrive by absorbing sunlight, using the energy to allow our bodies to function." Jax-Ur turned around, "Now, hold still." He placed a needle against his skin and Kal wasn't surprised when the needle passed effortlessly through his suit and skin.

He had no idea how he was going to escape. He hoped that Diana was alright.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Diana awoke slowly. Faora was gone and she knew that her mind was no longer being tampered with. She looked at her leg; the blood was gone and the mark had healed. Her muscles ached, almost burned from the gravity bearing down on her like the sky itself. She looked around the room she was in. Darkness was prominent and a small keyhole was in the center. She stepped closer to it, the slot in the middle made Diana think of the metal-like cylinder Kal had given her. She pulled it out of her breastplate - she was surprised she still had it - and stared at the 'S' symbol engraved on the metal.

Hope.

The shape of the cylinder matched the shape of the slot and Diana slid the cylinder inside, making sure it was fully inserted.

Nothing happened. Diana frowned and pushed against the key, it was in as far it could be. She tried to pull it out, but it wouldn't budge. She raised her arms in annoyance, anger coursing through her blood. Kal had trusted her with it and she had somehow broken it! She turned around to see if there was anything in the room she could use, maybe a weapon.

A man had appeared out of nowhere. She gasped and her hands went reflexively to her missing swords when she noticed who it was.

Jor-El.

"Thank goodness," She breathed, "How did you get in here?"

"The command key, Diana. Thanks to you, I have uploaded into the ship's mainframe."

"Can you help me, help Kal? He's trapped somewhere! I don't know where, but Faora did something to me and I just woke up, trapped in here." She rushed out.

"I designed this ship, I can modify its atmospheric compositions for human compatibility and equate the gravity to Earth's. We can stop them, Diana. We can send them back to the Phantom Zone."

"How?"

"This ship is powered by a phantom drive. It bends space. The ship that brought Kal to Earth uses the same technology, and if Kal can make the two drives collide - a singularity will be created."

Diana's eyes widened, "Like a black hole?"

Jor-El nodded, "Exactly, this singularity will send them back to the Phantom Zone. Now, prepare yourself, I have taken control of the ship and Zod's loyalists will seek to kill you." He closed his eyes and Diana immediately felt the change. The gravity lessened immeasurably and her muscles sighed in relief. She tried to tear off the breather, but couldn't.

"Let me be of assistance." Jor-El stepped closer and placed a finger on the breather. It retracted and Diana pulled it off, breathing in an Earth-like atmosphere. She placed the breather in her breastplate, it could be useful for the future.

"Take the command key, Diana." Jor-El ordered and waved his hand, command key flying out of the slot into her awaiting hand, "You must move quickly, the alarms have sounded." He twitched his finger and the wall turned invisible. They both stepped through and 2 soldiers appeared in her line of sight. Diana slapped her bracers together, creating a shockwave to push her adversaries back. She whipped around when she heard more behind her.

She wasn't fast enough.

Just as they raised their weapons, a wall slammed down, ejecting torrents of energy into their bodies. They fell limply to the floor. Diana turned wide eyes to Jor-El, "Did you do that?"

"Yes, pick up her sidearm. You'll need it, Diana. You are outnumbered and must escape as quickly as you can." He teleported to the end of the hallway.

Although the comment hurt her warrior's pride, Diana knew not to argue against the truth.

"Come, Kal is in Jax-Ur's clutches." She had never heard anger color Jor-El's voice before, he was always calm, cool, and collected. He and Jax-Ur must have a history. Diana followed Kal's father, shooting soldiers when they appeared - she really liked this weapon, it was very powerful - and walking through walls, "Here, we are." Jor-El clenched a fist and the wall was torn off, Diana immediately rushed in, weapon raised, ready to kill anyone. The room was vacant except Kal, who was swinging off the side of a table, and she rushed to him, gripping him fiercely in a hug.

"I'm so relieved you're okay!" Diana breathed against his chest. She had been so worried Zod or Faora had done something to him.

Kal hugged her back, "Me too, I'm glad you're okay." He murmured, stroking her hair. When he stopped, Diana pulled back in confusion.

Kal was looking past her, "Is it true what Zod said about the Codex?" She turned around to see Jor-El standing near the wall.

"Strike that panel." He pointed to the wall and Kal immediately obeyed, striking his fist against the wall, easily powering through the material. Diana tensed as the vacuum of space howled around them, she couldn't breathe! She swiftly grabbed the breather out of her breastplate and strapped it on - she was so grateful she decided to keep it.

Air.

Fresh Earth-like oxygen streamed into the mask and Diana greedily inhaled as deeply as she could. She glanced to the side and her eyes widened. Her swords! Still inhaling through the breather, Diana strode over and plucked her weapons off the table, placing them in their sheaths on her back. It seemed that they were being scanned somehow - probably to see what they were made of. Once suitably refreshed, she looked to Kal and Jor-El. They were staring at her critically. She waved her hand, informing them she was fine.

Jor-El turned to his son, "Yes, we wanted you to learn what it meant to be human, then you could become the bridge between two peoples. Be a beacon for Earth to strive towards. You may choose what you wish to do with the Codex, my son. You are free to choose, not tied down genetically." He turned his head to the side, "Look,"

Diana had adjusted herself beside Kal, using him as a shield against the overwhelming force of the vacuum of space. They both looked to where Jor-El urged. A ship had exited the Black Zero and was headed to Earth.

"You can save them, Kal." Jor-El smiled proudly at his son, "You can save all of them."

Kal stared transfixed at the ship entering Earth's atmosphere, eyes tracking movements she could never see, "Thank you, father."

Jor-El smiled and nodded proudly, vanishing in a flash of light.

Kal took off, flying faster than Apollo ever could. Diana was forced back from the sheer power, slamming into the wall, lips parted in shock. She didn't believe he did that! She was going to get him back. She got up, Kal had already breached Earth's atmosphere. Making sure she had her weapons - Kryptonian gun too - Diana dove after him, laughing in joy.

XxXxXxXxXxX

That's all, folks! I truly hope you enjoyed it and remember, please leave a review. I would really appreciate it!

**I have the Amazons as a race, powers/ability wise, being the same, if not more, as a Super Soldier in the MCU, so about a 20-30-ton lifter. For comparison, the Atlanteans will be about 40-50-ton lifters. Also, if you're curious, I have J'onn pegged as about a 50-60-ton lifter.

**Kryptonians are comparable to the Asgardians in the MCU, far stronger than humans and even the Super Soldiers (and Atlanteans and Amazons). So, 100-ton lifters without yellow sunlight on Earth or any other planet. On Krypton, the Kryptonians would seem like regular humans underneath the 1000x stronger gravity.

**I know that the Celestials are a race in Marvel, but I'm integrating ideas from it into this story. The Olympians (Celestials) will be like Ego, Star Lord's father from Guardians of the Galaxy, in terms of how their powers work.

**I hope the story of the Amazon's slaughter was to everyone's liking or at least tolerable.

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