It was a gorgeous summer day on Krypton, and the students were consumed with the joy of the summer holidays. Everyone eagerly anticipated the entertaining activities for the next three and a half months. In the serene agricultural community of Vilaĝeto, eleven-year-old Van-El strolled with his snow-white dog, Krypto, along the perimeter of his family's expansive farm, basking in the season's bliss.
Vilaĝeto, a haven for those seeking respite from the bustling city life of Granda Urbo, was an idealistic location of tranquility. However, the sparse population frequently left Van and his older sister, Valara, yearning for the vibrant energy of Granda Urbo, where their friends resided. Though appreciated, the magnificence of the countryside couldn't fill the void of the energetic city.
As Van began to head home, he heard a rustle in the grain fields. "Who's there?" he demanded, his voice steady but curious.
A familiar figure emerged, hands raised in a peaceful gesture. "I come in peace, Van!" a charming voice assured him.
Van calmed down when he saw it was his best friend, Estrid Corill, who was genderfluid. Estrid had red-violet hair in a pixie cut, mulberry-colored eyes, and charming freckles that stood out against their toasty skin tone. Today, Estrid wore pristine white and gold androgynous attire that complemented their unique style.
"You weren't at the shuttle stop, so I just walked the two miles to the farm. A little exercise never hurt anyone. I'm female right now," she smiled warmly at her best friend.
"I'm sorry. I forgot you were coming. You shouldn't have to walk here," Van apologized embarrassingly.
"It's alright. I appreciated the exercise, especially in such a captivating location," Estrid giggled. "So, is anyone home right now?"
"My sister's home. Dad's picking up organic fertilizer, and Mom's busy interviewing one of the candidates for Grand Chancellor," Van explained as they walked back to his house.
Estrid's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Who do you think has a better chance of winning?"
"Well, the one we're anxious about is Arbat Esth. However, most individuals support Aldrea Estoni, who could be our first female Grand Chancellor. Arbat's got a slight lead in the polls, but his scandalous dealings might catch up to him."
"Let's hope so," Estrid said with a sigh. "If he wins, it could be the most sinister thing since the planet nearly blew up. Thank the stars. Your grandfather figured out how to stabilize the core."
"Yeah, Grandpa Jor-El has always done what's right, even if he's a bit egotistical. I wish Grandma Lara hadn't died last year. Grandpa's been so lonely."
"It was terrible losing her to the prion virus pandemic. At least everyone's vaccinated now," Estrid added as they reached Van's home. They took the turbo lift to the first floor and headed into the kitchen.
Inside, Van's sixteen-year-old sister Valara was attempting to bake brownies. Van made a face, and Estrid gave him a look. "Val's an outstanding fashion designer and musician, but she sucks at cooking," he whispered.
"I heard that, little brother!" Valara snapped as she pulled charred brownies from the oven. She let out a small scream of frustration. "Mom insists I need to improve myself!" she added, throwing the ruined dessert on the countertop.
Estrid hugged Valara. "It's okay not to be perfect. Everyone has different talents, Valara," the preteen tried to soothe the girl she saw as an older sister.
"Thanks, Estrid. But our parents believe in pushing past limits. Oh, I've got some lyrics for the song you wanted for Governess Estoni's celebration," Valara replied with a smile.
"Really? Can I hear them?" Estrid asked eagerly, looking ready to jump out of her skin from sheer anticipation.
"I'm still working on it, but I used some of your words from your last visit," Valara said, reciting a few lines. Estrid smiled, feeling encouraged.
"Did you try to make Grandma Lara's brownies?" Van asked as he eyed the burnt brownies that Brainiac was now cleaning up.
Valara nodded. "Mom's mother, Artemisa, never cooked. She had servants at her villa," she reminded her little brother, which caused Estrid to raise an eyebrow.
"I've never heard of Van speak of a living grandmother. Care to share?" Estrid requested politely.
Valara pushed her long, silky black hair out of her face. Her violet eyes sparkled as she began to speak. "Our maternal grandmother, Artemisa Volnero, is one of the most affluent individuals on Krypton. She owns Villa Montmirail, the largest vineyard on the planet, in the southern city of Providenco of Avignon," Valara explained slowly.
"Wow! I've heard it's gorgeous there," Estrid said. She had seen many Holo images during geography class at school. She had yearned to explore the exotic locations they had studied.
"It is. Mom grew up there but spent the school year in Granda Urbo with her aunt to avoid being spoiled," Valara added. She walked to the fridge to get everyone some fruit juice and their mother's brownies to snack on.
"Does your grandmother support Aldrea?" Estrid asked curiously as she nibbled on Loana's good brownies.
"Oh, yes. She's all for female empowerment and LGBTQ acceptance. She's hosted several fundraisers for Aldrea," Valara assured her.
Valara and her friends wished they were old enough to vote, but you had to be eighteen. Still, they could continue to show their support for the candidate they wanted to win.
"I hope you're right, Val. Let's focus on our projects for the upcoming party," Van suggested. The three began working, hoping Krypton's future would move forward, not backward.
Valara-El: Kylie McNeill: Suzu/Belle from the 2021 movie Belle English Version
Estrid Corill: Deborah Drakeford: Fish's Eyes: Sailor Moon 90s dub. Fish's Eyes was female when dubbed for the US in the 90s.