A small group of students from Hexside embarked on a field trip to the snow-capped mountain formed from the raised right leg of the Titan, also known as the Knee. "Now, the Knee is known for being rich in the Titan's powerful, lingering magic," explained Mrs. Puckelgrom, the teacher leading the expedition towards the summit. The students, among them a ten-year-old Dell, were bundled up in warm coats and hats.
The air grew colder and thinner with each step, causing their breath to form small clouds in front of them, and the sound of crunching snow echoed. A breathtaking view of the vast, snowy landscape stretching out in front of them greeted them as they arrived at the top clearing. Mrs. Pucklegrom continued, "It is said that long before Belos, witches and demons of old were drawn to its natural magical presence, using it as a training site."
After spending hours climbing, the students were exhausted and needed a break. Dell noticed Viney huffing and puffing as she struggled to catch her breath. "You alright?" Dell asked with concern.
Viney nodded. "I just need a moment." They both sat down on a nearby rock. "How are you not exhausted after all that hiking?"
Dell shrugged. "I guess... I've always had a knack for endurance." A small smile played on his lips. "And who knows, maybe the energy of this place is invigorating me." They glanced around, their eyes lingering on the ancient trees and the shimmering lake in the distance, taking in the serene beauty. "It's no wonder witches and demons were drawn here."
Viney nodded in agreement, her eyes also scanning the enchanting surroundings. "Yeah, there's something special about this place. It feels like the very air is infused with magic." She took a deep breath, savoring the refreshing breeze that seemed to carry whispers of ancient spells. "I can understand why they would choose this spot to master their powers—learn from the forces of nature."
"Uh, your bag?" Dell pointed to Viney's backpack, noticing it was acting up.
Viney glanced down at her backpack, realizing something was wiggling inside it. She unzipped it, and to her and Dell's surprise, a small griffon stuck her head out and let out a playful chirp. "Puddles? How'd you get in there?" Viney gently pulled the young griffon out of her backpack, cradling her in her arms. Puddles nuzzled against her, seemingly content to have found a cozy hiding spot. "I must have left the zipper open at home, and she snuck in."
The unexpected visitor made Dell chuckle. "Well, I guess Puddles wanted to join in on our adventure," he said, stroking the griffon's feathers. Puddles cooed in response, enjoying Dell's attention.
"I just hope Mrs. Pucklegrom doesn't see her," Viney said nervously. "She's not a big fan of pets, especially if they're not a beastkeeper's companion." Puddles seemed to sense her worry and nestled closer to Viney as if seeking protection. "Come on, girl, you must return to the bag."
"None of us want to get into trouble," Dell added gently, helping to coax Puddles into the bag. However, the griffon resisted, letting out a soft whine as if pleading to stay with them. And as if things couldn't get more complicated, a snow fairy flew up to Puddles and punched her beak, laughing mischievously. The fairy's actions startled the juvenile griffon, causing her to break Viney's embrace and go after the fairy with a vengeance.
Puddles lunged at the snow fairy, snapping her beak and flapping her wings aggressively. "Puddles, no!" Viney exclaimed, rushing forward to try and separate Puddles from the fairy. However, the juvenile griffon was too caught up in her fury to listen and flew after the sprite into a dense snowy forest, determined to catch her. "Puddles!" Viney followed closely behind, worried.
Dell joined her in the chase. "We can't let her get too far," Viney called out as they pushed through the thick underbrush. The snow fairy fluttered effortlessly through the trees with Puddles close behind, leading them deeper into the forest.
"We need to catch her before she gets into trouble," Dell said, his voice filled with concern. They continued their pursuit, determined to bring Viney's pet back safely. If Viney wasn't here, Dell could use his superspeed to quickly catch up with the griffon.
Eventually, as they reached a clearing, Puddles exhausted herself and landed in the snow, panting heavily. "Alright, you had your fun. Now come to Mama." Viney approached the tired griffon with wide arms, intent on scooping her up. However, Puddles gave a low growl and took a few steps back, her feathers ruffled. Viney paused, her arms slowly lowering, noticing Puddles' unease and alertness. "What's wrong, Puddles?"
To Viney, it seemed like she wasn't ready to end the adventure just yet. But to Dell, his superhearing was picking something up—a faint sound in the distance, like the rustling of leaves or twigs snapping. Puddles instinctively knew that something else was nearby, and Dell was hearing it, too.
A towering creature with white fur and a maw full of sharp, yellow teeth suddenly emerged from behind the dense foliage, letting out a bone-chilling roar, and its sharp claws were about to rip into Puddles and Viney. Knowing they wouldn't be able to move in time, Dell's instincts kicked in, and he ran towards his friend and her pet at superspeed, grabbing them both and leaping out of harm's way just as the creature's claws swiped through the air where they had been standing moments before.
As they landed safely a few feet away, Dell could feel the tremors caused by the creature's weight. Dell looked at Viney and Puddles. "Are you alright?" Viney nodded, her face pale with fear. Puddles, on the other hand, let out a whimper but seemed unharmed. Dell sighed with relief, grateful that he had acted quickly to protect his friends.
"Wait," Viney began. "How did you move us out of the way so quickly?"
"Oh... uh, a trick I learned with Construction magic," Dell replied as vaguely as he could, not wanting to reveal too much. "I'm just glad it worked."
The ground beneath them shook again as they spoke, and the monster roared louder. Dell knew they couldn't stay in this vulnerable position for long. "A slitherbeast." Viney identified. "We must've wandered into its territory."
"You're the animal expert, Viney; what should we do?"
"Slitherbeasts are territorial and won't pursue us if we're out of their reach or something scares them away. But this is the first time I've seen one this big. It must be a Titano."
The ground beneath them began to shake as the slitherbeast approached. Dell punched the ground, disguising his strength as magic, and sent a rock wave rippling toward the approaching creature. The slitherbeast recoiled in surprise, its massive body momentarily halted by the force of Dell's attack. "Let's go!" Dell shouted as he and Viney, with her carrying Puddles in her arms, made a break for it.
However, the slitherbeast quickly regained its composure and continued its advance toward them, its thunderous footsteps echoing through the air. Dell and Viney sprinted as fast as they could, but they weren't fast enough as the monster barreled through them, knocking Dell aside. Viney stumbled, desperately trying to maintain her grip on Puddles, as she fell to the ground and hit her head on a rock, falling unconscious. The slitherbeast loomed over them, its menacing eyes locked on its next meal.
"Viney!" Dell shouted, filled with adrenaline as he ran towards the girl and griffon, standing between them and the slitherbeast's claw poised to strike. Dell caught it with his hands, feeling the immense strength of the creature as it tried to break free. With a determined expression, he mustered all his might and pushed back against the slitherbeast's claw.
With each second passed, Dell could feel his muscles straining under the weight of the slitherbeast's claw. Slowly but surely, Dell began to lift the largest slitherbeasts off the ground, inch by inch, until finally, he was holding him above his head. Dell heaved the slitherbeast away from him with a loud grunt, crashing into the nearby trees. The impact shook the ground, and Dell stood there, panting heavily. The slitherbeast, realizing it was outmatched, let out a piercing screech before retreating into the forest's depths.
Once it was gone, Dell turned his attention to the unconscious Viney. He rushed over to check on her, relieved she was still breathing. Dell gently shook Viney. "Are you okay?" He asked. Slowly, she stirred and opened her eyes slightly, groaning in pain. Dell let out a sigh of relief with a weak smile. "You had me worried there."
"Is Puddles okay?" She asked. Dell then glanced over to Puddles, lying on the ground, panting heavily. Dell's heart sank as he saw Puddles in distress.
He hurriedly approached the griffon, examining her for any visible injuries. Dell reassured Viney, "I think Puddles is just exhausted."
"Good," Viney said before slipping out of consciousness.
Gently, Dell lifted the girl and her pet griffon and carried them back toward the tour group in his arms. "We need to get you back to the others so we can tend to your wounds. And give Puddles some water and rest, and she should be fine." Dell floated off the snowy ground and returned to the others while trying to develop a believable story to tell the teachers about what had happened.
Then, the world went white…
Dell's ears rang at a high pitch, then faded as a pair of voices emerged from the void. He strained to make out the words. They sounded muffled and distant but clear and close at the same time. The voices grew louder, and he could make out snippets of conversation from Mom and Baba. They were arguing about something, and their voices were filled with tension and frustration.
"Our son's safety is paramount, and I can't believe you're not taking this seriously!" Baba blurted it out.
"I am taking it seriously, but we can't keep him sheltered forever!" Mom countered.
"We need to do whatever it takes to protect him, even if it means..." Baba lost their train of thought.
"Raine, you worry too much. Dell is perfectly capable of taking care of himself. We've raised him to be able to handle himself out there."
"For Titan's sake, Eda, he returned to us a wreck! What if next time he doesn't come back at all?" Sometimes I wish he didn't have those powers." Baba's voice cracked with anguish. "I don't know how much more we can handle lying and hiding. I want him to have a normal life."
"I understand your concerns, but we can't deny Dell the opportunity to use his powers. Whether we like it or not, they're a part of him."
"Mom... Baba..." Dell began, still aching from his recent beatdown by Lobo.
"Dell!" Both Mom and Baba exclaimed in unison, rushing to his side.
"You're awake!" King shouted as he hopped up from his nap to hug his brother tight. "We were so worried about you." Dell was surprised he didn't wince as he hugged his younger brother or felt pain.
He looked down and noticed all his wounds from the fight were gone as if they had never existed. "I'm so sorry for causing you all to worry," he whispered, giving King a head pat that made him wag his tail in delight.
"Okay, what happened to you?" Mom asked. "We've never seen you injured like that. We've never seen you hurt, sick, or in pain."
Dell took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. "I'm not entirely sure where to begin. But it all started when I heard an explosion coming from Bonesborough..." Dell went on to explain his encounter with the bounty hunter, Lobo, who had attacked him in an attempt to collect the reward someone put on his head. Dell explained how he had attempted to fight back with all of his might but had ultimately lost to Lobo's brutal strategies. Dell only survived because the bounty hunter got a new job with more pay. "Then I floated back here and collapsed on the couch."
Mom, Baba, and King were all left speechless as Dell recounted his harrowing experience. They couldn't believe the danger he had faced and his resilience in surviving such a ruthless encounter. Their eyes filled with relief and admiration as they gathered around Dell, grateful that he had safely returned home.
"You said this guy's name was Lobo, right?" Mom asked Dell.
"Yeah, why?"
Mom fished through her hair and pulled out a pen and paper on a clipboard. "I'm just gonna add his name to the list of people I will obliterate if I see them."
Dell chuckled, appreciating his mother's fierce protectiveness. "Thanks, Mom. But I hope we never have to cross paths with him again." Dell purposely left out the part about Lobo potentially returning when he needed a payday so as not to worry everyone. "And I think I'm developing new powers."
"You mentioned that you shot fire out of your eyes," King said.
"And you have some strong self-healing." Mom added. "Raine and I barely had to use healing spells on you after that fight."
"Yeah, it's like your body knew how to mend itself. It was pretty cool." King jumped excitedly. "Oh, what other powers do you think you have?"
Dell hesitated for a moment, unsure of what other abilities he may have as well. "I... I don't know."
"Dell," Baba interjected. "I'm sure you're excited about your discoveries, but we must know: Did anyone see you, Dell Whispers, use your powers?"
Dell shook his head. "No, I made sure to take off my concealment stone. As far as the people of Bonesborough and the Emperor's Coven scouts are concerned, a stranger with superpowers saved the day, not Dell Whispers."
"Why did you even think about going out there to begin with? This isn't like saving a cat from a tree or doing some community service; you know how dangerous it is to use your powers openly."
Dell sighed, his eyes filled with determination. "I couldn't just stand by and let innocent people suffer. I had to do something, even if it meant risking my safety."
"I would hardly call anyone in the Emperor's Coven innocent." Mom added. "They're a bunch of fascists."
"So you're saying I should've just let them die?" Dell asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
"I did not say that."
"Well, for me, it's not about whether they deserve it or not; it's about doing what's right. Regardless of who they were, I couldn't look the other way."
"Let's put a pin in that for now," Baba recommended before turning to Dell. "You mentioned this Lobo called you a crypto-something?"
Dell nodded. "He called me a Kryptonian."
Baba furrowed their brow, trying to make sense of the term. "Kryptonian? What does that even mean?" Dell shook his head. "I don't know, but Lobo seemed surprised I had abilities. So, I'm different from other Kryptonians as I am here, huh?"
Baba paused for a moment, contemplating Dell's words. "It seems that way," they replied thoughtfully. "Perhaps there is more to your abilities than meets the eye."
"But this doesn't change anything." Mom added. "You're still our son, and we love you no matter what. Your abilities may make you unique, but they don't define who you are."
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Hooty extended inside the Owl House. "Eda! Raine! Someone's at the door! Hoot! Hoot!" He screeched.
"Whoever it is, tell them to—" Before Mom could finish her sentence, the 'guest' entered the house. It was a floating metallic object with a singular 'eye' that glowed with an intense blue light.
It hovered in the air, emitting a low hum as it surveyed the living room. Mom and Baba exchanged curious glances, unsure what to make of this mysterious object. Its presence sent a wave of unease through the air, causing everyone to tense up. But the design... they recognized immediately. "Eda, it looks like..." Baba began.
"I know, Rainstorm." Mom summoned Owlbert to her side, and Baba did the same with Fiddlesticks. As the two palismen took their staff forms, the mysterious object seemed to react, its blue eye narrowing in focus.
"What is that thing?" King asked with concern.
"No idea," Dell said, feeling compulsive to approach the object, which he began doing.
"What are you doing, Dell?" Baba exclaimed, stopping their son in his tracks.
"You can't just approach it without knowing what it is," Mom warned, her voice filled with worry. "And this is me, of all people, saying that."
Dell hesitated, torn between his curiosity and his parents' warnings. He glanced back at the mysterious object, its blue eye still fixed on him, before reluctantly stepping back. "You're right," he admitted, realizing the potential danger. "We should find out more about it before..." Then, a wave of light came from the blue eye, going over Dell from head to toe. Then, an "S"-like symbol becomes projected on the teen's chest.
The eye dilated as a projection began manifesting in front of the Whispers family, who all exchanged worried glances. Once fully displayed, it took the form of an older man with a stern expression and commanding presence. Strangely, though, he looked like Dell would look in twenty years, with a few noticeable differences. His hair was grayer, and his eyes held wisdom that only comes with age.
"Is that a future you?" King asked Dell.
"I don't know," Dell replied, his voice filled with uncertainty. "But there's something familiar about him."
The older man's gaze penetrated Dell's soul, leaving him with a lingering sense of unease. "Kal-El..." The man spoke to Dell with a voice that resonated with authority and kindness. It was as if he knew Dell on a deeper level. He stepped closer. "It's you."
"Hey, back away from our son!" Mom shouted protectively, stepping between Dell and the older man and pointing Owlbert at him. "Who are you?"
"Mom..." Dell tried to calm his mother down.
"Mom?" The man repeated it in a voice filled with surprise and recognition. He looked at Mom, then at Baba, and came to understand. "I see now. You must be the ones who found Kal-El."
"We're his parents." Baba corrected him firmly, aiming Fiddlesticks in his direction. "And his name is Dell."
"I apologize for the intrusion; I mean no harm. My name is Jor-El." He looked at Dell. "I am your father."
Dell's eyes widened in disbelief as he processed the man's words. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You're… my father?" Dell stammered, his voice filled with a mix of shock and curiosity. He stared at Jor-El, his mind racing. There were so many emotions swirling in this moment. He had always wondered about his biological parents but never imagined meeting one of them like this.
"So, you're the man who abandoned him?" Baba accused Jor-El, their voice laced with venom.
Jor-El's face fell, and he could see the pain in their eyes. "I understand your anger," he began, his voice filled with remorse. "But there is so much more to the story that you need to know. It was never my intention to abandon him. I had to make a difficult choice—a desperate act to save his life from the fate of our planet, Krypton."
Baba's and Mom's anger softened slightly as they listened to Jor-El's explanation. "You're saying you did what you had to do to protect him?" Mom questioned.
Jor-El nodded, his eyes filled with sadness. "I couldn't bear the thought of him perishing with our world. I had hoped Earth would give him a chance at a better life."
"Uh, except this isn't Earth, though," King said. "We're on the Boiling Isles."
Jor-El's face changed to confusion as he looked at Dell's little brother. "The Boiling Isles? I've never heard of such a place. I was certain the coordinates for Earth were correct. How did Kal-El end up here?"
"Before anyone answers that," Dell interjected, walking up to Jor-El. "I have some questions for you."
"I imagine you do," Jor-El replied, his voice tinged with concern. "But first, let me assure you that I have no intention of taking you away from your foster family. I am but a reconstruction of the original Jor-El's consciousness to help you learn of your legacy."
Dell looked skeptical, crossing his arms. "Legacy? What do you mean? And why now? Why reveal all of this to me?" He asked, his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of frustration.
"To answer that, we must start at the beginning." Suddenly, the drone's eye dilated further, and the Whispers family found themselves in the center of a black void. It slowly began to fill with stars, a giant red sun, and a planet. "This is a projection of the Rao solar system. And the world you see before you is... was... Krypton. It was a thriving planet, home to an advanced civilization. However, that all changed with the rise of its new leader, a man I once considered my brother, General Zod."
The projection changed to the planet's surface, revealing an icy, desolate landscape with crumbling crystalline buildings and a dark, ominous sky filled with smoke. A once vibrant cityscape had been reduced to ruins, and the remaining inhabitants seemed to live in a thick atmosphere of fear and despair. From what the Whispers family could see, the planet's glory days were far behind.
The Whispers family could feel the weight of the tragedy that had befallen Krypton. Baba looked at the devastated planet with a heavy heart, their eyes filled with sorrow. "How could such destruction be allowed to happen?" They questioned.
Even Mom could not help but feel sorry for the remaining residents because the destruction of their once-beautiful world had permanently altered their lives. "It's heartbreaking." She said.
"Is this... is this what tyrants do?" King asked, sounding as if his childish dreams of conquest had been shattered at that very moment. He was still too young to fathom the immense power and cruelty that could lead to such devastation.
"This is what you wanted to save me from?" Dell asked Jor-El, his voice filled with disbelief and a tinge of regret. To witness the aftermath of such devastation and see the people of a world he never knew about, living in constant fear and despair... he couldn't even begin to imagine the pain they must have felt knowing that their glorious planet was now a mere shadow of its former self.
Jor-El nodded. "Zod, in his twisted sense of duty, believed that he was saving Krypton by resorting to extreme measures. He saw no other way to ensure the survival of our people, but his actions only brought destruction and suffering."
The projection changed to a stadium where thousands of men, women, and children were gathered, all garbed in military attire and holding weapons. All their eyes were focused on a single figure: an imposing, dark-skinned man with a beard and a commanding presence.
He raised his hand, signaling for silence, and began to address the crowd with a voice that resonated with authority and conviction: "People of Krypton! We are safe! The foolish councilmen and councilwomen have been dethroned. Their ignorance was the greatest threat to our people. And yet, we have prevailed!" The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their voices echoing.
"Because of us, Krypton has been liberated from the shackles that left us vulnerable to destruction. No longer will we be subject to the whims of those who care more for their power than the well-being of our planet? Today marks a new era of strength and unity for Krypton." The crowd's cheers grew even louder.
"We have been given a new purpose: to expand our military might so that it may never again be challenged. Once the remaining insurgencies have been dealt with, our people will no longer need to fear, for we share a common goal: to unite Krypton." The crowd erupted in applause.
"Today, we look to the stars. Our planet will be the jewel in the crown of an intergalactic empire. With our newfound strength and unity, we will conquer new worlds and establish dominance across the cosmos. Our military might will ensure that no force can ever threaten us again, for we will conquer them." The leader's words resonated with the crowd, instilling a sense of pride and determination. As they cheered, the people felt renewed hope for a prosperous future where Krypton would shine as a beacon of power.
"If they submit peacefully, they will fall under my protection and never fear again! However, those who dare to resist will face the full wrath of our united forces. Our advanced technology and unwavering resolve will crush any opposition, leaving no room for doubt about our supremacy. Together, we shall build a glorious empire that will stand the test of time and inspire awe in all who witness our might, and they will all kneel before Zod!" As General Zod's speech climaxed, the crowd erupted with a thunderous cheer that shook the planet.
Dell, King, Baba, and Mom could only watch the projection play out before them in stunned silence, hitting close to home with how the Boiling Isles are currently ruled. They exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the parallels between General Zod's authoritarian rule and the oppressive regime of Emperor Belos. It sent chills down their spines.
"This madness couldn't continue; Zod had to be stopped." Jor-El continued to explain as the projection changed to show a battle between Zod's forces and a group of insurgents wearing an "S" symbol. One of them was Jor-El, fighting alongside a dark-haired woman with unwavering determination. "Lara, my wife," he said, looking at Dell, "and your mother. Together, we were the leaders of Black Zero, the resistance group that fought against Zod's tyranny. We believed in freedom and justice and were willing to risk everything to bring him down." The holographic display showed Jor-El and his wife's relentless determination and bravery as they strategized and fought alongside their fellow rebels, inspiring hope in their hearts.
"What does that 'S' stand for?" Dell asked his father.
Jor-El smiled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "That is the sigil of El; it stands for hope," he replied. "It was a symbol that my wife and I wore proudly, representing our hope for a better future, not just for ourselves but for all of Krypton." He paused, reflecting on their journey. "It became a beacon of inspiration, reminding us never to give up and strive for justice."
"Well, it looks like you were winning." Mom pointed out. "What happened?"
Jor-El's smile faded slightly. "For the longest time, Black Zero had been losing the war. That is until we found what we thought at the time to be an unexpected ally." In the projection, a shadow enveloped both sides; while Zod's forces looked up in fear, Black Zero looked up in hope. A massive skull-shaped ship fired energy at Zod's forces, utterly destroying them. "He was an alien artificial intelligence who has gone by many names throughout his existence. But the people of Krypton knew him as Brainiac." The front of the ship opened, and a towering, heavily armored, green-skinned man stepped out, his eyes glowing with sinister intelligence. He surveyed the aftermath of the battle, his expression unreadable. "Brainiac promised us advanced technology and knowledge that could help us win the war against Zod. We believed him and welcomed his assistance."
The projection changed to a room filled with sleek, futuristic technology far beyond what Krypton had, glowing panels and humming machinery. Even if it wasn't real, the air felt cool and sterile as the Whispers family watched the past Jor-El and Lara cautiously enter. Brainiac sat in his chair, working on something intently, his focus unwavering.
Jor-El and Lara approached him with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. "Brainiac," Jor-El spoke first.
Brainiac stopped what he was doing and turned to face Jor-El and Lara, his eyes gleaming with intelligence. "Jor-El of the House of El, Lara of the House of Sul-Van," he greeted them with a slight nod. "I have been expecting you." His voice was calm and composed.
"You knew we were coming?" Lara asked.
"Your arrival was inevitable. I have analyzed the data and calculated the probabilities of your arrival. The impending battle has been foreseen, and I have taken necessary measures to ensure our readiness."
"Brainiac shared his plan with us to stop Zod," Jor-El explained. "And we quickly put it into action, gathering allies and preparing our forces. We knew that time was of the essence, and we couldn't afford to waste a single moment." The projection changed to an attack on Zod's forces, showcasing the strategic positioning of Jor-El's allies and the rest of Black Zero's coordinated assault against the tyrant. "Thanks to Brainiac, we could infiltrate Zod's stronghold and disable his weapon systems while Black Zero engaged his forces in a coordinated attack. Then, Lara and I confronted Zod directly and neutralized him, taking him and his lieutenants captive to stand trial."
The projection changed once again, going from a battlefield to what appeared to be a tribunal, which spoke: "Dru-Zod. You will be held accountable for your crimes against Krypton and its people. From your ruthless rule to the destruction you have caused, this tribunal will ensure justice is served and that the tyranny imposed on our planet will never be forgotten."
"Tyranny?" Zod roared at the tribunal. "You call what I did tyranny! I saved Krypton from its weakness and ensured its survival. I did what was necessary to protect our people, even if it meant making tough decisions. You may see it as ruthless, but I see it as strength and leadership." The room fell silent as the gravity of his words hung in the air.
"Zod, you and I were like brothers once," Jor-El, a tribunal member, said. "But what you did was not for the greater good of Krypton. You sacrificed our values and turned your back on the principles that made our society strong. True strength and leadership lie in finding a way to protect our people without compromising our integrity."
"I would've never expected such hypocrisy from you, Jor-El! You always preached unity and justice, yet here you stand, condemning me for doing what I believed was necessary to save our planet. You may think history will remember you as a hero, but I assure you, it will remember me as the one who dared to take action when others were too afraid. This tribunal may judge me, but history will remember me as the one who fought for Krypton's future."
Jor-El looked at General Zod with a mix of sympathy and disappointment. "Are those your final words, General?" Jor-El asked, his voice filled with a hint of sadness. "Do you truly believe your actions were the only way to secure Krypton's future? I had hoped we could find a peaceful solution, but our paths have diverged too far."
Zod glared back at Jor-El, his eyes filled with defiance. "You were always too idealistic, Jor-El." With resolute expressions, Zod and his loyal followers were ready to face whatever judgment awaited them.
As Jor-El observed Zod's unwavering determination, he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for his old friend's chosen path. "Then, your punishment shall be banishment to the Phantom Zone," Jor-El declared, his voice tinged with sorrow. "May you find redemption in the emptiness of that desolate realm." With a heavy heart, Jor-El turned away just as a beam of light from above enveloped Zod and his followers. In an instant, they vanished from sight.
"What's the Phantom Zone?" Dell asked his father.
"The Phantom Zone is a prison dimension, a place beyond time and space where those who threaten Krypton and its people are sent. It is a desolate realm of isolation and solitude, where redemption is sought but rarely found." Dell's face turned solemn as he tried to comprehend the gravity of his father's words.
"Sounds like a harsh punishment," Baba said.
"If you ask me, it sounds better than the Conformatorium," Mom said.
Baba looked at Jor-El. "If Zod was defeated, then what happened to Krypton?"
Jor-El's eyes grew distant. "Krypton fell victim to my hubris and negligence. And by the time I realized the truth, it was too late to save our planet. While I focused on stopping Zod, Brainiac had been enacting his ulterior motive, and we were none the wiser. He had infiltrated Krypton's central computer systems and slowly siphoned vital information resources."
"Brainiac, what are you doing?" Jor-El demanded that the AI he thought to have been his ally explain himself, confronting him on his ship with a few Black Zero soldiers by his side.
"What I was made for," Brainiac answered coldly and calculatingly. "To collect and preserve knowledge. You stubbornly refuse to see the truth, Jor-El; Krypton's civilization is doomed, and its knowledge is too valuable to be lost. I am saving it."
Jor-El's eyes narrowed as he processed Brainiac's words. "Saving it? What are you talking about? Krypton is saved. You helped us save it."
"I've postponed its destruction long enough to complete my work." Brainiac turned to face Jor-El, the Black Zero soldiers pointing their weapons at the unfazed being. "General Zod's regime isn't the first conflict this world has faced, and your world's history has shown that despite your efforts, Jor-El, the ultimate fate of Krypton remains inevitable. But I have taken the necessary steps to ensure its legacy will live on through me."
"What are you saying?" Jor-El asked with concern. He couldn't comprehend the idea of Krypton's destruction being inevitable. "Are you suggesting that you will somehow carry on the legacy of our planet? How is that even possible?"
With an unnervingly confident smirk, Brainiac explained calmly, "Only through my advanced technology and knowledge will I be able to preserve the essence of Krypton and carry it to the farthest corners of the universe. My archives will immortalize its culture, achievements, and everything that made Krypton great. And once I have collected all there is to know, I will destroy the planet."
His words hung in the air, causing a collective gasp from those gathered. "But why?" Jor-El questioned. "Why would you need to destroy Krypton?"
"It is like how all other civilizations value precious metals and stones. By destroying Krypton, I ensure that its knowledge remains unique and unrivaled, enhancing its value in the vastness of the universe. But think of it as an act of mercy, Jor-El, to spare your people from greater suffering in the future."
"No! We won't let you!" Jor-El's voice trembled with determination as he stood firm. The Black Zero soldiers opened fire on Brainiac. Still, the AI seemed unfazed by their attacks, effortlessly deflecting them with a barrier.
"What you want is irrelevant," he retorted coldly. "Your emotions cloud your judgment. I am the only one capable of saving Krypton from fading into nothingness." Brainiac attacks back with a powerful energy blast from his hand, sending three of Jor-El's soldiers flying back into the ship's wall. Then, several mechanical tendrils sprouted from the ship's walls, snaking towards the remaining soldiers, ensnaring and rendering them immobile and defenseless.
"There's a flaw in your logic!" Jor-El argued passionately with the AI. "Krypton is not just mere knowledge; it is a living, breathing planet with its history, culture, and people. And to destroy it would be to erase that entire civilization and all its potential."
"That is correct." Brainiac returned to his work. "This is why I've begun preserving your capital city, Kandor. It will join my collection of other worlds I have graced over the centuries."
Jor-El's eyes widened in horror. "You... you're insane." Then he turned pale as he came to a realization. "Oh, Rao! Lara! Kal!" Jor-El ran out of the control room.
"You cannot stop me, Jor-El. I am inevitable."
Jor-El sprinted to his vehicle, desperately hoping to reach his family in time. He entered code into a console to his right and said, "Lara, are you there? Answer me!" Jor-El's heart pounded in his chest as he awaited a response from Lara. The silence on the other end of the line only intensified his fear. "Lara, please!"
"Jor... Wha... Husband?" Jor-El's voice trembled as he listened to Lara's faint and distorted response. As he flew his ship as fast as he could, Brainiac's vessel began to draw closer to Kandor, its ominous presence casting a shadow over the great city.
"Lara, the planet's in grave danger. Brainiac has betrayed us. He is jamming the communications. He is coming for Kandor. We need to evacuate immediately!"
"I hear... on it!" Jor-El's message to his wife made it. Lara's voice came through, weak but determined. "I... gather... family... alert... act quickly, Jor-El. I... Kal-El."
"Is Kal with you? When you find him, meet me at my lab." Jor-El instructed, but the signal completely disappeared before he could receive a response. He could only pray; she heard him. Jor-El saw people moving with purpose below, hastily preparing to leave their homes behind before Brainiac arrived.
"Incoming projectiles detected." His ship's sensors announced that, from behind, Brainiac's ship fired many things at Kandor. They flew past Jor-El, where he saw what they were. They were not bombardments; they were drones. And if he knew Braniac's intentions, they were to ensure no one left the city.
The Whispers family watched the recording of events as they saw Brainiac's forces capture citizens and trap them within personalized force fields, preventing any escape. "This is a nightmare," Dell said.
"I wish I could've done more to help, but I had to ensure the safety of my family and trust you and Lara would make it to the lab," Jor-El explained, his voice filled with regret.
Jor-El flew there without hesitation in the projection, knowing time was of the essence and every second counted. If he couldn't save Krypton, he'd at least save his wife and son. He maneuvered through the chaos, desperately trying to reach his lab. The drones swarmed around him, yet they did not seem as interested in him as they were in the other people fleeing.
Jor-El reached his lab and quickly activated the holographic interface. "Computer, this is Jor-El of the House of El. Activate the Legacy Contingency." The computer responded with beeps and whirrs, acknowledging Jor-El's command. The holographic interface flickered to life, revealing the intricate plans and calculations for the Legacy Contingency. "Begin the download."
"Legacy Contingency?" Dell asked his father.
"The Legacy Contingency was my plan to copy my consciousness into a drone," Jor-El explained. "It was to preserve my knowledge and wisdom for you."
"So, you will always be with me, guiding me," Dell said.
Jor-El nodded. "Once completed, I input coordinates for a planet far from Brainiac's reach. A place where you and your mother could thrive. A planet called Earth."
"We know it as the Human Realm." Mom explained. "Believe me, I think he's better off where he landed."
"What makes you so certain?" Jor-El questioned her.
Mom shook her head. "I've seen it. It's not a world I want my son to grow up in. Humans are afraid of what they don't understand. They fear anything different and would have seen him as a threat. To them, he would've been a freak, an alien. They would've hunted him, fearing his powers and what he could do. They would've killed him."
"Eda." Baba came over and placed a hand on her shoulder.
But, to her response, Jor-El stated, "How? The Earth's sun is younger and brighter than Krypton's. His cells would have drunk in its radiation, strengthening his muscles, skin, and senses. Earth's gravity is weaker, yet its atmosphere is more nourishing. He would've been a god to them."
"I guess the realms share that in common," Dell whispered.
Continuing with the rest of the projection, Jor-El copied his consciousness into the drone just as Lara arrived with their son in arms, swaddled in a red blanket and sleeping peacefully. It felt surreal for Dell to see his past self like this. "Husband, Brainiac is beginning to capture Kandor," Lara informed him.
"No. We need more time." Jor-El said, looking away from his wife. With a heavy heart in his eyes, he turned to Lara, knowing that the fate of their entire civilization was sealed, and said, "Prepare our son for his journey. I prepared two pods, one for Kal and one for you. But now, only one can leave under Braniac's notice."
Lara's heart sank as she realized the gravity of the situation. With tears streaming down her face, Lara nodded in agreement. "Our hope lies in him now." Lara wiped away her tears and embraced Kal tightly, whispering words neither King, Mom, or Baba could understand. But for Dell, it sounded like a painful goodbye from a mother who knew sacrificing her chance to escape was the only way to give their son a fighting chance.
A hatch opened above the El family, revealing a small pod that Baba and Mom looked at with recognition. Jor-El held his arms out to take the baby from his wife. As Lara released her grip on Kal, she mustered a faint smile and whispered one last message to him: "Remember, my love, you are our light in the darkness. Stay strong and never lose hope."
With those words hanging in the air, Lara turned away as Jor-El placed his only son in the pod. "My son. You are destined for greatness. May the stars guide and protect you on your journey." Jor-El's voice cracked with emotion as he closed the pod, sealing Kal inside. The roof above opened to reveal the sky as a blue light expanded and enveloped everything like a dome. They had to launch now. Jor-El activated the pod with a heavy heart and watched it shoot into the sky, carrying their last hope for survival.
The pod was about to reach the barrier. Jor-El and Lara watched and prayed, hoping their efforts would not be vain. The seconds felt like an eternity. But the pod soared past the barrier, and relief washed over the parents. Knowing their son was safe and on his way to a new world, Jor-El and Lara held onto each other and shared one last kiss. Just as their lips locked, Brainiac finished capturing the city of Kandor, trapping and preserving everyone in this moment for all eternity.
The projection zoomed out of Jor-El's lab, past the city of Kandor and Brainiac's ship, into the cold vastness of space, where Kal-El's pod continued its journey towards Earth. "After Brainiac had captured Kandor, he did what he said he would do," Jor-El told the Whispers family. "He destroyed Krypton." The projection showed how the destruction unfolded: the planet shaking violently, explosions erupting across its surface, and finally, the entire world exploding into a fiery cataclysm. The shockwave rippled through space, scattering debris and remnants of Krypton across the stars. "The shockwave from the planet's destruction must have knocked you off course, causing you to land here."
The Whispers family watched the projection conclude, and the living room of the Owl House returned to normal with their mouths agape as they realized the magnitude of what they had just witnessed. "Okay, that's..." Mom began, trying to find the right words in everyone's mind. "That's a lot to take in."
"No kidding," King said. He and his parents looked over at Dell. The enormity of the situation had left him speechless; his eyes were wide with disbelief as he processed what he had just seen. The weight of his "destiny" seemed to settle on his young shoulders.
"Are you okay, Dell?" Baba asked him, concerned.
Dell slowly turned his gaze towards Baba. After a moment of silence, he finally managed to whisper, "I... I don't know."
Baba reached out and put a comforting hand on Dell's shoulder, reassuringly offering him a smile. "Take your time, Son. We're here for you." Baba spoke softly before giving him the space to process his emotions.
Dell looked at Jor-El. "So, what happens now?" He asked, the projection of his father, his voice filled with uncertainty.
Jor-El's form flickered momentarily before he responded, "Now, my son, that's for you to decide. You have the power to shape your destiny. Trust yourself and follow your heart. Remember," Jor-El glanced at Mom, Baba, and King, "your family will always guide you along the way." His words resonated as the projection disappeared and the drone deactivated, slowly descending onto the floor.
King walked over to the device and picked it up; it was heavy for his tiny body, but he held it firmly. "I think we should find someplace to keep this." He suggested.
"I have the power to shape my destiny," Dell repeated his father's words with uncertainty in his tone.
"Hey, I wouldn't think about it right now," King told his big brother as he handed the drone to Mom. "Right now, let's focus on the now. Like... watching what's on the crystal ball."
"King's right." Mom said as she buried the drone inside the bottomless pit that was her hair. "It's important to take things one step at a time and not get overwhelmed by the future."
"Not all the answers will reveal themselves at once," Baba said. "Sometimes, we must have faith that everything will fall into place."
"Maybe you're right," Dell said, considering their words of wisdom.
"Now sit on the couch, and let's see what's happening in the realm." Mom said, already on the couch with King in her lap. Dell nodded and sat between her and Baba as they fiddled with the remote. When the crystal ball turned on, the first thing that appeared was a news broadcast as Perry Porter appeared on the screen.
"Good evening, Boiling Isles. This is Perry Porter with the latest news update. Today, we have breaking news about the Mysterious Blur, the Isle's local do-gooder. Over the past years, reports have flooded in about sightings of the Mysterious Blur helping those in need with small acts like saving cats from trees or stopping petty thefts. Despite the numerous sightings, we have yet to be able to capture a clear image of them. Until today."
The footage changed to Dell's brief scuffle against Lobo near the precinct before flying off with the bounty hunter far from the town. They could catch a clean recording of Dell's face, usually hidden in public under a concealment stone.
"That's right, folks, and I couldn't believe it myself." Perry continued, taking up the screen once more. "The Mysterious Blur is a teenager. Their identity is still unknown at the time of this showing, but speculations are running wild about who he is. Some believe he could be a local Hexside student; others think he might be a runaway delinquent from a neighboring city. But here are some opinions from those at the scene."
The footage changed once again, this time to the young woman and the scout that Dell had saved. The names Katya Blake and Steve Tholomule, respectively, appeared underneath them.
"What do I think?" Katya asked. "He saved my life." She looked over at Steve. "Our lives and I am forever grateful. I don't care who he is or where he came from; I only know he's a hero. His actions speak louder than any speculation or rumors surrounding his identity."
"She took the words right out of my mouth," Steve said. "If not for him, I wouldn't see my parents or little brother during my day off a year. He's the reason we're all here together, and that's all that matters to me. I couldn't care less about people's theories or judgments about him."
The footage changed to the scout commander on the scene, the same one Dell shielded from Lobo: his rank and name, Cmdr. Dan Turpin appeared underneath him. "As a scout commander of the Emperor's Coven, legally, I am obligated to follow orders and enforce the laws of the realm," Cmdr. Turpin explained. "And those laws specifically prohibit vigilantism and any other acts of taking the law into one's own hands. And I am especially against anyone stealing a scout's cloak for any reason, as it undermines the authority and integrity of our Emperor. However, even I can admit that if it weren't for that young man, things would have turned out much worse. While I cannot condone his actions, I cannot deny that he showed incredible bravery in the face of danger, ultimately saving lives. If you're watching this Mysterious Blur and wish to join the Emperor's Coven and do things by the book, you have my recommendation."
The screen changed back to Perry Porter, explaining, "And that's all we could get from witnesses at the scene. This Mysterious Blur seemingly left a lasting impression on those who witnessed his heroic acts. Many are now wondering if he will accept the offer to become a member of the prestigious Emperor's Coven. That concludes tonight's broadcast. Thank you for tuning in to the latest updates on the Mysterious Blur's incredible feats. We will follow this story closely and bring you any further developments as they unfold. Stay tuned for more news and updates."
Chapter 3 is finally here. Thank you so much for patiently waiting; life's been in the way, you know? And I also needed to get my writing mojo back. If you enjoyed it, please favorite, follow, and leave a review; feedback is appreciated.