Chapter 21

The mid-morning's artificial red sun shone brightly as Valia and Kal-El approached Kandor's most spectacular natural wonder, the Fire Falls. The Fire Falls were located just outside the city limits away from homes and buildings and abutted the dome covering the city. A broad, reddish colored volcano rose up some sixty feet toward the pink sky. What appeared to be liquid fire spilled from the craggy opening at the top, rolled slowly down the volcano's sides, and slid into a deep trench at the bottom. A low metal railing kept people from straying too close.

Valia leaned on the railing beside Kal-El, her arm lightly touching his. "It's much more spectacular at night," she said, wishing he could stay longer and she could bring him back at night.

Kal-El, for his part, was glad Dora had insisted he see the city. The Fire Falls truly were magnificent and he fully realized this might be the one and only time he saw what remained of his home world. It would have been a shame to miss this opportunity.

Side-eyeing Valia, he said, "This is the second beautiful wonder I have seen on Kandor."

Valia's brow rose in question. This was the first place she'd taken him, not the second. "What was the first?" she asked quite puzzled.

"You." He turned to her with a smile and her cheeks flushed a bright pink. He'd embarrassed her. Something he hadn't meant to do. He turned back to the falls still smiling.

Kal-El's compliment had caught Valia off guard and her cheeks were hot. How silly she felt at her response, but also delighted to know he found her attractive. From under her dark lashes she peeked at him. He was still looking at the falls, taking in their beauty and grandeur.

"I hope you have enjoyed your stay on Kandor," she finally said as she could think of nothing else appropriate to say.

Kal-El kept his eyes on the Fire Falls. "Yes, I have. I especially enjoyed the massage last night." He turned slightly to look at her. Was she blushing again? He really wasn't trying to embarrass her, but he did want her to know how he felt. He waited until her eyes met his. "I slept very well."

Valia's mind raced. Had he heard her when she turned out the light? Sleep well, Kal-El. Was he awake when she'd kissed his forehead? Valia cheeks flushed again. This was getting ridiculous. She looked at the ground and then to the side. She desperately wanted to know if he'd been awake, but didn't want to ask, at least not now. She'd have to wait for the right time.

Kal-El's deep voice interrupted her thoughts, "I believe you wanted to show me the Flame Forest?"

A short while later found the couple strolling through a bright red and orange forest. Colorful birds flew overhead filling the air with their songs. Squirrel-like creatures and other small animals scampered across the forest floor and up the bright red tree trunks. A gentle breeze rustled the deep-orange leaves.

"The forests on Earth have red and orange leaves only in the fall," Kal-El said as he watched one squirrel-like animal chase another.

"The Flame Forest remains this color all year," Valia informed him. "But the trees do lose their leaves in winter. I think the contrast of the red tree trunks against the white snow is very beautiful."

As the couple strolled through the forest, Kal-El opened up to Valia, telling her of his life on Earth. He told her about his Earth parents and discovering his powers. He told her of becoming a hero and having a secret identity, how he spent five years searching for the remains of Krypton and only found scattered debris. He told her of his son and the broken relationship with Lois.

Valia noted Kal-El's pained expression when he spoke of Lois. Valia had also observed the pride mixed with worry when Kal-El spoke of his son. She realized his life on Earth, despite his many powers, had not been easy. On a daily basis, he sacrificed a great deal to help others. She sensed a loneliness in him, that at some level, he felt distant from humans. He was not one of them, yet he would protect them at all costs.

Valia told Kal-El about her father's death when she was only eight years old. She explained how her father, Val-Lor, had been killed trying to use the portal to summon help from another world. Val-Lor had always felt responsible for Kandor's capture since he had been part of the team that created Brainiac. However, Valia and most Kandorians never blamed him, instead he was remembered as a hero. Because of her father and his untimely death, Valia had dedicated her life to developing technology to defeat Brainiac and free Kandor.

It was nearing noon when the couple came to the edge of the forest. Tall crystalline buildings stood in the distance. A gentle wind stirred the bright tree leaves behind the couple and filled the air with a soft rustle. The morning had passed much too quickly. This was a day Kal-El would treasure forever.

Kal-El wasn't ready to leave the tranquility of the forest. He'd enjoyed Valia's company and they had shared so much in such a short period of time.

Kal-El and Valia stood side-by-side, viewing the city. Valia pointed out several buildings and told Kal-El their history. The breeze blew a few strands of her hair against Kal-El's arm and cheek. The silky strands stroked his skin like a gentle caress. The scent of Valia's perfume also traveled on the breeze. It was a scent Kal-El would never forget.

He turned to Valia and took her hands in his. He bowed his head and looked into her eyes. He spoke with reverence and heartfelt warmth, "Thank you for showing me Kandor. I'll never forget this day or you."

"Nor will I." Emotions threatened to overwhelm Valia. "It's been an honor to show you our city." She wished this moment could stretch and last forever. However, she sensed in her heart that Kal-El would never be a part of Kandor or her life. He belonged to another world—Earth. Earth was his true home.