The sky stretched wide and open around them, the air crisp and bright as Kara soared above Metropolis. Wind rushed past her ears, tugging at her hair, but she barely noticed, too focused on staying steady.

Jon flew beside her like he was born to it, rolling lazily through the air, arms crossed behind his head. It looked so easy for him. Every movement was natural, effortless. He didn't even have to think about it.

Kara, on the other hand, had to think about everything. The angle of her arms, the way she tilted her body. Too much, and she'd end up spiralling sideways. Too little, and she'd drop lower without meaning to.

"Relax," Jon said, grinning as he twisted mid-air and started flying backward like it was the simplest thing in the world. "You're all stiff. Flying's supposed to be fun."

She huffed, trying to adjust the way she hovered. "Is work when brain not knowing what body is doing."

Jon tilted his head. "You'll get it," He said easily. "Dad taught you the basics, right?"

She huffed. "Kal teach me, but I still-" Her hand waved vaguely as she tried to find the words. "Stopping hard. Turning hard. Always go too fast or too slow."

Jon nodded. "Yeah, okay," He pointed toward the city below. "Wanna try weaving through the buildings? Might help you learn turning?"

Kara frowned at the skyline. Tall glass towers, narrow streets, so many things to crash into. Her stomach tightened. "Bad idea."

"Only if you hit something," Jon grinned in amusement. It took Kara a short moment to realise he was making a joke. "You just need more training. That's all."

A frown tugged at her lips. "I trained on Krypton. Am aca- academ- academ?…" The English word was on the tip of her tongue, but she lost it. "Am scientist. Train mind for knowledge. Not… this. She gestured vaguely at the sky, at her own awkward posture.

Her stomach dropped as she realised she was once again tilting sideways again. Gritting her teeth, she flailed for balance, nearly overcorrecting before catching herself.

Jon helped her flip right-side up again, watching her struggle with a concerned tilt to his head. "Come on, I had trouble too. Mom freaked when I started floating in my sleep. Sent me to Grandpa's farm for, like, a month so I wouldn't set the house on fire."

Kara blinked. "Floating in sleep?"

"Yeah. And the heat vision? Total nightmare." He shuddered. "Woke up once and nearly melted my bed."

A small, surprised laugh bubbled up in Kara's throat. "This… happen when how old?"

Jon thought for a moment. "Uh… last year? So six?

She stared. "You have year practice."

"Two years," He grinned. "You've had, what, a month? You'll get better!" His expression brightened. "Oh! Have you tried X-ray vision yet?"

She blinked. "What?"

Jon stared at her. "…You don't know you have X-ray vision?"

Confusion flickered across her face. "I can do that?"

"Oh, oh!" He beamed, getting excited all over again. "Okay, wow, we have so much to cover."

Kara stared at Jon, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You joke."

"Nope!" Jon grinned, tapping his temple. "X-ray vision, super hearing, cold breath. You totally have it. Dad says all Kryptonians under a yellow sun do."

"Freeze breath?"

"Yeah! You can, like, freeze stuff." He took a deep breath, then exhaled sharply. The air before him shimmered, frost forming in the shape of his breath before vanishing into the wind. "See?"

Kara's mouth opened, then closed again. Jon kept going, listing things she didn't even realise she had. Microscopic vision. Super breath. Kara listened, overwhelmed but fascinated.

She drifted for a moment, watching Jon fly with the kind of ease she could only dream of. He made it look effortless, like breathing. Kara was still figuring out what her body could even do. But at least she wasn't alone.

She smiled to herself. Back on Krypton, she had no siblings. No cousins her age. But here, she had Kal. She had Jon. Both were still out of her age group. But it was nice.

"I like having nephew," She said aloud, glancing at Jon. "You help. Teach me."

"Well, yeah!" Jon grinned. "We gotta stick together, right?"

She nodded, then sighed. "Wish I meet more like us. Others learning powers. Maybe Kal have more secret family?" Kara chuckled at the joke.

Jon snorted. "More surprise Kryptonians?"

"Maybe," Kara said, amused.

He laughed, but after a second, his face shifted in thought. "Well… there is Conner."

Kara perked up. "Conner?"

"Yeah, he's kinda like my brother. But, uh… not exactly." Kara frowned at his statement and Jon rubbed the back of his head. "It's complicated. He's, uh… Dad's clone."

She blinked. That couldn't be right. Kryptonian cloning was… illegal. No, worse- it was sacrilege. The only clones ever made on Krypton weren't considered real people. Soulless. Empty. Used for organ replacement, then discarded.

Her stomach twisted at the thought.

"Conner lives in San Francisco," Jon added. "With the Titans. Him and Dad… they don't always get along."

Kara wanted to ask more. What kind of person was Conner? Did he think like a Kryptonian? Did he know how his existence would've been seen on Krypton?

Before she could speak, a distant boom shattered the air. Then another. Sharp cracks of gunfire followed, echoing between the buildings below.

Kara's head snapped toward the city. Jon tensed beside her.

Something was very, very wrong.

"Crime?"

"Probably," Jon's expression was serious now, the easy joy from before fading. He exhaled, glancing toward the city. "I, uh… I can't go. Mom and Dad say I'm not ready yet. No hero stuff 'til I'm older."

Kara nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with that. Her first thought was to fly the boy home, focusing on her family's safety over any incident taking place in the city.

Jon looked at her, suddenly hopeful. "But you could do it."

"Me!?" Kara's stomach twisted.

Jon nodded. "Dad's off-world with League work. Someone's gotta help, right?"

Her hands clenched at her sides. She wasn't Superman. She wasn't even close. But the sirens wailed out as voices cried out for help below.

She took a steadying breath, then she flew toward the city.

The city streets were chaos.

Flashing traffic lights blinked erratically, horns blared as cars screeched to avoid collisions, and storefronts flickered as their electrical signs overloaded. Overhead cables snapped, arcing with energy.

Kara took it all in with wide eyes as she descended, landing hard enough to crack the pavement beneath her. Her nerves buzzed, but she straightened her shoulders, trying to look as confident as Kal always did.

Then, she spotted the source of the destruction.

A woman stood at the center of the street, electricity crackling between her fingers. Pale blue skin and short white hair that spiked upward. She wore a smug grin as she watched the city fall into chaos around her, the glow of static energy pulsing in her palms.

Kara didn't know who she was. But everything about her screamed danger.

Swallowing, she stepped forward. "Stop."

The woman turned lazily toward her, raising an unimpressed brow. "Oh, finally. I was wondering when Big Blue would show up." She flicked a spark between her fingers, unconcerned. "Took you long enough."

Kara faltered. She's expecting Kal.

The woman's sharp eyes flicked over her, and her grin widened. "Wait a second… You're not him."

Kara clenched her fists. "I- I stop you."

The villain snorted. "Oh, honey. No, you won't."

And before Kara could react, a bolt of lightning shot straight at her.

Pain exploded across her body. Kara gasped, staggering backward as her nerves burned. Her muscles locked, seizing up from the sudden charge.

The woman, whoever she was, laughed. "What, first time getting zapped? Hate to break it to ya, sweetheart, but Superman usually shrugs this off."

Kara barely heard her. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stand. Her skin still tingled, but she pushed past the pain. She had to stop this.

Lifting off the ground, she rushed forward, throwing a punch-

The blue woman smirked, dodging with ease. She surged past Kara in a blur of electricity, reappearing behind her. "Too slow."

Something slammed into Kara's back, sending her crashing into a car. Metal crunched under her weight as she groaned, disoriented.

Too fast. She's too fast.

A scream ripped through the air. Civilians. Kara's head snapped up. In the chaos, a mother clutched her child, frozen in fear as a stray jolt was sparking toward them.

Kara moved.

She blurred in front of them just in time, taking the hit herself. The electricity sent another shockwave of pain through her, but she gritted her teeth, standing her ground.

The mother grabbed her child and ran. Kara exhaled, relieved. But when she turned back to woman, her patience was gone.

Anger flared.

She launched herself forward, faster, hitting harder. Her punch sent the villain skidding back and forming into pure energy for a moment. The villain reformed with a wicked grin. "Oh, so you do have some fight in you after all."

Kara didn't reply. She swung again. Faster, sharper. The villain dodged, but barely. The street cracked under Kara's force.

She felt the heat rise in her eyes.

Her anger surged, her vision blurring red. She could feel the heat vision burning behind her gaze, begging to be unleashed. She clenched her jaw, struggling to keep it in check.

Focus, control it-

The woman smirked. "Oh, this is fun."

Another bolt. This one stronger. Kara flinched, barely blocking in time. The electricity still burned.

She gritted her teeth. Too much. Too fast. She wasn't winning.

Her mind raced. What would Kal do? How did he fight enhanced people and protect the city while keeping himself in control?

Kara barely had time to catch her breath before another surge of electricity crackled through the air. She twisted, but the bolt still clipped her shoulder, sending a sharp jolt of pain down her arm. She staggered back, gritting her teeth as her muscles twitched.

The villain, still smirking, tilted her head. "Huh. Tougher than I thought." Sparks danced between her fingertips as she stalked forward. "Still, I gotta wonder, what happens if I actually fry you? Think Supes would be mad if I roasted his sidekick?"

Kara forced herself to stand tall. "Not sidekick."

The woman's grin widened. "Oh, I like that fire. But seriously, what are you to him? Some kind of intern?" She flicked a stray bolt at Kara, just to watch her flinch. "Or, oh, wait. Maybe a long-lost sister?"

Kara's fists clenched, tensing as the villain raised both hands, the glow of her electricity intensifying.

The villain laughed, crackling energy coiling around her arms. "Ooooh, I hope so. That's even better. I wonder how Superman will react when he finds out I turned his baby sister into a pile of ashes."

Before she could unleash her attack a golden lasso snapped around her wrists.

The villain barely had time to yelp before she was yanked off her feet and slammed into the pavement. The electric charge around her flickered, the sudden impact breaking her focus.

A shadow fell over them.

"You fought well," A steady, commanding voice said. "But you're not ready for this fight."

Kara blinked, breath still heavy from exertion. A woman stood before her, tall and powerful, draped in crimson and gold. A golden tiara rested against her brow, dark curls flowing behind her as if caught in an unseen wind. Her armour gleamed under the flickering city lights, and in her grip, she held the glowing lasso that bound the struggling villain.

Kara could only stare.

The woman turned her attention to the pinned villain, her expression unwavering. "Stand down, Livewire."

Livewire hissed, struggling against the lasso. "Ugh, now you? I was just starting to have fun."

The warrior's eyes narrowed. "You know how this ends."

Livewire's lips curled into a snarl. Sparks flared around her-

And then, in a blur of movement.

Before Kara could process what was happening, the woman deflected a stray burst of electricity with her metal bracers, closing the distance with impossible speed. A swift strike to Livewire's midsection sent the villain reeling, and with one smooth motion, the warrior swept her legs out from under her.

Livewire hit the ground hard.

She barely had time to curse before the woman tightened the lasso around her, cutting off any attempt at retaliation.

Kara had never seen anyone fight like this before. Every movement was precise, controlled. There was no hesitation, no wasted effort. Just pure, disciplined skill.

It was over in seconds.

Livewire groaned, struggling weakly. "Ugh. Stupid magic rope…"

The warrior ignored her, securing the bindings before standing to her full height. Her piercing blue eyes met Kara's.

"You're strong," She said, her voice calm but firm. "But strength alone won't win a battle."

Kara could only nod, still processing what had just happened.

This woman, whoever she was, was incredible. She fought with the ease of someone who had done this a thousand times before. And she was beautiful.

Not just in appearance, though Kara couldn't help but notice that, too. But in the way she moved, the way she carried herself, like she belonged on the battlefield, born for it.

Kara swallowed, suddenly feeling very, very young.

"…Who are you?" She asked.

The woman studied her for a moment before offering a hand, pulling Kara back up to her feet.

"I am Diana of Themyscira." Then, after a brief pause, she added. "But you may know me as Wonder Woman."

The battle was over, but Kara's heart was still racing.

Her fists remained clenched as she surveyed the aftermath. Streetlights flickered erratically, cars lay abandoned in the road, and the scent of burnt metal lingered in the air. Civilians peered cautiously from their hiding places, hesitant to re-enter the street.

Livewire groaned from where she lay restrained, but Kara barely noticed. Her body hummed with leftover adrenaline, her muscles coiled tight.

She had lost.

She had rushed in, thinking she could handle it, that she could be just like her cousin. Instead, Kara had nearly lost control. She had been caught off guard and reckless, too focused on striking back instead of thinking smarter.

And if Wonder Woman hadn't shown up…

Her jaw tightened.

"You're still holding tension."

Kara turned, startled. Diana stood nearby, watching her with an expression that was neither critical nor pitying. Just understanding.

She looked away, trying to steady herself. "Am fine."

"You're angry." Diana said, her gaze didn't waver even as Kara kept looking away. "At the villain, at yourself. You think you failed."

Kara exhaled sharply, turning back to the taller woman, her shoulders stiff. "I did fail."

Diana stepped closer, her voice calm but firm. "Failure isn't losing a battle. It's refusing to learn from it."

"I should have done better." Kara frowned, arms crossing in frustration.

She knew metahumans existed. Kal had explained that much to her. But she had underestimated them. She had assumed her strength, her speed, her Kryptonian physiology would be enough. Now, pain still hummed in her muscles from the electricity, and doubt gnawed at her mind. She had been careless.

Diana studied her for a moment before speaking. "This was your first real fight, wasn't it?"

Kara hesitated, then gave a small nod.

"Then you fought bravely," Diana said.

The words took Kara by surprise. Coming from a warrior like Diana, the compliment felt… real. Earned. A small, warm flicker lit in her chest. But it was gone just as quickly when Diana's proud tone shifted, becoming serious.

"But bravery without control can be dangerous."

Kara's fists clenched again. "Am not warrior," She argued. "I never want fight. Am… academic." The word finally came to her, though she said it wrong in her accent.

Diana tilted her head slightly. "You believe that being a scholar and being a warrior are separate things?"

Kara exhaled sharply. "Yes! They are." She gestured at herself, then Diana. "You are warrior. I- was trained for science. Discovery. My life… before…" She faltered for a second but quickly recovered. "Before this. Was not like Kal's."

Diana nodded, but her expression remained firm. "And yet, here you stand. In the middle of a battlefield."

Kara's jaw tightened. "Is not choice."

"Isn't it?" Diana studied her carefully. Kara opened her mouth, but Diana continued. "You had every reason to run. You could have left this fight to someone else. But you stayed. You fought."

Struggling to find the words, Kara looked away.

Diana softened, but her conviction didn't waver. "There is no shame in being a scientist, Kara. But do not mistake yourself for something you are not. You stepped into battle because you could not stand by while others suffered. That is a warrior's heart."

"No…" Kara flinched. Warriors had their purpose on Krypton, in times of crisis. But they were also people of pain and violence. Kara wanted no part in that, she was not a-

Diana took a step forward. "It is not an insult," She placed a hand on Kara's shoulder, grounding but not forceful. "You think I fight because I like war?" She shook her head. "No. I fight because I must. Because the world needs me to."

Kara stared at her, breathing unevenly.

"You have a warrior's spirit," Diana said. "But no training. That is why you lost today."

"I don't want to be warrior." Kara grumbled. Diana frowned at her statement as Kara doubled down. "Am scientist..."

"If that is the path the gods have set you on, then I shall not dissuade you," Diana said, arms folding as she observed Kara with a measured gaze. "But you do need control. Because one day, whether you want to or not, you will have to fight."

A lump formed in Kara's throat. She hated the truth in those words.

"Warrior or not," Diana continued, voice steady, "You must be ready."

Before Kara could respond, a sudden gust of wind sent loose debris scattering across the cracked pavement. The familiar rush of displaced air made her stomach twist even before she saw him.

Superman landed lightly nearby, cape settling around him as he scanned the aftermath. His sharp eyes flicked over the damaged street, the abandoned cars, and Livewire, still bound in Diana's glowing lasso. But when his gaze landed on Kara, it softened with concern.

"Kara."

She straightened instinctively, forcing herself to meet his eyes.

His attention shifted briefly to Diana, and his expression turned apologetic. "Sorry I'm late. Off-world diplomacy." The warmth in his voice couldn't quite mask his regret. "Thank you for stepping in."

Diana nodded. "You would have done the same."

Looking back at Kara, Clark studied her carefully. "I heard you were here first." Kara hesitated, then nodded. His expression softened, but his gaze was careful. "Are you okay?"

Kara forced a nod. "I… tried."

A small, proud smile touched his lips, but the worry in his eyes didn't fade. "That's what matters." Before he could say more, Diana spoke again.

"She has potential," She said, watching Kara closely. "But she lacks control."

Kara stiffened, but Clark didn't argue. He only sighed, exhaling through his nose as his gaze flickered to her again. "I know."

Diana met his gaze evenly. "Let me take her to Themyscira."

Kara blinked. "What?"

Diana turned fully toward her. "Come with me. Let me teach you."

The name meant nothing to her. She frowned. "What is… Themyscira?" The unfamiliar word felt clumsy on her tongue.

Clark answered before Diana could. "It's an island," He explained, voice gentler now. "Hidden from the world, home to the Amazons. It's where Diana was trained."

Kara's brow furrowed. That only made her more wary. "But- I'm not warrior."

"This isn't about war," Diana said simply. "It's about control."

Kara took a hesitant step back, away from the warrior woman.

Diana studied her carefully before continuing, "You rely on brute force because it comes naturally. But it won't always be enough. Training will teach you precision. Strategy. And more importantly, it will teach you discipline."

The words lingered uncomfortably in Kara's mind, but before she could form a reply, Diana took a step closer. "Your emotions guide your power," she said, quieter now, but no less firm. "Today, you nearly lost control."

Kara flinched, looking away. She didn't need to be reminded.

Diana's voice remained steady. "I can help you. Before it happens again."

Kara's jaw tightened. Her gaze flickered to Clark, searching for an escape, but he didn't offer one.

For a long moment, he just watched her, thoughtful and careful, weighing his words. Then, finally, he sighed. "I won't make this decision for you."

Relief flickered through her chest. Though it was short-lived.

"But," He added, meeting her eyes, "I think Diana's right."

Her shoulders slumped.

"She's not asking you to become a warrior," Clark said gently. Kara was feeling otherwise. "She's offering to help you control the power you already have. And I think it's a good opportunity that I can't give you myself."

Kara pressed her lips together. She didn't want to fight. She wasn't a soldier. She was meant to study, to explore, to discover.

But Diana was right in one regard. This would happen again, eventually. It wasn't in Kara's nature to sit back when she knew she could help. And if more maniacs attacked the city…

Slowly, she exhaled and looked back at Diana. "…How long?"

A small, knowing smile tugged at the Amazon's lips. "As long as it takes."

Kara sighed, hesitating before giving a reluctant nod. "…Fine."

Diana's smile widened ever so slightly.

Clark placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You'll be okay. I trust her with my life."

With a reluctant sigh, Kara glanced at Clark one last time. His reassuring nod did little to ease the weight settling in her chest.

She wasn't ready for this. She wasn't even sure she wanted this. But after today, pretending she didn't need the help wasn't an option. Clark could only be around so much, and Jon was too young to teach her this.

Diana turned, expecting her to follow. After a brief hesitation, Kara took to the sky. Following closely behind the warrior woman.

She didn't know what awaited her on Themyscira. Only that there was no turning back now.