Chapter Text
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“On the day the Gjallarhorn is blown, it will wake the gods, no matter where they are, no matter how deeply they sleep.
Heimdall will blow Gjallarhorn only once, at the end of all things, Ragnarök.”
― Neil Gaiman, Norse Mythology
………………….
We begin on the afternoon of the day of Krypton’s end
Doomsday Clock: T-Minus 6 hours
Location: Krypton – The Wilds, deep in the deadly mountains of the Kahalon Range
Kara Zor-El slipped, and for a few terrifying seconds her body dangled precariously over the endless expanse of open-air and rolling red-tinged clouds beneath her.
“Shisir!” She cursed under her breath.
Kara had been scaling the sheer face of the vast mountain for hours - and the strain was showing. The only daughter of the House of El was in peak physical condition and an experienced climber, but the young Kryptonian was reaching her limits.
Battered by high winds, she clung desperately by only her fingertips to a crack in the massive wall of crystal shards and black ice as her toes sought a tenuous purchase.
“Come on… just a little further… we can do it.” She whispered under her breath, her words a whisper.
She tried not to look down but failed miserably as she struggled for a foothold - closing her eyes tight as her stomach involuntarily lurched after just one glimpse below.
Oh, Rao, that’s a long way down!
Thanks to the protections her life-long Companion and spiritual sister, Shatari, provided her, Kara knew that a fall from even such a great height posed her little physical danger. That said, the knowledge still didn’t help her fear of failure, or more accurately, knowing the price she would pay if she let go.
No, I can’t fail!
As the determined girl attempted to regain her grip, shards of the razor-sharp outcropping sliced through the flexible glove that protected her left hand. The pain was excruciating as the unyielding ice bit deep into the flesh and muscle of her fingers.
“Ancestors!” She cried out - the bitter, howling wind carrying her voice away.
Still, despite the stabbing pain, the young Kryptonian didn’t let go, and by the time she’d safely repositioned herself on the cliff face could feel blood running freely down her arm and side under the thick jacket of her Ka’dah.
Fortunately, a warm, tingling sensation had already begun stirring deep in the tissue and muscles of her injured fingers. Shatari, whose physical form was the living garments Kara wore, had already started the process of healing her.
Thank you, sister, Kara’s grateful thoughts mingled with her Companion’s loving ones as her torn glove reformed around her aching fingers and the throbbing began to subside.
Before restarting her arduous climb, she took a few moments to center her breathing, seeking calm as she reflected on the moments that had led up to her decision to journey so deep into The Wilds on her impulsive, self-appointed mission in the first place.
………………….
That morning, five hours earlier
Doomsday Clock: T-Minus 11 hours
Location: The Spire, Kara’s family’s ancestral home within the Jeweled Mountains of Krypton
All of Krypton was celebrating; its unsuspecting populace assembling from across all of the far-flung worlds of the Protectorate (the vast military/peacekeeping alliance that Kara’s people had led for thousands of years). Like moths to a flame, they were gathering in a grand pilgrimage to their doomed homeworld.
When we all should be fleeing from it! Kara thought with exasperation.
She, her aunt and uncle, parents, and a few others within the Science Guild knew their planet was about to be obliterated. Still, Krypton’s ruling body, The Council, had used their absolute power to silence them as well as any meaningful dissent.
By law, none could even speak of the matter until a Conclave appointed by The Council had reviewed their findings. This political move had then been bogged down in procedural maneuverings until after the planned celebration, as intended by The Council - but by then, it would be too late.
All out of hubris. The Council, of course, was never wrong.
Kara had only found out about the dire news herself a few days prior, and her life had become an emotional rollercoaster because of it. Her time since had been filled with fear, secrecy, loss, and a feeling of absolute powerlessness as the end approached.
Everything seemed out of her control.
So, of course, Kara being Kara, she’d ultimately decided that she couldn’t just sit idly by and do nothing.
Okay, maybe sneaking past the fortress-like defenses of her home, The Spire, that morning after arguing with her parents, had been a bit spontaneous. And then stealing an ice skimmer, dropping off the Grid, and disappearing into the most treacherous place on the planet with Jor-El’s doomsday clock swiftly counting down to zero had been a rash and extremely spur-of-the-moment decision.
But no one was listening to her or considering her ideas anyway, and Kara had made up her mind that she had to act.
And as everyone knew, Els could be (slash, were) stubborn.
Despite the risk to her safety, retrieving a rare Nexus Crystal from The Wilds before the celebration was the one thing Kara believed she could do to help her House and her people.
Besides, it wasn’t as if she had the luxury of time to ask permission, and no one else knew The Wilds, Krypton’s untamed and treacherous wilderness where the elusive crystals grew, as well as she did.
Not that mother and father will see it that way, Kara fretted. But I have to do something!
Her last few days had been full of what seemed like nothing but quiet farewells and letting go. Only the day before, she’d said a tearful and agonizing goodbye to her first and only best friend - the fiery princess, Kori.
The pair had first met a year earlier at an elegant reception that Kara’s mother had held for the royal Tamaranian Ambassador and her people, a group of visiting dignitaries from her world. As Justice, Krypton’s highest judiciary, Alura had a special relationship with her world’s allies, many of who considered her and her family the closest thing there was to Kryptonian royalty (which was an apt comparison).
Kara had been extremely excited to attend the event. Not only because she loved her mother, Alura’s, parties were always the best (and there would be dancing!), but more so that the people of Tamaran had always fascinated her. The highly evolved race of golden-skinned feline humanoids had been staunch allies of Krypton for over three millennia. Still, until that day, the girl had never had the pleasure of having a conversation with one in person.
Princess Koriand’r was four years older than Kara (with all space-time deviations taken into account), a few inches taller, smart, friendly, and stunningly beautiful. Kara would never forget how she lost the ability to breathe or speak coherently when she first saw her.
The Tamaranian royal had come to Krypton as the leader of an imperial delegation seeking military resources from The Protectorate to safeguard the Tamaran Empire’s worlds and trade routes in the Vega system. An aggressive race of alien marauders known as The Citadel had recently begun attacking their outpost colonies there, and they had proven to be powerful enemies.
Of course, the pair had taken to each other immediately, and Kara quickly learned that the young woman shared many of her passions, had a great sense of humor, a keen intellect, and was skilled in both diplomacy and combat.
Kori ended up besting Kara in a contest of blades, which was an unusual treat for the practiced Kryptonian. Only her Aunt Astra or someone of her caliber had the skills to show her up with a sword - that it was a royal, and someone so close to her age only piqued Kara’s interest in the Princess even more.
Though from different worlds, the pair had clicked on every level since their first meeting. The two girls shared a similar sense of adventure as well as their sunny dispositions and sincerely enjoyed each other’s company.
Over time they had become inseparable, and Kara’s admiration for the Princess was feeling a lot like something more - something definitely not platonic. This fact made her decision to break the law in an attempt to convince Kori to leave Krypton on the very cusp of what appeared to be one of its greatest achievements, only that much harder - for both of them.
But again, Kara’s mind was made up; she had to save Kori’s life, no matter what.
…………………….
The previous day
Doomsday Clock: T-Minus 28 hours
Location: Krypton – Kandor, the Tamaran embassy
Kara had secretly asked for her uncle, Jor-El’s (who could never resist his niece when she wanted something), assistance to convince Kori of their world’s impending doom. To beg her to leave the planet before the ceremony if necessary.
That’s how she found herself with him at the Tamaran embassy in Krypton’s capital of Kandor, listening to the respected scientist present his overwhelming evidence to the Princess - at great length and detail.
After nearly two hours of verbal sparring, Kori would still not agree to depart with her people until Jor-El assured her that Kara would be safe.
The usually calm man looked over at his niece with a vein pulsing on his forehead, threw up his hands (yes, he actually threw up his hands), and ground out between clenched teeth, “We have a plan. She will survive. You have my most solemn pledge on that, Princess.”
Kara became very intrigued and leaned in closer as one of Kori’s elegant brows arched with interest, the cat-like slits of her jade iris’ opening slightly. “Explain,” She commanded him. “Tell me where Kara will be after this calamity. I will have my ship waiting, or a fleet if necessary.”
Jor-El frowned, “No, no, it’s not like that. You, you can’t… I mean, look, your Highness, when Krypton falls, all of our enemies will come out of the shadows to exact vengeance on any of us who remain, especially those of the House of El.” He paused, his gaze drifting pointedly to his niece. “They will hunt, rape, murder, and enslave us as well as our allies.”
Kori cringed, glancing at Kara with a look of fear the Kryptonian had never seen before in her eyes as Jor-El continued with his onslaught. “They will scavenge whatever ruins remain of our world for any technology they can use to conquer all we have spent lifetimes safeguarding! The Protectorate will be leaderless and challenged as never before. Princess, should our great alliance collapse into chaos, or fracture completely, all worlds will be in danger - including yours.”
He paused to give the contemplative young woman a chance to consider before continuing, “Tamaran is respected, and one of Krypton’s greatest allies. You and your family will need to be the focus that holds everyone together through this darkest of times. You must protect the light that we have all only just begun to kindle into a flame. I have already sent instructions on ahead to load your starships with Kryptonian technology forbidden to outsiders that will help you and our allies. Go now, I beg you, warn your parents and your sister. Have them call an emergency meeting of the delegates before this tragedy unfolds; request assistance from The Guardians of Oa if necessary. There is still time if you hurry.
“And I implore you,” he continued, “do nothing that would lead our enemies to Kara. Where we are sending her is far off all known nav maps and trade routes. It is a sanctuary world our people have kept secret for ages, and it must remain so—a place of refuge for its own sake as well as hers. I am truly sorry, Princess, but I am bound by greater oaths than the one between us and cannot tell you for certain if she’ll be able to contact you afterward. The risk to her life, that world, and the universe is far too great.”
The Tamaranian’s eyes flashed with green fire as she growled out her frustration, revealing delicate fang-like canines, “Are you more worried about her life, old man, or your plan?”
Kara was in awe of how zealously Kori was fighting to protect her, and she found that she liked it. Very much.
What followed was an epic stare down between the older scientist and her friend that stretched for several painfully long minutes. Kara remained silent through it all, glancing back and forth between the pair to see who would back down first, and was on the edge of her seat the entire time.
She couldn’t be sure and didn’t understand all of what was transpiring between them, but there seemed to be a glimmer of admiration in her uncle’s stately gray eyes - and the hint of a grin.
At some point, Kara gasped for air after realizing that she’d forgotten to breathe.
Finally, Jor-El glanced away, shook his head, and said, “Be reasonable, Princess. Even if you took my niece with you now, the patrols would not allow your ship to depart with a Kryptonian onboard. You know as well as I that The Council has forbidden any of my people to leave until after the celebration tomorrow evening, and you can’t possibly fight your way off-world.
“Your ship would be stopped, and all of your crew detained in quarantine until after the Unbinding ceremony. You, Kara, and all of them would be dead along with everyone else on this planet when it burns,” He said, pausing briefly before adding, “With the best of intentions, you would seek to save her, but in doing so would doom her instead.”
Kori glowered at the scientist as he finally concluded, “Kara’s best chance is the plan, and we both want her safe, right?”
“Stop!” The frustrated royal slammed her fist down on the embassy’s antique desk, shattering the rare, thick wood it was crafted from as if it were made of paper.
Ancestors! Kara marveled at her strength.
Kori was quiet for a moment after that, and steadied her breathing before finally relenting,
“Fine! So be it. For Kara’s sake alone I will put my trust in you to protect her, Jor-El. But listen closely… I’ll be watching. Don’t you dare let her, me, or the Tamaran Empire down.”
Her sub-zero warning could not have been more explicit.
“I will return,” she said without waiting for his reply. The princess then offered Kara a warm, apologetic glance and a smile before turning on her elegant heel and abruptly exiting the room to speak with her gathered military commanders and staff.
Kori explained their situation, as well as her decision to withdraw all of her people from Krypton – and Kara’s eyes followed her, mesmerized. Her friend's informal but firm leadership style dazzled the young Kryptonian, who couldn’t help but notice how all of her best friend’s subordinates showed her such enthusiastic respect. No one argued with her - the embassy would be evacuated within the hour, and all of her people would then depart for their homeworld.
Kara was impressed even further when The Council’s emissary’s Avatar made an unscheduled, panicked appearance by projection to ask the Princess for a reason for her sudden request to leave only a day before The Unbinding celebration. Kori coolly cited ‘domestic security matters,’ and dismissed his sputtering solid light-form before the hapless underling could interject.
She is so strong and assured in her actions… a true leader in full command of her choices and decisions, the impressed Kryptonian mused as she watched her friend.
Kara realized, not for the first time, what she was feeling was more than friendship. Warmth crept to her cheeks and other parts of her body.
Once all the guards were out of earshot, and Kara and Jor-El were finally alone in Kori’s office, the girl leveled her gaze on her uncle - who seemed to squirm beneath her intense scrutiny.
“Tell me of this plan, ‘old man.’ Where are we going, and how will we all escape? I still don’t understand why you can’t tell her or me! We don’t keep secrets from each other or our friends, at least we never have before…”
Kara watched the stoic, bearded scientist as she waited for an answer. The poor man looked drained. As he ran one of his large hands through his thick shock of wavy black hair, she noticed for the first time that it was flecked with tiny glints of silver as if he’d noticeably aged in the past few months since all the trouble started.
He finally took a deep, calming breath and said, “It is not my place, and I’ve said too much already.” Then added with a roguish grin, “If I could have convinced your princess some other way I would have, but it’s clear who her priority is.”
As much as Kara wanted to refute him, knowing that Kori cared so much with her made her insides glow. She smiled instead, much to his surprise, and had to cover her mouth when she started to giggle.
“Regardless,” he added. “Just know that there is a plan, the best we could manage, and you will be safe if we can make it through tomorrow, I just can’t tell you where you’re going. That’s between you and your parents.”
She glared at him.
He sighed, and then opened his hands’ palms side up between them in a contrite gesture, before asking, “Can I be honest with you for a moment?”
“That’s all I’ve wanted, uncle.” The young woman crossed her arms over her chest and waited for him to speak.
“That’s a fair comment. Look, I… hmmm. I probably shouldn’t say this, but just know that if you were my daughter, I would have told you everything already and let you decide if you should include your Tamaranian in the details of our treasonous plot. I do not understand my brother or Justice’s confounding logic in complicating such matters with layers of bureaucracy.”
“Thank you!” She huffed, feeling vindicated. Kara’s affection for her uncle had gone up by a factor of ten.
Wait, he said, ‘your Tamaranian.’ Kara liked the sound of that. Her cheeks flushed, and she bit her lip to keep herself from giggling again.
Jor-El smiled and said, “My pleasure, Kara Zor-El. Shall we go see your Princess off now?”
The girl’s mood crashed as she thought of Kori leaving, but she slipped her arm in the crook of the one her uncle offered her, and off they headed to the royal docks.
As they walked, her thoughts were swirling in her mind, my Princess…
…………………….
It was not long after, beneath the smooth crystalline arch of a departure passage, held in the perfect warmth of Kori’s soft embrace and lost in the beckoning promise of her beautiful cat-like green eyes, that the Princess whispered a plea in Kara’s ear.
“Come with me,” she begged, and the Kryptonian girl’s heart broke.
Kara had never wanted anything more desperately than to say yes, but she knew The Council’s patrols would never allow them to leave if she did – and because of her, Kori would die along with all of Krypton.
Never! Her heart was beating so fast. Oh, Kori, you must live!
“I… I want to… more than anything.” Kara struggled to speak as she clung to the taller girl, her tears falling on Kori’s shoulder. “But… you heard what Jor-El said; I can’t risk going with you and putting you, or your people, in danger. And I… I can’t just abandon my world, my House. My parents, they… they need me. Please understand.” The words felt like betrayal coming out of her mouth. “I’m so sorry, Kori.”
“Don’t be.” The Princess sighed and pulled Kara against her. “I hate this, but I do understand putting obligation before your own heart. It’s something I know a little about.”
Kara had become all too aware of how amazing Kori’s skin felt as it brushed against her own, the strange fire that had been smoldering in her chest and the gentleness of her friend’s touch as she cupped Kara’s jaw and leaned in, her soft lips parting.
Oh, Rao! She’s going to…
Kara stood there, frozen, relishing the unforgettable electric tingle of her best friend’s lips as they pressed into hers (her first real kiss ever!). She shivered at the delightful taste of Kori’s tongue as they explored each other, the feel of the older girl’s warmth pressed up against her, and the feel of the smoothness of her Princess’s skin under her eager fingertips.
So soft…
Kara slowly explored the supple curves of the beautiful Tamaranian’s sides and hips as they lingered together.
When they finally parted, Kori was as breathless as Kara, who was still swaying - lost in the pleasure of the experience they’d just shared. But, as if waking from a dream, her Princess suddenly gasped and withdrew from the Kryptonian’s embrace.
Kori then turned away, apologizing. “I’m terribly sorry, I, I shouldn’t have assumed…”
As the Tamaranian steadied herself on the handrail of the walkway, a pulse of the glowing green energy that burned inside of her radiated out from her hands, melting part of the metallic gangway into slag.
“X’Hal!” Kori cursed the name of her people’s goddess.
Kara shook herself from her spellbound stupor, ignored the damage, and reached out to take one of her friend’s arms - gently spinning her Princess back around to face her. “No! Don’t be sorry! Not about our kiss or touching me. I’m not. It was… nice.” Her tone was adamant.
The Kryptonian was also sure that she was blushing all over but didn’t care.
Kori’s eyes widened with surprise and then just as quickly with delight as they began to simmer with soft green luminescence. She moved in close once again. “Just nice?” she asked Kara playfully, her cheeks flushed with desire.
“More than nice, okay? A lot more.” The Kryptonian admitted with a grin as she slipped back in to hug the older girl joyfully. This time it was her turn to press in and kiss Kori, slowly, deliberately, with all of her great pent up affection.
“Mmmm, perfect.” Her Princess purred between breaths for air, nipping gently at Kara’s lower lip. Then asked playfully, “Why did we wait so long to do this?”
“I have no idea,” Kara sighed dismally, and the pair giggled.
They clung together in an idyllic daze for what felt like hours, enjoying every second and the feel of their bodies fitting so perfectly and hands roaming. They had both just started to kiss again when a subtle flashing light and an intermittent buzzing sound interrupted their perfect moment.
One of Kori’s dozen elite guards standing silently nearby called over, “Apologies, Honored Daughter of El, Princess Starfire, but it is time. We must board. I am… I am sorry.” The poor woman appeared genuinely remorseful for interrupting and nodded respectfully to both of them.
Kara only just then noticed that aside from their guards, a crowd of Kryptonians and other travelers had gathered around at a respectable distance to watch, but she ignored them and focused once more on the girl in her arms.
The Tamaranian glanced guiltily at the smoldering metal of the walkway before beaming a mischievous smile at Kara, “I’m definitely not sorry about the kisses - at all. You are perfect and taste like star flame and moon drops, and you know that I looove moon drops.”
Kara’s blush deepened, and she laughed with nervous embarrassment at being compared to her friend’s favorite sweet confection. “I… I do?”
“Yes, Kara Zor-El, you do,” Kori said with an aching sigh, and her long red hair lit with a fiery glow at its ends as if on its own volition.
The Kryptonian girl stared in wonder and reached up with both hands to run her fingers through her princess’ mane of warm, silky locks. “Your hair… it’s like flames, and so soft.”
Kori leaned a cheek into Kara’s touch, nuzzling her hand and once again purring happily…
Like a Tharg! So adorable! Kara’s thoughts were humming too.
Then, her friend, who Kara now understood was much, much more than a friend (she had been for a long time), responded in flawless Kryptonese, “It does that when I’m happy – like yours would under a different star. You realize you’re not making leaving you any easier, right?”
Though Kori’s words were intended to be light-hearted, the utter desolation reflected in her eyes, and the tone of her voice proved otherwise.
Kara noticed, and felt the same, but was also stunned by her friend’s new language skills. “Kori, how did you… I mean, your Kryptonese was always was quite good, but now…”
“Oh, that. It’s one of my natural abilities or more like a beneficial side effect. When I kiss someone, I absorb the knowledge of all of the languages they know. And no, I didn’t just kiss you to master yours!”
They both giggled before she continued, “But I’m glad I did. I feel closer to you, and your people now. As far as the melty thing with my hands, I do apologize for that, but I couldn’t help it. When I get, um, emotional, my star bolts are much harder to control.”
“I see. So… that means I’m the first Kryptonian you’ve ever kissed?”
The Princess’s delicious lips curled in a wicked smile as she said, “Mmm-hmm, and it was worth every second of the wait.”
Could Kara get any redder? She knew why Kori had been so excited; she’d also felt the intoxicating pull between them and didn’t want to stop what they had started.
But Jor-El’s doomsday clock was ticking, and every minute mattered.
All she wanted to do was wrap Kori back up in her arms and run away with her - but knew that was impossible. “I… I wish we had more time, but you need to go while you can.”
“But I don’t want to.” Her Princess whined.
“Neither do I, but we must,” Kara said, her voice catching as she glided back in for one last tender kiss.
After a few last moments of bliss, they touched foreheads. When they broke apart, Kara added, “Don’t worry about the mess, the House of El will deal with this,” as she waved her a hand dismissively at the destruction around them. “Not that it will matter after tomorrow anyway.”
Despite her melancholy, Kori managed a sly grin, “What a pair we make, huh?”
Kara smiled in response but had to suppress waves of panic, as she couldn’t stop thinking about the older girl leaving her.
The Princess noticed and reached across the slight distance between them to squeeze her hand supportively, “Kara Zor-El, I don’t know what will happen next, but I will never abandon you, ever. No matter how long it takes to deal with the aftermath of what’s coming, give sanctuary to what remains of your people, and hold the Protectorate together; I will do all of that, but after that, I will find you again. I promise.” She then gently touched the emerald that hung around her neck on a delicate golden chain and gave Kara a knowing look.
The Kryptonian felt her Zh’ehl tingle under her Ka’dah as it lay against her chest at the same time and blinked in surprise. “Rao! You synced our…!”
“Shh,” Kori leaned in and whispered, “Not so loud. The old man is pretending not to be spying on us. He'd seek to break our connection if he knew of it.”
They both glared over at Jor-El, who was a few yards away at the departure area, suddenly looking up as if trying desperately to appear distracted by the giant, blazing red star in the sky.
She then whispered, “Yes, Kara, I should be able to track you now, at least within a few dozen light-years. It’s not Kryptonian level tech, not even close, but it will be a decent starting point for a search. Don’t worry; I will respect Jor-El’s will - when I come for you, it won’t be with a fleet - but I can’t just accept that I’ll never see you again. I… I just c…can’t.”
Kori was the one tearing up now.
Kara darted in and hugged her fiercely before they broke apart. “I will miss you so much! I want to be with you… to stay with you… Rao, I hate this!” She whimpered.
“I know. I know. Just don’t die on me, okay?” Kori said with a sad smile, “And once you’re wherever you end up and it takes too long for me to find you, promise me that you won’t wait around for me moping, okay? Find happiness. Find… someone who makes your heart sing like you do mine,” Then the princess’ eyes widened as if remembering something. “Oh, check the pocket of your Ka’dah before I go…”
Kara started to pat down her clothing, but the grinning Princess interrupted to say, “No, not that one, the other one.”
After some frantic searching, Kara finally reached into the right hidden pocket and was startled to find the delicate gold signet ring that Kori had always worn but was now missing from her elegant finger. It was gorgeous and adorned with perfectly cut Tamaranian emeralds.
Kara sent a wave of gratitude to her Companion. You helped her hide it! Thank you, Shatari.
A complex series of glyphs representing love, joy, and happiness skittered across Kara’s vision in response.
“Something to remember me by,” Kori said with a thoughtful grin. “It’s ancient and priceless… not that you’d notice.” Then added with a grumble, “I still can’t believe your people don’t have any concept of paying for things except when dealing with outsiders. I mean, how do you know what anything’s worth?”
Kara couldn’t help but chuckle; Kori’s commentary was one of the many endearing things she loved about her alien Princess.
She continued in a more serious tone, “That ring is mine, and it isn’t just a pretty piece of jewelry - like you, Kara, it’s so much more.” The slight fanged smile that brightened Kori’s face was stunning. “It’s a royal sigil that identifies me as the youngest daughter of the First House of Tamarus; Starfire, Princess of Tamaran. My older sister, Komand’r,” (who Kara knew by her warrior title, Blackfire), “has its mate and they are connected… our mother gave them to us before she died so we would never lose each other. I would like you to hold on to mine until I see you again and can give you a proper replacement.”
Kara stared at Kori, blinking, trying to digest what Kori had just said before holding the beautiful ring out to her. “I… I can’t accept this... it must mean everything to you.”
“Not everything, Kara, some things are more important,” Kori said, and the smoldering emerald inferno within her eyes seemed to light with the power of her conviction. She then added, “You know that when I say, ‘some things’ I mean you, right? We really don’t have time to be cryptic.”
“Oh…” Kara pulled her offering back and stood dumbstruck.
“You silly, beautiful Kryptonian.” Kori laughed, and then addressed Kara’s Companion directly, “Take care of yourself and your stubborn charge, Shatari, and tell the old man to stay safe… and, more importantly, to remember his promise!” She said the last part loud enough for Kara’s uncle to overhear as she glared over at him.
Jor-El cringed and shuffled awkwardly as the Princess focused all of her attention back on her best friend, “Don’t forget me, Kara Zor-El, ever… okay?”
“I would never forget you!” The girl choked up, holding her precious gift under her chin as if in prayer. “How could I?”
“Then it’s settled,” Kori said, her voice cracking with emotion. “Until we meet again.”
They then nodded to each other in silent understanding. No matter how long it might take, the two of them would be reunited – Kori would always find her.
Kara only hoped it would be sooner than later.
They were interrupted as a recovered, and quite solemn Jor-El approached. Kori acknowledged him with a nod, and Kara’s uncle bowed deeply in return. Placing his palm on his chest over his heart, he thanked the Princess in Kryptonian, “Nahkluv.” He said, “Walk in Rao’s light, Koriand’r of Tamaran.”
“And you Jor-El of Krypton. Your people, all they are, and all they have done for The Protectorate will never be forgotten. I will speak for you, always.” Her oath was uttered in perfect Kryptonese.
Filled with so much emotion, Jor-El closed his eyes and glanced away, but somehow managed to thank her again.
As Kori gracefully turned to go, she caught Kara’s gaze one last time. Offering the Kryptonian girl a brave smile, she whispered, “Be safe, be happy, and know that you are never alone… ever. El mayarah, Kara Zor-El.”
Hearing the Tamaran utter her family’s motto ‘Stronger Together’ left Kara breathless, and her knees nearly buckled under her.
Then, Kori was walking away.
Steadying herself, Kara noticed that as Kori sauntered down the passageway, her graceful shoulders slumped forward, and were shaking with quiet sobs, and it broke her own heart further.
Kara couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.
She wanted to chase after her Princess, wrap the beautiful girl in her arms, and go with her - but she didn’t move. Instead, the blonde stood frozen, her gaze following her best friend’s fluid movements until she disappeared through an iris-like portal of her Imperial flagship, accompanied by her phalanx of elite soldiers following behind.
Kara’s breathing began to hitch as she started to feel panicked, but at that moment, one of her uncle’s large hands gently squeezed her shoulder, and she calmed.
He understands. She reached up to grip his fingers like a lifeline.
Soon after, the magnificent Tamaranian starship rose like one of the great red dragons from Kori’s homeworld into the deep red sky. Once it passed through the city’s domed veil of light, the craft folded space-time before shimmering beyond Kara’s perception – disappearing, along with an escort of half a dozen sleek Kryptonian Protectorate combat vessels.
One of Krypton’s greatest warriors, Sub-Commander Faora-Ul, favored by General Dru-Zod (a friend to the House of El), led the officers piloting the vessels as well as the elite shock troops deployed within each.
Kara stared off into the blood-soaked horizon after the girl who’d taken both her breath and her senses, still clutching her precious gift to her chest.
At least Kori will be safe, and so will the hundreds of Kryptonian peacekeepers on those ships. I’m guessing that they’re quite displeased right now for being forced to pull escort duty during the celebration, but they will be alive tomorrow.
Her comforting thoughts still weren’t enough to dull the pain of the ice shards stabbing her chest.
Kara held herself together long enough to appease the anxiety of the industrious T’zin who maintained the docks. The dutiful creatures were already at work repairing the damaged walkway when Jor-El wrapped a reassuring arm around her sagging shoulders and led her away.
“Where are we going?” Kara mumbled to her uncle in a blurred daze.
“Home, little one. Home.”
“I’d like that,” she said quietly, leaning into the solid man for support as he guided her.
Jor-El made a path for her through the gathered crowd of onlookers as they sought out a secure portal at the closest transport nexus. Along the way, there were far more approving nods and looks of sympathy or encouragement than any judgmental glares, which was a plus, not that Kara cared what anyone thought about her and Kori.
She was done; emotionally exhausted, physically drained, and wanted nothing more than to leave the city as quickly as possible. That said, it wasn’t lost on her that it was probably the last time she’d ever see Kandor.
Living in such proximity to the place most of her life, she had a sudden epiphany that she’d come to take the majesty of Krypton’s magnificent capital for granted. She cast her gaze upon the Golden City’s shining shifting towers and miles-high dome one last time, with Shatari, as always, recording the memory, before stepping into the familiar vertical pool of swirling light that would take her home.
A second later, upon reaching the safety of The Spire’s entryway, Jor-El gave Kara a quick hug and told her that she’d been courageous. Before parting, he added, “I like her.”
The girl blinked up at his cool gray, smiling eyes and asked incredulously, “Kori? But, but you two argued, and she frustrates you to no end! I don’t understand…”
“We argu…" Jor-El paused, catching himself before continuing, “… debated the merits of the plan because she was right, and we both love you.”
Kara swallowed, unsure of what to say. “Thank you…. wait! What do you mean, she loves me?”
Jor-El’s brow creased, and then, slowly, a look of understanding came over him, and he chuckled. “I’m sorry. I thought that part was quite obvious. You are young, though, and untouched by Rao’s Fire. Ah, to be as you are again. My dear, I do hope you two are reunited. Regardless, please keep my indiscretion in sharing what I did about the plan with her between us. Can you do that?”
Kara was still distracted; the impact of his words still sinking in (Kori loves me?!) and was barely listening but managed to nod in response.
“Good,” he said. “El mayarah, my lovely niece. I must go now; there is something of great importance that I must see to - Rao, forgive me.” And then he was dashing off, mumbling timelines, numbers, and coordinates.
Kori loves me? Is it possible? Oh, Rao! Her kisses… and the way she touched me… Oh! She does! She loves me!
A starry-eyed Kara waved off the T’zin trying to feed her as she sought out her room, and promptly collapsed on her bed. She was still feeling Kori’s lips on hers, the electricity that danced and tingled over her skin where the princess’ fingers had lingered, and remembering the girl walking away, crying.
Will I ever see you again? Kara felt sick to her stomach just at the thought she might not.
As she curled up in a comforter, Shatari hugged her and gently shifted into the form of the girl’s favorite comfy nightshirt and bottoms.
Kara felt warm and safe, even though she knew she wasn't, and somehow began to relax despite the pit of darkness inside of her chest and the pit of her stomach that wouldn’t go away. A sedative of some kind was most likely involved as well – but the girl welcomed it.
Thank you, sister.
As the miserable Kryptonian lay nestled among her soft covers, she gazed around at the ample, quiet space that had been hers since she was small, committing all of it to memory:
Half-completed mechanical and crystalline devices, art supplies, paintings in various stages of completion, old scrolls, books, and hundreds of memory crystals burdened her desk, shelves, and creativity stations.
Projects and experiments that’d she’d now never be able to finish.
Her walls were mostly over-burdened with artwork she couldn’t bring herself to rehome or dispose of, and above her was her favorite feature, a vast, domed ceiling open to the stars. One section was different than the other walls. It had what appeared to be a window that looked out onto a dark green forest of ancient trees split by a briskly flowing gray-blue river. It was a special place she’d once visited with her father, Zor-El, and he’d made the window for her fourteenth Awakening Day.
It made her chest ache just knowing that she couldn’t carry everything with her – and it would all soon be gone. Kara absently sought to feel the ring in her pocket to make sure it was still there and wrapped her fist tightly around its cool metal band.
As the minutes passed, her thoughts drifted fondly to the pack of nervous little eight-armed T’zin whose jobs it was to tidy up her room every day. Long ago, when she was a child (and schemed to one day become a judicator like her mother), she thought she was quite clever and struck a secret deal with them.
Kara would allow them to clean her room every day, but only if they would avoid moving any of her’ work in progress’ things around.
Unfortunately, the T’zin honestly enjoyed their work, and she knew that their agreement with her had always made them feel sad and guilty that they could never really give her room a deep cleaning.
I’ll let them do that tomorrow, it will make them happy.
Speaking of her parents, true to form, they were not around to notice her arrival back at The Spire that evening or her melancholy - not that she was in any mood to talk to them about what had just happened. The girl hadn’t expected either of them to be home anyway, not with everything happening and their heavy responsibilities, but their absence still made her sad.
But she was looking forward to spending time with Lyra-El, who didn’t disappoint.
It didn’t take long for the ancient, living AI whom the girl called Uze’ju (grandmother) to appear at her bedside. Lyra-El wore her favorite form, a young, darkly beautiful Kryptonian woman with long midnight hair, a complexion like ebony, and eyes sparkling with starlight. She sat down gracefully and drew the suddenly weeping girl into her warm, comforting embrace.
Kara had known Lyra-El her entire life; her House’s guardian had practically raised her.
Her Uze’ju had also lived for so long her origins had become lost to antiquity, and even when asked, she would never give a straight answer on the subject.
A typical response to a question like “How old are you, grandmother?” might be, “Older than the mountains and the seas, my child, but younger than the first stars’ light.” Her backstory was such a mystery (and there were scant few of those left on Krypton) that over the generations, it had become a game among the younger members of the House to try and trick her into revealing it.
So far, no one had succeeded beyond bits and pieces, even her father and the Old Man.
Most Kryptonians only knew her as The Wise One – the seemingly all-powerful being that kept watch over the House of El and all she surveyed within the Jeweled Mountains and beyond to the glaciers of the Great Sea. She was the gentle voice that controlled every aspect of the fortress of The Ancients known as The Spire - master of all of its vast environs and its secrets.
Not even The Council had ever dared to go against her, and lucky for them, she was above both politics and governance.
Lyra-El’s reputation for playing all-around protector, comforter, matchmaker, and wise mentor within their House was also legendary - but to Kara, she was so much more. She was the one whom the girl felt safe, whispering her secrets, her desires, and her fears.
With Lyra and Shatari, the girl was never alone, and always safe.
That night, in her perfectly annunciated mix of ancient and modern Kryptonese, Lyra-El calmed her.
"There, there. Come We’na; your aura is a storm cloud of sorrow. Tell me what troubles you.”
“Uze’ju… she’s gone. Kori’s gone,” Kara sobbed.
The patient woman then listened as Kara began pouring her heart out, telling her about the beautiful, unexpected kisses she’d shared with her best friend, how much it hurt to be without her, and her fear that she’d never see her Princess again.
“I think I may be in love with her Uze’ju… but I… I don’t know. I have never been ‘in love’ with anyone before. Rao, I am so confused!” Kara laid her head on Lyra’s welcoming shoulder and snuggled in.
After a time enjoying just being held, the girl worked up the courage to ask, “Is it possible that she feels as lost as I am?”
Lyra nodded and said, “Perhaps, young one. Desperation forced your friend to reveal her developing feelings for you sooner than she would have otherwise - though my senses tell me her heart spoke true. The Princess did leave something precious of hers with you, did she not?”
When Kara glanced at the beautiful ring still held in her palm and then up at the wise woman, Lyra shook her graceful head. “No, not that trifle! Rather, a part of herself - her heart, in here with your own.” The midnight beauty placed one of her warm palms gently upon Kara’s chest, and the girl’s eyes widened in wonder when she felt a spark inside of her respond. “I had seen her admiration for you building for months, just as I had noticed you stealing glances of her in the same manner.”
“Okay, okay!” Kara blurted out. She’d turned bright red and buried her face on Lyra’s shoulder.
The older woman laughed affectionately and ran a hand through the girl’s golden hair. Kara always felt so loved when she did that. “My point is, dear Kara, that like you, the Princess has come to care deeply for someone and is deathly afraid of losing her. She may have acted rashly but did so with honesty. The poor girl may well have pulled her own heart out and handed it to you (symbolically, at least) when she gave you that ring of hers, which she’s going to be in a great deal of trouble for doing, by the way.”
Kara gasped at the revelation, as well as the thought of Kori being in trouble for her sake.
“Oh, We’na,” Lyra-El continued, “I know everything seems terrible and uncertain right now, but there is hope. In my long experience, things usually have a way of working themselves out if they were meant to be, and you have the will to make it so.”
“You think so, Uze’ju?” She asked timidly.
“One can never be too sure of the future, Kara Zor-El. I cannot promise that you will see your Princess again, though I hope you will. But if you do not, all is not lost. You will always have her beautiful memory to carry with you and cherish in your heart, as will she.”
They then curled up together on the bed, and after Kara’s sobs subsided, the older woman began sharing stories of Tamaran with the attentive young Kryptonian. Lyra always seemed to know everything about everything. In this case, even the best route for Kara to one-day travel to her princess’ homeworld.
Sometime later, as they lay tucked under the covers gazing up at the galaxy projected around them from the heart of Kara’s Zh’ehl, Lyra showed her something astounding - how to use her powerful heirloom crystal to view the stars, from anywhere.
As Lyra touched her device, a cascade of stars appeared above and all around them. Kara’s breath caught, and she said with wonder in her melodic voice, “It’s so beautiful. Is this how the night sky will appear for Kori once she has returned to her world and looks back out toward Krypton?”
“Yes, my dear, at least until Rao’s light is extinguished… which won’t be for many long years from now, from her perspective.”
Kara started crying again, a mixture of joy, and inconsolable sadness.
Exhausted, the girl finally fell asleep sniffling, quietly tucked up into her Uze’ju’s warmth, and wrapped in her powerful arms. The Ancient One stayed with her granddaughter all night, humming a beautiful tune that had not been sung for over five millennia, to calm Kara whenever dark dreams invaded her peaceful slumber.
…………………………
Next:
Kingdom Come
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Story Lexicon/FAQs:
Identifying/Calling out non-English words and terms: I attempt to italicize all non-English words as well as any telepathic communication and internal dialogue when not expressed as thoughts. Below are some of the terms that you’ve encountered and will be used for the rest of the story. The list will grow:
Alura/Alura In-El – Kara’s father, Zor-El’s mate and Kara’s mother. Alura was the rare twin sister to the legendary Kryptonian military leader, General Astra, and served as Krypton’s highest law enforcement official (adjudicator) with the most auspicious title of “Justice.” She is revered, even by the Military Guild. In her honored role she dealt with all civil, criminal, and social matters of law on Krypton. In her world’s last days, when it was clear she could not change The Council’s course, Alura spent her time coordinating between the four Houses of the Alliance to assure their plan would come to fruition.
Was a member of House Ze, like her sister, before joining with Zor-El.
Alura had also explored and pushed the limits of Kryptonian energy manipulation and can use her aura without being enhanced by the light of a yellow star.
Astra/Astra In-Ze – Honored General, one of the military elites, deadly combatant, and commander. She is the rare twin sister of Alura, beloved Aunt of Kara, the highest military leader on Krypton, and the current leader of the House of Ze. Astra has spent most of her career leading the Second Armada, interceding in conflicts among the civilizations within the many worlds of The Protectorate.
She is a skilled negotiator, deadly warrior, respected leader, and an amazing Aunt to Kara.
A recent fall from grace involving a failed plot lead by her subordinate, Non, to overthrow The Council was kept quiet. Astra was not complicit but metaphorically ‘fell on her sword’ and took the blame, as Non was under her command. Alura sentenced her sister and the conspirators to The Phantom Zone to save them from what she knew was coming but kept that a secret from Kara.
Astra doesn’t want to believe Kara set her up to be captured but went to the Phantom Zone completely devastated, thinking she may have.
Awakening - The Awakened, like Kara, are not ‘born’ but engineered using the best aspects of their House’s genetic material, and with vast amounts of knowledge and experiences integrated (pre-loaded) into their minds as infants within their birthing chambers using ‘cell memories.’
Natural childbirth is rare for most Kryptonians, though strong adherents to Rao’s teaching still practice it. Kal-El was born, while Kara was Awakened.
Companions – A Kryptonian life form. These creatures were old when Kara’s people were still more like humans, and an apex predator. Over the years, the two species went from enemies to allies and became bound together in a symbiotic way. In ancient times, after being hunted to near extinction, the creatures made a pact with Kara’s people to be bound to Ka’dah’s, starships, structures, even armor to serve Krypton.
Cythonna – One of the most ancient Kryptonian gods, said to be the female half of Rao(Lord of Light and the Day).The Great Lady was also known as Goddess of the Night, warrior and protector of those unjustly persecuted, and patron to monsters and non-biologic life forms; including Kryptonian AIs. A great variety of fantastic creatures lived and thrived on Krypton besides the T’zin and Companions, and Cythonna is mother and caretaker to all of them.
El mayarah – ‘Stronger Together’ is a simplified version of a complex Kryptonian phrase and the House of El’s family motto. It is physically represented by a very complex glyph that encompasses the history of the House, the family crest. In its purest form, the phrase means ‘hope,’ and that none of them are ever alone, but it also has a much deeper and broader meaning.
Kara applies this to all those she cares about.
Faora-Ul - Rank: Sub-Commander. A respected member of Krypton’s Military Guild and the youngest leader of the Sword of Rao (an elite combat unit that serves The Will of the Protectorate) ever.
She appears to be about twenty in human age, is 5’6”, of medium build, with short black hair tipped on the edges with a vibrant blue, like her eyes. Her flexible Kryptonian battle armor is dark gray and black, with an accompanying light gray bodysuit. It’s alive, a military version of a CompanionKa’dah- so it can change form, just in a more limited fashion than Shatari (but far more powerful than a standard non-yellow sun enhanced Ka’dah).
Faora moves with a kind of fluidity that comes off as deliberate, dangerous, and feline. She is fierce in battle and more prone to action than her colleagues - who would look for compromise and mediation. She is favored by Dru-Zod (he treats her like a daughter) and as both his Guardian and Advisor. Faora is his #1.
Dru-Zod worked with Alura to save Faora from Krypton’s doom to assure his favored was in command of Princess Kori’s off-world military escort.
House of El (Kryptonian) – Meaning: In its very basic form, the symbol of the House of El means ‘hope’; and embodied within that hope is the fundamental belief in the potential of every person to be a force for good. The family motto is ‘stronger together,’ or in Kryptonese, ‘El mayarah.’
This noble family can trace its lineage back to before The Enlightenment on Krypton and even to before the Dark Times so long ago. As this story begins, the House of El has two branches, one led by Jor-El and Lara (Kal-El’s father and mother), and the other by Zor-El and his mate, Alura (Kara’s father and mother) - the leaders of the Alliance).
The House symbol for each scion is subtlety different from each other, which means Kara and Kal’s crests are similar but different. These would be easily recognizable as different branches of The House of El to a Kryptonian, but would look the same to most humans.
House of Tor (Kryptonian) – Meaning: Secrets, mystery, and seeking the truth. Astra’s chief lieutenant, battle sister, lover, best friend, and bondmate, Sarva’s House. Part of the Alliance.
House of Van (Kryptonian) – Meaning: family, hearth, and home. Lara’s House before joining with Jor-El and the House of El. Part of the Alliance.
House of Ze (Kryptonian) – Meaning: law, justice, and integrity. The family motto is ‘Justice for all.’ This is Astra’s House (she is its head), and it was her twin sister Alura’s as well before she joined with Jor-El. Part of the Alliance.
In’ah – Daughter. An honorific title, informal/familiar. Spoken like ‘In-hah’(Kryptonese)
Je – Sister. An honorific title, informal/familiar. Spoken like ‘Jay’(Kryptonese)
Je’ju – Mother. An honorific title, informal/familiar. Spoken like ‘Jay-ju’ (Kryptonese)
Jor-El – Kara’s uncle. He is a passionate bondmate to Lara, the father of Kal-El, older brother to Zor-El, a leader of The Alliance, and head of Krypton’s Science Guild. Kara loved him, and she and ‘the Old Man’ were very close.
Ka’dah – Traditional Kryptonian traveling raiment (insane tech) that is bonded with a symbiotic, telepathic, and a shape-changing entity known as a Companion. These creatures were old when Kara’s people were still more like humans, and an apex predator. Over the years, the two species went from enemies to allies and became bound together in a symbiotic way.
The Ka’dahis created for the individual and then merged with the essence of a non-biologic intelligence life form. Once joined with a Kryptonian, usually at their Awakening ceremony as a baby, the entity becomes their lifelong Companion who will act as both their host’s protector and their enhanced interface with the world.
Kal-El – Kara’s four-year-old cousin when they first arrive on Earth. Son of Lara and Jor-El, his human name is Clark Kent. He is a strikingly handsome little boy with a head of wavy black hair and sky blue/gray eyes that could/will melt hearts.
Kandor - The capital city of Krypton. Nick-named the ‘Golden City’ for the magnificent hues it’s massive miles high, and vast transparent protective energy dome reflects from Rao.
Kara travels to the great city via a gateway located in her house often for her studies, entertainment, and to visit family and friends. She’s lived near the great metropolis for the last ten earth years of her life, ever since she and her parents moved from Argo City to their ancestral home, The Spire, in the mountains outside of the protection of its vast dome.
Kryptonians - An ancient humanoid race that has existed as a civilization for over a million years, with a highly advanced culture in all ways. Their science, for example, is indistinguishable from what humans would consider magic. Over the millennia, Krypton’s most exceptional minds had unlocked the secrets of the universe, harnessed the power of the stars, and even mastered the spark of life itself! They created wonders, explored the multiverse, and at one time ruled a thousand galaxies before becoming peacekeepers.
Kryptonian Glyphs - Communication for Kryptonians is not limited to simple words or even thoughts. While they still had ‘language’ as we would perceive of it, they could also convey vast amounts of information, memories, power, and even emotions in a single breath, by a simple touch or thought as well as in writing in sigil form.
A good example would be the glyph (a family crest) representing each of Krypton’s great Houses.
Lara Van-El – High-ranking Kryptonian scientist, Kara’s aunt, mother of Kal-El, one of the Leaders of The Alliance, and bondmate to Jor-El. She is a Shaper – one who transforms and brings life to dead worlds and change to those that were deemed to be in crisis. She has altered the evolution of species, turned desolate, uninhabited planets into paradises, and seeded life on countless worlds.
Lyra/Lyra-El – An ancient intelligence and living being. Unique. She has been a member of Kara’s House for countless generations - so long, in fact, that her origins have been lost to antiquity. She is one of the few mysteries left in the world (a rare thing on Krypton).
It had become an unofficial rite of passage of sorts for the younger family members to try and find a way to reveal her secrets. Over the years, while many tried (including Kara’s father and uncle), none had succeeded beyond bits and pieces of possible truths kept in the Book of El. She has always seemed to enjoy the game, though.
Lyra communicates by thought, with her melodic disembodied voice, but also has the power to take living form, though very few have ever seen it. Kara is one of the lucky ones.
The Wise One, among her many titles, has watched over ‘The Daughter of El’ (Kara) since her Awakening. Lyra has always appeared to Kara as a young, alluringly beautiful Kryptonian woman with skin the color of midnight, long black hair that flows like a river of darkness, and eyes that glitter with starlight.
She and Kara have spent a great deal of time together, and the young Kryptonian calls her Uze’ju, grandmother.
Lyra would tell her We’na (granddaughter) stories of times long past, love, tragedy, and hope… and other worlds. They had fallen asleep together on countless nights, looking up at the stars. She has always there for Kara, from just being a good listener, discussing the girl’s dreams and ideas (without judgment), or helping with her art, experiments, studies - and matters of the heart.
Kara knew what everyone wanted to know and didn’t; what their protector did with her time - whatever she wanted!
Whether Lyra was silently prowling the halls of the magnificent Spire (patrols she often allowed Kara to join her on), flowing like an icy wind among the vast mountains of their homeland, venturing deep into The Wilds, or across the world and its many moons, or living unnoticed among the people of Kandor or one of Krypton’s other great cities, the world was hers. She went where she wished, when she wanted, without causing a single ripple in her wake to disturb her people’s undying curiosity. All the while, the ancient one was taking in the sights, sounds, and experiences of their world, even something as simple as a whispered conversation between two lovers as if it were wondrous and new.
Kara could not properly describe her grandmother… she was grace and wisdom, but also sometimes childlike, and the girl could feel that she hid a great sadness from everyone. Lyra was kind, compassionate, and unbelievably powerful, but also like a storm, raw and elemental.
To the girl, her Uze’ju was most akin to one of the ancient goddesses she spoke of with such reverence - Lyra was Kara’s light.
And in turn, the Ancient One loved the golden-haired girl as she has no other and could not imagine an existence without her.
Ma’har – The ancient Kryptonese word for ‘mother.’ Extremely rare to be spoken in these times. Spoken like ‘Mah-har’ (Kryptonese)
Nahkluv - Thank you, Thanks. The word is an expression of deep appreciation, gratefulness, and gratitude. Spoken like ‘nock-love’ (Kryptonese)
Rao – Lord of Light and the Day. Krypton’s Red Giant star, but also their deity. Rao had been gender-neutral at the time of Krypton’s destruction and for millennia before. Still, in ancient times the god star had distinctly separate male and female aspects: Rao “The Just” (male) by day, and Cythonna - “The Protector” (female) by night.
Shatari/Shatari-El – Kara’s Companion since her Awakening. The pair consider each other sisters and love each other. Shatari is a fully aware non-biologic superintelligence that is bonded symbiotically with a Ka’dah.
Shatari is Kara’s sister, friend, doctor, hacker, shapeshifter, her wardrobe, stylist, and so much more.
While Shatari doesn’t have a voice of her own, she can easily communicate with Kara using empathy, touch, tactile and ambient input, and all of the senses. The Companion is a full member of the House of El, and together she and Kara usually operate as ‘one mind and one action.’ Still, Shatari is also her own person, with a unique personality, thoughts, feelings, and desires.
Shisir – Kryptonian curse. To condemn. Closest English translation, as far as I can tell, would be ‘damn.’ Spoken like ‘she-sheer’ (Kryptonese)
T’zin – Living non-biologic entities created (or more accurately, called to awareness) by the Kryptonian Maker, Zor-El to serve the people of Krypton. The House of El has many. (Kryptonese)
Each had a personality and a purpose; some could fly, others could swim, run, or dig, protect, and a variety of other talents, including the limited ability to shape change. They were made to be caretakers, laborers, and guardians, but in Vox and Vail’s case, the pair became friends with Kara and would be in her company often.
Whenever they could, the trio would sneak off to go on adventures together and make mischief. Usually, these excursions took place well outside of the protection of the Kryptonian’s sprawling home, The Spire and its secure environs, as well as Kandor’s vast dome. Kara enjoyed sneaking off to explore deep into The Wilds, where she felt free.
Tharg – A highly evolved species of highly intelligent, empathic, eight-legged felines renown throughout as wise caretakers, storytellers, and teachers who travel the stars.
Imagine a much larger version of a Caracal Cat, but as big as a panther, with multiple rows of teeth and an astounding variety of colors and fur patterns. Were once the top-end predator species on a distant world but were hyper-evolved by Kryptonian Shapers (scientists who engineer lifeforms and worlds) thousands of years ago as an experiment.
It is said that a Tharg never forgets anything and has instant recall. It is a great honor to have a Tharg in your household; they are treasured as mentors and teachers for Kryptonian children.
The Oculus – Jor-El and Lara’s home, where Kal lived on his homeworld. One of Krypton’s last remaining ancient fortresses (like The Spire), so old no one remembers why it was built (besides Lyra-El). Some say the Ancients themselves once resided there when they breathed life into the first children of Krypton.
The massive edifice is a complex of multiple levels inside one of the peaks of a more arid mountain range far beyond the protection of the Kryptonian capital of Kandor, the Golden City, and in the opposite direction from The Oculus.
The Spire – Kara’s amazing living home. One of Krypton’s last remaining ancient fortresses (like The Oculus), so old no one remembers why it was built (besides Lyra-El). Some say the Ancients themselves once resided there when they breathed life into the first children of Krypton.
The massive edifice is a complex of multiple levels inside one of the peaks of the stunning glacier-covered Jeweled Mountains and lies far beyond the influence of the Kryptonian capital of Kandor, the Golden City, but under Lyra-El’s watchful eye.
The Wilds –Krypton’s untamed and treacherous wilderness outside of the great cities’ protective domes. In ages passed, vast areas of the world were abandoned to the spread of glaciers and the upheavals from Krypton’s chaotic geology as the people retreated into domes cities above and underground.
In the end, over 80% of the planet had returned to how it once was - wilderness. Over the years, many new life forms, as well as extinct creatures, have returned to life by curious Makers like Kara’s father, Zor-El, and set free there to be observed, but over time were left alone to evolve.
Hardly anyone goes out in The Wilds anymore; Kara is a rare girl with a romantic explorer’s heart. She has been exploring the unknown territories with her T’zin since she was five and knows them better than anyone.
Uze’ju – Grandmother. An honorific title, informal/familiar. Spoken like ‘You-ju,’ the ‘z’ is silent (Kryptonese)
We’na – Granddaughter, what Lyra calls Kara. An honorific title, informal/familiar. Spoken like ‘Way-nah’ (Kryptonese)
Zhehiodia Ehl or Zh’ehl (abbreviated common usage) – Meaning: quite literally, ‘living star.’ It is a Kryptonian personal crystal. Spoken like ‘Zeh-El’ (Kryptonese)
On Krypton, living crystalline tech was the basis for most aspects of Kara’s people’s science, and lives. The living, aware crystals of Kryptonwere of infinite variety, and each had the potential to hold vast amounts of information, energy, sentience, and even worlds.
The Zh’ehl are one perfect expression of that power and mastery. Each has a rudimentary intelligence (but are not individuals and do not speak) and are primarily used for personal secure quantum communications, navigation, and to act as space-time anchors as well as dimensional beacons. They are akin to a combined universal communicator, compass, GPS, distress beacon, and warp field generator (enabling travel over vast distances in the universe).
Like a Companion, a Kryptonian will also only usually possess one Zh’ehl in their lifetime. These unique devices are a treasured gift that demarks a crucial moment in a young Kryptonian’s life that they’ve reached a specific level of maturity.
A small ceremony usually takes place on the individual’s Awakening Day to celebrate their transition. Think of it as a coming-of-age moment, but there is no concept of the human idea of a whimsical ‘childhood’ on Krypton. To Kara’s people, life is embraced as a continuum of growth, with a focus on the pursuit of one’s passions, knowledge, and perfection.
Zor-El – Kara’s father, mate of Alura, younger brother of Jor-El (Kal-El’s father), and one of the most respected scientific minds in generations on Krypton. Zor-El was a Maker, one of the rare few who could breathe awareness into the sentience’s who pervade Krypton’s living crystal matrices. Over his life, he helped transform worlds, create life, capture the power of stars, and made real other wonders.
Born in Argo City over six hundred Earth years before this story begins, Zor-El is one of the leaders of Krypton’s Science Guild along with his older brother, Jor-El. He is also one of the Leaders of The Alliance.
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The Kryptonian language:
In this story, both modern and ancient Kryptonese are expressed in several forms, including; written, spoken, thoughts, andcomplex glyphs. ‘Kryptonese’ is used to refer to all forms of the language to simply things.
My interpretation is in the spirit of the Kryptonian language, not literally to any one source. If Kryptonese is used in the story, it is because I believed that it was important enough to do so. I am not attempting to stay true to any ‘official’ version other than what I developed for my previous ‘Secret Life’ series using Kryptonian.Info for inspiration:
http://kryptonian.info/doyle/dictionary.html
Use of italics in the story:
Anything in the Kryptonese language is italicized when used everywhere in this story except in thoughts, as all thoughts are already italicized. When any non-English words and terms are used in thoughts, they are NOT italicized.
Examples:
- Wow, she’s cute, Kara thought before quickly glancing away - her cheeks flushed.
- El mayarah. It was as if Alura’s voice had reached across the stars to remind Kara that she wasn’t alone.
- The girl bowed her head and took a deep breath, one of her hands seeking out the blue jewel of her Zhehiodia Ehl that dangled on the chain around her neck to wrap her fingers around it - something Kara always did to comfort herself.
- Nahkluv, Ma’har, I miss you so much, Kara’s thoughts swirled in Martha’s mind.
Time, Kara’s age, and physiology:
Krypton’s days were longer than Earth’s. Kara’s people are also far superior to humans, maturing more quickly physically, intellectually, and emotionally - making her already far more advanced than her apparent age on either planet. Also, as one of the highly evolved ‘Awakened’ Kara came into the world already filled with a vast amount of pre-loaded information, referred to as ‘cell memories’ in this story. These experiences will unlock over time, either as she matures or as situations arise, requiring the knowledge buried deep in her mind.