Hope POV
"Hey, you don't have to worry about me," Trini said softly. "Your brother literally saved my life, from starving to death on my dead planet."
"And as long as my daughter and I are safe," Victoria added, "I have no reason to betray you. Not him, not you."
One by one, the others agreed they wouldn't betray us. But the one I didn't believe, at least not fully, was Sage. Sure, this version might be different. But I still remembered her original self, the one who didn't give a damn about people, especially humans. I'd keep an eye on her, just in case.
Still, part of me couldn't help but wonder: Which Kryptonians is Kai bringing back this time? With him, I'd probably be surprised.
Kai POV
We appeared in the middle of a vast golden field of grain.
"Fuck," Jack said, swearing under his breath. "Okay. We're here. Now finish your sentence. Who exactly are we looking for?"
"Two of them," I said, pointing toward the farmhouse in the distance. "They're in that house over there."
Jack frowned. "Wait, hold on. Why the hell are we only recruiting Kryptonians now? They're way stronger than the group we've got so far."
"Multiple reasons," I answered simply.
Jack gave me a look that said he wasn't buying it.
"…You forgot about them, didn't you?"
I exhaled. "Yes. I forgot. I came across this world during my first Multiverse jump. Helped them once."
We started walking toward the house.
"So how many Kryptonians are we talking?" Jack asked.
"More than you'd think. But the ones we're here for are only four. One's even a half-Kryptonian." I glanced at him. "And we should hurry. Pretty sure they've already sent someone after us."
Jack's eyes narrowed. "Wait, who's they?"
"You'll see in a minute," I said. "They work fast. Especially if they think one of the Worldkillers is active."
That made him stop dead. "Wait. Worldkiller? Why does that sound familiar?"
"Remember that Arrowverse show I convinced you and Hope to watch?" I asked.
Jack groaned. "Which one? And stop saying convinced. You forced us."
"Supergirl," I said.
Jack froze, realization slamming into him. His eyes went wide.
"You want to recruit evil Kryptonians?!" he shouted.
"Great," I muttered. "Now she knows we're here."
In a blur of speed, a woman appeared in front of us, Sam Arias. She wasn't in armor, just jeans and a farm shirt, like she'd walked right out of the house.
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"Kai?" she said cautiously.
I smiled faintly. "Hey, Sam. Long time no see. How've you been? And where's Ruby?"
As if on cue, the front door banged open. A teenage girl streaked into the sky and shot straight toward us, landing with a grin.
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"Ruby," I said, smiling wide. "Look at you. All grown, stronger, and flying just fine."
Sam's eyes softened. "Yeah. She got the hang of her powers a lot faster than I did. Heat vision took her weeks, but flying? She picked it up in days. But Kai, you know the Legion already sensed me using my powers. They'll know you're here."
Jack blinked. "Wait. The Legion? As in Legion of Superheroes?"
"Yep," I said. "Ran into them the last time I was here. Some of them are cool. Others? Arrogant assholes."
Ruby tackled me into a hug.
"KAI! I missed you!"
I hugged her back. "I missed you too, kid. And I see you've got those powers under control now. No more sneezing me through walls?"
Ruby laughed. "Hahaha, I'm still sorry about that!"
I grinned. "Don't be. You saw my dragon form. Gonna take a lot more than a sneeze to knock me out."
We broke the hug.
"Kai, not that I'm not happy to see you again," Sam said cautiously, "but why are you here?"
"I want to talk to you, and the other former Worldkillers," I replied.
Her eyes hardened. "Why? You do realize we're banned from being together."
"I know. But I'm pretty sure I can convince the Legion to let the three of you meet again, at least long enough for me to explain everything at once."
Jack stepped forward, glaring between us. "Okay, hold up. You mind explaining how you know her, and how she knows you?"
I let out a slow breath. "Right. Let me break this down so it makes sense. On my first Multiverse trip, I ended up on this Earth for a couple of days. I wasn't searching for anything specific, I was just hopping worlds. That's when I dropped into the middle of a city under attack. And at the center of it, Sam. Along with two others. But it wasn't really her in control."
Sam looked down, shame flickering in her eyes.
"She had another side," I continued. "A personality called Reign. And believe me, Reign was twisted. Pure destruction. Her 'sisters,' Pestilence and Purity, were just as bad. I fought all three at once. Managed to hold my ground thanks to my magic, and the fact they weren't at their peak strength, but I couldn't win outright. Pestilence's poison tore through me, and my body couldn't fight it off. I had to retreat, fly halfway across the world, and hole up in a mountain. Took dozens of cleansing spells to save myself. Might've even made myself immune to her poison in the process, but I'm still not entirely sure. It was that strong."
Jack raised a brow. "So what then? You whipped up some spell to make them all good?"
"Not exactly," I said, shaking my head. "After I recovered, the Legion found me. I worked with them for a while, and they told me everything, their origin as genetically modified Kryptonians, cursed with dual personalities, tied to dark magic. That's when I realized I could try something different. A merging spell."
Sam lifted her eyes toward Jack.
"I didn't erase anything," I explained. "I fused their two halves, the human and the Kryptonian. Sam and Reign became one. Same with Pestilence and Purity. Then I purged the corruption, stripped away the darkness twisting them. The result wasn't some fake 'pure good' version, it was balance. A single person, whole, with all their memories, all their powers… but finally in control."
Sam's voice was steady now. "He's telling the truth. For years, I lived in a war inside my own head. Two voices tearing me apart. What he did… it made me whole. For the first time, I wasn't just Sam or just Reign. I was me."
Jack folded his arms, still skeptical but less hostile. "So what you're saying is, she's not evil anymore."
"That's exactly what I'm saying," I told him firmly. "She's Sam Arias. Whole. And she deserves the chance to choose who she wants to be."
"Okay, I get it," Jack muttered. "I should really stop doubting you."
"Yes, you should," I said with a smirk. "I actually know what I'm doing sometimes. After that whole incident, I helped them. The Legion helped too, though all they really did was split the three of them up and keep an eye on them away from the cities."
Jack frowned. "Wait. None of the former Worldkillers live in the city anymore? Why?"
"Because one, everyone knows who they are. Two, the Legion's scared they might hurt people if they stay—" I glanced at Sam.
"When we're together, we're stronger," Sam admitted.
"Exactly," I said.
Jack shook his head. "Man, I'm surprised none of you ended up in jail."
Sam's lips pressed thin, but I answered for her. "They almost did. If I hadn't defended them in court, they would've been. And I'm not kidding, I was literally their lawyer. Still shocked I won that case. Probably helped that I rebuilt half the cities they destroyed."
Before Jack could reply, the ground shook with a booming sound. A portal of light opened behind us, and multiple figures stepped through.
The Legion of Superheroes.
They spread out in front of us, their leader's presence radiating.
Lightning Lad's eyes narrowed. "Oh, great. You again."
I smiled, sharp and mocking. "Well, if it isn't Lightbulb Lad. Long time no see. Honestly, I wish it was longer."
"Watch it, Kai," Lightning Lad snapped.
"Is he the asshole or the arrogant one ?" Jack muttered.
"Both," I agreed.
Mon-El stepped forward, trying to cut the tension. "Kai, it's good to see you again. But I need to know why you're standing here with one of the former Worldkillers. She set off alarms."
"Hi, Mon-El," I said casually. "Good to see you too. Look, all I want is to gather the three of them so I can explain things in one shot. That's it."
Lightning Lad's voice was sharp. "You can't be serious. All three of them? Together? There's no way in hell we're allowing that."
I tilted my head. "I'm sorry, remind me, are you the Legion's leader? Or is it actually these three?" I pointed at Mon-El, Imra, and Brainy.
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Lightning Lad's mouth opened, then shut.
"Well…" he grumbled. "They're not going to agree to this either."
"I agree with it," Brainy said matter-of-factly.
Lightning Lad whipped around. "WHAT!?"
"Kai's helped us before," Brainy explained. "There's no reason to doubt him. He can handle himself."
"And let's be honest," Imra added, "he's the strongest one here."
I chuckled. "Technically? Second strongest. Meet my brother Jack." I clapped Jack on the shoulder. "He's the top dog."
Mon-El blinked. "Wait, he's stronger than you?"
"Yep. In fact, I'm the weakest in my family. Third strongest," I admitted.
Lightning Lad smirked. "Ha! So you're the weak one after all."
Jack snorted. "Hey, genius, he's the weakest of us. Pretty sure he could still kick your ass."
"I have. Multiple times," I said flatly. "Best way to annoy him is to ignore him."
"You go fu—"
"That's enough, Lightning Lad," Mon-El cut in sharply.
Imra stepped forward. "Kai, we'll allow it. But we want to know why. Why gather them?"
Brainy nodded. "They are still the strongest threat on this planet."
"I haven't hurt anyone for months," Sam said firmly.
"Forgive me," Brainy corrected, "I meant potential threats."
I stepped closer, meeting all their gazes. "The reason I want them together is because I'm offering them something new. A chance to leave this world behind. To come to mine, and be heroes. I'm building a team. I've already recruited others. But I need heavy hitters. And trust me, I remember our fight. They can hit harder than almost anyone."
Sam's eyes widened. "Wait, you're asking me to be a hero? In your world?"
I nodded. "Yes. That's exactly why I'm here."
"Can I join too?!" Ruby piped up suddenly.
"Absolutely not," Sam snapped.
"Sorry, kid," I said gently. "Gotta agree with your mom. You're not ready."
Ruby scowled. "Why not? I have powers! Nothing can even hurt me."
"Wrong," I said firmly. "Even as a half-Kryptonian, you're still vulnerable. Kryptonite. Red sunlight. Magic. You're not invincible. And there's an age requirement for my team."
Ruby crossed her arms and pouted. "That's not fair."
Jack tilted his head. "Wait, since when is there an age requirement?"
"When we get home, I'm making you actually read your contract," I said flatly.
Jack groaned. "Great. First thing I'm doing is reading the 'boring contract.'"
Ruby just pouted harder.
"Okay… if that's the case, we'll allow it," Mon-El said. "Just give us a minute to contact the people who was watching them and bring them to us."
"No need," I said. "Sam can just contact them through her link."
Every Legionnaire stiffened. "WHAT?" they all said at once.
"Oh… right." I rubbed the back of my neck. "Guess I forgot to mention that all the Worldkillers share a mental link. They can communicate and track each other through it."
Imra smirked knowingly. "No, you didn't forget. You just didn't want to tell us."
"Maybe," I admitted with a shrug. "Sam, would you mind?"
Sam closed her eyes. Her expression shifted with concentration. After a few seconds, she opened them again. "They're on their way. And… I kind of explained why you're here."
"Perfect," I said with a nod.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Jack wander toward Imra.
"So," he said smoothly, "what's your name, beautiful?"
"Imra," she replied evenly.
"Beautiful name," Jack grinned. "Fitting for a beautiful woman."
"Thank you," Imra said politely. "That's exactly what my husband said when we first met."
Jack blinked. "Husband?"
"Yes," she said, lifting her hand to show the diamond ring. Mon-El stepped up beside her, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder.
"We're happily married," Mon-El said with a little edge in his tone.
Jack raised his hands in surrender. "Oh, I see. My apologies. Good for you two."
Before the tension could stretch further, a sonic boom cracked overhead. Julia and Grace, Purity and Pestilence, landed gracefully in front of us, both dressed in plain clothes.
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Grace walked straight up to me. "I'm in."
That caught me off guard. "Just like that? No hesitation?"
"My family disowned me," she said flatly. "I'm basically a prisoner in my own home. I hate it. And I want to help people with my powers. I was a doctor before all this Worldkiller mess. Besides…" Her voice softened. "I owe you one. You saved my life."
I gave her a nod. "Fair enough."
Julia stepped forward. "I'm in too. I'd like a second chance… in a new world."
"Glad to hear it," I said.
All eyes turned to Sam. She was frozen, lips pressed tight, like she was fighting an argument inside her own head.
Ruby tugged at her arm. "Mom, come on. You always said if you had the chance, you'd use your powers for good."
Sam's shoulders sagged. She looked at Ruby, then at me. "...You're right. Just give me a few hours to pack."
"You don't have to," Jack said. "We can buy you anything you want."
"I'm sure you can," Sam answered gently. "But there are things I can't replace. Things with… emotional value." She turned to Ruby. "Come on, let's start gathering."
"I'll help," Grace said. "I don't care about the things I left behind anyway."
"I do," Julia admitted. "But it's not much. Just a small box's worth. I'll grab it quickly."
"Take your time," I said. "I'm not in a rush."
Julia nodded, then flew skyward. Meanwhile, Sam, Ruby, and Grace headed toward the house. I followed, conjuring empty boxes with a snap of my fingers and using magic to float items neatly inside.
Most of the Legionnaires had already left, only Mon-El, Imra, and Brainy remained to supervise.
Julia returned with a small box tucked under her arm. "This is all I've got."
Once everything was packed, I opened a glowing rift and whisked the boxes into my pocket dimension. I turned back to Sam. "They're safe. We can pull them out anytime you want."
She nodded, relief flickering in her eyes.
We were all gathered outside the farmhouse when Mon-El, Imra, and Brainy approached us.
"Well," Mon-El said, folding his arms, "I guess this is goodbye."
"For now," I replied. "I might visit again someday. I like you three. Honestly, I wish I could ask you to join my team, but I already know your answer. You've got responsibilities here."
"Yeah," Mon-El said with a nod. "The Legion needs us. This world needs us. But if you ever need us, you know where to find us."
"Good to know. The same goes both ways. And I know Brainy already cracked Multiverse travel."
Brainy adjusted his collar. "It was… complicated. I haven't fully mapped or programmed every universe yet, but I will. Soon."
"Good. Let me know when you find my world. You'll probably spot it by the small mansions popping up everywhere," I said with a smirk.
Brainy tilted his head thoughtfully. "I'll do that. And maybe… I'll visit. Meeting your sister sounds particularly interesting."
"Trust me," I said with a laugh. "You'd like her. She's brilliant, and a little terrifying."
Imra stepped forward, her tone softer. "Safe travels, Kai. Good luck protecting your world and building your team. I'm guessing you'll be their leader, so take this advice: don't try to carry everything alone. Ask your teammates for help. And never hide things from them. Secrets destroy trust. And without trust, a team is nothing."
I gave her a nod. "I'll keep that in mind."
They stepped back, and I turned to my group. With a flick of the wrist, I activated the Multiverse gun. Light swallowed us, and in an instant, we were gone.
When the light faded, we stood on a snowcapped mountain. Cold wind whipped across our faces, and below us, nestled among jagged peaks, was a fortified base.
Jack's teeth clicked as he exhaled. "This… is not home. Where the hell are we, Kai?"
"Sorry," I said, my eyes on the base. "One last stop. I want to rescue our final Kryptonian."
"Rescue?" Grace echoed, frowning. "What's going on?"
I folded my arms. "This world doesn't have Superman. No Supergirl either. But a Kryptonian did land here. Not from the House of El… she's from the House of Zod."
Jack's head snapped toward me. "You seriously want to bust a Kryptonian out of the Zod bloodline? That family's psychotic!"
"Remember when you said you were going to stop doubting me?" I said evenly.
He groaned. "Right. Fine. I'll stop doubting you. I assume you want to save her?"
"Exactly. She's locked in a cell with no sunlight, so she's weak. I'll go to her while you…" I glanced at Jack. "Cause a little distraction."
Jack grinned. "Gladly."
"You guys can stay here," I said to the others. "We'll be back soon."
Grace stepped forward. "I'd rather come with you."
"You don't need to—"
"I know what I'm saying," Grace cut in. "From Pestilence's memories, I remember how dangerous the House of Zod can be. Sure, I trust your judgment, but better safe than sorry. If she turns violent when she gets sunlight back… you might need backup."
I studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. If you want to come that badly. But trust me, I can handle her. I already beat all three of you once."
Jack was already moving, pulling the sword from his back. He raised it skyward.
"Everyone stand back," I said. "This is going to be good."
We gave him space.
Jack's voice roared across the snowy mountain:
"By the Power of Grayskull!"
A golden bolt of lightning split the sky, striking the blade. Energy exploded outward, wrapping around Jack as his form shifted. When the light dimmed, he stood encased in knight-like armor, chest bare of sleeves, a red "X" across it like He-Man's emblem, golden bracers gleaming on his wrists. His eyes burned with power as he raised the sword high.
"I. HAVE. THE POWER!" he bellowed, and with a thunderous battle cry, he shot into the air, diving straight toward the base.
Ruby's jaw dropped. "That… was so cool!"
"I agree," I said, watching Jack descend on the fortress like a war god. "Almost makes me wish I could call dibs on the sword now."