[Sephie Michaela Deviluke POV]
I love my husband dearly—truly, I do. But I'll be the first to admit that he can be a bit much at times. Especially when it concerns our daughters. I understand, of course. It's no easy task to maintain peace across the universe while also trying to raise a child.
Fortunately for him, he has me by his side. Without my presence and support, I'm fairly certain that chaos would reign unchecked in our household. Then again, even with me, things have been chaotic lately—what with the sudden disappearance of our eldest daughter, who apparently decided that running away from home was her best option.
My husband, Gid, sat on his enormous throne, his form greatly reduced as he conserved his energy. In this miniaturized state, his entire body was dwarfed by the size of the throne, almost swallowed by it. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, and despite his small stature, his impatience was plain for all to see.
I couldn't help but find him absolutely adorable when he was like this—tiny, brooding, and clearly stressed over the safety of our daughter. Even the mightiest ruler in the galaxy could be rendered vulnerable by fatherhood.
"Patience, my love," I said gently, stepping closer. "We know that Lala is safe. Reports indicate she landed on a small planet known as Earth, and Zastin is there to ensure her protection."
He let out a deep, audible sigh, his tiny shoulders slumping. "I know... but Zastin still hasn't reported back. He should have—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Gid scrambled to activate the communicator that was ringing, quickly restoring his regal composure as the screen lit up. With a commanding tone, he addressed the man on the other end.
"Speak, Zastin," he commanded.
Zastin's image appeared on-screen from within his ship, and he gave us a respectful bow. "Greetings, my lord. Your majesty," he said politely, greeting the both of us.
I gave a nod in acknowledgment, but Gid was in no mood for formalities. "Have you managed to apprehend Lala?" he asked without delay.
"I'm afraid not, my lord," Zastin replied, his tone more cautious than usual. "There has been... an unexpected development. One I believe requires your direct attention."
Both Gid and I exchanged a look, intrigued—and, in my case, somewhat alarmed.
"Proceed," Gid said firmly.
Zastin continued. "When my men attempted to retrieve the princess, they were intercepted by an unknown force. More specifically, a boy—one who appears to be around the same age as the princess. It seems she has grown... acquainted with him. Based on the information we've gathered, she traveled to this planet with the express purpose of seeking him out. She seemed very certain of her decision."
His words caught us both off guard. Lala? Acquainted with a boy? Since when? She had always seemed more enamored with her inventions than with any romantic interests. Who was this mysterious young man who managed to capture her attention?
Gid's eyes narrowed, sharp and penetrating. "Is my daughter safe?" he asked, his voice low but intense—her wellbeing, as always, his utmost concern.
"Yes, she appears to be in no immediate danger. However, we were unable to convince her to return home due to the interference of this... unusual individual."
At that, Gid visibly relaxed. The weight of worry lifted from his small frame—though now it was replaced by curiosity. A new focus had emerged: this boy.
"Tell us more about him," I asked, my curiosity piqued just as much as my husband's.
"Yes, that's precisely why I've contacted you," Zastin replied. "You see, according to our records, Earth's inhabitants—humans—were considered a relatively primitive species. Their technological advancement is slow, and they have not even reached intergalactic travel. However, what is notable about this planet is the sheer concentration of spiritual energy and supernatural forces that appear to protect it."
He paused, then added with a hint of caution, "The strength displayed by this individual... it's beyond anything my men has encountered. In fact, we decided to investigate further—and what we found, I believe, warrants your immediate attention. I think it's better if I simply show you."
The screen flickered and shifted to a series of images and video clips. There, in full view, was a striking figure clad in a pristine white suit, a flowing red cape billowing behind him as he soared through the skies. He was seen performing acts of immense strength and bravery—defending the planet from what appeared to be elemental catastrophes and hostile forces.
"According to my men," Zastin continued, "this is the boy whom the princess has sought protection from. He currently goes by the alias Superman. But the reason I believe this situation is of particular significance… is the symbol on his chest."
At that, the image zoomed in on the emblem emblazoned on his chest.
"That crest..." I whispered, my voice caught between awe and disbelief. As someone who has lived long enough to witness countless civilizations and their crests, I immediately recognized this one.
And so did Gid.
He stood abruptly, his small form rising with renewed energy on top of the throne as his gaze locked onto the symbol on the boy's chest.
"The House of El…" he muttered gravely. "A surviving member of Krypton."
The House of El… An important and highly respected lineage within Kryptonian society. Known for their brilliance and unwavering sense of morality, they were among the most intellectually gifted families their planet had ever produced. It was largely due to their influence that we originally considered forming diplomatic relations with Krypton, even if the arrangement began as nothing more than a mutual non-aggression pact.
I had the distinct privilege of meeting both Jor-El and Lara-El—the head figures of their noble house. They were astonishing individuals, revered scientists and visionaries who sought not only to protect their people but to guide them toward enlightenment. To this day, I remember our conversations—measured, respectful, filled with logic and empathy. They were everything their reputation promised and more.
I do mourn their fate… but truthfully, their end was not unforeseen. They were warned. The signs of Krypton's collapse were clear to those willing to see them. And while the House of El did try to alert the High Council, the planet's downfall came not from ignorance, but from stubborn pride. In that sense, the Kryptonians have only themselves to blame for their extinction.
But now—now I look upon this boy, this so-called Superman, and I can't help but notice something striking. His features… his eyes, his presence—they resemble Lara-El far too closely to be a coincidence. Could it be? Could he truly be their son? It's entirely possible. If any family had the foresight and capability to ensure their child's survival, it would be the House of El. They may have perished with their world, but perhaps they succeeded in saving their legacy.
To think… our daughter has stumbled upon the last surviving heir of Krypton.
Yet there's something about him that puzzles me, and judging by the contemplative silence beside me, Gid has noticed it too. The boy—this Superman—possesses abilities that far surpass what we've come to associate with the Kryptonian race. Flight, super strength, enhanced durability, energy vision… These are not traits the Kryptonians exhibited under normal conditions.
"Interesting…" Gid muttered, his lips curling into a grin.
I recognized that expression instantly. After all these years, I know my husband well enough to read his thoughts before he even speaks them. That gleam in his eyes, the barely contained amusement—he's scheming. He's always at his most dangerous when he's amused.
Sure enough, his grin widened as he turned toward the screen. "Zastin, I have a task for you."
Zastin bowed immediately, loyal and unwavering. "What is your desire, my lord?"
"You are to personally retrieve Lala and bring her home," Gid instructed, his tone calm but firm. "That is your primary objective—no deviation, no hesitation. However…" He paused, tapping a finger to his chin. "Should you encounter resistance from this boy—this Superman—I want you to test him. Measure his strength. Gauge his heart. If conflict becomes unavoidable, you are to hold back. Engage him, yes, but do not give it your all. This is not a battle to win—it is a trial."
Zastin's expression remained composed, though I detected the slightest flicker of uncertainty. Gid's voice left no room for negotiation.
"If he defeats you," Gid continued, "then you will have failed in retrieving Lala. Do you understand me?"
A strange feeling stirred in my chest—unease. Something about this plan didn't sit well with me. Perhaps it was the idea of testing an unknown force. Perhaps it was the realization that Gid was more intrigued by the boy than concerned for our daughter's return.
Zastin nodded once, placing a fist to his chest in salute. "As you command, my lord. I will not fail you."
The transmission ended.
I turned to Gid, just in time to see him chuckling softly into his hand, utterly pleased with himself. His tiny form, still conserving energy, only made the sight more amusing.
Honestly, he's simply the cutest when he gets like this… even when he's planning something ridiculous.
But I can't shake this lingering feeling.
Something tells me this encounter will be far more significant than either of us expected.
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