One Week Later!
The first rays of morning light filtered through the curtains of Kara's bedroom, casting a soft glow over the room. She stirred in her sleep, the familiar sounds of the household beginning to rouse her from her dreams.
The distant hum of the coffee maker, the faint clatter of dishes in the kitchen—each sound a gentle reminder that a new day was beginning.
A soft knock at the door was followed by the warm voice of her mother, Eliza Danvers. "Kara, honey, time to wake up. Breakfast is almost ready."
Kara blinked her eyes open, stretching beneath the covers as she slowly came to full consciousness. "Okay, Mom. I'll be down in a minute," she called back, her voice still thick with sleep.
With a sigh, she pushed herself out of bed, her feet touching the cool wooden floor. She padded over to the window, pulling the curtains aside to let in more light. The sky outside was a brilliant blue, promising a beautiful day ahead.
Kara grabbed her glasses, putting them on as her mind wandered to the events of the previous day, specifically, her encounter with Kayn. He was different from anyone else she had met at school, and their conversation had left her feeling both intrigued and uncertain.
She had been so focused on keeping her identity hidden, on not drawing attention to herself, that she hadn't considered what it might be like to open up to someone. But there was something about Kayn, something that made her want to trust him.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the television coming from downstairs. Curious, Kara finished getting ready and made her way down to the kitchen. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she could hear the familiar voice of the news anchor.
"… and in other news, Superman was spotted in Metropolis yesterday, saving a group of civilians from a building collapse. Witnesses report that he acted with his usual speed and precision, ensuring that everyone was brought to safety. Metropolis continues to look to the Man of Steel as a beacon of hope…"
Kara paused at the doorway to the kitchen, her eyes drawn to the screen where images of her cousin, Superman, flashed across the news broadcast.
She watched as he flew through the air, his cape billowing behind him, a symbol of strength and hope to millions of people. She felt a familiar mix of pride and longing as she watched him.
Superman had always been a role model for her, someone she looked up to. But he was also a reminder of the legacy she carried, the weight of expectations that came with being from Krypton.
She was supposed to be protecting him. What a joke that had become. Now, he was not only protecting her, but protecting the entire world, whilst she stayed here, just living a quite life. Was this her future?
Despite all that he did, he had managed to balance his entire life being both Superman and Clark Kent, having a job, a loving partner in Lois Lane, friends and family, and his SuperHero duties.
Could she ever do the same? Just being normal Kara Danvers was overwhelming her. Earth was so uncomfortable, she was still struggling to adapt to the culture and make friends.
Her thoughts drifted back to her conversation with Kayn. He had spoken to her with such confidence, as if he knew exactly who he was and what he wanted.
It had made her wonder if she could ever be that sure of herself, if she could ever stop hiding and start living her life more openly.
"Kara, are you just going to stand there all morning, or are you going to join us for breakfast?" Alex's teasing voice snapped Kara out of her reverie.
Kara smiled sheepishly and walked into the kitchen, where Alex and Eliza were already seated at the table. The smell of pancakes and syrup filled the air, making her stomach rumble in anticipation.
"Sorry, I got distracted," Kara said as she took her seat.
Eliza glanced at the television, where the news had moved on to a different story. "Thinking about Superman?" she asked, a knowing look in her eyes.
Kara shrugged, trying to play it off. "Just… wondering what it would be like to be that open with who you are."
Alex raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling with mischief as a teasing smile played on her lips, "Or maybe....you were thinking about that new guy at school? What's his name again? Kayn?"
Kara nearly choked on her orange juice, taking a couple coughs to clear her throat as she quickly looked down at her plate, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Alex…We're just friends..It's barely been a week." she mumbled, but the damage was already done.
"Uh-huh, sure," Alex teased, her grin widening. "You've never been this friendly with someone before, is it because he's hot?"
Eliza's interest was piqued. "Kayn? Who's that?"
"Just a guy from school," Kara said quickly, hoping to deflect the conversation. "We talked a little, that's all."
Alex wasn't about to let it go that easily, "I wonder what you two talk about every lunch time. It isn't often a popular guy leaves their crew to hand out with someone else, maybe he likes you?" she teased, nudging Kara with her elbow.
Kara shot her a glare, but there was no real heat behind it. "It's not like that," she protested, but her voice lacked conviction.
Eliza smiled, clearly amused by the exchange. "Well, it's good to know you're making friends, Kara. You've always been a bit of a loner, so it's nice to see you opening up to someone."
Kara felt a pang of guilt at her mother's words. She knew that Eliza worried about her, about how much she kept to herself. Maybe it was time to start being more open, not just with Kayn, but with everyone.
"I guess… I just haven't found the right people to open up to," Kara said softly, her thoughts still lingering on Kayn and the strange connection she felt with him, "He's... different. He's nice, and he doesn't make me feel awkward or out of place. We just talk, that's all."
Eliza reached across the table to squeeze Kara's hand. "You'll find your way, Kara. Just remember that it's okay to let people in."
Kara nodded, feeling a warmth in her chest at her mother's words. Maybe she would try to be more open, to let down some of the walls she had built around herself. And maybe, just maybe, Kayn would be someone she could trust with her secrets.
As they continued their breakfast, Kara found herself laughing at Alex's jokes and joining in on the conversation. For the first time in a while, she felt a sense of normalcy, of belonging. And as she looked around the table at her family, she realized that maybe she was already more open than she thought.
_______________________________
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the bustling streets of National City. Kayn, known to the public as Harbinger, strolled out of National City Technical High School, his thoughts preoccupied with recent developments.
Just as he was about to head home, a sudden commotion erupted from a nearby bank.
Kayn's sharp senses caught the unmistakable sound of gunfire, followed by the terrified screams of civilians.
Without hesitation, he created a clone that would go to his home, while he made himself invisible, his casual attire quickly shifting into his SuperHero Costume.
Kayn propelled himself towards the scene of the crime, which turned out to be National City Bank, one of the most important places in the City. He could see police cars speeding down the streets towards the bank, yet Kayn was faster.
The scene inside was chaotic. A group of heavily armed robbers had taken control, their faces concealed by masks, their voices barking orders as they forced the bank staff and customers to the floor. The civilians just screeched in fear, trembling.
This seemed to be an inside job as well. One of the bank tellers quickly gave the robbers access, and they already had loaded an immense amount of money into their duffel bags.
There were many vehicles ready outside prepared as diversions for the getaway, yet Kayn instantaneously could deduce that the real getaway vehicle was one of the Bank's own cars, further influencing his thought that this was an inside job.
It seemed they planned to blitz it before Kayn arrived, and then by time he reached here, they would already escape in an unassuming bank vehicle, yet they underestimated his ability.
Kayn moved swiftly, his form a blur as he entered through a shattered window.
Before the robbers could react, Harbinger unleashed a wave of telekinetic energy, disarming them in an instant. Their weapons clattered to the floor, crushed into pieces by Kayn's telekinetic power.
"TELL THE DRIVER TO LEAVE WITH THE CASH." One of the robbers roared, recognizing the situation and that they'd be caught, whilst he sacrificed himself, running towards Kayn while pulling out a knife.
"Tssk." Kayn murmured, just outstretching his hand and telekinetically stopping the various robbers still inside, while yeeting them through a window out onto the floor outside, where they'd be detained by police.
Then, Kayn spotted the various vehicles trying to drive off with any cash that still remained, but he was still one step ahead.
"Hypnos." He muttered, instantly putting all of the various getaway drivers to sleep, before sending out crimson bands of light to restrict them and send them to the police to handle.
Once he was finished, he looked around, spotting the civilians looking at him with faith in their eyes. He made sure no-one was injured before leaving, spotting the police handling the detained robbers outside.
The officer in charge, a grizzled veteran of the force, nodded in acknowledgment. "Good work, Harbinger. We'll take it from here."
Harbinger gave a brief nod, explaining his thoughts before turning away, his form dissolving into the shadows as he exited the scene as quickly as he had appeared.