Su Sheng and Indigo strolled down the street. Normally, at this time, the sidewalks would be bustling with people heading to work. Today, however, the streets were noticeably emptier. Those few who were out spoke in hushed tones, discussing the strange happenings in Metropolis. Superman's recent behavior had become more extreme, and though many supported his brand of justice, no one had expected this. He had enslaved and controlled the entire population of Metropolis overnight, something even his staunchest supporters found difficult to accept.
Extreme justice was one thing, but taking away people's freedom was another.
The incident had caused a massive uproar. The military attempted an operation but found their forces immediately subdued upon entering Metropolis. No one could get in or out. Even the DEO had to shift into emergency mode, with Supergirl herself flying to Metropolis to assess the situation.
"Where's the surprise you mentioned?" Su Sheng asked Indigo as they walked.
"Patience, Master," Indigo replied with a confident chuckle, her eyes suddenly locking onto a woman handing out flyers. Indigo took one, her smile widening as she handed it to Su Sheng.
"This is the surprise I prepared for you," she said.
Curious, Su Sheng took the flyer. Printed on it was a symbol similar to those associated with Kryptonian families, like Superman's "S" or Zod's "Z." But this symbol was different—red and black, with a darker, more oppressive feel. Its design was intricate, far more complicated than the familiar Kryptonian symbols.
"Do you recognize it?" Indigo asked, her eyes alight with anticipation.
Su Sheng stared at the flyer, frowning. "This is the symbol from the spaceship you showed me before, right? No, wait..." He narrowed his eyes, recalling the details of the earlier encounter. "It's different. More complex than the one on the Dominion ship."
"Look closer, Master," Indigo encouraged.
Su Sheng extended the flyer, studying the symbol more carefully. "Ear, mouth, king?" he muttered. "It looks like some ancient Chinese character for 'holy.' It's a bit distorted, though."
Indigo's voice dropped to a reverent tone. "Long ago, on Krypton, before Rao, there was a greater god—one who ruled all things. No one knows the true identity of this god or what he looked like. But those who bore this symbol were his disciples, the 'King of Erkou,' who obeyed his commands and conveyed his words. Is the Master satisfied with this surprise?"
Su Sheng raised his eyebrows, turning to Indigo. "You traveled back to ancient Krypton and created a god for them? And that god is... me?"
Indigo smiled mischievously. "I spread your teachings as your disciple, the Voice of the Saint. On ancient Krypton, your name became the most mysterious and revered of all gods—greater even than Rao. Before Kandor City disappeared, someone used a similar method in the name of Rao's Voice to control the city. I learned it all from you!" She laughed. "Changing history is quite thrilling, isn't it?"
"So I've unknowingly become Krypton's oldest... holy god?" Su Sheng marveled at Indigo's audacity. Without his knowledge, she had rewritten Kryptonian history, turning him into an ancient deity. While the belief might have faded in later eras, the fact that flyers bearing his symbol were being distributed now meant she'd done much more than simply plant the seeds of a forgotten faith.
"That's what makes you special, Master," Indigo said playfully. "Your influence spans centuries."
Su Sheng shook his head, both amused and impressed. "What's the story with this flyer? Are you recruiting followers for me?"
"I'm just letting the Holy Spirit's light reach more people," Indigo said with a grin.
"People say that following the strong is instinctual. Even if I don't want followers, disciples, or believers, people will follow me for one reason or another. You've certainly proven that idea right," Su Sheng remarked.
Indigo's smile deepened. "Just look at Astra. How did she, a Kryptonian general, get alien prisoners in Rozburg to follow her? It's because of you. They fear and respect you, and that's why they obey."
She continued, "Since I'm your disciple, it's only natural that I work to increase your power and prestige. The stronger you become, the more powerful I become in turn."
Su Sheng smirked. "So this is like the old Chinese tradition of offering the emperor the yellow robe? I don't want to be emperor, but those around me want me to take the throne."
Indigo chuckled. "Master, it's simple. If you find it entertaining, play along. If it bores you, let it go. And if anyone displeases you, simply kill them."
"What about this flyer? Who's behind this? The Dominator?"
"Yes. But she's not in International City right now. If you want, I can bring her back."
"No rush," Su Sheng said with a wave. "Surprises should come slowly. Today's was more than enough."
Indigo was about to respond when Su Sheng suddenly interrupted her, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Jesse's making progress. She found something."
Indigo blinked in surprise, but Su Sheng didn't wait. He waved his hand, and a shockwave rippled through the air as a miniature wormhole opened up. Without hesitation, they both stepped through.
Moments later, they arrived on Earth-Two.
"This is Earth-Two?" Indigo asked, glancing around curiously before disappearing into Su Sheng's bracelet to explore the world through the internet. Su Sheng, meanwhile, locked onto Jesse's location, a flash of blue lightning streaking across the sky.
When the light faded, Su Sheng stood before Jesse.
They were on a rooftop in Central City.
"Did you find Zod?" Su Sheng asked, noticing Jesse in her battle suit.
Jesse hesitated, then nodded. "I'm not sure if it's Zod, but he looks a lot like the picture you showed me. His name isn't Zod here, though. He's called Hernangela. In this world, he's Superman."
"Hernangela? That name has no punch to it," Su Sheng remarked, unimpressed. "Tell me everything."