Chapter 7

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Superman returned the next day, and he wasn't alone. Beside him stood a girl with an air of quiet strength and curiosity. Her name was Kara In-Ze, the last survivor of Argo, the cousin planet of Krypton. She looked around with wide, inquisitive eyes, her headstrong personality evident in her stance.

Superman introduced us, his voice warm and reassuring. “Cornelius, this is Kara. She’s been through a lot, just like you. I thought it’d be good for you two to meet.”

I extended my hand, offering a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you, Kara.”

She shook my hand firmly, her grip strong but not overpowering. “Nice to meet you too, Cornelius. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Superman looked between us, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. “You both have similar abilities, though Kara’s are slightly weaker than mine. I think you’ll find you have a lot in common.”

Kara’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Really? I’d love to see what you can do, Cornelius.”

I chuckled, feeling a surge of camaraderie. “I’d like that too. How about we do a little training together?”

We spent the next few hours sparring and testing our limits. Kara’s abilities were indeed similar to mine. She could lift massive weights, fly at incredible speeds, and withstand most forms of damage. We took turns lifting cement trucks and racing across the skies, pushing each other to go faster and farther.

“Your flight technique is impressive,” Kara said, hovering beside me as we soared above the city. “But you’re holding back a bit, aren’t you?”

I shrugged, a grin spreading across my face. “Maybe. I didn’t want to show off too much.”

She laughed, a light, carefree sound. “Show off all you want. I can handle it.”

We landed in a secluded area of the city, away from prying eyes. Kara looked around, her expression thoughtful. “This place feels different from Argo. It’s so... vibrant.”

I nodded, understanding what she meant. “It is. But it’s also dangerous. There are a lot of threats out there, and we need to be ready for them.”

Kara’s eyes hardened with determination. “I’m ready. Whatever comes our way, I’ll face it head-on.”

We continued our training, testing our strength and resilience. Kara’s powers were indeed on par with mine, though she lacked the experience and control that Superman possessed. Still, her determination and eagerness to learn were inspiring.

By the end of the day, we were both exhausted but exhilarated. Kara leaned against a tree, catching her breath. “That was intense. But I feel like I’m getting stronger already.”

I nodded, wiping sweat from my brow. “You are. You’re doing great, Kara.”

Superman appeared then, a proud smile on his face. “I knew you two would hit it off. You both have a lot of potential.”

Kara straightened up, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you, Kal. For everything.”

He placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression softening. “You’re family, Kara. We look out for each other.”

He turned to me, his gaze steady. “Cornelius, I want you to keep training with Kara. Help her harness her powers and learn to control them.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility. “Of course, Superman. I’ll do my best.”

Kara smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “Looks like we’re going to be spending a lot of time together.”

I returned her smile, feeling a newfound sense of purpose. “Yeah, it does. And I’m looking forward to it.”

Kara was given the last name Kent and enrolled at my high school. I introduced her to Katherine and Alicia. As we walked through the crowded hallways, it was impossible not to notice the reaction she elicited from everyone around us. The male students shot me hate-filled glares, while the girls gazed at her with a mix of admiration and envy.

"Kara, this is Katherine and Alicia," I said, gesturing to my friends. "They’re some of the best people you'll meet here."

Katherine smiled warmly and extended her hand. "Nice to meet you, Kara. Cornelius has told us a lot about you."

Alicia, ever the extrovert, gave Kara a quick hug. "Welcome to our school! You’re going to love it here."

Kara’s smile was radiant, her natural grace and well-maintained elegance shining through. “Thanks, guys. It’s great to meet you both.”

As we walked together, it was clear that Kara’s presence had already made a significant impact. Her overall beauty was a blend of natural grace and well-maintained elegance, reflecting her vibrant personality and charisma. She moved with a confidence that was both effortless and captivating.

"So, Kara," Katherine began, her curiosity evident, "what brings you to Metropolis High?"

Kara glanced at me before answering, her smile never faltering. "I’ve recently moved here to live with my cousin. He thought it’d be good for me to attend a regular high school and make some new friends."

Alicia nudged Katherine playfully. "Well, you’ve already got three friends here, so you’re off to a great start."

As the day progressed, I couldn’t help but notice the effect Kara had on everyone. Despite the initial jealousy from some of the boys and the awe from the girls, she managed to win people over with her genuine kindness and friendly demeanor. By the end of the day, it felt like she had always been a part of our group.

Later that afternoon, as we sat in the library doing our homework, Kara leaned over to me. "Thank you for introducing me to Katherine and Alicia. They’re really nice."

I smiled, glad she was settling in. "No problem. I knew they’d love you."

Katherine looked up from her book, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, Kara, any chance you’re into superhero comics? We’re kind of a nerdy bunch."

Kara chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Actually, I am. I’ve always been fascinated by superheroes and their stories."

Alicia clapped her hands in delight. "Perfect! You’ll fit right in. We usually hang out and talk about the latest issues and theories. It’s kind of our thing."

Kara’s smile widened. "Count me in. I’d love to join you guys."

As the days turned into weeks, Kara became an integral part of our group. She excelled in her classes and quickly became popular among the students. Her vibrant personality and charisma were impossible to resist. Yet, despite her newfound popularity, she remained humble and approachable, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a kind word.

One evening, as we were patrolling the city together, Kara turned to me, her expression thoughtful. "Do you ever miss your old life, Cornelius? Before all of this?"

I considered her question carefully. "Sometimes. But I’ve come to realize that this new life has given me a purpose. I’m able to help people and make a difference. That’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything."

Kara nodded, her gaze fixed on the city below. "I feel the same way. It’s strange, being in a new world, but I know I’m here for a reason. And with you and Superman, I feel like I’m part of something important."

I smiled, feeling a deep sense of camaraderie with her. "We are. And together, we can handle anything that comes our way."

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