Kara Zor-El — Superman's cousin.
Though born more than a decade before Kal-El, fate had twisted their destinies. When Krypton was destroyed, Kara's ship launched right after his, but a meteor struck her pod mid-flight, sending her off course and into a deep stasis. Because of that, she reached Earth long after her younger cousin.
Her abilities mirrored Kal-El's: super strength, flight, enhanced speed, heat vision, freeze breath — every gift of a Kryptonian under a yellow sun.
---
"Kara Zor-El?"
Adrian tilted his head, staring at the completely naked stranger in his living room.
"Don't tell me you sleepwalked here by accident—and forgot to wear clothes while doing it."
A gust of wind whooshed through the air as Adrian blurred away. In less than a second, he stood back by the doorway, holding a folded shirt and pair of pants.
"Here," he said, tossing them to her. "Put something on before you come in."
"Who's outside, Adrian?" Martha's voice came from the kitchen, confusion in her tone.
"I don't know. She says her name's Kara Zor-El."
"Why are you bringing clothes down from upstairs?" Martha asked as she approached.
"She wasn't wearing any."
"Oh!" Martha covered her mouth in surprise and exchanged an awkward look with Jonathan, both clearly uncertain what to make of this situation.
A few seconds later, came the soft knock, knock, knock on the door again.
Adrian opened it after confirming she had dressed.
"I know you, Adrian Kent," Kara said, now wearing the clothes he'd handed her. She smiled faintly. "It's strange — you don't belong here, yet I can feel something familiar in you. You're not Kal-El's brother, but... why do I sense the same energy?"
Adrian shrugged lightly. "Maybe I'm a Kal-El from another world. Just like there might be a version of you who isn't a nudist."
Her eyes narrowed, but she didn't respond.
"So," Adrian continued dryly, "you want to leave now, or are you planning to keep saying cryptic things in my doorway?"
"I'm not leaving," Kara said firmly. "Not until I find Kal-El."
Jonathan appeared, curious. "Why don't you invite her in, son?"
Reluctantly, Adrian stepped aside. "Fine. Come in."
When Kal-El returned from school later that day, the air in the Kent house felt... strange.
His parents, Adrian, and a blonde stranger sat in the living room. She was wearing Adrian's shirt.
"Hey, Mom. Dad." Clark greeted them before his eyes fell on the unfamiliar girl. He blinked. Did Adrian actually bring someone home? That seemed impossible.
"This is hot tea," Martha said, noticing Kara's curious stare at the cup.
"Miss," Jonathan added, "your parents must be worried about you. Why don't we call them?"
"No, don't call anyone," Kara replied softly.
Jonathan frowned. "You can't sleep out on the farm. If you don't mind, you can stay here for the night."
"Thank you," Kara said sincerely. "I heard the Kents were kind people."
Jonathan and Martha exchanged uncertain glances. Adrian remained silent, his instincts uneasy.
"Where exactly did you come from?" he asked.
Kara set her cup down. "From a passage in a cave wall."
Clark straightened. "A passage... in the wall?"
"Yes. It leads to a distant place — a world where you don't have to hide who you are, where you can unleash everything you've suppressed."
Jonathan stepped forward, concern in his voice. "Young lady, if you're saying you're from another planet, maybe show us what makes you special."
"Dad?" Clark said in disbelief.
Jonathan's gaze didn't waver. "Clark, you know how the Luthors operate. Tricks, manipulation — I don't trust easily."
"Jonathan Kent," Kara snapped, her tone sharp. "You have no right to insult others so carelessly!"
"The time has come," she declared suddenly. "Kal-El needs to see the truth!"
Before she could move, Adrian was already there — in front of his father. His super speed had blurred him into position, eyes cold.
"You'd better show some goodwill, Supergirl. Or I'll show you what Earth can do."
Kara's expression flickered with conflict.
"Adrian Kent... you're not from this world either. Your life energy doesn't belong here. If you let me, I can take you with me — help you discover who you truly are."
"Cut the act," Adrian said sharply. "This is my home."
"No, it isn't," she said softly. "You and Kal-El are the same — beings who will never truly be understood."
"Is that so?" Adrian's eyes began to glow red with building heat.
Jonathan and Martha froze, fear flashing between them.
But before the confrontation could escalate, Clark stood.
"You called me Kal-El earlier. What did you mean by that?"
Kara's heat vision faded.
"That's your real name," she said gently. "The name you were given at birth."
Clark frowned. "Then why are you here?"
"To take you home," she whispered, reaching for his hand.
Just as she touched him, her expression shifted.
"Someone's here."
Knock knock.
"Clark, Adrian — you home?" came a familiar voice.
"Pete?" Clark blinked and looked toward the door. When he turned back, Kara was gone.
The teacup on the table rippled slightly, the only trace she'd left behind.
"She's gone," Adrian muttered, staring at the spot where she vanished.
Clark opened the door to find Pete standing there.
"Mr. Kent," Pete greeted Jonathan and Martha politely before looking at Adrian.
"Something wrong?" Clark asked.
"Not with you," Pete said quietly. "It's about Adrian."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "What about me?"
"Can I talk to you alone?" Pete asked nervously.
"Sure." Adrian led him upstairs.
Pete hesitated, then said, "At school today, some people were asking about you. They were careful, but I noticed — they looked suspicious. Three girls, one guy. The guy's eyes... something about him wasn't right."
"Did you catch who they were?" Adrian asked.
"No, but they seemed dangerous. I thought I should warn you."
Adrian nodded. "Thanks, Pete."
After Pete left, Adrian stood by the window, eyes narrowing.
Three girls and one guy...
He recognized the description. One of them was Stargirl.
"So they're coming for me. Revenge? Or the Star Scepter?" He exhaled slowly. "Maybe both."
---