Clark and Kara were both dumbfounded.
They exchanged glances, seeing four big words in each other's eyes:
"What's going on?"
One second, this guy was still "disappointed" that he hadn't been beaten to death, instructing them to kill next time.
The next second, he suddenly changed his tune, saying he wasn't fighting anymore and wanted to travel?
The leap in his thought process truly left them unable to react.
Kara folded her arms, looking at Tel-Rol with a wary expression.
"What trick are you up to now?"
She didn't believe this guy would suddenly change his ways.
A lunatic who lived for battle, would he really become a backpacker?
No one would believe it!
"I'm not up to any tricks."
Tel-Rol looked innocent.
"Didn't you say it? To stop me from always fighting."
He pointed at Kara, then at himself.
"See, I'm amenable, I listen to advice."
"Now, I've decided to experience the 'peace' of your planet."
"So, you have to take me around."
He said this so righteously, as if Kara owed him a tour guide service.
Kara was so angry she ground her back teeth.
"When did I ever say I'd take you around?"
"Besides, why should I take you around?"
"You crushed my black card, destroyed half of Central City, and put Barry in the ICU. It's a miracle I haven't rubbed you into the ground already!"
"Oh."
Tel-Rol nodded, as if he understood something.
He turned to Clark.
"Cousin, if she's not going, you take me."
Clark: "No!"
He felt his temples throbbing.
Communicating with this guy was too mentally exhausting.
He felt like he wasn't talking to a fellow Kryptonian, but to an alien creature with completely inverted logic.
"Tel."
Clark rubbed his brows, trying to make his tone sound gentler, more persuasive.
"You've just been through a big battle; your body needs rest."
"Moreover, you know too little about Earth; going out rashly could easily cause unnecessary trouble."
"How about this."
Clark had an idea.
One he thought was the safest option for now.
"I'll take you somewhere."
"A very quiet, very peaceful place."
"There, you can rest well and slowly get to know this world."
Tel-Rol's eyes lit up.
"Are there any strong people?"
Clark: "...No."
Tel-Rol's gaze instantly dimmed again.
"Is there a place where I can eat my fill then?"
Clark thought about the almost-broken food synthesizer in the Fortress of Solitude, and then about the farm back home in Kansas.
He hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"As much as you can eat."
"Alright."
Tel-Rol made the decision.
"Then let's go."
"To that place you mentioned."
He was already impatient.
The Fortress of Solitude was too desolate; besides an AI butler, there was no one to talk to.
Now that the fighting was over, he just wanted to find some other fresh fun.
Kara looked at Tel-Rol, who had been settled with just a few words, and then at Clark, who had a knowing look on his face, and felt there was a trap somewhere.
"Clark, where are you taking him?"
"Back to Smallville."
Clark replied in a low voice.
"Back to the farm."
Kara's eyes widened instantly.
"Are you crazy?!"
"You're taking him back to the Kent farm?"
"Aren't you afraid he'll devour Aunt Martha's cornfield?"
"It's the only place we can keep an eye on him right now."
Clark was also helpless.
"It's better than letting him run wild outside alone."
"On the farm, with me and Mom and Dad, at least he can feel a little... warmth of family."
Clark hoped that the simple, peaceful atmosphere of the Kent farm could slightly influence his cousin, who only had battle on his mind.
To make him understand that power is not just for destruction.
Kara looked at him with suspicion.
"Are you sure it's about influencing him, and not adding fuel to the fire?"
She knew Tel-Rol too well.
Asking a warmonger to experience pastoral life?
It was like asking a husky to guard a flock of lively chickens.
It would be a miracle if there were any bones left of the chickens.
"We have to try."
Clark sighed.
"Kara, please."
"Help me keep it from the others, especially Bruce and Diana."
"I don't want them to worry about this anymore."
Kara looked at Clark's face, filled with fatigue and pleading, and finally softened.
"Alright."
She reluctantly nodded.
"I'll help you keep it a secret."
"But, I'm telling you this upfront."
"If he dares to cause even the slightest trouble on the farm, don't blame me for directly packing him up and throwing him into the sun."
"And!"
Kara added fiercely.
"All the damages he caused in National City and Central City, I will send the bills, every single penny, to the Kent farm!"
"For you to sign for!"
Clark could only nod with a bitter smile.
Smallville, Kansas.
This was just an ordinary rural town in America.
Endless fields, low houses, and warm sunshine.
Everything seemed so tranquil and peaceful.
When Clark brought Tel-Rol and landed on the lawn of the Kent farm.
Tel-Rol's brow never unfurrowed.
He looked around.
Old wooden barns, creaking windmills, and cows slowly grazing in the fields.
"Is this it?"
He looked at Clark with a look of disdain.
"This is the 'very quiet, very peaceful' place you mentioned?"
"There aren't even any tall buildings here!"
"The air even smells of cow dung!"
Clark ignored his complaints.
He walked towards the familiar white cottage.
A kind woman, wearing an apron and with some graying hair, was coming out of the house, carrying a basket of freshly washed apples.
When she saw Clark, a warm smile appeared on her face.
"Clark, you're back."
It was Clark's adoptive mother, Martha Kent.
"Mom."
Clark walked forward and gave his mother a big hug.
Martha patted her son's back, then curiously looked at the dark-haired young man behind him.
The young man was tall and strong, but his face carried a wildness that was out of place in this quiet town.
His gaze was like a lone wolf surveying new territory.
"Who is this?"
Martha asked curiously.
"Mom, his name is Tel-Rol."
Clark introduced him.
"He's... my cousin."
"He's new to Earth and not yet familiar with everything, so he'll be staying here for a while."
"Cousin?"
Martha was stunned for a moment.
She knew Clark's identity, and she knew what that implied.
Another... child from the stars.
She put down the basket in her hand, a more gentle smile appearing on her face, and walked towards Tel-Rol.
"Hello, Tel."
"Welcome to Earth, welcome to our home."
"I'm Martha Kent, you can call me Aunt Martha."
She extended her hand, wanting to offer a welcome.
Tel-Rol looked at the smiling human woman in front of him, and then at her outstretched hand, marked by the passage of time.
He frowned.
He didn't understand the meaning of this gesture.
In his past understanding, there were only enemies and prey.
This unfamiliar kindness made him feel a little... uncomfortable.
He didn't shake her hand, but merely looked Martha up and down, then used his unique "Ki-sensing" to perceive her.
Very weak.
As weak as a candle flame in the wind; he could extinguish it with a single breath.
"You're too weak."
Tel-Rol came to a conclusion and stated it bluntly!
Clark's face instantly darkened.