Kara’s Magic 101: Don’t make deals.
Kal-El's birth caused quite a stir—and that's an understatement. But it was eventually accepted after a lot of questioning and investigations. It had been such a long time since a naturally born Kryptonian had entered the world that it left people agitated. Uncle Jor and Aunt Lara argued that the birth matrix was reducing our genetic variation, which would eventually make us susceptible to genetic diseases. If someone were to create a virus targeting our DNA, it could wipe us out because we'd all be vulnerable to the same weaknesses. We'd end up like Viltrum.
That's why I created the Nanodoctors. They would act as our immune system, protecting us in case someone had that idea and succeeded. Kal-El was born two years ago—the same year Krypton would have blown up in the original timeline. He's a cute kid, but he's too well-behaved for a toddler, if you ask me.
I never had the physical body of a woman in my previous life, so my first—and only—period was both a pain and a surprise. What, you think we have advanced weapons but poor reproductive healthcare for females? This isn't America. Puberty the second time around is… interesting and slightly different.
I told my parents I'm attracted to girls. They looked at me, confused, and asked if I was telling them because I'd found someone. I didn't know Kryptonians were so cool about that. What? I didn't go around asking every gay person if they'd come out to their parents, so that was an embarrassing moment. I didn't realize it was such a normal thing here.
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### The Day After the Presentation
I was currently walking to my best friend's place the day after I'd made my presentation. Everything had changed in the streets, yet somehow remained the same. The buildings were taller but retained their artistry. There were still vendors, but with better stands that held onto their colorful charm. People's clothes appeared newer but kept the same style and color schemes from before.
I kept my eyes low to avoid the stares of people recognizing me. I was famous on Krypton—kind of a hero in the Worker's Guild.
I met Elona at our usual spot, the place where we'd first met. She was leaning against the wall, wearing a cadet uniform. She must've just come back from the Military Guild. My aunt had taken her on as a kind of apprentice, and she even took lessons with my mom, who taught her interrogation tactics, psychology, acting, strategy, politics, economics, and other things. Thankfully, Elona was smarter than the average Kryptonian and took to both my mom's and aunt's teachings like a fish to water.
Zal was all too happy about Elona rising to the top. He'd even been accepted into the military training program and "graduated" a year ago.
Elona's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Hey, if it isn't our Supergirl—the hero of Krypton," she said with a grin, throwing her arm over my shoulder.
"Hey, don't call me that. People mustn't know my secret identity," I replied with a matching grin.
"So, how was your presentation on your super-secret project that you still haven't told me about after four years?"
"I think it went well. I'll receive the council's decision in a month or so."
"What? In a month? But that's so long," she replied, her voice a mix of confusion and whining.
"It's a big deal, El. They have to really think it through."
"Must be really big, then. But you won't tell me, no matter how much I beg," she said with a pout.
"You'll know in a month when I get approved," I replied, rolling my eyes.
"That confident, huh? What do you want to do today? I'm thinking of having zuba sticks," she said as she led the way toward the food stands.
"Yeah, let's have that. And while we're at it, I get to annoy Old Girl," I replied mischievously, bouncing on the balls of my feet.
"She hates when you call her that," Elona snorted.
We arrived at our destination. "Hey, Old Girl, can we have four zuba sticks? Two each, please," I greeted with a happy smile.
"I told you to stop calling me that, girl," she replied with a scowl.
I just smiled sweetly. "Stop calling me 'girl,' and I'll stop calling you 'Old Girl.'"
"Mphh. Here are your sticks," she grumbled, handing me the roasted fruit on sticks.
I gave two to Elona and started munching on one of the remaining ones. As we turned to leave, I looked back at Old Girl.
"Hey, Alana, in a month or so, I may be in need of your help," I said.
She looked at me with a softened expression. She knew it was something serious when I called her by her name.
"Okay. We'll be waiting, then," she replied.
With that, I left with El.
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### The Valley of Jury
I had found out almost two years ago that Alana was one of the remaining Kryptonian magi. It happened after I convinced my family to let me go on a field research trip to the Valley of Jury. Of course, I'd taken security androids and worn my suit. After studying the place and finding the remains of its inhabitants, I discovered the object emitting magical energy.
To understand it thoroughly, I had to learn magic. So, I stayed there for half a month, allowing my cells to absorb the magical radiation. Magic was instinctual—it felt like an extra sense, an extra limb or muscle. I just had to flex it, use my mind and imagination, and I could spark a flame, move water or earth, or create a gust of wind. I knew I could do more.
After gaining magic like the champ I am, I went back home and practiced. After two months of isolated training, I was basically the Avatar. Combining that with my martial arts (Torquasm Vo), I was transmuting materials, creating new substances, and more. I merged my knowledge of atomic physics and chemistry with my imagination and meditation, turning myself into a version of Atom Eve.
I later found out that Alana was a practitioner of the occult when I visited El and stopped for a snack. My new magic sense told me what she was, and after a discussion, I discovered that I already had latent magic—without it, I wouldn't have found the temple. I met with others who continued my education, and they were both impressed and shocked by my progress.
At this point, the only thing I was missing was ridiculous strength, invulnerability, and energy reserves, as magic could be exhausting. Magic always asks a price, after all. I could create and manipulate matter, albeit only in close proximity. I could create energy shields, shoot energy projectiles, teleport short distances, heal others, enter their minds, force them into stasis, and even perform essence transfer.
I didn't practice any of the more complicated rituals and spells, though. No trying to look into other dimensions, no reversing time, or anything time-related. When you mess with time, time messes you right back. Didn't mean I wouldn't in the future—it just meant I'd prepare to take the pounding. No trying to create living creatures, no making sacrifices for more energy, and definitely no making deals with gods, angels, demons, or other powerful entities.
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### The Council's Decision
I spent the rest of the afternoon with Elona, and the following month passed without anything significant happening. A week into the next month, I was called to the council.
I stood before the council with my hands folded behind my back and my eyes straight ahead. Councillor Lira-Va addressed me.
"Kara Zor-El, we have reviewed your proposal and had thorough discussions. Your contributions to the advancement of Krypton and its citizens were noted and had a significant impact on our decision. The council has agreed to the conversion of our sun. The Priests of Rao have also heard and approved of this decision."
I bowed my head and looked back up with a posture conveying confidence. "I thank the council, and I thank Rao for allowing me the opportunity to elevate our people. I will not disappoint you."
Councillor Lira-Va quirked her lips into a small smile. "No, I believe you will not."
With that, I was dismissed.
Now, it's time to begin.