“Heh, well, I am usually on time. So but Ma and Pa know I can handle myself if I’m out and about.” Which was true, they were the only ones who knew of his powers.

“You’ll have to play something for me sometime.”

“You work at the tavern?” Kal asked, genuinely. “I could uh, I could help for the night? If you needed.” He said, but something lined underneath it —- maybe the want or maybe even the need to not return to the farm just yet.

Was burned before the city. Setting an example.

“Some don’t take kindly to strangers.” Kal said, somewhat quietly. “It may be lucky you found me. Metropolis isn’t far, a days ride if we keep to the main road.”

Kal shot her a somewhat concern look. The last newcomer of these lands was the Halls. A Kingdom far off the coastline, they had come to broker peace with Zod, aiming to take the southern dunes as their own, and expand along with Kandor.

Zod had the entire family killed. Their banner of a Hawk (c)

“My parents they’re. .well old. And I wouldn’t want to put any large pressure on them.”

“Of course.” He said quickly, and perhaps too quickly. As a tint of selfishness came to him, the thought of letting automation take his place —- so that he could go. Travel, find who he is. Visit the El Memorial. Like he’s been dying to do.

“But. .I dunno.” Kal says, rubbing at his large forearm.

He sat, someone embarrassed. “It’s nice to meet you. Kal Kent, my family owns Kent Farm. I uh. .I haven’t been to Metropolis.”

Kal props himself onto the kart, it sags to the side he’s pulling, maybe too much so. He was. .larger now, than he had ever been. Something on his 18th birthday had changed, changed more than he already had.

It was the strength, so surprising and enticing. But it had added to his figure. (c)

“People are kind in Smallville.” He says in passing. “Alright. I trust you. .” Which was genuine, Kal had a problem of doing that.

“I tend to not make them.” Kal says, standing his ground. A stranger amongst the forest of darkness —- although he had his strength on his side, a secret only he knew, there was no telling who this other was. “What deal?”

“I’ll have to be back before sundown. My father is expecting me to help him tomorrow —- I try not to let him down.” Kal said earnestly.

“No, not all of it. But most.” Kal said, sounding close to defeat. “It doesn’t matter now. Someday they’ll forget to harass the Kents. Or someday I’ll make them forget.”

| he’s also way younger, like 19-21, which is where I aim for this Kal to be

| switched up FC’s to absolute Superman bc:
1. Just caught up completely, honestly sick book
2. Long hair Kal
3. Armor Kal makes more sense for fantasy setting

“A little.” Kal says, running a hand through the length of black hair upon his head. “What is it you want then?”

Kal takes a seat next to other, placing his forearms upon his knees. “I think I’ve. .found something, boy. I’m not sure. By the old El’s Memorial. It felt like something was calling me. Ma and Pa may know. I don’t that’s for sure.”

Giving the direwolf a minor scratch. “You been a good boy while I was away, Krypto?”

To say fear settled in him was a mere jest. But he would not show it, could not show it. He rose the lantern higher, illuminating the branches that sprawled like a web above his head. And the stranger that crawled within them.

“Who are you.”

“You won’t need to worry about that.” Kal says, he takes a step forward —- seeing the daze in the strangers stance. A small quiver in their muscles, as if days or weeks carried in their bones.

“My family helps people. It’s what we do. I can take you there if needed.”

This was like. .like when he met the spirit of Krypton those months ago. Ethereal figures wandering around the Kingdom lands —- and once again they’ve found him.

“Food?” Kal repeats, watching their every move. “I’ve got food. My parents farm is just down the way.”

“Aye, she did.” Says Kal, shifting weight to one foot.

“Although I feel you’re not here for any of my parents supplies.”

“To Metropolis?” He pointed with his thumb —- the path before led to the minor village just outside the Kingdom of Kondor. Metropolis, even minor, was almost a Kingdom in its own right. Large enough to swallow Smallville whole. “Nay. .I’ve got no reason to go. .but. .”

“We’ve got a few melons. And grapes, the grapes are far more sweeter. My Ma grows them with honey drizzle, helps them be plumper and taste better.” Kal crossed his rather larger arms over his chest. He could tell there was something else here, but wasn’t quite sure.

“Eight coin for a pack.”

@countingseconds.bsky.social

Kal held the lantern higher, illuminating the path before him. Although he did not need it —- but he didn’t feel like using his secrets just yet. “Who goes there. Show yourself.”

@advantagedsaves.bsky.social

“That should —-“ Kal said through gritted teeth, tightening the bolt that held the wooden wheel to the cart. “Do it. Gotta watch out for those potholes, stranger.”

@branching-paths.bsky.social

“. . .Hello?” He says cautiously. “Who —- or what are you?. .”

@whoismaneater.bsky.social

“Anything I can help you with, Miss?” Kal says, whipping dirt from his hands with a rag. His parents pop up shop wasn’t the largest in the market —- but he believed it had the best fruits available.

*

Gentle reminder this is a Fantasy / D&D inspired supes, lore is under the pinned :)