Icy Landscape

Kal-El, the lone Kryptonian, is flying through the cold environment of the Arctic region. He was instructed by his Ai to investigate this place. But so far, there hasn't been anything too interesting. The howling winds and snow storm from the arctic blast would normally make things difficult to see, but not for the Kryptonian.

The first thing he wanted to do when leaving the island was explore the world outside. He heard stories from Hippolyta about what she calls man's world. Kal-El isn't sure why she referred to it as such, but knowing the mistreatment and stories firsthand from his adopted mother he could put two and two together.

He shook his head, while it would be interesting to explore the countries around, Kal-El at this moment wanted to be alone. He wasn't sure if he would hurt another person in his current state. His physiology and blood has made him quick to anger when under immense stress. His own body wanted to act on instinct and basically lessen his self control when he was angry. When he asked his Ai about it, it mentioned something about his ancient Kryptonian blood.

Hopefully, whatever this place has, it will unlock so secrets to himself.

'Stop, move yourself to that rock over there Kal-El. Place your hand over it.'

He did what he was told and hovered over to a small cavernous area. It didn't look too interesting, maybe it was designed that way.

With his palm touching the rock. There was a low rumbling before the huge boulder opened up.. Stepping into the dimly lit area, he continues walking until he reaches the end of the cave.

His eyes widen to the new spectacle.

At the end of the small cave system is an open area with a lightly lit fortress in the center. It's presence is breathtaking and out of this world. Curious to understand the material in which it was constructed, Kal-El hovers closer.

Flying over to the center of the place, his eyes scan the material. It seems to be made of some crystal structure.

'Beautiful isn't it? The crystal that you are holding on right now is Sunstone material. One of Krypton's greatest achievements. Similar to organic lifeform, the crystal can be shaped into any specific purpose such as storing near limitless information and into creations such as this.'

Kal-El nods taking in the information, it was truly remarkable. Stepping into the huge fortress, the area was neatly spaced with nothing too interesting besides the white sheet of material beneath him. The environment inside was much warmer than before.

What remarkable insulation and energy utilization Kal-El thinks.

He continues further into the fortress before reaching another walled door. Plaster on the wall is a symbol consisting of a diamond outline shape. Within the field of that shape, a Kryptonian symbol that resembles the Earth letter "S" is placed into the center. Kal-El studied many of the languages on Earth as instructed by Hippolyta, so he could somehow see the similarity.

'The symbol of the ruling House of El. For many generations, The house of El ruled Krypton before a civil war broke out. With so much bloodshed over ownership of a planet, your ancestor chose to relinquish rulership and enacted a council. Even then, the house of El remained a strong reminder of Kryptonian royalty and legacy. The symbol of hope upon this door is your legacy Kal-El, you are it's sole prince and ruler. Place your palm upon the door Kal-El.'

Feeling the weight of responsibility and legacy on his shoulders, Kal-El hesitantly approaches the huge walled door. He needs to know more about his people's history and hopefully know more about his parents.

Making up his mind, Kal-El places his palm against the door.

After a brief moment of silence, the door lits up like the Sunstones around him and it creaks moving past each other.

Stepping deeper inside, Kal-El sees an alien ship of some sorts.

"I thought that I was sent to Paradise Island in a smaller ship."

'Kryptonian Scout ship, the very ship that sent you here on Earth Kal-El. It was not on Themyscira since it's designated location was this area. Understanding that an isolated area was no environment suited for a child, it rerouted a pod. The small ship you have at the island is no comparison to this. Your legacy is held in Kal-El. The very fortress was created from this ship as instructed by your mother.'

"...My mother?"

'Lara Lor-Van, a remarkable woman and…' His Ai pauses.

'My wife.'

Kal-El's eyes widened in shock.

"W-what did you say? How... no this does not make any sense!"

The scout ship shutters before a projected image is shown. The figure before him is a man that seems to be around forty-ish in age. He had a scuffed beard and blue eyes that showed maturity and age. He stood in a white robe with the House of El symbol around his chest.

"My name is Jor-El and I'm your father."

Appearing before Kal-El right now, it simply does not feel real. His legs want to give out from the sheer shock from just looking at his father right now. A part of him wants to believe that this was him, flesh in blood. But logic says otherwise.

The Ai in front of him smiles sadly at his silent son.

"I am the memory construct Ai created by your father. He knew...I knew that one day you would come seeking answers. I had hoped that I would reveal myself in a more acceptable way. But I could no longer watch my son continue to hurt himself and fall astray."

Kal-El pauses before quietly speaking.

"My whole life...I thought that I was alone, that nothing was left remaining after the destruction of Krypton. Why did you wait this long to tell me?" Kal-El stops.

"Was it to mock me? Do you feel pity for your son's inability to control himself? Did it take your son to become a monster a freak for you to reveal yourself?"

Seeing this, Jor-El couldn't help but shake his head sadly.

"Son...I am sorry. It was not right to intrude myself into your life in such a manner. I hoped that living on this planet would give you the love and support that you needed. Unfortunately, I was mistaken and I can never make that up to you. I can only apologize and move on from here. I can not pretend to be a perfect father, but I hope that you can give me a chance. Let me teach you our history, our legacy, my son."

Kal-El knows that his father is not to blame, his actions are still his own. His father did not make him feel that deep hatred that he felt at that time. His father did not make him hurt his sister in that moment of weakness. Kal-El knows that he just wants someone to blame, someone to blame for his weakness and insecurities. Remembering Diana, his friend, Kal-El can still feel the longing to embrace her and apologize. But it was too late for that now. He needs to move on, so that nothing like this will ever happen again. With great power comes a responsibility to hold himself in an according manner.

Chuckling weakly, Kal-El closes his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he smacks himself hard across the face. In fact, the smack was hard enough to echo across the room.

"Father, my actions are still my own. I will not let you apologize for any of that. While I am still a little unsure of myself, I hope that one day you can see me become the man that you envisioned...with your help of course."

Jor-El smiles looking at his son. Looking at his boy now, his current age of 13 did not tarnish the level of maturity within his son. While Jor-El will not state it out loud, he still thought that his son was too kind for his own good. His son's sense of kindness definitely came from his mother who he too thought was too good for her own good. His beloved Lara did everything she could to help her people, but they too shunned her in the moments leading to their planet's destruction. He was hoping that this primitive planet had more kind hearted individuals, but people are still the same even across light-years.

Thinking about his son's companion, Diana, Jor-El could sympathize and understand. In fact, their situation is very similar to his own growing up. He remembered how his family shunned Lara in which this created a wedge between them. Out of kindness, Lara stopped their relationship and they went their separate ways. But later on by some miracle, Jor-El met his wife through an expedition and they two went on an adventure together. It was only through this life and death situation that they learn to care little for what others think.

Chuckling, Jor-El looks at his son and couldn't help but think warmly.

'Lara, look at our boy right now. Oh how I wish you can be here right now my love. Hopefully I can raise him into the man he's meant to be.'