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Phantom Zone
After arriving at the camp with the survivors, Henry spent a week living among them. He enjoyed their company, but deep down, he was anxious to find his sister and leave this dimension behind.
During that week, he learned more about his people's customs—and more about the current state of the Phantom Zone.
He eventually found out the name of the ruined city he passed through before meeting the siblings.
Though he hadn't fully mastered the Kryptonian language, Henry had learned enough to communicate with them now.
He also learned the names of the siblings.
The girl's name was Kaelia Thal.
She had short hair and a petite frame. She looked a bit like Alura—but younger.
While studying with her, Henry discovered she was a doctor.
She was around forty-seven years old, though she didn't look it.
Her brother, Rhydan Thal, was around fifty.
He had the build of a warrior, his body covered in battle scars.
Despite their age, both appeared to be teenagers—they were considered young by Phantom Zone standards.
During his time with them, Henry helped out however he could. He worked, assisted the wounded, and tried to blend in like a normal person.
He even helped defend the camp during a threat, fighting alongside the warriors.
Rhydan told the others about Henry's strength—his unnatural power.
The news quickly spread, alarming the camp. A stranger was rare enough, but none of them had ever seen a Kryptonian exposed to Earth's yellow sun.
Whispers began to spread: some said Henry must be of aristocratic blood—noble, even.
But Henry didn't dress like nobility, nor did he carry himself like one.
He didn't understand why they called him that, so he brought it up with his teacher.
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(Inside a cabin)
Henry sat cross-legged across from Kaelia, in the quiet spot where they usually studied together.
"I've noticed people keep saying I look like someone from the nobility," Henry said. "Can you tell me why?"
"I could," Kaelia replied, "but what would you do with that information?"
"I'm not sure. I just want to understand. You know I'm looking for someone—and I need your help."
She paused. "Alright, I'll tell you. But on one condition."
"What is it?"
"I want to know more about you. Where you come from. Why you're looking for this girl. Why you're so strong. I need to give answers to the Elder."
Henry considered the deal, then nodded.
"Alright. I'll tell you whatever you want to know. But…"
"But what?" she asked.
"I want to know more too," he said.
"Fine. But I'll only answer if I want to—and if I actually know the answer."
"Then we have a deal," Henry agreed.
"So... what do you want to know?"
"Why do people think I'm royalty? Who are these noble families? And why do I resemble them?"
"To be honest, I don't know much. But I do know why they think that about you…"
"Why?"
"Because of your strength. From what I've heard, there's a city where hundreds of Kryptonians still live. In that city, there's a group of people above all others—an aristocracy. And according to what little I know, they're stronger than most."
"Who are they?" Henry asked.
"Our ancestors, of course."
"Ancestors? Why are they elite compared to the rest?"
"They were the first. According to legend, they were the first Kryptonians to live here. The first to reproduce, to leave behind a bloodline."
"Do you know who they were?"
"I don't. I've never been to Darnathi."
"Tell me about this city—Darnathi," Henry said.
"It's the capital. Said to be the most populated city in the empire."
"One mo—"
"Nope. My turn to ask a question."
"Fair enough…"
"Why are you so strong? What species are you?" Kaelia asked.
"Species?" Henry raised an eyebrow.
He chuckled.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
"Oh, nothing. Just… it's funny you didn't recognize one of your own."
"Impossible. There's never been a Kryptonian as strong as you—maybe only the Firstborns."
"I'm not lying. I am Kryptonian. I just grew up somewhere else."
"Where?" she asked, curious.
Henry hesitated. He wasn't eager to answer—but he needed information, and hiding it might cause trouble.
"I'm from Earth. A planet outside this dimension. I'm not from here. Did that make sense to you?"
"You're saying you're from another world? Maybe you're crazy…"
"Maybe. Anyway—another question," said Henry.
"What happened to that destroyed city I passed before arriving here?"
"That city used to be called Karnath. It was one of the many shelters scattered across this world… but it was destroyed years ago," Kaelia explained.
"By who?"
"By a creature that roams the Zone. They say it's destroyed countless camps and cities like ours. I've never seen it myself, but I still remember the day we were evacuated. My brother and I made it out alive… many didn't."
"What does it look like?" Henry asked.
"Those who survived say it's a giant monster, its body covered in bone spikes—elbows, knees, fists, even its chest are armored with these razor-sharp structures. Its skin is gray and hard as stone. Its eyes glow with blind rage—like it has no soul. It doesn't speak. Doesn't feel. Doesn't retreat. It just destroys everything in its path."
Henry shivered.
"Sounds… unpleasant."
"My turn. I have another question for you…"
"Who are you looking for—and why?"
"I'm looking for a girl. My sister. I have no idea where she is…"
"Your sister?... What's her name?" Kaelia asked, frowning.
"Kara Zor-El."
Kaelia had just taken a sip of herbal tea—not that they needed it to survive, but it was comforting.
The moment she heard the name, she choked and spat it out.
"Hey—are you okay? Did I say something wrong?" Henry asked, concerned.
Kaelia coughed, then slowly calmed herself.
"I must have heard that wrong. That can't be…"
Henry's heart skipped. If she knew Kara, that meant he might actually find her.
"Where is she?" he asked.
Kaelia's face turned tense.
"This has to be a lie… you can't be him..." she whispered.
"Him who?"
"The Messiah. There's a legend—you don't know the legend?"
"Legend?" Henry repeated.
"Yes. According to it, one day the brother of Kara Zor-El would return. He would lead us out of this world, take us to our true home, rule us, and restore our glory."
Henry had taken a sip of his own tea. He spit it right in her face and choked.
"WHAT?" Henry shouted.
They stared at each other.
"It can't be…" Kaelia muttered, pointing at him.
Suddenly, someone barged into the tent, weapon in hand.
It was Rhydan.
"Is everything alright, sister?" he asked, eyeing Henry with suspicion.
"It's nothing…" Kaelia replied.
"Mind if I sit here for a bit?" Rhydan asked, stepping inside.
"Go ahead…" Henry muttered.
Henry didn't mind Rhydan's presence and kept talking.
"Look—I don't believe in any prophecy. I'm not some savior. I just want to find my sister. Can you help me? Do you know where Kara is?"
Rhydan took a sip of tea—and promptly choked.
"Wait—wait. What are you two even talking about? I think I heard that wrong…" he said.
Kaelia ignored him.
"I know where she is. In fact, everyone does," she said.
"Where?"
"In the capital. Darnathi."
"Can you take me there?"
"No. But I know someone who can," Kaelia said, glancing at her brother.
"Oh no. I don't know what this outsider wants, but I'm not doing any of it. I don't trust you. You're a stranger. A lunatic. My sister and I aren't taking you anywhere," Rhydan snapped.
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