Chapter 7
The silver ship stood waiting in the vast docking bay of the large estate of the Royal Palace, its sleek surface reflecting the glow of Khevron’s twin moons. Engineers moved in a quiet flurry, making final checks on the vessel before its departure to Krypton.
Kara had insisted on accompanying Seyla back to her home world, if only for a brief farewell. It felt right. After everything they had seen together, after the quiet conversations in the void of space, she couldn't just let Seyla leave without saying goodbye properly.
Yet, now that they stood side by side at the base of the ship’s ramp, words felt oddly difficult to grasp.
Seyla was watching her, arms crossed, head tilted slightly. “You’re quiet,” she remarked.
Kara let out a small breath, shifting on her feet. “Just thinking.”
Seyla smirked. “That’s dangerous.”
Kara rolled her eyes. “I mean it. This might be the last time we see each other.”
A knowing look flickered across Seyla’s face, like she had expected Kara to say that. “Kara, you have a whole entire fleet at your command, I'm sure you can visit me sometimes.”
Kara huffed. “It’s not that simple, Seyla. My father keeps me on a pretty short leash.”
Seyla raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “You say that like you’re not a House El heir. If anyone can bend the rules, it’s you.”
Kara smirked. “You overestimate my influence.”
“I doubt that,” Seyla said with a knowing glint in her eyes. “You just have to find the right opportunity.”
Kara chuckled, bumping she shoulder against Seyla. “I'll call you, okay? And don't think I forgot about that duel when we meet again.”
Seyla smirked, arching an eyebrow. “Oh? You still think you stand a chance against me?”
Kara crossed her arms, feigning offense. “Excuse me? I'm great at combat, as you already know. Next time, you won’t be so lucky.”
Seyla chuckled. “Lucky? Kara, I let you last as long as you did.”
Kara scoffed, but the playful banter couldn’t hide the weight of their impending goodbye. She shifted on her feet, her usual confidence faltering just a bit. “Seriously, though… I will call you. And when I visit, you better be ready.”
Seyla softened, reaching out to squeeze Kara’s wrist briefly. “I’ll be waiting.”
A chime echoed through the docking bay, signaling that the ship was ready for departure. Seyla turned toward the ramp but glanced back once more. “Don’t get into too much trouble before then, alright?”
Kara smirked, tilting her head. “No promises.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
As the Kryptonian ship descended through the planet’s atmosphere, its sleek silver frame cut through the sky like a falling star. The landing thrusters ignited, kicking up a swirling cloud of dust and light as it touched down on the polished platform of the El estate. The hum of the engines faded into silence, leaving only the distant murmur of Krypton’s bustling capital in the air.
Before the ramp had fully extended, a blur of movement caught Kara’s eye. Revena.
She was already sprinting across the landing bay, her dark curls bouncing with each step. There was no hesitation in her stride, no restraint in the radiant smile stretched across her face. The moment Kara took her first step onto solid ground, Revena was upon her.
“Kara!”
Kara barely had time to brace herself before Revena crashed into her, wrapping her arms tightly around her waist. The force of the embrace nearly knocked the breath from her lungs, but Kara only laughed, instinctively catching Revena in return.
“You’re back,” Revena murmured against her shoulder, her voice laced with relief. “Finally.”
Kara huffed, grinning as she ruffled the younger girl’s hair. “You act like I was gone for years.”
Revena pulled back just enough to meet Kara’s gaze, her sage eyes bright with warmth. “It felt like it.”
Kara’s teasing smirk softened at the sincerity in Revena’s voice. For all of Krypton’s rigid formality, for all the rules that dictated their every move, this moment—the sheer, unguarded joy in Revena’s expression—felt like the closest thing to home.
Kara draped an arm over Revena’s shoulders as they strolled down the ramp, the cool Kryptonian air wrapping around them like a familiar embrace.
"Let's catch up," Kara said, flashing a mischievous grin. "I have a lot to talk to you about."
Revena chuckled, nudging Kara’s side. “Oh, I bet you do. Tell me, how many times did you almost get yourself killed this time?”
Kara scoffed. “Please. Give me some credit.” Then, after a beat, she added, “At least three.”
Revena groaned, shaking her head. “Unbelievable.”
Kara laughed, squeezing her shoulder. “C’mon, I wanna hear what you’ve been up to.”
Revena shrugged, a teasing smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
“Nothing really exciting,” she said, her tone light, though there was an unmistakable fondness in her voice. “But then again, there’s not much to do without you causing havoc.”
Kara chuckled, nudging her playfully as their feet touched the Kryptonian soil. “I do not cause havoc.”
Their banter carried them all the way to the manor, laughter lingering between them like the last warmth of a fading star. As they approached, two familiar figures stood waiting at the entrance—Astra and Alura.
Kara barely had time to take in the sight before Alura stepped forward, her arms already reaching for her. The embrace was warm, firm, a mother’s silent reassurance that no matter how far Kara had gone, she was home now.
“My dear,” Alura murmured against her hair, her voice thick with relief. “How I’ve missed you so much.” She pulled back just enough to search Kara’s face, her hands resting gently on her arms. “Where’s your father?”
Kara returned the embrace with equal warmth, allowing herself a brief moment of comfort before answering. “Father had to make a stop in Starhaven,” she said. “He’ll be back tomorrow.”
Alura sighed, nodding as if she had expected as much. “Of course. He never does return when he’s supposed to.”
Kara smirked. “He's always like that, Mother.”
Revena snorted behind her, but the moment was quickly overshadowed by Astra’s presence, standing just a few steps away, watching Kara with unreadable eyes.
For the first time since stepping off the ship, Kara felt the warmth of home cool ever so slightly.