Disclaimer: This is a fan-created story inspired by elements of MCU & DC Comics, including Krypton and its characters. This work is purely for entertainment and is an original reinterpretation of existing lore. All recognizable characters, settings, and concepts belong to their respective creators and rights holders.
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Chapter 44 — A shared Universe
Von-Ra's ship hovered silently above the heart of a bustling human city. Below lay one of the United States' central hubs—Washington, D.C.—the beating center of politics, legislation, and the fragile machinery of mortal governance. A second hub of interest loomed not far off: New York City, the financial heartbeat of the nation, its streets teeming with movement and light.
Koryn stepped closer to Von-Ra, her posture regal, her tone measured yet curious.
"My King," she said, glancing down at the cities below, "their planet… it is considered young compared to us. The atmosphere here is fresh, almost inviting. The gravitational pull—barely a tenth of what we are used to."
Von-Ra's eyes swept across the Earth below. The gentle sway of skyscrapers, the glint of sunlight on glass, and the hum of human activity—it all felt primitive, yet alive in a way he could almost admire.
"Yes," Von-Ra clarified. "The atmosphere is tolerable, far better than the sulfuric stench of Krypton. The gravity here is weaker because this planet is ten times smaller than ours. Their air carries no toxicity we would need to filter. Humans, for all their flaws, are surprisingly resilient under these conditions."
Koryn's lips curved into a half-smile. "And what are your plans now, my King?"
Von-Ra's gaze sharpened, scanning the sprawling cityscape like a predator analyzing its prey.
"We need a valid identity here on Earth," he said carefully. "One that will allow us to observe and interact without drawing unnecessary attention."
Koryn raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with mockery. "Would it not be easier to simply subdue these mortals? Make them bend to our will?"
Von-Ra shook his head, his expression stern. "I told you, Koryn. We Kryptonians are a strong race—but we are not invincible. Even here, we must be cautious. We are fortunate that the guardians of this realm have not noticed our presence-- maybe they do but tolerated us to this extent."
Koryn tilted her head, intrigued. "the Pathetic gods, you mean?"
Von-Ra's lips curled into a faint smile. "Precisely. Lucky for us, they are distracted."
His attention shifted then, drawn to a single building that stood out among the skyline. Taller, sleeker, more advanced than any surrounding structure, it shimmered under the morning sun. Atop it, a logo that made Von-Ra pause: Stark Industries.
"Wait… Stark?" Von-Ra murmured, his voice incredulous. "As in Howard Stark? The father of that genius… billionaire… philanthropist… arrogant playboy… the one and only Howard Anthony Stark?"
Von-Ra blinked, confused. I thought I'm in the DC universe?
Von-Ra's eyes narrowed, frustration flickering across his features. Apparently not.
Von-Ra gave command "ruby, scan historical and operational records for 'Howard Stark' in New York." Ruby's holographic interface flickered to life
"And?" Von-Ra demanded.
Ruby responded promptly. "There are two records, Master. Howard Anthony Stark Senior, and Howard Anthony Stark Junior."
Von-Ra's jaw tightened. "WHAT?!" His voice echoed inside the ship, causing Koryn to flinch slightly.
Ruby's display expanded to cover the ship's panoramic windows. "Should I extend the search to other key locations on Earth, Master?" ask ruby. "search Gotham, Metropolis, Smallville, Star City, Central City"
"now master?"
"Yes. Immediately," Von-Ra commanded.
"All locations confirmed, Master. They all exist in this place."
Von-Ra's mind raced. His plan to rebuild Krypton and monitor Kal-El suddenly became infinitely more complicated. He was not in a singular universe anymore. He was in a hybrid cosmos—a reality where the rules of Marvel and DC collided.
Koryn's voice softened, sensing his tension. "My King… you seem troubled. Does this new world concern you?"
Von-Ra didn't answer his gaze remained locked on the horizon. This world… it is far more dangerous than I anticipated. Not only will I face the purple tyrant who can snap half the universe away in a moment, but I must also contend with the stone-faced menace of Darkseid. And now.
Von-Ra turned to Ruby. "We cannot waste time. Fasten Project Phoenix immediately. I want an army, Ruby. Forces capable of countering enemies from multiple realities. And monitor Earth carefully—Kal-El's arrival, Stark activity, and any anomalous energy signatures. I will need full situational awareness."
Ruby's holographic form pulsed, ready for action. "Roger, Master. Project Phoenix is initializing. All systems are online. Preparations for recruitment and strategic deployment are underway."
Koryn stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Master… when we take action, how do you wish to proceed? Covertly, or openly?"
Von-Ra's eyes glimmered with determination, cold yet calculating. "Covertly at first. We must understand the terrain, the powers at play, and the weaknesses of all potential adversaries. Once we have a foothold, the world itself will bend to our vision. Krypton's legacy will rise again… and nothing will stop it—not gods, not humans, not even the tyrants hiding in shadows."