ã€ŠNew Adventures of Superboyã€‹


 #0

    "Draining the containment tube now." An assistant announces as the sound of her fingers ''clacking'' away at a keyboard distinctively stands out amongst active and purring machinery. By the final push of a key just seconds later, the large containment in the center of the room begins to be purged of its radiant lime green liquid that flows down through a filter.

    [ I''ve been thinking a lot. It''s all I''ve ever been able to do up to this day. New information used to pour in from thin air¡­ I haven''t the slightest clue where it all comes from, but it stimulates my mind. It also has never failed to bring to surface an odd feeling. It''s like being familiar with the unfamiliar. Experienced in something I''ve never experienced. If that makes sense? ]

    The formerly suspended body inside the tube inevitably slumps against the sturdy glass surface, sliding down into a somewhat cramp sitting position. Unconscious and still aided in breathing by the oxygen mask on its face, one attached to a wire that extends from the ceiling of the tube. It''s only then another step in the procedure comes into play--

    "All stats are normal. Subject remains stable." Another lab assistant calls out, stoically observing the monitor adjacent to the previous assistant.

    "Alright, proceeding with awakening him." The woman assistant responds, tapping away to initiate a discharge of transparent gas that briefly fills the tube from within. It takes naught but half a minute for it to fade from eyesight. By the 13th second that time span, the individual inside is beginning to come to. Groggy, blinking, fidgeting, and adapting to his senses.

    [ I am at a loss. It feels as if my mind is being tugged in countless directions. The smell of mintiness, the feeling of iron beneath my fingers, the sound of incoherent chatter, and the visual of someone in white standing in front of me¡­ I''m trying my best to comprehend them simultaneously in real time, but it''s far different than being trapped within my own thoughts. ]

    A whirring begins sounding as the tube begins to divide -- the apparent ''face'' of it rises upward until it''s parallel to the ceiling of the lab, and the being inside is exposed to the exterior. The leading scientist within the room approaches him, calm and curious. She soon kneels close by, reaching to gently slip the h2O mask off his face. While she does, cyan colored eyes look up at her with a blank and observing stare. In addition, his brain focuses most of its efforts to breathing when he no longer has that aid. It''s no defect, but merely a lack of habit. He visibly and audibly pants with fairly heavy breaths.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "Welcome to the world of the living. You''ve been asleep for quite some time." She tells him, smiling. Her brilliant blue eyes peering through glasses to meet his gaze.

    "Come on, let''s get you on your feet." With that said, she slips one of his arms around her neck, holding it place by the grip she places on the respective wrist. Her other hand finds its way to the opposite side of his waist.

    "Hang on, let me give you a hand wi--" A male assistant attempts to offer as he begins to approach, but is stopped all together by the sight of her effortlessly supporting the subject.

    "It''s fine. He hardly weighs a thing, truth be told. Can you bring me a chair and towel, though?" She assures and requests.

    "Y-yeah. Right away, Dr. Kent." He obliges with haste. Soon returning with a folding chair and a fresh towel. Once the chair is set up, she eases the subject over onto it. Politely retrieving the drying cloth afterwards.

    "Now, let''s get you dried up a bit, shall we? Keep still for me." She instructs while placing the towel over his drenched head of hair, carefully rubbing to remedy the wetness. His boyish face included. When satisfied, she folds and drapes it around his shoulders.

    "There, that should be a little more comfortable, hm?" Still, his messy and unorderly hair was bothering her.

    "Hang on. Let me just¡­" She goes the extra mile and licks each of her palms and tries to soothe some resemblance of neatness to the artificial youth''s shaggy hair.

    "Okay, that''s better!" She announces gleefully, giving a few more strokes of her hands before placing them at her hips triumphantly.

    "Ahem. We should make sure he''s all in order. Uhh¡­ everywhere else." A voice finally cuts in with a reminder of their job at hand.

    "Right. How are you feeling, subject 13?" Dr. Kent inquires of the subject in question.

    [ How am I feeling? If I had to put a single word to it, it would be ''surreal''. I feel like a stranger in my own body. It feels¡­ stolen? Foreign, perhaps? Hard to say. I understand how to use it, at least. ]

    Silence bleeds into the atmosphere as the subject seemingly takes a moment to examine himself; with his forearms resting idly upon his lap, he looks down as he moves his hands in a synchronized fashion. Turning his gloved palms upward as if he means to study them. He does. Frowning while bending and uncurling his fingers, looking to be getting a feel of a reality that''s gradually setting in. Finally, Dr. Kent prods further with a simple question.

    "Can you understand me?"

    "Yes." Is the answer the subject gives upon shifting his attention back to her. He then continues;

    "I feel fine. No pain or physical hindrance, but¡­. There''s this unusual feeling of foreignness within my own body."

    "Aaaahh, I see. A psychological observation from your brain. This is the first time you''ve been awake and allowed to move freely. What you''re feeling should pass very soon. You''ll grow used to your own skin over time."

    "Understood." He responds, letting his hands go limp again as he closes his eyes in thought. He isn''t given too long before the lady before him directs another question at him.

    "Do you know what your purpose is?"

    Robotic like, his eyes peel open and his head turns toward her. Firmly and soullessly, he answers.

    "To serve the United States of America and protect its citizens. To keep the Justice League in check, should they stray from the path of righteousness. To eliminate them, should they abandon Law & Order."

 #1

    [Today they''ve decided to run some tests on me in order to gauge my capabilities. I''m just as curious, honestly. I just wonder what sort of scaling will be used to deduce such measurements. ]

    "You may begin, Subject 13." A male informs the artificial youth, standing at a fair distance away along with other scientists within the lab. There''s at least a dozen of them on this endeavor; busy bodies in lab coats managing whatever task they''re assigned. Most of them have their eyes on a screen.

    The lad clad in black approaches the weight device before him. There''s a small delay before he finally proceeds with the trial and crouches, delving his fingers underneath the rim of the pillar-like structure to get a sturdy grip. Then, he lifts while rising to stand with a straight posture. No apparent struggle as he raises and holds the device over his head, stepping up onto the short pedestal that previously supported it. Arms outstretched and parallel.

    "Excellent. The subject is handling the 7% mark quite well. Elevate it to 17%."  The same man requests of his peer responsible for the control panel of the weight machine.

    "17 it is, Dr. Welkon." Dr. Kent obliges kindly, using sharp precision in turning the dial up to the requested amount. Personally, she¡¯s more curious about the 70% mark, believing anything below is child''s play for someone of the clone''s caliber. After all, they''re dealing with a kryptonian hybrid.

    [ I can hear the clicks of the dial as that peculiar woman turns it. I feel no change at all. It leaves me wondering if there was slow development during the adjustments, or if there''s a malfunction of some kind. ]

    "Good, good. No visible change." Dr. Welkon observes, tapping away with a single hand at the touch-pad within his possession like a mobile keyboard.

    "47% now, Dr. Kent."

    "M''hmm." Again, Dr.Kent  turns the dial to the right further. The clone''s expression changes by the time she finishes. Confusion being the emotion written across his boyish features; a brow raising as he looks up to study the mechanical pillar.

    [ Did¡­. It actually change this time? It feels slightly different. Heavy? No, not at all. Not yet. ]

    "How are you holding up, Subject 13? Feeling any pressure yet?" Welkon asks, briefly looking up to await an answer.

    "Not quite. I thought maybe there was a small notable change, but I find myself skeptical of that assessment now. Can you possibly double the output, doctor?" The clone responds stoically. Welkon blinks with surprise, while Dr. Kent herself grins at his answer.

    "...Very well. Ms. Kent, it''s your call. Feel free to oblige the subject as much as you deem fit."

    "I certainly will. Don''t let us down, Superboy." She teases with a soft chuckle, now beginning to turn the dial at her leisure. 49%, 54%, 59%...

    No visible change from the subject.

    63%, 67%, 69%...

    The clone''s expression shifts again. From pondering to solemn concentration. His elbows and knees momentarily bend from the pressure, but all it takes is a fair amount of effort in pushing against the weight to straighten out his limbs again.

    "Still going strong over there?" Dr. Kent asks while peering over her shoulder. She receives a swift and firm answer from the clone.

    "Yes. More." He demands instinctively. Nonetheless, she provides what he seeks. She resumes turning the dial. 72%, 75%, 79%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%...

    "This is¡­ This is nothing. Keep going." The artificial young man presses, an obvious straining behind his voice.

    [ It has definitely become a task to keep this thing high above my head. I''m not worried, only determined. This isn''t my limit¡­ It''s growing difficult, but this machine won''t beat me. I will not allow it. ]

    "Oh, maybe we really are dealing with the reincarnation of Superman." And with that, Dr. Kent increases the weight with a significant jump to 95%. She pauses there.

    "Still good?"

    "...Still good!" Through gritting teeth, he keeps pushing the mass of gravity that threatens to overwhelm him. His knees tremble and inevitably bend a few degrees, his arms struggling to keep from bending in a similar fashion. Then, she gives the max output. 100% with a final twist. From there, it¡¯s just a matter of observing how long he can maintain under the weight. Dr. Kent watches with piqued fascination, her peers however, are frozen with wide-eyed disbelief. Their expectations had been surpassed at the 75% mark.

    [ There''s a burning in my arms, a rush in my chest. Adrenaline fuels me as I metaphorically fight against the discomfort. It''s almost unbearable¡­ No, it''s growing unbearable. My muscles are being strained, but I can''t accept that perhaps I''ve hit the ceiling in terms of capacity. I have to push and stand tall. ]

    The clone is snarling in the midst of struggling, seeming on the verge of crumpling under the pressure. The pillar is merely inches away from making contact with his raven head of hair, his knees nearly caving into a crouching position. Now, the lad is finally forced to give it his all. He pushes with all of his might while his cyan pupils begin to gleam with a faint redness that steadily grows by the seconds.

    "K-kh-khuuuk¡­" His breath cracks behind his pearly whites as he challenges his limit. It''s a quaky uphill battle, but he refuses to be denied. His eyes are glowing -- drowning in a pool of boiling crimson as he fights on.

    "The¡­ the subject seems to be at his limit¡­ maybe we should initiate the Emergency Stop." Dr. Welkon suggests.

    "Hmm¡­. Maybe we should." Dr. Kent responds rather casually, stroking her chin in thought.

    Then, the clone gives his biggest push yet. 100% in turn.

    "GUUAAAAAH!!'' He roars out at intense volume, his outburst spreads out in a wave of echoes that inflict discomfort on the eardrums of nearly everyone inside the room. Cracking sensitive monitors as the lime tint illuminating the room shifts to an overshadowing burst of red. Heat vision discharges from the clone''s eye sockets, searing through the wall in front of him, extending in lines as he stands. While startled shrieks can be heard, one individual calmly puts an end to the test with just a few pushes of a button. Meanwhile, the artificial kryptonian shuts his eyes tight. Thin red trails of smoldering smoke just barely seep out from them.

    "Subject 13, step off the platform and remain calm." Dr. Kent orders while approaching. After feeling his muscles being relieved of the mass pressure, he does as he''s told. His breathing is anxious and entirely through his nostrils. He''s taken the precaution to place a hand over his eyes while trying to figure out what just occurred.

    [ I saw red¡­ It was like looking through heavy tinted windows. No other color to be seen¡­ I could still see, but it was as if my frustration was consuming me. It would also appear I have heat-vision. I hope I didn''t cause an inconvenience, but I don''t regret finding out this way. ]

    A pair of hands find a place upon the clone''s shoulders. He couldn''t see it, but Dr. Kent was examining him.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    "It''s okay, don''t be alarmed by the heat vision. Just breathe slowly. Think of a thin body of water flowing down a gentle river stream. It''s cool, relaxing, and soothing. Nothing exciting for miles around." She paints a serene mental picture, something she feels will likely bring down his heart rate. Surely enough, it does. The clone''s breathing simmers to slow and deep breaths, expelling what previously excited him.

    "Good. The redness is gone now." Dr. Kent states with a smile, though it¡¯s a wonder how she can even tell such a thing when he''s covering his eyes completely. A detail that goes unnoticed by him. He finally lowers his hand and opens his eyes. He briefly sees something off. The woman''s eyes were different¡­ a shade of monochrome. He blinks and they''re back to their usual sky blue color. Was he imagining things? Momentary discoloration perhaps? No¡­ everything else is normal about her in that second.

    "Wonderful job, by the way. Not only have you proven you can lift 8/10th of Earth''s entire mass, but have confirmed we''ve  successfully transferred Superman''s powers into you. Looks like we already know what to test next. Can''t have you accidentally burning the facility down, after all."

    [ Hours go by after that. Dr. Kent is oddly knowledgeable in the accessibility of my powers. How much force to use, how to alternate through my vision arsenal, how to control wether my super-breath blows someone away or freeze them on the spot. How to levitate.. How to ascend and descend. All with easy to comprehend instructions and analogies. She speaks as if she''s had firsthand experience. I''m grateful for her aid, but I can''t help but wonder about her. ]

    The trials have concluded and the results were given. The clone is informed that he is indeed a successful development. According to their gathered data, he possesses 75% of Superman''s potential, perhaps even a few points higher. Nonetheless, it¡¯s more than adequate.

    Now, there''s just the final step of informing the benefactors, starting with the more generous source of the two: Lex Luthor.

    For now, the clone is advised to rest, and limited to a single floor of the building. Plenty of recreational activities, a bedroom, kitchen, and even a high-end training room. Yet, the youth seems only interested in gazing out the living room window and at the nameless city in the distance. He''s  like a statue. Silent and unmoving, though making full use of his various vision enhancements and super-hearing to observe the civilians below.

    It''s, unsurprisingly, Dr. Kent who comes checking in on him and discovers this. His hearing inevitably picks up on the sound of the elevator ascending and her footsteps.

    "Enjoying the view?" She asks, now standing on the other side of the room. Hands tucked away into the pockets of her lab coat.

    "I am. It''s an entirely different perspective to observe society in person."

    "Ha. In person, huh? You''re peering through a glass. An outsider looking in, sort of speaking."

    "I was merely referring to the ability to see it with my own eyes, doctor."

    "Just wait till you''re out there yourself. Experiencing what it means to be a part of society -- to be alive. It''ll shape you in ways you can''t imagine." She tells him. In turn, he silently thinks on the doctor''s words. The pause is brief. A vibration goes off in her pocket, swaying her into pulling out her cellphone and checking newly arrived notifications. Her eyes light up before she speaks up again.

    "Oh, looks like that might be sooner than I thought! You have a guest, Superman."

    [ Dr. Kent told me that I had a guest. I can only assume it''s someone who has invested interest in me. The list is likely short, but definitely more than one. We head down to the 1st floor together via one of the elevators. ]

    With a ''ding!'', the elevator comes to a stop at the selected floor. The iron doors peel open to allow both Dr.Kent and the artificial young man clad in decorative black to step out onto the floor, as well as the field of vision of their guest¨C

    "Mr. Luthor. In the flesh, I presume?" Dr. Kent greets them as they meet the opposite party at the center of the large lobby room. Raising a brow from behind her glasses to go along with her semi jest.

    "Heh. Oh, I certainly am, Ms. Kent. I just had to see your handiwork with my own eyes¡­" Lex responds with a grin plastered across his lips. Then, his eyes shift over to the subject of interest. The solemn visage of his commissioned kryptonian. He steps closer, coming to stand just a meter away from the clone as he studies it with critical eyes.

    "You''ll be glad to know that he was a tremendous success, Mr. Luthor. I had him undergo some tests. Subject 13 is functional, genetically stable, and possesses just about all of Superman''s powers. Or so I assume. For the time being, only flight, super strength, heat vision, telescope vision, and x-ray vision are confirmed. I imagine he''ll learn to utilize more abilities with time." Dr. Kent explains, gesturing toward the clone while also placing a hand upon his shoulder.

    "I see!" Lex enthusiastically muses, briefly looking her way as he does. His focus settles onto the clone again right after.

    "So tell me, my dear boy, do you have any idea who I am?"

    "Lex Luthor, the head of Lex Corp. and the prime benefactor of my creation. Also the most renowned name in Metropolis City." The clone answers with no emotion behind his tone. Gray and smooth.

    "Adequately informed. Adequately informed, indeed. Excellent work, Dr. Kent. Now, I won''t beat around the bush here. I have a¡­ inconvenience that needs to be confronted. Nipped right in the bud, in fact. I''ve received word that there may be a raid of some sort on a S.T.A.R. Labs facility that I have an involvement in. I have other other means of handling it, but since our Superman here is up and active, I want to test his capabilities on the field. I need him to guard the researchers and their device. Make sure it doesn''t fall into unfavorable hands, and I need that done today. Are you up for it¡­ Superman?" Lex was quick to cut to the chase with a bit of a tall order for a technical newborn.

    "I am. I''m ready to prove myself." The clone responds, determination gleaming in his eyes and radiating from his clenching fists. Beside, Dr. Kent adjusts her glasses with somewhat of a concerned expression on her face.

    "Technically, he''s ready to learn and adapt, but we''ve barely scratched the surface of simulations to teach him." She forewarns.

    "Oh, I''m sure it''ll be fine. You heard him. The young man says he''s ready, and I''d like to see if he''s worth every last dollar I poured into him. We leave immediately. To keep your presence under wraps, I''ll have a means of transportation ready for you that''ll take you there through an underground entrance." Lex explains.

    "Wait. Do you¡­ mind if I accompany him?" Dr. Kent prods rather sheepishly.

    "With all due respect, Dr. Kent¨C" Lex begins, but she''s quick to cut in with an argument for her suggestion.

    "I only wish to make sure he''s able to perform and obtain a desirable result that doesn''t possibly involve leveling a city block, let alone a building. You could call it moral support, honestly. I know better than to get in his way." She explains.

    "Fine. Makes no difference to me either way. Your ride will arrive shortly after my departure. While I was eager to see the subject, I still have a busy schedule ahead of me today. Nonetheless, I''ll be watching. I bid you two a good and fruitful day." Lex obliges her wish, then proceeds to take his leave. The security guards at his flank follow behind and toward the limousine waiting outside the building.

    "Well, looks like you''re getting that live experience sooner than I thought, Subject 13." Dr. Kent comments, exchanging a casual stare with the artificial lad.

    ________________

    [ Nearly 30 minutes pass by the time we reach the S.T.A.R. Labs facility and its sub-level laboratory. So far, it''s been awfully bright and loud for the most part. The constant crackling of electricity drowns out everything else for me. Voices, the sound of footsteps upon steel, and even the whirring machinery. Whatever it was this team of researchers were working on, seems to require quite a lot of power to¡­ mold? Adjust? Activate? I''m not sure what it was they were trying to do. I just know they referred to it as "The Cube". Dr. Kent seems mildly interested, but she doesn''t poke her nose in their project. ]

    While the S.T.A.R Labs scientists are left to their own devices,  Subject 13 and Dr. Kent dwells within a corner of the spacious room. The clone standing upright with his arms folded across the illuminating crimson ''S'' upon his chest. His associate and technical creator leans against beside him, hands tucked away into the pockets of her lab coat.

    The two have completely given up on trying to converse over the roaring electricity and loud devices, standing in silence while waiting to see if the info Lex was given is any good. For the first two hours or so? All is well and orderly. Then, a thunderous rumbling cuts through the buzzing filling the room - one with a tremble that quakes the ground beneath everyone''s feet. All eyes shift upward at the metallic ceiling, where the source seems to come from.

    DHOOM.

    Another tremble shakes the room, and the impact is louder. Then another, and another. Each one is more violent and loud than the last. Panic spreads among the workers, but Superman trains his intense glare at the ceiling in anticipation. His hands balling into fists, ready to attack whatever is on its way down to them. Beside him, Dr. Kent maintains her calm and indifferent composure. Her eyes submerge in monochrome as she stares at the ceiling. Or perhaps¡­ through it?

    "Okay-okay. Superman, remember to be mindful of innocent bystanders, all right?" She reminds him, raising her voice as loud as she could to be understood. Even if the clone wanted to respond, there¡¯s no time left to do so. In the next moment, something loudly punctures through the surface overhead. From it, rubble of metal and rocks fall. With widening eyes, Superman takes off with a leap, transitioning into flying as he jabs the largest rock away and toward a vacant side of the room with his right hand, and just barely catches a fracture of a beam with his left. Everything else falls safely to the floor and structure the scientists were making use of. As he tosses the large piece of metal far off, and the workers scurry off somewhere safe, two individuals descend from the hole above. Both capable of flying and sharing other unfavorable similarities. The two are none other than Metallo & Kryptonite-Man. Both soon eyeing the cube that sits at the center of ongoing active electricity.

    "I got this." Metallo smugly proclaims, swooping down to push beyond the threshold of the live power. His mechanical body absorbing and deflecting the excess energy as he eases in on the gleaming object at its center.

    THWACK!  Just as he¡¯s about to make contact with it, the kryptonian cuts him off with a burst of abrupt speed, penetrating the field of electricity with gritting teeth as he delivers a left hook that sends the man-turned-machine crashing against the wall meters away.

    "K-kuh¡­!?" Wincing from the coursing electricity, the clone takes a moment to ease his way out of the space of voltage. Sighing in relief once its grasp on his body is no more. During, K-Man observes with skeptical curiosity. All it takes to find clarity is the sight of that all too familiar bold red S. He thrusts his right hand outward, discharging a neon green blast.

    "GUUAAGH!!??" Superman growls out, the side of his face struck with a stinging sensation that induces a snarl from him. Nothing that''ll put him down, but definitely something that catches his attention without fail.

    "Well, looky what we have HERE!!" K-Man exclaims as he follows up his attack with a rushing punch that finds the kryptonian''s jaw. While the clone certainly flinches from his kryptonite laced blow, it''s just barely enough to send him reeling a short distance away. An annoyed expression settling upon Superman''s face as he rubs where he was hit. By now, Metallo is returning to the fray.

    "Tough guy, huh? Superman''s little brother?" Metallo asks dumbfoundedly.

    "No. I am Superman." Subject 13 corrects sternly.

    "No fooling? Well then¨C" Metallo trails off, taking aim with the weapons emerging from his arm.

    "You can die just like ''em!" K-Man finishes, simultaneously taking fire beside his accomplice.

 #2 [ Co -Written]

    [ Sentry''s Perspective ]

    Darkness overtook him. This isn''t something uncommon for Robert Reynolds, who''s better known as the "Sentry". He''s died many times before hand, after all. But this time is different. There''s no light at the end of the ''tunnel ''this time. No white room. Just darkness. Where he is going to go? Heaven? Hell? Nowhere perhaps?

    These thoughts plague his very essence. As his soul now is stagnant within the empty abyss surrounding him.

    Fear begins to creep in, but it''s quickly thrown aside for hope when his soul is pulled toward a direction. Moving to some unknown location. He can''t tell up from down, but he knows he''s moving. But to where? He''ll simply have to wait and find out.

    Everything starting form around him. He sees the sky. A beautiful blue sky. Some clouds and the sun light beaming down on him.

    His eye lids flicker open and close under the light. He placed his hand over them as wonder fuels his emotions.

    "What?" He mutters. He awakens on the ground. Upon a grassy field, to be precise. Maybe a city park. Bob clenches his forehead as he slowly gets up from his laying position. Bob notes that he is still wearing his costume before looking around. It''s very tranquil and seemingly peaceful. He can hear children playing and people talking with one another. Bob looks up and notices a bunch of new of skyscrapers. How long has he been gone for? Which city is he in?

    He cautiously wanders his way through the pastured area and eventually ends up onto a sidewalk. He, the towering man in a vibrant yellow suit, is soon given odd looks by various pedestrians. Even so, a group of children runs up to him with curiosity behind their motive.

    "Sir! Are you a super hero?" One child asks.

    Bob looks around before shrugging and nodding his head. "Ah, yes. My name is "The Sentry". He answers, placing his fists onto his hips a moment after.

    "The Sentry?" The child tilts his head to the side. As the other children began muttering his name with some confusion.

    "Who?" They inquire.

    "Are you related to Superman? Because you have a "S" just like him." One child informs and points at the symbol on his belt.

    "Who?" Bob raises a brow. He pauses looking around and manages to spot a sign in the distance. The city''s name is "Metropolis".

    "Where am I?" He asks himself. He turns to the kids.

    "Apologies, young ones... But I must be off." Giving the kids a two finger salute to them before taking off into the sky swiftly.

    "Woah!" The kids are taken aback by the suddenness of the action.

    He tries figuring out what''s happening and by going over theories and asking questions in his own head. Shouldn''t he be dead? Where is he? This world feels ''cleaner'' than the world he knows.

    He uses his super hearing and vision. As he begins observing this new world, he comes to realize that there''s not a single familiar face or landmark at all.

    Who''s this Superman guy, anyway? Maybe he can help him figure out what''s happening.

    _________

    [ SUPERMAN''s Perspective ]

    The Sentry didn''t need to go too far at all for clues;

    "GUUAAAAHHHH!" A cry of pain sounds out through the great blue sky as a figure in stylish skin-tight black is sent propelling skyward after taking a hit. Following that individual upward are two assailants. An android and a man giving off a radiant green aura. The robotic individual takes the lead by increasing the acceleration of the rockets built into his feet and tries colliding his fists into the young man who just barely manages to recover and stabilized his flight. The youth in question reacts just in time to catch his adversary''s large fists within the palm of his hands, putting forth a struggle. Maybe a vain one. The androids chest opens like a mechanical door and reveals its cancerous content inside. A chunk of a glowing emerald rock that shines aggressively in the artificial teen''s face. He can feel it. The nauseous ill-feeling eating at him. His muscles losing firmness and his strength depleting almost rapidly. He has to grit his teeth and fight through it. After all, he knows his life is on the line.

    "You''re done, punk!" The second foe exclaims, closing in to deliver a cheap hook to the kryptonian''s face - his presence also radiates with that same cursing sickness. They''re both run on kryptonite, unfortunately for the clone. However, there''s a blessing. With a burning desire for some sort of protection, he subconsciously taps into a secondary power without realizing it. One being of telekinesis that offers him a strong layer of protection from attacks in the form of a red outline taking the shape of his lean body.

    "You might not be the real Superman, but I bet you''ll croak to kryptonite all the same." The android chimes in, nearly overpowering the weakening youth. With his accomplice, K-Man, placing the hero in a choke hold from behind while increasing his radiation output, it won''t be too much longer before that deathly notion comes to fruition. Yet--

    "Get off... uuugh... Get off! GET OFF! GET OFF! GET OFF! GET... OFF ME!!!!" The teen roars out with eyes drowning in vibrant red and a sudden powerful burst of telekinetic energy that crackles like deafening lightning, not only sending the two flying in opposite directions miles upon miles away, but also wipes the sky clear of clouds. The boy clenches his fists tightly as he draws ragged breaths Too weak to hold on, he lets go. He relaxes his body and allows himself to plummet toward the ground below. The need for a brief rest to collect himself is significant. It''s not the fall that''s of any concern, but the two villains that are returning to finish what was started.

    ________

    [ Sentry''s Perspective]

    Floating above, Sentry is using his abilities to search for this "Superman". A hero he''s never heard of until today.

    All he knows about this mysterious figure is that he wears an "S" like logo or symbol on his costume. Surely enough, he quickly spots someone who fits the description. And is also on the receiving end of a beat down from two strange looking assailants.

    Bob propels himself to assist the hero and descends to his location. Within seconds, he''s floating behind Metallo.

    "Mind if I butt in?" The blonde rhetorically asks. Before Metallo can react to the new hero''s presence, Bob grips both the android''s neck and right leg.

    "What the hell...?" Metallo barely gets out before he''d being ripped apart from the waist down. Bob then casueally tosses th Android''s remains in opposite directions.

    K-Man freaks out when he witnesses the strange new cape-wearing hero easily dispatch his accomplice. Hoping to gain the upper hand, he unleashes a powerful burst of radiation Sentry''s way.

    "Die! You Kryptonian Scum!" He shouts as he goes all out. Believing the sentry is also related to Superman or his people.

    Bob smiles and crosses his arms. The radiation has no effect on him upon impact. Not even so much as a shove. Bob calmly floats up to K-Man, who''s stunned by the display.

    "What are you?" K-Man asks while gradually backing away.

    Bob swiftly cuts off the distance between them with a jump in speed and points his finger at K-Man''s forehead. And with a fast tap on his pressure point, the villain faints and falls to the ground below.

    Even after all of this, he is able to reach Superman in time to save him from falling by grabbing the young man''s arm.

    "You alright?" Bob asks. "The names Sentry, by the way. I am new here. Are you Superman?"

    __________

    [SUPERMAN''S PERSPECTIVE]

    Swept up in his overwhelming sickness and faltering powers, he hasn''t the slightest idea what is transpiring while he''s falling. He just knows that impending crash landing doesn''t come, and something is holding his forearm.

    "What? Who...?" The kryptonian clone blinks while looking toward the individual supporting him. Yellow. So much yellow. He blinks again as the ability to properly process things begins returning his consciousness. Still, there''s no doubt about it. This is an absolute stranger.

    The clone finally makes use of his body to levitate and slip out of the newcomer''s grip. While taking more heavy breaths, he reaches to place a hand over his face, gripping at his own temples while recalling the most recent events. Then it hits him. His hand lowers while his eyes widen with alert.

    "Hey, careful. There''s two criminals who-... Who..." He trails off with a look of shock on his face. While scanning around for the threats he''s warning the stranger of, he spots on them both grassy land below.

    "...Are taken care of, it seems." He concludes and relaxes from his defensive posture. He turns toward the caped blonde and speaks again.

    "I don''t mean to sound ungrateful for the aid, but who are you?" The clone asks, though he''s already making guesses in his mind. That bold ''S'' on the other''s belt is rather suspicious.

    _________

    [SENTRY''s PERSPECTIVE]

    Bob, led the sickly hero towards the ground. To allow the kid to catch his breath. He wonders if this is the "Superman" guy that the kids spoke of.

    The young man asks who he is again, even though Bob mentioned his name earlier. The kid probably wasn''t paying attention.

    "Oh! I am the Sentry." He points at the "S" on his belt.

    "I am not from around here. I was sort of dead. And then I came here. I am not freaking out or anything. Cause this sort of happended to me before. Are you Superman? I sort of want to figure out some stuff. If you don''t mind answering me. When you feel better." He can see that the kid is affected by whatever those baddies were unleashing upon him.

    "Hopefully we can find your universe''s super genius and send me home." Bob adds.

    From afar, within the atmosphere, a satellite had been observing the recent events that had transpired with Metropolis. Taking pictures and video information that immediately are sent to The Batman.

    Who''s been keeping a watchful eye over the city of Metropolis, after Superman''s death. Keeping an eye on Cadmus''s new toy, Superboy.

    But with today''s sudden arrival of this new "hero", The Sentry. Batman is becoming even more curious.

    Bruce is sitting alone in his great cave, staring at the giant monitor of his ''super computer''. Studying the information in front of him.

    "Multiverse?" He mutters to himself. Behind him, someone approaches him from the shadows, and it''s none other than his faithful companion, Alfred.

    "Master Bruce, is this man a kryptonian?" Alfred inquires after looking at the screen for a moment.

    "Don''t know yet. But I certainly would like find out more as soon as I cab." Batman slouches back onto his chair. "He could pose a threat."

    "Well, he doesn''t seem to be an enemy. He saved that young man from being killed." Alfred interjects, implying he too was watching the battle that occurred earlier.

    "Clone." Batman coldly corrects.

    Pondering about his next move. Possibly thinking about bringing in the League into this matter. But right now, he''s going to watch from afar. Spying on the new hero.

    Unbeknownst to everyone within Cadmus facility. Batman has left multiple micro-sized bugs and cameras within the building, devices created by the Atom and his genius. For the sole purpose of keeping an eye on Waller.

    When Bob and Superboy arrive to the Cadmus headquarters, Bob tilts his head to the side and lets out a silent chuckle.

    "This reminds me of Shield." He says to the artificial boy.

    "Let me guess, you are going to introduce me to some hardass general or government figure?" Bob jokingly asks. A bit in awe of all the similarities between this universe and his own.

    ___________

    [SUPERMAN''s Perspective]

    BATMAN is an inevitable meeting and a bridge to cross much later. For now, the crusader in black isn''t near the forefront of the clone''s mind. Still, something BIG is definitely brewing... Creeping toward the surface at its own leisure.

    For now, Subject 13 seeks to get his new associate sorted out. They''re presently approaching the entrance of the research building, one far off near mountains outside of the city.

    "No. I couldn''t even if I wanted to, unfortunately. Director Waller comes and goes as she pleases. Managing the many branches of the organization, I''d assume." The clone responds. Looks of confusion spread amongst the security guards as Subject 13 heads inside with a peculiar individual following behind him. Of course, the artificial young man is aware enough not to take Sentry beyond the lobby space. He halts somewhere near the center of the room, nonchalantly locking his hands behind his back in a imperious-fashion. It doesn''t take long at all for a high ranking guard to approach and question the subject''s motive.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    "What is the meaning of this, #13? Why did you-" The man in decorated full-body armor proceeds to ask, though the clone is quick is to cut him off and get to the point.

    "Bring me Dr. Kent. I suspect this individual..." He trails off, turning partially to gesture toward the towering blonde nearby with an open palm.

    "May be worth evaluating. I need the doctor''s help to find out more about him. Can you bring her to me."

    "Bring her to you? You''ve got a lot of nerve, #13. You know that?" The guard retorts.

    "My name is Superman, Lieutenant Carver. And I''d say you''re displaying greater audacity than I am right now."

    "Gentlemen, gentlemen. Please, let''s simmer down, shall we?" A woman speaks up to intervene, emerging from a doorway leading to the building''s stairway. A woman who looks to be somewhere in her 30''s. Dark short hair, blue eyes, and a lab coat layering atop of her simple black slacks and white tee shirt. She approaches the two, bearing a smile while sauntering over in a pair of sneakers.

    "Dr. Kent..." The guard addresses.

    "Now, now. Don''t get so worked up. Everything is fine. But... Do try to avoid antagonizing our dear Superman, would you? He represents all of us here when he''s out there, you know."

    "Hurmm... Fine, I''ll cut him a bit more slack. Just hope it doesn''t go to his head." The guard responds, taking his bitter leave from the three.

    "Now then, who''s your new acquaintance over there?" Dr. Kent directs her question to the clone.

    "A man who refers to himself as ''The Sentry''. He aided me in neutralizing the threats from earlier. Says he''s from... Something he calls The ''Multi-Verse''. I was hoping you could figure out his actual place of origin. I somewhat suspect he''s kryptonian, just like him." At the mention of the phrase multi-verse, her eyes widen with shock for a short moment. She looks toward Sentry and studies his appearance.

    "Not too far fetched of a possibility..." She murmurs under her breath.

    "Hm?"

    "Oh, it''s--" Beep-beep, beep-beep! An alarm from her cellphone chimes up. She plucks it out of her phone to check the alert. It''s certainly something that makes her arch an eyebrow.

    "Superman, there''s another crisis within Metropolis City. This time up north. Why don''t you go sort it out while I have a chat with your friend here?" She suggests with a returning smile.

    "I... Alright. I should. Very well. I''ll return as soon as I can." Though taken aback by the suddenness, he quickly adapts to the shift and departs from the building to head back to the city. Meanwhile, Dr. Kent begins prodding Sentry with questions.

    "The multi-verse, huh? How much do you know about that... Theory, friend?"

    ______________

    [The Sentry''s Perspective]

    Being escorted through this obviously government facility. Bob stays close to the young superman, as if they''re tethered together. He didn''t want to wander off and start an international incident.

    Since free from the Void''s influence. Bob is back to his old self. Carefree, calm, but suffering a bit from his ADHD. Had the (sentry serum) serum been distributed as the original doctor intended. Bob would have been the last person on the planet to receive its power.

    The young hero eventually leads Bob to a female scientist by the name of Dr. Kent.

    Bob bows his head to her. "Hello." He greets.

    "My name is Sentry." It''s then Bob''s head turns to the right. He hears a noise in the distance. "Something is wrong. At least twenty miles north. Somewhere in the city." Bob announces. He beats the cellphone call by a few seconds. He looks concerned and is about to leave to lend a hand, but--

    "Whoah!" The doctor raised her hands up. Stepping in front of the hero. "Superman will take care of it." She attempts to reassure him. The theory of him being kryptonian is becoming more and more a possibility by the second.

    Bob nods his head. Saluting Superman. Wishing him good luck.

    After that, a few minutes later. Bob is sitting on the doctor''s examination table. His legs were hanging off the table. He waved them about casually.

    Kent asks him about the multi-verse. She looks at him, as if he''s a delusional nut case. He is at times, but he isn''t lying.

    "It''s not a theory. It''s true. I know that cause this isn''t my first rodeo. I know I am being studied by a bunch of scientists. Government shadow men and women in some room. Looking in. Your probably trying to figure out what makes me tick. And in the unlikely hood, I go "bad"." He pauses performing air quotations with his fingers. "You''ll find out ways how to stop me." He states.

    "Okay..." Kent raises a brow. "Save us time and tell us what you are." She insists.

    "I am a human. That accidentally drank something I shouldn''t have. A super, super, duper soldier serum. As I call it. In my world, in the 40''s, a scientist came up with a similar serum that created my friend, Captain America. One of my world''s first heroes. And currently my superior on the Avengers."

    "Avengers?" Kent interrupts

    "Yeah. Superhero team. Like that JL or whatever you call them here. That said. Another doctor perfected the formula decades later. However, unlike Cap''s, where only a selected few could obtain the power of the serum with no side effects. Mine was 100,000x stronger than his. But with no side effects. Anyone can drink it and become "me"." Bob admits. He isn''t going to lie. He feels with honesty, he can earn good will with his new hosts. Hopefully, he can find a way home soon, too.

    "Alright." Kent pauses. Placing her fingers on her chin. "How did you get here?" She questions.

    Bob shrugs his shoulders and smiles. "I was killed."

    "Killed?"

    "Yeah, killed. By some darkness, goo god called Knull." Bob explains, recalling the moment he was literally ripped apart and left to die in space. He then gets off the table.

    "This is why I need your help. I need to find a way back home. To help my friends. That douche god is invading my world and universe. I am needed. So..." he waves his hands.

    "Science me up some sort of inter-dimensional door...thingie". He says. Insisting that Dr. Kent and her people at CADMUS send him home. So he can help his comrades against Knull and his army.

    __________

    [SUPERMAN''s NPC Perspective]

    Sentry''s direct request draws a soft chuckle from Dr. Kent. A gentle sigh follows as she lifts and folds her arms across her torso.

    "Alright, alright.... I''ll stop with the charade. I''m convinced you''re not just some tinfoil conspiracy enthusiast or an agent from a competitive organization." She begins. Then a solemn expression overtakes her features.

    "With that said... Traveling through the multi-verse isn''t something I''d claim to have cracked, exactly. Can I build something again that would allow you to traverse over onto a different Earth? Yes, of course. Can I select which one, let alone determine which one you specifically came from? No. No, not yet..." She informs him with the utmost honesty. In turn, Bomb''s eyes widen for the briefest of seconds. His expression also wrinkles up a tad as he ponders for a moment. Then, he shoots another question.

    "So you dabble in the concept of traveling through the multi-verse?"

    "Dabble?" Dr. Kent repeats rhetorically.

    "I''ve experienced it firsthand. I''m from a universe where Earth has been swallowed by the ocean on a mad woman''s whim. I created a device that allowed me to leave it behind. So far, there''s no indication that such an event will take place on this world. The heroes aren''t so divided as the ones from my own Earth."

    "I see..." Sentry softly states, digesting that bit of information.

    "Are you the only survivor?"

    "Hmm.... The only Survivor? No, I''m sure /she''s/ still alive and well. Maybe a few made the wise decision of leaving Earth behind." She answers.

    "You''re awfully nonchalant about it, don''t you think?" Bob questions with a skeptical brow rising.

    "It''s not the first time I''ve watched my home succumb to devastation. Krypton was where I came from, Earth was just a second home." Dr. Kent explains with shrugging shoulders.

    "Oh, I''m sorry for your loss. It must be somewhat difficult to live with." Sentry comforts.

    "I''m doing fine. Living in the past won''t change anything. Besides, I''ve had plenty of time to reminisce. I''m too old and jaded to keep wondering on what could''ve been. And if you want my advice, I suggest you learn to come to terms with your situation, as well. It''s very likely you''ll never be able to return to where you came from." She responds honestly.

    ["Superman''s" Departure...]

    The clone flies back to the big city with haste, curious to know what sort of emergency is awaiting him this time. Before long, a hint graces his ears. Screaming, destruction, and thunderous footsteps... Curious, his peers toward the direction the commotion is coming while making use of his many visual talents. What he sees draws a wide-eye look across his face.

    A giant robot marching through town, towering around 90 feet tall, and as gaudy as a children''s action, to boot. Inside lies an even stranger operator. Another.

    "Another... Toy? A smaller one inside a bigger one?" The clone muses to himself. With his target in sight, ''Superman'' increases his flight speed threefold. It''s nearly within a snap of a finger that he zips in to cut the destructive machine off, giving a mild shove at the face of the enormous structure to send it retracting a step or two. Mindful not to put too much strength behind his effort.

    "That''s far enough. This is your only warning: desist and eject from the robot, or I''ll do it for you."

    "Oh, and what have we here? Is that a Super Jr. I see with my little eye? A kid far too serious for his age, too. Tsk, task..." Toyman responds in a rather patronizing manner before making adjustments from his seat inside the massive robot.

    "Here, have some taffy." A calmly spoken threat - one the clone takes as a generous offer.

    "That''s.... Kind of you to offer, but I--" Before he can finish that thought, the robot''s arm lifts toward him. The hand detaching and bending out of place to reveal a gatling-like barrel. BOOM!

    A pink globby substance goes flying and hits directly on his face.

    "GUUH!?" He yelps, caught off guard by the projectile. There¡¯s no pain at all, but it is covering the entirety of his face. Naturally, he reaches to yank it off. He discovers the material is both stretchy and sticky in nature. He begins to use both hands to claw the taffy off his face, eventually gaining the ability to see and breathe again. But... Only briefly.

    "What is this stuff!?" The clone exclaims in annoyance.

    "Candy, of course! Here, have some more!" The villain lets that taffy gun loose and releases an unrelenting barrage that absolutely smothers every inch of the young man in fluffy pink. The clone plummets to the street and undergoes another struggle to pry the taffy off himself. During so, a giant steel foot is preparing to stomp him into the ground. However, the young man isn''t as vulnerable as he seems. In his growing annoyance, an aura of crimson psychic energy begins taking form around his frame. That same glowing crimson consumes his eye sockets, as well. Just as that giant foot begins dropping down, Superman sends off an explosive wave of red that blows away at everything within 15 meters of him with a roaring WHOOOSH!

    Windows shatter into pieces, cars go flying down both paths of the linear street, his repels the mass of taffy completely off his body, and Toy Man''s giant robot begins falling over backwards.

    "Much better¡­" Superman muses under his breath, still maintaining that flame-like aura of red. His eyes go wide upon realizing the giant structure is about to crash land. It¡¯s extremely close, but the kryptonian makes a lightning dash between the robot''s legs. Just barely skidding to an opportune position to raise his hands and catch the towering machine by the center of its back before it meets the ground roughly. There''s nothing more than a minor bend of his arms when the robot finally meets his awaiting hands. Straightening his arms out again, he displays his impressive strength further by ascending into a flight to lift the robot back up to stand on its feet again. Once he does, he raises higher in the air and immediately punctures the back of its head with a punch. From that hole, he begins using both hands to grip and tear a large opening until he''s got a clear view of Toy Man''s seat.

    ¡°Now then¡­¡± The clone murmurs with glaring eyes.

    ¡°Uh oh.¡± Toy swallows a lump in his throat as the kryptonian casually moves closer to grip the chair and snap it out of place. Superman establishes a firm grip and carries the villain out into the open air with him. Luckily, the seat belt the troublemaker is wearing is securely holding Toy Man in place.

    "And with that, your juvenile fun comes to an end." The clone announces.

    "D''aww phooie! This was TOTALLY unfair." Toy Man pouts childishly while crossing his arms.

    Before long, the authorities arrive on the scene and Superman hands the culprit behind the disturbance over to them. He''s barely able to be given gratitude for his help before he''s off to return to the CADMUS facility with haste.

    He makes a seamless landing to trade off into a jog once he arrives at the foot of the building, and heads right for Dr. Kent.

    "I''ve returned." He announces upon entering the examination room. While his assumption of her being there is spot on, Sentry isn''t anywhere to be seen.

    "Did he leave?"

    "Welcome back, Superman. And yes, he left just a moment ago. Said he was going to take some time to think." She answers, presently sorting through files on her computer.

    "I see. Was there any progress? Were you able to determine if he was telling the truth or not." The clone prods.

    "Everything he''s told us seems very likely to be true. Then again, I''m merely surmising. My conclusion strictly depended on his knowledge of the multi-verse and It aligns with what I know of it."

    "Oh. Was there anything you were able to do for him, then?"

    "No, unfortunately. I don''t have the means of providing the aid he needs. I''ve yet to make that sort of breakthrough. Anywho, why don''t you go rest up for the rest of the day back in your room? I need to evaluate you anyway. Determine how you''re getting along and adapting." Dr. Kent informs. Not once turning away from the screen before her.

    "...Very well." Is all he responds with before retreating from the room.

    "I''ll be there shortly." She informs him just before he finishes pulling the door shut behind himself.

    Hours pass and the sun finally sets, giving way to the night. The next day arrives, and along with it, an invitation from Lex Luthor himself. Dr. Kent informs him that he''s been summoned to head into the city and drop by Lex'' Luthor¡¯s office within the Lex Corp tower. He does so without much delay. Once there, he''s welcomed and given the liberty to travel through the building without a guide. Simple instructions are all he''s given to navigate unfamiliar territory. He assumes it''s a test of some sort. And without fail, he finds the appropriate set of doors. He gives one a gentle knock to make his presence known.

    _____

    "Come on in, and shut the door behind you." A voice instructs from within the room. Simple and swiftly, Subject 13 enters Lex''s office and shuts the door behind himself. Neither speak a word afterwards just yet. The clone stares at the other - the very man who is facing away and gazing out into the city through the tall window behind his desk. Superman''s hands join together at his lower back. Just before the silence over stays its welcome, Lex finally speaks up again.

    "What is this, your third day being awake and among the living? How are you feeling?" Lex inquires without tearing his eyes away from whatever else has his focus outside.

    [ I feel like I''m walking a tightrope¡­ struggling to keep my senses in check. Learning how to function in my body. How do I express such notions to answer that question? ]

    Thinking on it briefly, momentarily hanging his head in thought, the clone eventually provides a response.

    "Surreal. I feel surreal¡­ I feel as if I''m in a constant state of foreignness, but I am learning with time."

    Rather fascinated by the other''s answer, he turns to look over his shoulder with a brow arching.

    "I see. Strangely enough, I find that to be an appropriate response. You see, I also thought he, your¡­. predecessor, to be surreal, as well." Lex begins as he turns entirely. He treads from behind his desk and toward the right side of his office, where a shelf of miscellaneous objects is placed. He reaches for not a book, but a toy action figure - one with a resemblance to a renowned figure in blue and red.

    "I also found him to be just as insufferable as he was naive. So righteous, yet even blinder. A fool with a bleeding heart. A burden on mankind¡­ he just couldn''t understand what his very presence was doing to the world." Lex continues, fiddling with a limb of the toy in his grasp.

    "But I hope to change that with you." He adds, shifting his focus onto the artificial young man. He begins taking steps toward the clone, eventually coming to a halt at a reasonable distance.

    "He was a loose cannon, but you? You have the ability to be something greater. Something actually admirable. A vanguard of the people and your country. You''re bestowed such an honor thanks to my determination and resources. And fortunately for you, that includes my own blood. You have the potential of my intellect and the powers of Superman. The best of both worlds. I''m telling you this, because I want you to understand what you are to me." Lex continues his lecture, adjusting an arm of the toy to turn it upward.

    "You''ll be the new hero to replace the old, including the entirety of the Justice League. Not only that, but you''ll do so knowing that you are my son, and I your father." Lex explains further, bearing a grin all the while. At such words, the clone stares curiously.

    "Your son? But I am merely¨C" The replicant tries to speak.

    "A clone of myself and Superman, I know. Clone or not, you share my genetics. I can see it in your eyes ¨C the essence of Superman, but the core of a Luthor." Lex intervenes, staring directly into those cyan hues of the clone. An impressionable pair of blueish green eyes.

    "I''ve given you quite a great deal already, and I plan on contributing further to your growth and journey to overshadow the former Superman. As a guiding hand in your life and as a father figure. Unless¡­ you resent me for giving you life?" Lex questions with a look of amusement on his face.

    "No, nothing of the sort. I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me. I know what my purpose is, and I embrace it." The clone assures with certainty.

    "Good. With that said, I have splendid news for you, my boy. I''ve set up an identity for you. You can choose to go public with it or not." Lex informs, momentarily heading back to his desk to retrieve something. He returns back to the kryptonian and hands over an onyx wallet. The clone takes it and proceeds to take a look inside. There he sees an I.D., a green debit card poking out from a pocket, and several 50 bills in the largest compartment.

    "Welcome to the Land of the Free, Connor Van Luthor."

 #3

    It¡¯s nearly noon by the time the clone, now officially dubbed Connor Van Luthor, returns back to his designated CADMUS facility. There, awaiting him just beyond the entrance doors, stands none other than the director of CADMUS in its entirety, Amanda Waller. Dr. Kent and two other unfamiliar individuals are there with her, as well.

    "Director Waller¡­" Connor mindlessly breathes out, caught off guard by her sudden appearance.

    "Good morning, Superman. I hope you''re ready to take off the training wheels today, because we may possibly have a global disaster on our hands and we need to act quickly." Waller shares on the spot, uptight in speech.

    "What is it?" Connor asks.

    "We have reason to believe that something supernatural ¨C a peculiar abnormality ¨C is coming. Bleeding into our very universe as we speak. Some time ago, I had Dr. Kent devise a device that could detect oddities that don''t belong here. That project you were tasked with guarding the other day is one of them. Without going into trivial details, I''ll cut right to it. I need you to board the Justice League HQ out in space, pinpoint the source of the disturbance with this¨C" Waller pauses briefly, handing over a radar-like device to the clone.

    "And exterminate it. It is absolutely a threat and it must NOT leave that Watchtower."

    "This device is able to detect something that far away?" The clone questions as he studies the mentioned object. From observing the screen, he gathers it already found something faint, evident by the beeping dot giving off small waves of rings. Given how far away they were from the Watchtower, he imagines it indeed has to be something to behold.

    "That is correct. Time is of the essence, so I''m sending you up there immediately." Waller informs.

    "Do I just¡­ fly up there, then?" He asks with an arching brow.

    "If I knew what you were fully capable of, then perhaps. But no, I have a more convenient way to get you aboard that vessel. You really DON''T have time to waste. Shade, if you will." After answering the kryptonian, Waller turns her head and addresses one of her associates. An odd fellow wearing formal clothing. His skin pale as the ashen moon, his eyes hiding behind round shades, and with him he carries an onyx cane. With but a mere gesture of lifting his hand at the kryptonian, he brings forth a swallowing shadow at the young man''s feet. It accumulates and begins to resemble a cloud of sheer darkness that continuously grows with every second. As if sinking into a narrow pit of quicksand, Connor finds himself sinking into that darkness. He instinctively struggles. Trying to pry his body loose and reach to get a grip of a surface, but he''s inevitably taken in all of his entirety. The last thing to be heard from him is a desperate gasp for air.

    Instead of suffocating or being further restrained, the kryptonian finds himself somewhere peculiar. He moves just slightly with a step, and feels his foot connect with something. The sound of a mopstick falling against the floor rings out within the confined space just seconds after.

    "Where am I¡­?" He murmurs, soon finding his thoughts interrupted by the lively beeping from the device in his hand. Whatever he was sent here to find, it''s definitely close by. The dot quadrupled in size since he was swallowed up and reappeared who knows where.

    "How do I¨C" Before he can finish that thought, the mechanical door he can''t see suddenly peels open after he takes three steps forward. He treads outside cautiously, discovering he''s within a corridor somewhere. Not only that, but upon further investigation of the window that ISN''T merely a painting of a starry pitch black night as he first thought, he discovers that he''s actually in space. His free hand lifts to palm against the cold glass in front of him as he takes in the breathtaking view of the vibrant, great blue sphere known as Earth far off in the distance. His eyes wide as can be.

    "Unbelievable¡­" He breathes out, swept up within his impressionable wonder.

    "New up here? Quite a sight, isn''t it?" It''s none other than Hal Jordan himself who verbally pulls Connor out of his idle state of staring, as he comes to stand beside the young man. Grinning as he also takes a moment to drink in the all too familiar vast body of space. The Kryptonian''s focus shifts toward the Justice Leaguer.

    "Hal Jordan of the Green Lantern Corp." The clone states softly, robotic-like in tone. The recognition brings a smug look to the fairly taller male''s face.

    "The one and only, Kid! You a fan? I''ve got some time on my hands to give ya an autograph if you''d like." Hal offers, oblivious to whom he¡¯s talking to. And that clueless-ness fades the moment the young man turns to face him entirely, revealing that sorrowfully familiar ''S'' shield on his chest.. Hal can''t help but to stare in disbelief.

    "No. I am merely aware of you and your history with the Justice League. Excuse me, but I need to go. Time is rather short." Connor answers simply before casually taking his leave to follow the guidance of the radar in his possession. However, Hal is quick to intercept him after just a few steps. Floating around and ahead to cut the clone off.

    "Woah-woah-woah! Who are you? I don''t recall Superman having a kid."

    "And I was given no knowledge of such a thing, either. Now excuse me." Is the clones aloof reply before he attempts to tread around the Green Lantern to continue on. Yet again, he''s cut-off. A green construct of a gate takes form in front of him. Something that warrants an annoyed expression as he looks over a shoulder at the Lantern.

    "If you''re not Superman''s son, then I''d like to know something about you. Give me deets. Are you a relative? His brother? Cousin? Clone?" Hal presses out of concern.

    "Yes."

    "Yes¡­? Yes to which?" Hal quirks a brow.

    "I''m his clone and replacement. Now if you don''t mind¨C" The Kryptonian trails off before throwing an imposing punch that shatters the construct like glass. However, the process repeats an additional time and escalates even more.

    "Okay, we''ll do this the hard way, then." Hal lifts his ring-bearing hand and uses his opposite to brace his forearm. Straight from his finger, meters of chains discharge and coil around the Kryptonian like a snake. Embracing him from shoulders to ankles in neon emerald. This time, he''s focusing.

    "Tch! You''re wasting my time, Green Lantern. I came here to take care of a problem, not for pointless confrontations!" Connor barks as he struggles. Hal can feel it. The clone''s inhuman strength straining his grip, and thus he fortifies it. Squeezing harder as he grits his pearly white teeth.

    "NNNGH! Yeah, you''re definitely a knock-off that comes pretty close! But be reasonable here! You come into the Watchtower undetected, wearing Superman''s S, and didn''t once think someone here would stop and question you? Tell me why you''re here!"

    "To save the world and exterminate a threat. Now release me!" Connor demands.

    "Fat chance, clone boy. Not until you settle down." Hal retorts. It''s then that the kryptonian''s patience comes to an end. Also when a third individual arrives.

    "Hey, what''s going on here?" The Flash, Barry Allen, questions as he comes skidding to a halt beside Hal.

    "This guy is¨C" Before the lantern can finish that thought, the clone flexes with all of his might, snarling as he completely breaks the chains clinging around his body in an instant. The force sends fragments of green flying every WA and causes cracks to form in the long stretch of glass from the action, as well. While the two leaguers shield themselves, the clone takes off with a burst of speed. During, emergency shieldings lower to cover  the damaged windows.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    "That guy is crazy!" Hal comments and begins flying after him.

    "I got him." Barry calls out and takes off like a bullet, sprinting past Hal and searching every little pocket for their uninvited guest. Soon enough, the entire facility is on alert. Passing through particular doors, the clone triggers scanners and security measures that inevitably discover he''s unidentifiable and DEFINITELY an intruder.

    " Warning, warning. Unknown personnel aboard the Watchtower. Warning, warning. " The femme AI voices announces through every available speaker on the extravagant space vessel. A picture of the clone''s scowling face and upper torso comes up on every monitor and screen attached to the facility. All sorts of chatter begin, filling the artificial Kryptonian''s ears. Adding to his growing anxiety.

    "This is ridiculous!" Connor exclaims, beyond annoyed by the turn of events. It''s  becoming difficult to think, but he keeps his primary task at the forefront of his mind.

    "Where, where, WHERE!?" He zips through the nexus of rooms and corridors, frantically navigating through what feels like a maze. He doesn''t stop for anything or anyone. Joanna Hex, Huntress, Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, Vixen, Hawkgirl, The Question, or even Jay Garrick. However, it''s that very last individual he doesn''t slip past so easily¡­ Within a snap, the old-timer catches up with ease and keeps pace beside him. A fact Connor overlooks.

    "What''s your hurry, son?" Jay makes his presence known.

    "Who- what!?" A startled ''Superman'' filches mid flight with wide eyes.

    "Oh hey, Jay. I see you found our super friend here." Barry chimes in after zipping up from the opposite side.

    "When did you¨C!?" Before Connor can finish that thought, Jay promptly cuts-in.

    "Son, you might want to..."

    SLAM!!!

    The clone rams into a steel door, embedding his sprawling body into it. The speedsters, having stopped a few meters behind, stand idly. Jay rubs at the back of his head with a sympathetic stare, while Barry does his best to stop himself from bursting out in laughter.

    "Well, that looked painful¡­ You alright, son?" Jay asks with genuine concern. In turn, the clone groans gruffly.

    In truth, Connor felt little pain from the impact. He pushes himself out of the Superman-shaped dent in the door. And just as he does? It slides open to reveal the ever brooding Dark Knight on the other side. Scowling at the intruder.

    Connor immediately recognizes this as an issue. One he doesn''t want to confront, especially when he has yet to find what he''s supposed to be searching for. Before another word can be said, he retreats with a gust of wind in his wake. Moving in a blur past the two speedsters, and making a hard right further down the hall with the hopes of taking a detour to get where he needs to be. Alas, he finds himself at a dead end inside what seems to be some sort of control room. Nothing but computers and a view of Earth through a large window. The sound of myriad footsteps alerts him to the large crowd of heroes closing in on him from behind. He turns to face them with a defensive stance just as the bunch comes rushing in.

    "Stay back! ALL OF YOU!" The Kryptonian shouts as his eyes gleam with deathly and smoldering red. His pupils, burning so distinctly bright, shift frantically over them. Watching as many as he could in his high alert state.

    "I don''t know who you think you are, punk, but you gotta'' lotta'' nerve coming in here and clenching your fists at us." Wildcat comments while pointing accusingly at the artificial young man.

    "Huh¡­ He actually resembles big blue a bit. Is that his kid?" Barry asks, holding his chin in thought.

    "No, it''s his clone. The kid said so himself." Hal informs.

    "His clone? You mean, someone made a copy of Superman?" Blue Beetle asks.

    "It HAS to be Luthor''s doing. No one else would have the audacity to clone Superman." Vixen chimes in.

    With every outspoken voice, Connor''s eyes zip from one person to the next as they talk about him. That comes to an end when Batman treads forward to emerge from the crowd and stand at the center. A staredown initiates between him and Superman. The chattering from the rest dies down during.

    "Who. ARE. You?" The dark knight questions solemnly. Surely enough, he receives the utmost honest answer from the intruder.

    "I am the clone of Superman, and his replacement. My purpose was to keep him in check, should he stray from the path of righteousness. To eliminate him, should he abandon Law & Order. To eliminate ANY member of the Justice League who does¡­" Is the clone''s choice of words.

    Batman silently glares upon that response.

    "That''s crazy! Where did he come from? WHO made him!?" Someone shouts from the mass of bodies behind the Dark Knight. Before chaos of emotions flood the atmosphere, Bruce presses the clone. Formulating his own selection of phrasing to ask the questions everyone likely wants to know.

    "Who sent you?"

    "Amanda Waller." Connor answers.

    "How did you get into the Watchtower?"

    "She had someone send me here by means I don''t understand at all. Shadows swallowed me completely, and I found myself inside a utility closet here."

    "And why were you sent here? You''re clearly not here for a fight." Batman keeps the questions flying.

    "I am not. At least, not with any of you." Connor begins, pausing as he holds up the device Waller gave to him.

    "I was tasked with pinpointing and exterminating an unknown force aboard this station. Waller believed it to be a grave threat to Earth. No plan beforehand. She said that time was crucial¡­ and so much is being wasted here." Superman informs regretfully, his eyes finally simmering back to their normal state of brilliant blue.

    "...Lead the way, then." Batman simply states.

    "Are you serious!? Just like that?" Booster Gold knits his brows skeptically behind his gold visor.

    "Yes. Let him through." And with that said, a part down the middle of the crowd comes to be to allow Batman and the self-proclaimed Superman through. Once they are out within the corridor again, the clone takes the lead. Walking instead of flying this time. Naturally, the rest of the League follows behind. The Kryptonian leads the group back to the door he crashed into earlier, which Batman grants access to by placing his hand beside the door. A light illuminates from the wall before a hidden keypad reveals itself on the opposite side. After obscuring view of it, he punches in a code that immediately makes the mechanical door slide open. Inside is the exclusive meeting room for the founding members of the J.L.

    "It''s close¡­" Connor informs as he studies the radar. He enters and makes his way over to an unsuspecting wall inside the room. By then, the device is frantically beeping.

    "It seems to be behind¡­ this wall?"

    "Hn." Without saying a word, Batman steps forward to repeat the process. Upon doing so, a secret door is revealed as it rises to give entry. Inside seems to be a storage space for planetary foreign trinkets and such. However, the most eye-catching thing inside was the enormous floating orb near the far back. Appearing dark and slimy in texture. It remains unmoving within their presence.

    "This¡­ this shouldn''t be here." Batman states.

    "What even is it?" Superman questions as he approaches the dark sphere. Batman at his heels.

    The youth reaches out to make contact, a curious frown upon his features as he does.

    "Maybe you shouldn''t touch¨C" The cowl donning Gothamite tries to warn, but the clone''s middle finger just barely touches it before he retracts his hand.

    That minuscule brush is all it takes to receive a reaction from the sphere. It begins figeting, gradually morphing from its rounded structure and into something. Into someone. As it does, Superman backs up a couple of steps, uncertain of what to expect.

    "What''s going on in there?" Hal questions from the doorway.

    "I''m not sure¡­" The clone answers.

    Before long, the liquid-like substance takes the form of a person. A woman with a negative coloring. Inhuman¡­ and dressed similarly to Batman. Her eyes are piercing red that sit in pools of unsettling pitch black darkness - and they soon lock onto the Kryptonian.

    "I feel her in you¡­" It speaks, bearing a feminine distorted voice. One that makes both the clone and Bruce clench their teeth in discomfort.

    "What¡­?" Is all Connor can breathe out within a whisper.

    "You''re not her, though¡­ Not¡­ entirely." She goes on, tilting her head to a side far more than necessary. Then, she begins creeping forward with simple steps.

    "But your presence tells me she is at least here somewhere. Hiding? Biding her time? Perhaps unaware?" The being goes on. Her head returns upright as she comes to stand almost evenly with the 5''11 Kryptonian.

    "Who are you?" Connor asks as he stares intensely, looking as if her very presence is offensive to every single one of his senses. Especially his sense of sight.

    Before answering, she lifts a hand outward. Ghosting her palm over the center of the bright crimson S adorning the young man''s torso.

    "An amalgamation of echoes." And within a split second, a burst of watery darkness comes rushing out from her extended limb. Easily flooding the small room and washing over every present body like a tsunami wave. Submerging. Drowning. Corrupting¡­

    Desperate cries are swiftly silenced. However, one keeps fighting. He rears his head from the ever growing depths of the onyx water and  gasps desperately for air. It''s none other than Superman himself.

    "What.. What happened!? Batman? Can you hear me!?" Connor calls out as he scans the room, but spots nothing beyond the body of liquid surrounding him. That is, until she rises out right in front of him. Uncomfortably close and staring right into his soul. It terrifies him into a state of petrifaction. He almost regrets his hasty choice to call out for the Dark Knight.

    "How odd. There''s something off about you. Deceiving and hidden. Hidden quite well. You''re a bit like me, it would seem. You do share some of her essence, after all. Maybe you need something more hands-on¡­" And upon that notion, she snakes a hand out to grasp at the Kryptonian''s throat, while her other latches onto the side of his face with a claw-like grip.

    A skin chilling sensation begins building, growing more intense by the second until it feels like frostbite is growing under his very skin.

    "Ah¨C AAAH!!??" The Kryptonian cries out from the unwelcoming touch.. Though she may not have the strength to strangle him, whatever else she¡¯s doing is having actual effect. It¡¯s becoming visible, too. A negative coloring begins growing under his right eye. Expanding slowly over time.

    Connor attempts to shove her away, but his hand phases right through her like water. He keeps trying to shove her away. Punching, grabbing at, swatting, and even using his heat vision. The latter only results in his fiery beams going right through her and searing parallel lines into the ceiling. Just as she claims his right eye entirely, an aura of red begins taking form around his body.

    "Get¡­. OOOOOOFF!!!" He bellows, erupting with an explosive force of telepathic energy that blows out the window within the room. The vacuum of space drags him outside with a powerful suction. Just in time before the emergency shutters  drop down, too.

    But now there¡¯s another critical issue.

    He can''t breathe in space.

    He begins choking. His hands reach for his throat as he desperately tries to breathe in what just isn''t remotely available. Air is all he can think about at the moment. Varies things associated with oxygen to be exact. In his state of panic and his consuming thoughts, a protective layer of his telekinesis forms around him. One with its own self-providing source of breathable air.

    He gathers himself before examining his surroundings, then his own body.

    "I can¡­ breathe? It seems like I was the only who¡­ who..!?" It dawns on him finally. Something is off. His vision is a contrast. His right eye is disorientating to say the least. The vastness of space is a body of unimaginable white with dark twinkles in the distance, while the Earth itself is a sphere of red and pink. His aura is an ocean blue color to it, as well. It''s obvious he couldn''t rely on it any longer. He has to keep it shut. He does so, but it barely helps. It''s blank whiteness instead of pitch black, and it perplexes him.

    "I have to get back and get this sorted out. What exactly did she do to me? Who was she even referring to?" And with those questions in mind, the Kryptonian begins flying his way back to the planet with haste.

 #4

    THAM! "I need immediate aid! Where is Dr. Kent!?" Superman demands upon roughly barging his way inside the CADMUS facility, setting his sights upon the worker at the front desk.

    "S-she may likely be in her lab still. She hasn''t been seen leaving the building, so it''s the safest bet." The male answers. With that alone to work with, the clone proceeds toward the door leading to the stairway at lightning speed. Up the stairs and through the halls of the second floor until he reaches the office he seeks. Banging immediately ensues as the Kryptonian lifts a fisted hand.

    "Dr. Kent, are you in!? I need a curative for this."

    "Hang on, hang on. I''m coming. Though, I''m not exactly sure what you have that the sun c¨C" When she pulls open that door after getting up from her desk and walking, she pauses. Shock written on her face by what she sees.

    "Even if it could, the Sun hasn''t lessened his hindrance. The vision in my right eye is¡­ inverted, I think. All I can see with it is a negative distortion of the world." He explains to her. Curiously, she raises her left hand to cup the right side of his face and brushes her thumb over the discoloration of his closed eye.

    "Does it hurt?" She asks.

    "No."

    "Open your eye for me." She requests, and he obliges. His eyelid peels open to reveal a pinkish-red pupil surrounded by not white, but pitch black darkness. A complete contrast to his opposite.

    "Who did this to you?" She questions.

    "Some bizarre dark ooze that morphed into a woman dressed like Batman after I touched it. She said she was an ''Amalgamation of echoes''."

    "...A woman dressed like Batman?" Dr. Kent repeats with a concerned frown overtaking her features.

    "Yes. She was still made of that gooey substance, but she had taken a clear form of a woman dressed like him. Bat symbol and all." He affirms.

    "Bryce¡­? But, it couldn''t be¡­" She murmurs to herself, averting her eyes in deep thought. Her arms retreat to fold across her torso as she does.

    "Bryce? Is that what its name is? Is that some sort of acronym for something?" Connor asks.

    "No, it''s the name of someone I knew. A friend of sorts, if I could even call her that." She answers honestly.

    "...I''m confused."

    "I know, Superman. It''s a complicated thing. I''d have to see her for myself, but can you tell me everything that happened at the Watchtower?" Dr. Kent asks of him, which he obliges without hesitation. The moment he arrived, to his escalating dialogue with Hal Jordan, flying desperately through the halls of the giant structure, the unexpected aid from Batman, to what they found within a secret room, the things the bizarre woman said, the sudden flooding, and how he ended up out in space with no air. All of it he shares with her in that order.

    "I see. I''m glad your secondary powers saved you, Superman. That must have been terrifying for you. And honestly, it sounds as if she actually does know I''m here. That shouldn''t be possible."

    "Here? Why do I get the feeling you''re not referring to this building? What is her place of origin, and what does she want?" The clone presses.

    "Well, she''s from an entirely different earth. Bryce was The Bat back on omy old Earth ¨C my original Earth. A dedicated detective just like the Batman on this Earth. Until she lost her mind, that is. Seems like she found her way through, too." She elaborates casually.

    "An entirely different Earth? So the multi-verse is a real thing?" He asks with a lifting brow.

    "Undoubtedly so, Superman. It is very much real."

    "I see¡­ But why did she say that I have your essence, and that she and I were similar? I was created here if I''m not mistaken. What did she mean by those claims?"

    "You see, Earth is very much unlike Krypton. This planet, much like the identical one I came from, is primitive in comparison. I''m no stranger to the cloning field of science, but this planet only has so many proper tools I can use to replicate what was possible back on Krypton. I had to improvise when creating you. I ran tests and studied the DNA samples that were available to us, and determined that it would be near impossible to make certain you turned out stable. That is, until I experimented with my blood. Lex wanted a part kryptonian, part human clone of Superman. And I gave him the closest thing to it. There may be a little less human in the equation, but I delivered on what was promised." She answers honestly.

    "Are you saying you''re a kryptonian, as well?¡± He asks with narrowing eyes.

    "That is indeed what I am implying. I''m also saying that the majority of your genetics come from me. About 50%. The other half is divided between Lex and Superman''s DNA. By technicality¡­ She wasn''t lying or being cryptic. You ARE like me, and I''m certainly no native of this universe." Dr. Kent clarifies. The answers leave the clone more confused than anything else, even if there was no better explanation he could really ask for. Not that he had even a second more to dwell on the topic; something was zeroing in on their location like a sniper bullet.

    Surely enough, impact arrives.

    CRAAASSHH!

    An eruption of destruction quakes the entire facility, and almost immediately the building goes into a code red. An alarm begins blaring throughout the halls as every available member of security rushes to confront the source of the commotion, armed to the teeth with high-end refiles.

    Simultaneously, both kryptonians peer toward the direction the noise came from with the aid of x-ray vision.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    "Him¡­" Connor utters with disdain.

    "Hm. Captain Atom, I believe? He''s quite¡­ different." Dr. Kent comments casually.

    "He''s just like her. He must be under her influence." Connor reasons, taking a moment longer to observe the subject at hand. However, it only leads to further confusion. Captain Atom seems to be forcing his way deeper into the facility while speaking in an unfathomable tongue. No language Connor has ever heard.

    "I can''t make out what he''s saying.." The artificial youth admits.

    "It sounds familiar in a way. It''s no common language that''s for sure, but it reminds me of Za¨C"

    ZAAP!

    Before Dr. Kent can finish that thought, a blast of vibrant green energy punctures through several walls, passing just beside Dr. Kent''s head and leaving a hole in the one just behind her.

    "Enough of this. I''m getting rid of him." Superman takes off in the next instance toward the raging Captain Atom like a speeding bullet. The Kryptonian arrives just in time to intercept a potentially lethal blow meant for a grounded security guard, blocking the energized punch with an X-formation of his arms.

    "...Ouy rof gnihtemos tog I. ?huh, ebannaw namrepuS A" Captain Atoms speaks, staring with shifty eyes.

    "I have no idea what you''re saying, but you''re not taking another step, Captain Atom. Surrender or be neutralized." The clone threatens, already building up concentrating energy within his eyes; one a burning crimson, the other an arctic cold blue. When he not only sees that forest green-ish aura around Captain Atom''s hands shift to a bright shade of blue, but also a fist drawing back to throw another blow - Connor let''s his adversary have it with full force. Teeth gritting as dual contrasting beams push Captain Atom down the hall and through several walls before the optic blasts finally stop.

    "I warned you!" He yells out just before taking into a linear flight to keep the pressure on. Just as the inverted hero-turned-villain begins to rise to his feet, the Kryptonian is there to ram and smash him through another wall. The two tumble along the floor a short distance with Superman ending up on top with an advantage. The opposing forces struggle a bit as the captain reignites his hands in radiant blue energy again, but the clone eventually bypasses the other''s defenses and delivers a hook to Captain Atom''s jaw. Then another, and another, and another¡­ Though it looks as if he''s in control, something is off. He''s becoming exhausted far too quickly without explanation, and each of his following punches are weakening.

    "Haa¡­What.. Is.. haah.. this feeling?" He speaks between panting breaths as he throws several more punches. The last one actually hurts him a bit upon impact. He''s losing momentum and another wrestle for control begins because of that. Bit by bit, but very surely, Captain Atom is overwhelming him. Connor can feel his body becoming lethargic. Sluggish, weakening, and straining - his muscles, his formidable strength, is failing him.

    THWACK!!

    A punch from Captain Atom easily sends the Kryptonian flying back through the giant holes in the walls they came from and violently tumbling until he meets one that''s still intact. The artificial youth groans as he props himself up by his forearms, grimacing before the taste of iron soon hits his tongue. He blinks and reaches for his lips, gently dabbing his fingers where he was struck. He sees his own blood upon them and realizes his lips are busted open in some fashion, but there''s no time to dwell on it. The fight isn''t over.

    [ Why did I lose my strength like that? I had the upper hand, did I not? Does it have something to do with the energy he''s using? What is he using? Some sort of alien variant of plasma energy? Or is it solar absorption? ]

    The clone takes but a moment to brush a fist across his mouth to wipe away the fresh blood before taking up a fighting stance as Captain Atom marches toward him with that same energy flowing around his fists. At some point, Connor feels that ill feeling returning the closer the other gets. Waiting to see what the other will do is obviously a flawed idea. A thin defensive layer of crimson telekinetic energy envelopes the clone''s entire body with a vibrant glow just before he snarls and launches for his adversary with another hook. He connects! But¡­

    "What¡­!?" Connor shouts in utter disbelief as he witnesses how he doesn''t even make the other budge an inch. It¡¯s as if he hadn''t thrown that punch to begin with, and it left him in a state of shock. A grave error that the other takes full advantage of. A swift backhanded fist to the face sends Superman slamming roughly against the surface to his left. However, the Kryptonian doesn''t fall from his feet. With but a short moment to collect himself, Connor retaliates by throwing another punch of his own. One that Captain Atom simply leans out of reach of. Another attempt from the youth is on its way, but an even quicker uppercut to his chin connects first, rocking him off balance. Before he can even catch a glimpse of the motion, a leaning straight punch strikes him dead center in the face, sending his back thrashing against the wall behind him. The energy manipulator follows and catches the Kryptonian before he collapses.

    "Kuh!?" He feels a hand gripping around his throat with a squeeze, and just as he reaches to try and pry the hand away by its wrist, Captain Atom begins throwing punch, after punch, after punch. Each sending a tremble throughout the hallway. It''s a very convenient thing Connor has a protective shielding around his body, otherwise he would''ve long since been unconscious, or possibly worse. There''s certainly pain from each hit, but the impact is significantly reduced - mostly deflected by the telekinetic barrier.

    Thinking is near impossible and his anger is beginning to boil. Not only that, but something at the depths of his mind is trying to claw its way to the surface. Something artificial, yet animalistic. A mental mechanism that was implanted within him, and it''s on the verge of triggering in his helpless state.

    KRROOOM!

    This time, Captain Atom doesn''t hold anything back. That last punch is more than enough to send the clone destructively rocketing out of the building and toward the very clouds above, eventually becoming obscured by the fluffs of white.

    There''s a little delay before doing so, but Captain Atom takes off like a bullet to pursue and finish what he started. Just as he¡¯s nearing those clouds, he catches a glimpse of a red twinkle in the distance. The corrupted hero squints curiously, but discovers there''s absolutely NO time to ponder on what he''s seeing.

    Because it¡¯s coming right for him faster than the speed of light.

    It''s Superman. Or rather, the machine inside the man. His eyes are absolute red, deep as blood, much like his blazing telekinetic aura. His barrier no longer takes the shape of his physique, but now flows about like live fire. His expression is unhinged hatred, but his thoughts are vacant. His body has only one mission: Kill The Threat.

    DHOOOOM!!

    The two crash land in the middle of the open, barren field that leads to and from the CADMUS facility and sends out a violent tremor that reaches for miles around. Once more, Connor gains the upper hand again and begins pummeling away at Captain Atom''s face with every fiber of his artificial being. His super strength is just about utterly void, but his secondary power adds some ferocious impacts behind his myriad of punches. There''s a notable difference. It''s just enough to where he can at least forcefully turn his adversary''s head to some degree, but alas, it''s nothing that renders the captain unable to defend himself. In fact, almost in a casual fashion, the glaring Captain raises up while seemingly ignoring the blows to his face. Captain Atom''s radiant hand take aim at Connor''s upper torso and discharges a burst of that same blue energy from before, sending the clone flying upward again.

    "Mmnngh!?" Just as the Kryptonian finally ceases his involuntary flipping after taking another hit, he hunches over and clasps a hand over his mouth. His body wants to puke, and his inhuman consciousnesses couldn''t even fight that imposing impulse. Luckily, there''s nothing to barf up. The young man hasn''t eaten anything at all. He didn''t need to, for sunlight alone was enough to sustain his unique physiology. Once that distracting moment passes, he sets his hostile sights back onto his foe. Just in time to see Captain Atom flying right at him, too. Snarling like an angry beast, the clone roars out with sheer animosity and begins charging the other down, as well. He doesn''t get far at all, however. Captain Atoms fires off another beam of blue energy at the Kryptonian, pushing him back while simultaneously sapping further away at his disadvantaged half. The hero-turned-villain gradually eases his output while closing the distance between, so that by the time he''s within arm''s reach, Superman is too fatigued to stop the flurry of blows that follow. A swiping hook to the left side jaw, an overhead hook to the right temple, a blow across the cheek, and a thorough gut punch that makes the clone hunch over while holding himself.

    ".nos, uoy rof ti si sihT" More incoherent speech that falls on deaf ears. Nonetheless, Captain Atom raises and joins his hands in unity, then brings down a thunderous hammer strike that sends Connor plummeting to the Earth like a cannonball. As expected, the landing is more than enough to form a crater three times his size. Dust rises and accumulates around him in seconds. Just as he¡¯s losing sight of the Kryptonian''s motionless body, Captain Atom shoots down an even more powerful burst of that apparent anti-kryptonian energy, one nearly just as great in girth as the shallow hole his victim is lying in.

    ".kcirt eht seod syawla ygrene nus deR" Captain Atom muses with a smug grin just before finally putting a stop to his assault and descending down to get a look at his adversary. It''s around the very time more corrupted members of the Justice League arrive on the scene, approaching the crater as a group. But once the dust passes? Utter shock overtakes their expressions for a moment. There¡¯s somehow no body to be found.

    After a brief exchange of dialogue, the group brushes it off and proceeds inside the CADMUS facility to continue their search for their actual objective.

    Elsewhere¡­

    Unlike a moment ago, Superman finds himself lying upon a flawlessly flat surface, though the lingering sickness discourages the idea of even slightly lifting his head. He''s back to normal, but dreading the awareness that comes with it.

    [ It''s so incredibly difficult to move¡­ just the thought of rolling over onto my back hurts to think about. I feel so drained and weak¡­ Did I die? Was I left to lay here? The last thing I remember was being punched repeatedly in the face back inside CADMUS'' hallway. ]

    Unable to muster a pinch of strength, the clone exhales weakly and closes his eyes in defeat. However, someone is there with him, as well. The individual who saved him.

    "You don''t look so good down there." A mature masculine voice speaks, inviting Connor to ease his eyes open again. What¨C who he sees crouching beside him draws absolute confusion across his sickly face.

    "Who¡­ are you?" The artificial youth asks.

    "Me? Isn''t it obvious, young man? I am your salvation."

    End.

 #4.5

    "--Hold a moment. Let me remedy that for you." The elder gentleman in radiant white offers as reaches down to gently place his palm over the clone''s temple. Connor, finding himself at the mercy of the peculiar stranger, shuts his eyes as that very hand lowers over him. He doesn''t know what to expect, but he¡¯s too ill to do anything about it. Just breathing alone takes some level of focus to do. Fortunately, the stranger''s intent proves to be genuine; a bright shine of platinum light immediately produces underneath the stranger''s hand and heals the young man''s ailments away. The discoloration around Connor''s eye begins reversing as if it were retracting, his pain and bruises take their sudden leave, fatigueness fades from his body, and his strength returns in all of its entirety.

    Relieved of immense strain, the Kryptonian eyes shoot wide open as he exhales with newfound energy.

    "It''s¡­ it''s gone." The young man softly comments just before pushing himself up onto his knees. He examines himself, palms and all. Bawling his fists and re-opening them as if testing his sense of feeling. He feels good as new and the toothy grin taking form across his youthful handsome face is evidence of that.

    "See, isn''t that better?" Superman''s savior inquires with similar delight bearing upon his aged and bearded face.

    "Yes! Yes, actually. I feel like I could run laps around the entire world and lift Mount Everest with absolute ease." Comes Connor''s enthusiastic response as his cyan eyes shift toward the other.

    "That''s wonderful to know, my young friend. I thought the little added boost of solar energy would help."

    "Thank you. Whatever you did, thank you. It was painful just breathing beforehand." Connor responds with a tone of gratitude. Now that he isn''t on the verge of passing out, he has and makes use of his mental capacity to examine the other more attentively. Hair of white, broad and strong in build, blue eyes, black facial hair, and a head of silver hair. Most curious though is the identical great bold ''S'' adorning his stainless radiant attire of platinum and gold. That specific detail is what wipes the grin off Connor''s face and replaces it with a solemn frown.

    "...Who are you?" He asks again.

    "Just as I said, Connor. I am your salvation." The older male repeats calmly.

    The answer makes the clone stare questioningly.

    "How do you know my name?" The clone asks.

    "I know all that has and shall transpire across this side of the multi-verse. Well¡­ usually. Usually I am fully aware of the beginnings, middles, and endings. Your Earth''s future is cloudy. Tainted by a force that does not belong to it."

    "What? You claim to have omnipresence? How can you possibly¨C" Before Connor can finish those words, the other cuts in with calm sharpness.

    "Ask of me three deeds you believe to be impossible and I shall perish your doubts. Then, you shall know my words are always true." Such bold certainty catches the clone off guard, nearly leaving him speechless. However, he is embedded with logic. Doubting the unthinkable is in his artificial nature.

    The clone takes a moment to study their surroundings, finally realizing they are sitting in the middle of the street of what appears to be a ghost town - one that greatly resembles Metropolis City. Sunny out, but yet silent and lifeless. Just as Connor stands, the elder of the two does the same. One standing at 5''11, and the other at 6''5.

    After thinking on it for a moment, the clone has his first deed in mind.

    "Change the day to night."

    "And so I shall." With those words, the taller of the two simply lifts his right and snaps his fingers. At his whim, the light shining down shifts to shrouding darkness. From above, the moon now sits and illuminates the near pitch darkness. Even the detailing red of Connor''s suit is glowing, indicating that the night surrounding is real.

    "How did you do that?" Connor shoots him a puzzled look.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "With a mere thought and an enforcement of my will."

    "...Alright. Make the streets flow with shallow water."

    "And so they shall." Snap! With the same gesture as before, the peculiar gentleman brings forth water from every direction. The clone could hear it approaching, and before long, he found his ankles submerged in the clearest river imaginable. It was certainly real to the touch.

    "That¡­ Hnn¨C Create living beings before my very eyes. Can you do that?" Connor asks, a tad touch of annoyance begins staining his words as logic is apparently failing to explain any of this thus far.

    "As you request." The gentleman clad in white lifts his hands and brings them together as if he were concealing a sphere between them. A brief shine of light gleams through the cracks of his hold before he shifts them to present side-by-side, cupping something Connor can¡¯t see. The elder brings his hands closer to his face and gently breathes onto them with an artic blow. He then flattens his hands out and gives another breeze of air, letting the substance within his palms flow and spread in the fashion of tiny balls of light. Upon making contact with the shallow body of water, those orbs begin shining and expanding. Countless of them giving off brightness as they grow and take form. Some develop into humans, others into woodling creatures. Connor stares in disbelief whilst young adults surround them, beings with heart beats. Every last one of them. They tread through the shallow waters to form something akin to a circle, nude and bearing soft smiles. They look happy just to be alive.

    "There''s no way¡­" The clone breathes out, stumped by what he just witnessed.

    "Now do you believe me?" The elderly gentleman asks.

    Connor turns to him once more, staring with a troubled expression upon his features.

    "Yes. Yes, I believe you now¡­ I don''t need¨C I don''t want to see any more." The artificial Kryptonian answers.

    "I''m glad we were able to reach an understanding, my young friend." Calm words spoken just before the bearded stranger lifts and casually swipes his hand through air, and with that gesture, all three deeds become undone. The living beings begin dissolving into nothingness, the shallow water divides and retracts to where it came from, and the day reclaims the sky from the night.

    Something the clone finds unsettling, truth be told.

    "Who are you?" The youth asks yet again.

    "As I''ve said twice already, I am¨C"

    "No, no, no¡­ I mean what are you? Where did you originate from? Why are you here?" Connor presses, a bit of obvious desperation behind his words.

    In reaction, the elder gives a rather surprised look.

    "Do you truly want to know the answers to all of those questions? Will it calm your uncertainty?"

    "I don''t know¡­ I suppose it doesn''t matter where you came from, but this is difficult to process. Are you what mankind refers to as God?"

    "Ha! No, no. Certainly not. I came much much later. Humans, nor anything else that lives throughout the galaxy, are not of my making. I just lived among them long, long ago. And¡­ to be quite frank with you, young man¡­ You are no child of God."

    "What do you mean by that?" Connor asks.

    "Exactly as I said it. You''re abnormal in every sense of the word. You are of both light and dark. Positive and negative energies. An artificial lifeform. This may be a tad difficult to swallow, but¡­ Clones have no souls." The elder gentleman elaborates.

    "You have to be¡ª Hnnn.. Fine, let''s say I do buy into spiritual and religious beliefs; why would I lack a soul? Is that not what makes people function as they do?"

    "You are man made, Connor. Blended in tubes and materialized in a machine. Your creation is sheer audacity of man and nothing remotely natural. You''re a replicant, forced to age up and be implemented with ambitions you haven''t actually decided to pursue for yourself. Not a blessing under his name. Truth be told¡­ I am the closest thing you''ll ever have to a Lord and Savior. I only humor the notion, because of what you bear upon your chest and what runs through your veins." Came the stranger''s explanation. It¡¯s spoken with such certainty, that Connor finds himself at a loss for words. The young man looks down and places his right hand over the shield symbol on his chest, then shifts his sights back to the gold variant that adorns the other''s chest.

    "...Why are you even here?" Connor repeats that question again, too.

    "To help, of course. I brought you here in order to give you an edge in a fight that shouldn''t be taking place on this Earth. I can''t personally take care of the abnormality, but I can at least grant you a tool to help fight it." The elderly stranger answers.

    "Do you have a name?"

    "A name? Heh. Hadn''t in quite some time, but taking what I''ve explained to you, you may know me as your Yod-He-Vav-He."

    "Yod¨C"

    "Ah! Hold your tongue." The elder cuts Connor off, gesturing with a scolding finger.

    "You may only say that name when you are in dire need, never in vain or selfish wants. Know that I cannot directly change the course of fate of others as I do for you."

    "Then how should I reference you? How do I address you under tamed circumstances?" The clone asks.

    "By the simplified pronunciation, Yahweh."

    "I see then, Yahweh. What tool can you grant me to take on this foreign evil?"

    "Step closer and raise the back of your fists to me, my young friend." The elder instructs. The youth does as told, and comes to stand with his hands held parallel to each other. It''s then the older gentleman lifts and places his hands over Connor''s fists with a gentle grip.

    "I bestow upon you the first blessing I have given in over a thousand years. Acknowledge this as my favor of you, and seek only to do good within your journeys." With those words, a shine of radiant light illuminates under his large hands for a moment.

    "I grant you the power to purge evil that does not belong. Purify any corruption that stands before you." He declares before releasing Connor''s fists.

    Though he couldn''t feel the difference bestowed upon him, he could see it to some degree. A thin transparent aura flows around his fists. When he turns them around, he sees the usual red shield shapes there were now white. That''s all the evidence he needs to be convinced.

    "I won''t let this assistance go to waste. I''ll fix everything and restore normalcy. Thank you for this."

    "You''re very welcome, Connor. Are you ready to head back, then?"

    "Eagerly so." The young man answers, slamming his right fist into his left palm. Determination written all over his face.

    And with that, Yahweh steps aside to reveal a door. One that he opens and reveals a shine of light twinkling through.

    "Then this doorway shall take you back to where you belong." The elder informs. Squinting, Connor begins walking forward to head through it.

    "May you prosper throughout, Connor Luthor." With those parting words, the clone is returned back to his reality.

 #5

    "Haah." Connor exhales as he emerges back into reality, unaware he was holding his breath the entire time he was walking through that intense light from mere seconds ago. With a brief survey of his surroundings, it doesn''t take long for him to realize that the mystic doorway brought him just outside the ruined CADMUS building and standing in distant view of the crater he was lying in who knows how long ago.

    "Hnn..." Silence is all there is around him. Still, he looks over his shoulder and examines the facility using his optical abilities for the sake of checking. His search ends in seconds, and it''s quite clear it''s been abandoned entirely. Not a single soul remains inside. He deems dwelling around to be pointless, and thus turns forward with bending knees. Kicking off like a torpedo toward the dingy blue sky above in the next second. A quick shift and he goes from ascending at an angle, to breaking the sound barrier in a flat line right for the heart of Metropolis City. It''s but a short burst of speed before he''s slowing down considerably to fly and observe over the buildings below.

    "They''re gone..." He realizes, commenting as a concerned frown settles upon his features. The streets are vacant and unnervingly quiet. Traffic, chatter, and even the minuscule sound of a chain leash rattling while a pet owner takes their dog for a walk. Nothing. Well, not quite /nothing/. Just not the normal jumble of sounds he grew familiar with.

    There was, however, quite a bit of ruckus coming from the direction of the Lex Tower. With haste, he makes his way closer to it. What he sees in that general direction shocks him when he''s within position to see more.

    "She''s... She''s corrupted them, too." The civilians aren''t gone, they''re abiding by their new master''s will in unity. Stretching for several miles out, a sea of negative people are gathering around the building. Those at front banging and clawing as they try to get in, but a force field keeps them out. Not only that, but the corrupted Justice League are also present and trying to force their way inside, as well.

    But why? What¡¯s inside they want so badly?

    Something catches his attention from the corner of his eye. Turning his head, he sees the culprit behind the strangeness standing at the ledge of a building across from the tower. The Bat -- the female equivalent of Batman, according to Dr. Kent.

    "What are you after...?" He practically whispers under his breath. Yet. Yet somehow, it seems to be all that''s needed for her to turn her head toward him despite being fairly far away. Slowly and until her eerie eyes are peering right into his eyes with cold emptiness, and it''s enough to make his heart skip several beats in chilling fear.

    How could she have known he was there? His answer comes to greet him courtesy of Martian Manhunter phasing out of intangibility and into solid form right in front of him.

    "When did-- GUH!?" Before he could finish that notion, a large yellow construct claw suddenly latches around his body from behind. Given no time to assess the situation, Connor finds himself being taken for a literal spin before he''s hurled with tremendous force back in the direction he came from. The turned pair, Hal Jordan and Martian Manhunter, chase after to deal with him in seclusion.

    He ends up traveling over six miles barely within several seconds before he finally slows himself to a halt and upright, though there''s no time to think or strategize - Martian Manhunter swiftly closes in with a big hook. One that Superman JUST manages to lean with a sway out of the way of, and unfortunately, retaliating in that instant is out of the question. Following behind the previous attack, Green Lantern Hal Jordan sends a yellow lance construct at the kryptonian that passes by the martian''s head. Another swaying motion allows the clone to avoid it, but a follow-up punch across the face from the Martian does connect. A blow that''s then accompanied by an uppercut to his chin, sending him soaring a few feet away. It''s clear as day that allowing the two to dictate the pace of the fight isn''t necessarily in his best interest - or at least, that''s the conclusion he adopts under his growing frustration and after bringing his body to a halt. Just as the two Leaguers are beginning to move in on him again, Superman goes on the hyper aggressive offensive. Teeth clenching and eyes burning a sizzling red as he delivers a rushing and devastating backfist blow to Martian Manhunter''s jaw, one that rings out with an echoing shockwave through the sky. Quick to follow up, he maneuvers around the Martian while reaching to grab hold of his blue cape. Swinging once and launching the corrupted hero away like a disk before using that very momentum to turn toward Hal Jordan and allow his heat vision to fire upon the negative Lantern. The latter is apparently prepared, or possibly acting preemptively, because Hal is rather quick to construct a sphere shaped barrier around himself. Connor''s heat vision, at best, just barely manages to send the Lantern and his shield soaring a fair distance away before the beams desist. And he doesn''t just stop there. No, the kryptonian breaks the sound barrier within an instant to deliver a malicious punch that shatters a large fraction of that protective construct like glass. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "I have to break his focus. . ." The clone murmurs to himself upon recalling the information about the Green Lantern''s weakness, courtesy of CADMUS.

    Hal manages to repair his construct just in time before he inevitably crashes through a building and jets out the other end within a force of momentum he has no control over. Using that same burst of speed, the clone follows his adversary''s trail and catches up within a blink of an eye to punt the Lantern skyward with a fierce kick. Another blink and Superman heads upward to speed past Hal, positioning himself to spike the Lantern downward with a double-handed hammer blow, shattering more pieces of that yellow sphere again on impact. The corrupted hero''s sphere ends up bouncing off a car and absolutely crushing it in the process before bumping off a building at an angle and dribbling twice along the street before the kryptonian zips down with a hard hitting left hook. Of course, the blow sends his momentary foe off like a cannonball.

    "Faster. I need to be faster." Connor utters to himself. And with that very notion in mind, a thin crimson aura begins flowing around his entirety like fire, his hair mimics that same property and waves gently in a somewhat spiky fashion. His cyan eyes shift to a deep and vibrant red. His hands bawl into tight fists as he bends his knees a bit, then¨C

    F W O O O S H !

    The concrete beneath him cracks within a wide radius, nearly forming a crater when he takes off within a red blur. Before the corrupted Lantern has another second to think, he''s swallowed up within a violent storm ¨C a myriad of blows that pinball him around at a mind ravaging rate. The kryptonian is moving at an unimaginable pace. By Superman''s 11th blow, that barrier finally gives and shatters completely and Hal himself goes soaring down until he''s tumbling along the street in a rather rag doll fashion.

    From above and in the distance, Connor observes the other. Soon witnessing the Lantern beginning to gradually rise to his feet. In the midst of Hal doing so, the clone finally recalls the gift he was given from that peculiar stranger in white. Upon that recollection, the artificial young man rushes the Lantern down again, this time practically tackling him. They end up in a position where Connor is restraining Hal by holding his forearms behind his back, the latter kneeling on one knee while the kryptonian keeps a boot on the Lantern''s upper back. Mindful not to dislocate or break any bones, of course.

    "I don''t know how this purification works, but¨C" And then it happens right then and there. A radiant holy glow envelopes Hal Jordan''s entire body briefly before simmering away, casting away the corruption upon him. He returns to the color of green and back to his normal state.

    "Hey, you mind easing up there? Or better yet, letting go? I think I have my mind back now." The Lantern informs. Blinking, the clone promptly lets go and takes a step back.

    "You''re back to normal?"

    "Yeah. Yeah, I think I am." Hal answers, groaning as he raises to stand on his feet. Rotating his shoulders a couple of times before using a hand to soothe his right shoulder blade.

    "Then I suppose direct contact with my hands is all that''s needed to turn someone back to normal." Connor reasons as he looks down at the palms of his hands.

    "Whatever you did, it definitely cleared my head. I remember everything, but I felt like¡­ I had no real control of myself. Yet, somehow feeling like I did? I was aware the whole time. It''s just so weird." The lantern tries to explain.

    "Interesting. I don''t know what she did for sure, but it sounds as if she adjusted the core of your person to her preference. And.. It just occurred to me. I remember landing a direct blow on Martian Manhunter. I wonder if¨C"

    "Yes, I as well have reverted back to my normal state." The Martian himself announces as he descends down to join the other two in the middle of the street.

    "I apologize for my aggression earlier. I fear I wasn''t my usual self either at the time."

    "I don''t blame you, I blame her. This confrontation has shown me that I can put a stop to whatever she''s planning, so it was a worthwhile learning experience at least." The clone responds with a solemn expression. It''s then that he decides to take off suddenly, hurrying back to Lex Tower, where the biggest threat yet remains.

    "Hey! Don''t go thinking you''re in this alone, kid. This world is our home too, and I''ll be damned if I''m gonna'' standby and do nothing."

    "I concur. I think of Earth as my home as well, so I''m prepared to defend it against any evil." Both Hal and Martian Manhunter make their intent known as they fly along either side of the kryptonian, obviously more than prepared to take the fight to the mysterious villain.

 #6

    From within Lex Tower, Dr. Kent and Lex Luthor take refuge from the madness outside ¨C the darkness that''s trying its damnedest to pry its way inside. For what, one had to wonder. It wasn''t quite clear, but Dr. Kent has a guess or two in mind.

    The two gaze out the window of the 13th floor hallway and down at the pool of countless corrupted civilians that lash out at the foot of the building. A soft scowl wrinkles Lex Luthor''s features as his frustration boils.

    "What are they after? What does she hope to find here? There''s been no demands, no implication of the sort, nor any history with anyone who''s capable of doing something like this¡­"

    "One could only wonder, Mr. Luthor." Dr. Kent comments nonchalantly, though in truth, she''s aware that she may have been carrying the very reason within her right hand inside a steel briefcase. If she¡¯s being honest with herself, a confrontation is inevitable. She''ll have to defend herself at some point if not sooner. With that realization in mind, the kryptonian genius internally sighs and decides that she''ll at least buy the innocent people inside the building a few more precious moments. It''s seconds later that Lex speaks up again.

    "Well, I''m not going to stand around and wait here. It''s a good thing I had a specialized bunker built under the building for such an occasion. That, and a failsafe¡­ I have no particular wish to lay witness to Metropolis fall in absolute ruin, but better the Justice League and the entirety of the city than me." Lex announces far too stoically as he adjusts his tie. He then turns to depart for the elevator, offering Dr. Kent an opportunity to join him as he does.

    "You''d be wise to join me, Dr. Kent. Me and the others, that is."

    "A kind gesture, Mr. Luthor, but I''ll have to decline. If the world is to end, then I''d like to see it in real time. However¨C" She trails off as she approaches him, reaching around his person to hand over the briefcase while also momentarily stopping him in his tracks.

    "You should definitely take this with you. Better it be within your hands than mine right now, sir." She tells him just before he takes the item from her grip. Arching a hairless brow as he studies it.

    "What''s inside of it?" He asks.

    "An asset of Lex Corps, of course." She answers. She moves back toward the window while Lex takes a moment to unlock and open the briefcase, finding himself greeted by the illuminating glow of the mysterious cube he tasked a particular branch of his company to research. He briefly reaches inside to lift and study it, eventually setting it back in place before he shuts the case and resumes to take his leave.

    "A shame you would make such a decision, but who am I to tell someone how to spend the last moment of their life? Farewell and good luck, Ms. Kent. You''re going to need it." Lex gives his parting words before stepping onto the elevator and riding it all the way down to the first floor. With his departure, she lifts her right forearm and brushes her sleeve back before pressing her point finger to the far side of the seemingly normal silver bangle on her right wrist, then traces that same finger along its curved surface. A trail of light illuminates from where her finger print has been dragged over just before the accessory breaks down into tiny particles, somehow into far more bits than what seems plausible. As she slips out of her lab coat, the material from her tech bangle begins plastering upon her person. Working to cover Dr. Kent from the neck down until her entire attire is covered in a vibrant white coating. With a glisten of red, her monochrome suit shifts to jet black while not only a crimson cape materializes from her shoulders, but also a diamond shaped crest takes form over her chest - one bearing a bold red ''S'' at its center. Giving up her charade of being a simple and normal pedestrian, Dr. Kent becomes Superwoman.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    "Been quite some time since I last put this on¡­" She comments to herself while studying the sleeves of her nanotech suit. However, she doesn''t have time to reminisce or find a mirror. Without warming, the protective barrier around the building goes down and the hostile force outside breaks inside.

    Down below on the first floor, Lex Luthor has just gotten off the first elevator and is in the midst of punching in a code to enter a specialized one. A third elevator with only three stops. The floor his office resides on, the first floor, and the sub level deep under the building. Just as he¡¯s moving to step onto the lift, someone begins phasing through the entrance of the building until they''re completely through. That individual being none other than The Flash. And all it takes is a glimpse of Lex Luthor before the corrupted speedster moves and closes in within nanoseconds, swiping the case from the businessman''s hand before the doors shut completely. Before his descent, the last thing Lex sees is the turned Speedster taking a look inside of the steel briefcase.

    Soon after, the building''s front doors finally burst open from the relentless horde outside. However, they didn''t begin to pile inside. A pathway is instead cleared down the middle of the crowd to allow the leading head of the negative army to easily stroll inside for her prize. The very item of interest Barry runs over to mindfully hand over to her. She plucks the cube out of its container and gazes upon the illuminating object as a subtle grin takes shape upon her lips. However, it''s rather short lived.

    "I''ll take that, thank you." Faster than a speeding bullet, the woman of steel comes flying out of the blue and snatching up the cube while heading outside. Down the narrow pathway before curving to head skyward about 40 feet, twirling 540 degrees as she comes to smugly gaze down upon the corrupted citizens and heroes below.

    "I had a feeling you''d be after this in particular. I had hoped it could be safely hidden with Lex, but no matter. As long as I''m still around, whatever scheme you have planned will not come to flourish so easily." The kryptonian explains, taunting even, at a volume where her voice can be heard from blocks away - more than adequately enough for the one responsible for this entire ordeal to hear her clearly.

    "Ton kniht I!" Captain Atom exclaims as he lounges at Superwoman with hostility. He throws a straight jab, but his target nonchalantly sways out of his way. Just as he turns toward her to follow up on his attempt, he''s met by a tamed, yet solid uppercut to the chin that staggers him. With that very same fist, the heroine in black & crimson sends him rocketing away with a far more imposing blow - one that cracks throughout the sky like lightning and sends him smashing through several buildings before crash landing and forming a crater in the street.

    Then, she goes on the move. Heading off away from Lex Tower just before Shazam, Hawkgirl, Wonder Woman, and John Stewart give chase. The latter also using a throne construct to bring along their leader.

    Meanwhile, the trio of Superman, Hal Jordan, and Martian Manhunter are just returning.

    "Hey, do you guys see that?" Hal asks upon spotting someone in the distance.

    "Yes, I do. Be prepared for anything." Manhunter advises. However, Connor is squinting his eyes seconds before Hal realizes they''re approaching an incoming individual. With the aid of his visual talents, he studies the being from a far. A woman in black is what he sees, and she''s not being mindful of what may lie in front of her.

    "Hold on, I don''t think that''s an enemy. But¡­ she is on the verge of¨C!" Before he could finish, the woman in question roughly collides right into him. The item in her possession goes flying while the two end up tumbling uncontrollably in mid air, turning, twisting, flipping within a bracing embrace until they both get their flight under control.

    "Subject 13?"

    "Dr. Kent?"

    "I thought you may have been killed." She comments, looking upon him with an expression of surprise.

    "I thought they got you and everyone else. How did you get away safely?" Connor asks as he takes a moment to study her new attire.

    "Kid, everything all right?" Hal asks as he and Manhunter fly over toward them. He earns the simultaneous stares of both kryptonians, and upon looking at them for a moment, an assumption clicks within his mind.

    "Wait, is that¡­ your mom?"

    "Everything is fine, and no.. She''s not my¨C"

    "Technically, I am. His powers had to come from somewhere. But that''s a discussion for another time. I believe I dropped something when I bumped into him, and it''s very crucial that we find it before they get here."

    "Huh? What exactly is it?" Hal asks.

    "A glowing cube. I''m not sure why she wants it, but it cannot be for the betterment of mankind." Superwoman answers.

 #7

    "A cube? Like. . . a magical cube or something?" Hal questions just after the female kryptonian informs them of the crucial object she lost track of, then proceeds to start scanning his eyes over the city streets and rooftops in search of it. Following his lead, Dr.Kent begins searching for it, as well.

    "A close enough description. It''s bright, shiny, and square. Keep your eyes open for something that fits those aspects." She advises whilst Martian Manhunter and Connor also lend their eyes to help search for the cube. Unfortunately, time isn''t on their side. Dr.Kent knows this quite well, but is prepared for the inevitable confrontation. It¡¯s why her efforts are rather half hearted compared to the rest. Surely enough, she hears a strong turbulence in the wind - one growing louder as it closes in. Her eyes soon lay upon Shazam flying at their position with animosity distorting his features.

    "Don''t be too alarmed, but we have incoming company. I can handle it, so please keep your focus on searching for the cube." She instructs.

    "Wait, wha--" Before the Green Lantern can pry for details, the caped heroine abruptly takes off and shatters the sound barrier upon her departure. She didn''t move too far, however. Just a little over 100 yards away to meet the inheritor of the Olympian God''s gifts within a clash that gives a thunderous impact that  echoes far enough to draw the attention of everyone, ally or adversary, to their meeting. It¡¯s a stalemate that develops into a struggle between two imposing forces -- forearms serving as weapons as the two push against one another, both refusing to give an inch.

    "Hello, Billy. That is your name, right? Perhaps at least somewhat similar to it?" Dr.Kent asks calmly, staring into a pair of negative red eyes that were previously a shade of ocean blue. While her pronunciation of the boy beneath the frame of a Deity is correct, she¡¯s only vaguely aware due to her past life back on her original Earth. This isn''t Billie Batson, but instead Billy Batson -- a male counterpart to the young girl she once knew.

    "ecnahc a dnats t''nod ouY!" The lad barks at her in response.

    "Good talk, Billie." Without warning, she suddenly gives in to Shazam''s pushing and slips out of the way to allow him to pass by. At his flank and before he can fully turn to face her once more, she snags up his silver cape and uses it to throw him with all of her might down at the building beneath them. The corrupted hero goes crashing through the roof like a bolt of lightning and makes a destructive impactful as he lands on his back. Just as he¡¯s pushing himself up, glaring in frustration, Superwoman comes diving down to stomp him into a crater. The building quakes and the foundation already threatens to collapse, but she''s relentless, decisive, and swift. She steps off to place her red boots on solid ground at either side of his waist before reaching down to grab a fistful of his shirt and lift him just a bit above her head. Cold and stoic, Superwoman delivers a powerful blow between his eyes that can be heard yards, then another. And another. Then, one to the gut before slightly throwing him up while releasing her grip, setting up to throw out a swift hard jab at his chest that sends him crashing through the wall and through a dozen more establishments of the downtown district they''re in. The turned hero ends up colliding with a car that smashes into the face of the building it¡¯s parked in front of. Groaning, Shazam makes the attempt to rise up from his sitting position while rubbing at the back of his head. But the ruthless femme kryptonian is already on him once again. She descends from above with a car in her possession and slams it down upon him like a hammer.

    BOOOOM!

    The tremendous force behind her attack causes the vehicle to immediately explode. Amongst the fire of a burning wreckage and accumulating smoke, she stands unfazed over the grimacing hero-turned-minion of darkness. She stares down at him momentarily, gauging his threat level. However, the sound of boots meeting a solid surface nearby draws her attention. She turns her head to see Wonder Woman standing on the rooftop of a short building nearby, looking upon her with battle-ready eyes. A sword and shield in hand. A sight Superwoman couldn''t help but to arch a brow at.

    Meanwhile, Connor, Martian Manhunter, and Hal Jordan are preoccupied in a fight with Hawkgirl and John Stewart. Or rather, the Martian and Green Lantern are while Superboy continues his search.

    "Where could it be?" The kryptonian youth murmurs to himself as he uses the aid of his x-ray vision when his normal vision wasn''t bearing any fruit. After a little longer, he does actually spot the cube in question behind an IHOP sign, but he also sees her. Approaching and picking up the glowing cube at her feet. With widening eyes, Superman moves with haste to fly through the ''O'' of the sign to stop her.

    "No you don''t!" He declares. But it''s too late.  Before his extending hand can make contact with the cube, she lifts a free hand of her own and blasts him away with a hydroblast of black liquid that pushes him back into the sky. Quick to adjust her target, she makes use of the cube''s amplifying capability to blast Hal Jordan and Martian Manhunter, reverting them back to slaves of her will. All while Superman wipes at his face and spits out the bit of onyx liquid that got in his mouth. When he looks up, he sees the four moving in to surround him. Though taken aback by the sudden shift in tide, he puts his fists up. Ready for another fight.

    "All I need is to make contact with each of them once... Then, I''ll get the cube." He reasons with himself, cyan pupils alternating between the four.

    Even so, he isn''t quite alone. Moving within a yellow blur, Sentry returns to give the artificial youth a hand - and he starts by swiping the cube out of the primary foe''s grasp, and heads up 20 feet afterwards.

    "Don''t worry, I''m here now!¡±

    "Sentry!" Superman exclaims. Within an instant the four turn to go after the foreign hero instead. Hawkgirl is the first to lounge at him, then Martian Hunter behind her- both of which Sentry rather effortless knocks away and down to the streets with two blows. Just as the lanterns are approaching to take their turn with constructs, the blonde makes the decision to toss the cube over to the clone.

    "Catch!" And sure enough, Connor does so. Unaware of the incoming presence however, he''s suddenly sent violently rocketing into a building down below by a punch from Captain Atom. During, the cube eventually hits the pavement below and bounces near the sidewalk. Superman''s returned assailant touches down to retrieve the item of interest, though just as he slightly bends over, a flash of black suddenly appears in his line of view and obscures the cube. A hand grips the back of his head and pulls him down. Simultaneously, a knee clad in black lifts with a powerful thrust to meet his face halfway, delivering a harsh blow that rocks him. With glaring red eyes, Superwoman follows up her attack with a jab that sends him rocketing away and toward the other side of the planet like a sniper round, leaving destruction in his wake during his trip. It¡¯s then Connor pushes debris from atop of himself and steps back out onto the sidewalk.

    "What just happened?" He asks, looking upon her with a confused gaze.

    "No time to explain, Superman. Keep this safe for now." She instructs him, picking up the cube and tossing it to him. As soon as it left her palm, another surprise attack comes from left field. This time, it''s Shazam flying at her at breakneck speed and spearing her miles away through countless buildings.

    "DR.KENT!!" Superman shouts in concern, but the roaring from an approaching Wonder Woman reminds him that he doesn''t have the luxury of standing around and worrying about others.

    Within an instant, Connor''s body flickers from where he stands and out of the way of the charging Wonder Woman. He ends up standing on the other side of the street while the corrupted heroine skids to a halt half a dozen yards away from him. With anger present on her facial features, she whips her head around to glare at the kryptonian who is currently in possession of the cube. With an outburst of another roar, she turns and throws herself into his direction with the intent of jabbing the rim of her shield into his face. Like before, Superman instinctively maneuvers out of the way with another jerk of speed, resulting in the Amazon plunging her protective steel disc into stone instead. Her eyes dart toward him yet again, and the clone stares back with a wary scowl. Within the next moment, Wonder Woman yanks her shield free from the building she struck and the process repeats similarly several more times. The two zigzagging like ricocheting bullets until Connor finally makes the effort to turn and take flight. Not even ten inches above the ground and he''s promptly greeted with a mace right to the face that sends him collapsing onto his back while the cube bounces a short few feet away on the pavement. Hawkgirl moves in to retrieve the cube while Diana comes leaping over onto Superman just as he was rising to sit up and palming his face, stomping the clone back down flat onto his back. Just as the winged fighter was bending over to pick up the item of interest, Sentry swoops down from the sky. Seamlessly grabbing Hawkgirl by the back of her top, twirling with a single 360 spin just before tossing her like a soaring bowling ball right at Wonder Woman. The latter just barely manages to react in time to catch Hawkgirl while the force sends them backing away involuntarily ten feet away.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    "Don''t worry, I''ve got your back, Superman!" The hero clad in yellow assures and proceeds to pick up the cube.

    "Augh...Thanks, Sentry. I-- Behind you!" Superman exclaims upon seeing the pair of Lanterns take formation above and execute an attack -- the initial method being an absurdly large gattling gun of John Stewart''s creation, and he doesn''t waste another second before pulling the trigger.

    BUR-RATATATATATATATATATATATA!!--

    Yellow bullets go flying from the myriad of barrels of John''s construct weaponry. Sentry, who didn''t hesitate to heed the kryptonian''s warning, turns where he stands to set his eyes on the two - but more so the shower of bullets coming right at him. With a focusing glare overtaking his facial features, the blonde raises his free hand and begins swatting away at the projectiles at a rate that reduces the motions of his hand to an indiscernible blur.

    Aiming to take advantage of the Lantern''s tunnel vision, Superman closes in on Sentry''s flank and immediately fires off his heat vision with the intent of searing through the gun in John''s possession. However, Hal Jordan was quick to intercept with large riot shield construct that completely blocks the beams without fail.

    "Tch. Effective cooperation between them..." Superman comments as he puts a halt to his optic beams. Almost as soon as he does, Hal makes adjustments to his shield and provides an opening just large enough for John to resume shooting through - and the latter certainly doesn''t hesitate to do so. Sentry makes sure to hold the cube out of harm''s way within his right hand while his left goes to deflecting bullets once more. Connor steps to stand directly behind the taller male while raising a forearm to shield his face. Sadly, even that wouldn''t provide the clone with sufficient cover - a fact made clear as day when Hawkgirl''s mace hits the back of his head with enough impact to make him hunch over. The artificial young man whips his head around to see both Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl flying toward them with evident animosity. The downpour of construct bullets come to an end, allowing Hawkgirl to close in and throw a punch - one that Superman promptly raises his hand to catch and hold within the palm of his right hand. His left cocks back, but he soon sees there''s no need to follow through with a counterattack. Just like with Hal Jordan, she reverts back to normal almost immediately upon making physical contact with the kryptonian.

    "Wait, what...? What''s goin--" Before the winged heroine could finish that question, the still corrupted Diana throws a strong jab over the other woman''s shoulder and decks the center of the clone''s face. The blow sends him colliding with Sentry''s back, who doesn''t even budge an inch despite how rough the collision was.

    "Di-Diana!?" Kendra, the winged heroine, calls out to her friend as she gets a good look of the other. Enraged and every color of her entirety shrouded with a negative filter. She was left gawking in sheer confusion. And instead of uttering a single word, the Amazon just briefly grips her by the throat before tossing her aside like a rag doll and through the window of a clothing store.

    "Hey, Superman. Not to distract you from your fight, but we have company... A lot of it, in fact." Sentry warns, prompting Connor to steal a glance while wiping a forearm across his face. Surely enough, there was an entire of darkness approaching them from several blocks away.

    "We won''t be able to protect the cube from ALL of them. They''ll swarm us in seconds!" Superman warns.

    "Do we run, then?" Sentry asks in turn.

    Before the conversation could continue further, a series of violent crackles begin emerging the sky in the far distance in front of Connor. Each one imposing as the last and causing the very ground beneath everyone''s boots to tremble intense. The source becomes clear as day when a retreating Dr.Kent comes into view. She was flying in reverse, mostly like looking up to predict the trajectory of where the massive bolts of lightning were going to hit next. That goes on until the female kryptonian nears the other combatants. Soon after, Shazam approaches from the direction she came from and comes to a stop, as well. Hovering above as black electricity sparks around his entire frame.

    "Dr.Kent, are you alright?" The clone asks.

    "I''m doing just fine, Superman. I see you''re holding up all right yourself." She answers, sparing a short moment to look over a shoulder while smiling warmly at him.

    "They''ve stopped attack... I wonder why." Sentry muses out loud calmly.

    "It''s likely they know they have us at a critical disadvantage. There''s not much we can do when pedestrians are in the way and other League members get involved." Superman reasons as he sets his sights onto Wonder Woman again.

    "That is precisely why, Superman." After a long period of silently observing, the dark female entity finally speaks up again. The caped individual leaps down from the short Block Buster building''s rooftop and lands with a crouch, the majority of her body obscured by her cape as red eyes peer calmly through the cowl on her face. She rises to stand and takes several steps closer toward the three.

    "I haven''t the faintest clue where you''ve gained the ability to revert those under my influence back to normal, but your pointless struggle ends now." She announces whilst the mass army under her control arrive to the area and begin surrounding the survivors.

    Sentry looks upon the mysterious woman with narrowing eyes. Not out of anger, but of curiosity. There was just something somehow familiar about her - he could feel it at the core of his being.

    "I... I know you... Don''t I?" The blonde asks in what sounds like a tone of disbelief. She turns her head toward him and answers.

    "Who would know me better, Robert? Not even here was our reunion something you could avoid." And upon those words, the blonde''s eyes widen in shock as his jaw hangs open.

    "Can someone please! Tell me what''s going on here!?" Hawkgirl exclaims as she steps though the broken window of the shop she was within.

    "I''d like to know that myself." Dr.Kent concurs as she turns and flies her way over to the entity, landing in front of the being in seconds.

    "What exactly is your goal here?"

    "Superwoman... Is this where you decided to hide yourself?" The being responds with apparent disdain, tilting her head a bit as her eerie eyes peer right into the sky-blue hues. The female kryptonian arches a brow while raising her nose a tad - her suspicion had now been confirmed.

    "So you are Bryce..."

    "I am an amalgation. So yes... and No."

    "What do you want?" Dr.Kent inquires again.

    "To drown this planet in negative influence, of course."

    "So world domination? Is this just a game to you? You submerged our Earth within an aquatic coffin and now you wish to ruin this one, too?" Superwoman asks, prodding in hopes of getting specific details from the peculiar being. Sadly, that wouldn''t taking place here.

    "Yes." Was all the entity answers with before raising her left palm up at the female kryptonian.

    "Sentry, move!" Superman shouts as he simultaneously swipes the cube out of the foreign hero''s hand and tries to move him out of the way of what was coming. Unfortunately, it was too late. Dr.Kent stares with a questioning look on her face until a blast of onyx liquid disperses from the entity''s hand and douses the bunch in her corruption. Afterwards, it becomes clear that neither Superwoman or Superman were affected, and nothing changed of those who were already under her control. The only one to be converted was Sentry.

    "Was that meant to do something?" Dr. Kent questions while casually wiping a hand downward along her face before using both hands to brush back her soaking wet hair out of her line of sight.

    "Exactly what it was meant to do. Bob... Get me that cube." The entity commands, and the turned hero obliges. Sentry turns his sights and reaches to swipe the item of interest out of Connor''s hand, but Superwoman reacts with lightning-like speed and positions both herself and Superman away out of his reach. They stand side by side as two of the last three heroes with free will. Hawkgirl makes her way to stand at the clone''s opposite side, mace in hand and not a hint of fear peering through that helmet of hers.

    "It''s inevitable... You can see that. There is nothing left you can do to stop me."

    "Yeah, well I can at least smack you around with my mace a few good times before I go down. You don''t scare me, witch." Kendra retorts just before tightening her grip on her weapon, activating the built-in shock capabilities it possesses. During, Superman cradles the illuminating cube within the palms of his hands and contemplatively gazes upon it. After a short moment, it became clear to him what he had to do.

    "I don''t know why you want this thing so much, but I was created to serve a purpose. Giving up is not an option... Doubt is a useless sentiment that I cannot afford to humor. Even if it''ll only just slow you down--" Connor begins, now glaring at the entity while his hands adopt a claw-like grip around the small mystical box and begin to squeeze.

    "Stop, what do you think you''re doing!?" The entity barks as her entire eye sockets go intensely red.

    "I''ll gladly do whatever I can to make sure you can''t have your way so easily!!" Superman shouts at the top of his lungs as he uses everything within his power to crush the cube between his hands, including the added force of his telekinesis. Just like before, an aura of red ignites like fire around his entire body and his eyes glow with pools of crimson - save this time, it bleeds to a rather platinum white color. Growing in brightness as the cube begins to crack under his pressure, the source of light he was giving off was blinding all of those around him. Not one person could keep their eyes open under such intense discomfort, which continues on until finally the cube shatters under his intent. That deed leads to a nuclear-like explosion of light erupting from his position that rapidly expands in reach and height, consuming the entire city in seconds, and then the entire planet soon after. By the end, when that brightness finally fades to nothingness, Dr.Kent, Sentry, and Superman suddenly find themselves standing on the sidewalk within the very same area. However, it was bustling with people going about their day as if what was transpiring before was all just a dream.

    "What just happened?" Sentry asks, looking around in utter confusion.

    "I''m not... sure. Everything seems to be back to normal." Connor replies.

    "That cube... it may have just implemented a hard reset on the entire world." Dr. Kent theorizes as she also takes a moment to observe their surroundings. It''s then several civilians approach the three.

    "Hey look, it''s Sentry!" A young man in his 20''s enthusiastically comments.

    "Who are those other two, though? Are you guys like, Avengers, too?" A blonde woman questions while stoically chewing gum.

    "I''d like to know too, honestly. Is that your wife and son, Sentry?" The young man asks, earning looks of confusion from both kryptonians.

    "I think there''s been some drastic changes with this reset..." Connor comments as he folds his arm across his chest. Watching as the civilians prod Sentry for all the details they can.

 #8

    All has been well within the City of Metropolis since the ordeal with the negative-derived entity that sought to corrupt and distort reality on Earth. Now, things are easing back into its usual pace. Mostly peaceful and an occasional day out of the week of some mild degenerate causing trouble for the public.

    Today, the Terror Twins are out and looking for trouble this fine afternoon. A couple of super powered teens with an entitled outlook on life. And with Superman''s death, old big blue, who in Metropolis can really stand up to the likes of them? There isn''t another notable powerhouse known or any locals heroic enough to face the pair of them - thus the siblings are wearing the biggest smug grins across the country while traversing through the Mega-A-Load Mall located in the west business district of downtown Metropolis. A four-level structure with a constant flow of customers flowing in and out daily. After all, it''s a popular place for just about everyone, even loiters.

    "Hol'' up, Tommy. There, that store right ova'' there. The Jewelry one. I wanna'' drop by for a sec." Tuppence informs her twin brother just as she lifts her right hand to signal at the taller blonde to stop in his tracks. She points toward the Ice & Pearls shop across from them with her left point finger, mindful to keep a good grip on her milkshake as she does. A brief indicator before she heads right forward it. Her brother trails behind.

    "Anything for my lil'' sister. Go right ahead, Tuppence." He the tallish male responds just before he takes another bite out of his double stacked cheese burger.

    "D''oh, quit always actin'' like your years older than me, Tommy! You came outta'' ma only a halfa'' minute before I did." She expresses her annoyance with his habit of treating her like a baby-sister when it''s obvious they''re the same age.

    "That''s still halfa'' minute of me being born first, Tups. Ain''t no shame in having a big brotha'' who looks out for ya." He smugly assures. His sister simply scoffs and rolls her eyes as she pushes the entrance door open, taking a swig from her straw once inside.

    The sound of the mechanical bell going off immediate draws the shop owner''s attention toward his potential newcomers. He nearly dreaded what came through his door... Teens, both dressed in punk fashion and giving off an aura of attitude in how they handled themselves. He internally prayed these two weren''t actual delinquents.

    "Uuhh... Welcome, welcome! Just so that you two know, you aren''t really allowed to have food in here." The owner greets and tells the two as reasonably gentle as he can. However, the twins have little respect for rules and give him hassle in turn.

    "Now is that any way to talk to your customers? Don''t get cha'' undies in a bunch, fella''. We came to do more than just window shop." Tuppence retorts with a cheeky grin, approaching the display case and counter as she does. Already spotting sparkly accessories that get her blue eyes twinkling.

    "The nerve of this guy here. Surprised ya even still have this joint runnin'' with an attitude like that." Tommy chimes in. Another bite into his burger follows - one that results in a small gush of ketchup spilling onto the clean carpet floor.

    "Ya preachin'' to the choir, Tommy. But still, I can''t deny I like what I''m seein''. Yeah.. That one right there. That shiny diamond earring. I want it." The sister speaks up again, pointing at the item in question in the display.

    "You want it? You got it, lil'' sis." Tommy tells her.

    "O-oh? Great! But uhh.. You two know how much these merchandises cost, right? They''re pretty expensive." The owner forewarns, though it only serves to annoy the two. Tommy comes marching over, abruptly reaching across the counter to reel the cashier into leaning far over the glass stand between them until there was only a fair distance between their faces.

    "Whattaya'' insinuatin'''' there, fella? You think we can''t afford what cha'' got or somethin''!?" The male twin exclaims with utter malice in his cold blue eyes.

    "No, no, no! That''s not what I was getting at all!" The cashier tries to assure.

    "Hmph. I reckon this chump didn''t wanna'' do business with us in the first place. S''fine by me, I''m more than happy to just take whateva'' I darn please!" And with that - KRRRSSH - Tuppence punches down and shatters the glass casing with effortless ease, swiping up everything that tickled her fancy. Seeing that, the shop owner reaches under his side of the counter and pushes a button to set off a blaring alarm. The commotion draws attention from shoppers and security outside. Tommy proceeds to lift the owner off his feet and roughly slam him against the wall near the exit with a resounding thump.

    "You REALLY shouldn''t have done that, bub." While Tommy was busy handling the owner, Tuppence helps herself to a brand plastic bag to store her new collection of jewelry in.

    "Ain''t so bad, Tommy. We''ve been fixin'' to put this here ole polite lil'' town in its place. Show ''em who''s top honchos ''round here." The sister reasons with a smirk, now making her way to head out the store and set an example.

    "C''mon, and bring that ol'' boy with ya." She instructs her brother. And without issue, Tommy obliges and follows his sister out back into the open space of the second floor.

    "Take ''em over by that sit n'' area, I''ll be right with ya." The young woman adds, who takes a moment to approach the nearest railing. She places a hand upon the cold metal and examines it ¨C trying to determine how to fulfill the order she has in mind. Before long, she walks beside the railing, gliding her palm along its sturdy surface until she finds a straight and lengthy stretch of it. From there, she pulls and yanks with a great deal of might, snapping the railing apart at one end, then uses her opposite hand to pull at the opposite point. Another snap occurs and the young punk has around 4 meters of narrow metal in her strong palms while bystanders look upon her with shock.

    "Yeah, this''ll do nicely." She murmurs to herself, then heads over to join her brother.

    "What cha'' got there, Tups?" Tommy asks with a brow raised. Presently holding their unfortunate hostage in place with an inhumanly strong grip on the older man''s shoulder.

    "Rope, lil'' Tommy. Some fine lead rope. Hold him up against that there pillar behind ya." She answers and instructs, which her brother fulfills. In the next moment, Tommy presses their victim against the support beam nearby and Tuppence bends the metal within her hands around him and the entire structure. By then, an assembled unit of mall cops were just arriving at the scene.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "You two, stop what you''re doing and step away from him!" At last the gathering security guards comes to confront the two. However, the twins merely grin at their presence. The first step and first line before escalating the situation and building notable notoriety.

    "Sorry boys, but that ain''t happenin''. But here, lemme show ya why you ought to get the boys in blue." Tuppence retorts with a threat ¨C a promise she intends to fulfill as she charges at the gray shirts, kicking off the marble floor to lounge at one with a fist prepped and ready to go flying. During, a sudden gust of wind travels throughout the premise, closing in on the unlawful altercation. Then¨C

    THWUMP!

    Before anyone realizes the after results of the female blonde''s attempt at assault, a figure in black and deep, bright red appears on the scene within a blink of an eye. His right palm grasping and effortlessly holding back the left straight punch he caught as he stands between Tuppence and the security guard.

    "That''s some strength you have..." The newcomer, the solemn young man bearing a bold crimson ''S'' on his sculpted chest, comments with a nonchalant. A passive glare meeting the punk''s shocked expression.

    "What in Sam Blam Hill!?" Tuppence arches a glaring brow, retracting her fist to throw a combination at the peculiar male. However, before she can even connect with the first punch, the hero delivers a leaning right shotgun blow that sends her flying and colliding roughly into a support beam.

    "Tuppence!? NOBODY hits my little sister and gets away with it!" Tommy calls out with worry, a snarl overtaking his features before charges at the kryptonian. In turn, the clone mimics his pace until they meet in the middle.

    THWACK / POWF!!

    Trading punches to one another''s cheeks that send Tommy tumbling down the hall, and the clone skidding back into the crowd of mall cops. Naturally, they try their best to catch and support him, even if he ends up not needing the assistance at all.

    "Wow, that was some punch... Who are you?" One of the guards asks. Faintly brushing over the spot he was struck, the young man begins treading forward as he answers the question.

    "Isn''t it obvious? I''m Superman." Stoically as he speaks, he approaches the down femme fatale who''s just coming out of her daze.

    "Damn, son! You hit like a dang truck!" She comments as she comes to stand on her feet again.

    "Lady... I am not your son."

    "And I ain''t your lady, city boy." Tuppence retorts, presenting the motion of going for another jab. One that draws a defensive raise of arms from the clone, and one that doesn''t even budge an inch from its cocked position. No, instead she trips him right off his feet and onto his side. She keeps the pressure on with a thrusting sole kick right to his face when he looks up, turning him over flat on his back. She mounts him before he can properly prop himself up on his elbows and sets him flat again with a right hook to the jaw.

    "Oh, don''t go gettin'' up too early now¨C"

    THWACK-THWACK! A left and right hit their mark.

    "I want this to last." She adds with a sadistic smile and every intention of continuing her assault. She pummels his face without holding anything back, imprinting the shape of his head into the ground as the surface quakes and cracks from the relentless beating. Bystanders, security included, scattering just in time to avoid being caught in the collapsing of half of the second floor. With the center of the being punched through, it breaks in half and lands with thunderous impacts. Two makeshift ramps formed from the destruction.

    "Dear- Cough, cough!! Lord almighty. I done brought the floor down!" Tuppence muses amusingly to herself, coughing from the smoke screen of dust surrounding her. She frantically waves at it, trying to clear the air. She, of course, remained straddling the kryptonian. By now, her brother was approaching the massive ramp before him.

    "Tuppence? Tuppence!?" He calls out with a hand beside his mouth.

    "Down here, Tommy!" She waves at him from down below. Upon spotting her, he begins sliding his way down.

    "Thank goodness you''re alri¨C Tuppence, look out!" Her brother warns, pointing at the danger. By the time she did turn her head, a pair of hands had latch onto her forearms.

    THACK!

    A fierce head-butt lands from the clone. He follows up with a tap to the bruise he left on her forehead, giving off a brief flash of red telekinetic energy that sends her rocketing away and crashing into the closest surface, rendering her unconscious.

    "Hnnn... I kind of felt that." He murmurs under his breath as he pushes himself up to stand from a sitting position. Unlike Tuppence, his face remains unscathed. Just covered in traces of dirt and dust, much like his fanciful suit.

    "You still plan on fighting?" Superman asks of the blonde who''s just reach the lower level. His answer immediately came in the form of the broad, enraged male charging at him again.

    "You''re dead, Super-Pun¨C UHK!?" Tommy cuts off, abruptly put to a stop with a mighty and swift blow to the gut. The blonde topples over with wide eyes, holding his stomach until he finally blacks out into a slumber. With the conclusion finally arrived at, the clone exhales a sigh. Swiping his hands to clear off the dust from his palms.

    "Hey! Hey, you!" A voice calls out to him. His attention shifts toward the source, and there he sees a rather short middle-aged man in a suit sliding down the opposite ramp. Concerned for the stranger''s well-being, Superman treads toward him to meet him at the bottom. There''s an inevitable collision, but the young man makes sure it''s a painless one. His hands catch and help the other stand properly again.

    "Sir, you shouldn''t put yourself at risk with hazardous structures..." The clone tells him.

    "You sound like my doctor a bit, you know that? And holy moly, you''re younger up close than I imagined! But hey, that can work, too!"

    "Pardon? I''m not sure I''m following you..."

    "Oh, excuse my rudeness, kid. I''m Rex Leech! And I can help make a star out of you."

    "A... star?"

    "That''s right! You look mature enough.. You just started college recently? Sophomore maybe? Doesn''t matter, you''ve got the potential to be one of the biggest idols known to mankind!" Rex claims. The clone stares with a curious wide-eyed look.

    "An idol? You mean... like¨C"

    "That''s right! Michael Jackson, the Backstreet Boyz, the Wayne brothers, Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, and even Morgan Freeman!"

    "What?" The clone''s expression promptly shifts into a dissatisfied frown.

    "I''m not interested... I thought you were implying you could help me become as renowned as the original Superman."

    "Hey, hey! I can help you get there, too! In fact, that''s what I had in mind. Just hear me out, alright?" Rex reassures.

    "Hnn..."

    "Building a reputation for being the toughest good guy in the world AND being TV famous will sky rocket you to the very top, kid! C''mon, think about it. Your fan base would have people flooding into it if you had your face everywhere. You''d be loved by everyone, including old cat ladies!"

    "I see... it sounds promising, I suppose."

    "Great! Glad you''re starting to see the bigger picture, kid. Stick me with and I''ll have ya surfing your way to fame on a gold plated board."

    "...I think I comprehend that analogy." Came Superman''s stoic comment.

    "Good, we''re already making progress. First thing first, we need to loosen up that firm diction of yours. You''ve got no swagger, S-Man! You gotta'' be down and hip with the kids today. And I''ve just the thing to help with that!"

    "What''s wrong with the way I speak?" The youth lifts a brow.

    "It''s snoozeville, kid. The ladies want a guy who can swoon them over with a witty tongue and a laid-back attitude. Boys want a role model who''s out there, you know? Not afraid to show off or set the new trend of the month! You need to adapt to the game, or expect to get left in the dust before your race even begins. You don''t wanna'' be some lackluster chump, do you?"

    "I... I.. No. No, I don''t want to be that sort of chump, or any kind of chump."

    "Smart lad. Now, how''s about we take a trip to the nearest Blockbuster, got a bunch of movies in mind you can take some lessons in lingo, style, and personality from. You''ve got cash on you, right?"

 #8.5

    It''s a little past 9pm by the time "Superman" makes it back home. An apartment he lives within alongside his adoptive and technical biological ''mother''. They occupy the home on the 2nd floor, while the other two are held by retaining tenants on the first and third floor. The building resides in a good neighborhood. Decent in quality - nothing extravagant, as per Joel Kent''s preference. She feels it''ll help her son assimilate into society easier. She also feels she can stand to mingle with the common folk, as well. After all, she''s spent too much time allowing life to pass by for years in her countless days in solitude and endless research.

    The sound of the front door locks shifting alerts Joel that her son has returned home. The moment she hears the door being pushed open, she promptly welcomes him home from the living room before he can utter a word.

    "Welcome home, Connor!"

    "Oh¨C.. Thank you." The clone hesitates for a moment, taken by surprise. Soon, he enters completely and shuts the door behind himself, then locks it also.

    "How was your day out?" She asks, resuming her task of carrying the boxes in her grasp and setting them beside the sofa nearby.

    "It was fine. Fairly interesting, I''d say." He answers whilst treading a few steps further inside, making use of a moment to take in just how much work his mother had done to unpack and set up in his absence.

    "Seems you''ve been quite¨C"

    WHOOSH.

    Before he can finish that thought, Joel zips about at a pace even he can''t follow without trying. By the time he blinks and looks back to where she once stood, all those boxes had been emptied and their contents stored away. The last bits, she was in the process of putting up within the kitchen at normal speed.

    "Busy." He finishes after that pause. His brows knit a sympathetic expression upon his face.

    "That''s good to know. And... something like that. I''ve been putting off unpacking all day. I had only started three or so minutes before you arrived." She explains, now shutting the cabinet doors and heading back to join him back in the living room.

    "Do you need help? I can do the re¨C" He attempts to offer.

    "Not at all, Connor. That was actually the very last set of boxes I had left to get to." He cuts him off, putting the proposal to rest swiftly. Her eyes drift toward the loaded bag in his hand.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    "What do you have there with you, by the way?" She asks.

    "Ah, a myriad of films and general media I was advised to watch. Pop-culture, Mr. Leech called it." The clone answers, adjusting to hold the plastic bag by both ends as he peers down at the collection of DVDs and VHS tapes.

    "Mr. Leech? Who''s that, and why did he suggest you consume all of this... uuhh... material?" She questions with an arching brow, arms also lifting in unity to fold across her chest.

    "He said it''d help me adopt lingo and swagger, which in turn will help me connect with the youths of today. As well as gain overall fame that surpasses the former Superman''s reputation. As stated by him..." His tone held notable skepticism, but he was really to try, nonetheless. The answer admittedly resonates with Joel''s sense of logic.

    "Makes complete sense to me. Even back on my Krypton, we had influential people. Idols much like the ones on Earth, and above them - The Council." A frown overtakes her features as she sighs heavily with a bottomless pit of annoyance for those aggravating days of old.

    "As incompetent and useless as they were, they held control over the masses. Told them how to think, how to feel, how to utterly abandon critical thinking in favor of a deceitful sense of security. Even so, they were held in high regard. Even I respected them when I was still green in the field of science." She further explains.

    "Oh, I see. That''s more power than I could ever know what to do with. Sounds surreal, if I''m being honest."

    "It does, doesn''t it? But it''s quite embedded into just about every society. Aliens, insects, animals... It''s there and very real. Luckily, you only need to be relatable to the common people, not lead them. Learning their ways will undoubtedly help you become just that. And you know what? It''s just as much of an opportunity for me to do the same. So, I''ll watch all of those with you! Maybe it''ll even be a bonding experience for the both of us." Joel reasons.

    "Hm. Sounds good to me. However, I should warn you... there''s at least two or three days'' worth of content here. I''m going to be sitting through all of it for as long as it takes. I promised to do so before my next meeting with Mr. Leech." Connor forewarns.

    "Absolutely fine with me! I''m used to staying up for days at a time. I''m ready when you are."

    "Alright, now I just have to figure out which I should start with..."

    "What are some of the titles you have? Maybe one of them will stick out to you."

    "Let''s see..." The clone trails off, moving to take a seat on the couch before he begins pulling case after case.

    "Grease, Hairspray, Saved By The Bell: Season One, Breakfast Club, Greasy 2, Saved By The Bell: Season 3, and... there''s Season 2. Crybaby, Dirty Dancing, Footloose, The Fonz, Italian Momma''s Boy, Italian Familia, Johnny And The Boys, Johnny And The Boys 2 and 3 Special Set, The Warriors, The Snappers, Happy Days, and several more." Connor finishes. Still awfully indecisive.

    "Hmm.. Okay, how about we just view them in alphabetical order?" Joel suggests.

    "Fine by me. I don''t know what to make of any of these movies..." He obliges, moving to pop the first disc into the DVD player in front of them.

    "I''ll make some popcorn." Joel announces, rising to do just that, and store away the empty boxes. So begins their binge watching of pop-culture movies.

 #9

    Typically, sitting around for a couple of days and indulging in excessive hours of media back-to-back would have noticeable repercussions on any normal person. But when it comes to kryptonians? Connor & Joel are prime examples of transcending that norm. Outwardly, they remain as kept together before starting their marathon. You wouldn''t be able to guess that they sat on that sofa for over 52 hours watching TV. However, inwardly ¨C particularly their minds - a contemplative process is taking place. As the Robocop 3 film proceeds to roll credits, the new Superman finally shuts the television off with the push of the remote he picks up from the cushion beside him.

    "Okay... We''ve watched everything I came home with and even some movies playing on cable. I think I''ve done enough research now." Connor muses as he leans back into his seat, his right hand taking position near his face to cradle and stroke his chin.

    "It was... quite the endeavor, I''ll say. I think I''ve managed to pick up on things, too. I especially liked a few of the terms frequently used, as well as the juvenile fashion presented in a lot of the films! Very callous and free spirited. Warm, too. Groovy just rolls off the tongue so welcomingly. An endearing phrase of approval, I must say!" Joel comments enthusiastically. She takes a moment to process things, as well. Brushing a hand through her raven locks as she does.

    "I agree. Some things stood out to me, as well. Particularly the self-grooming of the more brash characters. I wonder if some people truly carry a comb with them everywhere they go...? Aside from that, I have strongly taken a major liking to the Leather Jackets? they wore. I think I want one..." Connor shares his key fascinations in turn, and even goes on a bit further after a small pause.

    "The term righteous stood out to me. It''s odd they almost never use the word appropriately, but they say it with such certainty and delight. Well, I suppose good news and favorable outcomes could be considered subjectively just. I must admit, it''s my favored expression of approval nonetheless." He adds.

    "Interesting! Tell me, what did you think of the maternal relationship between the protagonist and his mother from the movie series Johnny And The Boys? Seemed like a very compassionate bond between the two, don''t you think?" Joel questions.

    "That? Hmm... Well, it made me think of you every time it came up. More specifically, it made me wonder if having a connection like theirs would ever be possible between the two of us." The clone answers.

    "Yes, yes! Same with me! It made me think of my old home, and of you. I never gave it genuine thought before, likely because I had no true idea of what it would be like, but I''d love to have that sort of bond with a son. With you, Connor." Joel informs with a smile. Caught off guard, the artificial young man stares for a moment. He nods gently.

    "I''d like that, too."

    "Wonderful." She comments, rising to stand right after catching a glimpse at the clock hanging above the TV.

    "For now, I''ve got to start preparing for work. My off days are long gone after that sit down."

    "I see. I actually should be going myself. I promised to meet Mr. Leech near the mall today, and it''s nearing the appointed time he set." The kryptonian male responds, also raising from the sofa, already heading toward to the exit to depart from the apartment."

    Wait. Before you go¨C" Joel calls out to stop the youth in his tracks. He does indeed stop. Turning in place to see Dr. Kent approaching him.

    She hooks her arms between his pair, pressing into him with a cheek-to-cheek embrace. One he obliges with an embrace of his own after a bit of hesitation.

    "Just wanted to say that I hope you have a pleasant and productive day while you''re out there." She tells him warmly.

    Connor''s mutual hold tightens just a bit. He inhales, then exhales. Both softly through his nostrils. Recalling back to the Italian themed movies they watched together, he mimics an affectionate gesture he''s seen and presses a kiss to her temple.

    "Thank you. I... I''m grateful to have a mother like you." He speaks gently in kind. At this, Joel''s lips take on an even bigger smile as she subtly brushes her cheek against his - a gesture he gives back within the same nature.

    "I''m grateful for how you turned out, as well. You''ve shown me a beam of light that my work habits have obscured from my sight for so long. Now go out there and be great, Connor." She bids him farewell and plants a kiss of her own onto his cheek. The two finally part and head their separate ways.

    "That''s all I know how to do." His last words spoken to her before he shuts the door behind himself.

    ¡ª-----

    Superman heads right for his meeting point upon stepping out into public space. Drawing eyes as he steps out of the building and takes off into the sky in broad daylight. Not too much time passes before he nears it and sees the Rex Leech waiting on a corner near the mall they initially met within. He descends upon the seated businessman on the bench and is greeted with a smile.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "Hey-hey, there''s my Superboy!"

    "Man. My name is SuperMAN, Mr. Leech." Connor firmly corrects within his usual stoic manner.

    "Of course, of course! My bad, kid. Won''t happen again. But I like that attitude! A guy who knows himself and doesn''t let anyone ''sway him any other way. Never lose that part of you, my good man."

    "I certainly won''t. And as you''ve requested, I''ve watched every bit of media you picked out for me. What happens next?"

    "Oh, did ja'' now? Hmm. All of it?"

    "Yes. All of it." The kryptonian affirms with a nod.

    "And did you learn anything? Picked up on any lingo?"

    "Yes, quite a number of things. I think I know what I need now... I need style. The first things I want to do is get myself a fly leather jacket and a fresh cut." Connor answers, a bit of character bleeding into his tone.

    "Oh-ho-ho! Yup, I can tell something clicked alright! C''mon then, there''s a barbershop slash hair salon nearby. We''ll turn that head of hair of yours into something mag-niffi-co!" Rex tells him, wasting no time at all to lead the costumed young man toward the mentioned shop across the street from the mall. Through its front door, their arrival is made known by the bell just above it. Three workers inside turn toward the new customers with a curious look.

    "Hey-hey, got a big order this early morning! A super order, to be exact. You guys are open and ready, right?" Rex takes the initiative.

    "Yeah, we''re open. Your ol'' boy there the one getting a haircut? Is he playing dress up with his friends today or something?" A sassy blonde jabs, drawing a bit laughter from her co-workers.

    "Ha, yeah! It''s a... cool design n'' all, but I''m pretty sure Superman''s costume is blue, and your son''s a bit too old to be dressin'' like that, don''t cha'' think?" The short-haired brunette nearby chimes in.

    "What!? No-no, this guy''s the real deal! He''s the NEW Superman. Just look at him! You see the guy''s muscles under that swanky suit? This ain''t no stringbean phony!" Rex assures adamantly.

    "Oh yeah? Then let''s have him prove it." The third, a male speaks up this time.

    "Okay, no biggie. How do ya reckon he should prove it to ya guys?" Rex asks. Meanwhile, the subject of the topic nonchalantly observes in silence. His associate pretty much stating everything he could have possibly wanted to convey.

    "Ay Maggie, go grab me a cup of water, will you? I know how we can quickly settle this." The male requests of his coworker. The blonde obliges and heads toward the back.

    "Sure, Donny. I''m pretty curious myself." After a moment of small noises, including a moment of running water, she returns with a red plastic cup in hand. Donny gently takes it out of her hand and gives it to the lad in black.

    "If you''re really Superman, then you should have no problem turning the water in that cup into ice. After all, the old Superman was able to freeze entire bodies of water with his breath alone." Donny proposes. The clone arches a brow as he looks down at the cup within his hand.

    "Go on then, Supa'' Man. Dazzle us." Maggie teasingly eggs him on. Everyone was watching the clone.

    "Heh-heh. C''mon, kid. Go ahead and show ''em." Rex encourages.

    With a shrug of his shoulders, Connor takes in a mild breath and blows. A bit of a disaster initially. Though he was trying to be careful, the potent blow of his breath sends a bit of water splashing onto Maggie, startling the four around.

    "Hey, watch it!" Maggie raises her hands to block any more incoming water. But by then, the kryptonian adjusts his super-breath. No longer merely blowing, but freezing the liquid and the upper half of the cup with a crackling spread of ice. By the time he''s done, a chilly aura subtly flows from the frozen plastic, earning wide-eyed looks from everyone.

    "See!? What I tell ya!? He''s the real deal!" Rex excitedly blurts out.

    "Y-yeah.. I... that''s definitely something Superman could do. I''m convinced now." Donny admits.

    "Good, now can we get service here or what?"

    ___________

    Soon after, the two emerge from the shop. The kryptonian quite satisfied with the work done by both the hairstylist and barber who put their talents together to give him a rather charming look.

    "Man.. That really is a nice haircut, kid. Turned out better than I thought it would." Rex compliments the young man.

    "Thank you. It''s actually better than I had hoped, too. Way better. Money and time well spent." Connor responds, unable to fight the grin tugging at his lips.

    "Glad ya think so! Next up: that leather jacket! The mall is... still out of the question, but I reckon we can find a store nearby that sells some really nice ones." Rex assures. And after a bit of exploring, the two stumble upon a shop called Threadin''. A local clothing store. Inside wasn''t quite enormous, but it was definitely bigger than the average. Rex decides to wait by the door while Superman goes about going through their plentiful selection. Minutes pass, just a little over five, before the kryptonian finally picks one out and takes it to the counter.

    "Will this be all, Sir?" The cashier asks.

    "Yes. This is all I want." Connor answers, and she begins ringing him up. He pays the due amount via a debit card stored in a hidden pocket under the right wrist of his sleeve. The transaction is made before she begins removing the store implemented bits that didn''t belong with a tool she retrieves from behind the counter. During, the sound of screeching tires and gunshots graze his inhuman hearing. He looks toward the source with his varying visions and discovers that it''s a police chase taking place. The red car being pursued filled with three armed men who are open firing on the authorities on their tail. A sight that draws a scowl from him.

    "Would you like¨C"

    WHOOOSH.

    Before the cashier can finish that question, a strong gust of wind blows through the store as the kryptonian rushes out in a blur, leaving even Rex Leech discombobulated.

 SPECIAL: The Origin of Dr. Kent

    My name is Jol-EL.

    I hail from the planet Krypton; the one that <u>used</u> to reside in Universe (negative) 11.

    Before I found myself making a new home on Earth, I was a scientist back on my home planet. A prodigal scholar, one of the finest minds our planet had to offer. No... I was thee brightest mind Krypton had to offer. The complacent fools... They relied on that AI, Brainiac, far too much. They worshipped it in a sense, and especially to a fault. When I discovered a grave abnormality at the planet''s core and reported such findings, they were frightened. Quaking in their boots... They couldn''t bare to swallow such a reality. Brainiac, oddly enough, gave them a false sense of security by declaring my findings were unlikely to be even remotely true. The council were all too eager to latch onto the AI''s deceiving words. I pressed desperately to be heeded, to preserve the essence of Krypton to the best of our capabilities. Sadly, the pompous fools refused to listen to me. I was dismissed and stripped of credibility. I left their presence for the last time.

    I had a husband... How shameful of me; I can barely recall what our years together were like. I think I did love him, but perhaps I was far more fixated on my research. Yes.. Yes. I recall now. We got a divorce. We talked about having a baby together several times, but I kept putting it off. I suppose it was for the best that we went our separate ways. I hope he met his end with at least a new lover in his arms. Yes, that''s right. The planet met its end with a devastating implosion, just as I warned them. I, however, escaped within a pod I built months prior. I figured I couldn''t be too prepared for complications. Good thing I did, him?

    I ended up on Earth after a long venture through space. No, actually... I''m getting ahead of myself. First, my pod crash landed on the Earth''s Sun. I would''ve certainly been consumed in relentless flames and unimaginable heat if my pod was of a much lower quality. I think... I was there for a week before I was awakened by the alarm system I implemented. The energy resources were reaching a critical low. The majority of it was used to maintain a protective barrier around the vessel. Luckily, there was just enough juice to safe relocate to the planet nearby.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    On Earth, things were complicated initially. It was task learning its ways, but there was a very significant change in me that made the adapting both easier and difficult. Soon, I had an Earth name, legal documents, US citizenship, and I even became a heroic figure in the public eye under an alias. Superwoman. With new powers, it was difficult to ignore cries for help. At least at first it was. It was constant. My hearing picked up awful atrocities across the globe, all day and every day. I eventually learned to drown it out, though. I met other heroic figures different walks of life. Very interesting people. But they were all like overgrown children...

    So many petty grievances and fights. Pride fueled their insanity, but at the time, we all shared the common goal of protecting the helpless. Ten long years went by... Good and bad things transpired. Martha, The Bat, had lost her lover, I stumbled upon a rejuvenating substance the eco-terrorist, Rhal''s Al Ghul, often used to defy the degradation of time. I... acquired a pit of it for myself. Martha didn''t approve, but I was the last of my kind. I had every right to preserve my being. I wasn''t quite aware of infighting developing within our group, The Justice Guild we called it, but it was reaching a breaking point. The next thing I knew one day, Martha had killed Ocean Mistress and the Earth was being flooded somehow. Using the tech we acquired over the years of our endeavors, I was able to escape through a rift and into a new reality. To emerge onto an Earth like mine, yet different. The genders of my former associates were flipped for one.

    I started a new and decided to embrace the field of science again. I obtained a job at Lex Corp, and was put on a special project. One I found quite interesting. It seems a collaboration was formed between Lex Luthor and CADMUS to create a clone of this Earth''s lone kryptonian. A pity he died a little after my arrival. About two years later, I''d say.

 #10

    Flying through the city, swaying and curving as much as need be, the clone of Superman heads toward a building east of Metropolis City. A particular hotel - one where his relatively new associate, Rex Leech, had requested to meet this afternoon. When it finally becomes visible in his line of sight, Connor makes certain to head right for the 7th floor of the nine-story building. He eventually eases to a halt mid flight while also reaching out to grab hold of the balcony''s railing, then promptly hoists himself up and over the obstacle. Once his boots come to meet a solid concrete surface, he doesn''t hesitate at all to tread onward. His hands reach in unity to grip at the curved handles of the double glass doors before him and pull, prying his entrance with mindful care as a flow of wind brushes by, blowing against the trimmed raven locks of his styled hair and the leather jacket that adorns not only his lean physique, but the extravagant high-end body suit CADMUS bestowed upon him weeks before he opened his eyes for the first time. Inside awaits a soft carpet flooring and cozy interior, as well as the rather short businessman who was presently swept up in what Superman assumes is a very important call. Rex''s words and reactions were rather tense. Being in no rush, Connor leaves him be and takes a moment to turn and shut the balcony doors behind himself. Gently and slowly until he hears a soft affirming ''click''.

    "Yeah, no, I DO hear what you''re saying, sir...

    What? N-no! Of course not...

    No, no. I assure you, Mr.Wiloham, everything is totally fine! Smooth as a cruise trip to the Bahamas! You have nothing to worry about, sir." Responses Rex gives to whomever is on the other side of the line. A conversation Connor tries not to eavesdrop on with his incredible hearing - the artificial youth turns once more and begins exploring a bit. Scanning over the space that resembles a living room as he keeps his eyes open for anything interesting. What that turns out to be seconds later is a newspaper that sits atop of the small table beside the sofa. He picks it up and unrolls it, soon proceeding to spread the paper to read its content. He wasn''t looking for anything in particular or expecting anything eye-catching from the reports of trivial human affairs, but something did stir his curiosity... By the way his face knits a small scowl, it''s safe to assume it''s not quite too pleasant. His eyes, from behind his obscuring shades, read on.

    "...What is this?" The words leave his lips as if presenting a question, but it''s merely rhetorical disdain.

    "Supermen have shown up in Metropolis City? Since when...? I wasn''t told about other¡ª" Then realization strikes him like an arrow hitting a bullseye. This was likely another alteration born from the destruction of the cube.

    "Why...? Why would it suddenly create fakes...? No, they have to be delusional idolizers." The kryptonian reasons to himself before eventually folding the newspaper shut and placing it back down where he originally found it. He turns toward Rex again, but the middle-aged man was still busy with his phone call. Thus, Connor paces throughout the room with his hands joined at the small of his back. His thoughts analyzing his new discovery with concern and maybe just as much as annoyance. He does consider the factual notion that it isn''t remotely bad that a few individuals or so want to aid society by fighting crime, but who were they to impose upon what he felt was his rightful inheritance -- the moniker of his predecessor? He comes to the conclusion that these false Supermen need to be set straight and made to understand that none of them will ever be closely identical to original as he is.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    "Listen, the sooner I can get back to work, the sooner I can get your money, mister Wiloham. I''ve got plays in motion right now as we speak! In fact, my biggest one yet had arrived at my balcony not even five minutes ago! Trust me, everything is all fine.

    Yeah-huh.

    Yup, I''m sure of it!

    I understand, sir.

    Alright, I''ll definitely talk to you later. You have a good one."  At last, Rex''s chat came to an end and he hangs up the phone. Just he turns to greet the young man, Connor steps to him with aggressive-like body language. Practically invading the shorter male''s person space.

    "Who are these other Supermen?" Connor questions with undeniable irritation lacing his tone.

    "Woah, woah, woah! Easy, kid. It''s why I wanted to talk to ya today." Rex begins while holding his hands up defensively.

    "It''s about time you start asserting your presence out there, especially with the competition that''s around jacking your swagger. You look like a Bad Boy, but now you''ve got to show the city that you can walk the walk. You get what I''m saying, kid?"

    "I''m. . . not entirely sure. You think I look like a bad person? I thought you approved of my look. Did I get something wrong?" Connor responds with a genuine stare and tone of confusion.

    "No, no, no. It''s just urban city talk! By ''bad boy'', I mean a guy with a fancy look like yours, who''s every young girl''s wet dream! A tough guy who abides by nobody''s rules but his own. You know, a total rebel with an attitude!"

    "Like Johnny McCool..." Connor utters just as Rex''s description reminds him of a character from one of the films he spent watching with his mother.

    "Exactly! Johnny McCool. One of the slickest greasers to ever jab a juke box with his elbow and ride triumphantly into the sunset after winning the heart of his gal."

    "Rex, I can''t do what he does... He''s fairly unethical, impulsive, and violates so many laws in the most nonchalantly ways possible. What would those at CADMUS say if they saw such a thing from me? What would my mother say...?"

    "Hey, hey, HEY! You''re SUPERMAN. You can set your own rules, kid. Who needs the approval of parents and government workers? I ain''t tellin'' ya to drag race through the city or punch a guy out for stepping to you. Just puff your chest out and show everyone that you''re the man. Use all of the advice I''ve given you and what you''ve learned from the movies. Be smug, act cocky, flaunt your powers, but most importantly - speak with pure confidence. Talk like everything that comes out of your mouth is factually correct and cool. You get what I''m putting down here, kid?" Rex questions after elaborating on his suggestion.

    "You want me to put on an act." The clone stoically clarifies.

    "Hey, most people, especially celebrities, put on an act. It''s not like you''d be lying or anything, you know? You do think you''re a pretty tough guy, right?"

    "I know I am." Connor answers firmly.

    "And you''re pretty confident you can take anyone in a fight, right?"

    "Anyone."

    "And you''re a cool dude, ain''t cha''?" Rex jabs another question at the kryptonian, smirking all the while.

    "Cooler than the dark side of the moon, Jack." Superman responds while idly adjusting his leather jacket. A display that reassures Rex even further.

    "See? See! I''m only helping you embrace those quality traits of yours. You got this, kid. Now, I''ve actually managed to set you up with an interview today. As soon as my daughter gets back from her jog, we''ll head on out."

    "Oh, you have a daughter? Never took you for a family man." Connor comments.

    "I know I''m a guy who''s always busy and constantly getting in way over his head, but I do love my darling girl. Her name''s Roxy. You know, I think she''ll take a liking to you, too, kid."

 #11

    "You know, I still can''t believe you two met already. Hahaha. It''s like were destined to do business, kid. You and me, we''re gonna go far. After all, we all know that you''re the real deal and those knock-offs are just that. Phonies. Wannabe''s biting your style like a pack of ankle biters." Rex enthusiastically talks a mouthful to the hero riding in the backseat of his car, the trio currently on their way to a talk show facility.

    "No kidding. Plus, you''re pretty good lookin'', flyboy. You wouldn''t happen to have a girlfriend, would ya?" Roxy, the blonde who''s riding shotgun asks while grinning over her shoulder.

    "A girlfriend...? Well..." He trails off while momentarily adverting his eyes toward the window beside him. Through the various media he''s seen, he does indeed know what she means, but the question takes a bit of thought. He isn''t dating anyone, but he does recall the concept of ''bad boy'' types being the bane of father''s existence from the media he''s consumed, and doesn''t want to possibly upset Rex.

    "Oh, come on, Roxy. Don''t go putting moves on our superstar. We need him focused. Besides, you know dating a super can be dangerous. I don''t wanna see ya tied up in some loony''s secret lair." Rex chimes in during Connor''s pause.

    "Relax, pops. I ain''t flirting. Yet. Just askin'' the important questions, is all. But whatevs... We''ll talk more later when all this business stuff is done." The blonde responds and then settles back into her seat. Peace and quiet joins the ride for the rest of the trip from then on out.

    [ 25 minutes later-- ]

    "Welcome back to yet another exciting afternoon of our favorite talk-show, Kelly-Kelly! Believe it or not, we have a very special guest with us this time. Ladies and gentlemen, I''d like to introduce you to one of the brave guys keeping an eye out for us from the skies - and especially one who can really rock a swanky leather jacket - Superman!" The blonde hostess addresses the crowd and camera before turning her head and gesturing toward the young man sitting six feet away from her on stage. Connor follows the advice given to him by Rex and waves at the cheering and wooing crowd with a grin.

    "I''m grateful for you allowing me to be here with you today." Connor expresses his gratitude just as the crowd settles down.

    "No problem at all! So, how about we get right into it, then? There''s some things I''d like to know about a handsome guy such as yourself, and I''m sure everyone else here and viewing from home are dying to know more about you, too. You look rather young. How long have you been Superman for?" The hostess asks while leaning forward in her seat.

    "I believe it''s been nearly five months now since I''ve started." The clone answers.

    "Oh? So you''re still a bit green, huh? Interesting! So what''s your connection to the former Superman? You kind of have his face... You two relatives?"

    "No, but I suppose you technically could make that argument. I''m actually his clone." Connor clarifies with a casual tone. The hostess'' eyes light up and blink several times as if she couldn''t quite process such a thing.

    "...Clone? Like... Sci-fi biologically engineered sort of thing? Can you elaborate on that further for us?" She asks while tilting her head slightly.

    "Sure, if you wish. I am a being who was given life through the science of cloning. My one and only purpose to replace my predecessor, who held the name ''Superman'' before me. I''ve been given I could possibly need to continue on where he left off. Power, knowledge of his adversaries, adaptability, and the drive to fight crime."

    "Wow... I''m not quite sure what to say here, except it wasn''t anything close to what I was expecting to hear. I guess this means technology is advancing faster than everyday folk like us realizes. " The hostess comments just before a roaring ''BOOOOM !'' erupts from a distance outside. The explosion is enough to send a small quiver through the floor and startle everyone inside the studio.

    "What in the world was that just now!?" The hostess exclaims as she jumps out of her seat.

    "A police chase in the sky, and they''re dishing on some heat! " Superman answers while also standing. His eyes adopt a vibrant color of monochrome - a physical change that signifies the usage of his x-ray vision - as he looks up at and through the ceiling.  He spares a brief moment to look over his shoulder and at Kelly.

    "No worries, ma''am. Superman''s got this." He assures, flashing a pearly white toothy grin and giving a thumbs up. Then in the next millisecond, he takes off within a gust inducing blur. He travels through building and makes his way out of one of its exits. Outside, he doesn''t hesitate at all to launch toward the sky like a rocket and curves mid flight to head right for the helicopter chase taking place.

    "C''mon, c''mon! Use all them rockets, boys! No point in saving ''em!" The pilot exclaims to his peers in the back, who''re in the middle of loading the two rocket launchers they have onboard with more ammunition.

    "Yeah, yeah, we know! You just focus on keeping this thing steady." One of the men with a ski mask on retorts as he sets up to lean out of the side of the vehicle and take aim. On the opposite side, another peer does the same.

    FWOOOSH. . . BOOOM ! The first rocket is shot, which the MPD''s copter just barely manages to sway out of the way of. And just as the officer and pilot were adjusting to fly straight again, a second rocket goes flying with perfect trajectory. Another fiery explosion goes off just it appears the rocket makes contact.

    "Hell yeah! Direct hit!" One of the men cheers. Though, the celebration is short lived once realization that not only was the police helicopter was still flying, but someone was flying in front of it. A figure in black, in fact. But speculation could be thrown around among themselves, that figure abruptly accelerates and closes the distance with ease.  Both gunmen retreat once an intervention in their plan arrives. One being none other than Connor - the other? The one who simultaneously boards the aircraft from the opposite side? Not a clue. The individual appears to be a man made entirely of steel with a flowing red cape on his back and a large hammer in one of his hands.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    "Who are you!?" / "Who are you!?"

    "Me?" / "Me?"

    "This little act isn''t as amusing as you think it is..." /  "Kid, get serious, will you?" Connor and the steel man address one another in perfect synchronization. Just until their third attempt at communicating.

    "What did you say?" / "What did you say?" Once more, the two speak in unintentional unity. Meanwhile the three criminals in masks look upon them in sheer confusion. The two heroes bearing A large bold ''S'' on their chests step further inside to approach each other.  At the center , the height difference between them become VERY apparent. The metal stranger standing at 6''7, while Connor glares up at him from his height of 5''11.

    "This isn''t some make-believe game, son. You wearing that symbol means carrying a very heavy burden and responsibility." The towering hero informs the clone, emphasizing a bit by pointing at the crest behind Connor''s open leather jacket.

    "There''s no need for concern, citizen... I''m Superman. THE Superman, and I''m here to protect Metropolis. Why don''t you go home and retire? I''ve got this under control." The clone confidently retorts while pointing a thumb at himself.

    "H-hey... What the heck is going on back there!?" The pilot shouts from the front. Meanwhile, the Metallic features of the metal''s face somehow shift to adopt an expression of confusion - the man was bizarrely arching a brow at Connor.

    "YOU? Get real, kid... You just seem like another punk to me. Besides... I''m pretty sure the REAL Superman was way taller than what you are. Can you even look ANYONE in the Justice League eye-to-eye?" Comes the silver hero''s mocking retort.

    "I''m taller than the average male. I''m not short, you''re just freakishly tall!" Connor counters while pointing an accusing finger at the other.

    "He kind of has a point, ya know... You ain''t exactly what I''d Superman to look like. Ya seem more like a... Super-teen to me." The criminal sitting to the left of Connor comments before shrugging his shoulders.

    "Well get over it! I''m Superman now, and all of you are just gonna have to suck it up!!" The clone aggressively asserts with a urban-like shift in his cadence, inspiration drawn from the media he''s been consuming and Rex''s advice to assert himself.

    "Screw this! You think you''re a hotshot, kid? Let''s see if you eat lead, then!" The masked man at the flank of the towering hero exclaims just before whipping out a pistol and pulling the trigger without any hesitation at all. Bang-bang-bang! All three rounds bounce off the young man''s body like rubber, though the third ends up ricocheting inside the helicopter. The men in mask duck and cover themselves as the bullet bounces off several angles before a sudden "ACK!" could be heard from the cockpit. Rather immediately, the aircraft begins flying sloppily.

    "Oh, God!  What did you do!?"

    "You Goddamn maniac! Now we''re going to die!" The two other accomplices shout at their peer who was responsible for the mishap.

    "I''ll bring it down safely!" Connor shouts over the roaring blades before leaping out of the spinning vehicle. While the other does what he can to prevent the others from falling out, the kryptonian  flies to the underbelly of the aircraft and extends his hands above his head to grab at it, abruptly putting an end to its wild spinning before use his strength to dominate its momentum. A moment later, the artificial youth gently brings the flying vessel down to a nearby rooftop and gently sets it down near the center. Not too far behind at all, the MPD ''copter was already on its way to join them.  During the minor wait, the two heroes take the time to disarm the criminals and get them out. Including the fourth, who happens to be the pilot. Sadly, Connor ends up carrying out a lifeless corpse.

    "No, Jeremy... You gotta'' be kidding me! He''s not dead, is he?" One of the masked men questions with horror in his voice as the kryptonian carefully sets the body down.

    "...I hear no heartbeat. Hnn... I suppose it''s no surprise. The bullet.... is lodged inside his heart." The clone stoically explains after using his x-ray vision to examine the body. An answer that draws despair from the other three, especially the one who was responsible for pulling the trigger.

    "No, no, no... No--no-no! God, no! I swear I didn''t... It wasn''t... I just thought..." The man struggles to find the words to express his thoughts and grief.

    "I''m sorry... This isn''t the outcome I wanted, either." The metallic hero comments with sympathy behind his tone. Nonetheless, weeping soon follows.

    "I grew up with that guy! He was like a family member to me! And now... and now....I took him away from his wife and kids." The man let''s out his inner thoughts, allowing his grief to spill out via his words and the single shed of tear that rolls down his cheek. A display that tugs at something within Connor.

    [ This is... strange. I wasn''t the one responsible for this, but yet I feel... like the direct cause. I don''t owe these criminals an apology. They were more than prepared to take the lives of others... I owe them no sympathy or consideration. Still... Still, it feels like a small hole is being burned through my sternum. ]

    Minutes pass and the criminals are taken away, including the body that was taken on a separate helicopter. Connor watches it until it''s far off into the distance.

    "The name''s Steel, by the way."

    "Huh?" Taken aback, the clone shifts his attention toward the towering man nearby.

    "I go by Steel. And, I just want to say... I''m not here to make a competition out of this. You know... Saving lives and fighting crime. You''re definitely the real deal in some way, but that doesn''t mean I''m just going to stop now. I''m doing this because I care."

    "But... Are you even kryptonian? You''re not worried about the dangers of taking on danger?" Connor asks while arching a brow.

    "No, I''m not. And I''m aware of the risks. I''m prepared to face them head-on. Superman always fought tooth and nail for us. No matter how tough it got, he just wouldn''t give up. Not even on that dark day. I feel like it''s time for more capable people to step up and fill in the void." Steel explains.

    "You mean Dooms Day? That monstrosity is far beyond any earthly measures of defense. Are you prepared to face something like that should the need arise?" Connor questions with a solemn frown.

    "Most likely not, but I am willing to try. For me, it''s not about replacing Superman. It''s about lending a hand whenever I can. I''m never going to claim to be the strongest guy in the world, or compare myself to big blue, but I do want help upkeep the hopeful future he secured for us all. That''s all that matters to me. I don''t really care if someone takes up his name. BUT... I would hope it''s someone who understands what he represented at least."

    "Does it truly matter what he represented? Don''t you think the only thing that matters is getting results?"

    "Getting results is important, but it shouldn''t come at the cost of assassinating what that symbol on your chest means. Otherwise, what''s even the point of wearing it?" Steel rhetorically asks.

    "Well, I''m not him. I''m his clone. Even so, there are differences between he and I that I cannot deny. Maybe it''s time for the meaning of this symbol to change, too. I can represent it MY way." The kryptonian responds while placing a hand over his chest, gesturing at the ''S'' on his torso.

    "Huh... Somehow, that doesn''t surprise me. " Steel comments as he leans his hammer against his broad shoulder.

    "Look, kid... I can''t make you do anything, but I hope you understand that his legacy deserves respect. That''s all I''m going to say on the matter. I gotta'' go, alright? Just be smart about how you handle situations." And with that, Steel makes his way toward the edge of the rooftop and takes off via the rockets under the soles of his metal feet, heading off toward to take his leave. The clone nonchalantly watches as he fades into the distance.

 #12

    The sound of a bell ringing goes off as another patron enters Bibbo''s Diner - a well kempt establishment that sits between humbleness and posh in design. However, the owner, is no pretentious individual. He''s simply a successful businessman with charm and a strong sense of community for the innocent residents of Metropolis city, rich or lower class. It''s because of the diner''s reputation lots of people, including Superman & and a reporter, make plans to dine there. One half of the ''couple'' in question, the strapping young man in a leather jacket and a bold red ''S'' on his chest, finally enters. When he spots his the woman who''s seeking an exclusive with him sitting & waiting, he puts some pep in his steps and hustles on over toward her with a big grin spread across his handsome face.

    "Hey, sorry I''m late! I didn''t keep you waiting long, did I?" He asks whilst pulling out the opposite chair across from her and settling himself down onto it before scooting closer to the table.

    "Superman..." She sweetly address him with a grin curving her own lush and fairly glossy lips, leaning forward while her chin rests atop of the back of her right hand.

    "It''s still early. I''d say you made more than just excellent time. Thought for sure you''d be a little late, with your recent push into tv media and whatnot."

    "Well, I chose to prioritize you more. I''m Superman every day of the week, but I think it helps to have someone with plenty of reach to give some insight about me to the public. I rather be here with you than in front of the prodding lenses of someone''s camera again." He responds warmly and as truthful as he could. It earns him a giggle from the young woman across from, whose smile grows even larger afterwards.

    "Still quite the sweet talker, eh? I bet you tell all the women you meet like that, don''t you?" She teases with a slightly tilt of her head. However, the kryptonian doesn''t seem to catch onto her humor.

    "...No, I don''t. I guess I decided to give YOU the interview because you''re uniquely pretty." The clone admits. In reaction, a bit of sympathy bleeds onto the woman''s face.

    "Oh, jeeze. Is this an actual date or casual interview? You''ve got a way with words, you know that?" She assures him.

    "Of course. I''m just being honest. It''s what I intend to give you for the entire interview." He responds in kind, presenting another big, toothy grin as he leans forward and rests his forearms atop of the table. As he looks into her vibrant caramel eyes, memories of the day they met begin flooding in--

    { Months ago after the stopping the Terror Twins at the mall... }

    The sky dwindles in light, giving way to the apricot horizon of sunset. The evening was upon Metropolis, and through its darkened sky flew its new protector. Fashioned in black and neon lines of crimson that gleam gently in the creeping darkness. He''s in no rush at all. Just cruising as a gentle flow of wind brushes through his raven shaggy hair, granted by his easy going momentum. In the depths of his heart, he can feel a wave of inevitable change coming his way. He hasn''t the slightest clue of when or how, but it''s there. He ponders upon it nonetheless, his expression unintentionally mimicking the nonchalance of the sun bidding farewell to the great sea of clouds overhead.

    His wandering eyes catch sight of something peculiar before much longer. Further investigation reveals it''s a lonesome individual sitting atop of the center structure of the bridge nearby. Curiosity, or perhaps fate itself, draws him toward that direction. As the kryptonian closes in, the woman rises from her seated position where her legs dangle above the busy traffic that lies far below. She gathers her belongings at her own leisure, unaware of an approaching presence. Thus, the sound of boots touching down upon steel nearby snags her attention. She was taken aback initially, but the sight before her morphs her glance into a gaze of silent wonder. She rises to stand completely and face the young man wearing that red illuminating ''S'' on his chest.

    From the clone''s perspective, he found himself looking upon a young woman of beauty... Getting lost in those pretty brown eyes of hers that seem to twinkle with a shading unlike any other.

    His eye contact briefly tears away to take in the space she''s been making use of. An empty shake cup sits just behind her feet, next to it a black duffle bag, and at the very end a tripod with a camera settled atop of it. Then he looks off to the side and down below at the flow of vehicles coming and going, trailing along until his cyan eyes take in the vast navy blue ocean. A look of concern takes form upon his face. His hues settle upon hers again as he utters the first words between them:

    "Is... everything okay, ma''am?"

    { Present day. }

    After a waiter approach to take their orders, the two go on to have a lovely night and dinner together. Laughing, sharing details of their lives to one another, and even discussing his habits. Curious eyes and whispers did nothing to bring down the moment for the kryptonian, and he certainly wouldn''t let her mind wander for long with his straightforward ways. A few hours later, Superman pays the bill and the couple take their leave, side by side.

    "I had a fun time tonight, Superman! You''re definitely one of the best things to happen to Metropolis City." She admits while adjusting herself to face him. Likewise, the young man does the same.

    "I''m glad you feel that way, Ms. Moon." The kryptonian responds with a nod.

    "Tana. TAN-NA. I''m not some old woman, you know. You don''t have to call me by my last name, Mr. Superman." She playfully responds.

    "Now, would you be a dear and wave a taxi, my Metropolian Hero?"

    "Oh. I could fly and carry you home, if you want." He offers.

    "Hmmmm... Definitely tempting, but haven''t gotten over my fear of heights quite yet. Maybe one day soon, though." She responds, then raises up on the balls of her feet to peck at his jaw.

    "Ah, that''s totally fine. Whatever''s more comfortable for you." He assures before he turns his attention toward the street and eventually waves down the first cab he sees.

    "I appreciate that." She tells him. Soon, the yellow vehicle Connor manages to draw the attention of begins slowing down to pull up in front of the two. Just as the car comes to a halt, the kryptonian reaches to carefully grip and pull the door open for her.

    "I''m glad we got to spend some time together again." He tells him while stepping forward

    "Likewise." He utters softly, still smiling. That is, until something imposes upon the kryptonian''s superb hearing and makes him turn toward the direction it''s coming from with a look of concern. His eyes shift into the palest shade of monochrome and he begins investigating with the combination of x-ray & telescope vision. What he spies certainly calls for his intervention, he feels.

    "Hnn..."

    "Something wrong?" Tana asks.

    "No. Nothing I can''t take care of. You should go on home, okay?" He responds, reverting his eyes back to normal when he looks to her again.

    "Alright, I will." She obliges without argument. She enters the cab, while he stands at the sidewalk. Watching and waiting until the taxi drives off into the distance. Then, his attention shifts back toward the source of the commotion in the distance. He takes off into a jog down the street before abruptly taking off into the sky and accelerating like a rocket toward the trouble afoot.

    [At the Location of Trouble--]

    Zap! Zap-Zap! From the hands from a being -- a man with formidable power -- hovers with an air of unforgiving righteousness and solemness. The radiant energy projectiles he''s discharging from his hands fire with the intent to kill, much like the myriad of bullets that fly in turn at him. Unfortunately for those receiving his cold ire, it''s an undeniable one-sided exchange. The man floating above does not flinch or suffer any wounds, only serve as an impenetrable force that stops the casings in their tracks before they inevitably fall to form a metal puddle 15 feet below him. It''s very much unlike his assault. His blasts disintegrate his targets abruptly on impact, bones and all. And where they miss, they inflict small craters into the pavement. Right now, this mighty individual is in the midst of mowing down thugs whom he caught trafficking drugs within a harbor warehouse and from the tanker ship dwelling outside nearby. He gave them a single opportunity to surrender and nothing more beyond it once they boldly declined with hostility.

    "This is freakin'' crazy!!! I thought people said Superman doesn''t kill!?"

    "Well if he didn''t before, he sure as hell does now... The guy changes his suit a bit and puts on a visor, and all of a sudden he''s a new guy with a change of heart. Just my Goddamn luck..." Two men, who''re taking cover behind a large pile of metallic crates holding exported firearms, comment on their grave predicament. During, many of their peers are being cut down one after the other.

    "I... I-I aint staying here to die. Screw this. Screw all of this! No one ever mentioned we''d have to worry about dealing with indestructible freaks! I''m out of here!"

    "Yeah.. Yeah, I''m right behind you. There''s no winning this. We''re just sheep waiting our turn to get slaughtered by this guy." And with that mutual conclusion between the two of them, they began moving. Cautiously as possible in their advancing by making sure to stay to the far side near the wall as they move while partially crouching. The men do succeed in exiting the building through one of the open mechanical doors, but the timing is just a tad too late to be effective. The caped vigilante was just finishing up with the last few others inside the warehouse. Which becomes evident once the sound of gun shots, screams, and zapping finally comes to an abrupt end. However, it''s also when another Superman arrives. One with a fashionable black leather jacket and red tea shades, no less.

    "Hey! Where do you two think you''re going?" Connor asks right after swooping down and cutting the two armed men off from running a step further.

    "Oh crap!" C L A C K. The more desperate of the two throws his gun to the ground and raises his hands in forfeit. Just a few seconds later, his peer does the same.

    "Look, don''t whack us, okay? I-I give! I''ll go to jail! I''ll do the time! Just be cool!"

    "Yeah, take it easy on us, alright? You guys made your point." The other comments as calmly as he could. Their implications bring forth a concern frown onto the young man''s face behind those shades.

    "You mean he''s been killing you guys? That other guy?" The kryptonian asks.

    "Y-yeah... Aren''t you all buddies or something?"

    "No. The others are just imposters. We have no connection or unspoken allegiance to one another." Superman answers firmly.

    "Imposters, huh? No offense, kid, but you don''t exactly look over six-feet tall or have a big flowing cape behind you." The calmer of the two men comments.

    "Regardless, I''m here to do things the right way. I''m not going to kill either of you, you have my word." The fashionable hero assures them.

    "Oh, thank God..." One of the thugs exhales in relief. Though, he NEARLY speaks a bit too soon. Connor catches sight of a figure looming above and preparing an attack. Another projectile that would''ve killed both men in front of him. Within a split second, the clone zips up into the air a few feet behind them to block the energy shot with an x-formation of his arms. The suddenness of it all startles the two men.

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    "Hey, that''s enough! They already gave up, so there''s no need to go after them." Connor shouts up at the other - the mysterious man whose elevation under a moonlit sky casts a shadow over the three below him. The man in question begins descending at angle and closing in on Connor at his own leisure while his cape flaps in the gentle wind. Soon, they come face-to-face. Both super-beings exchanging defiant stares through their respective lenses as barely a single feet is left between them.

    "Move. Aside." The taller of the two commands with disdain dripping from his words as his eyes narrow behind his transparent visor. Even so, the clone isn''t fazed by the other''s behavior.

    "No. Go kick rocks, you lousy phony." Connor retorts.

    "You would obstruct justice and defend these two criminals?"

    "I''m not obstructing justice, I''m upholding it. They laid down their arms and gave up. Now the court system will decide their punishment and deliver FAIR justice. Not you." Superman explains.

    "Such a futile approach. Those two are nothing more than criminals. A danger to all of those around them. They did not hesitate to pick up and use a gun, nor hesitate to violate several laws of serious offenses. They should be dealt with here and now." The other argues, seemingly possessing not a single care for Connor''s way of doing things.

    "That''s not really up for you to decide. Your perspective on the situation is excessive and irrational. I''ll be handling them now, which means they''re both under my protection. You got that?" Connor stands his ground.

    "You mean those two who are attempting to flee the area?" The other points out.

    "Huh?... What the... Hey, what are you two think you''re do--" F W O O O S H!

    Before Connor can finish that thought, he''s suddenly shoved aside. Within the next second, the caped vigilante takes off like a bullet and cuts the two off faster than they can blink.

    "WAIT!" The clone yells out and hurries over to intervene. However, it''s far too late. By the time he begins flying closer, the other is already in the middle of holding both men by their faces and lifting them several feet above the ground. Cold and swift, the man builds up energy within his hands again and releases it. In an instant, the two are broken down into particles after that energy engulfs them, leaving only ashes that spill from the man''s hands onto the pavement.

    "Justice has been served." The vigilante states as he looks upon the young who comes to a skidding halt a few feet away, staring with utter disbelief on his face. With his business concluded, the being looks skyward and begins ascending to take his leave. However--

    "No you don''t!" Connor exclaims upon catching the other by the ankle, then brings him back down with all of his destructive might and a roaring T H R O O O O O M! ! ! ! ! that brushes the ears of even pedestrians of many Metropolis while the impact itself quakes the earth for hundreds of miles and sends fragments of concrete splattering like shattering glass. A crater so deep that the water under the surface begins seeping through and gradually fill the ten-meter radius hole. Still, the young man isn''t done yet.

    Just as the other is rising to sit up, Connor''s right there to roughly grab him by the shirt. He yanks the man up and closer as he brings a lunging knee forward that delivers a thunderous impact so strong, the sonic boom causes tall crashing waves manifest within the ocean water near them and windows for a mile around break. The only thing that keeps the man from flying off is Connor''s iron grip on him. Though, that ends once the clone shoves him down and into a sitting position. The very moment the other collects himself and looks up, the kryptonian youth strides forward to deliver a fierce soccer kick with no level of restraint behind it. Connor''s foot meets the other''s chin with another horrifying shockwave that visibly distorts the air around them, but what comes next is arguably much worse. The vigilante is sent flying like a high caliber sniper round. A blur of a human-like cannonball that goes crashing through countless buildings. The man goes so far, that he ends up all the way over in London, UK.

    It''s only then that Connor realizes what he''s done. When he takes to the sky to fly after the caped vigilante, it really begins to sink in. His use of force was excessive. Thousands of voices fill his ears and destruction of his handiwork is visible to his eyes plain as day.

    "What have I done...?" He murmurs to himself. However, there''s little time for him to dwell on it. The other was already returning and coming in hot. By the time Connor finally notices him, it''s too late and he''s tackled. Struck with a spear-like force that sends him cashing through a dozen buildings in the opposite direction before he''s sent flipping aimless through the air with a fierce hook to the face.

    He eventually recovers and stabilizes himself. When he does, the other zeroes in on him again and delivers a right hook jerks his head to the side.

    "You too shall be eradicated." The vigilante announces calmly as he builds a glow of energy around his fists, then his assault continues. Closing in again, he delivers a blow to the clone''s gut. Right after, his right hand reaches down toward the hunching over male and grabs a fistful of hair to pull him back up into a straight posture, then a left straight follows with a resounding

    T H A W K ! Then an even stronger left hook follows behind the previous blow and sends the clone rocketing off into the distance. Quick to give chase, the man manages to catch up to the artificial hero within a literal second before his onslaught continues. Several punches to the face with the third being what veers Connor''s involuntary momentum downward until he crashes the roof of Metropolis City''s townhall.

    "Gauh-kuh..." Grimacing in pain, the clone pushes himself up from lying flat on his stomach. As he does, bits of rubble fall from atop of his body and onto the floor. Just as he makes it back up onto his feet, the other comes landing down in front of him ten feet away.

    "...Perhaps you don''t wear the house of EL shield in utter pretense." The man stoically comments. Meanwhile, Connor takes a moment to casually dust himself off.

    "What...?" The young man proceeds, pausing just to take a moment to tilt his head and rotate his neck enough to crack out some kinks.

    "Is that all you''ve got?" He adds. The other finds no amusement in the posturing at all. The two lock eyes and glare silently for what feels like minutes. Then, simultaneously they begin walking toward each other. Walking quicky turns into running, and running suddenly turns into a dual sonic boom before a devastating impact of their fists meeting at the middle quakes the entire building. The two immediately begin exchanging attacks, starting with Connor who throws his shoulder into a right hook - one the other easily evades by swaying out of the way. The man retaliates with a straight right, of which Connor reacts in time to block with his left forearm. From the latter, a one-two boxing combination blow goes flying for the man''s face. Much like before, Connor''s adversary weaves left and right out of harm''s way with minimum effort. An uppercut is given in turn, but the clone leans his upper body back to move his chin out of its way. From the clone, a straight left is given in turn. The very one the vigilante reacts to flawlessly - ducking into a kneeling position to evade the blow while giving a mighty right jab to the young man''s midsection that sends him crashing through a wall and out into the street.

    Rising to stand again, the vigilante begins walking toward the hole. Though it proves unnecessary. Connor returns with a vengeful fury.

    "HAAUUOOOH!" The clone roars out as he lunges toward the other and swings the car within his grasp with everything he has at his target. Smashing it through the structure and making that large hole three times bigger in the process before the vehicle meets the man''s body with a destructive T H R A S S H ! It sends the vigilante flying further back into the building and through a couple of walls before the man finds himself laying in someone''s office. The man climbs back onto his feet, and just as he''s about to stand at his full height again, the clone throws that very same car at him. The latter manages to brace just in time to catch it despite being pushed out through the wall behind him. Before he can do anything with it however, a sudden discharge of heat-vision burns into that vehicle and causes it to explode on the spot with an echoing B O O O O M! ! that rings out for half a dozen city blocks.

    With eyes still sizzling with neon red, Connor arches a brow and begins approaching the hole leading outside while eyeing the mist of black smoke in his field of vision. However, him doing so proves to be unnecessary, as well. Just as he''s about to place his foot outside, the vigilante comes flying at him at supersonic speed. In just seconds, the clone ends up getting hit with a spear that carries him all the way to Gotham City and right into the trendy nightclub known as the Iceberg Lounge. Panic erupts, but the two resume their gruesome bout. Another exchange of blows before it inevitably leads to Connor effortlessly swinging a pool table at the other. Of course, the vigilante raises his arms to block it, but is given no time to really react before he''s given a similar tackling that carries him all the way to Keystone City, where they end up crashing into a grand stone statue of Barry Allen as the Flash within the Flash Museum. Good thing it''s vacant at night, because the two go right back at it again and use anything they can get their hands on to assault one another. Just until one good counter punch sends Connor flying off across the country. Once the vigilante catches up with him, the two end up tussling for control and a position to lock in a choke hold, which unintentionally leads the two landing on the foreign and mystical island of Themyscira. There, the two end up crashing through the roof of a temple and landing inside of a dining hall. Groaning and grunting Connor gets back onto his feet after the rough landing. Similarly, the vigilante does the same before they rush each other down and begin throwing more blows. Their earthquake inducing battles rages on and puts the locals on high alert. By the time the army of Amazons women find the source of the destruction and commotion, the two are found inside of the armory room, where Connor can be seen standing behind the kneeling vigilante and trying to choke him out with the shaft of a spear.

    "What is the meaning of this madness!!?" One of the women shouts in outrage as she grips the hilt of her blade fiercely.

    "Huh? Ooof!" Her outburst distracts the young man long enough for his adversary to flip him forward and onto his back with a thud. Without much delay, the former attempts to use that very same spear to impale him through the chest. Fortunately, the clone is quick to roll out of the way and clumsily scurry back onto his feet. It''s then the other suddenly tosses the spear at him with tremendous force, though that too Connor manages to evade by leaning his body out of the way of it. However, what he doesn''t manage to avoid is the vigilante closing in at light-speed and feeling a hand wrapping around his throat before he''s taken off toward the sky again. The two crashing through the roof and leaving rubble to fall in their wake as they head off elsewhere.

    This time, he winds up somewhere snowy and where a blizzard is taking place - weather that fazes neither of them, though. The vigilante tosses the artificial youth to the ground before he begins a rainfall-style assault of firing energy shots down at the clone. He goes on for a quite a while just to be thorough, cause an abundance of snow to rise up with every shot he gives. It''s not until his 32nd does he finally stop and studies the ground below through the screen of the blizzard. Barely six seconds of him doing so, thin red beams shoot from ground-level and swipes along the sky with the intent of hitting him. Majestically, the vigilante maneuvers out of the way and begins descending. Soon swooping down to take a swing at the clone, though finds himself missing his mark. Connor gives him no chance to adjust himself and grabs the man''s cape just after evading that flying punch. The clone grits his teeth and begins spinning. Faster and faster and even faster until they''re moving so fast, it causes a mini tornado to take form and kick up snow. Then, he let''s go. Sending the vigilante flying until the being harshly slams into a grand vibrant structure in the far distance. And like a bolt of lightning, Connor swiftly closes in on him again just as the man is sliding down into a sitting position. He grabs the vigilante by the hair and shoulder, then takes him for a simple 360 spin for the sole purpose of slamming him face first into the structure in front of them.

    T O O O O M ! T O O O O M! T O O O O M! T O O O O M! T O O O O M!

    Connor ruthlessly bashes the man''s face against the surprisingly metal-like surface. Just until an elbow jab to the chin finally sends him reeling back. The two take a moment to collect themselves, but not a long one at all. Once the man with the flowing red cape turns to tiredly face him again, the clone zips in to wrap his hands around the man''s neck and thrash him against that surface again. A pair of hands raise to pull his away and struggles ensues. Well, just until the surface behind the vigilante lifts, revealing to a massive mechanical door and causing the two to fall over in front of the corridor leading inside. Not only that, but it reveals a family standing on the other side. A son, a mother, and a bearded father. A paternal figure, upon looking up with blood spilling from his nose and an individual trail tricking down the middle of his lips, Connor notices is wearing an all too familiar bold ''S'' upon his shirt. Something that draws a scowl across his face once realization clicks, which leads him to ask the first thing that comes to his mind. Disdain and exhaustion lace his tone as he does.

    "...Who the fuck are you?"

 #13

    "I don''t believe you..." Connor remarks with narrowing eyes.

    "It''s the truth." The stranger insists.

    "But how can that be? Your body was buried in Metropolis City. How did your vandalized grave go unnoticed?"

    "I''m not sure. Four years have passed since that day, so it is rather strange." Is the answer given to the clone.

    "Four years? What? You died just nearly two years--..." In the middle of his back and forth with the man who goes by ''Kal-EL'', a realizations dawns upon the artificial youth yet again. As a scowl takes form across his face, Connor''s eyes momentarily advert off to the side.

    "The cube did this..."

    "Cube? What are you talking about?" The kryptonian clad in black and silver bracers questions with an arching a brow.

    "You shouldn''t believe alive... There shouldn''t be other Supermen, but because of that mysterious cube, reality has been changed. Past, present, and... definitely my future." Connor begins as he turns away from the Kent family, placing his hands upon his own hips as he takes a few steps forward.

    "Why would it do all of this, though...? Why bring him back? Why bring in other people from a different reality?" He murmurs the questions to himself while contemplating.

    "I''m not 100% sure I''m following what you''re telling me, but it sounds like that cube may be something incredibly powerful. Do you know where it is now?" Kal-EL asks.

    "No, I don''t. After that massive glow it gave off, it just vanished into thin air. Haven''t seen or heard anything about it since then." Connor answers.

    "I see. Well, hopefully it''s served its purpose and is gone for good."

    "I disagree... If I could, I''d use it to fix everything that''s wrong immediately." Connor responds coldly.

    "Surely this isn''t such a terrible change of events in your eyes, is it? I''d say it''s great that there''s been several capable hands picking up where I left off to protect Metropolis."

    "On that, too, I disagree. I don''t know much about the others, especially that cyborg... However, I do know that lunatic you call an ''aid'' is a murdering scumbag. He''s a threat to public safety. So, either you order him to stay home, or I''ll be forced to take care of him myself next time." Connor warns as he turns to face his elder again- the very man who looks upon him with a wary frown.

    "What? Are you saying Eradicator killed someone?" Kal-EL asks.

    "Are you surprised an individual with a name like that would do such a thing? I saw him with my own eyes. He killed a bunch of thugs in a warehouse back in Metropolis City." Connor retorts firmly.

    "I had no idea, but of course, that''s no real excuse. I had just assumed he was out gathering solar energy to help with my recovery, which he has been providing, but I didn''t know he was also trying to fill my role as Superman. He at least... seemed to have a solid understanding of morals, but I suppose he is nothing short of a machine. An... AI, to be exact. I can at least assure you that it WON''T be happening again anytime soon. And... I take full responsibility for his actions." Kal-EL wholeheartedly assures with honesty glimmering in his vibrant blue eyes - something that softens Connor''s annoyance just enough.

    "It''s... That''s good enough. Just restrain him to here. If he MUST continue to gather solar energy for you, then make sure he goes no further than above this structure. That''s all I ask of you."

    "That, I can certainly do. You have my word. Honestly, I''m feeling much better these days. I was actually even thinking about returning to my days as Superman."

    "Return?" Connor repeats.

    "Yes. I think I''ve had plenty of time to recovery and I feel like I''m ready to return to the public to help those in need." Kal-EL answers.

    "Maybe you should reconsider..."

    "Excuse me?"

    "What purpose would you have for returning to as Superman?" Connor counters with a question of his own.

    "Helping others is reason enough, son. I don''t do it for my health or for fame. All I want to do is help where I''m needed." The taller of the two informs.

    "Don''t call me ''son'', has-been. This world already has a more-than-capable Superman... And you''re looking at him." Connor retorts with hostility dripping from his stoic-like tone. It was even more apparent within his unwelcoming frown. A reaction that takes Kal-EL by surprise.

    "...Young man. You shouldn''t be out there flying around and calling yourself ''Superman'' when you''ve got a chip on your shoulder THAT large. It''s not about having an ego. It never was. It''s just about doing the right thing. This isn''t a competition. A helping hand should not be a threat in your eyes." The elder of the two attempts to reason with the other.

    "I don''t see you as a threat... You''re just outdated and redundant." Connor blunts comments.

    "And you might be a little too <u>green</u> for me retire just yet." Kal-EL counters firmly.

    "Doesn''t necessarily matter what you think. Do what you want, but know that I''m not going anywhere any time soon. At least, in the context of residing within Metropolis. Here, though? I think my business is long done now." Connor announces before turning to make his way for the exit. As he goes from walking to floating onward, he gives the other some parting words.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there."Here''s hoping I don''t have to see your face again too soon!"

    __________

    [ Approximately 14 Hours Later. ]

    Dhoom-dhoom-dhoom! Clark Kent, the father of Jon Kent and the husband of Lois Lane-Kent, hears knocking from the front entrance of his massive fortress. Soon enough, he goes to answer the door. When he does, that massive mechanical door raises to reveal the young from just the previous day. Frowning and with his hands tucked away in the pockets of his leather jacket.

    A sigh that makes Clark arch a brow as he folds his arms.

    "Back so soon, are we?"

    "Unfortunately..." Is Connor''s dry response.

    "Well, what''s the occasion? Did something come up?" The older male asks. However, the answer comes in the form of a woman stepping around into sight to stand beside the young man, who she slips an arm around the shoulders of.

    Her apparel makes Clark stare dumbfoundedly. She''s dressed similarly to the youth, save more formal - a kryptonian suit including knee high crimson boots, a house of EL shield on her chest, and a large crimson cape.

    "Hi there! My son told me about you and, well, I thought I ought to pay you a visit myself." The woman informs him enthusiastically with a smile.

    "Oh, I see. Are you... Are you a kryptonian, as well?" Clark asks.

    "Indeed I am. 100% and very much from Krypton itself. I''m Jol-EL, by the way!" She introduces herself and extends her free hand out to Clark.

    "Kal-EL. Nice to meet you, Jol-EL. You should come inside and talk."

    "Should I come back later or just wait until you return home?" Connor asks while weary expression takes form across his face and lifting a hand to rub at the back of his head.

    "Neither. You''re coming inside with me, Connor." She answers.

    "But Ma..."

    "No But''s, young man. It''s important that you''re here for this, too. This is an unexpected miracle, after all."

    "Miracle?" Connor repeats with shifty eyes.

    "Why, of course. Now come along." Jol-EL insists and guides him inside along with herself. The three head to a room with a sizeable table and chairs, the area Kal-EL usually has breakfast and dinner with his family. There, they gather and sit. However, it''s only Jol and Kal who engage in dialogue. The two wastes little time to share details about their lives to one another, of which Kal-EL is the first to do so. Meanwhile, Connor slouches in his seat, propping an elbow atop of an arm of his seat as he rests his chin upon the palm of his hand. Staring off at nothing with a dull look on his face.

    "--And ever since that day, I''ve been adopted into the Kent family. They''ve taught me all of the lessons I could ever need growing up on their farm." Kal finishes up his tale.

    "How interesting. It sounds quite similar to my story. You see, I''m from alternative universe. I built an escape ship to prepare for the destruction of Krypton because our high council refused to heed my warnings and advice. There was only so much I could do, after all. Despite being the most qualified scientist... Despite my breakthroughs, my achievements, and precise calculations... They just kept fighting me. It was as if they were actively striving to embrace the death of our planet and people. It was awfully strange, because they didn''t brush me off like they did before my discovery.

    Anywho. I departed just in time to escape the blast radius of Krypton''s implosion and traveled far in my pod ship--"

    "Wait...I''m sorry to cut you off, but that all sounds awfully familiar. Kal-El chimes.

    "My father - or rather, the AI of him, said something similar about his time on Krypton before it was destroyed. How the High Council refused to listen to him, and how he built a small ship to escape. What''s even more interesting, is that his name is Jor-EL. My mother''s name is Lara-EL."

    "Lara-EL? Funny. I was once married to a Lar-EL. He adopted my family name during our engagement, given that he was the last of his house. Father and mother both gone." Jol tells him before shuffling in her seat a bit. Adjusting to rest a leg over the other as she interlocks her fingers upon her lap.

    "What are the odds, hm? Sadly though, we didn''t have a child. I was far too swept up in my work and research. It''s because of that, we ended up getting a divorce at his request. I''m sure he found peace with the person he found before that tragic end."

    "Ah, I''m sorry that''s how things turned out for you, too." Kal tells her.

    "It''s fine and in the past. At least I''ve been given a chance to see what our son could''ve grown to be." She responds with a warm smile. In turn, he gives one of his own.

    Connor? He''s too swept up within his own thoughts to pay attention. His mind drowns out all of their words as he idly sits in place. He remains as such until his mother reaches over to give his shoulder a slight shake.

    "--Right, Connor?"

    "Hm?" Snapping out of his thoughts, his head whips in her direction and his eyes become more alert.

    "I was just telling Kal-EL that we''d be happy to have him and his family over for dinner." She tells him.

    "We would...?" He asks rather dismissively.

    "Yes, we would. He''s practically your biological big brother, after all." She informs him.

    He blinks and sits up in his seat while staring at her with a look of disbelief on his face.

    "...He''s WHAT?"

 2nd Special "ALL-STAR SUPERBOY"

    A thin fog continuously rises from a platinum chalice containing a liquid substance - kept cold and always on the brink of freezing over by the mystic ice that lays at the very bottom of its wielder''s choice of drink. Fanciful as it may be, the beverage is nothing so extravagant. No. As a matter of fact, it''s merely the usual for Connor Luthor: Apple juice. A sweet drink he''s been awfully fond of for over 3 decades now. He brings the chalice up to his lips and helps himself to subtle, yet savoring sips from it. Audibly gulping the portion he drinks before eventually prying it away from his lips. Satisfactory as always. His tongue protrudes from his moist petals to lick away the lingering taste from his lips.

    Though his favorite drink invigorates his nonchalant mood, he cannot help but to peer out through the massive trio of windows behind his desk - glass that gives a pleasant view of the bustling city known as Metropolis City - and contemplate silently. He sits within a comfy office chair inside the largest building in town, and on the most secure floor of Lex Tower. His mind pondering on one thing in particular. Were they really giving up so easily?

    Those... rowdy lots. Those maniacs, psychos, entitled punks who refer to themselves as ''Heroes''. A laughable notion. However, what is truly breathtakingly amusing is the sheer audacity they all have. It''s so overbearing, that Connor HAD to intervene and crack down upon their senseless altercations. For some reason or another, they were territorial like warring gangs. He has done so by way of something quite akin to a police state. An idea he took from the aging Dark Knight himself all the way over in Gotham City. Hard-to-destroy robots and 15-feet-tall mech suits were very ideal for keeping local superpowered troublemakers in check. The MCPD has never had an easier time apprehending offenders, and civilians were given back some safety in their day to day lives again.

    So, was this it? Is this the simple Happy Ending that was meant to be all along?

    K R O O O O M ! ! !

    He turns his head just a bit while also raising a brow curiously. That loud rumble he hears coming from down below on the first floor of his building tells him: No, it was definitely not meant to be THAT simple.

    "About time." He murmurs to himself before setting his sights forward again. Even as his secretary''s voice comes through the intercom speaker on his desk.

    "S-sir! Sir! Reports of intruders breaking inside are coming up. Would you like me to dispatch the 10th level security droids?" She asks. To which Connor responds calmly with;

    "No, there''s no need for that at all, Jane. I suspect they''re here to see me..." He pauses, shifting his eyes toward the chalice in his grasp before giving the liquid inside a gentle stir by moving his hand in a circular motion.

    "Let them through and tell me that I''ll be waiting for them in my office." He adds.

    "Understood, Mr. Luthor." His secretary obliges without Question. For the time being, he remains as he is. From the city streets where civilians resemble ants under his gaze, and up toward the clouds above that obscure the sun''s ray of light - he merely passes the times by watching birds fly through the sky.

    Soon, a myriad of footsteps begins treading toward his direction - just after a familiar ''Ding!'' that signifies the elevator arriving. Several of them, in fact. Connor is almost sure there were enough of them to make use of all seven that line up against the wall on the opposite end of the floor. Not that he minds... Not that it makes him feel as though anything will change because of it. ''CLICK.'' Soon enough, the sound of the handles of his double onyx-wood doors turning graces his ears and the bunch come storming in.

    "Luthor!" A voice calls out to him - a pitch just low enough to give the impression of belonging to a male - calls out to him, dousing his dreadful surname with venom. Nothing that bothers him at all, though.

    "And here you are. I''ve been expecting you." Connor responds without even bothering to turn in his seat and face them.

    "Did you find your way up without trouble?" He adds with feign concern.

    "Cut the crap, ya flippin'' desk-humper! None of us here find any of this funny." Another voice chimes in. One much deeper and aggressive in volume.

    "Well, except me. I find this little visit to be at least somewhat amusing. Because the thing is... Deep down inside, I knew you lot would retaliate in some drastic way. I just didn''t know how you''d go about it, or when you''d do it. Haha-Never did I consider the possibility that you would just come directly to ME." Connor responds, then takes a moment to gently swish his drink around his cup again.

    "You''re either desperate or foolish. Perhaps even both." He adds as if merely sharing a harmless theory.

    "You think you''re so smart - soooo much like Lex Luthor himself, don''t cha''? Just listen to the way you talk! Were you EVER actually a hero to begin with?" The first voice from before questions - its owner pointing an accusing finger at the kryptonian who keeps his back to them all.

    "Like my father? Heh.... Heh-HAHAHAHA... Hehaha... H''ooooh.... No-no. I couldn''t be anything like my predecessor at all. Far too ruthless than I will ever have the nerve to be. No, all I can be is myself. If you happen to see similarities? Well..." Connor trails off, sparing a moment to rise from his seat and circle around his desk to face the army of superpowered beings that pack half of his massive office space - a room of slick gray and black that provides a sense of serene gloom. There looks to be at least a little over 100 of them in his line of sight. Not that the numbers impose doubt into his mind... Casually, he raises his cup to his lips again and drinks a bit more of the juice. Afterwards, he concludes his thoughts.

    "It''s merely a coincidence that I cannot help. I am a branch that extends from his family tree, after all."

    "So it''s just a coincidence that you''ll also get your ass handed to you just like he did, huh? ''Cause that''s what''s about to happen!" A rowdy feminine voice speaks up, of whom is validated by encouraging yells from her peers.

    Before uttering another word, Connor shifts his gaze toward the ice-hexagon in his cup. At his will, his eyes abruptly illuminate red and discharge his heat-vision with  precision. Somewhat slowly melting down the magical frozen liquid until it''s reduced to its original form and dilutes his beverage. By the time he''s done, fiery red smoke flow from his sockets.

    "There''s a misunderstanding about my father that lingers through..."He pauses. Turning his still burning red eyes toward the crowd, who in turn take up defensive stances as if he was pointing a weapon at them - not with anger or a scowl, but curiosity hidden behind a stoic expression.

    "Well, I certainly cannot call you the ''Hero Community''. But nonetheless, it''s not that Lex Luthor was incompetent... It was just the nature of this world. I won''t bore you with too much detail, though. In short - there had to be at least some force of good that could stand up to his intellect and schemes, because in this universe of ours, good ALWAYS wins. As that, it will eternally remain."

    "Ehh... A bit pretentious, but still sounds like you''re in for an ass-kicking if you don''t recall all of your stupid robots." Someone from the crowd retorts.

    "Yeah, man! Where do you get off making life for superheroes difficult? How am I suppose to manage under these conditions?" Another questions angrily.

    "Don''t play coy... You all know exactly why I''ve been doing this." Connor responds with an aloof tone.

    "Because you''re an uppity glory hog who thinks his old, washed up brand of heroes are somehow better than us? We deserve a chance, too!" Another speaks up.

    "What? You''re all so deluded and so self-absorbed that you cannot even reach a genuine reasonable conclusion. This isn''t the wild west... We do not live in a third-world country... We are not beasts and monsters... We do not fight over territory like animals in the wild. But if you so stubbornly see things from a different perspective, then I have only one thing to ask you..." Connor informs them, but before he does, he downs the very last bit of his drink from the chalice, then sets the cup down onto his desk. Afterwards, he treads forward until he''s merely four feet away from the massive mob.

    "What exactly are you going to do about it?"

    "You cheeky little bastard! Don''t cha see WE have the numbers in this situation? We could bring this whole building crumblin'' down on your head. This is yer last chance to come down off of that high horse, punk."

    "Hmph." The kryptonian''s lips curve into a smug grin at such a claim. While moving his arms behind his back and keeping them in place by gripping his left hand around his right wrist, he looks around the room. From the simple gray walls, to the pitch-black marble floor beneath their feet.

    "Did you know this floor is unlike the others? It''s a very, very interesting one. Because, well... It''s more expensive than the building itself. 1.2 trillion dollars went into fortifying this floor. An amount accumulated over the course of 23 years."

    "That''s insane! But what exactly does that have to do with anything?" Someone asks.

    "Simple. If you know Lex Luthor, then you can guess this floor was built to withstand the powers of a kryptonian. It would take a great deal of effort even for me to destroy it with my bare hands. Even the windows aren''t made from typical material... This whole floor is more durable than the entire Earth itself."

    "Wha-- I call absolute Bullshit on that!"

    "I welcome you all to prove it." Connor invites while throwing up his arm in a spread horizontal fashion, still grinning ear to ear as he does. Seconds after, he brings his arms inward - bending them at chest-level as he clenches his hands into fists.

    "Prove to me that you''re on the side of righteousness and all that is good. Show me that your collective will exceed the entirety of my being... Put your hopes, your dreams, and your future on the line right here, right now. Let me take everything else from your fuming souls! Let me watch it splutter until the fire in your eyes is lost to dimming despair." The kryptonian dramatically provokes the bunch, emphasizing with visibly trembling fists that imply his metaphorical threat of suffocation.

    A display that his visitors find awfully unsettling.

    "This guy''s definitely evil! Don''t let ''em scare ya! There''s more heavy hitters on our side and he damn sure can''t out-slug us all!" An adversary from the crowd speaks out.

    "Metal-Pound is right. Let''s take this egomaniac down and fix everything!" And with that, the exclaims of battle-cries comes echoing throughout the entire room, crashing down on Connor''s hearing like a tidal wave as the army of meta-humans and vigilantes begin charging him down. Much to his enthusiastic delight, no less. The kryptonian eyes shoot wide open as a toothy crazed smile overtakes his handsome features. Without hesitation, yet also without putting on a blatant display of his God-like capability, he rushes them down in kind to meet at the center. While doing so, a subtle red tint sweeps across the entire room. His pupils drown in pools of neon red. Not a product of prepping his heat-vision again, but instead making use of his telekinesis.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "MAKE THIS INTERESTING FOR ME!" He exclaims just as he comes face to face with the first of many adversaries -- an individual with mechanical gauntlets made to discharge electricity as a form of projectile. The vigilante thrusts a hand forward and sends out a bolt of electricity at the kryptonian''s face - the very one who merely weaves his head and shoulder aside to avoid it. Connor retaliates by shifting his casual run into a long stride and lunges forward while thrusting his own palm outward to send the electricity conductor flying back into a handful of others.

    As the opposition swarms and surrounds the kryptonian, the next individual takes their shot at the clone by lunging at him with a massive steel ax with the intent of cutting him through him with a downward motion. Connor simply steps aside out of its path, allowing it to meet the floor with a resonating ''TINK!''. Quick to react, he majestically spins on the ball of his left foot and delivers a thrusting kick with his right that sends the axe wielder crashing against the wall. Wising up, the half a dozen from the noisy crowd rush in to attack him all at once.

    "Ah-hahahahahaa! That''s right!

    TOH!

    SEH!

    HUT!

    SAE-YAH!

    Keep fighting! Don''t let up!" The kryptonian eggs them all on while rather effortlessly fending off each attempt as if he has eyes in the back of his head. Sending one stumbling back with a palm-strike to the chin, a combination set of kicks to rid himself of another, and a crouching double-palm thrusting shove to send the following one falling onto their back. The 9th one to try their hand displays familiarity with martial arts, starting with a flying dragon kick. A kick Connor stops dead in its track with his raising vertical forearm. The Kryptonian attempts to send the acrobat flying with a thrusting palm to the pectoral region after his foe lands, but the individual evades it by ducking into a momentary crouch before retaliating by rising up again while throwing a punch upward at an angle. One Connor''s opposite hand blocks with its palm before flinging the foe away casually. However, before he could devote even more attention to those in front of him, a strong brawler rushes up from behind to take a straight jab for the back of his head. Connor tilts his head far to the side, allowing it whiff by and completely miss. Quickly, his right hand grips the brawler''s wrist while his left elbow thrusts right into the male''s abdomen with enough force to knock the wind out of him. Promptly after, Connor leans forward and tosses the brawler over his shoulder and down onto the floor with a ''thud'' and grunt.

    Barely a second after, two more attack from both his left and right - one with a flying punch, and the other with a downward swing of a sword. The former, he stops by catching the attack within his palm. The latter is simply stopped by his point and middle finger gracefully catching the blade between them.

    "This guy is unreal!!!" Someone shouts from the mob, earning a chuckle from the imposing kryptonian. In the next instance, he yanks the two attackers forward and sends them flying in opposite directions where they both thrash against the wall.

    "IS THIS ALL YOU''VE GOT!? Did you come here to stop me or bore me into an early grave?" Connor mocks, presenting the best solemn expression he could give despite the giddy amusement bubbling inside of him. By then, the momentum from the mob slows down considerably. A great deal of them were beginning to second guess themselves. Something Connor takes notice of by the fact there''s no one else throwing themselves at him. The lot of them just glaring him down, too afraid to try again or even make their first attempt.

    "I''m... Right.... Here." The kryptonian reminds them, sweeping his disdainful gaze over the many of them.

    "Are you waiting for something?" He asks while arching a brow.

    "Oh, to hell with it! Rockhouse, Might-Maiden, Vilman, Adapt-it-Man! Let''s just get him!" A frustrated blonde of a male barks before charging in first. The rest only delay behind a bit as they join in on his brave effort.

    K R O O O M ! A harsh impact of a fist meeting Connor''s palm erupts before the kryptonian casually shoves the blonde back and sends her nearly tripping down onto the floor

    B O O O M - B O O O M - B O O O M ! ! ! A quick succession of Connor blocking three more powerful roars out - the sounds of him stopping them with his palm again, a forearm, and his knee. Effectively blocking blows from meeting his head and the one aiming for his stomach.

    "HAHAHAHAA. Good, good... Show me more." Connor taunts before using the same minimum effort from before to shove all three away. Then, a flurry ensues from the five assailants. Despite how they attack in unity for the most part, none of them manage to land a blow. Connor sways, weaves, and leans as much as need be when he wasn''t just blocking using whatever limb he can raise in time. Soon, he begins to turn the tide upon them all. For every blow given, he delivers a counterattack. It develops into a display of him just outright overwhelming them to the point that he''s the only one throwing blows while alternating between them with what looks to be with the greatest of ease.

    Just until one manages to leap forward with the intent of throwing a right hook from the rear. At the very moment, he was just delivering a firm punch to the blonde from before. Right after, he grips the male by the shirt, swiftly turns, and uses him as a shield to defend against the attack. It lands with an echoing THWACK that drops the blonde flat on the floor unconscious.

    "D''oh! Sorry, Rick!"

    "Ah, don''t worry--" TOHK! Connor delivers an uppercutting palm to the woman''s chin who''s responsible for taking the blonde out, putting her into a daze. Then? THOOM! He gives her a spinning thrust-kick that sends her crashing and slumping against his desk.

    "I''m sure he doesn''t blame you at all." He assures with a toothy, pearly white grin.

    Then-- ''TINK!'' A large robotic fist strikes him from behind and sends him colliding into a corner of his office. He regains his balance and turns to see who was able to do such a thing. What his eyes come to settle upon is a massive machine with a clunky, yet humanoid frame.

    "Hm..." With narrowing brows, his pupils shift into a monochrome color, and he makes use of his x-ray vision to examine the machine. No pilot inside at all. Just as his lips crack into another grin, the robot not only speaks up, promptly opens fire on him.

    "Commencing termination." It announces before transforming its hands into gatling guns and firing off a barrage of rounds upon the kryptonian. In addition, a circular opening takes shape upon the center of its chest and a muzzle extends from it - one that starts blowing fire that reaches more than far enough to engulf its target completely. It persists for nearly 30 seconds before it finally stops. When it does, silence creeps in. Seemingly amplifying the sounds of a rainfall of shells falling onto the marble floor.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me..." Someone from the crowd comments while looking upon the aftermath. A kryptonian leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest, staring nonchalantly ahead. Not even a scratch on his suit was visible.

    "Primitive. Lacking a human mind and having artificial intelligence, I would have assumed you would be aware that such things wouldn''t work on me." Connor comments, then stands up straight. He raises a hand toward the machine.

    "Now, let''s put you out of commission before you hurt someone." And with those words, the kryptonian''s eyes begin to glow red again. The robot begins visibly trembling almost immediately.

    "B-3?" Someone from the crowd calls out to the robot. Then, bolts, nuts, screws, and even limbs begin coming apart cleanly. Connor dissembles the machine and then lets all of its parts noisily fall to the floor.

    "Noooo! B-3!"

    "What did you just do to him!?"

    "Is it not obvious? I took it apart for your own good." Connor answers while approaching the center of the room again with casual steps.

    "If you think we''re just going to let you get away with that, then you''ve got another thing coming!" A woman barks out at from the crowd, and with an aggressive gesture of her hands, she deprives the kryptonian of something valuable.

    From Connor''s perspective, his vision was beginning to form cracks of darkness. As he stops within his tracks and blinks, they grow thicker and longer.

    "What the hell...?" He murmurs and reaches to rub at his sockets. Despite him doing so, it did absolutely nothing to remove that expanding darkness. Disbelief sinks in, but in a way, he accepts it. There''s just no fighting it. Soon, his vision is completely gone. On the surface, a spell impairs his eyes and reduces them to pools of pitch-black darkness. Pupils and all swallowed by that darkness.

    "I''m... blind?" He asks under his breath, using his fingers to feel over the region of his sockets. He didn''t have long to digest his predicament at all. Soon, the click-clack of heels stomping along the marble floor toward him, fills his ears. He instinctively turns his head toward the source, but still, he sees nothing. Instead, he FEELS a blow to the face that just barely jerks his head to the side.

    "Huh... Would you really be so indecent to strike a blind man across the face?" He jokingly inquires with a grin. Seconds of asking that question, another set of feet audibly moving along the marble floor reaches his ear. Far quicker in pace, leading Connor to surmise the individual is sprinting at him.

    THWACK!

    Another blow hits him across the face - one ten times harder than the last, and one that just somewhat manages to make his body lean and stumble into taking a step to recollect his balance. This time, he chuckles.

    "You''re right. Silly question... What else could I expect from the rejects of society?" The kryptonian taunts.

    "Yeah, he''s definitely lost his vision. Now''s our chance!" Someone exclaims.

    "Oh boy..." Connor remarks lowly to himself. He knew for certain he was in for plenty of flailing. Sure enough, the sharp sound of incoherent clatter of angry voices and footsteps does come. Along with it comes an onslaught of attacks in every direction. In the moment, all Connor could think to do is hunch over while using his arms to guard his face and the back of his head as the bunch pummel away at him.

    Of course, the pressure does raise a bit of anxiety that quickens his heart rate, but it doesn''t last. Connor comes to realize their army doesn''t have the planetary level of manpower to cause him significant harm. That clarity allows him to drown out everything and breath. To collect his senses and think on how to best overcome the situation at hand. A fascinating thought comes to mind after a moment; though he couldn''t see a thing, his powers aren''t affected by his blindness. He could still read their intent via his telekinesis. As he''s been doing since the moment this altercation started, he activates his telekinesis and envelopes the entire room with his mental reach. It wasn''t for reading minds, but providing him a 6th sense sort of speak. Any living organism within his range, he has a mental awareness of at all times. He knows when someone is moving or just standing still. If someone was honestly calm, or having a panic attack so sinister, that he could hear and practically feel their heart being the verge of bursting out of their chest. However, it doesn''t work with energy or machinery. Plasma beams, fire, light, Androids, coffee makers, or even Metallo - his telekinesis field doesn''t pick up on their actions or trajectory at all.

    Through his blindness, his powers shine through and introduce a surreal and new form of vision. In the vastness of the darkness, crimson lines give shape to his adversaries. Down to the details of their hostile expressions. How much more appropriate could it be? It was like laying witness to a nightmare of vile monsters that were barely humans.

    Nonetheless, he''s ready to go on the offensive again. And so, with a telekinetic burst discharging from his being with just a thought, he sends all of who''re crowding around him flying back a few feet and takes back his personal space.

    "Okay..." Connor cranks his head to the right, then the left. Inducing the subtle sound of bones cracking.

    "Let''s try this again, shall we?" As if on cue, they all come rushing back in again. This time, however, he''s swift to go on the offensive. Nearly moving within a blur, Connor delivers a flurry of mindful blows to a dozen bodies that approach him. Some drop to the floor, some weren''t so easily taken down. Those who return or stay for a repeat are given even fierce hits - punches he delivers while also simultaneously blocking and maneuvering to evade incoming attacks.

    Once he rids himself of the last two assailants within proximity with a double palm thrust at his front and back, sending them flying on impact, he''s almost immediately struck by a stream of electricity. Though it only really serves to distract the kryptonian, it''s more than enough to make an opening someone uses to send him stumbling forward using a beam-like projectile to the back. He winds up falling within the range of one of the brawlers from before, who promptly grabs hold of him and flips him with a face-to-face suplex onto the floor.

    Before Connor could push himself up, the one responsible for slamming him onto his back presses a knee down onto his torso and begins swinging away at his face. Blow after blow does indeed land, but it''s nothing that disorientates the kryptonian much at all. With a simple shove at the other''s chest, Connor sends him soaring across the room and landing with a ''thud''.

    "Okay-okay... I think I''ve had as much fun as I''m going to get from this." The kryptonian comments while rising, taking a moment to dust himself off afterwards.

    In an instant, he consciously pushes his senses into overdrive and slows down time itself around him. or rather, his perception and light-speed movements gives him the impression that everything else is slowing down. He calculates an exact number and exact locations of every enemy on the floor. Then? He carries out his plan of attack. Zipping about like lightning and becoming untraceable to human level perception. In just a blink and a half, he knocks every single one of them out.

    Upon doing so, his vision begins returning. The black starts fading from his eyes, allowing him to clearly see the mass of unconscious bodies lying on his floor. After momentarily staring with a blank expression, he turns and heads over to his desk. Carefully stepping over the vigilantes who litter the surface beneath his crimson boots. Once he makes his way there, he leans and places his right hand flatly upon the furniture to support himself while his left hand reaches for the intercom. Making use of his point finger, he pushes down on the contact button to speak to his secretary.

    "Miss Jane, would you mind contacting the MCPD for me? I need a pickup for 142. Tell them to bring plenty of trucks." He requests of her.

    "Understood, sir." She responds. Needing nothing more, he releases the button and circles around. Moving to stand before the center of the three windows that tower behind his chair and desk. He inhales, then exhales. Grinning again as he looks down upon the busy streets far down below.

    "It''s good to be me."

    End.