Kapitel 20: Chapter 20: New Beginnings.
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(Jon's P.O.V.)
The mall was surprisingly peaceful, considering everything that had been going on.
With Connor, Mom, and me walking through the stores, it almost felt normal, like we weren't trying to figure out how to fit together as a family.
It was weird though, watching Connor fidget as Mom held up different outfits for him to try.
His usual tough, stoic demeanor crumbled under her praise, which had him blushing for what felt like the first time ever.
"You look so handsome in this!" Mom gushed as Connor tried on a black T-shirt with the Superman logo printed on the front.
I had to admit, it worked. The symbol of the House of El fit him, even if it was a little too on the nose for my taste.
Connor scratched the back of his head, clearly unsure how to respond. "Uh…thanks, Mrs. Lane."
"Connor, for the last time, you can call me Lois, if Ma is too hard." Mom insisted with a warm smile.
I couldn't help but chuckle, pulling myself out of my texting with Raven. She'd been in Themyscira for a few days now, and keeping up with her while juggling all this superhero stuff was tougher than expected.
"Honestly, you look just like Dad in that shirt," I said absentmindedly, giving Connor a quick glance before returning to my phone.
Mom immediately perked up, clearly eager to jump on that observation. "You're right, Jon. He really does remind me of your father when he was younger. And you two definitely have some similarities yourselves."
I stiffened, resisting the urge to groan.
"Yeah, maybe. But I'm not exactly thrilled about looking like the younger brother here," I muttered, referring to my fourteen-year-old body versus Connor's more mature sixteen-year-old appearance.
Mom frowned, catching the annoyance in my tone. "Jon…"
Before she could scold me or, worse, offer another awkward comparison, the skylight overhead shattered.
Glass rained down, and with a deafening crash, a massive robot samurai landed in the center of the store, sending shoppers scrambling in every direction.
"*Everyone stay where you are!*" the robot's mechanical voice boomed. "You are all hostages until Superman arrives!"
Great. One of 'those' villains. Probably programmed to kill Dad. Not like It was going to succeed when I was around.
People screamed, dashing for cover, while the robot leveled its glowing katana at anyone who dared move too fast.
My instincts kicked in immediately. I glanced at Connor, who was already tense, ready to leap into action.
"Connor, protect Mom!" I ordered, jumping in front of them. My mind raced, scanning the situation.
Crowded space, lots of people—this was bad. Not ideal for a superpowered showdown
Connor hesitated. "I can help, Jon. Let me fight."
"Not here! There's too many people," I shot back. "If the two of us fight that thing head-on, someone's gonna get hurt."
Mom, ever the sensible one, placed a hand on Connor's arm, urging him to listen. "Jon's right, Connor. Protect me, and let him handle the robot for now. At least until your father gets here."
Reluctantly, Connor stayed put.
I stepped out into the open, glaring down at the robot as it turned its attention towards the first floor balcony, where I was.
"You ruined family time, you piece of scrap metal."
I lept off the glass barricade and charged the robot, aiming a flying punch to knock it through the window and out into the open courtyard of the mall.
The crash of glass and metal sent people screaming even louder, but at least now there was more room to fight.
Though it was at the expense of the garden, seeing as the robot dug a groove across the flower and green compound before it quickly recovered.
Mechanical gears shifted with a droning sound. Now upright, It scanned me with its glowing red eyes.
"You're not Superman," it declared, almost sounding disappointed.
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, well, you're not exactly original either."
Before I could throw another punch, the robot lashed out, faster than I expected.
Its sword caught me in the chest, sending a shockwave of electricity through my body.
I clenched my teeth against the sudden pain, trying to stay on my feet.
"Jon!" Connor's voice rang out as he came barreling out of the mall, ignoring my earlier warning.
He ripped a pillar from the building and swung it with all his strength, sending the robot flying through a nearby coffee shop.
I barely had time to catch my breath before rounding on him. "Connor! You were supposed to stay with Mom!"
"I couldn't just stand there and do nothing!" he argued, his fists clenched in frustration.
"You *could've* put someone in danger!" I snapped, my frustration bubbling over.
Our argument was cut short by the sound of a terrified scream.
I whipped around with X-ray vision, to see the robot holding a young girl by the throat, its glowing sword poised to strike.
Damn it. We didn't have time for this.
Switching to heat vision, I narrowed my gaze and fired a precise beam that severed the robot's arm, freeing the girl.
She fell to the ground, scrambling to safety as the robot staggered, sparks flying from its exposed circuits.
"I've got this," I muttered to Connor before rocketing into the coffee shop.
I grabbed the damaged robot by its torso and without giving it a chance to retaliate, flew straight into the sky, higher and higher until we reached the edge of the atmosphere.
The robot started beeping, preparing to self-destruct, but I wasn't about to let that happen near me.
Heaving with my full strength, I threw it into the void of space, watching as it exploded into a harmless burst of energy.
With the threat eliminated, I descended back to the ground, landing in front of Connor, who had returned to Mom's side.
"Next time, you listen to me," I said firmly, though my voice softened a bit.
I wasn't angry at him, not really. But his inexperience was dangerous—not just to him, but to everyone around him.
Connor looked down. "I'm sorry, Jon. I just…I don't know what I'm doing half the time."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I know. And that's why we're going to the Fortress."
Connor blinked, surprised. "The Fortress? As in…"
"The Fortress of Solitude," I confirmed. "You need to learn control, Connor. And you can't do that here."
---
Later, Connor and I arrived at Mount Justice for the team's introduction to our new base.
Robin, Aqualad, Wally, and us stood in the main hall, waiting as Batman and the other mentors introduced us to Red Tornado, who would be overseeing the base.
"Welcome to your new home, Mount Justice," Batman began, his usual stern expression in place.
As we explored the base, Martian Manhunter introduced his niece, Miss Martian, who would be joining the team.
Just like canon, she seemed nervous but eager to make a good impression. I didn't miss the subtle glances she sent Connor. Unexpectedly, my brother seemed to develop a crush on her too.
After a quick tour of the base led by Red Tornado, the others were ready to hang out and relax.
But Connor and I had other plans.
"You two aren't joining us?" Robin asked, raising an eyebrow as I got up.
Connor looked at me.
I shook my head. "We've got a few things to take care of Rob. We'll catch up with you guys later."
With that, I grabbed Connor's and using the Zeta tube, were transported to South Africa.
It was closer to Antarctica. And by flying, even carrying Connor, we only needed an hour to get to the Fortress.
---
The Fortress of Solitude loomed ahead, its crystal spires gleaming against the snowy landscape.
We landed outside, using the giant key to access the door. The entrance slid open with a quiet hiss and we stepped inside.
"Welcome back, Jon," the familiar voice of Grandpa Jor-El echoed through the hall.
"Prepare some refreshments for our guests, Kelex."
The robot beeped in compliance, it's sleek form floating away.
"Hey Gramps."
I waved as his holographic form materialized before the Crystal Console.
Immediately, his gaze landed on Connor with curiosity. "And who is this?"
"This is Connor, your other grandson," I said, stepping aside to let Jor-El get a better look at him.
Jor-El's expression softened, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Another grandson. It is an honor to meet you, Connor."
I sighed in relief, happy to see Grandpa more accepting of Connor than Dad, who did everything to avoid interacting with him.
Connor looked a little overwhelmed, but he nodded respectfully. "Uh, nice to meet you too."
"I brought him here for training," I explained. "He needs help controlling his powers."
Jor-El nodded thoughtfully. "Of course. The same way Kal-El and you once did."
As we walked deeper into the Fortress, I handed Jor-El a small vial of the Blockbuster serum I had taken from Cadmus. "I also need you to analyze this. It's something Cadmus was using to enhance abilities. I think it could help Connor."
Jor-El examined the vial closely. "I will run tests on it immediately. However, I must caution you, Jon—tampering with one's biology can have unforeseen consequences. Especially for someone like Kon-el."
"I know," I said quietly. "But if it helps Connor, it's worth the risk. Also, Kon-el?"
"He needs a Kryptonian name, doesn't he?"
Grandpa looked at me like I was stupid.
"I- I like it."
Connor butt in.
Jor-El stared at me smugly.
Shaking my head, I placed a hand on Connor's shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile. "It's a good name, Kon-El. Now how about a tour of the place?"
He smiled at me.
For the next few hours, we worked through various exercises.
Jor-El guided Connor through tests designed to push his limits, helping him learn to focus and channel his strength more effectively.
While that happened, I focused on my magic lessons, studying the mystical books on Light Manipulation. Even after a week, progress was slow. Very very slow.
So I distracted myself with watching Connor and Jor-El.
It was clear that Connor had incredible potential, but he lacked the fine control that I had mastered to some degree.
As the day wore on, I could see the frustration building in him. His powers were immense, physically greater than the first time mine awakened. But without the ability to fly or fully tap into his Kryptonian side, he felt incomplete.
"We'll get there," I promised, after another round of training with practice drones. "You're strong, Connor. You just need time."
Connor glanced at me, trying to smile but failing, "Yeah. Thanks, Jon. I guess...I'm lucky to have a brother like you."
I chuckled. "Yeah, well, just don't let it go to your head."
As we flew back to Mount Justice, the weight of everything hadn't quite settled in, but I felt hopeful.
It was a new beginning.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein