บท 52: Year 1998 : Middle School (Chapter 4)

Clark's smile lingered as he stepped toward the green figure now standing firmly on the Martian soil. The faint hum of terraforming machines in the distance mixed with the rustling breeze, adding a surreal calm to their meeting. J'onn J'onzz, tall and imposing yet exuding an air of serene authority, stood with arms loosely at his sides, his glowing red eyes studying Clark quietly.

"Welcome home, J'onn," Clark said warmly.

J'onn's expression remained unreadable, though a faint flicker of emotion crossed his face as he glanced at the horizon.

"Home," he repeated, his voice deep and measured, echoing not only in the air but also in Clark's mind. His gaze returned to Clark. "A word I did not think I would use for Mars again."

Clark turned toward the terraforming hub visible in the distance, its lights flickering faintly in the Martian twilight.

"I thought you'd want to see this. Mars is not what it was, but it's coming back. Slowly." Clark said earnestly.

As they stood side by side, Clark's mind drifted to the events that had brought them to this moment.

...

A Few Months Earlier

Clark remembered his first meeting with J'onn, or John Jones as he was known in Metropolis. As a detective with the city's police department, J'onn had kept a low profile, but Clark's research, aided by the Superman Supporting System, had led him to the Green Martian.

"I'm not here to threaten you," Clark had said plainly. "I'm here because I know who you are, J'onn J'onzz. My father, Jor-El, told me about you. He said you were tasked with watching over me."

The name Jor-El had the intended effect. John's expression shifted, his carefully constructed facade cracking just enough to reveal a flicker of recognition.

After a long pause, John had finally spoken. "If you know who I am," he said, his voice steady but cautious, "then you understand why I've stayed hidden."

Clark nodded. "I do. But the time for that is over. I need your guidance."

John had been silent for a long moment, his usually stoic demeanor betraying a flicker of surprise. "Jor-El," he finally said, his voice low. "He was a good man. I owe him much."

That meeting had marked the beginning of a quiet alliance between the two. Over the following months, Clark had sought J'onn's guidance, particularly in honing his mental discipline. The Martian's profound understanding of the mind—both its potential and its vulnerabilities—had been invaluable.

Clark also introduced J'onn to his adoptive parents. Jonathan and Martha Kent had welcomed him into their home without hesitation.

Jonathan, as always, was practical and straightforward. "If you've been keeping an eye on Clark all this time, you've got my thanks," he said, shaking J'onn's hand firmly.

Martha had been even warmer, her voice kind and inviting. "You're welcome here anytime," she said, placing a hand on J'onn's arm. "Clark's friends are part of our family."

J'onn, unaccustomed to such hospitality, had been reserved at first. But by the end of the evening, he was seated at the Kent family dinner table, listening to Clark outline his vision for the future.

Clark had shared his vision for the future: the establishment of the Justice League, a coalition of Earth's greatest heroes working together to protect the planet from threats both known and unknown.

"It's going to take years to pull together," Clark had admitted. "But I want you to be part of it, J'onn. You've seen what division can do. Your experience could guide us."

J'onn had listened intently, his eyes thoughtful. "Unity is a noble goal," he had said. "But it is also fragile. If you intend to build this League, you must prepare for challenges not just from without, but from within."

....

Present Day on Mars

Clark and J'onn walked side by side across the Martian plateau, the faint hum of terraforming machines blending with the soft crunch of their steps on the rocky terrain. The revived patches of moss and pools of shimmering water marked the beginning of Mars's restoration—a symbol of hope for a planet scarred by its past.

Clark's voice broke through the quiet as he turned back to J'onn. "When I started this project, I hoped it would be more than just terraforming. I hoped it could be a second chance—for life, for growth, and maybe even for redemption. And for you, J'onn, I thought it might mean... something personal."

J'onn's gaze shifted to the faint patches of moss dotting the rocky terrain and the distant shimmer of water pooling in a shallow valley.

"Mars is not what it was," he said, his voice carrying an undertone of reflection. "But the effort you've made here is remarkable. To see even a fraction of its life return... it stirs something I thought I had buried long ago."

Clark turned his gaze to the vast space and said, "You've seen what happened to Mars. How fear and mistrust tore it apart. Earth isn't immune to those same forces. We have to be ready for what's coming, whether it's threats like Darkseid or fractures within our own people."

Clark's gaze shifted to J'onn as they neared the central hub of the terraforming project.

"J'onn," he began, his tone deliberate, "I need your help with something bigger than just preparing for Earth's threats. I want you to help me lay the groundwork for what comes next."

J'onn stopped, turning to face Clark fully. His red eyes narrowed slightly in thought. "You are speaking of your Justice League."

Clark nodded. "Yes. It's time to take the first steps. The League will need allies, but it will also need structure. We can't wait until the world is on the brink of disaster to act. We need to start now—quietly, methodically."

J'onn crossed his arms, his tall, imposing figure steady against the Martian wind. "What is your plan, Kal-El?"

Clark looked out at the horizon, organizing his thoughts.

"Step one is building secret connections with the heroes who are already active," he explained. "That includes reaching out to members of the Justice Society of America—they've been operating for decades, even if most of the world doesn't know it. They've faced threats before, and their experience will be invaluable."

J'onn nodded, considering the suggestion. "The JSA is a logical starting point. Their knowledge and skills would provide a foundation for what you're trying to build. But contacting them will require caution. Many of them value their anonymity, and not all may trust your intentions."

Clark smiled faintly. "That's why I want you to handle it. You've got the tact and experience to approach them without drawing unnecessary attention."

J'onn tilted his head slightly. "And what will you be doing while I undertake this?"

Clark's smile grew. "Focusing on the next generation. The Justice League isn't just about protecting the world now—it's about ensuring there are people ready to protect it in the future. That means we need to identify young heroes with potential and start creating a training institute."

J'onn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You're proposing a training facility for young metahumans?"

"Yes," Clark replied, his tone firm. "We'll call it Young Justice—a place where young heroes can learn to harness their abilities, work as a team, and understand the responsibility that comes with their power. It'll give them a chance to grow safely, with guidance, rather than being thrown into danger unprepared."

J'onn considered the idea for a moment. "It is a bold plan, Kal-El. But finding and nurturing young heroes will be a significant undertaking. Do you already have candidates in mind?"

Clark shook his head. "Not yet. That's another reason I need your help. You're better at observing people, understanding their potential, even when they don't see it themselves. I want you to lead the effort of identifying and contacting the right young heroes while I work on building the foundation for the League."

J'onn's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression thoughtful. "You are asking me to be both an observer and a recruiter."

"Exactly," Clark said. "But I'm not asking you to do it alone. I'm already thinking of others who can help. People who are skilled, trustworthy, and believe in what we're trying to build."

J'onn unfolded his arms, his stance firm. "This will not be an easy task. Many of these young heroes will not yet know the extent of their powers or how to control them. And contacting established heroes like the JSA will require delicacy. But I understand the importance of what you're trying to achieve."

Clark raised his head to meet J'onn's gaze and placed a hand on his shoulder, his expression one of gratitude. "Thank you, J'onn. With your help, we can make this work. We'll create something the world has never seen before—a team that can stand against anything."

J'onn gave a slight nod. "I will begin the search immediately. But remember, Kal-El, trust is not easily earned. If you wish to unite these individuals, you must prove that your vision is not just noble, but achievable."

---

One month later

St. Roch, Louisiana

The night sky over Earth was clear and expansive, dotted with stars that seemed to stretch endlessly into the void. In the dim light of a flickering streetlamp, J'onn J'onzz stood outside a modest museum in St. Roch, Louisiana. The building, its façade weathered by time, bore a plaque that read: St. Roch Museum of Antiquities.

Inside, a man worked late, surrounded by ancient relics and artifacts that spoke of a history long past. This was Carter Hall, better known in another life as Hawkman. Reincarnated countless times through the ages, Carter carried with him the knowledge and memories of his past selves, though his demeanor often betrayed little of the weight he bore.

J'onn adjusted his stance, his tall, imposing figure hidden in the shadows. He had spent weeks preparing for this moment, gathering the necessary information, and ensuring that his approach would not provoke unnecessary hostility.

Clark and J'onn had worked together to lay the groundwork for this meeting. The Justice Society of America (JSA), once the world's first superhero team, had been disbanded in around 1990, and had become fragmented in the years that followed. Hawkman, one of the Society's most enduring members, had grown increasingly reclusive, focusing on his research and personal endeavors rather than heroics.

J'onn, however, knew that Carter was not someone who could easily turn away from a call to action. The key was to present him with a reason that resonated deeply—a cause worth fighting for.

Clark had provided J'onn with a critical piece of information: the whereabouts of Carter's long-lost wife, Shayera, the reincarnation of his eternal partner. This revelation, carefully withheld until the right moment, would serve as both a gesture of goodwill and an undeniable incentive.

"You have to be careful with him," Clark had said during one of their planning sessions. "Carter's loyalty is strong, but so is his pride. He needs to see this as something worth his time and effort—not just for the world, but for himself."

J'onn stepped into the museum, his footsteps echoing softly against the marble floor. The dimly lit space was filled with artifacts from ancient Egypt—Carter's area of expertise and a clear connection to his origins as the first Hawkman. At the far end of the room, Carter Hall stood examining a gilded helm, his sharp eyes reflecting the golden hue of the artifact.

"I don't recall the museum being open this late," Carter said without turning, his voice calm but edged with suspicion.

J'onn stepped closer, his emerald skin hidden by the human guise of Detective John Jones. "It isn't. But I didn't come to see the exhibits, Carter."

Carter finally turned, his eyes narrowing as he took in J'onn's figure.

"John Jones," he said, the name rolling off his tongue with faint recognition. "Or should I call you by another name?"

J'onn tilted his head slightly. "You may call me whichever you prefer. Tonight, I am simply a messenger."

Carter folded his arms, his stance guarded but curious. "A messenger for what?"

J'onn's expression remained steady. "The world is on the brink of changes it isn't prepared for. Threats beyond what it has faced before are approaching, and the fragmented state of its protectors leaves it vulnerable. I am here to ask you to help rebuild what was lost."

Carter raised an eyebrow. "Rebuild? JSA disbanded nearly a decade ago for a reason. And the members—well, most of us have moved on. Why should we come back now?"

J'onn stepped forward, his voice measured. "Because this time, it is not about ego or politics. It is about survival. And you, Carter Hall, are among the few with the knowledge, experience, and conviction to unite those who remain."

Carter regarded him for a moment, his sharp eyes searching J'onn's face for any sign of deceit. "You're asking me to round up old friends for a cause you haven't even explained fully."

J'onn's gaze didn't waver. "Not just a cause. A future. And I come with something that may make this decision easier for you."

At this, Carter's expression shifted, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his guarded demeanor. "I'm listening."

J'onn took a step closer, his tone low and deliberate. "Shayera."

The name hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Carter's composed exterior cracked, his eyes narrowing sharply. "What did you say?"

"Shayera," J'onn repeated. "The reincarnation of your wife. I know where she is. And I can help you find her."

Carter's fists clenched at his sides, his emotions warring beneath the surface. "You're playing a dangerous game, Jones."

"This isn't a game," J'onn replied firmly. "This is an offer. The information I carry is real. But it comes with a request: help us build the Justice League. Bring the JSA members together to join in, and in return, I will ensure you are reunited with her."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Carter's eyes burned with a mix of skepticism and longing. Finally, he exhaled, his stance loosening slightly. "You have my attention. But if you're lying to me—"

"I do not lie," J'onn interrupted, his voice calm but unwavering. "You know that as well as I do."

Carter held his gaze for a moment longer before nodding. "Fine. I'll hear you out. But this had better be worth it."

J'onn inclined his head slightly, a faint trace of satisfaction crossing his otherwise stoic face. "You will not regret this decision, Carter Hall. Together, we will ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated."

---