Too Late
"Superboy!"
It was too late. Devastated and staggered, Superman watched as Superboy was shot down by Kryptonite bullets. And suddenly, it was like he had been shot himself.
Everything Superman had done to the clone. Neglect. Verbal abuse. Yelling at him for trying to make amends. Was there no more chances?
"Superboy!"
"Ahhh!"
"Conner!"
"Somebody help him!"
"Supes!"
Superman snapped out of it and ran to his clone's downed form, destroying anything that got too close. Soon the enemy retreated, their mission over. Instantly, everyone ran to Superboy, Batman barking orders. The entire time, Superman stood frozen, looking at the abruptly small and pale body.
What has he done?
Soon, Superboy, Batman, and medics were in the med-bay of the Watchtower, trying to save the boy's life. Young Justice and Superman were in the waiting room, everyone had already left after the first five hours passed.
"This is all your fault," Wally mumbled, petting Artemis who was hiding in his chest, silently crying.
Superman frowned, unconsciously glaring at the speedster. "I was under the impression it was no one's fault," he replied calmly.
Wally huffed. "But it is," he said.
"He jumped in and saved your back," Robin said softly, staring at the ground. "Superboy had to save your blind spot."
Superman tensed and kept silent, more regret and guilt building in his chest. Why hadn't he been watching his surroundings? Was this really his fault?
At that moment, the surgery light turned off with a ding; quickly, everyone was standing at the door with hopeful expressions. Slowly, the door opened and the Batman walked out looking grim; he shook his head, face solemn. The kids gasped and sobs broke out among them. Superman's fist clenched and he growled at the ground.
Quietly, so only he would hear; Batman whispered. "He's gone now. Are you any happier?"
Superman jerked and then, he was gone. Flying away from his mistakes. If you looked, you'd notice the drops of water falling behind him.
~3 months later~
"Team," Batman called and the five teens plus adult looked up from their studying.
It has been a little over three months since Superboy aka Conner, had died. The Team still grieved over him but did not let it stop them from doing what was right.
Superman had disappeared into his Fortress of Solitude for a month to grieve alone before he returned and made amends (many tears). It wasn't long before Superman became a Den Mother, teaching the kids like he should have done in the beginning for Superboy.
"What is it Batman?" Superman asked, he was helping the teens with homework.
Batman gave the smallest of smiles before gesturing for someone behind him to come onward.
"I'd like for you to meet Conner's older brother from Cadmus, Match, aka Kendall Kent," Batman replied.
Everyone gasped as a boy walked forward, the splitting image of Conner and Superman, but he was taller and buffer than the deceased sibling. Kendall's eyes were also black with blue pupils and he has a white shirt with the 'S' shield instead of black.
Superman smiled, wiping away a single tear before walking forward and holding his hand out.
"It's nice to meet you Kendall, my name is Clark Kent," he greeted warmly.
Kendall's eyes widened. "My father?" he asked shocked and hopeful.
Superman's smile brightened more. "Always son," he replied firmly.
Kendall smiled and his hand met Superman's. It was then that everyone knew, Superman wouldn't be late this time.
End.