Becoming Superboy 28
More than half of the world placed him on a pedestal. They believed he had no fault. No, weakness. No, anger. They were wrong. He knew he was to act the part of Superman sometimes while under his skin he was itching to set loose and just hit the monsters with all his strength. At that point after exchanging blows with the narcissist H'El, he wasn't sure he could keep himself in check. He reminded him of all that he did not like about Krypton, of the outcast he would be if the planet were still around.
"Kara," he saw Kon struggling just to get up and reach Supergirl.
"You manipulative monster, I thought you served the House of El," he said as H'El used Kara's cape to hang her from a pole.
"But I do Kal El, this serves a superior purpose than of us alone could accomplish. I need Kara, but you… well," the next moment his face was buried in a mountain of pavement. His brain rattled inside his skull as H'El pulled him out by the front of his uniform. His voice was like venomous hiss "I have been observing you since I arrived here 'Superman.' I am revolted by the spectacles and the slave title. The way you traded your heritage in exchange for the worship and distress of the beasts who pervade this world."
If he weren't sure it would get him killed, he would have already spat on H'El's face. He couldn't expect this monster to truly understand the purpose that the planet had given him. Of the magnificent things, they were able to accomplish even among all that was rotten.
"Thank me once you get to the shores of Perpetual Joy, Kal El. Thank me for putting you out of the wretchedness that is your existence," dammit. He had to move but it was as if something was keeping his body still, a force he couldn't touch but sense.
"Hey!" H'El dropped him, but the sensation of being held was still there. He looked up and saw Superboy trying to subdue H'El, though with little success "You are all kinds of fucked up!"
"Let go of him Superboy!" it was a losing battle for the kid. He had an arm wrapped around H'El neck while the other was bending the right arm while his knees were buried on H'El's back. It was one of Superboy's favorite moves for it was one of the few that could actually drive him to his knees.
"No, way!" Kon's eyes turned red as his body started to shine with red outpours of energy. For a moment, H'El looked worried before he started fighting back with what he guessed was similar abilities. "This guy owes me too many!" the red burst of energy wrapped around H'El's before one of his knees bent.
"That was unwise, Kon El," H'El said through greeted teeth before his black tar eyes started shining. With one swift movement of his arm, he sent Kon crashing into the street head first. "When you touched me, you grasped out with your T.K., to try to study me, But in that that instant I also learned about you. Right down to your chromosomal core," he watched as H'El made Kon's body float into the air. Kon was gasping for air as he struggled to free himself. "You are much more than simply a clone. Worse, you are a crossbreed. You are more than one race spliced together. I am going to fix that!"
"IIIIEEEE!" Kon started screaming, "AARRRGH!"
"Let him go!" he shouted at H'El. If he could break his concentration, Superboy could-
"Here is your toy Kal El," he threw Superboy's unconscious body at him, "that's all that he is. He is not really alive, has never been. Your encouragement to him and his actions are nothing but a mockery of real life. It's all fake down to every expression he has shown you, an insult to life."
"Stay… stay away from him!" Kon, he wasn't moving. He listened for his heartbeat. It was weak, but it was still there, "He is under my protection!" He hoped old Kryptonian rules would help. As the head of the House of El, he could take others in. Not that H'El had much respect for him, but he was too hurt to try anything else.
"The proud last son of Krypton and the House of El placing protection over a clone? How shameful." He felt that force wrap him and Kon again before they were slammed against the wall of a building. H'El flew to be in front of them. He held Kon's body tighter. He wouldn't let him hurt him anymore. "Realize Kal El that each breath you take, each day you have left in this world is a gift from me to the memory Jor El. But do not push me. My patience has a limit."
"I won't let you get away with this H'El," that was a promise.
"You and your wants and your dreams are of no consequence to anyone. You are nothing to me 'Superman.' No, you are less than nothing." H'El said though his glare was centered on Kon, not him. He turned in the air then and went to get Kara where he left her hanging.
The moment they were gone, he could move again. He fell to the ground, twisting to fall on his back as to not hurt Superboy further. His face looked pale, almost dead. What had he done to Kon? He got up, felt his fractured bones start healing. Kon's body wasn't doing anything, barely breathing, barely beating but for how long. He took into the air. He had to fix, no, he had to heal him. He was not a thing. He was not just a clone. He was not just some weapon created to kill him. He was a boy. He was his family. They picked their own destinies. They choose to be different. They chose not to be puppets. He wasn't going to let it end here.
His vitals were getting weaker by the second. Kon told him not to apologize anymore, but he wanted to apologize to him again for not being there for him the first months of his existence. There were many things he wanted to tell him but never did because he never thought of losing him, his little brother. He wanted to tell the kid that the arrogance and recklessness he claimed were Luthor's were also his, so he didn't need to feel guilty about that anymore. He wanted to tell him that yes, he had been a little afraid of him at first, but not because of the reason he was created. He had been afraid to mess up. He wasn't his parents who had been so patient with him. When he saw him the first time, it was like going back in time to those days he only had to worry about keeping his powers hidden, and how he would ask Lana out.
He made it to the fortress and sped through the halls to the medical room. Though rarely used, he always made sure it wasn't forgotten.
"If you can hear me, I need you to stay still. I am going to help you," he placed Kon on the probing table. At once it got working before displaying a 3D imagery of Kon's body. Besides the trauma his body had gone through, something was happening at a genetic level. He blamed himself for not looking further into how he was made. To hell with his discomfort; he used his microscopic vision to its limits. What he saw disturbed him. He had expected the two strands of the DNA belonging to him and Luthor, but instead he found three. That was impossible or was this H'El's doing? No, there was a main strand and the other two complemented it as if balancing its existence but now they were becoming undone. That was H'El's doing.
He thought of Kara and what H'El would do to her if she went against him. She was in a lot more danger than he initially thought. If torture didn't work, he was sure H'El would make use of his gift for lying and deceiving.
"Kon El's condition is deteriorating steadily. Human and Kryptonian DNA has been identified and analyzed. The third strand does not fall into any classification," he listened to the computer say, but no answer as to how to stop it.
A third strand, not human or Kryptonian. This was his fault. If he hadn't been so objective about having to become family to the boy, he would have realized this sooner. Because he didn't know this third strand, he didn't know how to help him.
"Genetic Meltdown estimated time ten minutes," the computer announced. He heard Krypto and Wolf whine from the entrance. Neither one wanted to go inside. He couldn't start panicking; he had to think of something. "Possible solution; create a stable environment for the three strands of DNA to knit back together."
"Like a cast of a broken arm," but how does one target and contain DNA. The other two were linked to it, so… he left the room and returned a few moments later with a small chest. He never thought he would have to make use of this. Hell, he had been worried about using it himself, but they didn't have any choice at that time. He opened the chest and inside were the crest of his family. It looked modest, but he knew some of the secrets it hid and the rest still baffled him.
"I am not sure this is going to work Kon, but know that his would have eventually become yours. This is my Kryptonian battle armor. It responds to my DNA, yours too. It protects beyond what a regular armor does so it might be able to save you." His uniform was modeled after it. He didn't feel people would be comfortable with him flying around in armor.
He placed the crest over the one of his black and red suit. It had attached itself immediately before it started spreading out with the familiar tones of blue, but it was no longer Earthling material.
The wonder stopped the moment Superboy opened his eyes.
8888
"AAAAAGH!" he screamed. He trashed where he lay trying to fight the pain that was covering his body and invading every molecule of his being. He saw a glance of Superman; he was doing this to him. Fear wrapped around his mind. He wanted him gone. He had to escape. He tried to bolt away but then Superman was holding him down, "what are you doing!"
"You are going to be fine! Just try to stay still," Superman said struggling to actually keep him on the table.
"Are you crazy!" he shouted at the top of his lungs. It felt horrible as if someone had poured acid on his senses and set fire to his guts.
"It's the only way," Superman said looking even more worried for him, well that was a first. "What H'El did to you could have killed you."
"What a hell are you talking about!" but the pain was starting to subside though he still felt as if something was missing.
"I will explain everything you can't remember, but you have to calm down first, Kon," Superman told him letting go of him.
He relaxed as much as he could on the cold table, which wasn't mush. His senses were flooded with sounds, scents. It had never taken him this much effort to control them.
"Your genetic core is starting to heal. It's likely what H'El did to you isn't permanent, but you have to make sure you don't remove the armor until we are certain you are okay. How is your temper fairing?" he asked giving him a scrutinizing stare.
"Excuse me?" okay, so he had messed up, but that was uncalled for. The guy barely talked to him.
"The armor is prioritizing your Kryptonian DNA, bot ignoring your human DNA. By prioritizing the Kryptonian end so some of your Kryptonian abilities are heightened," Superman said as he kept going over the information the computer was giving him.
"My human DNA?" how could he have known?
"I was worried it would affect you similarly to the Shields, but since it's also healing your human side it looks like the main effect is disorientation," Superman said with a sigh of relief.
"You know about the Shields, but how?" and how come he wasn't angry? He sat up but felt dizzy right away.
"Lay down, Kon. I will need you at your best to fight H'El," he told him pushing him to lie down again.
"I don't understand anything," he said shaking his head.
"What is the last thing you remember?" Superman asked him, "I will try to explain as much as possible."
He couldn't help looking away from him "Dhabar."
"What about Dhabar?" Superman asked him.
"Oh c'mon! Are you really going to make me tell you? You were there!" he snapped at him sitting up. He slapped his hand away when he tried to make him lie down again.
"I… Kon…" Superman looked shocked.
"It's Conner if you are going to call me by my civilian name at least use the right one," he said crossing his arms before he noticed what he was wearing. This was the thing that made his skin feel like it wasn't his.
"Kon is not your civilian name; it's your Kryptonian name," Superman said with a scowl.
"What?" he asked looked straight at the man. He heard his heart, he was telling the truth. But, he didn't remember receiving a Kryptonian name. Had he given him one without his knowing?
"And the last time we were in Dhabar… that was years ago… when you were using the Shields…" the rest went unsaid. Realization had dawned on his features before he stared at him. It made him uncomfortable as if he was looking at a complete stranger.
"Wait a minute; are you saying I lost my memories?" he asked feeling his blood drain from his face.
"H'El must have known the armor would help you. He is trying to set us back even further. Remembering Dhabar isn't a mere coincidence. He wants us set against one another," Superman said looking warier.
"Who? What are you-" he was ready to bolt away and find his friends. Maybe they could explain what was really going on.
"Conner, you need to stay calm. We are going to figure this out together," he stopped him again, "I know your memories of me are not good right now, but believe me; things have changed. I will help you get your memories back, but we need to save Supergirl first, she is my cousin, and defeat the guy who did this to you."
"Your cousin?" there was more Kryptonians?
"Supergirl, long story short arrived a few years ago and would do anything to restore Krypton. If H'El, who claims to be Kryptonian, can really do it, it won't be without consequences," Superman said going back to the computer. From what he could understand he was programming the computer to check for any anomalies in the planet.
"And your cousin would help him?" he asked standing on shaky feet before joining him.
"He is a deceiver, Conner. And, when someone misses their home as much as Kara they are easy to trick," Superman said as he kept looking for signs of them.
"I guess," he guessed he would do the same in her place, but still, to put others in danger. It felt senseless.
Superman turned to face him. "We promised a long time ago not to hide anything from one another, not since the situation with the Shields. You and Kara don't get along that entirely well. I know you two try but there is still a lot to work on. Krypton had a history with clones; a difficult one which Kara lived. No matter what she or H'El say, don't let them get to you. You are more than just a clone."
"I am your clone," he said with a frown. Though the words were meant to comfort, it actually made him uncomfortable. The guy was actually okay with him, when did that happen? It was odd.
"Well yes. Don't you dare make fun of me when you get your memories back, but you are also Conner Kent; aspiring reporter, Kon of the House of El, and Superboy; a hero in his own right," Superman said scratching the back of his head. It seemed the guy had trouble opening up. Now he knew who he got that from.
"I don't need my memories to start making fun of you now," it was so corny.
"That can wait, now let's track H'El down," Superman said turning back to the computer.
He heard a whine and turned around to find Wolf alongside a large white dog.
"Wolf!" the mutt jumped on him before being joined by the dog.
"You two go play somewhere else," Superman told Wolf and the dog before they left. Wolf ran and the dog flew.
"What was that?" a flying dog, and he noticed he was wearing the S too.
"My dog," Superman said with a small smirk, "don't think much about it. You will get all of your memories back."
"And what if I don't?" just thinking about it made him want to escape that place, wherever they were.
"That won't happen," Superman said waving him off, concentrating instead on finding their targets.
"How can you be so sure?" he asked as his chest felt tight. He wanted to take the damn suit off, but he bet it was as painful as putting it on.
"I just know. You are not the kind to give up," he said giving him a fixed stare. Was he just as stubborn?
He felt exhausted and went to sit on the cold table. He wanted to understand what was going on. It was just wrong that he finally got along with Superman, but he couldn't remember how it happened.
"How many years?" he asked after a minute of consideration.
"Conner…" Superman said with a pained stare.
"I need to know," he needed some control over this whole thing.
"Since Dhabar, seven years a few months; today is the ninth of February of 2018," Superman said in a deadpan.
He was speechless. He was missing seven years.
"Ko… Kon," Superman said placing a hand on his shoulder, "you can trust me. When I said you will get your memories back, it means you will."
How could he be so sure?
"The real world doesn't work that way," he remembered Luthor's words after he found Match. "Things are not cut so clean. The world isn't black and white."
"Of course it isn't that simple," Superman said with a raised eyebrow, "but because it isn't that simple, it also means that the possibilities are infinite. Someway, somehow out there is a way to restore your memories, and we will find it."
He was about to refuse again, but then a voice rang through the strange room in a language he didn't recognize. Superman responded in the same language before the screen he had been using before was taken over the image of a man with a domino mask he didn't recognize.
"Superman, Superboy, report. Why haven't you two answered your communicators?"
"They were damaged during the fight, Nightwing," Superman said giving him a brief glance.
"What was that thing that attacked you? We sent part of the team to help with the wreckage, but they say its' too extensive," the Nightwing said with a frown before looking directly at him, he knew this guy "and why are you wearing that?"
"It's a long story," Superman answered for him, to which the other man frowned even further. "The important thing is that you tell the League to not confront him. His name is H'El and he claims to be from Krypton," he said as he started sending them the information he gathered.
"Meaning he has the same powers as you," Nightwing said before showing them the satellite pictures they had captured of H'El. Superboy felt a shudder run through his body when he saw the scarred body, and black tar eyes. But more importantly the man was hurting him and he seemed to enjoy it.
"I believe he also has powers like Kon's," Superman said keeping a straight face. He did his best to do the same, but he was dying to ask what powers he was talking about.
"We can send Shazam and Martian Manh-" Nightwing started to say.
"No," Superman said with a set jaw, "we will deal with him. He claims to be a member of our family. He is our responsibility."
"Not when countless lives might be at risk Superman," Nightwing, who was clearly younger, crossed his arms.
"Nightwing, don't send anyone after him if you find him. They won't stand a chance. We barely made it and he has Kara," Superman said somehow able to look taller.
"Kon, is that right?" Nightwing asked him, now looking at the armor he was wearing with new understanding.
"He can cause damage to a molecular level. It's too risky," he said placing a hand over the shield.
"I see," he said with a scowl, "Watchtower will also look for them, and inform you if we find anything."
"Thank you Nightwing," Superman said releasing a breath he had been holding.
"I trust you will also keep the Titans away from this," Nightwing said to him.
He knew it was their fight alone, so he nodded.
The man gave them a curt nod, "Nightwing out," and the screen returned to its original display.
"Why did we lie?" it felt wrong to lie but guessed Superman wouldn't ask him to do it without a good reason.
"Like you said, the world isn't black and white. If others learn, even if they are your friends, they may try to make you changes in the life that you lead now. They would have an advantage over you that when you regained your memories might make you break bonds with them," Superman said actually looking tired.
"But you wouldn't?" he asked.
"I know you enough to trust your judgment," Superman said, "and respect your decisions."
"Oh," this was a dream, right?
"I think it will be better if I take you back to the apartment. We had a plan in case something like this happened," Superman said walking towards the exit.
"You are not serious," he said floating after him. He realized it and froze in the air for a moment.
"It was your idea after your third encounter with Psimon," Superman said not one bit surprised.
Okay, that made sense. He thought as he followed after him.
"C'mon, we will take a Zeta beam to metropolis."
The trip was thankful to the Zeta Beam uneventful. But, entering the Watchtower was something else.
"Superboy!" a green kid with a monkey's tale ran to him.
"Beast Boy," Superman whispered.
"Wow, you guys actually look tired. Is that guy really big trouble?" Beast Boy said looking at him very concerned, "cool uniform by the way."
"That's enough Gart," Kaldur said walking up to them before handing them new communicators, "we appreciate your assistance with this situation Superboy, the whole League does."
What did he mean by that? His friend still seemed to be his friend but not as close as they used to be. When the rest couldn't take something seriously, he was always sure he could count Kaldur to see reason.
"We need to get to Metropolis," Superman told Kaldur.
"It will take a minute. We are moving others into Metropolis to help with the wreckage and keeping the Titans unaware of the situation." The last part he said directly to him, "you haven't had any contact with them, right?"
"None," he had no idea who they were.
"Not that many of us would be of help against someone with both of your powers," Kaldur said with a frown.
"We will defeat him," Superman said with the stubbornness which was starting to feel more familiar.
"Your Zeta Beam will be ready in a moment, c'mon Gart," Kaldur beginning to walk away.
"I will be there in a sec," Beast Boy said to which Kaldur actually sighed but left nonetheless. He looked tentatively at Superman, who turned around and went to wait by the Zeta Beam, not that he couldn't hear everything that was being said.
"What is it?" he asked the fifteen-year-old.
"Can I join the Titans?" he asked in a rush.
"The Titans," what the hell were the Titans? He sincerely wanted to ask.
"I know you don't want to make my big sister angry. No one would ever wish to make a Martian angry," this kid was related to M'gann? "But I really want to join you guys. I am tired of being locked here. It would be so cool to live in San Francisco and spend time again with Blue Beetle, Kid Flash, and Red Robin. I hate being the youngest around."
"Beast Boy…" what was he supposed to tell the kid? He apparently looked up to him but to him he was a complete stranger.
"The Zeta Beam is ready," Superman called to him.
"I know you need to talk it with Red Robin. But you know I would make a great addition to your team," Beast Boy said with a confident smile before shifting into a cheetah and then running off. Beast Boy was a fitting name.
They stepped into the Zeta Beam before flying straight to an apartment in the middle of the city. He remembered the last time he was in Metropolis, Superman had scolded him for jumping on the bridge.
"Here it is," Superman said bringing out a black sphere from where he guessed was his bedroom, "it was a gift to you by the people of New Genesis. It's made out of Promethium and only responds to you."
He held it for a moment and then it opened to reveal a simple flash drive.
"I will go back to the Fortress. My phone is on the speed dial number one if anything happens. Don't use the communicator if you have questions. If Kid Flash, Blue Beetle or Red Robin stop by tell them what is going on. I don't think there is anything wrong with that, but make sure they don't try to fight H'El."
"Alright," he said, "but what did Kaldur mean by-"
"You better hear it from yourself. You actually updated the memory no long after things changed," Superman said before flying away.
He went to the computer in the living room and connected the flash drive. It was full of recordings, all of them dated. He decided to do the best thing and start with the first one.
"Today is March 25th, of the year 2011. My name is Conner Kent, also known as Superboy, also known as Project Kr. If you are watching this, you might not remember any of this. You are the partial clone of Superman created by the organization known as CADMUS. The rest of your DNA comes from Lex Luthor, but don't be tricked by him. He is not to be trusted. You were created to replace Superman or defeat him if he ever turns away from the light. But that's not going to happen. Since escaping CADMUS; Aqualad, Robin, and Kid Flash helped you find a new purpose. Joining them, alongside Miss Martian, Artemis, and Zatanna, you became part of the Team. You all go through constant training from the League and assist in reckon missions though more often than not they turn into brawls."
"You get along with all of your teammates, there are no rivalries. You are in a relationship with Miss Martian. You can trust Superman and everyone in the League. You have two pets; Sphere and Wolf. Your powers are Super-Strenght, and Super-senses. You live in Mount Justice and attend Happy Harbor High…
He listened to himself spew fact after fact of things he already knew. He was ready to turn it off when it reached the part of the Shields. He was all ears after that. Apparently, after defeating The Light, he and Superman started spending more time together. They became close, like brothers through training and the Kryptonian coming of age ceremony. He listened to himself explain about enemies, new friends and allies, about where his social life was at the time. It was very through. Still, he knew he was still missing about five years. He wanted to fast forward but found he was unable to. What if he missed something important?
Today is July 5th, of the year 2013. Today, you were informed that you don't physically age so don't be worried if the face in the mirror remains the same.
Something like that. It was the shortest of the videos and right after it, he rushed to the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. It was true. Though his hair was a little longer, his face remained the same. He hadn't thought about that with all that was going on. It wasn't a surprise Superman didn't want to be the one to tell him. If he were there, he would be shouting and even try to pick a fight with him for not telling him before. Not that there would ever be a good time to tell him. Though he was supposed to learn as much as possible, he needed a break.
He went to the apartment's living room. There were pictures of him and Superman in his civilian disguise. He found the big guy's bedroom; didn't go in, another bedroom which was completely empty and then he went to his own bedroom. He went inside temptingly and realized there were a lot of books. Every single title caught his attention and he knew why he picked them. He went to a small desk in the corner and saw the school books lying there. He wanted to be a journalist, which was a little harder to understand. He opened his closet and found some of the clothes he didn't like and a pair of dark framed glasses, just like the ones Superman wore with his civilian disguise. He put on some of those clothes over the armor and the glasses. There was a full body mirror inside the closet. He couldn't stare at his reflection for long. It bothered him to hide who he really was.
Still, he remained in the civilian clothing. He believed he might not get his memories back, so he might as well get used to the idea.
He went back to the computer and started reading over a document when something crashed into the living room. He turned around and found a kid standing there looking frazzled and worried.
"Suppey!" he shouted even though he was in his civilian disguise.
"Who are you?" he asked standing and stepping back.
"Not crash! I need your help! Grandpa has gone mad!" the boy shouted before ducking. Someone at super-speed just tried to tackle the kid, "get those things away from me!"
And then the kid was gone and so was the person chasing him. He picked the phone in the kitchen and dialed Superman's number.
"Is there a problem?" Superman answered on the other line.
"Two speedsters crashed into the apartment and then left," he made sure to stay alert in case they returned.
"One blond and the other auburn?" Superman said not one bit surprised. They had asked Flash to keep Kid Flash distracted.
"Yes," he said with a frown, "and the blond had two weird puppets." Though it had been only a fraction of a moment, there was no mistaking what he saw, "just how bizarre has my life become?"
"That's new even for me, but I will make sure to ask Flash about it," Superman said with a short laugh.
He went back to reading the journals he had written at some point and not blaming the kid for running away. Just remembering those puppets made him shudder.
After reading what he wrote about the Kryptonian Clone Rebellion, he started another recording. His appearance bothered him. There was a gauze on his forehead and he was apparently trying to conceal his anger. However, his words betrayed him.
"October 18, 2013. This day you met Kara Sor-El, Kal El's cousin on the side of his father; also known as Supergirl. She does not like you. She tried to lobotomize you. However, she is also a member of the House of El. Superman has asked you both to try to get along. Neither of you wants it, but it's either that or the two of you will end up killing each other. Kara is blond with blue eyes. She is short tempered and a snob. She considers Earth to be primitive. She currently lives with Kal El's adoptive parents. It's not likely you will see her often, but if you do be wary of her."
And that was who they were trying to save? He wished he could just say no, but she was still Superman's cousin.
The sun was starting to set by the time he got to sadder recordings. The second Robin died at hands of the Joker. The first Wonder Girl left them, deciding to fight on her own against Wonder Woman's wishes. New members entered the team and others moved on; Wally and Artemis among them. However, he explained the reason why Wally left. His body could barely stand the running anymore. Artemis left because she loved him.
"March 2nd, 2014. Tula died to keep Tiamat dormant once again. Kaldur left the Team. Today we learned that he had joined his biological father; Black Manta."
But he just saw Kaldur at the Watchtower and he seemed to be fine.
"July 11th, 2014. Miss Martian is using her powers to force information out of villains' minds and leaves them comatose. When you found out, she tried to make you forget. You didn't let her and broke up with her hoping she would care enough to stop doing it. She didn't. Recently, she has become very close to Lagoon Boy. Keep an eye out for the kid, he might be annoying, but no one deserves to have their mind manipulated."
"September 16. 2014. Today you received an official invitation from the League to join them. You, Miss Martian, and Nightwing all declined. Nightwing did it because he is the current leader of the Team and feels responsible for letting Kaldur go. Miss Martian stayed because she wants to look after Beast Boy. You are staying to keep an eye on her and keep her from hurting others."
"Conner! Are you in there!" someone started banging on the door. He stopped the recordings but stayed where he was. He didn't recognize that voice. "C'mon answer if you are in there! Why aren't you answering your cell? I am sorry if I made you upset last night!" The girl kept banging on his door. "Dammit, Conner! There was an attack downtown and I will die if I keep wondering if you were caught in the crossfire! You never miss class or miss an appointment! You are a good guy!" Was she crying? "You are my only friend!"
He opened the door just as the girl was about to bang on his door again.
"Conner!" she hugged him immediately, "thank goodness you are okay! Why wouldn't you say anything?" she looked up at him with teary eyes.
"I was sleeping," was the only thing he could think to say.
"Oh," she said looking embarrassed, "sorry, but I… Oh God, I feel like an idiot."
"I was there," which was sort of right from what he understood, "I didn't get hurt, but I thought staying home would be for the best."
"Really? What did you see? Some people say they saw Superboy, and Superman being beaten by some type of alien," her attitude did a 180 and she was almost on his face with wide eyes.
"That sounds about right," he said stepping back.
"As much as I dislike the guy, I hope he is okay," she said looking worried.
"Ehm…" who was this girl? She was like a storm of emotions.
"Oh sorry, would you like to work on the interview? To take your mind off things. I am sure the League and the Titans will be able to handle it," she said ready to step inside, but he stopped her.
"Not today," he told her with a frown, besides he had no idea what interview she was talking about.
"Okay, I guess I can send you what I found about them. See you tomorrow then" though she didn't look too happy about going but relieved that he was okay; as far as she knew. After closing the door, he leaned against it and slid down until he was sitting.
The communicator made a small ping. Please let it be Superman.
"Kon? How are you? I mean, I know that guy… well, anyways. We found your stuff in the rubble. It's not too damaged, but we thought you might want them back," it was M'gann. The hairs on the back of his head stood on their ends. What if she was the one responsible for what was happening to him?
"I can't go right now," he said trying to keep his voice steady.
"Actually, Guardian is driving your motorcycle to your place. He will be there in a few minutes. Don't worry; we got your new address from Superman," she said with a hint of concern in her voice.
"I see," he was still wary of her. According to his recordings they had been together a long time and she betrayed his trust when he did something she didn't like.
"Are you okay?" she asked in a whisper.
"What is it to you?" he couldn't help snapping.
"Sorry, I asked, anyways I just wanted to ask if Beast Boy had spoken to you or any of the rest about joining you," she said in a stern voice.
"Why?" he asked sitting on the living room couch.
"What do you mean by… He is like my brother Kon, why else?" she used a tone he had never heard her use. She was genuinely angry, and he could hear some resentment too.
"What if we accepted him? What would you do then?" was she still manipulating the minds of others?
"I… look; I didn't call you to start a fight. I am glad you are well enough to want to, but not today. Just consider if he is really ready. Bye." And just like that the conversation was over.
A few minutes after Guardian called, but it was not the same Guardian he knew. When he went to the building's parking lot, he met with no other than Mal. What was his high school classmate doing there?
"You seem to have seen better days," Mal said getting off a beautiful, though scratched, machine before handing him a rugged backpack.
"Thanks," he said wondering how the guy that could only talk about Superman could become a hero himself. He was admittedly strong, but he hadn't seen anything special about him back then.
"Was it that bad?" Mal asked as he pushed the motorcycle to a spot matching with his apartment number, "you never let anything happen to your bike."
"I don't know, things are sort of confusing," the guy seemed to be more down to Earth than before but still annoying.
"I bet," Mal said looking at him with a frown.
"What?" he asked with narrowed eyes.
"You seem different," Mal said, "are you okay?"
"I just told you I don't know," he snapped at Mal who looked taken back.
"I will take that as a no," he said with a curious look. "I haven't seen you act like this in a long time."
"Whatever," he said starting to walk towards the elevator.
However, he never made it there.
"Conner!" he heard Mal shout as he was taken underground, breaking barrier after barrier of concrete and pipes.
He heard the same language he had heard Superman speak beforehe saw a beautiful, angry face. It didn't take him long to realize who she was. The way she punched and shouted at him, at times sneering his name. "Kon!"
"Leave me alone!" he shouted before his eyes felt like coals.
"Ahhh!" she screamed covering her face as he burned her. He was glad it hurt.
He got off from under her and flew out the hole she tried to bury him in. He tore at the civilian clothes until the armor was the only thing left. He found Mal at the edge of the hole as he was calling the rest of the Team.
"Don't!" he shouted pushing him back, "she is too strong!"
He was flying away as fast as he could after that. Away from the building and anyone else she could hurt. He heard Supergirl scream his name "Kon!" with so much rage and hatred. As soon as he was out of the parking lot, he was flying high, as fast as he could.
"That's enough!" he heard Miss Martian shout before Supergirl screamed. He turned around and flew back to find Supergirl fighting someone he didn't know. Her upper body was humanoid with white skin, red hair, fanged teeth, and bright red eyes. The bottom was of a giant snake wrapped around Supergirl, "Superboy, this isn't the time to stare!"
It was M'gann's voice, but she didn't look like the M'gann he remembered. Her appearance shouted White Martian and he remembered the confession he recorded so long ago about all the secrets they had kept.
"C'mon Superboy!" she shouted again, "knock her out!"
"I think not Martian," next thing he saw was the man from the Watchtower's recordings, H'El. He appeared out of nowhere. With a single too fast to see movement of his hand, he hit Miss Martian. She lost her grip on Supergirl, who then punched her in the gut, sending her flying back uncontrollably until he caught her. She was gasping for air as she held her stomach with a grimace. "This is not your fight. Go back to your world to your loved ones while you still can."
"My loved ones are here, and you are threatening to hurt one of them for something that was not his fault," Miss Martian then glared at Supergirl. Kara was glaring at them with so much hatred he swore she would not hesitate to kill them. Something seemed strange about it. Miss Martian gave him a quick glance to tell him she saw it too. Her eyes shone red and he knew she was trying to get a reading on Kara. A moment later her eyes widened.
"That's enough," and H'El's eyes shone with dark light before M'gann started holding her head.
"He is doing something to her," M'gann said as she now glared at H'El, "his powers are like yours, but getting stronger. That's why we couldn't find you two. You went to the sun!"
"Your interference is not welcomed here," he said before Miss Martian's body became rigid. Her teeth clenched as she tried to open her mouth to say something. Why wasn't she mind linking instead? Then, she was able to move again.
"Hello there, I don't think we have given you the proper welcome to our little blue world," he saw then that Shazam had H'El in a choke hold.
"Shazam, thank you," Miss Martian gasped before extending her powers towards Supergirl, who was taken back by the sudden appearance. Supergirl's eyes closed and then she was falling. He caught her before she could get too far.
"No probs, now you guys might want to get back," Shazam said with the same old cocky smile.
"Why can't I-" H'El grasped at Shazam's arm, trying to pry it away.
"Oh brother," Shazam laughed, "you are messing with the wrong god-power wielding dude. I am magic, something you Kryptonians are not good against." His eyes started to turn white with power. They knew what was coming.
They did as told. They tried to get as far as possible before they heard a deafening sound. They didn't turn around knowing Shazam was bombarding H'El with thunder.
"We have to get her as far as possible from H'El. He is twisting her memories to make you seem like her mortal enemy, no different than the clones that rebelled in Krypton," she said as they flew as fast as they could.
"He is brainwashing her?" he asked looking at the unconscious girl in his arms. Her expression said she was in a bad dream.
"Yes," the way she said it spoke of regret. Something had happened; she was different. "I am shielding our mental waves so he can't find us. I could use some help. What happened to your powers? I can't sense your T.K."
"I… don't know," he was started to hate saying those words.
"I am so sorry Kon, I really mean it. You worked so hard to control them," though her appearance was very intimidating, he could tell she was honest.
"I lost my memories," he said it before he realized it.
"What?" she asked stopping in midair.
"H'El did something to my genetic core, that's why I have to wear this thing, or I will be falling to pieces. The armor is enhancing my Kryptonian abilities, but this T.K. you are talking about…" he had no idea what she meant by it.
"Explain in the way to the fortress," she said starting to fly again.
He told her all he remembered. Never once did she question him. She just listened. He didn't tell her of the recordings exactly, but he told her he had been learning more about what had been going on through some means. She looked slightly sad that the last thing he learned about her was of her betrayal. When she spoke, it was with calm and even tone. She had made a mistake which almost costed Kaldur his mind. He had forgiven her, but she had yet to forgive herself. Since then, she explained, they had remained friends… sort of. They tried, but it was only until a little over half a year ago when his new powers awakened that it felt real.
It was by no means perfect for his new powers made her nervous by nature. It was the same for him. They couldn't mind link because his powers would backslash at her. She explained who the Titans were. They all had been donning the uniforms for a few years.
"But I think you wouldn't have left the Team if you didn't think they were that good," she told him with a sharp toothed smile.
"I don't know any of them," how could he trust some kids?
"You will remember," she said with a smile.
"Superman keeps saying the same. Neither of you knows if that will happen," and the recordings wouldn't be enough.
"I forgot what a downer you used to be," she laughed "after all I have seen on Earth, there is very little I don't believe possible."
He knew of the things they had done thanks to the recordings, but it was entirely different to have experienced them.
"Miss Martian, Superboy; report" their communicators activated and Robin, no Nightwing called to them.
"We are taking Supergirl to the Fortress. He was manipulating her. Shazam is fighting H'El," Miss Martian informed.
"Shazam was defeated," Nightwing reported, "Wonder Girl and Lagoon Boy just picked him up with the Bioship. He was badly hurt."
"That's can't be," Shazam was magic. He should have had the advantage in that fight.
Supergirl stirred on his arms.
"You have to take her and get as far as you can," Miss Martian stopped in midair.
"Superboy, you must not allow H'El to gain control of Supergirl again," Nightwing called through the communicator.
"I am not leaving you behind," if the guy were able to hurt Superman and Shazam, he could hurt anyone.
"I can protect myself," and before he could protest any further, she shed her humanoid appearance and turned into a giant white snake. There were no words to describe how terrifying she looked. Her eyes shone with a bloody light as her reptilian lips peeled back to display row after row of bone snapping fangs like those of a shark. A pair of green wings emerged on the slithery back as it turned in the air turning into a cold blooded barrier. At the end of her long coiling tail, there was what seemed to be a thorn and he could just bet it was not just for show 'go, he is breaking through my barrier. He will be here any moment.'
She communicated for the first time with him through her telepathic link. His whole back became rigid as strange sensation invaded him. Something inside his head was shouting danger. He could feel the link break the next moment. His powers, those he couldn't remember learning to control, were doing what was natural to them.
"Your mission is to take Supergirl to the Fortress," Nightwing said through the communicator. It was starting to annoy him how calm he sounded when their friend was about to face that monster "Superman has already been briefed on what is happening. He is ready to help you with Supergirl in case she is still partially under H'El's control."
"I am not leaving her behind," he said though every cell in his body was shouting to get as far as possible from the White Martian.
"Blue is on his way to meet you. If you don't get out of there, you are going to get him killed," Nightwing's voice took a cold tone.
"Then tell him to retreat," he said standing (floating?) his ground. Miss Martian's ruby eyes glared at him. He guessed she had no vocal cords in that form.
"You Titans don't answer to us, remember?" Nightwing said with mirth. Then, he spoke to him in a tone that he had only heard Batman speak in, "Red Robin might be your leader, but you are their senior, you are the one responsible for him. You knew this when you left with them. Now, take responsibility."
He opened his mouth to refute before he sensed Miss Martian trying to link with him again. His head started to buzz before he shook it. She retreated and glared at him even more. She wanted him gone.
"We are not done talking," he said and he could swear she rolled her frightening eyes at him. He flew away from her as fast as he could. The sooner he got Supergirl to Superman the faster they could go back to help Miss Martian.
"Superboy!" he heard a new voice shout after him. He slowed down only slightly for him, or better to say them to catch up with him. "I can't get hold of Kid Flash and Red Robin. I think the League is jamming us." A young man in blue insectoid armor reached him. From what Miss Martian had told him about the Titans he was the Blue Beetle. He definitely looked the part with the gleaming insect wings on his back.
"I know we are in deep shit if the guy was able to land a hit on you and Big Blue. But shouldn't we be looking for him?" but the Blue Beetle wasn't alone. A similar red armored man was with him. He looked stronger, but also less sure about himself as he flew alongside them. He smelled of new from miles away.
"Ehm, this is Thorax," Blue Beetle said looking unsure if this was the right time for introductions.
"We already met," Thorax said. That was just great; another name he couldn't remember "it's Paco, from the Posse. It has been a while, right?" he laughed nervously as he looked from Supergirl to him and back.
"Yeah," sure, why not, "we need to get Supergirl to the Fortress. Miss Martian is stalling H'El. He was able to defeat Shazam."
"How do these guys pick their names?" Thorax said with a frown.
"Then we don't have much time," Blue Beetle said shedding all previous insecurity, "Thorax, the wings are slowing us down. Use the thrusters instead." And then he watched the translucent blue wings disappear before the armor on his back transformed into the said thrusters. Thorax had done the same thing before they were racing through the sky at all speed.
"God!" shouted Thorax as he shielded his eyes out of instinct.
The Blue Beetle snapped at him, telling him that his eyes were shielded by the armor, but he would get hurt if he didn't watch where he was going. Thorax did as he was told and then they were flying fluently through the firmament. The snow banks had become more prominent before they spotted the Fortress of Solitude. Superman was outside waiting for them. He took Supergirl from his arms the next moment and raced inside.
"Can we really go inside?" Thorax asked, "this is like Superman's house, right?"
"We are staying here to guard," Blue Beetle said looking up at the sky and glaring at the enemy still to arrive. "I am guessing you don't want me calling Red Robin and Kid Flash since you haven't done it."
"H'El is too powerful," he said wondering if they should stay at all.
"Jaime…" Thorax said looking concerned. He didn't blame him.
"We are already involved," Blue Beetle said giving him a measured look. He could sense that armor wasn't just about the weapons and flying. He could see something else. "What happened to you?"
"I will explain later," he said rushing inside. The sooner Supergirl was okay, the faster they could go help Miss Martian.
"Friendly as ever," he heard Thorax say before he flew back to the infirmary.
He found Superman working on the same computer as before, but this time the one laying on the cold table was Supergirl. A virtual image of her brain was being displayed in the air. The frontal lobe was being highlighted. She was so still that if it wasn't for the highlighted part of her brain he would be wondering if she was alive. Then, she took a deep breath. It seemed her previous nightmare was gone.
"The League just called. Miss Martian was defeated," Superman said as he studied the readings the computer was giving him on Supergirl.
"Is she-?"
"Wonder Woman was able to get her out just in time. She is weak, but she will survive," Superman said with a frown. He didn't like what he saw in those readings.
"I tried to stay with her, but…" he should have just done it.
"You did the right thing. Shazam and Miss Martian have probably weakened H'El. I wish it hadn't ended the way it did, but nonetheless they helped us not just buying some time," Superman said placing a hand on Supergirl's forehead.
"Blue Beetle and Thorax are outside of the fortress," he said before Superman changed something on the screen and they had a view of the front of the fortress. Blue Beetle was standing where he left him looking at the sky. Thorax in the meanwhile was looking amazed at seeing Superman's dog fly around them. Wolf was sitting beside the Blue Beetle, also waiting for the enemy.
"Thorax?" Superman said with a frown. "No idea who that is, but Blue Beetle is a good judge of character." And the image was gone.
"He clearly is new at this," he said suppressing the urge to run a hand down his face. He had hoped Superman would agree with him and send them home. Who would oppose him anyway?
"And Blue Beetle knows it. He will take him out of here if he thinks he is in danger," Superman said too offhandedly for his liking.
"He is just a kid! I am telling them to go home!" he said starting to march back and tell them to get lost.
He heard a voice speak again in that language Superman and Supergirl had used before. He heard a gasp and turned around. H'El was choking Superman. He was saying something to Superman, before glaring at him and he had to guess at the armor he was wearing. His pitch black eyes stayed on the crest in the chest for too long. He sneered hi name "Kon" he knew what the name meant, but it still made him angry the way H'El said it. As if he not worth of life. He launched at H'El, but the joy of finally getting to punch him lasted only so little. Next thing he knew they were crashing into the snow a few miles away from the fortress.
He could only see a star-covered sky above him. It felt like he had been here once before. He had sat up before a hand appeared in front of him. He looked up and saw Superman offering to help him up. On the side of his face was a darkening bruise. It shook him that he didn't look as worried or scared as he felt. H'El had just single-handedly kicked them out of the fortress. This was a man that could probably move the moon out of its orbit, travel through space, and take a dip in the sun and there was someone stronger than him.
"Did we just get kicked out of the fortress?" he asked before he spotted Blue Beetle and Thorax flying towards them.
"We will get it back," Superman said pulling him up to his feet, "and Kara too."
"H'El activated some sort of energy field around the place," Blue Beetle said before he turned to look at the fortress. There was luminous green essence about it. "We tried breaking through it, but it's impossible."
"Great, he found the defense room," Superman said with a frown, "it won't be long before he gets access to the other chambers."
The other chambers, his recordings had mentioned in passing. Superman confiscated some of the most dangerous weapons in the universe and had them locked in those rooms. He trusted no one would ever be able to get them as the fortress was impenetrable. The technology used by the fortress was only understood by the remaining two Kryptonians and him. They hadn't counted on someone like H'El coming along.
"I know I am the new guy," Thorax said, "but I think shouldn't we be calling the League."
And he could tell Superman was reluctant, but it wasn't up to vote. The weapons in the Fortress were too dangerous. The League knew this.
"You should listen to him," they looked up and saw Wonder Woman flying down, "he might actually make you two see sense. What we do is not kids' game."
She wasn't alone. One of the League's ships was coming as well.
