CHAPTER 9.

The training went well, Carrie proved to be as skilled as their Robin, although it was apparent that she was new at this and didn't have as much muscle memory yet.

Batman and Robin didn't come back after showing BJ the room, they were probably talking, so it was to be assumed that Dick would not participate in today's training. Canary really wanted to know what Bruce had found out about the new kid, but she knew that he and Clark would fill her in later, so she didn't worry.

''Then I want to see the three of you fight together.'' Artemis pointed at Carrie, who smiled.

''I think we'd end up tied.''

''Nah, Robin wins easy.''

''Ah... Wally, all three are Robins, which one are you talking about?'' M'gann asked confused.

Wally does a facepalm. ''Ours.''

''Don't underestimate the other two Kid Flash, you've only seen part of their training.'' Canary exclaimed.

''Canary is right.'' Superman entered the room, surprising the team.

''Superman?'' Some asked and Dinah raised an eyebrow.

''I thought you left.''

''I came back... actually I...'' He sighed, something in his mind repeating like a mantra: Come on Clark, no more blaming the kid for something he didn't do, he needs you. ''Superboy, can we talk?''

Conner looked startled at the older hero and then looked at Canary, as if wondering what to do.

She pointed with her head at the Kryptonian.

Conner nodded and followed Superman out of the room.

''Okay, that was weird.'' Kid Flash pointed out.

''I think he finally convinced himself that he was being an idiot.''

''Artemis!'' Canary exclaimed.

''It's true! And everyone knows it.''

Canary shook his head and looked at his watch, noon.

''I think you guys better take a shower and get something to eat. Enjoy your day, training is over.''

Before Kaldur could say anything a new voice interrupted.

''What about the missions?'' The new voice came into the room and everyone turned to see Robin standing next to Carrie.

''Dude, where were you?'' Wally asked.

''Gotham, Agent A wanted to make sure all the Robins were accommodated after they arrived, Flash bought some clothes and so did A, I helped bring them along, along with hygiene sets and everything else.'' He waved his hand, obviously keeping the conversation with Batman secret. ''But seriously Canary, what about the missions?''

''We don't know if there will be missions so soon Robin, it will depend on how the days go by, but we can't stop because of an unforeseen event, if necessary and only if necessary, one of the other Robins will come out in your place. At least until all the effects wear off.''

''Really?''

''It would not be good if a Robin is transported into the middle of a battle or stealth mission, since both Carrie and BJ almost attacked us when they thought they were in trouble.''

''She's right, and in my opinion they were calm, if a more suspicious Robin comes along I'm not sure it will be easy to explain that and we're in the cave.'' Kaldur extends his hand to his friend.

Robin nods knowing they were right, however he still didn't like to stand still.

''So... are we going to lunch or is this hard?'' Wally asked before running towards the kitchen.

''Has he cleaned himself up yet?'' Carrie asked.

''He's a speedster.'' Robin replied.

xxXXXxx

The walk with Superman was not what would be considered a smooth walk, Superboy was really trying not to give himself hope about what the older man was going to say.

The two stopped in one of the meeting rooms on the mountain.

''I...'' They both spoke at the same time and an uncomfortable silence began.

''You... may speak.'' Superboy whispered.

''I'm sorry.'' Superman began, really surprising the clone. Clark almost punched himself. How ignorant was I? he wondered.

"You're sorry? Conner asked. This was happening, Robin was right, finally, Robin was right!

''Yes... I...'' He sighed. I heard things from the Robins that really opened my mind and made me realize that I put the blame on one of the victims. You are as much a victim as I am in these Cadmos experiments. And I'm sorry.''

Just as joy came quickly, it was replaced by anger.

''I'm sorry Superman, but if this is about your son from another dimension and you don't want me to talk about how you treat me to his best friend...''

''No! No, Superboy, it's not about that at all. Seriously, I don't care if you talk about my actions with you to BJ, I deserve it, I was an idiot!'' Superman interrupted him and Conner calmed down again.

''So what's it about?''

Superman sighs, a quirk he got from his mother over the years and sits down, pointing to the nearby chair.

''I think you better sit down, it's not easy to talk about this and I really haven't met this kid yet.''

A little suspicious, Superboy sat down and listened carefully as Superman told about a Robin named Jason, who will probably be coming to their world soon. He talks about what happened to him in Carrie's world.

''Batman and I think your personality is similar to his, from the way Carrie told it, that's what I could tell. That's why I realized I'm being an idiot, I don't want you to die! I really want to get to know you.''

For the first time in Conner's life, Superman looked scared, sure, he loved Robin and considered him a nephew, but knowing that the boy's successor looked like the clone of the man of steel was a huge shock.

"Are you going to help me then? With my powers?

''With whatever you need, advice, everything. I've been ignorant for too long Superboy and I swear to you I want to fix it.''

They were silent for a while.

"So what happens now? Superboy looked at him.

''We can start as we should have started.'' Superman held out his hand and Superboy took it. ''My name is Clark Kent, reporter for the daily planet, raised in smallville.

''Mine is Conner. Conner Kent. I didn't know you were...''

''It's okay Conner, Kent suits you.'' Clark smiled and Conner returned the smile.

''However...'' Clark began and Conner froze, what had he done wrong now?

''I just... there's no way to explain to everyone how I had a sixteen year old son, our ages don't match unless I had you as a teenager, which would be easily discovered as a lie.'' Clark explained, Conner still didn't fully relax, but he was calmer than seconds before.

''Then I think it would be better for both of us if you impersonated my brother. J'onn said he can change some of the memories in Smallville so that some will remember you as I grew up, and Batman can create the records you need. But of course, if you want...'' He added quickly.

Conner smiled in relief for the first time when it came to Superman.

''Yes.''

Clark pulled him into an awkward hug. It was a start.

''I want you to meet our parents. Is this weekend good for you?''

"Sure! Still a little confused about what just happened, Conner couldn't help but think that it was good to feel that way. That he is accepted.