Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice or any characters related to the show. Young Justice is owned by DC Comics parent company Warner Brothers. Discovery.

Mental Link

Chapter 5 The First Day

1/3/2011

After a quiet night of patrol, Bruce spoke to J'onn regarding M'gann's living situation should Conner want to live in the manor. J'onn agreed to house M'gann in his Chicago apartment and to have her attend the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools on a Wayne Foundation scholarship assuming both of them accepted.

After their call, Bruce had another matter to handle: How to handle Conner's emotions. The Light wasn't a simple petty thief or a mob boss. Both Bruce and Dick were able to serve justice to those who caused their pain. Conner couldn't to an extent. Even if Luthor or other members of the Light faced the consequences of their actions. More likely or not, there'll be a way for them to escape it all. It could tip Conner in another direction, where his actions could be no better than their enemies. Bruce can only hope that everything he teaches will show Conner that he should be the bigger man and never stupe that low.

The following morning Bruce and Dick went back to Mount Justice to explain the situation to Conner and M'gann.

"You want me to live with you?"

"If that is what you want. You can continue to live at Mount Justice and attend school with M'gann. But since you'll become my protege, you'll have to work grueling hours so that I can train you up to Robin's level."

Before Conner could protest or say anything. M'gann telepathically voiced her decision to him.

"It's alright, Conner, it's your choice. Besides, Robin messaged me last night about all of this. Uncle J'onn has already offered to house me in his apartment and to train me on density manipulation and other advanced techniques."

Conner then looks at both Batman and Robin.

"What about Wolf and Sphere?"

"They can live with us as well."

Conner gave M'gann a big hug and kiss, went to his room, and packed most of his things. To be fair, Conner isn't your average teenager. His room is minimalistic. He had a bed, desk, closet (with 2 pairs of combat boots, 2 Superman T-Shirts, 2 pairs of Cargo pants, 2 pairs of cargo socks, and 2 leather jackets), and a backpack for Happy Harbor High. Besides that, he hasn't taken the time (compared to M'gann) to personalize his room. So it didn't take too long for him to pack everything.

"Want some help?" Dick popped his head into the room.

"I don't have that much stuff to pack."

"I know, but you need a bag to put everything in."

Dick walked over to Conner's bed with a red duffle bag and helped Conner pack everything.

"So Conner, since you are no longer 'Superboy', we need to think of a name for you while we're on the field until we can find you a new name or you come up with one."

"I honestly don't know what I should call myself."

"How about SB? Yeah, it's similar to the name you renounced, but we'll only use it when the link is down?"

"That'll be fine for now."

With that, Conner put the red bag on his shoulder, and walked with Robin to M'gann's room, where they said their goodbyes for now and headed to the Zeta-Tube to Gotham. Before Conner stepped into the Zeta-Tube, he needed to do something. Conner typed a command into the holo-keyboard and said: "B-04 Update: SB".

With that, the computer chimed. Batman, Robin, and Conner walked into the Zeta-Tube.

"Recognized: Batman 02, Robin B-01, SB B-04, Sphere C-01, Wolf, C-02."

Conner has heard a couple of things about the Batcave from Wally. But to be in it was different. From where he was standing, he could see that it was a similar size to Mount Justice. To the right of the Zeta-Tube, he exited was a massive computer with multiple screens. On his left was a ramp and the Batmobile. Before Conner could continue his thought process regarding everything. He, along with Wolf and Sphere, noticed they weren't alone. All 3 were mildly surprised at what an older man dressed in a three-piece suit with grey hair and a mustache walked up to him.

"Welcome back, sir. I presume this is the young man of whom you spoke."

Surprised turned into confusion as Conner tried to figure out who this man was. Before he could say anything, Robin tapped his arm.

"It's nice to meet you, Conner. Dick Grayson." Conner looked at the small raven-haired boy with blue eyes without sunglasses on.

"It's nice to meet you. The real you, I mean." Dick smiles.

"Conner Kent meet Alfred Pennyworth. Alfred Pennyworth, meet Conner Kent."

"At your service Master Conner. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Um, not to sound rude, is he your servant?"

"He's not a servant. He's a friend." Bruce interjected.

"Basically, he helps us both in our civilian and hero lives." Dick responded.

The explanation was somewhat enough for Conner. Alfred took the time to walk up to Wolf and Sphere to introduce himself to them. Sphere made a couple of beeps while Wolf growled a little at Alfred before he extended his hand for Wolf to sniff. After a couple of seconds, Wolf was satisfied, so he sat up. Conner was very confused. Everyone on the team mentioned that if anyone outside the team or League were to see Wolf, they would get scared.

"He's not afraid or scared of Wolf?" Conner asked Dick. Alfred supplied his answer.

"Master Conner, I keep house for a man who dresses as a bat and works in a cave. At this point in my life, there's little that phases me." Alfred responded while scratching Wolf's ear.

"Anyways, let's go see your room."

Before Dick could run Conner and Wolf to the elevator, Bruce stopped them.

"Wait. Conner, do you know who I am civilian-wise?"

"You told me yesterday. You're Bruce Wayne." Conner said with a straight face.

All three of them knew Conner was clueless as to who Bruce was. So Dick quickly went on his phone and showed the results of an internet search of Bruce Wayne to Conner.

"Um, Conner, this is Bruce Wayne."

Conner looked Dick's phone and quickly reads everything, and realizes who just adopted him.

"Wait, so you're-?"

"I'm telling you this here and now since there'll be people commenting on me, you, and my choice to adopt you."

"What about my face? People have seen it, and they'll know instantly."

Conner panicked. He doesn't want to be a burden to Bruce or, even worst, reveal who they were to the world because of his face. His thoughts were interrupted when Bruce handed him a necklace with a blue stone.

"Put it on."

Conner did as told and just wondered what it was supposed to mean.

"Smile."

Dick quickly took a picture of Conner, confused at everything, before he was shown a picture of someone else on his phone.

"Who's that?"

"That's you."

"The necklace is called a glamor charm. It alters the physical appearance and voice of the wearer. I had Zatara make one before he became Doctor Fate."

Conner looks at the picture again. It was supposed to be him. His new face was the same old raven-haired and blue eyes but different facial structure. He could also hear his new unique voice. It sounded distinct. Conner melted. He had a face and a voice to call his own, not a hand-me-down.

"Thank You"

"Is Sphere alright with living in the Batcave?"

"Yeah, she'll be fine with that." Sphere makes a couple of beeps agreeing with Conner.

"Master Conner, if you and Master Wolf follow Master Dick and me, I will show you to your room."

Conner and Wolf followed Alfred and Dick up the stairs while Bruce and Sphere stayed in the Batcave. Both Wolf and Conner were amazed at how massive everything was. It almost reminded him of Happy Harbor High school. Everyone walked up to the second floor of Wayne manor, and Alfred opened the door to Conner's room. It was triple the size of his room in Mount Justice. It has queen size bed with a massive desk and a TV. Wolf ran in and lay before the bed, already proclaiming his spot in his new home. Dick meanwhile went to the closet, grabbed some hangers for Conner's clothes, and unpacked. Next, Dick, Conner, and Wolf toured the manor. Their tour ended with the kitchen, where Alfred had already prepared a full English breakfast with orange juice for Conner while Wolf enjoyed a bowl of lamb, cod liver, rice, and some vegetables.

"I trust you're getting acquainted with everything?"

"I am."

"Good. When you are done with breakfast, come down to the cave. I have something to show you."

After Wolf and Conner finished breakfast, they returned to the Batcave, where Bruce directed them to the med bay.

"Take off your shirt Conner." Bruce asked.

"Why?"

"They need to check your burns." Dick responded.

Conner did, and Alfred removed the bandages. Everyone can see that the burn has, for the most part, healed. The color looks more even with a mark or two. Alfred went and applied some ointment and wrapped Conner's chest with a new bandage.

"Your burns, for the most part, are healed. By tomorrow, the scars and coloring will disappear."

When Alfred finished wrapping Conner's chest, Bruce handed Conner a new Black shirt, one without a Superman logo, But it was different.

"I feel weird."

"What?"

"I feel as if I'm outside."

Bruce smirked.

"The shirt you're wearing is like your solar suit. I've created a set of solar wear for you to absorb yellow sun radiation 24/7. I have something else to show you."

Everyone walked downstairs to a deep level of Batcave. For Alfred and Dick, it used to be a storage area. Now it's a room. Everyone walked inside.

"This room was specifically designed for you. Then the lights are retrofitted with red sun lamps. Kryptonian lose their power under a red sun with no damaging effects. The room was constructed so that we can teach you how to fight and defend yourself without any injuries. In addition, it's here to help you control your powers and even help boost them."

"How?"

"All powers are based on mindset, skillset, and will. We will train you to strengthen your mind and perception by giving you the skillset to solve problems you encounter, strengthening your will."

"You already have a strong will. You were determined not to turn yourself over to Luthor or the Light to be used. You could've done anything other than ask us for help and to tell the truth. But you didn't; your determination gives us a foundation we can strengthen by training you."

"What about Superman? You told me last night you dealt with him. What does that even mean?"

"Superman and his cousin are to stay away from you. You're now my ward and my second protege. If they have any problem, they'll address it with me directly." Bruce said in a stern voice.

"When can we get started?"

"We can get started tomorrow. Let's get you situated with the manor and the cave. I also have the finish the paperwork regarding you attending Gotham Academy and 'adopting' you."

"Thank You."

Dick, Conner, and Wolf explored the rest of the cave. Bruce and Alfred went upstairs to Bruce's private study to finish the paperwork for Conner. The only issue was creating a new identity for him.

"Master Bruce, are you sure Master Conner would appreciate a new identity?"

"I believe he would, Alfred. You did see his reaction to the glamor charm from earlier?"

"I have."

"From what Dick and M'gann have told me, Conner suffers from an identity issue in the past. He was driven only to gain approval. This(new identity) allows Conner to choose to become his own person."

"Of course, Master Bruce."

"How does Conner Daniel Kent sound?"

"It has a nice tone to it, sir. But what about the last name and the initials. They do sound a tad bit familiar."

"To be fair, M'gann gave him the first name he liked. The last name though…."

"Coincidence, sir?"

"To be fair, J'onn was trying to accomplish something else or meant it as a joke before he took it."

Alfred displayed his signature cocked eyebrow.

"I'll ask him tonight."

"Very good, sir."

While Alfred and Bruce were creating Conner's new identity. Conner, Dick, Wolf, and Sphere were exploring the rest of the Batcave. Dick showed him to the crime and other labs, workshop, gym, and hangar space for all the vehicles.

"Do you think I can fix some motorcycles or cars?"

"You can. Alfred will appreciate it. Just make sure to ask them first."

"I wanted to ask you. What happened to your parents?"

"What?"

"Your parents, what happened to them? When Bruce was offering to make me his ward and second protege. He showed me what would happen if I went down a path of vengeance. He also mentioned it was one main reason he took you in."

Dick looked down. He knew this question would be asked but didn't expect it so soon. Dick motioned Conner, Wolf, and Sphere to follow him to the Batcomputer, where he pulled up the newspaper article about the incident. Conner read the article and understood why Bruce took Dick in.

"4 years ago, my mom and dad were a circus act the part of the Haly Circus. We were the audience coming to see it because we did the dangerous stuff. Because of my age, I couldn't be involved with the most dangerous stunt. On April 1, 2006, my parents and I did our normal routine then it happened. A mafia boss named Tony Zucco killed them because they tried to extort money from Haly. I felt responsible for their deaths because I failed to warn them in time."

Dick started crying a little. Conner hugged him while Wolf and sphere offered support.

"You didn't have to tell me."

After a couple of minutes, Dick continued his story.

"After their deaths, Bruce took me in as his ward. He let me become part of his family. We worked and trained together. We found Zucco and brought him to justice."

Conner was glad the story had a somewhat good ending. But it also enraged him. Dick's villain, who caused all of this, was a simple mob boss. Conner was a man who was so very strategic that he ordered and financed his creation. It infuriated Conner that he won't be able to bring Luthor to justice. But like Bruce said, he can fight Luthor and the Light and stop others from becoming weapons against their choice.

"Why did you choose the name, Robin?"

"I chose it after the nickname my mother gave me."

Conner and Dick smiled. It was a good moment. It may have opened some old wounds, but Conner knows what happened to Dick.

"What's it like having Bruce as a dad?"

"It's interesting. He's very protective about me, especially everyone's perception of me."

"What does that mean?"

"Remember earlier when Bruce said "there'll be people who'll make comments regarding me, you, and my (Bruce) choice to adopt you."?"

"Yeah"

"The public saw me as a charity case for a while. Some people at school saw me as a charity case, and the League wasn't very welcoming when I was first introduced."

"Wonder Woman wasn't fond of the idea of proteges my age at the time. It reminded her too much of her time during the world wars. Bruce took the time to defend me. From the public and leaguers who weren't fond of me at the time. I remember her saying that Bruce only took me in so I could turn out like him. It was harsh, but he made his point since action versus words."

"Nice to know."

"What about school?"

"Some kids commented about it from their parent's gossip. It spread to a couple of teachers. Bruce threatened to pull his donations because they were bullying me. Needless to say, it worked."

"Just be yourself is all I have to say. You don't need to become something others think about you."

"Thanks."

"No problem. Let's go upstairs; I think Alfred is done preparing dinner."

All three of them went upstairs to find that dinner had been served.

"Spaghetti Carbonara and a simple Vegetable soup for tonight, young masters."

"Thanks, Alfred," Both boys said and started eating while Wolf had chicken with brown rice and barley, peas, sweet potatoes, and carrot. Bruce finally came down from his study finishing the final paperwork for Conner before uploading it to the world database. He ate his dinner as well with the boys. Although he did have to ask Conner about his name.

But that could wait. After everyone was fed, Bruce asked.

"How does Conner Daniel Kent sound to you, Conner?"

"It's fine. I like it."

"I know you wanted to renounce everything related to Superman. Because of that, I should tell you that Superman's last name is also Kent and his initials are CK."

"Are you alright with having the same last name and same initials?"

"Yeah, I'm fine with it."

"Alright then. This is your new identity. Memorize it when people begin to question you." Bruce said as he handed Conner an envelope with the documentation and a write-up of his backstory.

"Can you come upstairs so I can take a picture of you?"

Conner followed Bruce upstairs to his office, where he wore his glamor charm and Bruce took his picture. As Bruce took down some of the equipment to create a white background, Conner looked at the laptop containing his picture and saw his new face. It was unique. It was something to call his own. Truth be told, he kept the last name Kent and the initials as a reminder of what he wasn't destined to be and created something on his own. Yeah, he had Superman's face and some of his powers, but it was his choice, not anyone else, to dictate what he could do, to be his own person, to make his own hero persona.

"Dick and I are going out for patrol tonight. You can join us after I train you. This is Gotham, not another mission. Things are different here."

"How long will that take?"

"It took Dick 6 months. But you could be out there with two trainers in half the time."

"I hope."

"Get some rest. You'll need it for tomorrow."

"Alright, night Bruce."

When Conner entered his room, he saw Wolf lying on top of the bed while he went to the bathroom to take a quick hot shower. As he walked in, he noticed that in the mirror, his face was the same as in the picture. He forgot he was wearing the glamor charm. The face looked amused and unique. It fitted a face to the name, not just a copy of someone else's face. A couple of minutes later, he always wondered what his old face looked like. In a second, the charm showed him his old face. It looked just like Superman, just younger. He was getting an identity and a face to call his own all Conner would do was cherish it.

Authors Note: Yes, I'm done torturing Conner. He has had enough. Almost being killed by another Kryptonian, having his half-donor advocate for his death and the Genomorphs was enough. When it comes to Conner finding out who Bruce really was, I wanted it to be different. There're many times when DC characters would know who Bruce Wayne is, but what about civilians in the DC world? Most people probably wouldn't know who Bruce Wayne is other than his company and sometimes his charitable donations. They would ignore who he is and move on. That is what I went for. There were two moments in season 1 where Bruce's picture was plastered on a video screen, mainly during the Qurac episode where the team met Marie Logan. Conner probably ignored said screens was focusing on the mission, among other things. Which is why I wrote Conner's discovery like this. I decided to use Dick's mother and father instead of the whole family, as depicted in the tie-in comic, in line with other continuities. Conner's reaction to the glamor charm was on purpose since, from my point of view, Conner views himself as a copy at this point in time versus an actual person. Yes, he may have given up on pursuing Superman, but he doesn't like to acknowledge that he has the face and voice of another person. Thus his reaction to having his own face and voice makes him feel different from his own person versus being a clone. I should also mention that M'gann is no longer a Green Martian and has embraced herself as a White Martian. The conversation I wrote about in chapter 1 between J'onn and M'gann was about why M'gann disguised herself and how J'onn was accepting of who she was.