Chapter 4: Childhood's End

~ 1962: South Dakota ~

Things have been better for Jonathan thanks to Mrs. Moolah.

The bi-monthly sibling visits has been continued – as per her financial agreement with Vought – so he's seeing Margaret regularly again.

Despite being rather sore about the strong-arming, the company was pleased by her generous endowment. Some time afterwards, Vought started getting other sponsors, who caught wind of "Golden Boy's" first rescue and wanted a piece of the action.

So with a steady flow of funds flowing in, the company's satisfied enough to let the siblings have each other.

Today Margaret's telling Jonathan that Uncle Nix once wanted to be a cartoonist. To prove it, she shows a drawing of her in a superhero costume, which he imagined himself. It's a fantastic design, featuring Celtic-inspired armor and leather, colored in woodsy green and brown.

"Anyways, that's 'nough bout me! W'bout you, Jon-Jon?"

The boy's smile fades as he thinks about a particular change in his routine.

"Well… Vought's added a new 'subject' of sorts to my daily lectures."

"Eh? What's the subject?"

"'Future company policy'. Stuff I'm supposed to know and do once I start my superhero journey."

"Sounds fair 'nough. Why th'long face then?"

"Because some of the things they're saying sound… wrong. Like these recent questions they asked me:

#1: If a Vought executive and a pregnant woman are in danger, and I can only reach one in time, whom do I save?"

#2: If I see someone important working for Vought commit an unprovoked assault, do I report it to the authorities or keep it to myself?

#3: Vought wants to acquire some land, but it already belongs to people who have nowhere else to go. Should they look elsewhere or force the inhabitants out?

How would you answer?"

"Easy! #1… Tough luck for the exec, but the preggie's gon'hava baby soon. #2… I'd definitely call out the scut, Vought or not. #3's a no-brainer, cuz takin' from folks wh'don't have anythin's just dickish. Those were your answers, right?"

"Uh-huh."

"And those were the correct ones, right?"

As Jonathan twiddles his thumbs, Margaret raises her eyebrows worriedly.

"RIGHT?"

"Not according to the teachers."

"N-not accor- Ya sh*ttin' me now, Jon-Jon?! Cuz that don't sound real heroic at all!"

"It doesn't. I already knew something's off about Vought's collective mindset. But now with this… "

Margaret's agrees with her brother on this one. How could they be raising him to be a hero AND feed him such contradictory thoughts?

But noticing his visible discomfort, she decides to change the subject.

"Oi! Wanna see some'n else Uncle Nix showed me?"

"Huh? Oh, I mean… Sure! Sure!"

She smiles playfully as she looks in his eyes and places her hand on his neck.

"G'on! Gimmie three truths an'a lie!"

"Uhh… Mister Wilson's favorite musician is Beethoven… Coca-Cola used to contain cocaine… Yesterday, I read 'The Wind in the Willows'… And… George Washington Carver didn't invent peanut butter."

"Hm-hm! True! True! False! True!"

"How did you know?!"

"By feelin' y'pulse and lookin' at y'pupils, I can sense any irregularities t'sniff out fact'n'fiction!"

"WOW! I wish I could detect lies!"

"Ya got super hearin' and smell, don'tcha? Y'can use those t'tap into their heartbeat and pick up their pheromones!"

"Great idea! Wait… What are 'pheromones'?"

As the youngsters chatter on, Uncle Nix turns to Mister Wilson. The two caretakers are close enough to their wards, so he was able to overhear everything.

"What slugger's saying about the new curriculum… That true?"

"M-hm."

"Since when?"

"Right after the previous playdate."

"Marone… You don't think he'll buy what they're selling, do ya?"

"Might need more lessons in 'moral duality' to cope. But with his current personality, I'm certain he won't be conditioned into being the company's dog."

"Yeah… I'm pretty sure myself, the way you're raising him. Have you sat down with him about the subject though?"

Mister Wilson crosses his arms thoughtfully.

"No… I actually haven't yet."

"Might as well. More to help ya sleep better at night. As fer me…"

Uncle Nix takes a deep puff from his pipe.

"I'll pay closer attention to what they're feeding Mags. Don't want a family feud in the future, do we?"

~O~

Later that night, Jonathan and Mister Wilson are having dinner in their living quarters. The boy's just finished his plate when his caretaker clears his throat.

"Johnny?"

"Yes, Mister Wilson?"

"About your new 'future company policy' training… Do you agree with what they're saying?"

"Of course not! It all goes against what you taught me!"

This response, of course, was expected. But this time, Mister Wilson wants something more substantial.

"I know it's what I taught you. Now tell me… Why do you agree with my teachings?"

The boy's a bit surprised at this request for clarity. But he barely needs a minute before he gives his answer.

"People should be good to each other. I like it when people are kind to me, so it's only fair I treat others the same. Likewise, people shouldn't be bad to others. After being purposely separated from my sister, I know how awful it is to be wronged. I also believe the bad shouldn't be allowed to harm others, which means it's up to the good to hold them accountable. So one day, when I'm a superhero, I hope I'll have the power to protect all the good people in the world!"

And with this simple – yet profound – declaration, Mister Wilson's confidence in his ward's character has been completely fortified.

"Yes! YES! That's my boy!"

The proud caretaker pats Jonathan's back with gusto.

"You're going to be a fine superhero one day!"

"Aw, shucks! You're making me blush, dad!"

Mister Wilson goes abruptly silent, his mouth agape with shock.

"Da- Mis- I'm sorry… Did I say something wrong?"

"No… N-no… It's alright, it's just… I never thought I'd hear anyone call me that again…"

As Mister Wilson wistfully stares into the distance, Jonathan cautiously moves in closer.

"Did… Did you once have a kid?"

"…Yes. His name was Danny. I adopted him as a baby when I used to be a social worker. He was the light of my life… Dreamed of making the world a better place, just like you, Johnny. Sadly…"

The man looks back at the boy with misty eyes.

"Danny never made it to his teenage years. Died in a hit-and-run on this twelfth birthday."

"I-I heard Uncle Nix say he became Margaret's caretaker because he wanted a daughter. Is that why you became mine? So you could have a son again?"

"Suppose you could say that. Sounds rather selfish now, having said it out loud."

"I don't think it's selfish! You were robbed the gift of a full fatherhood, so it makes sense you'd seize a second chance! Besides… I'm glad you took the job. Otherwise I wouldn't have you as my father."

As his caretaker gives him a grateful smile, a worrying thought somehow slips into Jonathan's mind.

"Vought probably doesn't like how you're raising me, with all their recent lessons. You think they might consider taking you away?"

Surprisingly, Mister Wilson's never thought of this possibility. But as worrying as the likelihood is, he doesn't want to lie.

"They could… If they think I'm getting too big for their boots. But let's not worry about that tonight. Now how about some sherbet?"

"YAY!"

~O~

Meanwhile, at Vought's NY Headquarters, the company's top executives have gathered. The subject: the future of their "Golden Boy".

"The FCP sessions have been going on for two weeks now. How is our ultimate product receiving them?"

"Not well, I'm afraid. His caretaker, Mr. Wilson, has adversely affected him with his early raising. The boy refuses to accept that the wellbeing of Vought must be his #1 priority."

"Very worrisome. We should have started his new curriculum earlier."

"It's not too late to change course. All we need to do is… cut Mr. Wilson loose then intensify the boy's education."

"Sounds simple enough. But what about Nixton O'Fiúra? His connections to the military industry are too valuable to lose."

"Once his coworker has been handled, it shouldn't be too difficult to keep him in line. As for the 'Silver Swan', we can use the 'sibling visits' to manage both brother and sister."

"And Mrs. Moolah? Aside from being another unfavorable influence, she's our top financial benefactor."

"We've got enough funding from other backers, with many more to come. I'm completely certain we can afford to cease contact with her."

"Hmph. Very well. Call South Dakota immediately…"

~O~

Around midnight, Johnny's asleep in his bedroom, when the door opening awakens him. Rubbing his eyes groggily, he's barely able to make out his caretaker slowly approaching him."

"M-Mister Wilson? W-"

"I'm so sorry, Johnny."

Suddenly Mister Wilson sticks a syringe in his neck. Seconds later, the boy feels his body go partially numb, as if his energy's being drained.

"Ow! What was that?"

"A concentrated dose of Suppressant V. It'll negate your powers for the next 8 hours."

"Negate my p- WHY?!"

"To keep you from following me. Otherwise Vought wouldn't let me see you before my departure."

Jonathan's blood runs cold.

"Y-you don't mean…"

"I'm afraid so, Johnny… The company's decided to give me the boot. I've been ordered to leave the complex immediately."

"WHAT?!"

Jonathan weakly latches onto his caretaker.

"No! Mister Wilson, you can't go! Please don't leave me alone!"

"You won't be alone, Johnny. You'll still have your sister, Uncle Nix, Professor J, and Mrs. Moolah. There'll be other likeminded people out there as well. You just need to find them, and when you do, keep them close."

This affirmation barely provides any comfort. Still, Mister Wilson continues.

"Now what I have to say next is just as important, so please listen closely. Going forward, Vought's going to be doubling-down on those pro-company lectures. I know you don't agree with what they're saying, and I'm proud. Proud that you've taken everything I've taught you to heart. But for now, you'll have to play along."

"P-play along?! You mean take part in any possible corruption?!"

"Heaven almighty, NO! I mean don't start thinking like them! Just pretend to, so they don't k- Think you'll be a thorn in their side. One day though, you'll be in a better position. Where you can stop pretending and be the superhero you've dreamed to be. Helping people… Bettering the world... And maybe even standing against Vought."

Mister Wilson sighs heavily, as their time together nears its end.

"Until then, always remember what you strive to become: A good guy. Be a good guy, Johnny. You've just GOT to. Because there's already too many of the bad."

And with this final plea, he hugs the boy one last time.

"Goodbye, son. I LOVE YOU."

Jonathan, tears trickling down his cheeks, hugs him back.

"I love you too, dad."

They remain in each other's arms for a while. Then his beloved caretaker stands up, walks out of the bedroom, and locks the door behind him. Unable to follow with his powers suppressed, the boy weeps bitterly by himself.

~O~

Jonathan wakes up the next morning with a jolt. He hastily gets out of bed and leaps for the door, hoping last night was just a bad dream…

Only the handle refuses to turn in his grasp.

"Oh no… No no no no no… PLEASE…"

He tears it off the hinges and rushes to Mister Wilson's room, desperately hoping to find him.

But alas, it's completely empty. As if no one even lived there to begin with.

"Johnny! JOHNNY, YOU IN THERE?!"

-SMASH!-

The front door is suddenly kicked open, followed by Uncle Nix storming in.

"Thank God! I was scared you'd've been vanished while me and Mags were knocked out! Some Vought mook must've slipped sedatives in our food!"

"OH, JON-JON!"

Margaret flies in and embraces her brother with relief.

"Are y'okay?! Where's Mister Wilson?!"

"Ahem."

The three turn and see a Vought exec standing at the doorway. Angered by his smug demeanor, Margaret fiercely flies up to his face

"Who the f*ck are ya?! AND WHAT'D YA DO WITH MISTER WILSON?!"

"The name's Mr. Thistle: assistant marketing director. As for Golden Boy's former caretaker… Heh! Vought has relieved him of his duties last night. Therefore he won't be joining us for the rest of your time here."

As Uncle Nix and Margaret gasp in shock, the boy feels his heart slowly breaking.

This isn't some horrible nightmare after all. Mister Wilson really is gone.

"With that said, say hello to your new caretaker… Missus."

On cue, an ugly woman in a headmaster's suit arrogantly struts in, then leers at the distressed Jonathan.

"M-Missus what?"

"JUST MISSUS! There will be no sentiments of familiarity between us, boy!"

To punctuate this, she pulls out a remote and activates it. Suddenly Jonathan and Margaret fall to their knees, clutching their ears and screaming in pain.

"Ahhh… So sweet-cheeks is also sensitive to ultrasound frequencies, hmm?"

Mr. Thistle looks down at Margaret with a sneer.

"Bet she was hoping to surprise him with that! 'Oh, look at me, Jon-Jon! I've got super-hearing too!' Ha-ha-ha!"

"MOTHERF*CKERS!"

Uncle Nix violently seizes Ms. Thistle and Missus by the collars.

"THEY'RE JUST KIDS!"

"Watch the attitude, Mr. O'Fiúra. Or will Missus have to take your place too?"

Seething with rage, but unwilling to risk the wellbeing of his own ward, Uncle Nix releases the aggressors.

"Now go. And take sweet-cheeks with you!"

With his shoulders slumped, Uncle Nix dejectedly picks up the ailing Margaret and leaves, sadly looking back at Jonathan.

"We've got a LOT of work to do with this one…"

~O~

Under Missus' cruel tutelage, the following training and "re-education" sessions are the worst yet. Almost as devastating as what he'd overhear in the days to come.

Apparently Margaret and Uncle Nix had been drugged that night, so they couldn't object to the eviction. Even worse, it turns out the complex has been secretly armed with hydrogen bombs the whole time, ready to detonate in case of a breach. Against the revelation of this ultimate precaution, Mister Wilson had no choice but to comply with Vought's terms.

All in all, a last-minute family escape would have been impossible.

That night, Jonathan suffers another blow. He's relocated from his cozy quarters to a solitary room, akin to a prison cell. Once forced in with a small meal tray, the door is slammed shut behind him. Left alone in near darkness, the boy drops to his knees and breaks down crying.

In just little over a day, the shadow of Vought has grown from a mild constraint into a near death-grip.

After he mournfully finishes his dinner, he's about to tuck in for the night. But then he notices something small slide through the door... A silver dollar, just like the one Uncle Nix first gave him. He picks it up and – upon closer inspection – makes out a message on the tails.

"Chin up, slugger!"

And on the heads... A heart lovingly signed by his sister…

"MAGS"

Jonathan takes the coin and grasps it dearly, filled with a renewed sense of resolve.

He is not alone. He will get through this. And, most importantly, he'll become the superhero the good in the world need.

Just like his father would want.

End of Volume 1

~ Author's Notes ~

And so – as Little Johnny experiences his first personal tragedy – the beginning chapter of his life comes to a close.

Fun Fact: Mister Wilson's goodbye was partially inspired by "Preacher", another original work by Garth Ennis. While I personally don't agree with the excessive pessimism, I do find it's an interesting – and well-written – glance into the mind of an atheist.

With that said, for those of you put off by the pseudo-childish narration thus far, things will be getting more serious from here. For soon Jonathan will bear the full weight of his birthright and encounter the characters you know and (or don't) love. So stay tuned for Volume 2, where he finally becomes this AU's mightiest supe... THE HOMELANDER!