11 11:

The first couple of days Alex resigned himself to being beaten half to death. Though his eyes had adapted to the darkness it didn't help much. Now he could see the punches before he felt then hit his face. He could see the punches but his body couldn't react. It took a week before he could finally dodge and block a couple punches.

He didn't know but the first night he was knocked out his Aunt had prepared an ointment that would speed up the healing process. After every beating he would use that ointment and be ready for another beating the next day.

The second week is when things changed up a little. Now the beatings were moved to a later time. He was moved to a gym located on the floor above the bottom floor. His objective was to run a mile as fast as he could while dodging obstacles. This Gym was designed to teach the agents parkour but Alex was a beginner so he was starting with the basics.

After that he would spar with agents in a room with actual lights. Alex was relieved, he was so used to his Aunt beating him half to death fighting someone else was a relief. Actually being able to react and fight back filled him with joy. He realised that even though his Aunt was tough on him it seemed to be working.

Next couple hours were his free time to experiment with his powers. There were so many heroes with the power of lightning or electricity. Thor the good of lightning had to be the one with the most control, Storm and even that guy from the infamous game were characters he could research. Though he could feel more of a connection with Static Shock. Similar looks yet he knew with his hair type he could never pull off dreads.

He relaxed for those couple hours watching Static Shock reminded him of when he was a kid. In the orphanage the only movie he had seen was spider man with Toby Maguire. Comic books and movies weren't really apart of his life until he got adopted.

According to Theresa, Tom was a complete nerd he had collected marvel and DC comics since he was a kid. He introduced Alex to comics opening his eyes to the worlds of heroes and villains. They watched every marvel movie that came out and loved every spider man, even 3. Binge watched smallville like twice, it was one of the reasons his friends called him Lex.

Alex was so lost in thought he didn't notice the time. He was late to training with Veronica he didn't know how she would react but he knew it wouldn't be good. He quickly made his way to the dark corridor as he like to call it.

Even thought it was dark his eyes had already adapted. He walked quickly but steadily ready to accept any punishment he was given.

"Sorry I'm Late." He called out as he stepped in the room they would regularly train in.

'swoosh' Alex heard it before he saw it he quickly put his arms up to block his face but instead of a punch he was kicked in the gut. He slid backwards barely maintaining his stance He felt the pain as his back hit the wall.

He looked at Veronica who's hands were filled 'that explains why she kicked me this time' Alex thought as he saw her throw him something. A shiny katana was thrown in the air Alex quickly grabbed it by the hilt pulling it down he immediately maneuvered it to block the cold metallic shine that was slicing towards his chest.

"What are you doing?" Alex asked as their swords connected. Veronica looked at him with a bored expression before kicking him in the chest. Alex had no idea how to use a katana he barely knew how to fight he couldn't react when another kick connected to his temple knocking him unconscious.

"I would have taught you how to properly use the sword but you were late." Veronica clapped her hands and a bunch of agents came in checking on the unconscious Alex.

" ma'am I believe that was a little harsh, we both know what he was doing before he came down here." Veronica turned to see Madeline standing beside her.

"Him growing up with humans has left to an emotional attachment that couple potentially be a good or bad. Today it led to him being late these are the consequences." Veronica watched as the agents carried Alex out of the room.

"I think it's time you tell him" Almost everyone in the building knew who he truly was. Someone would eventually slip up Veronica telling him now would make sure certain problems didn't develop.

"He'll learn eventually, I never planned on hiding it. Once he can protect himself from the real enemies I'll tell him but telling him now will only lead to him wanting revenge when he doesn't have the ability to achieve that. She told me to protect him that's what I'm doing" stoicness laced her voice and Madeline could tell.

"You can't look at everything like it's a mission he's your nephew not a soldier you're preparing for battle."

"You're right he's not a soldier I'm preparing for battle but a prince who's fathers wants nothing more than to kill him. We don't have time to be a happy family."

"He's been alone his whole life, he lost the only father he knew at 14 and now that you're the only biological family member he knows. You need to make time." Madeline voice was filed with sympathy for Alex.

"I need a drink." Veronica walked away thinking about Alex. She knew that she was protecting him by staying away and only watching from the sidelines. She knew Madeline was right she now had a chance to build a bond with him and it was her choice what kind of bond that would be.

She found herself walking towards Alex's room She peaked through the door. He was still unconscious though she expected that after the kick she had given him. She turned and left deciding that even if time wasn't on her side she would make the time so that they could bond.

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Authors thoughts: i struggled with extending this chapter to 1000 words but I got a little inspiration at the end. (Spoiler Alert Alex is the flash.)