Year 1993 : The First Year of School (Chapter 2: Strength in Shadows)

Chapter 2: Strength in Shadows

DC universe (Earth-2609th)

 1993, Smallville, Kansas

The warm Kansas sun was starting to set, painting the sky in pretty shades of orange and pink. Clark Kent, now seven years old, had settled into life in Smallville pretty well. He'd been going to school for months now and had made two really great friends—Lana Lang and Pete Ross. The three of them were always together, whether it was playing at recess, doing homework, or just hanging out after school.

Today, they decided to go down to the creek, their favorite spot in the whole town. It was the perfect place to skip stones, play games, and talk about all the important stuff kids their age talked about. Clark was happy because, thanks to his special suit that blocked most of the kryptonite radiation from Lana's necklace, he didn't have to worry about feeling sick around her anymore. He could just be a regular kid, having fun with his friends.

As they sat by the water, Clark picked up a flat stone and flicked it across the surface. It skipped five times before sinking, making him grin proudly.

"Wow, Clark! You're really good at that!" Lana said, her eyes wide with admiration. "How do you make it skip so many times?"

Clark shrugged, trying to act like it wasn't a big deal. "I dunno, I guess I just got lucky!"

Pete, who was munching on an apple, leaned over to watch. "Yeah, Clark, you've been getting really good at a lot of stuff lately. It's like one day you're just like us, and the next, you're amazing at everything!"

Clark felt a little nervous at Pete's words. He couldn't exactly tell them that his super strength and super control were the reasons he could do all those things. So, he just laughed it off. "I guess I'm just having a good day!"

The three of them went back to playing, laughing and talking about school, cartoons, and what they wanted to do over the weekend. Clark loved hanging out with Lana and Pete—they made him feel normal, like any other kid. But he knew he had to be careful, especially since Pete was starting to notice things.

As the sun got lower in the sky, turning everything golden, Clark felt a little buzz in his mind—the SS system, checking in like it always did. It had been keeping an eye on everything, making sure Clark stayed safe and that his secret didn't slip out.

[Clark,] the SS system said in his head, sounding all serious like it always did, [you're doing great, but remember, Lana's necklace still has kryptonite in it. You're safe for now, but don't stay too close for too long.]

Clark nodded slightly, not wanting to make his friends wonder what he was thinking about. "Thanks, SS. I'll be careful."

[And about Pete,] the system continued, [he's starting to notice the anomalies. Maybe try not to be so amazing at everything?]

Clark sighed a little. "I know, I'll try to act more normal."

The SS system was always looking out for him, but sometimes it felt like it made things more complicated. Clark knew he had to keep his powers a secret, but it was hard when all he wanted to do was have fun with his friends.

As the sun started to disappear behind the trees, the three friends packed up their stuff and headed back to town. They laughed and talked all the way, not a care in the world.

When they got to the edge of town, Lana turned to Clark, her eyes sparkling. "Hey, Clark! Do you want to come over for dinner tomorrow? My parents would love to have you!"

Clark hesitated for just a second, thinking about what the SS system would say, but then he smiled. "Sure, Lana! That sounds fun!"

Lana's smile got even bigger, and Clark felt a warm, happy feeling inside. Maybe being Superman would be hard sometimes, but right now, he was just a kid with two great friends. And that was pretty awesome.

---

That Evening

The golden hues of sunset had faded, leaving the Kent farmhouse bathed in the soft glow of twilight. Inside, the familiar hum of the evening routine filled the air—pots clinking in the kitchen, the low murmur of the TV from the living room, and the gentle creak of the old wooden floorboards. Martha Kent stood at the stove, stirring a pot of stew, while Jonathan Kent sat at the kitchen table, going over the day's mail.

Their lives had settled into a peaceful rhythm, the kind that comes with years of working the land and raising a child. It was a life full of simple joys and hard work, but one they wouldn't trade for anything. Despite the demands of running the farm, their greatest concern had always been their son, Clark.

Clark, who at seven years old, was so much more than he appeared to be.

"How was school today, Clark?" Martha asked with a warm smile as she ladled stew into bowls. She looked over at her son, who was sitting at the table, legs swinging under his chair, his face bright with that innocent enthusiasm she loved so much.

Clark, ever mindful of how much he revealed, gave her a grin that was a little too wise for his age. "It was fun, Mom! We went to the creek after school, and I skipped a stone five times! Lana said I was really good at it."

Jonathan chuckled as he set aside the mail. "Five skips, huh? You've got quite the arm on you, Clark. I'm sure you made quite an impression."

Clark nodded, though he was careful not to mention why he was so good at it. "Yeah, Pete noticed too. He said I've been getting better at stuff. But I tried not to be too good, like you always say."

Martha and Jonathan exchanged a quick glance, both thinking the same thing: their son was doing remarkably well at fitting in, considering all the challenges he faced. They had always worried about how Clark would adapt to an ordinary life, especially with the extraordinary powers he was beginning to develop. But so far, he seemed to be handling it with a maturity that sometimes startled them.

"That's good, sweetheart," Martha said, her voice gentle as she set the bowls of stew on the table. "We're so proud of you for being careful and thoughtful about everything. I know it's not always easy."

Clark looked up at her, his expression serious for a moment. "I know, Mom. I just want to make sure I don't stand out too much. I don't want to make things harder for you and Dad."

Jonathan reached over to ruffle Clark's hair, smiling down at him. "You're doing just fine, Clark. You've got a good head on your shoulders. Just remember, you don't have to carry all the worries on your own. We're here for you, no matter what."

Clark smiled, feeling the warmth of his parents' love and support. It was moments like these that made him feel like maybe he could balance everything—his powers, his secrets, and the ordinary life he was trying so hard to maintain. But deep down, the adult inside him knew that this balance wouldn't always be so easy to keep.

As they ate dinner, Clark told his parents more about his day—about how Lana had invited him over for dinner the next evening, how Pete had tried to eat an apple in one bite, and how much fun they'd had at the creek. Martha and Jonathan listened with smiles, their hearts swelling with pride at how well their son was adapting to life in Smallville.

But as they listened, they couldn't help but feel a little pang of worry too. They knew Clark was different, and that difference would only become more pronounced as he got older. For now, he was still just a boy, but they could see glimpses of the man he would one day become—the man who would have to shoulder responsibilities far beyond what any child should have to bear.

After dinner, as Martha cleared the table and Jonathan washed the dishes, they talked quietly about their hopes and fears for Clark's future.

"He's doing so well," Martha said softly, drying a plate and setting it aside. "But sometimes I forget he's just a child. He seems so… grown up for his age."

Jonathan nodded, wiping his hands on a towel. "He's always been a little different, even before we knew about his powers. But you're right—he's handling things better than we could've hoped. Still, we need to make sure he gets to enjoy being a kid while he can. The weight of the world can wait."

Martha sighed, her eyes soft with love and worry. "I just hope he knows he doesn't have to go through any of this alone. He's always been so independent, but he's still our little boy."

Jonathan wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "He knows, Martha. We've done our best to make sure of that. We'll just keep doing what we've always done—love him, support him, and be there for him whenever he needs us."

---

That night, after dinner and some time spent quietly with his parents, Clark lay in bed, his mind buzzing with thoughts of the day and the challenges ahead. He knew that being Superman one day would require not only mastering his powers but also eliminating his vulnerabilities—especially the dangerous effects of kryptonite. As he stared at the ceiling, he decided it was time to check in with the SS system on his progress.

"SS," Clark whispered in his mind, careful not to disturb the quiet of the night, "can you show me the updated data on my powers and abilities? And also, how am I doing with eliminating my weaknesses, especially the kryptonite one?"

The familiar hum of the SS system activated in his mind, and the status window appeared before him, displaying all the relevant information.

---

Name: Clark Kent / Kal-El 

Age: 7 

Race: Kryptonian (under the Yellow Sun) 

Title(s): 

Dark Knight Superboy:

 - Increased strategic thinking and stealth capabilities. 

 - Ability to blend strength and strategy, akin to Batman's methods. 

Great Boyscout:

 - Enhanced moral clarity and instinctual understanding of ethical dilemmas. 

 - Boosted charisma when actions inspire or motivate others. 

 - Strengthened resolve in the face of moral challenges.

KP (Kryptonian Potential): 22% (Level 4)

Abilities: 

Super Strength: Enhanced; capable of lifting objects up to 5 tons. Super Speed: Enhanced; capable of running at speeds up to Mach 1.5. Heat Vision: Controlled; capable of sustained low-intensity output for up to 90 seconds. Enhanced Senses: Heightened vision, hearing, and reflexes, with increased range and sensitivity. Invulnerability: Improved; partial resistance to physical damage, withstanding small arms fire. Flight: Not yet unlocked. X-Ray Vision: Not yet unlocked. Super Breath: Not yet unlocked.

Skills: 

Run Through Water: Allows for maintaining speed and balance while running across the surface of water. Requires precise control of speed and momentum. Basic Mechanics (Improvised): Instinctual understanding of mechanical systems in urgent situations. Limited application, primarily focused on emergency repairs. Advanced Problem Solving: Enhanced ability to analyze and resolve complex issues, especially in high-pressure situations. Basic Stealth Techniques: Improved ability to move quietly and avoid detection, particularly in low-light conditions.

---

Clark looked over the data, feeling a sense of pride at the progress he had made. His strength and speed had increased, his heat vision had become more controlled, and his senses were sharper than ever. But he knew that the real test wasn't just about getting stronger—it was about protecting himself from the things that could hurt him.

"SS, what about my weaknesses? How am I doing with the kryptonite? And what about the other vulnerabilities?"

The status window shifted, displaying a new set of data focused on his progress in eliminating weaknesses.

---

Progress in Eliminating Weaknesses

Kryptonite Resistance: 

Current Protection Level: 85% Measures Taken: Lead-lined suit now provides significant protection against low to moderate levels of kryptonite radiation. Suit testing continues for further optimization. Next Steps: Explore additional protective materials (e.g., Nth Metal, Orichalcum) for integration into the suit.

Magic Vulnerability: 

Current Resistance: Low Measures Taken: Initial research into anti-magic materials (Nth Metal, Orichalcum) and potential allies (e.g., Zatanna, Dr. Fate) completed. Mental discipline training has begun to reduce susceptibility. Next Steps: Acquire and integrate anti-magic materials; consider seeking training in basic magical defense techniques.

Red Sun Radiation: 

Current Resistance: None Measures Taken: Research required to develop countermeasures; no significant progress. Next Steps: Investigate potential technological or biological adaptations to mitigate the effects of red sun radiation.

High-Pitched Frequencies and Toxins: 

Current Resistance: Moderate Measures Taken: Sensory training has increased tolerance to high-pitched frequencies; toxin resistance remains under monitoring. Next Steps: Continue sensory training; explore potential counter-toxins and protective gear.

Psychological and Emotional Vulnerabilities:

Current Stability: High Measures Taken: Ongoing mental resilience training has bolstered emotional stability and focus. Regular reflections on ethical dilemmas have strengthened moral resolve. Next Steps: Continue the development of emotional resilience and ethical decision-making skills.

---

Clark absorbed the information, feeling a mixture of satisfaction and determination. He was making progress, but there was still a lot of work to be done. The kryptonite suit was working well so far, but he knew he couldn't rely on it alone. And then there were the other vulnerabilities—magic, red sun radiation, and the mental challenges that came with being so different from everyone around him.

The house quiet and the world outside wrapped in the peaceful darkness of night, his thoughts began to drift towards the future. The thought of one day becoming Superman filled him with a mix of excitement and trepidation. He knew that his destiny was to protect the world, to fight for justice, and to stand as a symbol of hope. But with that destiny came immense responsibility, and one particular fear gnawed at him.

Despite all his constant practice in controlling his powers, Clark knew that he had no real experience in fighting crimes. Sure, he was getting better at lifting heavy objects, running at incredible speeds, and using his heat vision with precision, but these were all controlled exercises—safe, measured, and far removed from the chaos of a real confrontation.

What truly worried him wasn't the danger of getting hurt. He knew his invulnerability was growing, and he could now withstand things like small arms fire without flinching. No, what scared him the most was the possibility of losing control during a fight. What if, in the heat of the moment, he used too much strength? What if he misjudged a situation and unintentionally harmed—or worse, killed—someone?

The thought sent a shiver down his spine. He couldn't allow that to happen. He had to find a way to practice, to learn how to handle real-world situations without risking anyone's life. But how could he do that?

Clark's mind wandered to the DC Database provided by the SS system. It contained vast amounts of information about the world around him—about cities, people, and, most importantly, crime. One city, in particular, caught his attention: Gotham.

Gotham City was infamous for its crime rate, a place where danger lurked around every corner. It wasn't too far from Smallville, and with his super speed, he could reach it in just a few minutes. If there was any place where he could test his abilities, learn to control his power in real-life situations, it would be Gotham. And with his suit offering protection against small arms fire, he could patrol at night without too much risk.

But it wasn't a decision to be taken lightly. Clark knew he needed to consult with the SS system first, to get its input on his plan.

"SS," Clark thought, his voice serious in his mind, "I've been thinking about how I'm going to learn to fight crime in the future. I'm getting stronger, but I have no experience in real fights. I'm more afraid of accidentally hurting someone than I am of getting hurt myself. I need to practice, but it has to be in a way that doesn't put anyone in danger."

The SS system responded, its tone thoughtful and measured.

[Your concerns are valid, Clark. What do you propose?]

Clark took a deep breath before replying. "Gotham City. It's close enough that I can get there within an hour, and it's known for its crime. I was thinking… maybe I could start patrolling at night, in secret, to get some real experience. I'd stay in the shadows, only intervene when absolutely necessary, and I'd be careful—very careful."

The SS system processed the information, weighing the risks and benefits.

[Gotham City is indeed a suitable location for practical experience. The high crime rate offers ample opportunities to test your abilities. However, it is essential that you proceed with caution. The risks are significant, and the consequences of a misstep could be severe. Are you certain you are ready for this?]

Clark nodded to himself, determination settling in. "I know it's dangerous, but I need to learn. I need to understand how to use my powers in real situations, where things aren't always predictable. If I'm going to be Superman one day, I can't afford to make mistakes when lives are on the line."

[Your reasoning is sound. If you are committed to this course of action, I will support you. I will monitor your activities, provide guidance, and ensure that you maintain control at all times. Remember, this is a learning experience, not a mission of force. The goal is to practice restraint and develop your ability to handle difficult situations without causing harm.]

Clark felt a surge of confidence at the SS system's approval. He knew this was the right decision. It wouldn't be easy, but it was necessary. The Dark Knight Superboy was ready to step out of the shadows and into the night, not as a hero, but as a learner—an apprentice to the legacy he would one day uphold.

"Thank you, SS," Clark thought, a smile forming on his lips. "Let's get ready. Tomorrow night, we're going to Gotham."

[Affirmative, Clark. Preparation will begin immediately. Rest well tonight, for tomorrow marks the beginning of a new chapter in your training. We will proceed with caution, but also with purpose. You are ready.]

---

A Day at School

The following morning, Clark woke up with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. He knew that tonight would be the night he took his first step into a world far more dangerous than the peaceful fields of Smallville. But before he could think too much about it, he had to get through another day at school.

School had become routine for Clark. With his adult mind and advanced intelligence, the lessons were incredibly easy. While his classmates struggled with multiplication tables or reading assignments, Clark breezed through them with little effort. He often had to pretend to be challenged, raising his hand to ask questions he already knew the answers to, just to avoid standing out too much.

"Today, class, we're going to learn about fractions," Mrs. Taylor announced as she wrote on the board. The room filled with groans and whispers of confusion, but Clark just smiled to himself. He could solve fractions in his sleep.

As Mrs. Taylor explained how to divide a pizza into equal parts, Clark's mind wandered. He knew he had to keep up appearances, but sometimes it was hard not to let his thoughts drift to more important matters—like tonight's trip to Gotham. He snapped back to attention just in time to answer a question, giving a perfectly rehearsed response that earned him a nod of approval from Mrs. Taylor.

At recess, Clark joined Lana and Pete on the playground. They played tag and swung on the swings, laughing and enjoying the simplicity of childhood. But even as he laughed with his friends, Clark's mind was already on his evening plans. 

---

Dinner at Lana's House

After school, Clark headed home with his usual energy, but today had an extra layer of excitement—tonight, the Kents were invited to have dinner at Lana Lang's house. Lana had been talking about it all day at school, and Clark was looking forward to spending time with his friend in a different setting.

When they arrived at the Lang residence, Clark couldn't help but notice how warm and welcoming the house felt. Lana's Aunt Nell greeted them at the door with a big smile, and soon the two families were sitting around the dinner table, sharing stories and enjoying a delicious meal.

"Clark, how do you like school?" Aunt Nell asked with a kind smile, passing a bowl of mashed potatoes to Martha.

Clark swallowed his bite of chicken and smiled. "I like it a lot, Aunt Nell. It's fun, and I'm learning a lot of new things."

Lana grinned at him from across the table. "Clark's really good at math! He always knows the answers in class."

Jonathan chuckled, ruffling Clark's hair. "That's our boy. He's got a good head on his shoulders."

The adults continued their conversation, talking about the farm, the weather, and Smallville's latest news, while Clark and Lana exchanged playful glances and whispers. But even as he enjoyed the warmth of the evening, Clark couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the calm before the storm. He had to remind himself to stay present, to enjoy these moments with his family and friends, because tonight would be different. Tonight, he would be stepping into a world where things weren't so simple.

---

After dinner, the Kents said their goodbyes and headed home. Clark went through his usual evening routine—helping with chores, finishing his homework in record time, and then spending a little time with his parents before heading upstairs to his room.

But tonight, there would be no early bedtime. As soon as he was sure his parents were settled in for the night, Clark quietly got out of bed and began his preparations. The SS system had already started working in the background, ensuring everything was in place for his night in Gotham.

"SS, how's everything looking?" Clark asked in his mind as he carefully pulled out the lead-lined suit from its hiding place. The suit had been modified and reinforced to provide even better protection against kryptonite, and tonight it would also serve as his armor against the dangers of the city.

[Preparations are complete]

The SS system responded, its tone as steady as ever.

[The suit is ready, with enhanced protection and flexibility. Your current physical abilities have been analyzed, and your route to Gotham has been mapped out for optimal speed and minimal risk of detection. You are ready to proceed at your discretion.]

Clark nodded, slipping into the suit with practiced ease. It fit him perfectly, like a second skin, allowing him full range of motion while keeping him safe. He took a deep breath, feeling the excitement and nerves bubbling up inside him. This was it. His first real step into the world of crime-fighting.

"Thanks, SS. I'm ready," Clark thought, adjusting the last piece of his suit. "Let's go over the plan one more time."

[Of course]

the SS system replied.

[You will depart from Smallville and head directly to Gotham, using your super speed to minimize travel time. Once in Gotham, you will patrol the city's most crime-ridden areas, focusing on observation and stealth rather than direct confrontation. Your objective is to gain experience and assess your ability to control your powers in a real-world environment. Intervention is permitted only if necessary, and you must prioritize restraint to avoid unnecessary harm.]

Clark nodded again, going over the plan in his mind.

With everything in place, Clark took one last look around his room, making sure everything was as it should be. Then, with a determined smile, he stepped out into the night, his heart pounding with anticipation.

"Alright, Gotham," he whispered to himself as he prepared to take off.

"Here comes the Dark Knight Superboy."

---