Chapter 8

(Flashback Part 2)

Breaking Away

The sun was setting over the Avengers' headquarters, casting long shadows across the training grounds where Kade and the team had just finished a grueling session. The air was filled with a mix of exhaustion and camaraderie as the team exchanged banter and congratulated each other on a job well done. But Kade's mind was elsewhere, consumed by a growing frustration that had been building for weeks.

"Good work today, everyone," Captain America said, his voice carrying the usual authority and encouragement. "Let's debrief and then call it a night."

The team gathered in the debriefing room, their expressions reflecting the day's fatigue. As the meeting began, Kade sat silently, his thoughts racing. He respected the Avengers, admired their dedication, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they were limited by rules and boundaries that prevented them from doing more.

"Any final thoughts?" Captain America asked, wrapping up the session.

Kade took a deep breath, his hands clenching into fists. "Actually, I do," he said, his voice cutting through the room.

All eyes turned to him, surprise evident on their faces. "What's on your mind, Kade?" Tony Stark asked, leaning back in his chair with a curious expression.

"I want to help more people," Kade began, trying to keep his tone even. "I want to go out there and make a real difference. But it feels like we're always waiting for permission, always held back by politics and borders."

Tony's expression shifted to one of concern. "Kade, you know we operate under certain protocols for a reason. We can't just act unilaterally."

"But why not?" Kade's frustration spilled over. "We have the power to save lives, to stop disasters before they happen. Why are we letting bureaucracy get in the way?"

Thor and Black Widow exchanged glances, sensing the tension rising. Captain America remained silent, his face thoughtful.

"It's not that simple," Tony replied, his voice firm. "We operate within a system to ensure accountability and to avoid creating more problems than we solve."

Kade shook his head. "I get that, but we're wasting time. While we're sitting in meetings, people are dying. We should be out there, helping them."

"Rules are in place for a reason, Kade," Tony said, his patience wearing thin. "We have to consider the bigger picture."

"The bigger picture?" Kade scoffed. "What about the people suffering right now? What about the lives we could save today?"

Black Widow stepped in, trying to defuse the situation. "Kade, we understand your frustration. But going rogue isn't the answer. We need to work together, within the system."

"That's not good enough for me," Kade said, standing up. "I didn't come here to be a soldier following orders. I came here to help people."

Captain America finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Kade, I understand where you're coming from. But breaking away from the team isn't the solution. We can do a lot of good together."

Kade looked at him, his eyes pleading. "Cap, you know we could do more. You know we're capable of saving more lives if we weren't held back."

Captain America sighed, clearly torn. "I agree with you, but we have to consider the consequences of our actions."

Tony stood up, his face set in a hard line. "Kade, if you go out there on your own, you'll be putting yourself and others at risk. We can't support that."

"I'm not asking for your permission," Kade said, his voice steely. "I'm going to help people, with or without you."

The room fell silent, the weight of Kade's words hanging in the air. Tony shook his head, a mixture of frustration and disappointment on his face. "Then you're making a big mistake."

"Maybe," Kade replied, his voice resolute. "But it's a mistake I have to make."

With that, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving the Avengers behind. He could feel their eyes on his back, a mix of anger, concern, and regret. But he knew this was the right decision for him. He couldn't stay and watch people suffer when he had the power to make a difference.

As he stepped out into the cool night air, he took a deep breath, feeling a sense of liberation and determination. He knew the path ahead would be difficult, filled with challenges and dangers. But he was ready to face them. He was ready to be the hero he knew he could be.

Over the next few days, Kade began his new mission. He patrolled the city, listening for cries of help, scanning the streets for trouble. It was exhausting work, but it was also fulfilling. He saved people from burning buildings, stopped muggings, and helped those in need. He couldn't be everywhere at once, but he did what he could, and it made a difference.

One night, as he was returning to his makeshift base in an abandoned warehouse, he heard a familiar voice. "Kade, wait up."

He turned to see Captain America approaching, his face a mix of concern and resolve. "What are you doing here, Cap?"

"I wanted to talk to you," Captain America said, his tone calm. "I understand why you left, but I want you to know that we're still here for you. You're still part of the team, whether you realize it or not."

Kade sighed, his frustration resurfacing. "I appreciate that, Cap, but I can't go back to following orders that prevent us from helping people."

"I get it," Captain America replied. "But there's a way to do this without going rogue. We can find a balance."

Kade shook his head. "I don't think there is. I need to be out here, helping people directly."

Captain America placed a hand on his shoulder. "Just promise me you'll be careful. You have a lot of power, Kade, and with that comes responsibility. Don't lose sight of that."

"I won't," Kade said, his voice softening. "Thank you, Cap. For everything."

Captain America nodded, a small smile on his face. "Stay safe out there."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Kade to his thoughts. He knew the path he had chosen was risky, but it was the only way he could make a real difference. He would do whatever it took to help those in need, even if it meant going it alone.

The days turned into weeks, and Kade's reputation as a hero grew. People began to recognize him, to call out his name when they needed help. He was becoming a symbol of hope, a beacon of light in a dark world. And while he missed the camaraderie of the Avengers, he knew he was doing what he was meant to do.

One evening, as he was patrolling the city, he heard a commotion nearby. He sped towards the sound, his enhanced senses guiding him. When he arrived, he saw a group of people gathered around a burning building, their faces filled with fear and desperation.

"Someone, please help!" a woman cried, clutching a small child to her chest.

Kade didn't hesitate. He flew into the building, his heat vision cutting through the flames. He found people trapped inside, their faces covered in soot and tears. "Come on, I'll get you out," he said, his voice steady and reassuring.

One by one, he carried them to safety, his superhuman strength and speed allowing him to move quickly and efficiently. As he set the last person down, the crowd erupted in cheers, their faces filled with gratitude.

"Thank you, thank you so much," the woman said, tears streaming down her face. "You saved us."

Kade smiled, feeling a sense of fulfillment. "Just doing my job, ma'am."

As he turned to leave, he heard a voice from the crowd. "Look, it's Superboy!"

He sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. (I guess some things never change.)

Flying back to his base, Kade felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was making a difference, one person at a time. And while the road ahead would be tough, he knew he could handle it. He was stronger than he had ever been, both physically and mentally.

Later that night, as he sat on the rooftop of his base, he thought about the Avengers. He missed them, missed the sense of family and belonging. But he also knew that he was on the right path. He had to follow his heart, to do what he believed was right.

He closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the city wash over him. He could hear the distant sirens, the hum of traffic, the murmurs of conversation. It was overwhelming, but it was also a reminder of why he was doing this. He had the power to help, and he would use it to make the world a better place.

The next day, as he was preparing for another patrol, he heard a knock on the door. He opened it to find Tony Stark standing there, his expression unreadable.

"Tony? What are you doing here?" Kade asked, surprised.

"I wanted to talk," Tony said, stepping inside. "I've been thinking about what you said. About helping more people."

Kade crossed his arms, waiting for Tony to continue.

"You were right," Tony admitted, his tone serious. "We've been too focused on following rules and protocols. We can do more. And we should."

Kade felt a surge of hope. "So what does that mean?"

"It means we're going to make some changes," Tony said