Chapter 7: Rising Up (Part 6)

Metropolis

The early morning light streamed through the large, tinted windows of Lionel Luthor's penthouse office in Metropolis, but its warmth did little to thaw the icy rage brewing within him. Lionel paced back and forth, his expensive leather shoes clicking sharply against the polished marble floor. His usually composed demeanor had all but evaporated over the past few months, replaced by a seething frustration that threatened to explode at any moment.

It had all started with his plan to take control of the agricultural market in Smallville—a simple, foolproof scheme designed to cripple the town's farmers and force them into his debt. Lionel had ordered his men to acquire a local agriculture products company and then secretly distribute tampered seeds to the farmers. The idea was to ensure that their crops would yield poorly, leaving them desperate and vulnerable to his influence. Once they were under his thumb, he would have complete control over Smallville's economy.

But something had gone terribly wrong. Instead of the meager harvests he had anticipated, the farmers' crops had flourished beyond anyone's expectations. Fields that should have been barren were overflowing with produce, and the market was flooded with high-quality goods. Lionel had been furious when he first heard the news, his carefully laid plans unraveling before his eyes. He had come close to firing every single researcher involved in the tampered seeds project, his anger barely contained as he demanded answers.

Then, a few weeks ago, Lionel's mood had shifted when his men made an incredible discovery—a Kryptonian space pod, just like the one Veritas had prophesied would bring The Traveler to Earth. The pod was everything he had hoped for, a potential key to unlocking unimaginable power. For a brief moment, his frustration had turned to excitement as he ordered his men to pry it open, using every resource at their disposal. The process was slow, agonizingly so, but the promise of what lay inside kept him hopeful.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, and Lionel's initial excitement began to sour. The pod refused to yield its secrets, its defenses stronger than anything his scientists had encountered before. Despite their best efforts, the kryptonite they employed had little effect. His mood, which had begun to recover, now crumbled into a state of smoldering fury. The one thing that could redeem his failed agricultural plot was slipping further and further out of reach.

But then, just a few hours ago, Lionel had received word that his scientists were finally making progress. The kryptonite had begun to weaken the pod's defenses, and they were on the verge of cracking it open. Lionel's heart had leaped at the news, the prospect of finally obtaining the power he had sought rekindling his ambition. He had immediately ordered his personal plane to be prepared—he wanted to be there when the pod opened, to see with his own eyes what lay inside.

He was just stepping onto the sleek, private jet, the engines humming with readiness, when one of his top subordinates approached him, their face pale with fear. Lionel had barely managed to stifle his impatience as the man stammered out his report.

"Mr. Luthor… the pod… it's been stolen."

Lionel froze, his hand tightening on the handle of his briefcase. "What did you just say?"

The subordinate swallowed hard, his voice trembling. "The pod, sir. A few hours ago, it was… it was taken by someone—something. They broke into the facility, disabled the security systems, and… and took it. We don't know who it was, but they had… powers, sir. Powers we've never seen before."

For a moment, the only sound was the low whine of the jet's engines. Then, slowly, Lionel turned to face his subordinate. His eyes, once filled with the fire of ambition, now burned with a cold, deadly rage.

"Get. Off. My. PLANE!!"

The man flinched, his entire body trembling as he hastily retreated down the steps and out of sight. Lionel stood there, his chest heaving as he struggled to contain the volcanic fury erupting within him. The pod—the one thing that could have redeemed all his failures, the key to the power he had craved for so long—had been snatched away from him by some unknown force. It was unthinkable, intolerable.

His vision blurred with rage, Lionel whirled around and stormed back into the terminal, his mind a whirlwind of fury and dark thoughts. The researchers, the scientists, the security teams—they had all failed him, and now they would pay the price. Heads would roll, and the walls of LuthorCorp would echo with the consequences of their incompetence.

But even as his wrath consumed him, a small, calculating part of Lionel's mind remained cold and clear. Whoever had taken the pod had power—unimaginable power—and he would find out who they were. He would hunt them down, and when he did, he would not only retrieve the pod, but he would also ensure that whoever had dared to cross him would suffer the full force of his vengeance.

As Lionel stalked through the terminal, his mind raced with plans for retribution. The first step was to tighten his grip on Smallville, to crush any resistance that remained. But beyond that, he would launch an investigation to find the mysterious thief. He would pull every string, use every resource, and leave no stone unturned.

And when he found them… Lionel's lips curled into a predatory smile. They would wish they had never laid a hand on what was rightfully his.

---

Clark's Bunker

After the intense events of the previous night, the bunker was now quiet, with only the soft hum of the technology surrounding Clark and the steady breathing of Krypto, who was still resting comfortably. Clark's mind, however, was anything but calm. He was eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Kryptonian pod he had retrieved from LuthorCorp and, more importantly, to help his newly reunited companion recover from the kryptonite exposure.

With Krypto still asleep, Clark turned his attention back to the space pod. The glow of the "S" insignia had dimmed slightly, but the pod's advanced technology continued to hum with a quiet energy. Clark knew there might be more inside—more tools, more information—things that could help him understand his heritage and better protect his loved ones.

"Let's see what else you're hiding," Clark murmured to himself as he carefully opened the compartments he had discovered earlier.

The first compartment, which had held the data crystal and the holographic projector, was now empty, but Clark felt that there could be more within the pod itself. He gently pressed his hand against the pod's inner surface, using his strength to carefully pry open any additional panels or hidden compartments.

As he did, a small hatch on the side of the pod slid open, revealing a set of small, intricate devices. They looked like medical tools, each one finely crafted with a sleek, metallic finish. Clark picked them up one by one, turning them over in his hands. These weren't just any tools—they were designed for healing, for restoring health and vitality to injured Kryptonians.

[Clark, these tools appear to be Kryptonian's medical devices, likely designed to counteract the effects of kryptonite exposure,] SS informed him. [They could be instrumental in helping Krypto recover fully.]

Clark's heart lifted at the news. "That's perfect. Let's get to work."

Over the next few hours, Clark used the devices to carefully treat Krypto, who responded well to the advanced healing techniques. The tools seemed to accelerate the recovery process, neutralizing the lingering effects of the kryptonite and restoring Krypto's strength. The dog's energy levels began to rise, and soon enough, Krypto was up and about, wagging his tail and following Clark around the bunker with renewed vigor.

Clark spent the next few weeks training Krypto, who quickly adapted to his enhanced abilities. The bond between them grew stronger with each passing day, as Clark guided Krypto through exercises that honed his speed, strength, and flight abilities. Krypto proved to be a quick learner, and before long, the two of them were working seamlessly together, much like they must have on Krypton so many years ago.

But even as Clark focused on Krypto's recovery and training, a deeper question weighed on his mind—how to reveal all of this to his parents. Jonathan and Martha had always been there for him, had always supported him, but Clark had never told them the full extent of his abilities. He had kept his powers a secret, fearing what might happen if they knew, fearing that they might see him differently, or worse, that they might be put in danger.

As he watched Krypto playfully chase a ball across the bunker, Clark's thoughts turned inward. He knew that keeping secrets from his parents was becoming increasingly difficult, especially as his responsibilities grew and the threats around them became more serious. The time was coming when he would have to tell them the truth, but how could he do it in a way that wouldn't overwhelm them?

Clark considered the reasons why he had kept his powers hidden for so long. It wasn't just about fear—though that was part of it—it was also about shielding them and preserving the normal life they'd known for so many years. He didn't want to overwhelm them with the reality of what he could do, or the risks that came with it. But now, with Krypto in the mix, he knew his parents deserved the truth.

As he pondered how to approach the conversation, Clark knew he needed to do it in a way that was honest but also gentle. He would need to show them, not just tell them, what he was capable of. And he would need to reassure them that, no matter what, he was still the same son they had raised, the same Clark they had always known.

With that resolve, Clark decided it was time to introduce Krypto to his parents. He knew they would love the dog, and that Krypto could be the bridge between the secret world Clark had been living in and the life his parents knew. Krypto's presence would help explain some things without overwhelming them all at once.

One afternoon, after another successful training session, Clark led Krypto out of the bunker and back toward the farmhouse. The sun was shining, the fields around the farm lush and green—a stark contrast to the turmoil that had been brewing in Clark's mind. But now, as he walked toward the house with Krypto trotting happily beside him, he felt a sense of peace.

Martha and Jonathan were in the kitchen when Clark entered, Krypto close at his heels. The moment they saw the dog, both of them paused, surprise and curiosity lighting up their faces.

"Clark, where did you find this little guy?" Martha asked, kneeling down to pet Krypto, who immediately responded with a friendly wag of his tail.

"He's… a friend," Clark said, smiling as he watched Krypto nuzzle into his mother's hand. "His name's Krypto. I found him… well, he found me, really. And I was wondering… can we keep him? As our family pet?"

Jonathan looked up from his newspaper, a warm smile spreading across his face as he took in the sight of his son with the dog. "Of course, son. He looks like he's already made himself at home."

Clark felt a surge of relief, but he knew this was just the beginning. As Krypto settled in, Clark would take the time to slowly reveal more about who he was, what he could do, and why it was so important to keep these abilities hidden—at least for now. But for today, it was enough that his parents welcomed Krypto into their home, and that they were happy.

The conversation about his powers would come soon, but for now, Clark was content to let this be the first step—a step toward the full truth and the stronger bond that would come with it.

---

Status Window (1995)

Name: Clark Kent / Kal-El

Age: 9

Race: Kryptonian (under the Yellow Sun)

Title(s):

1. Dark Knight of Hope: Increased strategic thinking and stealth capabilities.Ability to blend strength and strategy, akin to Batman's methods.Inspire Courage: Grants the ability to bolster the morale of allies, instilling hope and determination, making them more resistant to fear and doubt.

2. 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): 48% (Level 5) Effect:

1. Physical Power Surge: Significant enhancement to overall strength, speed, and durability, allowing for feats of strength far beyond the human limit.

2. Accelerated Ability Development: Faster progression in unlocking and mastering new abilities, including flight and sensory enhancements.

3. Increased Solar Absorption Efficiency: Enhanced ability to absorb and store solar energy, leading to quicker recovery times and sustained energy levels during prolonged use of powers.

4. Augmented Resilience: Greater resistance to physical and energy-based attacks, as well as an improved healing factor, allowing Clark to recover more quickly from injuries.

5. Enhanced Mental Clarity: Improved focus, reflexes, and decision-making capabilities, especially under stress, allowing for more effective use of both combat and strategic skills.

Abilities:

1. Super Strength: Enhanced; capable of lifting objects up to 20 tons.

2. Super Speed: Enhanced; capable of running at speeds up to Mach 2.5.

3. Heat Vision: Controlled; capable of sustained low-intensity output for up to 2 minutes.

4. Enhanced Senses: Heightened vision, hearing, and reflexes, with increased range and sensitivity.

5. Invulnerability: Improved; partial resistance to physical damage, withstanding high-caliber firearms and significant blunt force.

6. Flight: Developing; able to hover and sustain low-altitude flight for short distances.

7. X-Ray Vision: Unlocked; capable of seeing through solid objects, except lead.

8. Super Breath: Unlocked; capable of exhaling with immense force, creating strong gusts of wind.

Skills:

1. Run Through Water: Allows for maintaining speed and balance while running across the surface of water. Requires precise control of speed and momentum.

2. Basic Mechanics (Improvised): Instinctual understanding of mechanical systems in urgent situations. Limited application, primarily focused on emergency repairs.

3. Advanced Problem Solving: Enhanced ability to analyze and resolve complex issues, especially in high-pressure situations.

4. Basic Stealth Techniques: Improved ability to move quietly and avoid detection, particularly in low-light conditions.

5. Hacking (Beginner, Universe Standard): Possesses basic skills in digital infiltration, capable of bypassing low-level security systems, accessing unsecured networks, and performing rudimentary hacks on standard encryption. Progress in this skill is aligned with the universe's typical learning curve, providing Clark the foundation needed to tackle more complex systems in the future.

6. Martial Arts:

- Torquasm-Rao (Beginner): A Kryptonian martial art focusing on mental discipline and inner strength, which enhances Clark's ability to resist mental attacks and achieve heightened awareness in combat situations.

- Torquasm-Vo (Beginner): A martial art that combines physical combat techniques with advanced mental states, allowing Clark to tap into his instincts and reflexes to perform complex maneuvers with greater efficiency.

- Earth-Based Martial Arts (Intermediate): Trained in a combination of Muay Thai, Boxing, and Jiu-Jitsu, Clark has developed practical hand-to-hand combat skills that enhance his ability to fight both superpowered and non-superpowered opponents.

His training, while still developing, allows him to integrate Kryptonian techniques with Earth-based fighting styles, making him five times more efficient in combat.

7. Medical Knowledge (Kryptonian): Acquired basic knowledge of Kryptonian medical devices, including the use of tools to counteract kryptonite exposure and enhance healing.

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Krypto (Companion)

Species: Kryptonian Canine

Age: Unknown (Adult)

Status: Recovered from kryptonite exposure; currently undergoing training and bonding with Clark.

Abilities:

1. Super Strength: Enhanced; capable of lifting and carrying objects up to 2 tons.

2. Super Speed: Enhanced; capable of running at speeds up to Mach 2.

3. Flight: Capable of sustained flight at moderate speeds, with increasing control and agility.

4. Heat Vision: Controlled; capable of emitting heat rays for short durations, effective for combat or precise cutting.

5. Enhanced Senses: Heightened sense of smell, hearing, and vision, surpassing even the best Earth-based canines; capable of detecting threats from great distances.

6. Invulnerability: Partial; resistant to physical damage, including small arms fire and moderate blunt force.

7. Super Breath: Capable of exhaling with enough force to knock back objects or generate strong gusts of wind.

Training Progress:

1. Combat Skills: Krypto is undergoing combat training with Clark, learning to use his strength, speed, and other abilities in coordinated maneuvers. While still in training, Krypto has shown significant progress and can engage effectively in battles.

2. Loyalty and Bonding: Krypto has formed a strong bond with Clark, responding quickly to commands and showing protective instincts toward Clark and those he cares about.

3. Control Over Abilities: Krypto is learning to control his powers more precisely, especially flight and heat vision, under Clark's guidance.