Chapter 21: You and I Need To Talk, Pa.

More advance chapters on P@treon.com/Saintbarbido.

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(Jon's P.O.V)

"Recognized, Superboy B-02."

"Recognized Connor B-04."

"You should really think about getting a cape name."

I advised Connor as the light of the Mount Justice Zetabeam washed over us, depositing us on the Hall of our base.

"What name should I pick?"

He asked.

My shoulders rose and fell,

"That's for you to decide."

I stopped before the stairs, an idea coming to mind. Turning around with a smile, I made the suggestion.

"How about Powerboy?"

Connor blinked thoughtfully.

"Powerboy?...Powerboy...I don't like it. I love it."

He grinned at me.

"Almost had me."

I chuckled with a headshake. Look who's found his humor.

"Let's go find the others. See what they think of it."

"I'm afraid your teammates are currently occupied."

Red Tornado's voice reached us through the Intercom.

A strange feeling gripped me.

"Occupied? Explain."

"I sent them to investigate a disturbance at the Happy Harbor Power Plant."

He answered.

"They left on Miss Martian's Bio-ship."

'Now I remember.'

A particular memory of the show resurfaced.

"Connor, how about you hit the showers and clean off the sweet from training."

I suggested, my feet already leaving the floor.

"Okay. But what about you?"

Connor questioningly glanced at my levitating form.

"I have an errand to run."

With a nod, I flew out of the cave through the back exit, heading towards the small town of Happy Harbor.

'I hope I'm not too late.'

Mount Justice was located on the outskirts of the town, separated by a small woodland forest.

My ears were peeled as I flew. And within seconds I'd pinpointed where the sounds of battle were coming from.

Strafing in the cold evening air, I shot towards the East. In no time, the municipality appeared over the ridges along with a dock that was the scene of the altercation.

I slowed down to a stop, leaving me hovering above the harbor.

My teammates were fighting a red colored foe who was decimating everything around with bursts of tornados strong enough to lift boats and cutting winds sharp enough to shred buildings.

Aerokinesis? Check.

Sleek and Intimidating brute of a Robot? Check.

This was Mr. Twister, an Android who shared abilities and an uncanny origin with Red Tornado.(though the Leaguer had no clue. Heh, he'll figure it out in the future when we inevitably come across Professor T.O Morrow's other creations.)

For now, I knew the Squad could handle Twister. But as I'd seen with Raven's existence in this universe, could wasn't good enough.

I cut off my flight and dropped to the ground in Terminal velocity, aiming for the Android.

CLAAAANKK!

Metal parts flew out every which way, my feet tearing and shredding the Android to chunks as I used it similar to a landing pad, leaving a dusty crater behind.

"Hey guys. I'm back."

I waved at my stupefied teammates.

Grabbing my hand, Aqualad hoisted me off the scrap mess that was the late, not so great Mr. Twister.

"M'gann had a plan."

Robin deadpanned.

"Oh, sorry about that Miss Martian, guess I stole your thunder."

That actually made me embarrassed. In my hurry, I forgot how my interference might look. Like I didn't trust them.

"No problem."

M'gann, bless her heart, waved it off.

"Except for the possibility you could have killed a person, if in fact the Android had been...okay, you already knew that..."

Wally trailed off as a chuckle escaped me.

"Superhearing baby."

I tapped my ears.

"Listened for a heartbeat, he didn't have any."

"Still, you could have notified us first."

Aqualad lightly chided, picking through the Android's sparking remains.

"You looked like you needed a hand."

I shrugged, the five of us gathering around.

"You think someone sent it?"

"Highly likely. It had Red Tornado's powers, and attacking the only power plant closest to the Base? Something smells fishy. We should take it back with us."

Rob suggested.

"Oh I'll call the ship!"

Miss Martian added with a clap.

"Good. That only leaves Jon to gather up the remains."

Robin stated.

"Me? Why?"

He couldn't be serious.

"Your mess. You clean it up."

I hated the smirks on their faces.

-0-

Afterwards, the Android parts in tow, we were flying back to the Base. This time I rode with them on M'gann's Bio-ship.

My head was pressed on my seat, hand gently stroking the smooth material.

"Incredible...I can hear the neural charge humming through her...she's alive, isn't she?"

I turned to Miss Martian who was connected to the Bio-ship mentally. You could just feel the psionic energy warping around her. Similar to my bio-electric field.

"Thats correct Jon. Martian Bio-ships possess their own consciousness. They bond to my people when one comes of age."

"I wouldn't mind having one. So cool."

I sighed, admiring the sleek and moldable cabin.

"Kinda redundant seeing as you can fly..."

Wally pointed out.

"Speaking of flying...how come you can but Connor cannot?"

Miss Martian asked.

Silence fell among us.

"I'm sorry, is it a touchy subject?"

M'gann noticed the reactions. Can't fault her for being clueless.

"No. It's no secret that Connor is a clone. A half Kryptonian like me. He just hasn't had enough time to awaken all his abilities. But trust me, sooner or later...my little brother will fly. I'll make sure of it."

-0-

Despite my claim to M'gann, it wasn't going to be a cakewalk. While we shared the same dna, my brother's genetic makeup was less stable in comparison.

According to Jor-El it would take a miracle for Connor to break past his biological limits.

I'd done it though. Meaning I could work miracles.

The next day, early morning:

"Why again are we sitting half naked on the rooftop, at 5 a.m?"

Connor questioned,

"5.59 actually."

I corrected.

"As for the reason, this is the best time to bathe in the sun's wondrous rays."

I sighed in contentment as the first beam of sunlight hit us, enriching my cells, chasing away the darkness and washing the farmland in a red glow.

"Breathe it in bro."

I inhaled, Connor copying me. For a few minutes, we meditated in silence. The calls of our roosters and farm animals adding to the serene chaos of the countryside.

"You feel the strange tingle on your skin?"

"Ah...yeah."

Connor replied.

"That's solar energy, getting absorbed by your body. Normally, you wouldn't feel it but when the body is in a relaxed state and the mind empty of distraction-merely an observer, you become aware of everything around. That is the first step in learning Torquasm. Serenity amidst chaos."

"Will it teach me how to fly?Torquasm, I mean."

"I don't know. But it's your best bet."

I honestly answered. I suspect it was how I awakened my bio-field.

I didn't need my eyes open to sense the frustration within him.

"Fine. I'll try it."

He gritted out.

I was glad, though I kept it from showing outwardly.

"That's the second step, Patience. I think you're getting the hang of it."

This time Connor actually smiled.

-0-

"Hey Ma, we're back."

The two of us entered the kitchen.

"Boys, help me set the table."

Ma instructed, only to take a sniff and wrinkle her nose at us.

"On second thought, go and help your father out in the barn. You reek."

"Not my fault, Ma. Connor wanted to race across the farm"

I shrugged.

"And you said why leave it at that and went around the district."

Connor threw back.

"Don't care. Leave my kitchen before I make you race to heaven."

She levelled a ladle our way. Suffice it to say, we quickly made ourselves scarce.

"Your mom is..."

Connor begun as we approached the red barn.

"Scary? Terrifying? A good cook? Forgot a few, but I get your point. Oh, and she's your mom too you know."

Connor stopped.

"Y- You sure? You don't hate me for being here?"

What?

"Oh god no."

I laughed.

"You're a breath of fresh air. Besides, now she can nag someone else besides me. But you'll probably be fine, she likes you."

"What about..."

Connor trailed off, meaningfully staring at the barn to our front.

Oh. Dad.

The yearning in Connor's eyes was as clear as day. You know what? enough was enough.

"Come on Kon, let's go say hi to dear old Pa. He's ducked us long enough."

I grabbed his hand and dragged him forward.

-0-

Dad was stacking up sacks of fertilizer when we came in. I knew he'd heard us, even though he pretended to be surprised by our entry.

"Jon, didn't see you there. I was just finishing up here."

He pointed to the row of sacks.

"Bummer. Ma thought you needed some help."

I mock sighed, then added cheekily,

"But I'm not complaining, saves us time to hang out. What do you say Pa, race you to the edge of the farm? I want you to see how faster I've gotten."

I was already jogging in place. And by saying yes, Connor would get to spend some time with his father and Dad would be forced to interact with him. It was a solid plan.

Pa briefly glanced at Connor.

"Sorry Jon, Maybe another time. I hear your mom calling. Breakfast is ready."

He said in a flat tone and passed by us for the exit.

That's...

I forced a smile,

"Okay then, we can go flying after Breakfast. Just around the State. Connor can ride on your back and-"

Thunk!

Dad punched the barn's door, exploding it into pieces, shocking me and Connor.

"Stop trying so hard dammit!"

He roared at me, eyes full of anger.

I was utterly stunned. The anger didn't seem directed at me or Connor but this was the first time my Father ever snapped. At me.

Connor took a step back, his face pale with fear and confusion.

Dad noticed it and the anger faded, replaced by guilt and another emotion I couldn't quite understand.

"Jon I- I'm s...Just..."

He cut off with a sigh and started heading for the house, shoulders slumped.

"Hey Dad."

I softly called, stopping him in his tracks. My hand curled into a fist as he turned around.

"Yes son?"

"I'm not just faster now...I can also hit harder."

In a motion, that had him reacting a split second too late, I blurred forward and landed an uppercut to his chin, sending him shooting towards the sky, his body breaking past the sound barrier.

My fist smoked, and some of the fingers were broken. But none of that mattered. None of it mattered due to the rage I was feeling.

"J- jon?"

Hesitantly, connor said my name, voice trembling.

"Go to the house Connor. Tell Ma, Pa and I decided to work on my flying skills. We'll be back later. Don't wait up."

Without waiting for confirmation, I blasted off, eyes on Dad's figure among the clouds, rubbing his chin with a shocked expression.

"You and I need to talk, Pa."