Talia stared at Clark, shock etched across her face. She never expected Bane, her most trusted enforcer, to be neutralized instantly by this newcomer. Her heart pounded as the unexpected turn of events unsettled her completely.
The remaining assassins, though momentarily stunned by Clark's Heat Vision, did not falter. Years of rigorous training and unwavering faith pushed them forward. Yet, in a blur of superhuman speed, they too were effortlessly eliminated.
From his perch atop a warehouse beam, Batman watched the display with calculated concern. Clark's mastery of speed and power left no room for human resistance.
"As long as I choose, no one can stop me," Clark said coldly, his gaze fixed on a stunned Talia.
A voice, familiar and unwelcome, cut through the air behind him.
"Once you lose yourself, Clark, you will become repulsive."
Clark's head snapped around to find the person he least wanted to face. Under the half-moon's glow, Adrian stood on the shimmering dock, bathed in a mysterious, frost-like light. The moonlight glinted off the waves, lending him an otherworldly aura.
Talia's jaw dropped. This was impossible. Two brothers, both seemingly unstoppable, now stood before her.
Clark's eyes narrowed. "Adrian Kent, you shouldn't be here."
"I have no interest in your ridiculous ambitions," Adrian replied, stepping closer, his expression cold. "If I weren't worried about Mom, I wouldn't even glance at you."
"Is that so? Because you never treated me as your brother. Your cold and barren emotions are obvious," Clark said, expressionless but burning with intensity.
Talia could only gape, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of this family.
Adrian's eyes glinted crimson as he focused on Clark. Clark responded in kind, crimson Heat Vision piercing the night.
Sizzle!
The beams collided, scattering scarlet energy into the air, forming a heated vortex that shimmered above the moonlit dock. Talia shrank back in terror, shielding her eyes.
Even without a Hunter's Moon, Adrian's power under the moonlight surged beyond Clark's current abilities. His body radiated raw strength, pushing past the limits of human comprehension.
Clark gritted his teeth, veins bulging, and unleashed his full Heat Vision.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The force blasted Clark backward like a missile, sending him skimming across the water's surface. The impact churned massive waves, glittering under the moonlight, forming a spectacular yet terrifying display.
Adrian retracted his Heat Vision, bent his knees, and rocketed into the sky, looping before diving at Clark with lethal precision.
Talia, panic-stricken, retreated to the shore, unable to tear her eyes away from the clash.
Batman, from his rooftop vantage, observed silently, opening a communicator.
"Alfred?" he said, his tone measured.
"Yes, Master?" Alfred replied.
"Prepare the encryption. I've uploaded the footage. Only one person will have access—"
He paused, voice lowering, "Bruce Wayne."
---
Return to the Barn
The next morning, Adrian pushed open the barn door, greeted by the familiar bustle of the Kent household. Voices and laughter filled the room.
"Thank you, Jenny!"
"You're welcome, Mrs. Kent."
"Hey, can you get me the milk?"
"Of course, warm milk coming right up."
Adrian stood silently for a moment, taking in the lavish breakfast and the familiar faces of his parents, Bart, and Jenny.
"Good morning!" Jenny said cheerfully, carrying a tray.
"When did you get here?" Adrian asked, frowning slightly.
"Earlier today. I thought I could help. I used to make Sunday breakfasts for the children's home," Jenny said, offering a pancake to Adrian.
"Your cooking is good, just like your mother's," Jonathan said warmly.
Adrian ignored the pancake, scanning the barn, now spotless. "Bart, did you clean again?"
"I did," Bart replied, sheepish.
"Good. Everyone seems in high spirits today. Clark, come in," Adrian called.
"Clark?!" Martha exclaimed, astonished.
The barn door creaked open, and Clark stepped inside.
"Mom, Dad, I'm back!"
"Oh, Clark!" Martha hugged him tightly, tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Mom, for everything," Clark murmured.
"It's alright. As long as you're back," she said softly.
Jonathan approached, composed yet relieved. "Clark, do you remember everything?"
"I do, though it's a bit chaotic. Adrian saved me—he restored me to Clark, not Kal-El," Clark admitted, a mix of gratitude and complex emotion in his voice.
Jonathan nodded. "A thorny path, but we'll help you. Flying or standing, this growth is real."
Clark shook his head. "I can't fly now. Kal-El soars, Clark remains on the ground."
"Hmm," Adrian observed quietly, a hint of a smirk on his face.
---
Smallville High
The following day, under Akins' insistence, Adrian reluctantly attended school. Jenny, having won the family's favor, enrolled as well. Bart joined, though less enthusiastically. Adrian's focus wasn't on schooling; if it made his parents happy, he could feign interest.
Today was Technology Expo Visit Day. Third-year students were bused to Metropolis to explore high-tech companies. Adrian followed quietly, Clark beside him, thoughts tangled over how to explain recent events to Chloe and Lana.
Across the bus aisle, Dinah Crock, daughter of Sportsmaster and Tigress, locked eyes with Adrian. Her expression immediately hardened.
Ignoring her, Adrian remained alert. Dinah reached into her coat, dagger in hand. In a swift, cold reaction, Adrian's Heat Vision scorched her hand. The dagger fell, clattering to the ground.
Dinah panicked, rushing to retrieve it—only for a car to speed toward her.
Adrian's eyes narrowed, calm and lethal. He observed as the vehicle bore down, ready to intervene.
---