DC Universe (Earth-2609th)
1991, Smallville, Kansas
The early morning sun bathed the Kent farmhouse in a golden hue, marking the beginning of another day. The rooster's crow echoed across the quiet fields, stirring five-year-old Clark Kent from his peaceful slumber. His eyes fluttered open as the warmth of the sun filtered through his curtains, the light gently coaxing him awake. He stretched out in his small bed, feeling the familiar, comforting sensation of the sun's energy seeping into his body. Every morning was a subtle reminder of the power within him—an awakening of his extraordinary abilities.
Downstairs, the mouthwatering scent of sizzling bacon wafted up to Clark's room. It was enough to pull him from bed. He quickly dressed in his typical farm attire—overalls and a checkered shirt. His small feet made soft thuds on the wooden floor as he hurried downstairs to the kitchen, eager for the day's activities.
"Good morning, sweetheart!" Martha Kent greeted him with a warm smile as she flipped another pancake onto the growing stack. Her eyes sparkled with love and pride as she watched her son, who had grown so much in such a short time.
"Morning, Mom," Clark replied, his voice still a bit groggy from sleep but brimming with the energy and excitement of a child eager to start the day.
Jonathan Kent, already seated at the table with his newspaper, looked up and grinned. "You're up early again, Clark. Must be that farm boy blood in you."
Clark smiled back as he slid into his seat. "I didn't want to miss breakfast with you, Dad."
Martha set a plate of pancakes in front of Clark, topped with a pat of butter that melted slowly over the fluffy stack. "Eat up, sweetie. We've got a big day ahead of us."
Clark nodded eagerly, digging into his breakfast with gusto, keeping up the appearance of a normal child, even though he was anything but.
After breakfast, Jonathan pushed back his chair and stood, stretching his arms above his head. "Ready to help me out with the chores today, Clark?" His tone was a mix of encouragement and the gentle authority of a father guiding his son.
Clark looked up at his father, excitement bubbling beneath the surface. "Yes, Dad! I'll be careful."
These farm chores are one of the methods that helped him control his strength, to manage his powers without revealing just how strong he truly was.
Jonathan chuckled, ruffling Clark's hair. "That's my boy. Remember, it's not about how fast or strong you are—it's about doing things right."
Clark absorbed his father's words, nodding earnestly. "I'll do my best, Dad."
As they walked toward the barn, Clark could feel the energy humming beneath his skin—a sensation that had grown stronger each day. He clenched his small fists, focusing on keeping it in check. Even the smallest slip could expose the extraordinary strength he was working so hard to hide.
Jonathan stopped by a large stack of hay bales, turning to his son with an encouraging smile. "Clark, why don't you try lifting one of these bales today? You've been getting stronger, and I think you're ready for it."
Clark's heart skipped a beat. His father had no idea just how strong he had become, how easy it would be for him to lift not just one bale, but the entire stack with a single hand.
The SS system, always present in his mind, urged him to test his limits. But Clark knew better. He had to be careful, to make this task seem as difficult as it would be for any other five-year-old boy.
Nodding, Clark approached the bale and wrapped his small hands around the rough twine. Following the SS system's advice, he adjusted his muscles, recalibrating his strength. As he lifted the bale, it felt as light as air—almost weightless.
For a moment, panic surged through him. He was using too much strength. Quickly, he adjusted, pretending to struggle slightly as he hefted the bale onto the cart. From the corner of his eye, he caught his father's approving smile. But instead of feeling proud, a wave of guilt washed over him.
"Good work, son," Jonathan said, patting Clark on the back. "You're getting stronger every day."
Clark forced a smile, but inside, he was troubled. His strength was increasing, and with it, his fear of losing control. The SS system had been guiding him, but it was clear now that he needed to put more effort into his training.
After loading the bale onto the cart, Jonathan headed toward the barn, and Clark followed. His mind raced. He needed a place where he could train in secret, where he could push his limits without putting anyone at risk.
As they neared the barn, an idea sparked in his mind—a secluded spot behind the barn, far from prying eyes.
"Dad," Clark began, trying to sound casual, "do you mind if I explore behind the barn a bit after we're done here? I thought I saw something interesting the other day."
Jonathan gave him a curious, affectionate look. "Sure, son. Just be careful and don't wander too far, alright?"
Clark nodded, relieved that his father didn't press for more details.
---
Once the morning's work was done and Jonathan was busy with another task, Clark made his move. He glanced around to make sure no one was watching before quietly slipping away to the back of the barn.
The area was perfect—a small clearing surrounded by trees, well out of sight from the house and road. It would be his private training ground, a place where he could test his limits without fear of being seen.
Clark took a deep breath, excitement building inside him. "Alright, SS. Where should we start?"
The SS system chimed in, its tone matter-of-fact.
[Suggestion: Begin with strength exercises. Lifting and throwing objects of varying weights will help refine muscle control and adjust strength output.]
Clark grinned. "Lifting stuff? I can do that."
He spotted a large rock near the edge of the clearing. It was three times his size—far too big for any normal kid to move. But Clark wasn't normal.
He crouched down, wrapping his hands around the rock. "Here goes nothing."
With a slight grunt, Clark lifted the rock effortlessly. It felt as light as a feather. "Whoa, that was easy!"
[Caution: Excessive force detected. Adjust muscle output for realism in case of observation,] the SS system warned.
Clark chuckled. "Yeah, probably not a good idea for people to see me tossing boulders around like toys."
He set the rock down gently and adjusted his strength. This time, when he lifted it, the rock felt more realistic—still light for him, but not as absurdly weightless.
"Now this feels more like it," Clark said, satisfied. He practiced lifting and lowering the rock several times, adjusting his strength with each movement. When he felt confident, he moved on to a nearby log, continuing to refine his control.
The SS system provided ongoing feedback.
[Strength calibration improving. Next task: Practice precise application of force by breaking smaller objects without shattering.]
Clark picked up a thick branch and held it in his hands. "Alright, let's see how this goes."
He applied pressure, trying to snap the branch in half without splintering it. At first, the branch resisted, but then it broke with a loud crack, splintering into several pieces.
"Oops. A little too much," Clark muttered.
[Adjustment needed: Reduce applied force by 20%,] the SS system suggested.
"Got it." Clark grabbed another branch, this time breaking it cleanly in two. "Hey, not bad!" He turned to the SS system with a grin. "Think you could've done better?"
[System lacks physical capabilities. Performance was within acceptable parameters.]
Clark couldn't help but laugh.
---
Next on Clark's agenda was speed. He had always been faster than the other kids, but he had never truly tested his limits. He glanced around the clearing and spotted a straight path between two large oak trees—perfect for a quick sprint.
He crouched slightly, as if getting ready for a race, and then shot forward. The world around him blurred, the trees and rocks streaking by as nothing more than smears of color. In less than a second, he reached the end of the path, skidding to a halt, eyes wide with amazement.
"Whoa, that was... fast."
[Assessment: Current velocity significantly exceeds human capabilities. Recommend refining deceleration techniques for safer stops.]
Clark was already grinning from ear to ear. "Okay, one more time—but faster!"
This time, he pushed himself harder. The rush of air felt exhilarating, the ground beneath him barely registering as he sped forward. But as he neared the end of the path, he realized he was going too fast to stop smoothly. He planted his heels into the ground, skidding to a halt, leaving a shallow trench in the dirt.
"Oops." Clark glanced at the gouge. "Guess I still need to work on the brakes."
[Observation: Deceleration was effective but requires further refinement. Recommend practicing gradual slowing to avoid property damage.]
"Yeah, maybe I should practice somewhere that's not, you know, our backyard." Clark replied with a chuckle.
---
Having tested his strength and speed, Clark turned his attention to jumping. He eyed a low-hanging branch on one of the oak trees and crouched down, ready to leap.
[Warning: Ensure safe landing before attempting maximum jump. Uncontrolled height could lead to unintended elevation.]
Clark laughed. "Got it. Thanks for the heads-up."
He sprang upwards, and the ground fell away beneath him as he soared past the branch with ease. Higher and higher he went, and for a brief moment, it felt like he was flying—free, effortless, like nothing could hold him back.
But then gravity took over. He angled his body just as the SS system had advised and bent his knees as he touched down, landing lightly on the ground with perfect control.
Clark's grin was unstoppable. "That was amazing! I feel like I could jump over a building!"
[Assessment: Vertical leap exceeded expectations. Continued practice will improve control and precision.]
Clark puffed out his chest in mock pride. "Well, you know, just doing my best. No big deal."
[Reminder: Humility is a valuable trait. Overconfidence may lead to unnecessary risks.]
"Okay, okay. But admit it, that was pretty cool," Clark chuckled.
[Acknowledgment: The leap was impressive. Continued success is anticipated.]
Clark grinned. "See, SS? You're getting the hang of this. You're almost starting to sound like a real coach."
---
Feeling confident after his jumping success, Clark decided it was time to test his heat vision. He had discovered the ability by accident and could manage it to some degree, but he knew he needed to practice to master it.
He focused on a large rock at the edge of the clearing, narrowing his eyes as he concentrated on building up the heat.
[Warning: Heat vision must be carefully calibrated to avoid unintended ignition of surroundings. Begin with low-intensity output.]
Clark nodded, his eyes beginning to glow faintly. He fixed his gaze on the rock, visualizing the heat gathering behind his eyes, and then released it in a controlled burst. Twin beams of red energy shot forward, striking the rock with a hiss of steam as it started to warm.
"Wow," Clark muttered, watching the rock's surface begin to glow. He could feel the power surging behind his eyes, ready to unleash more if he wanted, but he held back, keeping the intensity low.
[Heat output is within safe limits. Practice fine control to adjust beam width and intensity.]
Clark experimented, narrowing the beams to a pinpoint and then widening them to cover more of the rock's surface. The SS system provided real-time feedback, guiding him as he adjusted the heat and focus. After a few minutes, the rock glowed red-hot, and Clark let the beams fade.
"That's awesome," he said, wiping his brow. "But it really takes a lot of focus."
[Observation: Heat vision requires significant mental concentration. Continued practice will improve stamina and precision.]
Clark sighed, feeling a bit drained but thrilled with his progress. "I'll definitely keep practicing. The last thing I want is to accidentally toast something—or someone."
---
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, signaling the approach of noon, Clark decided it was time to wrap up his training. He had accomplished more than he had expected, and the sense of pride and satisfaction filled him.
Standing in the clearing, he took a deep breath, letting the cool breeze wash over him. "Thanks, SS. I think we made some good progress today."
[Acknowledgement: Significant progress noted. Continued training is recommended for further development of abilities.]
The system chimed in again.
[Reminder: Focused practice is essential to prevent unintended consequences. Gradual progression will ensure safe and effective power development.]
Clark smiled as he made his way back to the farmhouse, feeling more assured and capable with each step.
---
That evening, after dinner, Clark sat nestled between Jonathan and Martha on the old, comfortable couch in the living room. The flicker of the television cast soft shadows on the walls, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the Kent household. The scent of Martha's homemade apple pie still lingered in the air, and the warmth of the hearth filled the room with a sense of peace.
Jonathan leaned back, his hand resting gently on Clark's shoulder. "You've been quiet today, son," he said, his voice filled with fatherly concern. "Everything alright?"
Clark nodded, offering a soft smile. "Yeah, Dad. Just thinking about a lot of stuff."
Martha exchanged a knowing glance with Jonathan before turning her attention to Clark. "You're always thinking, aren't you, sweetie?" she said with a loving smile. "You know you can talk to us about anything, right?"
Clark felt a pang of guilt. He wished he could tell them everything—about his powers, his knowledge of the future, and the responsibility weighing on him. But he couldn't, not yet. Instead, he chose a small confession, one that wouldn't betray his secret but still let them in.
"I've just been thinking about what it means to be different," Clark said quietly. "How it can be a good thing, but also… kind of scary."
Jonathan gently squeezed his shoulder. "Being different isn't bad, Clark. It's what makes you special. And no matter what happens, your mom and I are right here for you."
Martha nodded, her eyes filled with warmth. "We love you just the way you are, Clark. We're so proud of the person you're becoming."
Clark looked up at them, his heart swelling with gratitude and love. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad."
As they sat together in the warm glow of the living room, Clark felt a deep sense of belonging. This was his family, and he would do anything to protect them. But even though he wanted to hold onto this moment forever, he knew there was more work to be done.
---
Later that night, after his parents had gone to bed, Clark lay in the dark, staring up at the ceiling. The SS system hummed quietly in the back of his mind, waiting for his command. His thoughts turned to the concept of "Kryptonian Potential" (KP) that the system had introduced earlier—his ability to grow stronger by harnessing the sun's energy and through disciplined training. It was both thrilling and daunting.
"Alright, SS, let's get down to business," Clark thought, activating the system.
[Ready when you are, Clark. Analysis of today's training sessions is complete. Would you like to review your progress?]
the SS system responded in its usual efficient tone.
"Sure, but keep it brief. I've got a lot on my mind," Clark replied, half-joking.
[Understood. Today's session resulted in a 0.5% increase in KP. Noteworthy developments include enhanced muscle control during strength exercises and improved speed during sprints. However, the risk of exposure remains high due to overexertion in public settings. Reminder: Subtlety is key.]
Clark couldn't help but smile at the system's directness. "Yeah, yeah. Subtlety. I'm working on it."
[Suggestion: Focus on meditation exercises to better manage emotional responses during training. Emotional stability is key to maintaining subtlety,]
the SS system added, almost like a reminder.
Clark rolled his eyes. "I get it. But I can't exactly meditate when there's kryptonite around or when I'm trying not to bulldoze the barn during chores."
[Acknowledged. Solution: Prioritize mental discipline exercises and avoid kryptonite exposure by maintaining distance or employing lead shielding.]
Clark sighed, a mix of amusement and frustration bubbling up. "You're really pushing that whole 'keep calm and carry on' thing, huh?"
[Affirmative. Maintaining composure is essential for both short-term and long-term success,]
the SS system responded, completely serious.
Clark chuckled. "Sometimes I wish you had a sense of humor, SS. But it's probably a good thing you're all business. Keeps me on track."
[Objective: Ensure your success. Humor is secondary.]
Clark grinned. "Of course it is. But thanks. I know I can count on you."
With that, he closed his eyes, letting the gentle hum of the SS system lull him to sleep.
---