[ Sentry's Perspective ]
Darkness overtook him. This isn't something uncommon for Robert Reynolds, who's better known as the "Sentry". He's died many times before hand, after all. But this time is different. There's no light at the end of the 'tunnel 'this time. No white room. Just darkness. Where he is going to go? Heaven? Hell? Nowhere perhaps?
These thoughts plague his very essence. As his soul now is stagnant within the empty abyss surrounding him.
Fear begins to creep in, but it's quickly thrown aside for hope when his soul is pulled toward a direction. Moving to some unknown location. He can't tell up from down, but he knows he's moving. But to where? He'll simply have to wait and find out.
Everything starting form around him. He sees the sky. A beautiful blue sky. Some clouds and the sun light beaming down on him.
His eye lids flicker open and close under the light. He placed his hand over them as wonder fuels his emotions.
"What?" He mutters. He awakens on the ground. Upon a grassy field, to be precise. Maybe a city park. Bob clenches his forehead as he slowly gets up from his laying position. Bob notes that he is still wearing his costume before looking around. It's very tranquil and seemingly peaceful. He can hear children playing and people talking with one another. Bob looks up and notices a bunch of new of skyscrapers. How long has he been gone for? Which city is he in?
He cautiously wanders his way through the pastured area and eventually ends up onto a sidewalk. He, the towering man in a vibrant yellow suit, is soon given odd looks by various pedestrians. Even so, a group of children runs up to him with curiosity behind their motive.
"Sir! Are you a super hero?" One child asks.
Bob looks around before shrugging and nodding his head. "Ah, yes. My name is "The Sentry". He answers, placing his fists onto his hips a moment after.
"The Sentry?" The child tilts his head to the side. As the other children began muttering his name with some confusion.
"Who?" They inquire.
"Are you related to Superman? Because you have a "S" just like him." One child informs and points at the symbol on his belt.
"Who?" Bob raises a brow. He pauses looking around and manages to spot a sign in the distance. The city's name is "Metropolis".
"Where am I?" He asks himself. He turns to the kids.
"Apologies, young ones... But I must be off." Giving the kids a two finger salute to them before taking off into the sky swiftly.
"Woah!" The kids are taken aback by the suddenness of the action.
He tries figuring out what's happening and by going over theories and asking questions in his own head. Shouldn't he be dead? Where is he? This world feels 'cleaner' than the world he knows.
He uses his super hearing and vision. As he begins observing this new world, he comes to realize that there's not a single familiar face or landmark at all.
Who's this Superman guy, anyway? Maybe he can help him figure out what's happening.
_________
[ SUPERMAN's Perspective ]
The Sentry didn't need to go too far at all for clues;
"GUUAAAAHHHH!" A cry of pain sounds out through the great blue sky as a figure in stylish skin-tight black is sent propelling skyward after taking a hit. Following that individual upward are two assailants. An android and a man giving off a radiant green aura. The robotic individual takes the lead by increasing the acceleration of the rockets built into his feet and tries colliding his fists into the young man who just barely manages to recover and stabilized his flight. The youth in question reacts just in time to catch his adversary's large fists within the palm of his hands, putting forth a struggle. Maybe a vain one. The androids chest opens like a mechanical door and reveals its cancerous content inside. A chunk of a glowing emerald rock that shines aggressively in the artificial teen's face. He can feel it. The nauseous ill-feeling eating at him. His muscles losing firmness and his strength depleting almost rapidly. He has to grit his teeth and fight through it. After all, he knows his life is on the line.
"You're done, punk!" The second foe exclaims, closing in to deliver a cheap hook to the kryptonian's face - his presence also radiates with that same cursing sickness. They're both run on kryptonite, unfortunately for the clone. However, there's a blessing. With a burning desire for some sort of protection, he subconsciously taps into a secondary power without realizing it. One being of telekinesis that offers him a strong layer of protection from attacks in the form of a red outline taking the shape of his lean body.
"You might not be the real Superman, but I bet you'll croak to kryptonite all the same." The android chimes in, nearly overpowering the weakening youth. With his accomplice, K-Man, placing the hero in a choke hold from behind while increasing his radiation output, it won't be too much longer before that deathly notion comes to fruition. Yet--
"Get off... uuugh... Get off! GET OFF! GET OFF! GET OFF! GET... OFF ME!!!!" The teen roars out with eyes drowning in vibrant red and a sudden powerful burst of telekinetic energy that crackles like deafening lightning, not only sending the two flying in opposite directions miles upon miles away, but also wipes the sky clear of clouds. The boy clenches his fists tightly as he draws ragged breaths Too weak to hold on, he lets go. He relaxes his body and allows himself to plummet toward the ground below. The need for a brief rest to collect himself is significant. It's not the fall that's of any concern, but the two villains that are returning to finish what was started.
________
[ Sentry's Perspective]
Floating above, Sentry is using his abilities to search for this "Superman". A hero he's never heard of until today.
All he knows about this mysterious figure is that he wears an "S" like logo or symbol on his costume. Surely enough, he quickly spots someone who fits the description. And is also on the receiving end of a beat down from two strange looking assailants.
Bob propels himself to assist the hero and descends to his location. Within seconds, he's floating behind Metallo.
"Mind if I butt in?" The blonde rhetorically asks. Before Metallo can react to the new hero's presence, Bob grips both the android's neck and right leg.
"What the hell...?" Metallo barely gets out before he'd being ripped apart from the waist down. Bob then casueally tosses th Android's remains in opposite directions.
K-Man freaks out when he witnesses the strange new cape-wearing hero easily dispatch his accomplice. Hoping to gain the upper hand, he unleashes a powerful burst of radiation Sentry's way.
"Die! You Kryptonian Scum!" He shouts as he goes all out. Believing the sentry is also related to Superman or his people.
Bob smiles and crosses his arms. The radiation has no effect on him upon impact. Not even so much as a shove. Bob calmly floats up to K-Man, who's stunned by the display.
"What are you?" K-Man asks while gradually backing away.
Bob swiftly cuts off the distance between them with a jump in speed and points his finger at K-Man's forehead. And with a fast tap on his pressure point, the villain faints and falls to the ground below.
Even after all of this, he is able to reach Superman in time to save him from falling by grabbing the young man's arm.
"You alright?" Bob asks. "The names Sentry, by the way. I am new here. Are you Superman?"
__________
[SUPERMAN'S PERSPECTIVE]
Swept up in his overwhelming sickness and faltering powers, he hasn't the slightest idea what is transpiring while he's falling. He just knows that impending crash landing doesn't come, and something is holding his forearm.
"What? Who...?" The kryptonian clone blinks while looking toward the individual supporting him. Yellow. So much yellow. He blinks again as the ability to properly process things begins returning his consciousness. Still, there's no doubt about it. This is an absolute stranger.
The clone finally makes use of his body to levitate and slip out of the newcomer's grip. While taking more heavy breaths, he reaches to place a hand over his face, gripping at his own temples while recalling the most recent events. Then it hits him. His hand lowers while his eyes widen with alert.
"Hey, careful. There's two criminals who-... Who..." He trails off with a look of shock on his face. While scanning around for the threats he's warning the stranger of, he spots on them both grassy land below.
"...Are taken care of, it seems." He concludes and relaxes from his defensive posture. He turns toward the caped blonde and speaks again.
"I don't mean to sound ungrateful for the aid, but who are you?" The clone asks, though he's already making guesses in his mind. That bold 'S' on the other's belt is rather suspicious.
_________
[SENTRY's PERSPECTIVE]
Bob, led the sickly hero towards the ground. To allow the kid to catch his breath. He wonders if this is the "Superman" guy that the kids spoke of.
The young man asks who he is again, even though Bob mentioned his name earlier. The kid probably wasn't paying attention.
"Oh! I am the Sentry." He points at the "S" on his belt.
"I am not from around here. I was sort of dead. And then I came here. I am not freaking out or anything. Cause this sort of happended to me before. Are you Superman? I sort of want to figure out some stuff. If you don't mind answering me. When you feel better." He can see that the kid is affected by whatever those baddies were unleashing upon him.
"Hopefully we can find your universe's super genius and send me home." Bob adds.
From afar, within the atmosphere, a satellite had been observing the recent events that had transpired with Metropolis. Taking pictures and video information that immediately are sent to The Batman.
Who's been keeping a watchful eye over the city of Metropolis, after Superman's death. Keeping an eye on Cadmus's new toy, Superboy.
But with today's sudden arrival of this new "hero", The Sentry. Batman is becoming even more curious.
Bruce is sitting alone in his great cave, staring at the giant monitor of his 'super computer'. Studying the information in front of him.
"Multiverse?" He mutters to himself. Behind him, someone approaches him from the shadows, and it's none other than his faithful companion, Alfred.
"Master Bruce, is this man a kryptonian?" Alfred inquires after looking at the screen for a moment.
"Don't know yet. But I certainly would like find out more as soon as I cab." Batman slouches back onto his chair. "He could pose a threat."
"Well, he doesn't seem to be an enemy. He saved that young man from being killed." Alfred interjects, implying he too was watching the battle that occurred earlier.
"Clone." Batman coldly corrects.
Pondering about his next move. Possibly thinking about bringing in the League into this matter. But right now, he's going to watch from afar. Spying on the new hero.
Unbeknownst to everyone within Cadmus facility. Batman has left multiple micro-sized bugs and cameras within the building, devices created by the Atom and his genius. For the sole purpose of keeping an eye on Waller.
When Bob and Superboy arrive to the Cadmus headquarters, Bob tilts his head to the side and lets out a silent chuckle.
"This reminds me of Shield." He says to the artificial boy.
"Let me guess, you are going to introduce me to some hardass general or government figure?" Bob jokingly asks. A bit in awe of all the similarities between this universe and his own.
___________
[SUPERMAN's Perspective]
BATMAN is an inevitable meeting and a bridge to cross much later. For now, the crusader in black isn't near the forefront of the clone's mind. Still, something BIG is definitely brewing... Creeping toward the surface at its own leisure.
For now, Subject 13 seeks to get his new associate sorted out. They're presently approaching the entrance of the research building, one far off near mountains outside of the city.
"No. I couldn't even if I wanted to, unfortunately. Director Waller comes and goes as she pleases. Managing the many branches of the organization, I'd assume." The clone responds. Looks of confusion spread amongst the security guards as Subject 13 heads inside with a peculiar individual following behind him. Of course, the artificial young man is aware enough not to take Sentry beyond the lobby space. He halts somewhere near the center of the room, nonchalantly locking his hands behind his back in a imperious-fashion. It doesn't take long at all for a high ranking guard to approach and question the subject's motive.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
"What is the meaning of this, #13? Why did you-" The man in decorated full-body armor proceeds to ask, though the clone is quick is to cut him off and get to the point.
"Bring me Dr. Kent. I suspect this individual..." He trails off, turning partially to gesture toward the towering blonde nearby with an open palm.
"May be worth evaluating. I need the doctor's help to find out more about him. Can you bring her to me."
"Bring her to you? You've got a lot of nerve, #13. You know that?" The guard retorts.
"My name is Superman, Lieutenant Carver. And I'd say you're displaying greater audacity than I am right now."
"Gentlemen, gentlemen. Please, let's simmer down, shall we?" A woman speaks up to intervene, emerging from a doorway leading to the building's stairway. A woman who looks to be somewhere in her 30's. Dark short hair, blue eyes, and a lab coat layering atop of her simple black slacks and white tee shirt. She approaches the two, bearing a smile while sauntering over in a pair of sneakers.
"Dr. Kent..." The guard addresses.
"Now, now. Don't get so worked up. Everything is fine. But... Do try to avoid antagonizing our dear Superman, would you? He represents all of us here when he's out there, you know."
"Hurmm... Fine, I'll cut him a bit more slack. Just hope it doesn't go to his head." The guard responds, taking his bitter leave from the three.
"Now then, who's your new acquaintance over there?" Dr. Kent directs her question to the clone.
"A man who refers to himself as 'The Sentry'. He aided me in neutralizing the threats from earlier. Says he's from... Something he calls The 'Multi-Verse'. I was hoping you could figure out his actual place of origin. I somewhat suspect he's kryptonian, just like him." At the mention of the phrase multi-verse, her eyes widen with shock for a short moment. She looks toward Sentry and studies his appearance.
"Not too far fetched of a possibility..." She murmurs under her breath.
"Hm?"
"Oh, it's--" Beep-beep, beep-beep! An alarm from her cellphone chimes up. She plucks it out of her phone to check the alert. It's certainly something that makes her arch an eyebrow.
"Superman, there's another crisis within Metropolis City. This time up north. Why don't you go sort it out while I have a chat with your friend here?" She suggests with a returning smile.
"I... Alright. I should. Very well. I'll return as soon as I can." Though taken aback by the suddenness, he quickly adapts to the shift and departs from the building to head back to the city. Meanwhile, Dr. Kent begins prodding Sentry with questions.
"The multi-verse, huh? How much do you know about that... Theory, friend?"
______________
[The Sentry's Perspective]
Being escorted through this obviously government facility. Bob stays close to the young superman, as if they're tethered together. He didn't want to wander off and start an international incident.
Since free from the Void's influence. Bob is back to his old self. Carefree, calm, but suffering a bit from his ADHD. Had the (sentry serum) serum been distributed as the original doctor intended. Bob would have been the last person on the planet to receive its power.
The young hero eventually leads Bob to a female scientist by the name of Dr. Kent.
Bob bows his head to her. "Hello." He greets.
"My name is Sentry." It's then Bob's head turns to the right. He hears a noise in the distance. "Something is wrong. At least twenty miles north. Somewhere in the city." Bob announces. He beats the cellphone call by a few seconds. He looks concerned and is about to leave to lend a hand, but--
"Whoah!" The doctor raised her hands up. Stepping in front of the hero. "Superman will take care of it." She attempts to reassure him. The theory of him being kryptonian is becoming more and more a possibility by the second.
Bob nods his head. Saluting Superman. Wishing him good luck.
After that, a few minutes later. Bob is sitting on the doctor's examination table. His legs were hanging off the table. He waved them about casually.
Kent asks him about the multi-verse. She looks at him, as if he's a delusional nut case. He is at times, but he isn't lying.
"It's not a theory. It's true. I know that cause this isn't my first rodeo. I know I am being studied by a bunch of scientists. Government shadow men and women in some room. Looking in. Your probably trying to figure out what makes me tick. And in the unlikely hood, I go "bad"." He pauses performing air quotations with his fingers. "You'll find out ways how to stop me." He states.
"Okay..." Kent raises a brow. "Save us time and tell us what you are." She insists.
"I am a human. That accidentally drank something I shouldn't have. A super, super, duper soldier serum. As I call it. In my world, in the 40's, a scientist came up with a similar serum that created my friend, Captain America. One of my world's first heroes. And currently my superior on the Avengers."
"Avengers?" Kent interrupts
"Yeah. Superhero team. Like that JL or whatever you call them here. That said. Another doctor perfected the formula decades later. However, unlike Cap's, where only a selected few could obtain the power of the serum with no side effects. Mine was 100,000x stronger than his. But with no side effects. Anyone can drink it and become "me"." Bob admits. He isn't going to lie. He feels with honesty, he can earn good will with his new hosts. Hopefully, he can find a way home soon, too.
"Alright." Kent pauses. Placing her fingers on her chin. "How did you get here?" She questions.
Bob shrugs his shoulders and smiles. "I was killed."
"Killed?"
"Yeah, killed. By some darkness, goo god called Knull." Bob explains, recalling the moment he was literally ripped apart and left to die in space. He then gets off the table.
"This is why I need your help. I need to find a way back home. To help my friends. That douche god is invading my world and universe. I am needed. So..." he waves his hands.
"Science me up some sort of inter-dimensional door...thingie". He says. Insisting that Dr. Kent and her people at CADMUS send him home. So he can help his comrades against Knull and his army.
__________
[SUPERMAN's NPC Perspective]
Sentry's direct request draws a soft chuckle from Dr. Kent. A gentle sigh follows as she lifts and folds her arms across her torso.
"Alright, alright.... I'll stop with the charade. I'm convinced you're not just some tinfoil conspiracy enthusiast or an agent from a competitive organization." She begins. Then a solemn expression overtakes her features.
"With that said... Traveling through the multi-verse isn't something I'd claim to have cracked, exactly. Can I build something again that would allow you to traverse over onto a different Earth? Yes, of course. Can I select which one, let alone determine which one you specifically came from? No. No, not yet..." She informs him with the utmost honesty. In turn, Bomb's eyes widen for the briefest of seconds. His expression also wrinkles up a tad as he ponders for a moment. Then, he shoots another question.
"So you dabble in the concept of traveling through the multi-verse?"
"Dabble?" Dr. Kent repeats rhetorically.
"I've experienced it firsthand. I'm from a universe where Earth has been swallowed by the ocean on a mad woman's whim. I created a device that allowed me to leave it behind. So far, there's no indication that such an event will take place on this world. The heroes aren't so divided as the ones from my own Earth."
"I see..." Sentry softly states, digesting that bit of information.
"Are you the only survivor?"
"Hmm.... The only Survivor? No, I'm sure /she's/ still alive and well. Maybe a few made the wise decision of leaving Earth behind." She answers.
"You're awfully nonchalant about it, don't you think?" Bob questions with a skeptical brow rising.
"It's not the first time I've watched my home succumb to devastation. Krypton was where I came from, Earth was just a second home." Dr. Kent explains with shrugging shoulders.
"Oh, I'm sorry for your loss. It must be somewhat difficult to live with." Sentry comforts.
"I'm doing fine. Living in the past won't change anything. Besides, I've had plenty of time to reminisce. I'm too old and jaded to keep wondering on what could've been. And if you want my advice, I suggest you learn to come to terms with your situation, as well. It's very likely you'll never be able to return to where you came from." She responds honestly.
["Superman's" Departure...]
The clone flies back to the big city with haste, curious to know what sort of emergency is awaiting him this time. Before long, a hint graces his ears. Screaming, destruction, and thunderous footsteps... Curious, his peers toward the direction the commotion is coming while making use of his many visual talents. What he sees draws a wide-eye look across his face.
A giant robot marching through town, towering around 90 feet tall, and as gaudy as a children's action, to boot. Inside lies an even stranger operator. Another.
"Another... Toy? A smaller one inside a bigger one?" The clone muses to himself. With his target in sight, 'Superman' increases his flight speed threefold. It's nearly within a snap of a finger that he zips in to cut the destructive machine off, giving a mild shove at the face of the enormous structure to send it retracting a step or two. Mindful not to put too much strength behind his effort.
"That's far enough. This is your only warning: desist and eject from the robot, or I'll do it for you."
"Oh, and what have we here? Is that a Super Jr. I see with my little eye? A kid far too serious for his age, too. Tsk, task..." Toyman responds in a rather patronizing manner before making adjustments from his seat inside the massive robot.
"Here, have some taffy." A calmly spoken threat - one the clone takes as a generous offer.
"That's.... Kind of you to offer, but I--" Before he can finish that thought, the robot's arm lifts toward him. The hand detaching and bending out of place to reveal a gatling-like barrel. BOOM!
A pink globby substance goes flying and hits directly on his face.
"GUUH!?" He yelps, caught off guard by the projectile. There’s no pain at all, but it is covering the entirety of his face. Naturally, he reaches to yank it off. He discovers the material is both stretchy and sticky in nature. He begins to use both hands to claw the taffy off his face, eventually gaining the ability to see and breathe again. But... Only briefly.
"What is this stuff!?" The clone exclaims in annoyance.
"Candy, of course! Here, have some more!" The villain lets that taffy gun loose and releases an unrelenting barrage that absolutely smothers every inch of the young man in fluffy pink. The clone plummets to the street and undergoes another struggle to pry the taffy off himself. During so, a giant steel foot is preparing to stomp him into the ground. However, the young man isn't as vulnerable as he seems. In his growing annoyance, an aura of crimson psychic energy begins taking form around his frame. That same glowing crimson consumes his eye sockets, as well. Just as that giant foot begins dropping down, Superman sends off an explosive wave of red that blows away at everything within 15 meters of him with a roaring WHOOOSH!
Windows shatter into pieces, cars go flying down both paths of the linear street, his repels the mass of taffy completely off his body, and Toy Man's giant robot begins falling over backwards.
"Much better…" Superman muses under his breath, still maintaining that flame-like aura of red. His eyes go wide upon realizing the giant structure is about to crash land. It’s extremely close, but the kryptonian makes a lightning dash between the robot's legs. Just barely skidding to an opportune position to raise his hands and catch the towering machine by the center of its back before it meets the ground roughly. There's nothing more than a minor bend of his arms when the robot finally meets his awaiting hands. Straightening his arms out again, he displays his impressive strength further by ascending into a flight to lift the robot back up to stand on its feet again. Once he does, he raises higher in the air and immediately punctures the back of its head with a punch. From that hole, he begins using both hands to grip and tear a large opening until he's got a clear view of Toy Man's seat.
“Now then…” The clone murmurs with glaring eyes.
“Uh oh.” Toy swallows a lump in his throat as the kryptonian casually moves closer to grip the chair and snap it out of place. Superman establishes a firm grip and carries the villain out into the open air with him. Luckily, the seat belt the troublemaker is wearing is securely holding Toy Man in place.
"And with that, your juvenile fun comes to an end." The clone announces.
"D'aww phooie! This was TOTALLY unfair." Toy Man pouts childishly while crossing his arms.
Before long, the authorities arrive on the scene and Superman hands the culprit behind the disturbance over to them. He's barely able to be given gratitude for his help before he's off to return to the CADMUS facility with haste.
He makes a seamless landing to trade off into a jog once he arrives at the foot of the building, and heads right for Dr. Kent.
"I've returned." He announces upon entering the examination room. While his assumption of her being there is spot on, Sentry isn't anywhere to be seen.
"Did he leave?"
"Welcome back, Superman. And yes, he left just a moment ago. Said he was going to take some time to think." She answers, presently sorting through files on her computer.
"I see. Was there any progress? Were you able to determine if he was telling the truth or not." The clone prods.
"Everything he's told us seems very likely to be true. Then again, I'm merely surmising. My conclusion strictly depended on his knowledge of the multi-verse and It aligns with what I know of it."
"Oh. Was there anything you were able to do for him, then?"
"No, unfortunately. I don't have the means of providing the aid he needs. I've yet to make that sort of breakthrough. Anywho, why don't you go rest up for the rest of the day back in your room? I need to evaluate you anyway. Determine how you're getting along and adapting." Dr. Kent informs. Not once turning away from the screen before her.
"...Very well." Is all he responds with before retreating from the room.
"I'll be there shortly." She informs him just before he finishes pulling the door shut behind himself.
Hours pass and the sun finally sets, giving way to the night. The next day arrives, and along with it, an invitation from Lex Luthor himself. Dr. Kent informs him that he's been summoned to head into the city and drop by Lex' Luthor’s office within the Lex Corp tower. He does so without much delay. Once there, he's welcomed and given the liberty to travel through the building without a guide. Simple instructions are all he's given to navigate unfamiliar territory. He assumes it's a test of some sort. And without fail, he finds the appropriate set of doors. He gives one a gentle knock to make his presence known.
_____
"Come on in, and shut the door behind you." A voice instructs from within the room. Simple and swiftly, Subject 13 enters Lex's office and shuts the door behind himself. Neither speak a word afterwards just yet. The clone stares at the other - the very man who is facing away and gazing out into the city through the tall window behind his desk. Superman's hands join together at his lower back. Just before the silence over stays its welcome, Lex finally speaks up again.
"What is this, your third day being awake and among the living? How are you feeling?" Lex inquires without tearing his eyes away from whatever else has his focus outside.
[ I feel like I'm walking a tightrope… struggling to keep my senses in check. Learning how to function in my body. How do I express such notions to answer that question? ]
Thinking on it briefly, momentarily hanging his head in thought, the clone eventually provides a response.
"Surreal. I feel surreal… I feel as if I'm in a constant state of foreignness, but I am learning with time."
Rather fascinated by the other's answer, he turns to look over his shoulder with a brow arching.
"I see. Strangely enough, I find that to be an appropriate response. You see, I also thought he, your…. predecessor, to be surreal, as well." Lex begins as he turns entirely. He treads from behind his desk and toward the right side of his office, where a shelf of miscellaneous objects is placed. He reaches for not a book, but a toy action figure - one with a resemblance to a renowned figure in blue and red.
"I also found him to be just as insufferable as he was naive. So righteous, yet even blinder. A fool with a bleeding heart. A burden on mankind… he just couldn't understand what his very presence was doing to the world." Lex continues, fiddling with a limb of the toy in his grasp.
"But I hope to change that with you." He adds, shifting his focus onto the artificial young man. He begins taking steps toward the clone, eventually coming to a halt at a reasonable distance.
"He was a loose cannon, but you? You have the ability to be something greater. Something actually admirable. A vanguard of the people and your country. You're bestowed such an honor thanks to my determination and resources. And fortunately for you, that includes my own blood. You have the potential of my intellect and the powers of Superman. The best of both worlds. I'm telling you this, because I want you to understand what you are to me." Lex continues his lecture, adjusting an arm of the toy to turn it upward.
"You'll be the new hero to replace the old, including the entirety of the Justice League. Not only that, but you'll do so knowing that you are my son, and I your father." Lex explains further, bearing a grin all the while. At such words, the clone stares curiously.
"Your son? But I am merely–" The replicant tries to speak.
"A clone of myself and Superman, I know. Clone or not, you share my genetics. I can see it in your eyes – the essence of Superman, but the core of a Luthor." Lex intervenes, staring directly into those cyan hues of the clone. An impressionable pair of blueish green eyes.
"I've given you quite a great deal already, and I plan on contributing further to your growth and journey to overshadow the former Superman. As a guiding hand in your life and as a father figure. Unless… you resent me for giving you life?" Lex questions with a look of amusement on his face.
"No, nothing of the sort. I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me. I know what my purpose is, and I embrace it." The clone assures with certainty.
"Good. With that said, I have splendid news for you, my boy. I've set up an identity for you. You can choose to go public with it or not." Lex informs, momentarily heading back to his desk to retrieve something. He returns back to the kryptonian and hands over an onyx wallet. The clone takes it and proceeds to take a look inside. There he sees an I.D., a green debit card poking out from a pocket, and several 50 bills in the largest compartment.
"Welcome to the Land of the Free, Connor Van Luthor."