The sky above Metropolis cracked with thunder as Clark soared through storm-tossed clouds, his cape whipping in the wind. Below, chaos unfolded — a stolen experimental energy core pulsed in the hands of a rogue villain, sending out shockwaves strong enough to shatter windows for blocks. Clark Kent, now fully the Man of Steel, braced himself as he descended through the air like a bullet, preparing to neutralize the threat.

But just as he was about to intervene, a red-and-blue blur streaked past him — smaller, faster, more reckless.

The boy hit the ground hard in front of the villain, leaving a crater in the pavement. He stood up slowly, his black shirt emblazoned with a red ‘S’ symbol. Short-cropped dark hair. Confident posture. A force field of raw strength rippled around him.

Clark froze mid-air, his brow furrowed. That wasn’t him. That wasn’t Kara. And it definitely wasn’t a known ally.

The teen fought like someone trained, someone strong — maybe not polished, but powerful. Together, the two took down the villain, though not without collateral damage and questions piling up like rubble.

Once the dust settled and the sirens in the distance signaled backup, Clark landed on the ground in front of the boy. The man’s jaw was tight, his cape billowing with the breeze. His blue eyes stared the boy down.

“Who are you?” Clark demanded, his voice low but firm, laced with confusion and something colder — suspicion.