"No need for Thomas; this is enough," Clark said, gesturing toward the experimental flask on the lab table.
"Chlorine and hydrogen are highly reactive, but at room temperature they barely interact," he explained to Pete. "Their activation energy is too high, so molecular collisions aren't enough to break bonds. Light, however, increases molecular movement."
"When collisions generate sufficient energy, an explosion occurs," Clark continued. "A small amount of residual chlorine in your test tube reacted with the hydrogen, causing the burst just now."
Pete yawned, glancing toward their chemistry teacher. "Interesting, Clark. Your explanation isn't exactly how Teacher Luther teaches it, but I'm a little sleepy. You're not planning to blow up the classroom, are you?"
"Not the classroom," Clark replied with a faint smile. "I'm talking about a cave containing records about my origins. I intend to destroy it."
Pete raised his eyebrows. "That's… unusual. Like some ancient Greek tragedy, patricide and all. You're from another planet, yet you want to destroy it. I don't get it."
Clark chuckled. "That's why we have brothers, to keep us grounded."
He thumped Pete lightly on the chest. Pete's expression shifted to confusion.
"I think I just touched something hard," Pete said, suspiciously. "You didn't…?"
"No, of course not," Clark replied. "It's just that my body was damaged when the spaceship in my cellar activated."
"Good to know," Pete breathed, relief clear in his voice. "For a moment, I even questioned your… personal health."
Clark smirked. "Rest assured, my health is intact."
He touched the burned "S" mark on his chest, frustration flickering across his features.
"For your sake, Master, perhaps some rest is overdue," Pete suggested.
---
In Wayne Manor, Bruce Wayne worked at a large electronic display, reviewing surveillance footage from Gotham. Alfred stood nearby, voice calm but serious.
"You've just recovered. If you continue staying up this late, your body will falter."
"I know," Bruce replied, tension in his voice. "Sometimes my will produces toxins I cannot control."
"They invade your body, numbing you, making you forget you are human," Alfred added.
Bruce's eyes were weary. "I dealt with the Talons and discovered their true identities—Joseph Powers and Maria, both members of the Court of Owls. By the time I arrived, they were already dead."
A heavier power blocked further investigation. The League of Assassins loomed behind the Court.
Bruce paused, recalling the last Talon assassin—Lincoln March. "He made me experience what it feels like to have a brother briefly."
"Lincoln March? Wasn't he a mayoral candidate you funded?" Alfred asked.
"Yes, but he was a Talon," Bruce clarified. "He claimed to be my brother, Thomas Wayne II, alleging our parents' accident caused his injuries and premature birth."
Alfred nodded. "Your parents had an accident, causing Madam to miscarry. You never had a brother. That child is gone."
"Perhaps he was a lunatic in a bird mask pretending to be my brother," Bruce said, voice tight. "But he wanted me to see him as such."
Alfred replied softly, "Let the matter of Lincoln March rest."
Bruce turned back to the display, scanning footage from last night.
The green figure, flanked by two imposing allies, had moved swiftly through Gotham. Using the city-wide surveillance network, Bruce pulled their images. Strangely, none were in any database.
"Did you clash with them?" Alfred asked.
"They left quickly," Bruce answered. "That woman… she seemed familiar, almost friendly. It was confusing."
"Eyes reveal the heart if you know how to read them," Alfred said.
Bruce shook his head, fatigue in his green-stubbled jaw. "After Eric Kent, the Court of Owls, and the League, I don't know if my eyes can see clearly."
Alfred sighed. "Master, you're building walls that could crush you."
"I know," Bruce replied. "I refuse compromise, mostly with myself."
---
At a cemetery near Wayne Manor, Green Lantern watched as Wonder Woman and Supergirl Kara placed flowers at a tombstone engraved with "Thomas Wayne and Wife."
"Why are we here? Didn't we leave last night to find Batman?" Hal asked.
Wonder Woman's eyes softened. "Timing wasn't right. Yesterday we were potential enemies. Today, we approach as friends."
Hal raised the Green Lantern Ring and projected a giant Batman symbol into the sky. "Surely this will attract him more than flowers."
A hoarse voice came from behind.
"It seems you were waiting for me."
Batman emerged from shadow, eyes sharp beneath the cowl.
"Who are you?" he asked, glancing at the flowers.
Green Lantern froze, then deactivated the projection.
"Did you see my projection, or were you already there?" Hal asked.
"I am the darkness itself," Batman said.
Hal muttered, "Cool, but I prefer heroes with sunny dispositions."
Batman didn't reply. Instead, he examined the Green Lantern Ring Hal wore.
Hal gasped. His ring was gone from his finger.
Batman held it effortlessly.
"This ring is powerful, driven by will or stronger mental force," he observed.
"How…how did you do that?" Hal stammered.
Batman replied flatly, "You were distracted."
With a flick, the ring returned to Hal's hand. He slotted it back on and glared. "Do that again, and—"
"I dare if I want to," Batman said.
"Then we settle this, like the first time," Hal snapped, green energy flaring.
Batman moved back, readying for battle, tension thick in the night air.
_____
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