Jon Kent: Made Of Steel(Superboy Self Insert)

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(General P.O.V)

(A couple hours later)

(Mount Justice – Debrief Room)

"She's going to Belle Reve."

Batman's voice was calm and unyielding as he delivered the statement.

Jon stood across from him, arms crossed and jaw tight. "You can't be serious."

Turns out what the future had in store, was a stubborn Batman.

"I am," the Dark Knight replied without hesitation. "Kara is a weapon the League of Shadows has wielded for who knows how long. We don't know the full extent of her involvement in their operations. Until we do, she needs to be contained somewhere secure."

Jon's hands curled into fists. "Belle Reve isn't containment—it's a prison. You're going to lock her up with murderers and psychos for what? Being manipulated? She's a victim, Batman."

"She's also a threat," Batman shot back, his tone icy. "She attacked the team, leveled buildings, and nearly killed you. Don't let your personal connection blind you to reality."

"That's rich, coming from you," Jon said, his voice low but sharp. "What's your plan for Talia? Gonna send her to Belle Reve too? Or are you letting her walk free because of your... history?"

The room fell silent, the air crackling with tension that wasn't present a few minutes ago.

After the debrief, Jon and the team had agreed with Batman's decision to have Speedy's mind looked over by Martian Manhunter. They'd also been fine with letting Batman handle Talia and the Shadows. But Kara was where Jon drew the line.

Red Tornado stood motionless in the corner, observing, while Black Canary's gaze darted between the two, her expression unreadable.

Batman's eyes narrowed, but his voice remained steady. "Talia will face justice, just like Kara. This isn't about history—it's about accountability."

"Bullshit," Jon snapped, stepping closer. "You're willing to make excuses for Talia, but Kara? My Aunt? You want to throw her into a cell and treat her like some lab experiment gone wrong."

"Watch your tone," Batman warned, his voice dropping into a dangerous growl.

"Or what?" Jon challenged. "You'll bench me? Kick me off the team? Fine. Do it. Because if Kara's going to Belle Reve, I'm out."

The room froze.

"Jon," Aqualad began cautiously, his voice heavy with concern. "You can't be serious—"

"I am," Jon interrupted, his gaze never leaving Batman. "I'm not going to stand by while she's punished for something that wasn't her fault. So here's the deal: either Batman steps down as overseer of this team... or I quit."

The shock in the room was palpable. Even Batman's stoic expression shifted slightly, though he quickly masked it.

"Jon," Miss Martian's voice came softly, "we're a team. We can work through this together. Please—"

"No, M'gann," Jon said firmly. "This isn't up for debate. I won't be part of a team where *this* is considered justice."

Before anyone else could respond, Robin stepped forward, his shades hiding whatever emotions might have been on his face. "If Jon goes, I go."

"Robin, stand down," Batman ordered immediately, sharp.

Robin turned to face him, his posture rigid. "No. You're wrong, Batman. And you're supposed to be the world's greatest detective, so you should already know that."

Kid Flash chimed in, crossing his arms. "Same here. If Robin's out, I'm out too. "

"Me too," Artemis added without hesitation.

"I stand with Superboy," Aqualad said firmly.

Powerboy and Miss Martian both nodded, their faces set with quiet determination.

Batman's gaze swept over the group, his jaw tightening. "This isn't a democracy. I am in charge here—"

"No, you're not," Aqualad refused, his usual calm replaced with an adamant edge. "You 'oversee' us, but that doesn't mean you're infallible. You're wrong, Batman. And as someone my Annax calls friend, the noble thing would be to admit it."

The silence that followed was deafening.

To de-ascalate the rising situation, Black Canary intervened, raising her hands. "Alright, that's enough," she said firmly. "Everyone except Jon, leave the room. He and Batman need to talk this out—privately."

Robin hesitated, his hands curling into fists. "With all due respect Canary—"

Jon placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's fine, Robin. I've got this."

Robin looked at him for a long moment before nodding reluctantly.

The rest of the team filed out, each one throwing concerned glances over their shoulders as the door closed behind them.

---

The room felt smaller now, the tension between Batman and Jon taking up all the air.

Black Canary leaned against the table, arms crossed as she watched the two.

"You're out of line," Batman begun, his voice low and cold. "You're no longer the leader of this team, Superboy. Your insubordination is making it harder for Aqualad to lead effectively, putting strain on team unity."

Jon laughed bitterly. "That's what this is about? Unity? No, Batman, this is about you being pissed that we didn't need you to handle Talia and her little squad of thugs."

Batman's eyes narrowed. "Protocol exists for a reason. You should have contacted the League before engaging. Did you consider she could have had Dr. Roquette killed while you were busy playing smash bros with Kara?"

Jon's eyes flared red for a brief moment before he took a breath, steadying himself. "And now you care that she's my family? You've been ignoring that this entire time until it fits your argument. She's not a tool, Batman. She's a person. She's family."

"She's Ra's Al Ghul's weapon," Batman shot back, his voice like steel. "She can lift a million tons. Either of those make her very dangerous. Which is why she will need to be in Belle Reve until we know the full extent of her crimes."

Jon stepped forward, his eyes blazing with defiance. "That's not happening. And if I have to fight you to stop it, then I will."

Black Canary straightened, her eyes widening slightly. "Jon, wait—"

Batman's gaze darkened. "Do you understand what you're asking for?"

Jon smirked, slamming his fist into his open palm. "Yeah. A 'kumite'-thats what you told me it's called, right 'Teacher'? A martial arts contest between master and student. I win, you let me take Kara's place in Belle Reve until your investigation is over. You win and I'll do whatever you want. Oh, and I won't use my Kryptonian powers—you leave your gadgets behind. Just you and me. One-on-one. Winner take all."

Batman stared at him for a long moment, the room crackling with unspoken tension. Finally, he nodded once. "Done."

"Oh I've been waiting to punch the asshole out of you for some time." Jon laughed darkly while Batman merely narrowed his eyes.

Black Canary groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This is a terrible idea."

Jon shrugged, his smirk unwavering. "Maybe. But it'll get him to listen."

Batman turned to Black Canary. "You're officiating."

She sighed heavily. "Of course I am."

-0-

(Meanwhile)

(Mount Justice – Red Sun Radiation Room)

Inside the red cell/room, the oppressive solar radiation emmiters designed to strip Kryptonians of their powers were in full effect.

The only occupant- Kara, sat cross-legged on a metal cot, eyes closed in meditation.

Her golden hair hang loose around her shoulders. Though she appeared calm, her body was tense, like a coiled spring waiting to snap.

Indignation and frustration roiled within her at her loss to Superboy. Her failure of Lady Talia's expectations.

When the door hissed open, she didn't move. Her lips curled into a faint smile, her voice smooth and controlled. "Took you long enough."

Connor stepped inside, his arms crossed over his broad chest. He didn't return her smile. "You've been expecting me?"

She turned to face him, her smile widening slightly. "But of course. I've been wondering when the other one—the one who's not as super as the 'Superboy'—would come. You."

Connor let the jab slide off him easily, already at peace with his powers and confident of his recent steady progress. He raised an eyebrow, his jaw tightening. "And why's that?"

Kara leaned back, tilting her head as she studied him. "When I was rearranging your face out there, I couldn't help but notice… you look just like Uncle Jor-El."

Connor's brow furrowed, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. "I don't. Jon and I look like our dad, Kal-El. Not Jor-El."

Kara snorted softly, her amusement laced with derision. "Another liar. This planet seems to be full of those. Just like him, your brother."

Connor's expression darkened, and he stepped closer, his fists clenched at his sides. "Don't call my brother a liar."

Kara's smile faded, her sharp blue eyes locking onto his. The room grew tense, the unspoken challenge between them heavy in the air.

Finally, Connor exhaled sharply, stepping back. He turned toward the door, his boots echoing against the floor.

But just as he reached it, he stopped, his hand resting on the frame. Without looking back, he spoke.

"That liar you're so eager to insult? He's out there fighting Batman right now to keep you from going to jail."

Kara's expression shifted slightly, her confidence faltering for a brief moment.

Connor glanced over his shoulder, his voice softer but no less firm. "I don't know what they did to you, or why you're so angry, but I hope when this is over, you can stop being a bitch. Because when we take you home to Ma and Pa, you're gonna see what a real family looks like."

With that, he stepped out, the door hissing shut behind him.

---

(Mount Justice Hallway – Outside the Red Sun Room)

Connor leaned against the wall just outside the door, his hands pressed against his face as he took a deep breath.

The conversation hadn't gone the way he'd hoped, and the weight of Kara's words lingered in his mind.

"Connor."

He looked up sharply to find Miss Martian standing a few feet away, her arms crossed loosely over her chest.

"Were you spying on me?" he asked, his voice sharper than he intended.

M'gann smiled softly, shaking her head. "No. I was just… worried about you."

Her response caught him off guard. He blinked, lowering his hands as he studied her face. "Worried? About me?"

She nodded, stepping closer. "You've been carrying a lot lately. The fight with Kara, Jon stepping down as leader, Speedy… I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

Connor frowned, unsure how to respond. He wasn't used to anyone except Jon worrying about him.

Before he could say anything, M'gann surprised him by wrapping her arms around him in a warm hug.

"You did great in there," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "I'm proud of you, Connor."

Connor stiffened at first, unsure how to react. But slowly, he relaxed, his arms awkwardly coming up to return the hug.

"Thanks," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

M'gann pulled back, smiling up at him. "Come on. Let's go check on the others. We're all in this together, remember?"

Connor gave a small nod, his lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smile.

"Yeah," he said quietly. "Together."

The two walked down the hall, the weight on Connor's shoulders feeling just a little lighter.

It would all be okay. As long as he left it to Jon, everything would be fine.