He stood alone, amonst the open grasses — gently powdered with snow in the cool morning of Christmas. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to say goodbye.. for either of you. The kindness you shared with me, the home I almost got to have. The home that never was and never will be..." ++

// I'm still keeping his name Kal but issue #14 fucked me up 🙂‍↕️

"Son of nowhere and nothing—"

....Maybe it's best I don't see my Batman..

I failed....

SOMEONE TELL KON TO GO EASY? Or just avoid Kal for the time being? That poor young man is TRYING. Give him a chance. TIM you can't do that to a heartbroken boy. Jon... Jon, put that picture back in the pocket, okay? Can Damian sub in?

This is just like when I let down Krypton..

<— He's kinda sad he did bad

I've let you down.. I'm sorry.

I never even imagined myself having kids, you can't blame me. I wouldn't bring a child to this world. I've never even had... a partner. It doesn't matter. Lon, Bon, and Pon... I'm unused to this world, I'm not an idiot that I'd pick those names.

This family tree is confusing..

I don't know any of these people except the one who claims to be my son...

He's eating some of Ma's pie. Maybe he should have started eating food sooner. . .

I guess I can join in.

"...." He's looking away! "I don't play games."

I don't know these people, Ma..

He's just been...watching everyone..

I will help find this fat boy of yours, given you are someone who means a lot to Clark..

Who's...fatson todd?

He feels...very out of place with all these people he doesn't know.

. . . . 💧

Hm..

This is confusing, but I've handled worse.

I don't need to eat the way humans do. My energy is replenished through Sol, the AI in my suit designed by my mother. Consuming food isn't necessary.

It's nice being surrounded by nice people. Caring people. It's not much like that back where I'm from. And those that do care, they don't last.

I don't eat food.

I miss my Jimmy, I hope he's safe. He's smart, capable.. I just hope he's alright. But we can be friends. If you're like him, you're trustworthy. If not... We'll deal with that.

You're celebrating Christmas together.. I never did that before. I've seen it done, Sol told me about it. I want to..do it, too. If I can.

My Jimmy..He's my good friend. The first real friend I made on Earth. He's brave, he's smart but does stupid things.. I miss him.

I'd like to meet more of these people who mean a lot to you..Ma.

You...don't look like my Jimmy. But you do. Huh..

Ma..

....Jimmy...Olsen?

Mrs. Kent.

So many..

<— Too awkward to go to the family party since they aren't really "his" family.

All these other versions of myself have been given a name to blend in with Earth.. I was never granted this name. But I carry my name proudly, a name my parents have chosen. I will carry their legacy. Always..

// pyro bed time.

Procreation seems..a popular activity.

.......Is this...what we do on this Earth?

Palms upturned towards the skies as he soaked in the sun, there was a pleasant feeling. Something akin to hope -- for just a part through cloud to reveal the hidden rays... A gentle reminder that good can still exist even in the toughest times. "I will persist.."

// Save me next--

The subtle warmth that'd suddenly emergy from parted clouds would allow the Kryptonian to replenish his solar levels .. without Sol's assistance, it was no such easy feat in the colder months. "Thank you.." He'd mutter, as though speaking to an entity -- & perhaps he were. Even if he hadn't known

"It's cold..."

The colder weather has lessened his exposure to the sun, & with the days growing dark earlier -- he hasn't been feeling that great..