"Uncle Jones, do you know the story of London Bridge?"
At the Podrick farm, Star-Lord, who had been meditating, suddenly opened his eyes and asked the Martian Manhunter.
"I don't. What happened to London Bridge?"
"The story goes like this: In the past, they used to sacrifice children to build bridges. It was believed that burying a dead child beneath the bricks would keep the bridge standing. That was the legend. But in the end, it didn't work—because all the bridges eventually collapsed and were destroyed."
Star-Lord had spent the entire day meditating with the Martian Manhunter, yet he hadn't been able to unlock his potential.
Feeling frustrated, he continued, "I think I'm like London Bridge—destined to fall, no matter what you try to bury underneath."
"You are not London Bridge, Star-Lord."
The Martian Manhunter reached out and patted his shoulder.
"Didn't you say you were going to conquer the galaxy? Are you going to give up just because of a small setback?"
"No, I'm not giving up."
Star-Lord glanced at the bracelet on his wrist—the one Kelly had given him.
The last time the farm caught fire, he had awakened his powers and transformed into a white wolf. But now, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't do it again.
It seemed his ability only activated under specific conditions.
Like how, in the legend, a child had to be sacrificed for London Bridge to be built.
Maybe he could only awaken his powers when he lost something.
"I want to be like Clark and John."
Star-Lord plopped onto the ground. "But it seems like I can't be as strong as them. I want to be powerful too—I want to help Dad protect the farm."
He turned to the Martian Manhunter and voiced his true thoughts. "I'm afraid I won't be strong enough to stop death from coming."
"Are you afraid of death, Star-Lord?"
The Martian Manhunter sat beside him and asked.
"Yes. I see so much death in my dreams. I don't want it to happen in reality. I'm afraid of being separated from my dad by death."
"No, that won't happen."
The Martian Manhunter reassured him, "You won't be surrounded by death, Star-Lord. And your father won't be taken from you by death either."
He pointed toward the setting sun on the horizon and said, "Besides, death isn't always something to fear. Look at the sun—it seems like it's falling, but it's not sinking. It's just part of an endless cycle, shining again and again. So—don't be afraid."
Star-Lord gazed at the setting sun for a long moment before nodding.
Something inside him seemed to click.
"Alright, let's try again. Close your eyes, focus, and feel the power within you as I taught you."
The Martian Manhunter instructed him to try once more.
Star-Lord followed his guidance—closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
This time, he didn't think about death. His mind was no longer in turmoil.
As his focus sharpened, a pure white energy began to form in his hands, flickering around his fingertips and steadily growing.
"Mr. Jones, I think I can feel it!" Star-Lord exclaimed in surprise.
The moment he spoke—poof—the celestial energy surrounding his fingertips instantly dissipated due to his emotional fluctuation.
"Very good. You've taken your first successful step."
Seeing Star-Lord finally manifest celestial energy, the Martian Manhunter gave him a satisfied pat on the shoulder.
Star-Lord opened his eyes, excitement shining in them.
He had finally done it!
"I have to tell Dad!"
With that, he bolted off in a flash.
Watching him run away, the Martian Manhunter let out a helpless sigh.
That kid was truly impatient.
Nightfall.
John stared in shock at Lana, not expecting her to show up at his home.
He shot a suspicious glance at Clark, who looked a little uneasy. John had a feeling Clark had brought his "girlfriend" home to meet the family.
Wait—no.
Even if Clark wanted to introduce her to his family, he should've taken her to see Jonathan and Martha, not here.
Did Clark just assume that his father was his parent too?
John stroked his chin in thought, mimicking Peter's usual gesture.
He remembered the last time Clark wore the red kryptonite ring and lost his moral compass—he had overheard his parents talking and learned he wasn't their biological son.
Could it be that after realizing he wasn't Jonathan and Martha's real son, Clark just decided that his real father was his dad?
John's gaze toward Clark darkened.
Was this some kind of provocation?!
First, that guy from the alternate universe had challenged him, and now Clark was bringing his girlfriend over to declare dominance?!
"John, is Uncle Podrick not here?"
Lana's voice interrupted John's chaotic thoughts.
"No, Dad isn't here. He went out with Uncle Jones."
John asked her, "Did you need something?"
"Not really. I just have some things I'd like to ask Uncle Podrick about."
Lana smiled at him.
"Since he's not here, I'll wait for a while."
"Suit yourself."
John shrugged and then walked up to Clark.
"Clark, why did you bring her here?" he whispered.
"I didn't bring her," Clark said, looking innocent. "Lana said she wanted to come."
"Really? It wasn't your idea?"
"It wasn't."
Clark explained what had happened earlier in the classroom.
Meanwhile, sitting nearby, Lana noticed them talking.
A faint smile appeared on her lips as she quietly cast a spell at Clark.
In the middle of explaining, Clark suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.
John noticed his dazed expression and asked in confusion, "Clark, are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
But after saying that, Clark glanced at Lana on the couch and suddenly changed his tune.
"Actually, you were right, John. I did bring Lana here on purpose."
"What did you just say?"
John's expression darkened.
"I like Lana, so I brought her to meet my godfather. What's wrong with that?" Clark said matter-of-factly.
"You should introduce her to your parents, not bring her here!"
John clenched his fists, irritated by Clark's nonchalant attitude. "Dad isn't your father."
"I've long since considered my godfather as my father. There's nothing wrong with that. On the contrary, you're the one acting strange, John."
"Are you challenging me?"
John's fists clenched tighter.
He suddenly found Clark extremely annoying—just like the last time.
"You know," John sneered, "Lana doesn't actually like you."
"What?"
Clark froze.
"I said, Lana doesn't like you. You're just fooling yourself."
John folded his arms and continued, "If she did, she wouldn't be so distant. I'd say even Whitney has a better chance than you."
"Shut up!"
Clark snapped, his anger flaring.
"I'm just stating the truth. You're mad because I hit a nerve."
John smirked at Clark's furious expression.
But he wasn't satisfied yet—he wanted to fan the flames a little more.
"I've even seen Lana and Whitney getting very close. You can ask Whitney—or better yet, Lana herself."
Clark's rage reached a boiling point.
Upstairs.
Hearing a loud BOOM, Star-Lord rushed downstairs—only to see Clark sending John flying.
John crashed onto the floor, shaking the entire house.
"This is my home, Clark!" John roared as he fired heat vision at Clark, blasting him through a wall and sending him skidding across the yard.
Lana, watching the destruction unfold, was completely stunned.
She had only cast a minor enchantment—how did it lead to this?!
Before John could strike again, a voice from behind made his heart jolt.
"John? What are you doing?"
...
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