Shadowflame

Diana Prince stood in the middle of the Central City art gallery, pretending to admire a massive oil painting while, really, her mind was already halfway to her next mission. As fate would have it, her earpiece crackled to life, breaking the silence with Black Canary's urgent voice. "Diana, heads-up! Lobo is throwing down with Shadowflame, Supergirl, and Starfire near Happy Harbor. They're holding him, but it's getting ugly. Could use some backup."

Diana's heart clenched. Harry was family to her, and now he was toe-to-toe with Lobo, a one-man wrecking ball who made boulders look fragile. No way was she sitting this one out.

With a polite nod to the nearby curator, she murmured, "My apologies, but I'm needed elsewhere." She made her way through the gallery, her mind already strategizing. In a quiet corner, she clasped on her bracelets, letting her armor shimmer into place in a cascade of red, blue, and gold. Moments later, she was airborne, racing toward the coast and hoping she'd make it in time.

Meanwhile, in Metropolis, Clark Kent was strolling back to the Daily Planet when his own earpiece buzzed. "Clark, it's Canary. Lobo's fighting Shadowflame, Supergirl, and Starfire. You know the guy—total destruction mode. They're over by the coast."

Clark froze mid-step. Kara was family. Harry and Kori too. The idea of either of them taking on Lobo alone sent a chill through him. Ducking into an alley, he shed his coat and glasses, letting them fall into his emergency stash behind a dumpster. Seconds later, Superman shot up into the sky, angling straight toward Happy Harbor.

Neither of them needed to say it aloud, but Diana and Clark both braced themselves for what they'd find. Lobo was relentless. Even with Supergirl, Starfire, and Harry working together, the tide could turn fast. But they were Justice League heavy hitters. This wasn't just about saving the day; it was about protecting their family.

Above the coast, Harry, Kara, and Kori were in the thick of it. Harry dodged Lobo's swinging chain by an inch, and Kara fired off heat vision while Kori blasted starbolts, their combined firepower managing to keep Lobo at bay. The ocean churned, waves crashing in reaction to the power blasts lighting up the sky. Meanwhile, Lobo's laughter boomed, carrying over the battle like a challenge that dared them to keep going.

Just when Lobo seemed ready to press his advantage, a shadow streaked through the clouds. Diana and Clark touched down together, radiating calm but unmistakable power. Supergirl, despite her exhaustion, managed a grin. "Finally! Took you long enough!"

Diana shot her a reassuring smile. "Wouldn't miss it." She turned her attention to Lobo, her voice carrying a calm threat. "Lobo, stand down. This doesn't have to get any worse."

Lobo's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Aw, the cavalry! Just means I get to brag about takin' down the whole League!" He cracked his knuckles. "C'mon, princesses—let's dance!"

Clark stepped forward, his expression hard. "It ends here, Lobo."

With a guttural laugh, Lobo lunged, chain whirling, his fists ready to break bones. Diana and Clark met him head-on, their combined power driving him back. Harry, Kara, and Kori fell into line beside them, their energy reigniting as they prepared to bring everything they had.

The battle became a thunderstorm of punches, blocks, and blasts, with Diana's bracelets clashing against Lobo's chain and Superman's punches sending shockwaves through the air. The young heroes chipped in, their confidence renewed now that they had Superman and Wonder Woman backing them up.

But Lobo wasn't slowing down, and they couldn't let up even for a second. Just as Harry thought they were making progress, Lobo locked eyes on Kara, his grin widening. In one fluid motion, he grabbed her arm mid-punch and twisted with a sickening crunch. Kara's scream cut through the battle as her arm snapped, her face contorted in pain.

Time seemed to freeze as she dropped to her knees, clutching her broken arm. Diana's eyes blazed with fury, and Harry felt a surge of anger so intense he thought he might explode.

Diana stepped forward, her voice trembling with fury. "You've gone too far, Lobo."

The look in her eyes was deadly, and Clark clenched his fists, ready to end this once and for all. The battle wasn't over, but Lobo had just made it personal—and now the League was done holding back.

—

The second I heard Kara's arm snap, my brain went into what I can only describe as a "Hulk Smash" mode. One second I was just, you know, Harry, the guy with a (mostly) normal amount of anger issues, and the next, my vision was going red, the gem on my chest was heating up like a furnace, and everything around me felt like it was in slo-mo.

"Oh, you wanna play rough?" Lobo was laughing, twirling his chain around like a kid with a new yo-yo. Unfortunately, the "yo-yo" in question had just shattered Kara's arm. So, yeah, I was in a mood.

A deep, blazing fire flared up inside me. I didn't even have time to process it—my hair just caught on fire. Yup. Not kidding. Literal flames. And somehow it was coming out of me like I'd just leveled up Super Saiyan-style, minus the blonde hair but with enough heat to make the ocean steam. My wings spread wide, looking like they'd just stepped out of a phoenix's daydream, and even Lobo, Mr. "I Eat Explosions for Breakfast," finally stopped smirking.

"Bring it on, kid!" he taunted, but there was just the slightest twitch in his eye, like he was second-guessing all his life decisions.

He barely finished talking before I slammed into him, sending him reeling backward with a punch that actually sent out shockwaves. He tried to swing his chain at me, but I was faster than he could handle, and I'll admit it was pretty satisfying to see him flail as I dodged his punches and landed a few blazing uppercuts in return. Every hit was like throwing him into a bonfire. His skin sizzled, and even his freakish healing couldn't keep up.

Nearby, Superman, Wonder Woman, Starfire, and Kara (cradling her broken arm and wearing an expression of both awe and "please don't set me on fire") watched the whole thing. I could almost hear their thoughts: Wait, since when can Harry do this? Believe me, I was asking myself the same question.

Lobo let out a growl, swinging his chain wildly, but I was way beyond caring. My flames roared around me, growing hotter and hotter until the ocean was literally boiling beneath us. I launched myself at him, pouring every ounce of heat into my fists. Punch. After punch. After punch. Each one faster and stronger than the last. I was like a living furnace, a walking, talking ball of pure, unfiltered rage.

Finally, I punched him so hard he crashed into the ocean, creating an explosion of steam so massive it blocked him from view. I hovered above, wings blazing, feeling like I'd just gone full-on "final boss mode" and half-expecting theme music to start playing.

When the steam cleared, Lobo was pulling himself out of the water, looking… let's just say "well-done." He coughed, gave me a lopsided grin, and shrugged. "Alright, kid, you got me. But next time, we're settlin' this." With that, he sped off on his bike, leaving a trail of smoke—and probably some very singed pride—in his wake.

As I floated back down, trying not to let my legs shake too much, I saw the others staring at me like I'd just announced I was secretly a dragon. Kara, wincing but grinning, managed, "Uh… maybe give a heads-up next time you turn into a living fireball?"

"Noted," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck as my flames flickered out. Superman and Wonder Woman exchanged glances, looking equal parts proud and slightly terrified, like they'd just realized I was capable of a lot more than expected.

And as much as I wanted to pretend I had it all under control, I couldn't help but wonder… if I was capable of that, what else was lurking inside, waiting to wake up?

—

In the lavish office of Peverell Industries' New York headquarters, Sirius Black leaned back in his high-back leather chair, swirling his coffee with an air of casual indifference. The massive flatscreen in front of him displayed the latest updates on the Justice League's battle with Lobo, the screen flickering with chaotic scenes of the brawl unfolding over the ocean just outside Happy Harbour. Sirius smirked as he watched the fight intensify, clearly enjoying the spectacle, despite the high stakes.

"Honestly, does Lobo ever not look like he's having the time of his life?" Sirius muttered, half to himself. "It's like the guy's just here for a good time, and the world's his punching bag."

Remus Lupin, ever the more serious one, sat beside him, his sharp eyes focused on the screen, brow furrowed in concentration. "This is no time for jokes, Sirius. Lobo's a threat, but what's even more interesting is what's happening with Harry."

Sirius' attention shifted, noticing Harry's figure among the Justice League. He'd been following the young hero's progress closely, but what he saw now made him pause. Harry wasn't just participating in the fight—he was transforming. There was an energy radiating off him, like a storm about to break. Harry's eyes were alight with power, his body almost glowing with a strange, otherworldly energy, even his hair was on fire. It was as though a different side of him had been unlocked in the heat of battle.

Sirius leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Okay, that's new. Did Harry just pull a 'supernova' move out of nowhere?"

Remus didn't take his eyes off the screen. "That wasn't just some random burst of power. Something's happening to him. This is more than just his Kryptonian abilities—there's something... controlled about it. Something he's learning to tap into. And it's way stronger than I thought."

Sirius let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. "I mean, he always had potential. But that's next-level stuff. Is he... pissed?"

Talia al Ghul, who had been quietly observing from her spot by the window, crossed her arms and turned her gaze toward the screen. She had been unusually quiet, her normally composed demeanor tinged with a hint of concern. As she watched Harry, her mind was racing, her worry for him growing by the second.

"It's more than just anger," Talia muttered, her voice low. "That... power he's wielding. It's like he's not just responding to the threat—he's controlling it. This is something deeper. Something has triggered it inside him."

Sirius shot a curious glance at Talia. "What's deeper than 'Harry kicking Lobo's ass with a new superpower'? Because right now, that's my only concern."

Talia frowned, her gaze focused intently on Harry as he seemed to harness the new abilities. "I'm not sure. But this isn't just about physical strength. Something inside him is shifting. He's always been a powerful ally, but this..." Her voice trailed off. "This is something I don't fully understand."

Remus nodded slowly, processing Talia's words. "You're right. This isn't just about raw power. It's like he's learning—growing. He wasn't just angry. He was... controlling his own transformation. But the question is: why now?"

Sirius shrugged, throwing up his hands. "I mean, it's Lobo. The guy's like the universe's biggest headache. If you can't control yourself when you're fighting him, what's the point?"

Remus raised an eyebrow. "It's more than just a reaction. Harry's powers have always been unpredictable, sure, but this feels different. It feels like he chose to do this. That's the part that's concerning."

Talia's eyes flicked back to the screen, her brow furrowing. "Harry's ability to control his powers has always been... volatile. But if he's discovering something new, something even he doesn't fully understand, then we need to figure out what that is before it spirals out of control."

Sirius, ever the optimist despite the grim undertones, leaned back in his chair. "Well, I'm sure he'll figure it out. Harry's always been good at figuring things out when his back's against the wall."

Talia shot him a sidelong glance. "You're not wrong. But we're not just dealing with Lobo anymore. If Harry's tapping into powers he can't fully control, then we're talking about something much more dangerous."

Sirius smirked. "And yet, somehow, I'm not worried. The kid's tougher than we think. Besides, he'll probably just beat the crap out of Lobo and call it a day."

Remus sighed, rubbing his temples. "If only it were that simple."

The camera on the screen zoomed in on Harry again, his eyes blazing with energy, his fists glowing as he delivered a punch that sent Lobo flying across the water. Harry looked more confident than ever, like a force of nature rather than a teenager caught in the middle of a fight. The screen flickered, showing Lobo struggling to recover, as the Justice League rallied around Harry, but it was clear—he wasn't the same person he was before.

Talia's eyes softened for a moment as she watched him, though her worry never left. "We need to talk to him. Make sure he understands what he's dealing with. If this power becomes a part of him... it could either make him unstoppable or destroy him."

Sirius grinned, his trademark smirk resurfacing. "Well, I'm sure Harry will love that talk. He always loves being lectured about his new powers, right?"

Talia shot him a look, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "If we're going to keep him from hurting himself, it's a talk we'll have to have."

Remus gave them both a long look. "Let's just make sure we're ready for whatever comes next. I have a feeling Harry's going to need all the help he can get."

Sirius raised his coffee cup in mock salute. "Agreed. But for now, let's just enjoy the fact that Lobo's getting his butt kicked. At least someone in this fight's having a good time."

Talia gave a small, tight-lipped smile, but her mind was already on the future—the part where Harry would have to learn to control the powers he had just unlocked, and the dangers that might come with them. She turned back to the window, her gaze distant, her thoughts tangled in a web of questions.

Whatever the reason for Harry's transformation, she knew one thing for certain: it was only the beginning.

—

The tension was interrupted by a polite knock, and her new secretary entered, offering a clipboard with Talia's schedule for the day. Talia took it with a gracious nod, her eyes scanning the appointments… until they reached the very last one. Her fingers tightened on the clipboard, her face betraying a moment of shock.

Nyssa Raatko.

The name hung there, a quiet explosion of implications. Nyssa-al-Ghul, her half-sister and the daughter of Ra's, known for her ruthlessness, a loyalty to the League of Assassins, and a personal vendetta against Talia that went back years. Talia forced herself to keep a composed face as she handed the clipboard back, nodding at the secretary with an automatic "Thank you." Only when the door closed did she turn back to Remus and Sirius, her expression more troubled than either of them had seen in a while.

"Talia, what is it?" Remus asked, picking up on her unease right away.

"Last appointment of the day," she said, her voice low. "Nyssa Raatko."

Sirius's eyebrows shot up. "Nyssa-al-Ghul? As in your Nyssa?"

"Yes." Talia's gaze turned distant. "My sister. And one of the most loyal members of the League of Assassins." She paused, weighing her next words. "I don't know why she's here. Nyssa and I… our relationship is complex. She never saw eye to eye with our father; she despised many of his ideals, especially since Ra's could never accept her—"

"Because she's gay," Remus interjected, piecing it together.

Talia nodded. "Yes. Despite her differences with him, Nyssa was always loyal to the League itself. She stood by it, and by him, more than I ever did. And then… I betrayed Ra's. I helped the Justice League bring him down and freed Sirius from the League." Her voice softened as her gaze flicked to Sirius. "But I also left Nyssa behind. I doubt she's forgiven me for that."

Remus glanced at Sirius, concern clear in his face. "Do you think she's here to… settle the score?"

Talia gave a rueful smile. "It's possible. But with Nyssa, you never know. She was always as enigmatic as Ra's, in her own way. The only thing I can be sure of is that she has a reason. Perhaps it's revenge. Or… perhaps it's something else entirely."

Sirius crossed his arms, an edge of protectiveness in his gaze. "Whatever her reason, Talia, we'll face it together. She might be your sister, but you're not facing her alone."

Talia's lips curved into a small smile, and she inclined her head. "Thank you. Both of you. Just… be careful. Nyssa's skill rivals my own, and her loyalty to the League knows no bounds. If she's here on a mission, she'll be as relentless as Lobo himself."

And as she returned to her watch over the city, her thoughts drifted, wondering what awaited her in that final appointment of the day.

—

In the dim light of the Batcave, a tense silence hung in the air as footage of the battle unfolded across the main screen. Batman, his expression as unreadable as always, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, studying every move of the fight. Next to him, Robin clenched his fists, his jaw tight as he watched his friends go toe-to-toe with Lobo. Meanwhile, Batgirl leaned forward, her face a mix of awe and concern as she witnessed the unfolding chaos.

Alfred, ever the steady presence, glanced from the screen to Batman, raising an eyebrow. "Master Bruce, you don't seem… surprised by this turn of events."

Without looking away from the footage, Batman replied, "Shadowflame's powers have been escalating for some time. I anticipated something like this would happen eventually."

Batgirl glanced over. "Wait, Shadowflame… he's that friend of Robin's, right? The one with the fire powers?"

Robin nodded. "Yeah. And he's not just any friend. He's one of the most powerful people I know." His voice was proud but strained as he watched Harry's transformation unfold onscreen.

As Shadowflame's form burst into flame, his hair igniting into a blazing inferno, Robin couldn't help but grin, despite the danger. "He's been pushing himself. I just didn't know it'd get to… well, that level."

The transformation was like something out of legend—Shadowflame's fiery wings expanded, growing more jagged and fierce, the edges crackling with intense heat. His aura blazed around him, turning the ocean water below into a steaming mist, and the air around him wavered with heat. Even through the screen, the sheer power of it was unmistakable.

Alfred, watching with fascination, adjusted his glasses. "Good heavens. I must say, that's rather… dramatic."

Robin smirked. "That's Harry for you."

"Harry?" Batgirl asked, sounding curious. "You're on a first-name basis with this guy?"

Robin nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "He's not just some League member. He's… well, we're friends. He, Kara, and Kori—Supergirl and Starfire—are… kind of a thing."

Batman gave him a sidelong glance, a flicker of surprise quickly masked. He knew about the relationship, of course, but hearing it openly discussed by his protégé was another matter. "That's not common knowledge, Robin!"

Robin shrugged. "It's not exactly a secret either."

On the screen, Lobo took a swipe at the blazing form of Shadowflame, but Harry countered with a fierce blast of fire that forced Lobo back, even as the heat rippled visibly around them. The screen crackled slightly, the footage struggling to keep up with the raw energy radiating from the fight.

"Remarkable," Alfred murmured, though he didn't miss Batman's calculating look. He knew that expression too well—Bruce was filing away every detail, every power shift, every potential threat.

Batgirl tilted her head, watching Batman. "You're planning to add this to his file, aren't you?"

Batman didn't answer directly. "If Shadowflame's powers continue to grow at this rate, it could make him… unpredictable. Potentially dangerous." He turned to Alfred. "I'll need this data analyzed and cataloged for later review."

Alfred gave a small nod. "Ah, yes. Another addition to the contingency files, no doubt." He said it with the faintest hint of disapproval, though only he knew of Bruce's plans to neutralize every League member if it came to it.

Batgirl raised an eyebrow. "Contingency files?"

Robin shot a look at Batman, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You mean… you're planning for if Harry ever goes rogue? Or anyone in the League?"

Batman's gaze was cool and unyielding. "It's about preparedness, Robin. We're dealing with extraordinary powers—powers that could, if unchecked, threaten everything we stand for. I'm simply being cautious."

Robin looked back at the screen, conflicted. He wanted to believe Shadowflame would never go down that path. But after everything they'd seen—the sheer destructive potential in this fight—he understood, reluctantly, why Batman thought it necessary.

Batman turned his attention back to the video playing on loop, just as Lobo broke Supergirl's arm, a sickening crunch echoing even through the footage. Her cry of pain jolted everyone. Robin's fists clenched. "Damn it, I should have been there. They needed backup."

Batman's voice was firm. "They handled it, Robin. Charging in without a plan will only make things worse." His eyes narrowed as he continued to watch. "And for now, this information is critical. We're seeing what Shadowflame's limits might be… if he has any."

Batgirl shook her head, marveling at the intensity of the fight. "Let's hope he's on our side. Because if he's got any more surprises like that, the rest of us are going to need all the contingency plans we can get."

—

In the shadowed halls of the Tower of Fate, Kent Nelson sat before a massive, antique television set that looked almost out of place among the ancient artifacts and mystical tomes. The screen flickered with images of Shadowflame and his allies fighting Lobo, and Kent watched intently, his eyes narrowing. The faint blue glow from the Helmet of Fate—resting on a pedestal beside him—flickered to life, as Nabu's voice echoed through his mind.

"This child," Nabu intoned, his voice a spectral rumble, "has potential beyond even what we foresaw, Kent. The raw power he commands could shift the balance between Order and Chaos."

Kent nodded slowly. "Yes, I had thought as much. It's one thing to have talent in magic, but this… this is something different. There's a fire in him—both literal and figurative—that could be honed or let loose to unpredictable ends."

Nabu's voice sharpened. "His power is not yet refined, Kent. It's still wild, volatile. Without proper guidance, it risks feeding into the forces of Chaos, rather than supporting Order. The Justice League's approach is commendable, but magic is not their domain. This one will need a teacher in the mystic arts."

Kent tapped his chin thoughtfully, recalling his recent conversation with Giovanni Zatara. "I agree. Giovanni has already spoken to Wonder Woman about a meeting with Shadowflame. The boy will be here this weekend for introductions and preliminary training." He paused, watching the screen as Shadowflame's fiery aura intensified, making the ocean itself steam with its heat. "Although… it seems that what I planned for might need some adjustment."

Nabu's energy surged through the room, ancient and commanding. "Yes. Shadowflame's power goes beyond that of a typical mystic apprentice. His origin from another world and his mastery over a unique magic give him access to forces unfamiliar to this realm. The training will need to be extensive, disciplined, and precise. He must learn not only restraint but also wisdom—lest he be overwhelmed."

Kent exhaled, his gaze turning distant. "That will be a delicate balance. But I suppose if anyone understands the perils of unbridled power, it's Shadowflame. Still, I'll need to approach him carefully. He may resist at first. From what I've seen, he's proud, confident—even defiant. But there's a chance for humility too, if guided correctly."

Nabu's voice softened slightly, his tone both cautious and measured. "Teach him that magic is a responsibility. Show him how to channel it, to wield it for Order. That is his path if he chooses to accept it. This boy may become our strongest ally—or our gravest threat."

Kent took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the task settling over him. "Then we'll start with the basics this weekend, and see where he stands. I'll guide him as best as I can… but it will be up to him to find his own way."

—

As Superman soared through the skies, his cape billowing behind him like a flag of hope, he was unaware of the dark presence lurking within him. His mind was clear, the endless miles of the Earth passing beneath him, his thoughts focused on the events that had just transpired at the Watchtower. The Justice League had come together, once again, to face the chaos that was Lobo, and though the battle had been brutal, it had ended with their victory. The fight had been won, but Superman's mind wasn't entirely at ease.

He could feel something strange, a slight disturbance—something pulling at the edges of his consciousness, like an itch he couldn't scratch. But the Man of Steel had long learned to compartmentalize the weight of the world, and so he pushed the sensation aside, focusing instead on his flight back to Metropolis. After all, the city needed him, and there were always more challenges waiting.

What Superman didn't know—what no one knew—was that deep within his mind, Trigon watched and waited, a demon who had made the very corridors of Superman's mind his new lair. With every beat of the Kryptonian's heart, Trigon's power grew stronger, feeding off the boundless energy of Superman's mind and soul.

From the shadows of Superman's thoughts, Trigon's voice, a guttural whisper that only he could hear, stirred in the dark recesses of the Man of Steel's consciousness. "Yes... I can feel it... the power... the potential. That boy. The one they call Shadowflame."

The demon's thoughts twisted, his hunger for that power undeniable. "Such fire. Such raw, untamed energy. It calls to me, teases me... The boy is strong, too strong for a mere mortal. I could use him. His strength could become mine, his power, my own."

The demon's presence shifted, an oily slickness crawling through Superman's mind as Trigon explored the memories of the battle that had unfolded over Happy Harbour. He'd seen the way Shadowflame had transformed in the heat of battle, how he had channeled the flames like a primal force that had disrupted the very atmosphere around him. That wasn't just power—that was a force that even Trigon couldn't ignore.

The demon's thoughts twisted further, plotting. "A vessel... that's what I need. A host strong enough to bear my power, to contain me. Superman's mind is already mine to some extent, but it's too... noble, too constrained. His will keeps me at bay, but the boy... Shadowflame, he has something more. Something raw, something I can bend to my will."

Trigon's presence in Superman's mind grew more insistent, an unsettling, invasive force. "The boy is young, yes. But he's ripe for corruption. His powers are unrefined, untamed. But with the right push, with the right... influence, I could take him. I could turn that fire, that passion, into something more. Something dark, something mine."

The demon relished the thought of turning the boy into his puppet, to feed on his fiery powers and use them to bring chaos to the world. His mind raced through the possibilities, the twisted joy of possessing such a powerful vessel. "What's a demon without Fire and Brimstone?" Trigon mused darkly, relishing the words as if they were a decadent meal just out of reach. "Shadowflame could be my conduit, my instrument of destruction."

The thought of using Superman's purity as a stepping stone to reach the boy was tantalizing, but the demon knew it wouldn't be easy. He would have to bide his time. He would need to break the boy down, slowly and methodically, until Shadowflame was no longer just a boy—a hero—but a tool. A servant to Trigon's will.

Superman, blissfully unaware, continued his flight back to Metropolis, his thoughts focused on the mundane—reports to file, daily obligations. His mind, though constantly on alert for any threats to Earth, remained oblivious to the demon that now nestled inside him, a dark secret growing stronger by the hour.

Trigon's influence lingered in the depths of Superman's mind, waiting, always waiting, for the right moment to strike. The demon's hunger would not be sated so easily, but with patience and cunning, he knew he would soon have the boy in his grasp. After all, nothing would stand between Trigon and the fiery power of Shadowflame. Not even Superman himself.

And so, as Superman flew onward, Trigon's thoughts turned darker still. He could wait. He had time. But sooner or later, he would claim what was his. The boy would become his, and the world would burn.

—

It's funny how life works sometimes. One minute, I'm dealing with Lobo wrecking my first day of school—honestly, what's a guy got to do to attend a normal class around here?—and the next, I'm sitting in a room with Kara, Kori, and me just... chilling. And by chilling, I mean we're talking about Kara's rapid recovery from a broken arm (she's pretty much fine now, thanks to her Kryptonian healing abilities and a suit Superman gave her), my weird transformation, and what might turn into an impromptu cuddle session.

Look, I wasn't complaining. Kara's arm was healing faster than my self-esteem after my awkward run-in with Lobo. And Kori? She was doing her usual thing, glowing like a Tamaranian sun and checking on Kara as if her ability to heal was some kind of magical gift she could inspect. Which, to be fair, is kind of how Kori does everything. She's always this intense, super-sweet bundle of optimism and, honestly, a bit of naivety when it comes to Earth customs.

Kori wasn't the only one fussing over Kara, though. I'd taken the opportunity to stare at the ceiling for a while, pretending I wasn't extremely uncomfortable with the subject that had just come up: my weird, unexplainable transformation that happened after Kara got hurt. I mean, one minute, I'm pissed off, the next, I'm a freakin' supernova. It's like my emotions are my body's own personal red alert system.

Kara must have noticed I was avoiding the topic because she squinted at me from her bed with that perfect mixture of curiosity and care. "So... about that thing you did, Harry?"

I shifted uncomfortably. Why did I have to go and become a human fireball today? "Look, Kara, I don't really know what happened. All I know is I got really angry. You know, seeing you hurt like that—it just made me lose it, I guess. And boom, something just happened. I'm not gonna try to replicate it though, because I don't even know how it happened. Trust me, I'm staying away from that like it's a plate of brussel sprouts."

Kori leaned forward, her green eyes full of that serious-but-loving look she sometimes gets when she's not messing around. "It was impressive, Harry. You should not be afraid of your own power. Maybe we should practice, so you do not lose control like that next time."

Kara nodded, throwing in her two cents with that trademark Kara enthusiasm. "Yeah, Harry! That was awesome! It could be super useful in the future. I mean, who wouldn't want that kind of power?"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "Okay, okay. I'll work on it. But don't expect me to turn into some kind of... Hulk-like rage monster, alright? Not my style."

Kori grinned like I had just agreed to teach her how to fly a spaceship or something. "This is good! We will work on it together. We can start small—baby steps. Perhaps we can also practice controlling your temper. You know, for your safety... and ours," she added, her voice just a little too sweet.

I sighed. This was going to be a whole thing, wasn't it?

But before I could spiral into a full-on internal monologue about how much work this might take, Kara interrupted me, throwing me a look that could only mean one thing: she was about to steer the conversation into dangerous territory.

"So, now that we've talked about your weird fire powers and my amazing healing capabilities," she said with a smirk, "how about we do something a little more... relaxing? Maybe, I don't know... cuddle?"

Kori immediately lit up at the suggestion, her voice high and bubbly. "Oh yes! It has been far too long since we have had some time together like this. We should cuddle! It will be most wonderful!"

Kara, still lying in bed, gave me a playful look. "And Harry? No more awkwardness. I insist. All three of us. Just... relax and hang out. No hero business for a bit."

My brain immediately began scrambling for a valid excuse. But before I could make an argument, I glanced over at Kara's outfit: that special Kryptonian suit. You know, the one that absorbs yellow sun radiation and basically turns her into a solar-powered superhero. Yeah, it's awesome. But also... not exactly cuddly-friendly.

I opened my mouth to protest. "Uh, Kara... you do know you can't exactly take off that suit, right? Kind of a no-go when it comes to hugging."

She groaned in exaggerated frustration. "I know! I know! It's just, you know, I was hoping—"

"Look, I'm not saying I'm not down for some cuddle time," I said, holding up my hands in surrender. "I'm just saying, you're basically a walking solar panel, and the last time I checked, solar panels don't exactly work well when you're hugging people. Call it a technicality."

Kori giggled, and I had to admit, it was a relief to hear her laugh. It made everything feel less... heavy. "Harry is right. Perhaps we can still cuddle with the suit on. Just no intense snuggling."

Kara rolled her eyes but grinned. "Fine, fine. But if we're not snuggling, I'm at least getting some serious movie time. You're not getting out of this, Harry. Cuddle or not."

So, we did. We huddled together—me trying to be polite while not accidentally activating any weird powers, Kori beaming with excitement because she's the world's happiest person even when there's a solar-powered Kryptonian in the room, and Kara, despite her whole "I'm the toughest person alive" thing, just enjoying the calm, normal moment.

It wasn't anything extraordinary, but at that moment, it was all I needed.

And yeah, as for the whole transformation thing? I wasn't sure how that would play out. But for tonight? I was okay with just enjoying some weirdly awkward cuddle time with two of the most important people in my life.

And, you know, maybe a little movie marathon. I was getting into the whole "family time" thing.

Just don't tell anyone I said that.

---

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