The Son of Steel

[Nichalus]

Tyler Reeves, known to the Karthonians as the Son of Ree'Van, sat atop one of Karthoma’s rolling hills, watching as the last rays of the violet sun dipped beneath the horizon. From this vantage, he could see the outlines of the distant mountains, a view that had become both familiar and haunting over the years. It was here, on this alien world, that he had been raised and trained by his father, the mighty Ree'Van—known to Earth as Superman.

Karthoma was beautiful, much like Earth, but its history was scarred by war. Tyler had learned the stories of dictators, racial conflicts, and battles for dominance. His father had arrived here decades ago, during one such violent period. The Karthonians, skeptical of the alien outsider at first, soon realized Ree'Van was more than a visitor. He was a force of justice, a symbol of hope. It was during a conflict against a warlord named Mathus Krom that his father proved his worth. Krom, a being of immense power, had crushed countless factions in his quest for domination. But one faction—the Vionites—resisted, seeking only to live in peace. It was their plea that called to Superman’s heart.

Ree'Van had fought Krom in the sky, shaking the very earth beneath them. Though Krom was powerful, nearly matching Superman's strength, he lacked his heart. In the end, it was Krom’s cruelty that led to his downfall, and the peace-seeking faction was saved. Since then, Superman had become a symbol of peace on Karthoma, respected by its people—though not without lingering suspicion from certain corners of their society.

Tyler sighed, picking up a handful of grass and letting it fall from his hand as the cool breeze swept it away. He admired the Karthonians. They were a resilient people, much like humans, but they had also known far greater advancements in both science and weaponry. They had technology that could heal wounds in minutes, cities that floated among the clouds, and weapons capable of mass destruction in seconds. The world was rich in history, with scars from wars that reminded him of Earth's own past. But it was his father’s mission here that resonated with Tyler the most.

Ree'Van had told him the story of Krom a hundred times. Each time, Tyler had listened, imagining the battle, imagining his father standing between two armies. But more than the battle, Tyler had always admired what his father did afterward—helping rebuild, restoring hope, and reminding people of their capacity for peace.

“Thinking about Earth again, aren’t you?”

Tyler turned at the familiar voice. His father, Ree'Van, stood behind him, his silhouette outlined by the fading light. Even here, in his advanced Kryptonian garb, he radiated the same presence he had on Earth—a towering figure of strength and compassion.

“How did you know?” Tyler asked with a small smile.

Ree'Van approached, sitting down beside his son. “You have that look on your face—the same one I used to get when I’d look up at the stars, wondering what it would be like to return to Krypton.”

Tyler’s smile faded as he considered his father’s words. “Do you think I’m ready? Ready to return to Earth?”

Ree'Van gazed out at the horizon. “Earth isn’t Karthoma. It has its own challenges, its own pain. You’ve been trained to be strong, but Earth… Earth will test your heart more than your fists.”

Tyler clenched his jaw, unsure if he was truly prepared. He had heard stories of Earth from his father—the corruption, the struggles, and the endless battles. But he had also heard about its beauty, its people’s resilience, and their ability to fight for what was right, even when all seemed lost. He had trained his entire life, honing his powers and learning the values his father had instilled in him. Yet, doubt lingered.

“I know about Earth's history, its wars,” Tyler said. “But will they even accept me? I’m not you, Dad.”

Ree'Van smiled gently. “You don’t have to be me. You’re Tyler Reeves, and that will be enough. The world may not know you yet, but they will. Your path is your own to walk. Remember the lessons you’ve learned here. Karthoma, with all its advanced technology and wisdom, has shown you that even the strongest must sometimes choose peace over war.”

Tyler nodded, taking in the weight of his father’s words. He had witnessed firsthand the horrors of power unchecked through the stories of Mathus Krom. But he had also seen the way his father had worked to bring peace, not just through strength, but through compassion and wisdom.

“I’ll make you proud,” Tyler said quietly, a newfound resolve building within him.

Ree'Van placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “You already have, son.”

His father, had provided him with countless media and documents from his home planet. Tyler had spent years studying Earth's history, its wars, and its people. He knew of the Meta-Humans, enhanced humans, and those born with extraordinary abilities. He could recite the stories of the Justice League, The Avengers, and the X-Men, and had memorized their battles, victories, and sacrifices. Equally important, he had studied their enemies—the forces of chaos and destruction that had risen time and again to threaten Earth.

He knew the names: Lex Luthor, Thanos, Magneto, Doctor Doom, Darkseid. Each a symbol of power in their own right, each testing the resolve of Earth’s greatest champions. But the more Tyler learned, the more he realized that Earth’s struggles weren’t just about strength; they were about the conflict between hope and despair, peace and destruction.

Sitting on the hill, Tyler felt the weight of his future settling in. His training on Karthoma had prepared him physically, but understanding Earth was something entirely different. He had studied their cultures, so many and so varied—each one with its own values, traditions, and ways of life. But would that be enough?

“You’ve been thinking about them, haven’t you?” his father stated.

Tyler didn’t turn right away. “I’ve been thinking about all of them. The Justice League, the Avengers… even the X-Men. They’re legends, Dad. They’ve faced threats I can’t even imagine.”

Ree'Van stepped beside his son, his iconic red cape trailing gently in the wind. His face was solemn but understanding. “You’ve learned about their strength, their victories. But you’ve also seen their failures, their doubts. What do you think separates them from their enemies?”

Tyler thought for a moment. “They fight for more than themselves. They fight for others, for a better future.” He clenched his fists. “But I’ve also seen what happens when they lose. How fragile everything can be.”

Ree'Van nodded, his gaze distant. “That’s the burden of being a hero, Tyler. The world, whether Karthoma or Earth, is fragile. Peace is fragile. But that’s why heroes fight. Not to be perfect, but to protect what’s worth saving.”

Tyler stood, his mind still processing the enormity of what awaited him on Earth. He had spent years studying its heroes, trying to understand what made them great. But the time for study was almost over. Soon, he would be among them—not as a student, but as a protector.

“And what about me?” Tyler asked, looking into his father’s eyes. “What if I’m not ready? What if I fail like they have?”

Ree'Van placed a hand on Tyler’s shoulder, his eyes filled with a quiet strength. “Every hero faces that question. What matters is that you try. You’ve studied their battles, their enemies, but don’t forget—what makes you ready isn’t just your strength or your knowledge. It’s your heart. You know the dangers, and that’s what makes you worthy of this responsibility.”

Tyler absorbed his father’s words, feeling the weight of the legacy he was about to inherit. He had been raised in a world of peace on Karthoma, but Earth was different. Earth would test him in ways he could barely imagine.

“I’m ready,” Tyler finally said, more to himself than to his father. “I’ve studied them all. I know what they stand for.”

Ree'Van smiled, a proud but bittersweet look in his eyes. “I know you’re ready. But remember, Earth is unpredictable. You won’t be fighting for yourself, Tyler. You’ll be fighting for them—for the people who can’t fight for themselves. That’s what it means to be a hero.”

Tyler nodded, his resolve hardening. The Justice League, the Avengers, and the X-Men had all faced impossible odds and emerged as legends. Now it was his turn to stand among them—not as Superman’s son, but as his own hero.

The stories of Earth’s heroes were legend, but they weren’t the only thing occupying his thoughts.

His mother.

It was always bittersweet when his thoughts turned to her. He had never met her, but in the depths of his heart, he felt a connection that no amount of distance or time could sever. His father had told him her story countless times, sharing images and videos of her smiling, laughing, and even fighting by Superman’s side. Yet, the more he learned about her, the more questions filled his mind.

Would she have been proud of him?

He squeezed his hands into fists, wrestling with the silence around him. The videos and pictures couldn’t give him the answers he longed for. They were frozen moments in time, memories captured but incomplete. Tyler had inherited much from his father—his strength, his powers—but from his mother, he had inherited her legacy of love and courage.

But she had been taken from him before they could ever meet.

He remembered his father’s quiet voice when he had first learned the truth. Darkseid. The name echoed in his mind, a dark stain on the history of Earth’s heroes. It had been during the near world-shattering event, when Darkseid's forces descended on Earth, intent on domination and destruction. Tyler had been newly born, and his mother had been doing everything in her power to protect him.

In the chaos, Batman had been the one to hide him away, ensuring his safety while the battle raged. His mother hadn’t been so fortunate. Darkseid’s wrath had found her, and though she had fought bravely, she had fallen. Her death had nearly destroyed his father, who had barely survived the encounter himself.

Tyler had been shielded from the immediate devastation, but as he grew, his father made sure he knew who his mother was. Tyler’s heart ached as he imagined what it would have been like to know her, to speak with her, to hear her voice. Would she have been proud of him? He wanted to believe she would be, but that question never left his mind. He had been given so much—his father’s strength, his mother’s tenacity—but sometimes, it felt like a weight he wasn’t sure he could carry.

Tyler looked up at his father. “I wonder if she’d even recognize me.”

Superman sat down beside him, his presence a comfort, though the weight of the loss still lingered between them. “She would’ve been proud of you, Tyler. There’s no question in my mind.”

Tyler let out a small, bitter laugh. “I never even met her. I know what she looks like, what she sounded like… but it’s not the same. It feels like a piece of me is missing.”

Ree'Van’s expression softened. “You may not have met her, but she lives in you, son. In every decision you make, in the courage you show, and in the compassion you have for others. She’s a part of who you are, and that’s something Darkseid could never take away.”

Tyler clenched his jaw. “Darkseid took everything from her. She didn’t even get a chance to see me grow up.”

“She gave her life to protect you,” Superman said quietly. “And I think that’s something you need to remember. Your mother didn’t die in vain. She knew you were safe, and that was the most important thing to her. She saw the potential in you, Tyler, the same way I do.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and full of meaning. Tyler nodded slowly, his heart still aching but understanding a little more. His mother’s legacy wasn’t just in the stories or the images—it was in him. And the best way he could honor her memory was by living up to the person she believed he could be.

“I’ll make her proud,” Tyler said softly, more to himself than to his father.

Superman placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “You already have, son.”

As the stars began to twinkle in the deepening sky, Tyler knew his time on Karthoma was coming to an end. The son of Ree'Van would soon make his way to Earth, not as a mere shadow of Superman, but as his own hero—one who understood the balance between power and peace.

[Nichalus]

The day had finally come.

Tyler Reeves, known to the Karthonians as Ree'Van, stood on a hill overlooking the city of Takella, the capital of Karthoma. The majestic skyline shimmered with the advanced technology that had shaped the world, yet at this moment, the vibrant city below seemed distant. His thoughts were focused on the journey ahead.

Beside him, his father, Superman—Ree'Van to the Karthonians—stood tall, the wind gently lifting his iconic red cape. For all the years Tyler had spent on Karthoma, training, learning, and growing into the man he was today, this moment felt surreal. He was leaving the only world he had ever known to embrace the legacy that had always awaited him.

Tyler looked down at his suit, custom-made to honor both his father’s symbol and the legacy of his own. The blue and red fabric felt familiar, yet distinctly his own. The "S" on his chest had subtle differences—a small, personal touch that set him apart from his father. It was a symbol of the House of El, but it was also a promise: to protect Earth, just as his father had.

“Are you ready?” Superman asked, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

Tyler nodded, though his heart was a mix of excitement and apprehension. “I’ve trained for this my whole life. But…” He trailed off, looking out at the city below, the world he had come to love. “It’s strange leaving it all behind.”

Superman placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “You’re not leaving it behind. Karthoma will always be a part of you. Just as Krypton is a part of me.” He paused, his gaze softening. “But Earth needs you now. It’s your turn to be their protector.”

Tyler glanced at his father, seeing the pride in his eyes, but also the weight of responsibility. His father had borne that weight for so long—first on Krypton, then Earth, and now Karthoma. Tyler understood now more than ever what it meant to be a symbol of hope, to stand between worlds, to carry the burden of those who couldn’t protect themselves.

“I won’t let you down,” Tyler said quietly, determination filling his voice.

Superman smiled, his grip on Tyler’s shoulder tightening for just a moment. “I know you won’t.”

Behind them, the Karthonian city of Takella buzzed with life. The people had come to accept and even revere Superman over the years, though it hadn’t always been that way. But now, as Tyler prepared to depart, he felt the eyes of Karthoma on him, just as Earth’s eyes would soon follow.

Tyler turned, his cape snapping in the wind as he faced the skies. He could already feel the pull of Earth, a world that needed a new protector, someone who could stand for truth and justice. It was a weight he had been preparing to carry for years, but now that the moment was upon him, it felt more real than ever.

His father stepped beside him. “When I first left Krypton, I didn’t know what I would find on Earth. But I found hope. And that’s what you’ll give them, Tyler. Hope.”

Tyler took a deep breath, the weight of his family’s legacy settling on his shoulders. “It’s time.”

With one last look at Karthoma, Tyler lifted off the ground, rising into the air. His father hovered beside him, a silent symbol of the path he had paved. Together, they flew higher, leaving behind the world that had shaped Tyler and heading toward the stars.

As they soared toward the edge of Karthoma’s atmosphere, Tyler felt a surge of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and a deep sense of purpose. The future awaited him on Earth, a world in need of a protector, a world that had once been his father’s but was now his.

With a final glance at his father, Tyler shot forward, breaking through the barrier of Karthoma and into the vastness of space. Earth was on the horizon, and his destiny was calling.

He would make them proud—both his father and his mother.

[Nichalus]

He soared through the vast expanse of space, leaving Karthoma behind. His mind raced as he approached the next chapter of his life. The stars blurred past him, streaks of light against the dark backdrop of the universe, but his thoughts were anchored on the weight of his mission.

Earth.

He had read so much about it, studied every facet of its people and heroes. Yet, he knew that no amount of preparation could truly prepare him for the reality of stepping onto the planet. It was a world full of contradictions—beauty and chaos, hope and despair. And now, it was his responsibility to protect it.

As he traveled at unimaginable speeds, Tyler passed through various sectors of the universe, each one more wondrous than the last. He had charted this path carefully, knowing that many of the planets he passed were legendary in their own right.

Oa, the emerald-green homeworld of the Lantern Corps, appeared briefly before vanishing from his view, its towering Central Power Battery glowing faintly in the distance. The Guardians who resided there kept watch over the universe, ensuring order among the stars. Tyler wondered if any of the Lanterns sensed his passing, a fleeting blur on their scanners.

Next, he passed Thanagar, the militaristic home of Hawkman and Hawkwoman. Its fierce, winged inhabitants were known for their strength and their ancient, proud warrior culture. The metallic wings of the Thanagarians reflected the distant light of nearby stars, and Tyler marveled at the planet’s majestic beauty, even from afar.

Further on, the desolate yet advanced world of the Kree Empire came into view. The Kree homeworld stood as a testament to their scientific prowess and their long history of galactic conflict. Though it appeared cold and foreboding, Tyler could feel the weight of its inhabitants’ ambition and their desire for supremacy among the stars.

Lastly, the glowing blue-and-gold world of Xandar, home to the Nova Corps, flashed by in the distance. A beacon of peace and protection, it stood as a symbol of unity in a galaxy often torn apart by war. Tyler knew the Nova Corps to be noble protectors, much like the Lantern Corps, and he hoped to someday cross paths with them in his journey.

He pressed on, leaving these planets behind, their histories and legacies now part of the tapestry of his own adventure. Though these worlds were remarkable, none of them were his destination. Earth awaited him—a planet as complex and fragile as it was powerful and full of potential.

As Earth’s blue and green sphere grew larger in the distance, Tyler’s heart raced. He had always known this day would come—the moment when he would have to step out of his father’s shadow and embrace his own destiny. The "S" on his chest glimmered in the dim light of space, a constant reminder of the lineage he bore and the hope it symbolized.

He felt the pull of Earth’s gravity as he entered its atmosphere, the heat building around him, but his Karthonian suit absorbed the friction. Soon, the dark void of space gave way to a rich blue sky, clouds zipping past him in the blur of his descent.

Down below, an airliner cruised calmly at its altitude, passengers inside unaware of what was unfolding just outside their windows. All except one. A small boy, his face pressed against the window, noticed something incredible—a streak of blue and red darting past the aircraft at impossible speed. His eyes widened in disbelief.

“Mom! It’s Superman!” he yelled, his voice filled with excitement as he pointed out the window.

The boy’s mother, seated next to him, looked up from her magazine with a gentle, amused smile. “Honey, that’s not possible,” she said softly. “Superman has been gone for years. You probably just saw a plane or a bird.”

“No, Mom, I swear! I saw him! He flew right by us!” the boy insisted, his voice rising with certainty.

But the mother simply chuckled, patting his hand. “Superman’s not coming back,” she said, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. “He’s been gone too long.”

The boy continued to stare out the window, his heart racing. He knew what he saw. It wasn’t just a streak of light. It was him.

Outside, Tyler smiled faintly as he streaked past the plane, catching the boy’s gaze for a brief moment before continuing his descent. He knew the world would not be expecting him, not yet. But soon, they would see him—not just as the son of Superman, but as a protector in his own right.

As Metropolis came into view, its towering buildings and bustling streets growing larger beneath him, Tyler slowed his approach. He gently touched down on the rooftop of the Daily Planet building, the iconic globe spinning slowly beside him. He stood for a moment, his cape flowing in the wind, looking out over the city his father had once sworn to protect.

For a moment, Tyler felt the weight of his lineage settle once more on his shoulders. But then he remembered his father’s words: “You are ready.”

Tyler straightened. It was time.

[Nichalus]

Tyler Ree'Van stood atop the Daily Planet for only a moment longer before his father’s words echoed in his mind once more: You are ready.

As directed by his father, Tyler launched himself into the sky and veered away from the bustling heart of Metropolis. His destination lay miles away in a secluded, heavily wooded area—dense, untouched by time, and hidden from prying eyes. The trees below were thick, their branches intertwining to form a canopy so tightly packed that little sunlight could penetrate through. The ground beneath was almost lost in shadow.

Tyler’s enhanced vision pierced the canopy with ease, revealing a murky, expansive pond concealed beneath the layer of leaves and branches. His father’s instructions had been precise—this was no ordinary pond. Without hesitation, Tyler angled downward and dove into the water. The surface rippled as he cut through it effortlessly, the cold, dark water quickly enveloping him.

He was surprised by the depth, far greater than the small size of the pond suggested. He swam deeper, the light from above growing dim, when suddenly, a sharp crimson light ignited around him. A network of red lasers swiftly scanned his body. He remained still as the security system confirmed his identity. A faint rumble echoed through the water, and the rocky floor beneath him parted, revealing a disguised opening.

Tyler swam through just as the hidden door slid shut behind him, sealing off the outside world. He found himself in a long, narrow shaft, its smooth, metallic walls illuminated by a series of bright lights that flared on as he sped downward. It stretched for what seemed like miles, the tunnel curving ever so slightly as he descended deeper beneath the Earth’s surface.

Then, as suddenly as it had started, the shaft ended, and another portal slid open before him. Tyler gasped as he flew into the massive cavern that unfolded before his eyes. It was awe-inspiring, easily the size of a small city. The walls shimmered like white crystal, their jagged surfaces reflecting the light in all directions, giving the cavern the appearance of a glacial paradise. It was serene yet powerful, a monument to the hidden strength his father had built here.

He descended slowly, landing on the smooth floor at the center of the cavern. All around him, towering arrays of technology whirred to life, the monitors flickering as they activated, scanning his presence. Data flashed across screens, and large holographic maps of both Earth and the known universe appeared, rotating slowly above their consoles.

To one side, Tyler noticed a section of the cavern dedicated to his father’s treasures—artifacts and relics from Superman’s long career as Earth’s protector and intergalactic adventurer. Alien weapons, ancient scrolls, and fragments of advanced technology were encased in transparent containers, each telling a story of its own. He saw a piece of Darkseid’s armor, a memento from the tyrant who had once nearly killed his father. Next to it, the shimmering blade of a weapon from Warworld, where his father had fought as a gladiator. There were relics from Krypton, too—artifacts that held deep sentimental value.

Tyler walked slowly through the chamber, his boots echoing against the floor. He had known about this place, the hidden refuge his father had built long ago, but seeing it with his own eyes was different. This was the culmination of decades of planning, of preparation for a day when Superman might no longer be there to protect the Earth.

And now, it was his turn.

Tyler approached a sleek control panel, the largest in the cavern. The screen activated as he neared, and a familiar voice filled the chamber—his father’s voice.

"Tyler," the recording began, "if you're hearing this, then you've arrived safely. This is the Fortress—a sanctuary for knowledge, for preparation, and for reflection. It has served me well, and now it is yours. Here, you’ll find everything you need, from the history of our people to the secrets of the universe. But remember, it is not the technology, the strength, or the knowledge that makes a hero. It’s the choices you make—the courage to stand for what is right, no matter the cost."

Tyler took a deep breath. He could feel the weight of those words settling on him like a mantle. His father had faced countless threats, some more powerful than any man or machine could withstand, yet he had never faltered in his commitment to protect the innocent.

"You will face challenges I cannot foresee," the message continued. "But you have my strength, and more importantly, your own. Trust in yourself. Trust in what I have taught you, and in what Karthoma has made you. You are ready."

Tyler stepped back from the panel, the final words echoing in his mind. This place, the hidden fortress buried deep beneath the Earth’s surface, was more than a sanctuary—it was a reminder of the legacy he carried. His father had prepared him for this moment, and now, Tyler had to live up to that legacy.

He turned toward the cavern’s entrance, ready to return to the world above. The quiet solitude of the Fortress was a refuge, but Earth awaited him. He knew the challenges would come soon enough. Threats would rise. Enemies would test him.

And when they did, Tyler Ree'Van would be ready.

The son of Superman had arrived.

[Nichalus]

It didn’t take long for the world to notice.

The sightings started as rumors, whispers in newsrooms, and snippets of grainy phone footage that spread like wildfire across social media. Reporters pieced together eyewitness accounts of a strange blue-and-red streak appearing at crisis points around the globe. It had been years since the world had seen that signature blur, and no one could quite believe what they were seeing.

News anchors across every continent began reporting astonishing events, each one stranger than the last.

In New York, when a ferry carrying hundreds began sinking after a mechanical failure, a streak of blue and red descended from the sky. Cell phone footage captured the mysterious figure swooping down and, with incredible strength, lifting the vessel safely to shore, depositing it gently on a nearby dock. Gasps erupted from the passengers, and as people tried to catch a glimpse, the figure vanished as quickly as he had come.

Within hours, another incident hit the headlines. Hostages trapped in a high-rise in Tokyo by armed terrorists were rescued in the blink of an eye. Witnesses saw the faint outline of a man in blue and red swooping through broken windows, disarming the attackers with incredible speed. The next moment, the hostages found themselves safely outside, the mysterious savior already gone.

Everywhere he appeared, people had a different story to tell, each one more extraordinary than the last. In the Atlantic, a cargo ship caught in a fierce storm had been moments from capsizing when the strange blue-and-red streak dove in from the sky, lifting the ship enough for it to regain balance and guiding it back toward calmer waters.

Then there were the smaller acts, too. In Paris, a little girl tearfully clutched a stuffed rabbit beside a massive tree where her cat was stranded, yowling from a high branch. Out of nowhere, the figure appeared, gently lifting the cat down and handing it back to the astonished girl, who gasped in disbelief.

"Et voilà, chérie, tous sains et saufs." Superman said in perfect French.

"Merci...Superman!" the little girl said happily as Superman leapt into the air and soared away.

Soon, the world began connecting the dots.

Every broadcast, every newspaper, every social media platform was flooded with stories of this new protector. And though many were quick to dub him the return of Superman, those who paid close attention noticed the differences—the subtle changes in his appearance, the slight variation in the "S" symbol on his chest.

In Metropolis, journalists and reporters gathered in the offices of the Daily Planet, piecing together fragments of footage and witness accounts. The Planet had long been the first to break news of Superman’s exploits, and speculation buzzed around the newsroom about whether this new hero could possibly be him—or if the symbol of hope had found a new bearer.

From his hidden vantage point, Tyler watched the coverage, his heart racing with a mixture of pride and responsibility. This was only the beginning, and the world had yet to know his true identity.

He knew that soon enough, his presence would draw out powerful allies and enemies alike. But for now, he was content to watch, to learn, and to serve as the protector his father had prepared him to be.