Chapter 12

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The day after my date with Maxima, I noticed Kara was acting strangely. During our patrols of Metropolis, she was unusually moody and clingy. At first, I tried to brush it off, thinking she might just be having an off day. But as the behavior continued, I realized something was bothering her.

We were at the Fortress of Solitude, training under Superman's guidance. I was trying to get stronger by lifting the gravity weights he had set up for us, a task that required every ounce of my strength and concentration. Kara, meanwhile, was hovering nearby, her arms crossed and a scowl on her face.

"What's up with you today?" I finally asked, straining under the weight.

She didn't answer immediately, her eyes narrowing as she watched me struggle. Finally, she spoke, her tone sharp. "You seem to be getting along well with Maxima."

I paused, lowering the weights back to their resting position. "Is that what this is about?"

Kara looked away, her expression still stormy. "I don't get why you had to go out with her."

"She threatened to go to war with Earth if we didn't," I said, wiping the sweat from my forehead. "I didn't really have a choice."

"But you enjoyed it," she snapped, turning back to face me.

I was taken aback by her accusation. "What makes you think that?"

"Because I saw the way you looked at her," Kara said, her voice softer now, but still laced with frustration. "You were actually having a good time."

I sighed, walking over to her. "Kara, it wasn't like that. Yes, I tried to make the best of the situation, but it doesn't mean I have feelings for Maxima."

"Then why did you agree to go out with her again?" she demanded, her eyes searching mine.

I hesitated. "I thought it might help keep the peace between our worlds. And... she's trying to understand us. I figured it couldn't hurt to give her a chance."

Kara's expression softened a bit, but she still seemed hurt. "I just... I don't like the idea of you being with her."

I placed a hand on her shoulder. "Kara, you don't have to worry. You're my friend, and that's not going to change. Maxima is... well, she's complicated. But you're the one I trust."

She looked up at me, her eyes brightening slightly. "Really?"

"Really," I assured her. "Besides, you're the one who's been by my side through all of this. That means more to me than any date with an alien queen."

Kara smiled, a genuine smile this time. "Thanks, Cornelius. I guess I was just being stupid."

"Not stupid," I corrected her. "Just... concerned. And I appreciate that."

We continued our training, the tension between us easing. As I lifted the gravity weights again, Kara encouraged me, her mood lightening with each successful lift. With Kara by my side and Superman guiding us, I felt like I could handle anything.

"Let's keep an eye out for trouble," I said, scanning the city below.

Kara nodded, her eyes sharp and focused. "Always."

As we patrolled the skies, I felt a sense of peace. Whatever came next, I knew we were ready. And with friends like Kara, I knew I could face any challenge that came my way.

The monitor flickered on, and Batman's stern face appeared on the screen. Wonder Woman and Superman immediately answered the call, their expressions tense. Kara, Volcana, and I stood behind them, listening intently.

"We've got a situation," Batman said, his voice grim. "An android named Amazo is causing havoc in Washington D.C. It has the ability to copy the powers of others."

"How did this happen?" Superman asked, his brow furrowing.

"Unknown," Batman replied. "But it's already copied several of our abilities. The rest of the League is engaged, but we're not having much success."

Wonder Woman's eyes narrowed. "What do you need us to do?"

"For now, stay at the Fortress," Batman instructed. "We need to keep certain members out of Amazo's reach to limit the powers it can acquire. That means you, Kara, Volcana, and Cornelius."

I felt a surge of frustration. "We can't just sit here while the League is fighting."

"Your powers are too valuable," Batman said sharply. "If Amazo gets hold of Kryptonian abilities, or the kind of strength and resilience you three possess, it will be unstoppable."

Superman nodded reluctantly. "We understand. Keep us updated."

The screen went dark as the call ended. The room was silent for a moment before Superman turned to us. "We need to trust Batman's judgment. Our job is to stay put and be ready."

"But they're out there fighting," Kara protested. "We should be helping them."

"I know," Superman said gently. "But Batman is right. If Amazo copies our powers, it will only make things worse."

Volcana crossed her arms, her fiery temper barely contained. "So what do we do? Just wait around?"

"We stay prepared," Superman replied. "We train, we monitor the situation, and if the call comes, we're ready to act."

Reluctantly, we agreed and went back to our training routines. But the news from Washington D.C. weighed heavily on us. Hours passed, and updates came in sporadically. The League was struggling, and each report seemed more dire than the last.

Finally, another transmission came through. This time it was from Green Lantern, his face bruised and bloodied. "We need backup. Amazo is... it's too powerful. We've lost several members already."

Superman's jaw clenched. "We're on our way."

"But Batman said-" I began, but Superman cut me off.

"I know what Batman said. But the situation has changed. We can't just sit here while our friends are dying."

We suited up quickly, the air thick with tension and determination. As we flew toward Washington D.C., I couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and resolve. This was our chance to make a difference, to prove that we were worthy of the trust Superman had placed in us.

The city came into view, and the devastation was immediately apparent. Buildings were crumbling, fires raged, and the streets were filled with chaos. Amazo stood in the middle of it all, a towering figure of menace and power.

Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern were already engaged, but it was clear they were struggling. Amazo was a formidable opponent, effortlessly countering their attacks and using their own powers against them.

"Stay focused," Superman said as we landed. "Kara, Volcana, and Cornelius, you know what to do."

We nodded, and the battle began. Kara and I flew at Amazo from opposite directions, while Volcana unleashed a torrent of fire. Amazo turned to face us, its eyes glowing with stolen power.

"Divide and conquer," Superman had said. "We need to split its attention."

It was easier said than done. Amazo was relentless, its attacks precise and devastating. I used my super speed to dodge its blows, while Kara used her heat vision to try and weaken it. Volcana's flames seemed to have some effect, but Amazo quickly adapted.

We fought with everything we had, but Amazo was a relentless force. Just as it seemed we were gaining the upper hand, it turned and unleashed a blast of energy that sent us sprawling.

"Regroup!" Superman shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

We gathered our strength and charged again, but this time, Amazo was ready. It anticipated our moves, countering each attack with brutal efficiency. I was thrown into a building, the impact leaving me dazed. Kara was knocked out of the sky, and Volcana was overwhelmed by a surge of energy.

As I struggled to my feet, I saw Superman and Wonder Woman fighting with everything they had, but it wasn't enough. Amazo was too powerful, too relentless.

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