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"I'm sorry, Clark, that was thoughtless of me."
After his realization, Beast immediately apologized, and Clark quickly accepted. "Thank you for understanding."
Clark's mind drifted back a week, to a time when he was still in the DC universe, helping out in Lex Luthor's lab. That day, as Luthor was finalizing a preliminary design, a voice came through on the wireless communication.
"Lex, I need the specifications for the Ark's special materials," Superman said. "Earth's supply might not be enough, but I know some nearby planets have what we need."
Many people thought of Superman as just a brute with strength, but he was far more intelligent than he let on. He had studied the languages of countless alien races and knew the general conditions of all the planets surrounding the solar system. While he sometimes acted as though he didn't think, it was often to reassure those around him, not because he was truly unintelligent.
After sending the data, Luthor couldn't help but sigh. "Only when it comes to the safety of others is Superman willing to show his true genius. But can a person who has suppressed his abilities for so long ever truly use his full strength?"
When someone is too kind, they can't be ruthless. It was impossible for Superman not to know that humanity's future on Earth was limited. The only reason he argued with Luthor about the Ark was because of his own kindness and reluctance to give up on people.
The biggest reason for Superman's good nature was his deep trust in humanity. He knew there were bad people among them and that not everyone was kind to him. Many people with powers saw him as a potential threat. But for the sake of the powerless, he chose to trust and be good to everyone.
Luthor turned to Clark. "Clark, do you love humanity?"
Clark, who was using his super brain to help Cyborg with data, was momentarily stunned. He never expected Luthor to suddenly ask him such a personal question. But he had an immediate answer.
"Of course. Earth is my home, so naturally, I love Earth and the people on it."
"He really is just like Superman," Luthor muttered.
Besides Kryptonite and the red sun, Superman's weaknesses were all his own creation. To put his enemies at ease, he willingly handed them the means to defeat him. It was a crazy way to live, but that was just Superman.
Luthor's expression grew serious. "Clark, when you return to your world, remember this: unless you trust someone with all your heart, never tell them about your physical weaknesses. There's a high probability there's no Kryptonite in that world. All your weaknesses are in your hands, so don't make them public like Superman did."
Clark asked why, but Luthor didn't answer. Clark knew the reason, though. Every chapter of Superman's story was a constant fight for his life, and his reckless trust could have easily gotten him killed.
After meeting Clark, Luthor had even found some Marvel comics to read and realized that Clark's world wasn't as forgiving as their own. The government there was more ignorant and more dangerous. The kind of upbringing that made Superman a hero in their world would only lead to Clark's death in another.
Lost in his thoughts, Clark still didn't fully grasp why Luthor had given him that advice, but it didn't stop him from following it.
"Since class is about to start, I have one last question," Charles said, signaling the end of their conversation. Knowing Clark's abilities, Charles had a new theory about Magneto's motives. "Clark, do you think the previous attacks could have been because Magneto knew about your abilities?"
If Magneto knew about his Kryptonian heritage, the attack would make perfect sense. If he could convince or even brainwash Clark into joining the Brotherhood of Mutants, the world could see the rise of a new Superman with a mission to destroy humanity. Charles had to consider that possibility.
"I understand your concern, Professor, but that's not the case. I've never used my powers in this world before the accident, so there's no way Magneto could have known. Unless he has some other way to sense Kryptonians, which I doubt. I don't think he would believe Kryptonians exist in this world without seeing one for himself."
"I see. Thank you," Charles said. Although Clark hadn't explicitly said it, it was clear he had been transported from another world and had controlled his powers there. There was no way Magneto could have known his identity.
"In that case, let's stop here for today, Clark. If you need anything, please just ask. We'll do our best to help you adjust to life here. Even if you're not a mutant, no one here will reject you."
Hearing this, Clark realized there was a huge misunderstanding. "Wait, I do need something! I need a phone."
"A phone?" The X-Men looked at him, confused. Who could he possibly need to call?
"I need to call my parents and let them know I'm safe," Clark explained. "They must be worried sick."
"Parents?" Everyone looked at each other in shock. Even Charles couldn't hide his surprise.
"You weren't kicked out?" Jean asked.
"You didn't run away from home?" Cyclops added.
"You have parents?" Beast blurted out.
Clark's eye twitched, but he explained patiently. "I was just separated from my family by an accident. I wasn't running away. I'm sure they're still looking for me."
Everyone covered their faces in embarrassment. They were so used to dealing with troubled kids who had no family to go back to that the idea of a normal, loving family was completely foreign to them.