Invincible: Krypton's Legacy

Mark stepped through the shimmering portal and back onto Earth. The rush of yellow sunlight hit him immediately, and he closed his eyes as his Kryptonian cells surged with renewed energy. It was almost overwhelming—three years of red sun exposure in the Flaxan dimension had dulled his abilities, but now, under the yellow sun, he felt invincible. His strength doubled with each passing second, his senses sharpening to a level that made the world around him seem clearer than ever before.

The air smelled fresher, the light was brighter, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he felt at home. Adjusting the environmentally adaptable suit that had been his second skin in the Flaxan dimension, Mark glanced down at his beard and chuckled. 'I look like I've been through hell. Well, I guess I have'.

As the portal closed behind him, he turned to see the Teen Team standing nearby, waiting with a mix of confusion and curiosity. Atom Eve, Rex Splode, Dupli-Kate, and Robot looked like they hadn't moved from the spot since he'd entered the portal.

"Invincible?" Atom Eve said, her voice filled with equal parts relief and bewilderment. "That was… fast?"

"Not for me," Mark replied, scratching his beard. "Time works differently over there."

"You've been gone, like, 30 minutes," Rex added, crossing his arms. "What the hell happened?"

Mark sighed, deciding to stick to the story he'd rehearsed. "When I got there, I was captured by the Flaxans and thrown into a prison camp. It wasn't just me, though. There was another prisoner—an alien who'd been there for decades. He taught me a lot."

Eve frowned, her eyes narrowing. "Taught you what?"

Mark responded. "How to fight better. How to push myself past my limits. And, most importantly, he taught me magic."

"Magic?" Rex said skeptically. "Yeah, right."

Mark raised his hand, summoning a small orb of energy that crackled with a faint glow. The team stared in stunned silence as the orb hovered for a moment before dissipating.

"After I trained with him," Mark continued, "I was strong enough to lead a revolt. We overthrew the Flaxan government, and I used my magic to lock down the dimension. No one from either side can cross over again."

"That's… incredible," Eve said softly, her expression a mixture of awe and concern.

Mark shrugged. "It was a long three years, but it's done now. Anyway, I need a shower. I'll see you all around."

Without waiting for a reply, he launched into the sky, leaving the Teen Team behind.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mark flew straight to the Global Defense Agency headquarters. Landing at the building's entrance, he made his way inside, nodding to the agents who gave him curious glances.

In one of the observation rooms, he found Debbie, sitting by Nolan's bed. She looked up, and her expression shifted from worry to overwhelming relief.

"Mark!" she exclaimed, rushing to him. She threw her arms around him, tears streaming down her face. "You're okay! I was so worried when you went through that portal."

Mark hugged her back, his grin softening. "I'm fine, Mom. Really."

She pulled back, looking him over. "You… look different. Older. What happened?"

Mark chuckled. "Time moves differently where I was. It's a long story, but I learned a lot."

Debbie nodded, her expression turning apologetic. "I'm sorry, Mark. I feel like I've been neglecting you. With everything going on with your dad…"

Mark shook his head. "It's okay, Mom. Honestly, the time away did me good. I'm so much stronger now—ready for anything."

Before Debbie could respond, Nolan stirred. His eyes fluttered open, and he let out a soft groan. Debbie gasped, rushing to his side. "Nolan? You're awake!"

Mark stepped back slightly as his father's eyes adjusted, locking onto him. For a moment, there was silence as Nolan scanned his son. His gaze lingered on the slight changes in Mark's frame, the subtle signs of greater strength, and the beard that hadn't been there before.

"Mark," Nolan said, his voice low. "You look… different. Stronger."

Mark shrugged, trying to keep his tone casual. "You know me. Always training."

Nolan's brow furrowed, but he said nothing more. Debbie interrupted the tension, smiling through her tears. "Let's get you home, Nolan. It's time for all of us to get back to normal."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The following morning, Mark stood in the backyard of their home, freshly shaved and ready to spar. He stretched, the yellow sun warming his skin as Nolan approached, dressed casually but exuding his usual air of authority.

"You've been training," Nolan said, his tone even but his eyes sharp. "I can see it."

Mark smirked, stretching his arms. "Three years of non-stop training. I'm not the same guy I was before. You're not even going to touch me."

Nolan raised an eyebrow, the faintest hint of amusement tugging at his lips. "Big words. Let's see if you can back them up."

Mark took his stance, the air around him humming with the subtle energy of his prepared muscles. "You asked for it."

Nolan moved first, a blur of speed as he lunged at Mark with a punch that would have flattened most opponents. But Mark was faster. He sidestepped effortlessly, his movements precise and fluid. Nolan's fist struck empty air.

Nolan pressed harder, throwing a flurry of punches and kicks, each one calculated and devastating. But no matter how fast or strong he moved, Mark was always a step ahead. His reflexes were sharper, his speed blinding. Nolan couldn't land a single hit.

Mark grinned, relishing the moment. "Come on, Dad. I thought you were supposed to be the strongest."

Nolan's frustration built, and he launched himself at Mark with all his strength. But Mark caught the punch mid-air, twisting his father's arm and sending him sprawling with a single palmstrike to the chest. Nolan hit the ground hard, staring up at his son in disbelief.

"Not bad, huh?" Mark said, extending a hand to help him up.

Nolan accepted the hand, pulling himself to his feet. His mind raced as he studied his son. 'He's not just stronger than me—he's far beyond anything I expected. This could complicate things… but I can't deny it. I'm proud of him'.

"You've come a long way, Mark," Nolan said, brushing himself off. "I'm proud of you."

Mark smiled, though there was a glint of determination in his eyes. "Thanks, Dad. But this is just the beginning. I'm going to keep getting stronger."

Nolan nodded, though inwardly his thoughts churned. 'His strength might make things difficult. But he's still my son. When the time comes, I'll need to get him loyal to the Viltrum empire'.