Kal El becomes Superman

Based on a scene from season one of Supergirl. In this story Superman as such does not exist. Johnathan Kent's adopted son has not yet decided to become a hero. He does however know his Kryptonian name and around other aliens, uses it. Also, in case this becomes relevant, he did not come to the Kent house until he was already a teenager. 

Kal-El struggled with his chains. They were clearing made out of some non-terrestrial metal or they would have shattered easily. “Excuse me sir, I really wouldn't bother. If you try to escape he'll just hurt you again.”

“Escape? This a prison?”

“One of the more ancient and secure in 16 galaxies.” The man said calmly. As his eyes adjusted he could make out a man in the cell across from him. The man looked like a middle-aged human with light blonde hair and very thin eyebrows. He spoke with simplicity and confidence.

“Who are you and what brought you to this?”

“I was a farmer. And then I became a thief. And now I'll die for it.”

“And what planet's government sends you to death just for stealing.”

“My jailer claims Kryptonian authority. This place was a Kryptonian jail for the worst criminals in 16 galaxies so as far as that goes he is right. Krypton has NO death penalty for any crime.”

“You spent some time here before...I take it?”

“I was a smuggler for a cycle and sentenced here for 12.” Kal-El looked dejected. “It is fair, and I do not question the judgment. But I could wish they'd tell me for what new crime I've been re-arrested.” The man said in an even voice.

“You are here to pay for your original crime Nomatar.”

“I am NOT nameless.” The man said with surprising feeling. “My name is Narek.”

“Do you prefer I call you 008429?” the guard said indifferently.

“You can go ahead and execute me. But you cannot take my name from me.”

“I have already done that Nomatar.” the helmeted guard turned to his Kryptonian guest. “It means 'nameless'.” He explained casually.

“Under whose authority do you execute him?”

“Under my own authority you simpleton. I am the only surviving guard left to keep our oaths and continue enforcing justice.”

“Perhaps you will do me the courtesy of telling me where I have been imprisoned?”

“This was Fort Rozz. Designed to hold criminals from 16 of the 23 known inhabited galaxies. And now you Octavius will face true justice.” A thin man perhaps 26 Earth years of age was taken from the cell beside Narek's. His skin was sea green his hair matted and greasy. “Prisoner 008428, you have been found guilty of assault, theft, piracy and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The sentence declared is death. To be carried out immediately.” No sooner had these words been spoken than Octavius was forced to his knees and beheaded.

“Octavius was his real name?” Kal-El asked of the man across the corridor from him.

“Yes. Why does that surprise you?”

“Why is he allowed to keep his name and you are not?”

Narek chuckled. “I was born on Star Haven. To them a name is a possession, a gift. Anton as I call him knows how demoralizing it is that even my name is taken from me. Laserites like Octavius don't particularly care.”

“So he does it as simply a final insult?”

“I suppose so.” The resignation on the man's face was heart-breaking.

“That's it, I'm getting you out of here.”

Kal-el burned the lock of his cell door with his heat vision, silently thanking whatever God existed that his jailer had not bothered to flood the cell with red sunlight. He pulled the door to Narek's cell off of its hinges. But was thrown backwards against the wall.

“You seriously have no respect for justice.” the guard growled darkly.

“I believe very strongly in Justice.” Kal-El retorted. “But that's not what this is.”

Narek ran to the wall and took a rifle from the weapons locker. He pointed it at Anton's temple. “You should seriously reconsider your current course of action. I will shoot you, if I have to.” He said in a wavering voice.

“So much for being a man of peace.” Anton taunted him.

“I am a man of peace Anton. We always had to defend our fields from rampaging herds and ravagers alike, which means I know how to use a weapon. And right now I'm defending a FRIEND, which means I will use it without hesitation. So I say again: Stand down.”

The guard instantly dropped his hands. “Why did you give me the name Anton?”

“You mean why that particular name for you? It means 'Solider of Duty'. It seemed to fit.”

“That it does.” He turned to Kal-El. “And I surrender myself to justice. I would go down on my knees and accept my sentence. But you won't kill me, will you?”

“No, I won't. But I will find you the most isolated cell in this place and lock you away in it.”

“The fourth sub-level on the twilight side.” The guard replied. Kal-el looked at Narek.

“It's for prisoners who would actually think about what they've done.” The man explained. “It's called twilight because the constant levels of low light and quiet sounds, which lend the place to thinking and reflection.”

“For criminals who would do their time without incident.”

“Yes, forgive me I did not even ask your name.”

“I suppose you would call me Kal-El.”

“...I see. Then you must forgive me but, may I ask what happens to me?”

That's when it occurred to him. The guard had not flooded his cell with red solar rays, because he'd had no way of knowing his race, neither had Narek. And this prison had once been run by Kryptonians. Which is why Anton had surrendered so willingly. To the simple, straight-forward mind of a prison guard, Kryptonians were in charge of their own prison.

“Where is home for you? On Earth I mean.”

“Colorado State University, Colorado Springs.”

“Then hold onto me. That's your next stop.” Narek wrapped his arms around Kal-El's torso. Four minutes later they were over the astronomy building of the university. Narek stumbled a bit as they touched down.

“I am quite grateful that I did not acquire the ability to fly on this planet.”

“I'm still getting used to it myself.”

“You're letting me go?”

“Yes. That's the general idea.” Kal-El said slowly.

“I don't understand. Why would you do this?”

“Well from MY understanding you've served your time. Besides, I'd say your actions today earned you an early release.”

Narek took Kal's hands in his own, shaking in pure joy. “I could never repay you for this.”

“Yes you can.” Kal-El said with a smile. “Lead a good life. Keep being kind.”

“I promise I will.”

“What do you teach here anyway?”

“Can you not guess?”

“I'd say linguistics but...The stars. You teach humans about the stars.”

“The one thing I know better than anyone else on this planet. Beside most humans aren't interested in learning alien languages.”

“And Earth languages would sound...more than a little strange to you, naturally.”

Narek turned his head away and looked sideways at Kal-El. “Would it be presumptuous of me to say you have redeemed your family name today?”

“I do not understand your hesitation. The question itself for that matter. I was raised here on Earth. I don't my know Kryptonian culture any more than I know – a Laserites.”

Narek picked on a stick started digging into the grass. “This is the symbol for the House of El. Which I take by your surname to be your family. humans would say they have their noses firmly in the air. None more so than one named Zor-El. He sentenced hundreds here without a thought.”

“Including you.”

“One wrong cannot be negated for better or worse by committing another Kal-El. When I said I accepted the justice of my sentence, I meant it. But I stole a sum equal to almost a year's pay. There are those who got my sentence for stealing the contents of a farmhouse.” Kal El turned his head away, dejected. “You are not your family.” Narek continued hurriedly. “You've done a great thing here. And if I have anything to say about it, mercy and compassion will be what the house of El is known for.”