Who: Clark and his second ghost Where: Bradbury roof When: December 18th What: Ghost visit Rating: PG Status: Complete
Clark was standing on the rooftop of the Bradbury. He was wearing the trademark of red and blue as usual. He wanted some time alone since his talk with Jonathan. Assuming it was really him. He was half tempted to just pass it off as another Brainiac impersonation. But then again, the spirit knew things that the evil Krpytonian AI didn't know about his normal life. Personal things. And it did feel like his father, sounded and acted like him too. Reminded him of the times they argued, brief as it had been. As he stood over the roof, looking down at the streets, he spread his arms. Right.. time for a jump and fly. But then he picked up the sound of footsteps. Right beside him.
A young voice said, "What are you watching? Umm, suicide isn't the answer. But then only you could survive a fall." He saw Clark looking at him funny. "Yes, it's me. Ryan James. No, you aren't losing it."
Clark turned to face him. "Are you here to bust me too? Tell me what I'm doing wrong? Please, tell me now."
Ryan paused, confused. "No. You're doing okay. Sort of. But you saved me. And others too. You seem a bit older than last time.."
"A lot has happened," Clark answered, looking down at the street. "Remember what you said about Lex becoming like Devilicus? You were right. He does have a darkness and it only got worse. Then some villains from my world showed up, tried to free my planet's destroyer. A whole.. bunch of stuff. Might be easier if you watch the DVD's." Seeing his confusion, he added, "Nevermind. I'm not sure I saved you.. you still died."
"But I'm happier," Ryan said. "No one to hurt or come after me. I don't bleed if I read a mind anymore. Might be easier if you had an aerodome, like Warrior Angel does, a place to be alone.. to think.."
"I do," Clark said. "I united some stones and created my Fortress. It looks like my birth home, with records from my bio father."
The boy asked, "What is that?" He pointed at the paint a few streets down, in an alley.
Clark sighed. "Ohh.. that. My shield. My family crest. I got some fans. Not sure if they know where it's really from, though."
"So.. you really are a superhero." Ryan smiled. "Bet you got a cape too."
Clark said, "I do have one. And a team. This building is our HQ. Though sometimes.. seems like I end up hurting my own people here a few times."
"But.." Ryan turned to look at him, stepping close. "You said sorry, right?" When he saw the nod, he went on. "And you all know you weren't yourself. Like with those weird rocks. But you always come back to normal, better than ever."
The hero stopped. That did seem better advice. "What if I can't save everyone? I've heard that bad things will happen. I'm not sure how much has been prevented now that we know the details. But this city has come close a few times.."
"Clark.." Ryan sighed, crossing his arms. "There's only so much you can do. You're not God. It's cool that you don't think you are. Most kids that.. if they had your stuff, your power.. they'd probably go nuts. But you got good parents. Or did. ALl you can do is your best. Just work together, do what you can, keep saving and fighting."
"That's.. huh." Clark paused. "That's sort of what my future self said."
Ryan smirked. "Well, good. I learned a lot from you. From before. I just want to.. thank you. For trying to help me. And don't think about Lex. You wanted to save him from himself. But everyone has a choice if they want to be dark or not. He chose it."
"I guess so. I just miss him as a friend." Clark bent down to look at him. "I wish you could stay with us, though.."
Ryan said, "You know I can't. That isn't how this works. But just remember me. Remember that nobody can do more than their best."
"I know." Clark looked up. "Hey, remember that balloon ride?"
Ryan nodded. "Yup, sure do. You spent those last hours with me in it. Why, you got one?"
He laughed. "No. But the next best thing. I don't need one to fly." Seeing the boy smile, he smiled back. "My powers have expanded since we last spent time together." He reached for his hand. It felt almost like air. And as he floated upward, he noted that the boy did too. And so he flew around in the clouds with him. Ryan seemed excited. It was about a half hour before they touched back down.
"That was so cool!" Ryan was beaming. "Thanks, that is really.. wow." He paused. "That was as fun as last time. You're really fast. Don't forget what I said, though. Don't keep beating yourself up. I mean, there's no point. Just gotta work on from where you are."
"I know." Clark seemed serious. "I'll.. try to remember." He added, jokingly, "Of course, I could always make another pie if it gets too bad. You've had my mom's pie. I can make them too." Hearing the boy laugh, he laughed too. But then as he turned to speak, he saw that Ryan was gone. He smiled slightly as he looked down once more, thinking over what they spoke of.
Then he jumped off. He dropped down, going headfirst. But just as he was about to hit, he flew out, going up into the sky like a bullet.. flying beyond the clouds over the city. Just as he done a few minutes ago with Ryan...