World Without Superman - A New Life
The past six months had been the happiest of Clark Kent's young life. It was the best of times and still Clark knew better times lay ahead.
He had managed, as Superboy, to save scores of lives in both Capitol City and Smallville. His enemies, he was amazed at how many he had made since becoming Superboy just 3 years ago, were either in prison or on the run. He had eased into a nightly patrol routine over both Capitol City and Smallville with crime rates down sharply in both towns as a result.
His confidence was growing in his role of Superboy. – the Threesome, as they called themselves, were in prison with decade long sentences. Metallo, Odessa and Lex Luthor were the biggest threat he had ever faced. Despite their planning, their powers and their scientific knowledge, they had failed to take him down in their professed "final" attack. Kryptonite, sonic weapons and a solar energy blocker not withstanding.
Most important of all, Clark and Lana had fallen in love and, making it sweeter, the deception was over. Lana had figured out that Clark was Superboy a few months ago. His only regret – that he had not had enough faith in her, in himself, to reveal his secret.
Clark recalled that day – it was a crystal clear fall mid-West day. One of those days when everything is revealed. And so it was Clark's true nature, his dual identity, was revealed to Lana that day.
Lana had suspected for a while, and Clark had been tempted to tell her for a while. Lana decided to determine once and for all. As Clark was bending over getting into a car, Lana pulled a long pin out and stuck it sharply into Clark's rear. The pin bent, Clark didn't react. The gig was up. To this day they both laugh about that day. The "buns of steel" test as Lana had come to call it.
That aside, Lana was his first true love and, luckily for him, he was hers.
There were other important people in Clark's life. His best friend TJ. TJ had moved to Metropolis in his third year at Shuster U. to pursue an interest in journalism. TJ was now working for the Daily Planet - his internship turning into a full-time job. TJ and Clark were close and Clark had missed TJ when he moved away. Recently, T J had returned to Capitol City with a young co-worker. PhotographerJimmy Olsen. TJ's excuse for coming to town was that he wanted to show Jimmy America's heartland. In reality, TJ wanted to convince Clark to move to the big city and pursue a career in journalism. In truth, Clark had already decided to do both. TJ's visit only confirmed Clark in his decision.
All of this meant moving to Metropolis. Was it just coincidence that Lana had been offered a job at Metropolis University? No, Clark thought it was a sign. He and Lana were destined to start their careers and their lives as a couple in Metropolis.
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I found this story on my backup PC. Wrote it 2 years ago, but it had disappeared from this site.
Reposting it. It is the precursor story to Perchance To Dream and Origin of Toyman.
Like those stories, it is based on the Superboy TV series with elements from other Superman incarnations as well.
BTW, the needle in the rear end thing - it was indeed one of the final scenes in the final episode of the series which ran for 4 years.
Please review - reviews make the writing effort worthwhile. There are a couple other chapters which I plan on posting also.