Alright, I'm back, kicking ass and writing. If there are any spellings wrong, please, let me know either in the review or send me a PM, and I'll fix it right away.
I can't believe we're at 90 000 words already! :)
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Chapter 34 - Oa
Sarah felt Clark stiffen at the mention of something called Doomsday. She was confused. Who were they? What/who are Green Lanterns? Why are they here? Why did they call Clark by his Kryptonian name? And why in the world did Clark, the bravest and strongest person Sarah's ever seen, stiffened, most likely, out of fear?
Those questions weren't important to her now, except for the last one. She squeezed his hand, and he squeezed back. She slowly felt the tension disappear from his body.
„Why won't we go somewhere else? Other people might see you," suggested Clark. The Lanterns looked at each other and nodded.
„Yeah. I've read about him in the Fortress's database," said Clark after they found a safe spot in the outskirts of Smallville – near the Kent farm. He looked at Sarah with an expression that clearly said I'll tell you everything later. She nodded at him.
„I suppose you already know a lot about it," said the alien who introduced himself as Kilowog, and Sarah didn't miss he called Doomsday an it, while Clark called it a him. Kilowog continued, „He is currently heading to Oa."
This time, Sarah couldn't help but voice her curiosity. She let go of Clark's hand and said, „Alright, time-out," while waving her hands in the time-out gesture. „What the hell is Oa? Who are you? What is Doomsday?"
Clark took a deep breath.
„The Green Lantern Corps is an intergalactic military/police force. They use these rings," he gestured to one of the Lanterns, who lifted up his arm and showed her a glowing green ring with a strange symbol on it, „with which they can create anything they imagine – shapes, weapons, shields, everything that comes to mind."
„Yep," said one of the human Lanterns – the taller one, „the boy's right. He forgot to mention a few things, though, but those are not important right now. Right now, we need to talk about Doomsday."
Sarah almost rolled her eyes. „Alright. What's Doomsday?"
„A failed ancient Kryptonian experiment," Clark eyes darkened, and he sounded ashamed, which Sarah didn't understand, „Doomsday is a weapon of pure destruction. A soulless killer. Once you kill him, he regenerates and can't be killed the same way again. Kryptonians battled him for years, which only made him tougher."
„It is one of the most powerful beings in the universe," added Kilowog, „the poozer has killed dozens of our best Lanterns. And it really hates Kryptonians."
His voice sounded sad – he must've known at least some of the Lanterns. But Doomsday – based on what Clark said, the monster is basically indestructible. Clark's fear now made sense. It hated Kryptonians, and Clark is a Kryptonian. Sarah already guessed the reason of the Lanterns' approach, and she prayed she was wrong.
„We need your help, Kal-El," said the smaller, human Lantern, „you are the only being in the universe who actually stands a chance against him in one on one fight."
She looked at Clark, and she already saw the pure steel like determination in his eyes. Sarah knew that even she couldn't talk him out of it. She sighed.
„How much time do we have?" asked Clark eventually, while looking at the three Lanterns.
„Doomsday will arrive to Oa in about 20 hours. The journey there will take us at least 5 at our maximum speed. The Guardians also want to talk to you, so we better be off as soon as we can," said the taller Lantern.
Clark sighed. „Okay. Give me an hour."
The Lanterns nodded and flew off, leaving Clark and Sarah alone. She took both of her hands in his and looked him in the eyes.
„I don't suppose I can talk you out of this one, can I?" she whispered resignedly. He put his hand on her cheek and caressed it with his thumb.
„No," he said softly, and she closed her eyes.
„Let me come with you, at least," she suggested. She could feel him shake his head.
„There is no way in hell you are going to be there, Sarah," he said, „it's dangerous. There will be casualties. Sarah, I.. I don't think even I can take him."
Sarah sighed and hugged him close. „I know," she said, „but Clark.. you can take him. I know you can."
Sarah opened her eyes and looked at him. She reached her hands and took off his glasses, revealing those inhuman, beautiful blue eyes, full of determination, fear, and love.
„You can," she said. „You can't hold back. And you won't be alone. I'll be with you the whole time."
„You aren't going," he said, and she rolled her eyes – leave it to her to ruin the moment.
„Seriously? That's what you take from my little speech? I'll be here," she gestured to his heart, „always here. And yes, I'm goi—"
She didn't get to finish the sentence, because in that moment, Clark's hold on her tightened and he kissed her passionately and deeply. He's never given her a kiss like this – so full of passion, emotion. She could feel every emotion he poured into the kiss – the love, the desperation, the fear, and most importantly, the hope. When they (she) broke away for air, she rested her forehead against his chest.
„No, you are not."
Clark let the Justice League know he was going to be out of commission for a while – an outer space mission for the green guys. Surprisingly, the Justice League was familiar with the Green Lanterns, and they understood what he meant by the green guys.
However, telling his parents was probably the hardest part of it all. His Ma cried.
„Ma, you know as well as I do that I have to do it," his voice broke a little at the have, „it's Kryptonian. It's my duty."
„My little boy," she said as put her hands on either side of his face, „we raised you well. You will defeat it. I know it. Just.. come back home, okay?"
Clark nodded and hugged her tightly. His dad patted him on the shoulder. „I'm proud of you, Clark."
He hugged him tightly – a man hug, as Martha called it – and patted him on the back a few times. „Good luck, son."
Clark was now clad in his suit, the symbol of the House of El solid on his chest, the cape gently swaying with the wind. He stood on the outskirts of Smallville with Sarah and his parents, waiting for the Lanterns to arrive. The moment he came there, Sarah flung herself at him and refused to let him go.
Not that he minded, of course.
Sarah was still bend on going with him, no matter what. She saw him almost die once, and she was helpless. She was not going to do that again – worst of all, she wouldn't even watch. She could be doing the goddamn laundry while Clark was out there, dying. There's no way in hell she was going to let that happen.
For Clark's part, he was scared shitless – he's only seventeen and he's never faced a threat like this before, and most likely never will. Doomsday is one of the most powerful beings in the universe, and Clark truly doesn't know if he'll be able to defeat it. He let himself get overwhelmed with Sarah – her heartbeat, her smell of old books and some shampoo.. strawberries, maybe? He let it overwhelm him.
Which is why he almost jumped two... hundred thousand... feet in the air, along with Sarah, when Kilowog asked if they were ready to go. Apparently, the three Lanterns appeared and talked to the Kents for a short while.
„Yeah," said Clark. He steeled himself and let calm wash over him – he learned that in the Fortress in his spare time, the technique is called Torquasm-Rao – an ancient meditation technique similar to Tai Chi.
He untangled himself from Sarah, and with one last squeeze, he let her go and went to the Lanterns.
The three rings on their hands started to glow and a second later, a huge green space-ship stood on the ground. Clark's, Sarah's, and he's pretty sure that both Jonathan's and Martha's jaws dropped.
„Welcome to the Lantern Airlines," joked the taller human Lantern. Clark managed a small smile. „Now, get in."
Clark said goodbye to his parents and disappeared into the ship, along with the Lanterns. Clark looked around the ship.
There were many controllers, levers and buttons – the kind you usually find in planes or helicopters – Clark studied something about them, so he knew some of them. There were normal seats, windows, one Lantern, second Lantern, Sarah, third Lantern..
Sarah?
„What the hell are you doing here?" Clark demanded, though he hugged her, even though he himself didn't know why.
„Because I'm just as stubborn as you and I'm going with you," she said.
Before Clark could protest, Kilowog laughed and put his arm around Sarah's shoulders.
„I like this one! She'd make a fine Lantern!" he laughed, and Sarah grinned.
„Still," insisted Clark, „that doesn't mean she can go. It's too dangerous for her."
„Clark," said Sarah, „I can take care of myself. Remember? Martial artist? BAMF? Could and would kick your ass?"
Clark sighed and Sarah took his face in her hands (after she shrugged Kilowog's arm off), „I know you lo—care about me," she said, „but Clark... I want to do this. I can do this. I promise, I won't attack Doomsday head-on or anything. I just want to support you. That's what a good girlfriend does, isn't it? Cheer for her superpowered boyfriend while he defeats one of the most powerful beings in the universe?"
Clark snorted at that, but he took his hand in his and kissed her calm. She saw the look in his eyes – he was stubborn as a mule, but she was every bit as stubborn as he was, maybe even more so. He realized it was a lost fight. Also, the fact that they were currently next to the Moon seemed to help the matters. How did they not notice it before?
„Yeah, okay. But," he said, „under a few conditions."
„Shoot."
„One. You won't go anywhere near the fight. Even if I'm losing. Got it?"
She was prepared to object, but he cut her off with a kiss. „Two. You will not.. you know what? Forget it. I was going to say that you'll not risk your life, but you're already doing this."
He sighed and she grinned. This time, it was her who innitiated the kiss. „You are smart," she teased.
He grinned. „Yes, I am."
His hands found their way to her hips, and he held her close. „And finally.. three," he said, his face softening. „I love you."
Sarah's eyes widened and she froze. She wanted to tell him she loved him countless times before – she's pretty sure she told him she loved him when she was sleeping back when she told him about her past – but this... she didn't expect him to say it first. Clark must've read her silence as something else, because he looked.. hurt. Sarah grinned and kissed him roughly.
„I love you too, you dork."
They both smiled.
The journey there was not, in fact, as boring as Sarah would have thought. The human Lanterns, who finally introduced themselves – the taller one is Hal, and the smaller with the artistic tendencies (based on the uniform) is Kyle. Kilowog, Kyle and Hal told Clark and Sarah many stories, including the history of the Corps and the Guardians.
„What do you mean that Kryptonians were almost the same age as them?" asked Clark, dumbfunded.
„This is exactly what I meant by that, Kal," explained Hal, „both Kryptonian and the.. Guardian, I guess.. race evolved almost side by side. Almost. Guardians were slightly older, and they evolved at a slightly faster pace."
„I feel like a fossil," mumbled Clark, and Sarah giggled. The rest of the Lanterns, including Kilowog, who was currently flying the ship, laughed.
„We'll arrive to Oa in about 20 minutes."
Sarah's ears perked up at that. She looked out the window and she almost choked on her own spit. The planet was beautiful, in its own way. It was more of a desert-like planet, but she could clearly see the main city – or its equivalent. Green was practically glowing there, much to Sarah's chargrin – green was never her color.
„Enjoying the sight, m'lady?" asked Clark as he stepped closer. „Won't be long and it'll all be in ruins."
Sarah sighed. She almost forgot the reason for their... trip... here. Once she remembered again, the butterflies – not the good kind – in her stomach returned. She turned around and tried to smile, though he could see through her as if she were a goddamn window.
„Don't be such a pessimist," she scolded playfully, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
It seemed to have worked, as Clark cracked her a shit eating grin.
„Yes, ma'am," he whispered as he leaned down and captured his lips with hers.
She didn't complain.
„Alright, lovebirds, we're landing!" yelled Kilowog from the cockpit. Sarah laughed while Clark blushed.
They slowly started to descend and Sarah held Clark's hand tightly. She remembered Hal mentioning something about Guardians wanting to see Clark, so she figured that they wouldn't let her be there with him. Not that she minded, of course. She'd stick to Kilowog or Hal or Kyle, or all three of them, and she'd see Clark later.
Still, she was worried about him. If what Kilowog said it's true, and the beast has unnatural hate for Kryptonians... Sarah didn't even want to think about it. She shuddered, which Clark took as a sign of her being cold, so he wrapped his arms around her. She didn't complain and snuggled herself into him, resting her head against his chest and listening to the sound of his strong and steady heartbeat.
Hopefully, it'll be strong and steady by this time tomorrow, she thought.
They finally landed and they both stood up, though neither Clark nor Sarah let go of each other's hands. Once they left the ship, it immediately disappeared – presumably into their rings, where the energy was being stored.
„Alright," said Kyle, „the Guardians want to see Kal-El, so I'll take him to them. In the meantime, Kilowog, would you mind showing Sarah the battery?"
Kilowog and Clark both nodded, while Hal looked confused. „Uh, guys? What should I do?"
„Prepare for a fight," said Kilowog, his expression turning hard.
Hal opened his mouth a few times, but no words came out. „You look like a gaping fish," said Kilowog.
„How do you even know what a fish is?" asked Hal, finally able to talk.
Clark rolled his eyes and let go of Sarah's hand. He immediately missed the reassuring contact.
„I'll see you in a bit, okay?"
Sarah nodded and kissed him on the cheek.
„Don't you dare be late," she said with a teasing smile.
He rolled his eyes. „Captain America reference? Really?"
She nodded, and he kissed her. Hopefully, they wouldn't end up like Peggy and Steve.
Kyle led Clark to the tallest building on the planet – he offered him to fly him there via ring, but Clark prefered to fly under his own power. Once they reached the top, they entered via an Ancient Rome like entrance – an arch, his brain supplied – but the similarity ended there.
Once they entered the room, he immediately noticed that it was a was all built in a modern-like style – all green and silver and gray. Clark kind of liked this style. It reminded him of his fortress a little bit.
In the center of the room stood all the Guardians next to a circular table.. with a big hole in the middle of it – that's the only way Clark could describe it – all of them high above the ground.
The guardians were pretty much every person's idea of an alien, except they were blue, not green. They were small, with white hairs (or completely bald), and were clad in a red and blue robe with a green Green Lantern symbol on their chests.
Clark, knowing that he was in the presence of the Guardians, automatically bowed. „It is an honor to meet you, Guardians of the Universe."
„Please, stand, Kal-El," said one of them – he looked friendlier than the rest. He showed more emotion. „My name is Appa Ali Appsa, and truly, it is an honor to meet you. A living, breathing Kryptonian. We thought you were all..."
„Gone?" Clark supplied. The Guardian could only nodd.
„I believe our Lanterns have already acquainted you with our situation?" asked, or more like, stated, another one of the Guardians. She looked younger than all of them, barely any wrinkle at all. However, she had a scar running down from her right temple down to her chin.
„I am, ma'am," he said respectfully. „Doomsday is a Kryptonian fail. I want to fix it. However I can."
She nodded at him. „Very well, young Kryptonian."
„Doomsday will arrive in approximately 13 hours. You should become familiar with the planet as well as the other Lanterns, whose help will most likely be essential in defeating the beast. I, by no means, underestimate you, Kal-El, but we all know what an artificially born Kryptonian's limits are."
„Indeed, and I believe you. However, I was not born through the Birthing Matrix," he said.
„We have had theories about you being naturally born," said Ganthet, „but we did not know for sure until now. Kal-El, you have no idea how much power you have."
Clark looked at them, his face full of surprise. He didn't even try to hide it.
„You are right. I have no idea how strong I truly am. Every day, I wake up, and I feel stronger than the day before. Every day, I have to be more careful – around the people I love, around things, around everyone and everything."
The Guardians nodded, as if they understood. They didn't. They were strong, yes. But physically, they were no match for Clark. Nobody knew how hard it was to keep himself restr—
„And that is why you should not hold back in this fight, Kal-El. Doomsday is exceptionally powerful – even more so now, for it has defeated dozens of our most experienced and bravest Lanterns. Do not be afraid to let loose. Do not be afraid to lose control. Doomsday will attack you the most – it hates Kryptonians much more than the Lanterns, as they inflicted it pain for years, which only made him stronger," advised Appa Ali Appsa, „do this, Kal-El, and with our help, you shall defeat him."
Clark nodded at them. „Very well," he said, „thank you."
They nodded. Clark bowed once again and made his way towards the exit. Before he could leave, though, Appa Ali Appsa called out for him.
„And Kal-El?"
„Yes?" asked Clark as he turned around.
„You look very much like your father. Well, except for the eyes and hair," he said.
Clark's eyes widened comically, and the Guardian seemed to try and hold back a smile. „Y-You knew my father?"
„Why of course! He was the greatest mind on all of Krypton! I knew your mother as well. You have her eyes."
„Thank you," said Clark sincerely. The Guardian nodded – he noticed the tears in the young Kryptonian's eyes. Although he never knew them, he really missed his parents.
When Clark finally left, the Guardians all looked at Appa Ali Appsa.
„Was that really necessary?" asked Scar.
„He needed to know that someone knew them. That someone remembers them," he said.
When Clark finally found Sarah, Kyle, Hal and Kilowog in some sort of diner-like restaurant, they all noticed the big grin and the tears in his eyes. Sarah immediately stood up and started asking him what happened. He just hugged her tightly and whispered into her ear, „They said I looked like my father."
Sarah immediately held him tighter. She knew first-hand how hard it was for Clark. He was still dealing with the loss of both his parents and his homeworld.
„Do you have any photo of them?" she asked quietly.
He shook his head. „But I can draw it."
She let go of him and smiled.
„Hey, Lanterns, you got any pencil and paper?" asked Clark, his voice teasing, but also a little heavy.
They rolled their eyes. „Nope. But here," said Kyle as he took off his ring, „it will take an extreme amount of willpower, but if you manage to somehow master it, you can show them to us."
Clark nodded, „Thank you."
He took the ring and put it on his finger. Immediately, he was assaulted by an aura of power – it was extremely powerful, he's never felt like this before. His eyes started glowing green, as did basically everything around him.
It took a lot of concentration – Clark barely managed to make the ring listen to him. He concentrated on the happy thoughts – his parents guiding him – all of them, people he cares about, people who care about him.
Everyone was watching as the young Kryptonian tried to control Kyle Rayner's ring.
Suddenly, there was a burst of green energy, and when Sarah opened her eyes, she saw two green, beautiful, young faces staring down at her. She could immediately see the resemblance. Even without the beard, Sarah noticed that he and Clark have the same shape eyebrows, cheekbones, ears and his glass-cutting jaw. When she looked at the woman, she saw that Clark had her eye shape, nose and, based on what he told her, his hair and eye color, too.
„Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van," Sarah remembered. She then looked at Clark, who was looking at the construction with a sad smile on his face.
„Thank you, Kyle," he said. He then took off the ring and gave it back to its rightful owner.
„You're welcome, Kal."
„Please, uh.. you can all call me Clark. Kal-El may be my birthname, but I grew up as Clark Kent," he smiled. They all nodded.
„Alright, poozer," said Kilowog, „time to give you at least some basic training, otherwise Doomsday is gonna pummel you."
Clark sighed and rolled his eyes.
„This is gonna be fun," he mumbled.
I'm not sure I'm really happy with this chapter. Let me know in the reviews, please - every single on of them is really appreciated:)
See ya around:)
