Conclusion [August 1st]

Sol broke Horizon's eastern plane. Sunbeams brushed the land. People, Animals and Birds stirred across the Sunflower State. Errands and Jogs occurred. Breakfasts cooked away on stoves from Topeka to Liberal.

And Accomplishments occurred….

[Smallville—Loft, Kent Farm]

Lana looked out the Loft's upper door. She studied the burnished clouds. Desire tugged at her to be there. I can do it. Remember what Clark told you, just focus! Nerves raged within her for the previous night. With Jor-El's help, she calmed her butterflies. She tamed Fear's hold over herself. Deep breaths. In and out. In and out. Nothing matters. It's me and the sky. She pulled the ski mask over her face. Then she squatted down.

Energy flowed from the ground into her legs.

Her legs tensed like twin coils.

She streaked into the morning air. Momentum and Velocity carried her well over the house and trees. The Talon. Think of the Talon. She aimed herself for Smallville proper. Within Seconds' passage, she flew over Downtown's buildings.

SLOW DOWN, LANA! YOU ARE CLOSE TO YOUR GOAL!

Thanks, Jor-El! Lana strained to keep herself within Concentration's cocoon. Deceleration occurred in fits and starts. She forced herself downward. Float. Just like you've seen Clark do. Just like in water, she made herself float and descend slower and yet slower still. Her shoes kissed the ground. "I…I did it!"

Realization struck her. She'd flown to town. She'd really flown to town. Exhaustion slumped her up against the café's back wall. She sucked in a few breaths.

Of course you did it, Lana.

She stiffened. She turned to see Clark watching her in the alley. "Clark?"

"Yeah. I didn't want to break your concentration. I followed you just to make sure everything went okay." He grinned. "You were awesome!"

"You really think so?" She grinned at him.

"Yeah. You were." He took her in his arms. Amor coursed between their lips. They floated for those minutes.

Accomplishments were to be celebrated after all….

[Metropolis—Parker House]

Peter brushed his hair. His clothes held none of Wrinkles' blemishes. First day. I can do this! He grabbed his camera. You're only part of the news deal now. Can't believe I'm a full reporter and not just the shutterbug! He shook his head.

"I don't want to see any of those doubt clouds hanging over your head, Man of Mine!"

He allowed himself a smile. "With you on the case, not likely, Gwendy!"

"Now that's what America wants to hear, Mr. P!" Gwen stepped into the bedroom. As school still remained a couple of weeks away, she still had her robe and slippers on. "You knock them dead at the Daily Planet. You're going to do great!" She held up a paper lunch bag. "I made a roast beef sandwich and an apple for you. Please take time to eat."

"You bet I will."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Peter, please! I don't want you getting sick. You will learn to take care of yourself."

"Gwendy, look…" He tried to make up some excuse.

"No you look! I've seen you get sick or worse! Okay? Taking care of you is my job." Her finger poked him in the chest. "Got that, Buster?"

He knew Determination's spark in those emerald eyes well enough. There wasn't any winning there. "Yeah, Kid. I got it."

"Well good! I knew you'd see it that way. Now kiss me and get moving. Remember. Good first impression." She snaked her arms around his waist. "If you stay here, I won't be able to let you go."

"Mmm…that's tempting…" Teasing snarked from his eyes and tone.

"Peter…." She shook her head.

"All right. I'm going." He kissed her forehead. "Love you."

"Love you more." She let her eyes sparkle into his. "Take care."

He waved and walked out the door. Work awaited. First though, he needed the adjacent alley….

[Daily Planet—Twenty Minutes Later]

Peter slipped out of the broom closet. He smoothed his clothes out. Here we go! Let's hope this was the right move. He walked through the bullpen and toward Travers' office. He watched the other reporters going about their business, garnering leads and crafting stories.

Business would call to him in the next few minutes as well….

"Mr. Parker! Welcome!" Taylor strode over from Gerald's station. He held his hand out.

"Thank you, Mr, Taylor. It's good to be here. I'm ready to get started." Peter gave Taylor a firm handshake.

Taylor shrugged. "You mean officially started. We both know you've already made several notable contributions already. Just keep up the good work. I told you I love go-getters, Kid. Ms. Travers and I expect your best work. Got it?"

"Yes, Sir." Peter nodded.

"Then we're going to get along great. Take care. I believe she and your partner are waiting in there." Taylor motioned toward Travers' office.

"Thanks. Have a great day." Anxiety's butterflies buzzed about in Peter's stomach. Partner? He walked over to Gerald. "Hi, Gerald."

"Good morning, Mr. Parker! Just a minute." Gerald walked over to the door and knocked on it. "Ms. Travers, Mr. Parker is here." He nodded. "She's ready for you."

"Thanks." Peter walked in with as much dignity and charm as he could manage. He saw Travers talking with a heavy set balding man in a blue shirt and dark slacks. "Good morning, Ms. Travers."

"Ah! Mr. Parker, come in! I heard about your workshops. Thank you for conducting those. So how are you feeling this morning?" She got up and walked over to him.

"Great!" He shook her hand. "I'm ready to get started."

"That's what I like to hear. Peter Parker, this is Michael Disher. You two are going to be working together on certain stories." She stepped back to allow them to look each other over.

"Parker, I love your Bugle photos. Let's see how much polish I can put on your writing." Disher squinted. "You've got lots of potential. Come on." He looked toward her. "I'll see that he learns the ropes around here."

She cleared her throat. "Disher and you are covering the McKenzie trial this morning. I am confident you will do well for us."

Peter nodded. No Nonsense and Deliberation burned in Disher's eyes. In that way, his partner reminded him of Ned Leeds or Ben Ulrich. "No time like the present. Right?" He turned to Disher. "After you?"

Respect prompted a nod from Disher. Then he lumbered out of the room.

Peter followed a couple of steps later. He didn't know exactly what to expect. Still, given Trial By Fire's start over that spring and summer, he could keep up the pace with Disher and The Planet.

New Beginning started….

THE END