Batman v Superwoman
Dawn of Justice
(Note: Sorry for how long this took to get out, there's just been a lot for me the handle the last month. Seeing all the faves and Follows this story got pushed me to give you this chapter ASAP. Though I am a bit worried about the quality of this chapter, please be honest with me for this chapter. I feel like it's not my best, and I promise to do better for the next chapter. Still enjoy and leave a review.) :)
Chapter 8
Gotham City Dock, Three days Later
Claire sat alone on a bench as the ferry crossed the body of water separating Gotham from Metropolis. She was currently looking through the saved files on her laptop, she did quickly look up to see that the ferry was passing the abandoned prison Strikers Island. She had flown over the island many times before it was desolate and kinda haunting in a weird sense, she found it hard to believe that people were sent there.
Once the thought passed Claire returned to her laptop to look over the documents on Bruce Wayne given to her by Lois. To be honest Claire was surprised and saddened by what she was seeing. All the modern stuff for up to twenty years tells of Bruce Wayne and Wayne Enterprises Philanthropic endeavors across the city of Gotham. He has donated at least once to every major institute in the city from the Police to Hospitals to schools everything in Gotham had a little Wayne money. Things got sad when she looked into his earlier life, he had lived the life expected of the son of the richest family in Gotham. And from what she read he had a loving family apparently Mr. Pennyworth had been with him since a young age and was close friends with his parents. Highly respected members of Gotham Society, the Wayne family had helped build up Gotham since everything there was nothing but forests. But, tragedy struck when on a lone night at the movies, they took a wrong turn in a bad neighborhood and were gunned down by a random mugger and Bruce was left alone.
Claire couldn't imagine something like this happening to anyone at such a young age or the feeling that must've swept through him when it happen. The poor child must've blamed himself for what happened, he might still do. Such a traumatic event would make most people hide from the world in fear, but Bruce has apparently grown from it. If his philanthropic endeavors are any indication he's trying to live up to his parent's legacy, Claire knows the feeling.
Aside from that the biggest Mystery Bruce Wayne had was after what happened to his parents. He began to excel in all his school work becoming Valedictorian at Gotham University, succeeding in a multitude of subjects that was too numerous to list off. But almost immediately after he graduated college he just disappeared, straight up vanished from Gotham without a trace. No one knew where he went supposedly not even Mr. Pennyworth, Where Bruce Wayne was the question everyone was asking. And it remained unanswered for 10 years, until just as instantaneously has he vanished he reappeared and was back in Gotham's spotlight. Claire was curious about what exactly happened in those 10 years, but she wouldn't be the first to ask. Thousands of reporters asked Bruce the same question and he would reply with
"I was taking some time to find myself"
As a journalist Claire was curious about Bruce Wayne's mystery Decade, but she had a job to do. She was talking to Bruce Wayne about the Black Zero Event nothing else she had to stay on target. She also decided not to bring up Bruce's Parents feeling that it would be inappropriate for the conversation.
The Ferry finally stopped at the docks and Claire exited the boat. She stood on the docks for a minute before finally deciding to take a seat on one of the benches, Mr. Pennyworth said that he would pick her up from the dock.
"Miss Kent" a voice said from behind
Claire turned around to meet a set of light brown eyes that were behind a pair of glasses similar to hers, they were aged and filled with history and wisdom. They gave off a warm fatherly feel, but Claire could also see the strength hidden behind them. They reminded her of her father. The man was wearing a long coat the black suit visible underneath her. The way he dressed and presented himself gave off an air of sophistication, but also commanded respect. Finally his hair was completely grey showing his age off proudly, though Claire could tell by the way he was carrying himself he was not frail in anyway.
"Um, hello sir" Claire said throwing on her nervous façade
"Oh sorry, Miss Kent. My name is Alfred pennyworth, I'm here to bring to Master Wayne for your interview" Alfred said with a small bow
"O-oh Mr. Pennyworth it's you. I am so sorry I didn't recognize you" Claire said apologetically
"Don't fret about Ms. Kent. This is our first face to face, my mistake was walking up as I did. You only had my voice to go by and I've seen your face on the Daily Planet paper" Alfred said with a small laugh
Claire gave a small nervous laugh, she did recognize his voice but wanted to play up the nervous farm girl. He was as tall as her, but her slouch gave him an inch on her. Along with her brown jacket she wore loose fitting clothes to hide her physique.
"Shall we Ms. Kent" Alfred said gesturing her to follow
Claire nodded and followed him to the parking lot. They came up to a very expensive looking vintage car, Alfred opened the back door for her. Claire gave him a smile and thanked him as he entered the car. Alfred then entered the front and started to drive the car out of the Parking lot. They drove through area's that Claire had seen before and recognized as the slums of the city after a few minutes they left the gothic stone building of the slums and entered an area that was similar to Metropolis. The building were modern but still held the Gothic feel the older buildings had even some older buildings littered the blocks between the newer ones, Claire recognized this as the business district of the city. She didn't really pay attention to any of the buildings they passed until they passed one that really caught her attention. The building looked older than most of the buildings surrounded it, but still held a modern feel to it. What really drew Claire's eye was the logo at the base and top of the building a logo she had become very familiar with, the Wayne Enterprise logo.
"Ah the Wayne building, the first ever, and the main headquarters of the operation. You know I remember when that building was half its current size, to be honest I remember a lot of things being smaller around here" Alfred said
"At least you had time to grow into it, I had to take in everything at once when I came to Metropolis. Nearly walked into a stop sign because I was looking up so much" Claire said with a small smile remembering when she first came to Metropolis after the Black Zero Event. She actually got a chance to examine the building since she wasn't flying over them or crashing through them.
"Oh yes you weren't from Metropolis originally, you're from Kansas if I'm correct. May I ask where exactly?" Alfred asked
"Ironically a town called Smallville. Back home the tallest thing we had their water tower and buildings were at least 4 yards away from each other" Claire joked
"Sounds peaceful" Alfred said
"It is" Claire replied
"So I'm guessing the building's extension is Bruce's idea?" Claire asked
"A lot of the modern touches in the city were thanks to Master Wayne. He's very close with the mayor and other city officials, he usually donates a lot to the city." Alfred said
"Yeah I read up on that, he really cares for this city doesn't he" Claire said
"The Masters Parents cared deeply for this city when no one else would, and when they passed he felt it was right to continue their work of building up this city" Alfred said with a hint of sadness
Claire noticed this and frowned a bit "I-I read about their passing… I'm sorry" Claire said, Alfred could feel the genuineness in her words
"Master Wayne….. Has given so much of himself for this city that sometimes I get scared. I watched him grow from a boy to a man, stayed with him through his darkest hours. But, I'm scared that if he keeps trying to save this city, to keep giving to it….. There won't be much of him left" Alfred said worried, Claire recognized this
"I don't think you should worry Mr. Pennyworth, to be honest I find what he's doing rather endearing. I've heard things about this city, they say it's damned, that it's in a hole that it can't possibly get out of. I read the reports about the various organizations that pulled out of this city, but Wayne Enterprise has been here the longest, stayed, and continue to give the most. I don't really believe in no win situations and I'm guessing neither does Bruce Wayne. To keep on trying when everyone else is saying to give up, I admire that" Claire said with a smile
"Yeah I admire it as well" Alfred replied with a smile
"Regardless that's just my first impression so far. I don't really know him and he could turn out to be a total dick" Claire joked
"Oh trust me he is, but he does have his none dickish moments so I stick around. That and he's been paying me 12,000 a month for the last 20 years" Alfred joked making Claire laugh
"Cute face, cute laugh, 100% genuine good girl. That's a rarity in journalism, much less Gotham. Master Wayne for once please don't be Asshole and end up hurting this girl, she doesn't deserve that" Alfred though as they drove out of the city to a more open area.
Claire compared the area outside Gotham to Upstate New York, though the area still carried the same dreary feeling the city held. Almost as if the entire city was covered in a light grey fog. Claire admired the open fields they drove past, figures such anyone with such wealth would want to live in such an area. But, then she saw something a lone structure silhouetted on a hill cast in shadow.
"Is that where were going?" Claire thought as she focused on the structure to get a good look at it
Then Claire's eye's widened in surprise the black she saw on the structure wasn't shadows, but burn marks. She saw what appeared to be a burned down estate that was slowly being taken over by nature. The building looked like it could cave in on itself with the slightest breeze, but it miraculously still stood. There were some parts such as the roof and some walls that were gone. Despite all of that the building held a regal feel to it all it was clearly a place of importance, but obviously no one was living there now.
"Mr. Pennyworth, what is that building on the hill? It looks like a mansion" Claire asked
"Oh…. That is…. Was Wayne Manor. When Master Wayne was young and his parents were still with us we all lived there. Wayne's have lived in the Manor for generations, it burned down years ago. Master Wayne still owns the building and the land, but he hasn't done anything with it. I can't blame him that house hold's many memories that would be very painful to remember. Now it just stand there as a monument of what was." Alfred said sadden
Claire could feel the sadness coming off of Alfred this was obviously a touchy subject, and she could understand the sadness. When Zod tossed a car onto her mother's house, the house she was raised in, a place filled with so many precious memories. That and the fact he was threatening her Mother send Claire into a rage pummeling the man. To lose such a pivotal place would be a humongous blow to anyone, it seems like Bruce Wayne's life was one tragedy after another. And he still persisted, again Claire found it admirable. Though Claire did wonder what caused the fire and why hasn't Bruce tried rebuilding, obviously money won't be a problem. But, then it wouldn't really be the same would it.
"Wait so where does Bruce live?" Claire asked
"Oh we'll be coming up to it very soon, just be patient Ms. Kent" Alfred said as they drove to a more forested area
Once they entered the forested area Claire had a small smile on her face and she closed her eyes. She then began to take in the sounds all around her, the birds, the wind through the leaves of the trees, and even some small animals above and below the ground. This was something she liked to do from time to time whenever she was in a peaceful area she liked to listen to whatever was around. It was pretty easy with her abilities and it was nice to occasionally listen to something that wasn't sirens or cries for help. She leaned back in the seat and relaxed taking in the sounds.
"We have arrived Ms. Kent" Alfred said
Claire opened her eyes and was greeted by a very modernist house that was expected from someone coming from wealth. It was surprisingly small about the size of a one story home, almost all of the walls were glass making the building completely see through. There was a garage where the expensive car Bruce drove to the benefit, Claire was surprised he didn't have a large garage filled with dozens of cars. The house was also right next to a lake, the water simmered beautifully and the sounds of the nearby animals filled the air.
"Glass walls either this guy has nothing to hide or he really enjoys the view" Claire thought as she examined the building
Then Alfred opened the door to the car allowing Claire to exit the car, Claire gave Alfred a smile and a curtsy as thank you. Alfred replied with a smile and a small bow gesturing towards the house. Claire followed Alfred through the garage and into the building, and as she guessed the view of the lake was beautiful.
"May I take your jacket Ms. Kent" Alfred asked
"Yes thank you Mr. Pennyworth" Claire said removing her jacket and handing it to Alfred
"Just take a seat Ms. Kent, Master Wayne is probably in his room getting ready. He will be with you in a second" Alfred said gesturing to a comfy looking seat
Claire nodded taking the seat and placing her bag on her lap as Alfred entered a room out of sight. Claire then began taking various items out of her bag pencil, notepad, tape recorder, list of questions, some newspaper clips, and photo's. Claire examined the items determining she was ready put her hands on her lap and mentally began going over the questions she would ask. Claire decided it would be best to keep Superwoman out of the conversation in the beginning seeing he had a passionate dislike for her. Then Claire smelled something approaching her it was fresh, coming straight from an oven, and sweet. Her eyes widened as the smell of cooling chocolate filled her nostrils, it was a smell that she was very familiar with back home in Smallville. Soon Alfred entered the room with a complacent smile and a plate filled with chocolate chip cookies
"Master Wayne will be up momentarily, I had these in the oven for a while and thought it would make a good snack for you two to have while you have your interview. I hope you like them it's an old family recipe" Alfred said placing the plate down in front of Claire was just staring at the plate
"Uh, yeah this is just great. So you guys have a basement huh" Claire said with a nervous smile staring at the plate of cookies
"Well I need to go check on the Master, he'll be up momentarily. Please help yourself" Alfred said as he walked out of the room again leaving Claire with the plate
In the basement of the house Bruce Wayne had just finished putting on his best suit looking himself over in the mirror to make sure he was presentable.
"You sure are putting in a lot of work to make yourself presentable to Ms. Kent" Alfred said
"She's here for a serious interview, I plan to give it to her. Showing her that I am genuine with wanting to share this story will help me gain her trust. I will treat this a professionally as she would" Bruce said as he straightened his tie
"Master Wayne whatever circuitous scheme you have planned for this girl, please tell me that you won't end up hurting her" Alfred said defensively
"I'm just going to talk to her Alfred, I'm not hanging her off a building or breaking her arm" Bruce replied
"The fact that was the first thing that came to your mind is the reason I'm worried. I got a chance to talk to her one on one and she's a nice simple girl, a rarity in the world even more so to Gotham. She has the aura around her that is so kind and caring, I really don't want anything bad to happen to her. So please Master Wayne, bring a little more Bruce out than Batman" Alfred said
"I don't have anything devious planned for her Alfred, I promise you that. This will be as simple as simple can be, she'll have her story and I'll be a step closer to completing the mission." Bruce said as he made his way upstairs Alfred staying behind with a small frown
Bruce walked up the stairs to the main floor and then towards the door, he took a breath to compose himself. It was something he did for everything he faced from the miniscule to the major, always be prepared for every possibility, let nothing take you by surprise. Once he was sure he had mentally steeled himself for whatever the reporter could throw at him he opened the door.
"Good Evening Ms. Kent, Thank you for accepting my invitation. I would like to apologize for my tardiness I was…." Bruce said as he walked in, but stopped once he looked up at the sitting Claire in front of him
Claire Josephine Kent was still in her seat hunched over the table with a surprised innocent look on her face. She had two cookies in her hands, crumbs and small patches of melted chocolate around her mouth, stuffed cheeks, and the plate of cookies Alfred left completely empty. Bruce and Claire simply stared at one another for a few seconds. Once the time passed Claire shot up straightening herself dropping the cookies onto the plate and quickly swallowing the cookies she had in her mouth.
"OH-AH-Mister Wayne, good to see you again. I-am-so-sorry, I was just…. This is….. Just give me a quick second I need to" Claire said in a nervous panic as she began to frantically search herself for something to wipe her mouth with
Then her eyes wandered up and she saw a white handkerchief in front of her, she then looked up and saw that Bruce Wayne was holding it with a kind smile.
"You can use this Ms. Kent" Bruce Wayne said offering it to Claire
"Oh-uh-thank you. Are you sure it looks….really expensive" Claire said warily
"Don't worry I have dozens, Alfred will just clean it later" Bruce said kindly as he held it out
Claire smiled and took the handkerchief and began to wipe her mouth as Bruce said down in front of her with a calm smile. He was prepared for everything except that, when he met Claire at the party he admits that she was beautiful maybe even above average. But, Bruce was used to beautiful women he was surrounded by them 24/7 and knew how to deal with them. Something Bruce wasn't used to was cute women, Claire back at the party showed herself to be strong, independent, and no nonsense. Now she was sitting in front of him looking like a 7 year old who got caught swiping from the cookie jar, which she technically was.
"I'm really sorry for looking so… unprofessional. I just… have a serious sweet tooth, and I don't want to sound like a southern stereotype but Mr. Pennyworth's cookie's reminded of home." Claire said embarrassed
"Please don't apologize, Alfred is a really good chef. I'm surprised he made these, he used to make these all the time when I was little to make me feel better about…. Things." Bruce said as he picked up one of the cookies examining it, his mind wandering back to memories of the past
"Yeah well a good cookie can help in mysterious ways" Claire joked nervously giving Bruce a small laugh
Once again Bruce was underprepared for the wave of cuteness the Claire emitted when she laughed. It was nervous, but also genuine as if she knew what she said was cheesy and found the fact she said it funny. Bruce kept a calm face but a small smile was growing, he then took a second to examine her and noticed something. From the way she was dressed it was like she was trying to hide her beauty. Her clothes were big enough to hide her figure, her glasses took up almost half her face, and she was noticeably slouching trying to hide her height. Back at the party Bruce saw how tall she was at the party only a few inches shorter than himself. She was obviously making an effort not to stand out, even at the party she was doing her best to blend in with the background something Bruce was too familiar with. But, why would she be doing it there were a ton of reasons as to why troubled high school years, overbearing parents, etc. Bruce actually found himself a bit curious as to her reasons to doing so, she appeared to be rather carefree and happy. Though once again your outer face is just what you use to hide your true face, another thing Bruce was all too familiar with. Then in an instant Bruce mentally slapped himself
"Focus Wayne you have a mission Complete it" Bruce thought to himself getting back on track
"Um… excuse me Ms. Wayne…" Bruce said politely
"Uh-Oh! I am so sorry, guess that got kinda awkward. Making a great first impression Claire, heh" Claire said nervously straightening herself out and clearing her throat
"Thank you for having me Mr. Wayne, and for allowing me to administer this interview. I have to tell you everything you say will be on record even in writing form or captured here on my tape recorder" Claire said as she pressed a button on the recorder
"A tape recorder, a bit retro isn't it" Bruce said looking at the device
"I always keep physical files of all my data before I put it on the computer. Kinda paranoid of something happening to my laptop and all my stuff just being gone. But, onto you Mr. Wayne I have to ask why open up now when you've been so quiet on the details of what happened to you during the Black Zero Event?" Claire inquired pencil and paper at the ready
"It's been more than a year since the event, and the world had changed dramatically in only a few short months. With all the craziness that is going on in the world with Superwoman and the Africa Incident, my personal problems seem rather miniscule in comparison. Me not speaking up about what happened was my way of trying to come to terms with what happened. I thought if I locked it away deep enough these feeling would just go away, but they haven't I needed to tell somebody. And since many media outlets already have their own theories as to why I was in Metropolis during the event, this could also help to set things straight" Bruce said
Claire nodded in agreement as she remembered some tabloids she saw about Bruce Wayne during the Black Zero Event. From having a Mistress in Metropolis to somehow being connected to the event, everyone threw their hat in the ring on the subject. It was almost as much as all the conspiracy theories Claire read about Superwoman, the biggest difference being most people will probably take Bruce Wayne's words rather than Superwoman's.
"So in essence this is an interview and a therapy session" Claire said
"In essence, the difference being that you don't cost me $150,000 and 3 hours to come to the conclusion that I have trouble opening up to people." Bruce said bluntly receiving a stifled laugh from Claire
"Glad to help anyway I can, but seriously let's begin the interview. For the record everything that is already known about you during the Black Zero Event. You were in Metropolis for unknown reasons during the event, you supposedly helped with the rescue of an employee named Wallace Keefe, and…. You were found aiding in the relief effort of a Wayne Enterprise building located in Metropolis. A building that was sadly destroyed during the event….. Injuring… and killing dozens who were on the streets and hiding inside for safety. As well as taking the lives of everyone on the…. Upper floors." Claire said the last part coming out a bit sad
Bruce's fist clenched in anger upon hearing her mention the Wayne Building in Metropolis, he tensed but kept a neutral face as he nodded. He then noticed that Claire wasn't looking at him, but in fact appeared to be a bit mournful after saying it herself.
"Yes that's what the Media was able to piece together after the dust settled. After that I refused to take any comments on what transpired, and the point of this interview is to fill in the gaps between those bits. So Ms. Kent, where would you like to start?" Bruce asked simply
Claire looked at Bruce with determined eyes, eyes that impressed Bruce "The Beginning, why were you in Metropolis" Claire asked
Bruce looked at Claire and knew she was ready for whatever he had, and Bruce was ready to give it to her. For the most part, he was going to stretch the truth in a few parts of the story. He had an image to uphold as billionaire Bruce Wayne. Everyone had an idea of how he would act in certain situations, and he had to keep to that mold.
"I was in Metropolis for a board meeting with the Branch in the city, the aforementioned building that was tragically destroyed. I was really close friends with the Branches leader Jack O' Dwyer. After the meeting was finished I left the building and was making my way by limousine to the docks where a helicopter would pick me up and bring me back to Gotham. We were halfway through the city, when the ship came down and….. I began" Bruce said grimly
Bruce wasn't in Metropolis when the event began he was in Gotham. Once he saw the ship was touching down near where one of his building was he immediately ordered a helicopter to bring him to Metropolis. He wanted to be brought directly to the building, but the pilot would only go so far because of all the craziness and brought him to the docks. While they were in the air he called in a car, the fastest he could get his hands on at the time to meet him at the docks. As soon as they landed he hopped of the helicopter and took the keys to the car without even talking to the person who brought it in. He remembered the man saying things like
"Mr. Wayne what are doing?"
"You can't go in there"
"You'll get yourself killed"
Bruce didn't listen or care he started the engine and drove off towards the city, towards his building, and the people inside.
"My driver was very good he managed to maneuver us out of danger when the jets came and crashed into the streets below. During the time I sent out a call back to Jack I told him to begin evacuating people out of the building, he was on one of the lower floors. But he volunteered to help with the upper floors" Bruce said
The streets were in chaos as Bruce sped down the streets of Metropolis as fast as he could making sure not to hit any of the fleeing civilians. He heard a loud roar coming from the sky and looked up to see multiple jets flying overhead towards the alien device in the middle of the city. They fired everything they had at the machine but with an unearthly crash the machine released a wave that caused all the missile they fired to be directed at the ground some even hitting nearby buildings. Soon enough the jets themselves were torn from the sky and crashed into the streets. The flaming wreckage of a jet rolled down the street in front of him forcing him to turn and take another route. Bruce quickly dialed his phone and put it to his ear, eyes still fiercely on the road ahead him.
"Bruce what the hell is going on out there" Jack shouted freaked out
"I don't know, but you need to get everyone out of the building now. Where are you, I'm coming back to help with the evacuation" Bruce replied
"You're in Metropolis, you need to get back to Gotham and get to safety" Jack said distressed
"Not until you and everyone else there is safe. Now where are you now?" Bruce shouted back determined
"I'm on the tenth floor, we still have dozens of people on each floor" Jack said
"Alright listen, I need you to sound the alarm and tell everyone to evacuate through the intercom. You need to find anyone willing and send them to the upper floors to help with the evacuation, nobody take the elevator send them to the stairs. Make sure you have multiple people to rundowns on each floor to make sure no one is left behind" Bruce ordered
"Alright, Alright I got ya. Get me security and tell them to start evacuation procedure, nobody takes the elevators. Then tell them and anyone willing to help to go to the upper floors and help with the evacuation, I'll be up with them soon" Jack said to a nearby employee while still on the phone
"You're going up there, Jack you can't…." Bruce shouted distressed
"You're coming back for us aren't you, what kind of a leader will I be if I didn't help my own employees. I call you again to update you on the evacuation, but Bruce turn around and get to safety please" Jack said sorrowfully
"Before I could finish talking to him I lost the signal, probably because of the device. At the moment my driver's main focus was staying alive, as we drove down those chaotic streets, dodging fire and rubble. Trying to make it to the docks was out of the question, we were trying to find a place to take cover. And then suddenly the city went silent as everyone watched the alien ship begin to float off the ground. Then what I thought was an American plane slam into the side of it, then it just began collapsing in on itself. And…. it was gone, I thought it was over" Bruce said
Bruce continued to drive through the chaotic streets of the city when a huge crash was heard overhead. He looked up to see a giant alien ship slicing through the buildings above him and sending rubble down towards him like rain. He quickly maneuvered out of the ship path allowing it to crash in another area. He continued to drive toward the Wayne building until he came to a huge crowd of people in the road, realizing he couldn't go any further in the car he exited and decided to run the rest of the way. Then he saw what they were all looking at the alien ship had stopped its assault the laser coming out the bottom of it had stopped and it was being lifted into the air. Bruce then saw the plane flying towards the alien craft a strange energy surging around it, then it crashed into the craft. After a few seconds an enormous bang was heard throughout the city and a wave of unknown energy surged out the ship. The wave went through every building, corner, and person in Metropolis knocking some off their feet, but Bruce stood tall covering his eyes to not get dust in them. When looked to where the ship was it was gone, the only thing left was a circular parting in the clouds. The city was silent, then Bruce's phone rang he quickly answered it.
"Bruce I've been trying to reach you. The evacuation is going smoothly we still have a lot of people on higher floors, but did you see it, its gone Bruce, its over" Jack said jovially
"Jack just make sure everyone gets out the building, I'll be there soon" Bruce said as he ran down the streets his eyes on the building with his family logo on it.
"I was wrong. I heard a crash coming from the sky and then I saw something crash into the building. Jack was still on the phone he sounded afraid, I think whatever it was crashed into the same floor he was on. He was talking so fast I couldn't make out what he was saying, and then this beam of light erupted from the building and started slicing through the floors. It couldn't hold anymore and I watched the whole place collapse in on itself. Everyone took cover when the building came down, a cloud of dust and broken stone raced through the streets. I hid so not to be caught in it" Bruce continued grimly
"We don't know if there's been any structural damage to the building, so I need you to….." Bruce started, but stopped when a loud BOOM was heard
Bruce looked up towards the sky and saw a blue blur crash into the Wayne Building.
"OH MY GOD!" Jack yelled terrified from the other side of the phone
"Jack what's going on, what's happening" Bruce yelled into the phone.
"I-it's a woman" Jack said amazed as he was currently looking at Superwoman who was frantically looking around
Bruce then saw a figure in black land on an adjacent building and launch itself into the Wayne building the same floor the blue blur landed.
"Jack you need to get yourself and everyone you can out of their NOW!" Bruce yelled panicked into the phone
Jack didn't reply, but Bruce could hear what sounded like another person yelling. The person was a good distance away so Bruce couldn't make out who was yelling.
And then it happened, a beam of red light erupted from the building. Bruce didn't notice the blue figure that was knocked out of the building by the beam, his eyes were solely on the building. He could only watch and let terror creep into his heart as he watched the beam of light slice through the building like a heated knife through butter. And his breath stopped when he saw the first signs of the building giving way.
"Bruce…." Jack said afraid
"Jack….. Listen you need to…." Bruce said trying to think of something
"Bruce…. Please make sure my family will be taken care of" Jack said resolute, but still very afraid
"JACK THIS IS NOT THE END FOR YOU. YOU CAN'T GIVE IN NOW. LISTEN TO ME DAMMIT" Bruce shouted enraged
"Heavenly god…. Creator of heaven and earth….. Have mercy on my soul….." Jack said sorrowfully as the line was lost
"I'm Sorry your call has been disconnected" The phone said as Bruce dropped it to the ground
Bruce watched as the Building slowly began to crumble and fall towards the streets below
"NOOOOO!" Bruce yelled as he ran towards the falling building
In the sea of people running away from the terror and Danger Bruce was the only one running towards it. His mind raced to the hundreds of people who worked in the building, the people who might've hid inside from the danger, the people who were standing on the streets around it, and Jack. All these thoughts raced through Bruce's head as he ran head first into the advancing dust cloud.
"Once the dust settled I made my way to the building, some part of me believing that it wasn't as bad as it looked, that everyone was okay, but deep down I knew the truth. What once was a simple office building filled with people who only wanted to get by in life, was now a graveyard. There were survivors, but they all seemed like lifeless versions of themselves as they wandered around covered in the dust from the collapsed building. Nothing but pained cries filled the air as I wandered through the wreckage trying to help whoever I could. That's when I helped free Mr. Keefe, and a 4th grade school group that was caught in the destruction. Then….. There was this little girl" Bruce said
Bruce ran through the dust cloud not sure where he was going, he was solely focused on reaching the building no matter what. Then he heard a cry and stopped in his tracks, the dust finally began to settle and Bruce was finally able to see the area around him. Bruce saw rubble surrounding him, he saw the people wandering past him like zombies. Some of them were crying, other had injuries some could walk, while others were helped by friends. Bruce walked through the ruins in shock of the pure destruction that he was witnessing, he continued to walk until he felt his foot hit against something. It didn't feel like rock, Bruce knew what it was but looked down anyway, it was an arm coming out from under a huge pile of debris. The arm belonged to a male, he was wearing a blue suit, Bruce's eyes zeroed in on the golden band around his ring finger, a wedding ring. Bruce took a few steps back and then he heard a voice from behind
"Everyone stay together we're going to be okay" a female voice said
Bruce turned around to see a middle aged women surrounded by four small children holding onto her for dear life as she looked around frantically.
"Ma'am what's wrong" Bruce said as he ran up to the woman
"My class we got separated during the cloud, I-I can't find them" the woman said panicked
'Ma'am I need you to calm down, I am going to help you find these kids. You just stay here and make sure you and the ones you have so far stay safe and together" Bruce said reassuringly
Bruce turned to see four men wandering through the wreckage
"You four, we got kids missing around here. Spread out find them and bring them back to her" Bruce said authoritatively pointing to the teacher
Then men nodded and then each went a separate direction, Bruce running off in his own. He ran through the wreckage until he saw a little girl sitting on a pile a rubble clearly shaken. Bruce slowly approached the girl, once the girl saw him she flinched in fright
"Hey, hey it's okay. Your teacher sent me to find you, my name is Bruce and I want to help you. Can you walk?" Bruce asked kindly
The girl nodded no as she showed her leg and the bruise that laid on it.
"It's alright, I'm gonna carry you. Is that okay?" Bruce asked, the girl nodded yes
Bruce took the girl in his arms and carried her back to the teacher. When he got back the men had returned the group of kid increasing to 10.
"Is this all of them" Bruce said the girl still in her arms
"No" The teacher said afraid, that single word shook Bruce's core as he handed the girl to the teacher
"We have to get back out there, there still might be kids wandering alone. Let's move it" Bruce ordered the men, they complied and moved out
Bruce was about to go off to continue the search when he heard a pained yell coming from another direction. Bruce quickly ran to it and came upon Wallace Keefe dressed in Wayne Industries Security Attire.
"HELP, SOMEBODY HELP ME. I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS!" Wallace yelled his legs crushed underneath a metal girder
"Hey I'm here, we're gonna get you out. HEY I NEED SOME HELP OVER HERE!" Bruce said
"Y-you're Bruce Wayne" Wallace said trying to process the world around him and reach for Bruce. Bruce took his hand
"Yeah I am. Listen Wallace, I need you to calm your breaths. We're gonna get you out of here, but it's gonna hurt. You think you can take it" Bruce asked
"A-anything you need Boss" Wallace said through labored breaths as three men arrived on the scene.
Two men grabbed Wallace by the arms, while the other help Bruce lift the girder off of Wallace's legs. With a pained groan Wallace was freed, but his legs were completely destroyed.
"OH GOD-OH GOD I CAN'T FEEL THEM. I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS" Wallace said panicked looking at his legs
"Wally, Wally look at me. You need to calm down, we are going to help you, but you have to stay strong alright pal" Bruce said getting a nod from Wallace
Bruce looked up for a second and saw a little girl standing amidst the rubble not moving, she appeared to be looking at something. A groan filled the air as a chunk of destroyed metal began to lean towards the girl, Bruce reacted fast running towards the girl. With a swift motion he grabbed the girl before the metal beam could crush her. He set the girl down and looked at her, she was terrified, and tears streaming down her dust covered face.
"Hey its okay, you're okay. You were on a school trip right?" Bruce asked trying to keep the girl calm, the girl nodded no
"Okay, listen I'm going to bring you to a nice lady who taking care of some other children, and while you're with her I'm gonna find your mom and bring her to you. Do you know where she might be?" Bruce asked, but noticed the girl flinch upon hearing the word 'mom' her tears streaming faster down her eyes
With a shaky finger the girl pointed upwards, Bruce looked at the direction she was pointing and saw the destroyed Wayne building.
"M-my mommy told me to stay close to her and hold her hand when all the people were running….. But I lost my grip" The girl said broken as she let out a pained wail and hugged Bruce for comfort
Bruce flinched for a second from the contact, but quickly returned the hug holding the girl gently
"I couldn't hold on and now she's gone" the girl wailed
"Shhhh, its okay it wasn't your fault" Bruce said comfortingly
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry mommy" the girl said
Once the girl said that Bruce's mind raced as memories began to flood in. A dark alley, a shadowy figure, two loud bangs, two bodies hitting the ground.
"I'm sorry mommy" the ghostly voice of a young child said in Bruce's head making his eyes start to well up
"The child was named Dorothy Summers, her mother was Natalie Summers. Natalie worked on the 75th floor as an accountant, they got separated during the evacuation and Natalie got trapped on one of the upper floors. The little girl blamed herself for what happened, and I think she still does. All that destruction, so many lives lost, families ruined, I could only wonder…. Why, how, and who. And then… I saw her" Bruce said the last part coming out with a bit of venom
A Loud boom filled the air making Bruce looked up still holding the girl. And then he saw her, the reason for all this death. Engulfed in a ball of fire surrounded by smaller fireballs descending towards the earth like demons from the sky. He saw the Blue suited woman focused on beating down the black suited man as the streaked towards the earth, towards the destruction they caused. At that moment the tears growing in Bruce's eyes dried up as his eyes narrowed at the female figure, his heart was no longer filled with sadness, fear, or regret. All those emotions were replaced by one singular emotion… Rage.
"It's not your fault" Bruce said holding the girl his anger slowly growing
"And it will never happen again" Bruce said pure hatred coming from every word, it was then his mission began
"I stayed there for hours trying to do anything I could to help in the relief effort, but it wasn't enough. During that entire time I felt so…. Helpless, no matter what I did I couldn't help them. No matter how many I saved there was still more dead in the streets. I….. I never felt like that before" Bruce lied, he has felt this feeling before in the past from two different occasions. Both time hurt like nothing you could imagine, both times he swore never again, yet here he was. The difference being this time he was ready to fulfil the promise, no matter what.
"It may be hard to understand, such a feeling. The rush, the fear, being focused on nothing but your own survival and those in pain around. Feeling like no matter what you do no matter how hard you fight, it's not enough to stop the destruction. That feeling that you weren't strong enough to stop it. Ms. Kent what I'm trying to say is….." Bruce continued but stopped once he looked up at Claire
Claire was sitting right in front of him pencil and paper on her lap, looking at Bruce with wide eyes tears streaming down her cheeks, a look of realization on her face.
"M-Ms. Kent…. Did I upset you?" Bruce asked concerned, but Claire wasn't listening at the moment.
Well he could hear his words, but she wasn't actually processing them. Claire had listened to Bruce's description of the events and had come to two realizations. The first was that she thought she had it bad while fighting Zod, she never thought about how terrible it was for the people down in the city while she was in the sky. She knew about the destruction and death left in the wake of the event and felt terrible, but she never thought about how horrible it was for the people during the event. For most it was a normal day with blue skies and clouds, most thinking that they were going to go through the daily grind of life. Nobody could prepare them for what happened, the fear and confusion they must've felt. Through Bruce's words Claire saw what the event was like through the eyes of a human.
The second realization hit her the hardest and hurt the most, she wasn't there. After she killed Zod she ran back home to her mother in Kansas, she left them when they needed her most. While she was crying into her mother's lap, thousands of other were crying in pain, for lost lovers, for lost children. So many were crying out for help and she didn't hear them. She was so caught up in her own grief she forgot about the grief of the city she and Zod laid to waste. She understood why Bruce had such a disdain for Superwoman she caused the destruction and did nothing to fix it. It was months before she finally made her return to Metropolis and decided to help, all that time wasted, all that time she could've done something.
Claire could tell Bruce's words were genuine she could tell that this was a moment that he would never forget, probably the second worst thing to happen to him Claire thought. She felt his sadness, his desperation, his bravery, and his anger. She understood all of it, and she wanted to say something. Some internal instinct was telling Claire to say something to ease these harsh emotions Bruce was feeling, and maybe even help with her own. The first thing she thought of was "I so sorry", but it wasn't enough. He's probably heard it a million times in his life. She needed to say something, something that he could tell was genuine as well. And then it came to Claire.
"Ms. Kent are you okay" Bruce asked putting his hand on hers snapping her out of her daze
"O-oh I'm fine Mr. Wayne, I-I was just engrossed in your story. Everything you went through that day… heh, I didn't even write a single thing down" Claire said wiping the tears from her face
"If I upset you I am so sorry" Bruce said
"No it's not that Mr. Wayne, it's that…. It's that I do understand." Claire said as she turned off the tape recorder
"If I could speak off the record for a bit Mr. Wayne, I would like to tell you what I went through during the Black Zero Event" Claire said as she looked at Bruce's surprised face
"As you know during that day Metropolis was hit the hardest, but it wasn't the only hit" Claire said
"Right Smallville was also attacked, that was story that got you into the planet right" Bruce said
"Smallville was my home Mr. Wayne and we were caught in the crossfire of a battle nobody was prepared for. And I was right in the thick of it" Claire said
Claire remembered zooming over the fields of Kansas, flying as fast as she could to the farm, to her home. Her vision zeroed in on the house and her eyes widened, the truck was lodged into the roof, Zod was standing over her mother who was terrified on the ground and yelling at her. Claire blood boiled as she felt her speed increase, fields of corn and buildings rushed past her in a blur but she didn't pay attention to any of it. Her eyes were focused on Zod, and with a crash Claire slammed into Zod at full speed yelling at the top of her lungs. She registered nothing else around, but the man in front of her. Not the miles of corn she plowed through or even the giant silo she destroyed, she was only focused on Zod and making him hurt. Claire drug him through the dirt and proceeded to rain down punches on him. She had never thrown a punch in her entire life, but now she was making an exception.
"YOU THINK YOU CAN THREATEN MY MOTHER!" Claire yelled punching Zod repeatedly in the face
She kept going until she and Zod flew right through a gas station store and headfirst into one of the pumps. The peaceful day of Smallville was brought to an end when the explosion happened, Claire rolled out of the explosion and onto the street. The explosion surprised her and took a bit out of her, she let out a groan as she slowly picked herself up to face Zod.
"Once that gas station blew up, everything about my little town changed in an instant. My once peaceful little slice of America turned into a warzone between Godlike aliens. I mean I feel like Superwoman was trying she told everyone on the street to get inside a building for safety and it seemed like she was trying to take the fight out of the city, but those two aliens in black wouldn't let up." Claire said
"What were you thinking Claire? No you weren't thinking, you just wanted to punch the jerk who yelled at your mom in the face. Of all the places you could've flown, you decided to land dead center in town square" Claire thought as she faced two of Zod's soldiers
Zod retreated when Claire broke his helmet, and in his place these two stood. One was a female only a few inches shorter than her, she was on the ship when Claire surrendered herself, she remembered being called Faora. The other was a male, taller than Claire by a whole foot and much more bulky, he was wearing a mask so Claire couldn't really describe him. Both wore the black armor Zod was wearing and both were ready for a fight.
"Where is the Codex Kala-El" Faora said as she and the larger solider walked down the street.
Claire knew the codex was inside her, her father believed that when the time was right she might be able to bring forth a better Krypton, this was not the right time.
"Somewhere you'll never be able to get it" Claire said seriously as she began to walk towards them
"Maybe you can tell me after we get back to the ship. A few minutes of my persuasion and you'll find yourself much more cooperative" Faora said with a malicious grin
"I am NOT going back up there" Claire said with a growl
"Your compliance isn't needed Kala. To be honest I really want to punch you in the face. It is so similar to your mothers, that woman looked at us with pity as we were sent to the Phantom Zone. It was really infuriating" Faora said with a hint of Rage
Claire's eyes wandered to the sidewalk, where people she knew and interacted with for most of her younger life stood terrified. Claire eyes turned sympathetic as she looked at them, she wondered if they knew it was her.
"Please get inside" Claire said and they all complied as everyone rushed into the nearest building
"We don't have to do this" Claire said sternly
"Oh, but I want to" Faora said with a wicked grin clenching her fists
Claire clenched her fists and put up a determined face, but inwardly she was panicking
"Well today's been a day I meet my people, learned I have a planet inside me, threw my first punch, and I'm about to get into a street Brawl. Okay calm down Kent it's not that bad, you're just about to fight two people who are as strong as you in the center of your Hometown. Alright First I need to get them out of here, then….. Figure out the rest of my plan" Claire thought as she prepared to launch herself at them
Then she heard what sounded like a rotor coming from behind her, that and sound of a machine gun cocking.
"Explosions and Machine gun fire are not what you are supposed to think of, when you think of Smallville. Your supposed to think of Corn, farms, open fields, friendly people, etc., but then the military came and it was like a 90s action movie. Helicopters, Jets, bullets, missiles, the works raining down on this small town. Not that it actually affected them, one of the aliens in black brought down a jet killed the pilot, the wreckage destroyed Snyder St. A few civilians were injured and three died, three people I knew. I tried to help but there was so much going on, Superwoman stopped the other alien from bringing down another jet. They ended up Crashing into an IHOP where my friend Pete Ross worked, luckily he and everyone else there wasn't hurt." Claire said
Claire groaned as she picked herself up rubbing her head, one of the bullets from the jet ricocheted off her head. She's taken a bullet before, but never something of this caliber. It didn't hurt, but was really unexpected. She instinctively dove out of the way of the gun fire, Claire looked up and saw that Faora did the same, the larger man ended up getting knocked back.
"Guess they're not used to it either" Claire thought as she watched Faora
Faora glared angrily at the jets, then her face turned from anger to mild amusement.
"Nam, deal with them" Faora said simply
The Kryptonian known as Nam let out an angry roar as he launched himself into the air towards one of the jets. Claire gasped as he leapt on top of it destroying the cockpit and crushing the pilot inside. Claire's eyes widened as the jet crashed down onto the street a huge fireball of burning metal rolling down it destroying cars and wrecking the buildings. Claire was about to rush into the fireball to see if anyone was hurt, but she noticed Faora walking through the fire and looking at the next jet. Faora smiled as she launched herself towards it wanting to copy Nam's performance.
"NO!" Claire yelled as she launched herself in the air towards Faora T-boning her in the sky and knocking her away from the jet. They soared through the air at a break neck speed, Claire once again not sure where she was going, but only cared to get away from town. Faora grabbed a handful of Claire's hair and brought her elbow down on Claire's head, Claire let out a pained yelp as they're trajectory was changed downwards. In a blur they crashed into an IHOP Claire rolling onto her belly holding the back of her head, she took in the scenery around her and let out an agitated groan.
"Great an IHOP, sure there wasn't a puppy farm or an orphanage I could crash into. I really suck at choosing places to fight…. I hope this going to be pattern for me" Claire said a little worried as she picked herself up
Claire then heard a small yelp, there were at least a dozen people in here all of them thankfully unhurt, but this on caught her attention. She turned to see the red headed freckled face of Pete Ross looking at her in fear and wonder.
"Pete?" Claire asked confused
"Claire?" Pete replied equally confused
Before Claire could say anything else Faora slammed her fist into Claire's cheek sending her into a table. Everyone in the restaurant gasped as the hid behind whatever they could find. Claire shook the dizziness from her head and glared at Faora.
"EVERYONE GET DOWN!" Claire yelled as she sped towards Faora fist raised readying to knock her out of the building
But, Claire hit nothing as with a simple motion Faora moved out of the way letting Claire stumble forward. Claire was surprised, by how Faora moved and the fact that somebody was actually able to dodge a punch from her, it was a day of firsts for her.
"You are weak, Daughter of El. Unsure of yourself" Faora said simply
Claire roared as she rushed again throwing punches at random, Faora blocked each blow with the least amount of effort. Once again Claire was laid out with another hook slamming her against a wall next to a family. Claire's anger grew as she faced Faora, Claire's varicose veins and eyes began to glow red. Claire heard a terrified shriek and saw the little girl next to her, she was afraid, everyone here was. Claire realized she couldn't fire off her heat vision here, not while there were people still around. Slowly her eye's turned back to her normal blue.
"That Kala is your weakness, you limit yourself in the face of the smallest factors" Faora said looking at the people in the building
"The fact that you hold…. Compassion for these sub-being is a biological defect. Quite common and expected from a 'Natural' birth like yourself" Faora said condescendingly
Claire yelled as she launched herself at Faora wanting to take her to the sky again, but Faora quickly snatched Claire out of the air and held her by the neck. Claire gagged as Faora tightened her grip around Claire's throat, only two deliver a punch to the side of Claire's head sending her face first into the floor.
"And if History has taught us anything." Faora said as she grabbed Claire by the back of her suit and threw her out of the restaurant.
Claire couldn't control herself as she soared through the air back towards town. She slammed through a building before crashing into the back embedding herself in the safe. Claire groaned trying to regain her senses, Faora came through the ceiling landing a few feet in front of Claire.
"The genetically superior, will always win" Faora said maliciously
"My-my father said- Krypton lost something-and Krypton died because it was gone" Claire said through panted breaths
"Krypton died because of weak bloodlines like yours. Once we have the Codex we will purge them and make a better Krypton. We will have every evolutionary advantage and our New Krypton will THRIVE!" Faora said as she ran towards Claire as delivered a front kick to Claire's abs receiving a grunt
"Heh" Claire let out a small laugh making Faora raise an eyebrow huh
"Every advantage huh?" Claire said revealing that she had caught Faora's foot before it could impact on her abs. Faora let out a gasp in shock surprised that Claire was able to catch her kick
"Well I can think of a few I have right now. For starters-" Claire said as she held on the Faora's foot and grabbed the upper part of leg
"I can fly" Claire said with a confident grin
Once Claire was sure she had a good grip on Faora's leg she rocketed through the ceiling and into the sky with Faora in tow. Faora could only flail helplessly as Claire brought higher and higher into the sky. Once Claire believed she was a good distance away from her hometown, she let out as she threw Faora higher into the air. Claire smiled as she watched Faora soar higher and higher unable to do anything to stop herself. Just like Zod, they had her strength, speed, and endurance, but didn't know how you use the other gifts this planet bestows upon Kryptonians. Claire's experience and mastery of these powers was the only leg she had up on the others, and she planned to exploit the hell out of it.
Claire rocketed towards Faora fist reared back. Faora could only let out a surprised scream as Claire came at her like a missile punching her across the face. Faora let out a pained scream as her head and body was sent to the side, her helmet slightly flickering.
"If I can break that Helmet, she'll break down just like Zod. Gotta aim for the head" Claire thought as she changed direction to follow Faora
Claire then proceeded to beat on Faora in air zipping around her like a fly continuously throwing punches in the air each receiving a grunt or a pained yowl. Faora let out angry roar as she faced the oncoming Claire after the 7th punch. Claire threw her punch, but this time Faora managed to move her head to the side letting the fist graze her cheek and allowing her to grab Claire's arm. Before Claire could register what just happened Faora drove her lower palm into Claire's chin. Claire brain rattled as she was no longer focused on flying, Faora raised both her fist overhead and slammed them down onto the back of Claire's head. Claire's eyes widened as she was forced back down into the town below, but she didn't go alone. Claire managed to grab onto Faora's waist forcing her down along with her. Both came down to Earth like a meteor slamming into the back of a garbage truck on the street. After a few seconds of silence Faora came flying out the back skidding across the street, while Claire exploded out the side of the vehicle and rocketed towards Faora.
"Can't let up, can't let her breath, keep aiming for the helmet, gotta-" Claire's thoughts were interrupted when Nam grabbed her legs
Nam swung her around and slammed her face first onto the pavement, Nam then lifted her again and threw her onto her back. Claire let out a pained gasp as she felt her spine bend from the impact, before she could form another thought Nam kicked her in the stomach sending her down the street. Claire tried to stop herself, but Faora ran towards her and clotheslined Claire flipping her onto her front as she skidded down the street.
Claire let out labored breathes as she rolled herself onto her back and looked down the street to the two Kryptonian soldiers.
"Two on one, never a good-" Claire said, but was stopped when Nam rushed her and drug her through the pavement
"There was so much chaos with the fight and the military getting involved. I just didn't know what to do, I didn't what I could do, everything was going to hell all around me and nothing I did seemed to stop it." Claire said
Claire screamed when Nam punched her in the chest embedding her deeper in the earth. Everything was a blur for Claire she was acting completely on instinct, somehow dodging or deflecting every blow they threw at her by mere inches. They were focused on keeping on the ground stopping any attempt Claire made to take off. Claire managed to grab Faora's leg and forced her to the ground.
"GET-OFF OF ME!" Claire yelled as she used Faora like a blunt instrument slamming her against Nam sending him to the side
Still gripping Faora's leg she launched herself into the sky flying away from Smallville
"Come on follow me, ya big-" Again Claire's thoughts were interrupted as Nam leapt over her and grabbed her forcing her back to the street.
With the two over her they then proceed to try and beat on her, but Claire managed to evade most of their blows. Faora and Nam then tried to hold Claire down grabbing her face, Claire growled as her eyes began to glow red. With a primal yell Claire unleashed her heat vision making the two release her, she then drove a foot into Nam's gut and an elbow to the side of Faora's head sending them both away and allowing Claire to pick herself up.
Claire looked up and saw helicopter descending on her town, her eyes focused on the one that held Colonel Nathan Hardy.
"Colonel you need to turn back now, you can't fight them" Claire shouted to him
"Target is in sight sir' the pilot said to the colonel
"Engage" Nathan said as the two helicopters unloaded on Claire
Claire raised her hands defensively allowing the bullets to bounce off of her. Claire's ears perked up when she heard a shriek, some of the bullets ricocheted into the surrounding buildings one grazed a woman.
"NATHAN YOU NEED TO STOP" Claire yelled through the gunfire
Claire then heard a grunt from behind and then saw a U-Haul van fly over her head right towards the Helicopters, crashing into the back rotor destroying it. The helicopter was going down, but Claire's eye were on the soldier hanging onto the door for dear life. The soldier lost his grip and began to plummet towards the street, Claire's eyes widened in fear as she flew towards the man catching right before he could hit the pavement.
"Are you alright?" Claire asked concerned carrying the man bridal style
The soldier said nothing simply looking at Claire amazed, then his eyes drifted away from her for a second "LOOK OUT!" the soldier screamed reaching for his gun
Claire turned around to see Nam barreling towards her, Claire quickly tossed the soldier to the side and raised her guard. The soldier landed a few feet away with a grunt and lifted his head to see Claire be knocked down the street with Nam's punch. Claire quickly got back up and used her enhanced vision to scan the surrounding area. Nathan's Helicopter crashed, but he and the pilot were still alive. Faora however was closing in on the crash site, and US soldiers were closing in on Faora. They wouldn't last a second against her, Claire had to get there. Claire then heard gunshots, and turned to see Nam walking towards the soldier she just saved. But, first he had to deal with this brute, Claire's eyes Narrowed as she launched herself towards Nam.
"I kept wondering why was I even there, I felt so helpless like I was just being pushed along the current by forces beyond my control. I wondered what the point of me doing anything was, and then I remembered that this was my home. The buildings I knew and grew up with were getting destroyed, but the people I knew and cared about were still alive and needed help. I knew I couldn't help them all, but it wasn't about that. It was about me in that moment doing everything I can, Helping everyone I can, and not giving in." Claire said determined
Claire roared as a barrage of bullets zipped past her and towards Nam as she delivered a punch to his face. The soldiers had joined in a few seconds ago unleashing a full on assault in the hopes of stopping the aliens. Though Claire has noticed that they were less focused on her and more on Nam, guess they knew who the real threat was. Claire quickly delivered another punch to Nam's face trying to break his helmet. When she tried to deliver another Nam caught her fist, swung her overhead and slammed her into the pavement, still holding Claire's arm he leapt into the air and threw her back to the pavement. Claire quickly rolled out of the way to dodge his slam attack, she then sent him flying down the street with a punch to the midsection. Claire then turned to see Faora had beaten all the soldiers in her path to Nathan's ship, most of them had multiple broken bones a few were dead. The colonel was armed with a machine gun he was ready to fight, but Claire knew he couldn't win.
"I just need one second to reach him, but this jerk isn't going to give it to me" Claire said as she faced Nam who was taking all the bullets the soldiers
"Alright buddy, I'm gonna have to take you off the board for a bit" Claire said as she used her x-ray to look through the buildings to the train yard.
"Empty, Perfect" Claire said with a smile on her face
Claire moved faster than anyone could register she zipped past the soldiers leaving a gust of wind behind her making some of them stumble. One soldier let out a confused gasp when he realized one of his grenades was gone. Claire let out a battle cry as she flew towards Nam Ramming her shoulder into his midsection sending him back. Capitalizing on the moment Claire hit Nam with a left hook sending his head to the side. Claire then reared her right fist back revealing the grenade she held in it and launched a punch that hit Nam right in the center of the face. The force of the punch crushing the grenade and making it explode in Nam's face. Claire jumped back and shook her hand the feeling was strange, and saw Nam stumbling back from the explosive attack. Claire once again flew towards Nam and grabbed him by the waist flying into the air. Once above her town she tossed Nam a few feet over herself like a volleyball, and like a volleyball player Claire then spiked Nam into the train yard. Nam as sent crashing into one of the parked trains making it explode. Claire took a breath feeling a little bad about the train, but glad Nam was down. Claire turned to where Faora and Colonel Nathan were, Nathan had a knife drawn ready to strike. Faora seemed too seemed to mirror him drawing her own knife if only for her own amusement.
"To soldier, a good death is it's own reward" Faora said simply blade raised
Claire saw it in the Colonels eyes he knew he couldn't win, but he wasn't going to just lay down and let her kill him. He was ready to make her work for it even if it was only a little, he was ready to die.
"Not just yet colonel." Claire said eyes narrowed and rocketing down towards the scene
"Sometimes when things get really bad all you can really do is give it your all and hope for the best, it may not be the best ending, but it will be better than if you did nothing." Claire said with a small hopeful smile
Claire took deep breaths as she steadied herself on the street, Faora a few feet away from her and the Colonel thanks to the punch Claire delivered to Faora's face. That was the final blow Claire needed, the helmet was glitching and just like Zod before her all of Faora's senses were ignited. Faora's eyes twitched as she picked herself up trying to focus on Claire.
"You can't win Kala. For every human you save, we will kill a million more" Faora said in pain
Claire glared at Faora then replied
"Then I'll just keep saving everyone I can. I don't know how this whole thing is gonna end, but I do know that right now I have to act." Claire said fiercely
"Do you honestly think you have a chance, you're standing against the most powerful military force in the galaxy? This planet may make you stronger, but your still just one little girl" Faora said villainously
"These men you killed knew what you could do, but they still came at you with everything they had. It'll be pretty pitiful of me if I didn't do the same. I may be one person, but I'm gonna do everything I can to keep my planet safe. And for someone like me, I can do a whole lot" Claire said heroically
"You really are that Naive aren't you" Faora said
"Well at least I'm not the trained soldier who got her ass kicked by what you've all been referring to as a handicapped person." Claire said with a sly smile
Faora let out a growl that then turned to a pained scream as she held her head. She was out of the fight, now Claire thought she should check up on Nam. As if on cue the train Nam landed was coming at Claire from the sky like a meteor. Claire reacted fast holding out her hands and catching the train, the force of it pushed her back into a Sears
"Superwoman beat the other two aliens and then they retreated. It's pretty obvious Smallville wasn't hit as hard as Metropolis, but the damage was still done. Buildings places I walked to and hung out in were destroyed, people I knew who were my friends were hurt…. Or worse. We got hit and it hurt, we didn't really know what to do at the moment. Then we figured it out, we started to clean up and rebuild. We started going through the wreckage to save anyone we could, even the Soldiers started to help with the clean-up. There are still scars that will be on that town forever and there were people me included who wondered why this happened and how it could've been avoided. But, then I realized nobody could've predicted this would happen I mean the day before that I was with my Mom watching football, next thing you know aliens are coming from the sky and destroying buildings." Claire said
"What I'm trying to say Mr. Wayne is that we got hit by something extraordinary and we did the best we could. You may feel like you didn't do enough in Metropolis and felt like everything you tried to do was nothing, but try to think of what you did accomplish compared to what would've happened if you didn't act. Sometimes life deals us a sucky hand and bad things happen for apparently no reason, after that all we can do is clean up the mess and try to learn from it. The lives you saved that day is one less name in the obituaries, it may not seem like much but one life saved among thousand killed is a victory" Claire continued, Bruce looked at Claire very surprised
"S-sorry for rambling so long. To get to the point of what I'm trying to say is, you did your best Mr. Wayne and those women, men, and children you saved are grateful. You were thrown into a chaotic situation you were unprepared for and worked with what you had. And I believe you did an excellent job Mr. Wayne, and when I publish this interview I think many other will agree. I mean it's not like you can predict the future" Claire said with a smile and a shrug
Bruce was genuinely surprised by Claire's words and her point of view. Both of them were in a very similar situation and while Bruce curses himself for everything that wasn't done, Claire instead looked at what was done. And both of them swore to become better and learn from the experience. Bruce let out a small laugh
"You are a very smart woman Ms. Kent" Bruce said with a smile
"W-well I'm not the one who came up with it. It was actually my mom who told me that, and now I'm telling you" Claire said scratching the back of her head
"Your mother sounds like a very smart woman, what's her name?" Bruce asked
"O-oh it's-" Claire started, but Bruce's phone started to ring
Bruce held up the phone his face having a fierce expression.
"Is everything alright Mr. Wayne" Claire asked concerned
"Yeah, it's just that….something came up right now that needs my immediate attention" Bruce said looking at the phone
On the screen it said 'Target found' a picture of Diana Prince on the screen and a red blip on a map of Gotham.
"I am terribly sorry Ms. Kent, I have to end this interview right now and deal with this" Bruce said apologetically
"Oh no, it's alright Mr. Wayne. I got what I came here for, I'll write the story with what I have. If you have an important meeting you should get to it." Claire said as she began to pick up her stuff
"Well Ms. Kent I don't really think I gave you the interview I promised you. Maybe we can continue this tomorrow…. If you're interested" Bruce said rushed
"That would be very kind of you Mr. Wayne Thank you" Claire said surprised
"I will pay for your ferry fare for Metropolis…. and also of course for your trip back here as well" Bruce chime in
"That won't actually be necessary Mr. Wayne, I actually have some place I can stay for the night. I just need to make a quick phone call, do you mind if I step out" Claire said holding up her phone
"Of course I'll have Alfred drive you where you want, take your time" Bruce said with a reaffirming smile, Claire returned it and turned to exit the room
"Oh and before you go Ms. Kent. You're right we can't predict the future, but we can prepare for it" Bruce said
"Yeah I guess we can" Claire said with a small laugh
Bruce turned to walk through the door he entered in, Alfred was leaning against the wall.
"Ms. Kent has a place in Gotham to stay for the night. Make sure she gets there safe, I have to go our Mystery thief has just shown herself" Bruce said as he headed for the basement
"Understood Master Wayne. Such a shame this had to be cut short, Ms. Kent is quite the young lady" Alfred said
"Yeah she appears to be" Bruce said
"Your face is looking a little red sir" Alfred joked
"Just do your job Alfred, while I go do mine" Bruce said seriously as he descended the stairs
Alfred sighed and walked towards Claire who was just finishing up on the phone
"Yeah, thanks Jimmy see you soon" Claire finished and turned to Alfred
"Where to Ms. Kent?" Alfred asked kindly
"Mid-town District please, one of my Co-workers is friends with a family there" Claire said
"Mid-town huh, that a pretty tough neighborhood" Alfred said a bit concerned
"The family is good people Mr. Pennyworth, and I can handle myself" Claire said confidently
"I believe Ms. Kent, I have to say you really did impress Master Wayne." Alfred said impressed as he walked past Claire.
"He impressed me to." Claire said curious thinking about the mysterious billionaire as she left the house
(Note: Hope you enjoyed the chapter constructive criticism is appreciated and will help for future stories. Did anyone see the Justice League trailer, can't wait to write that once I'm done with this and the Blu-ray comes out. Though once again I would like to pose a question to you all my wonderful followers or anyone who is reading this story, how do you think Claire would interact with the members of the Justice League. I have my own Idea of how and plan to use it in the future, but I really just want to get a conversation started. Leave a review.) :)