Sparks Fly

A DC fanfiction by Andrew Joshua Talon

DISCLAIMER: This is a non-profit fan-based work of prose. Superman, Livewire, Batman and all other characters and worlds are the property of Warner Brothers and DC Comics. Please support the official release.


THE MAIN MAN - EPILOGUE

Clark


Superman being the center of events had become the norm. After all, he was a superhero. He got involved in practically everything that could threaten Metropolis or the world, and that made for big news.

Clark Kent being in the spotlight for a while was unexpected, but not entirely unpleasant. He'd given his interviews, again and again. He was actually writing a book about the entire adventure, which meant more time away from the Daily Planet and maybe more time for himself. He'd always wanted to be a writer.

Though at the moment he was spending most of his time off playing with the technology from the Preserver ship, the alien zoo, and his girlfriend.

"You're grinning again," his Pa said with a sly grin. Clark coughed, as he refocused his efforts on the circuitry he'd been working on.

"Well, I am home again," Clark said, nodding to the Kent family barn surrounding them. "Who wouldn't be happy about that?"

Pa Kent smirked as he double checked the wires they'd run to the devices they were working on. The bright sunshine shone through the windows, as the cows lowed in the field nearby.

"That's a 'my girl's been kind to me' kind of smile," Pa said. Clark blushed, and shot his father a scowl.

"PA!"

"Come on, son," Pa Kent said with a wink, "I'm not stupid. And I sure ain't innocent."

Clark sighed, redoubling his checks on the circuitry. He nodded, satisfied, and lifted the device up to the ceiling. He fastened it securely, and then descended back down to grab the next device. Clark did nod slowly at his father's grin, feeling uncomfortable.

"Well... Yeah," he admitted. Pa Kent's grin grew just a bit wider.

"So...?"

"Pa!" Clark barked. "Come on! I can't talk about that kind of stuff!"

"I'm not asking for details, Clark," Pa Kent said, holding up a hand, "but I don't think I need to: You're practically glowing."

Clark flushed, and took the next device up. He flew up and placed the next device onto the ceiling.

"She's... Something else," Clark admitted. "I mean, not just... That. I mean, she's funny, she's strong willed, she's brave, she's determined, she's beautiful..."

"So," Pa said, raising his eyebrows, "when are we going to meet her? Your mom got to call her on her show, after all."

Clark hesitated.

"Well, I'm... Not sure about that," he said. Pa dropped one of his eyebrows, giving his son a probing look.

"Why?" He asked. Clark sighed, and adjusted the final device.

"I just... I mean, it's scary how fast it's happened," Clark said. "She just kind of railroaded me past my doubts and fears. I didn't count on that."

He stared intently at the circuitry, unable to raise his eyes to his father. He hated feeling... Afraid. He could take bullets to the face without even noticing them, but this? This was far more intimidating.

"Life comes at you fast," Pa said with a nod, "and trust me, it's not your fault. We Kent men, well... We can be dense. Too wrapped up in ourselves to see what's in front of us. That's why it takes a strong woman to sometimes give us a kick in the pants." He winked. "But don't tell your mother that."

Clark finished the circuitry.

"But what if she's... What if she's not the one?" Clark asked. "What if going with her is a huge mistake? What if-What if falling for her ruins all our lives?"

Pa Kent stared at Clark for a long time, and slowly shrugged.

"That's the risk you take when you fall in love, Clark. Regardless of whether you have super powers or not." He reached out and rested a hand on Clark's big shoulder. "But I do trust your judgement, Clark. Do you think she's the kind of person who would do that?"

Clark was silent for a time. He shook his head.

"I don't think so," he admitted. "I just... I want to be sure before I let her in completely. You know?"

Pa Kent nodded slowly. "That's your call to make," Pa said, "but you might not want to wait too long. Hell, at least let us meet her, hm?"

Clark sighed and nodded back.

"All right," he said. Pa Kent chuckled, and patted Clark's shoulder.

"Now, let's use that anxiety of yours for something useful, huh?"

Clark nodded, and flew up to put the last device in place. He descended back down. Pa Kent closed the barn doors, and then closed the shutters on the windows.

Pa looked towards his son. "Ready?"

"Ready," Clark said. He flipped a switch, and the devices activated. Red light bathed the interior of the barn, the warmth strong against his skin. Clark took a deep breath, and Pa looked at his son in concern.

"Clark?" He asked. Clark shook his head, and walked over to the heavy bag they'd set up. He took several deep breaths, and let the red sun radiation wash over him. Pa moved to go to him, but Clark waved a hand. Pa nodded, and stayed put.

Clark reached out his hand, and flicked the heavy bag with his fingers. He winced, and waved his fingers. Pa was up and moving to him.

"Clark?"

Clark looked up and grinned at his father.

"It hurts!" Clark chuckled, holding up his fingers. Pa then smiled broadly as he picked up two pairs of boxing gloves. He handed over a pair to Clark, who gratefully pulled them on.

"Still, let's take it easy," he said. Clark nodded, and held up his fists. Pa shook his head, and reached out to push his arms and hands into new positions.

"No, no, you need to hold your fists up like this," Pa said, "and rest your elbows on your chest. Adjust your stance-Your feet need to be spread further apart or you'll be knocked over with just one hit."

"I do fly for a lot of my fights, Pa," Clark pointed out, "how do you fight like that?"

Pa nodded. "I've thought about that," he said. He then walked over to the far side of the barn, and pulled out a wobbly-looking balance board. He set it down in front of Clark. "It's all a matter of balance and controlling your mass. Isn't that how those... Gungun giant robots maneuvered? Adjusting their center of mass in space?"

"Gundam, and yeah, it is," Clark said thoughtfully. He stood on top of the platform, and struggled to keep his balance. He steadied himself, and grinned at Pa.

"All right, come at me!" Clark said. Pa raised an eyebrow, and tapped Clark on the shoulder hard. He lost his balance and fell off the board, landing hard on his knees. "Gah!"

"One step at a time, son," Pa said. Clark looked up and nodded, back on his feet.

"All right," he said. "Show me how to do it."

Pa Kent nodded, and bounced on the balls of his feet, holding his fists up.

"Okay, the first rule is-It's all about the hips and legs when you punch. Jabs are punches without throwing your weight behind them-That can help a lot, but you can't overthink it, so let's focus first on how to punch properly."

Pa threw a few punches, and Clark copied them. Pa smiled and nodded.

"That's good! Keep your chin down though, you don't want to present an inviting target..."

Clark saw the barn door crack open slightly, a hint of yellow sunlight peeking through with his mother. She watched them in silence, and then smiled. He smiled back, and nodded to his father. He threw several punches into the air, getting used to the feeling.

"All right, what else?" He asked. Pa smirked, and threw some more punches, faster.

"Now, we focus on footwork," he said. "Your mother's dancing lessons will definitely come in handy here-And with Leslie." Pa Kent grinned and winked. "Especially the handy part."

"PA!" Clark groaned.


I'm hoping this is enough for this two part episode. I mean, Lobo's in it so I have to go over the top. But I didn't want to overdo it.