Thank you to Aragorn II Elessar for his help with this chapter.
TW: Thank you.
Kent Farm
Late afternoon
"What are you making?" Kara asked as she saw Paige boiling something.
"Hopefully, sweet potatoes. Mrs. Kent apparently loves them," Paige said and Kara could hear how fast her heart was racing.
"Paige, relax. It's gonna be fine," Kara said, having a good feeling what this was about.
"I have never had a relationship that lasted long enough for me to meet the parents of my boyfriend. And if what I've heard from Oliver is true, Clark's last two girlfriends were like daughters to Mrs. Kent. So I apparently have a lot to live up to," Paige rambled nervously.
"This is my first time meeting her, and her experiences with other Kryptonian besides Clark are the AI in the Fortress which caused her husband's death and Zod, who possessed Lex and tried to make Earth a second Krypton," Kara pointed out and Paige looked at her stupefied. "Yeah, you think you have something to live up to?"
"Yeah, guess that's pretty nerve racking too," Paige admitted with a sigh.
Kara then heard what sounded like a car rolling up outside the house and focused, hearing someone get out.
"Well, I hope you're ready. I think she's here," Kara said and Paige seemed to freeze.
Smiling slightly at Paige's panic, Kara moved towards the front door, opening it just before Martha could get her key out.
"Hello Mrs. Kent. I'm-"
"Kara," Martha cut her off knowingly. "I know, I've seen you in pictures. Clark's told me a lot about you."
"He's told me a lot about you as well. It's nice to meet the woman who raised Kal-El," Kara said as she helped Martha inside.
"It's nice to meet a member of Clark's family that isn't an ice fortress," Martha said with a slight smile.
It was then that Martha spotted Paige, who stood frozen by the pot on the stole.
"Hello. You must be Paige," Martha said pleasantly and Paige seemed to snap out of her trance.
"Yeah, I'm Paige. Paige Matthews," Paige said as she Martha put her bag on the floor. "It's nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet the woman my son is so smitten about," Martha said with a warm smile.
"Well, I think I should go. Paige, remember what we talked about," Kara said before speeding out of the room.
"I see that runs in the family," Martha muttered amused before looking back towards Paige and seeing the pot. "Are you cooking something?"
"Uh, yeah, sweet potatoes. I heard they were your favorite. I figured you might be hungry, but I'm not much of a cook," Paige explained in a rush and Martha smiled.
"Paige, you don't have to try so hard to impress me. Come on, sit down," Martha said, sitting down at the island and gesturing for Paige to sit down at the other side.
Paige took a deep breathe before doing as Martha had said, trying to calm down as Kara had suggested. This was entirely new territory for her and she really didn't like it.
"When I first stepped into this house, I was the city girl, and Jonathan's mother was…particular. I didn't think I'd measure up to everything she'd been for him his whole life. But on our wedding day, she gave me a necklace and said that the thing she couldn't measure was Jonathan's happiness since he met me. Paige, I can hear from how Clark talks about you how happy you make him. As long as you keep doing that, you don't have to try to impress me," Martha assured her.
Paige let out a breathe letting all her worries and fear go. After a moment, she realized just how foolish she'd been. Someone who raised as good a man as Clark wasn't going to be some twisted, judgmental person.
"Thank you Mrs. Kent," Paige told her and she smiled.
"Please, call me Martha. Now, let's see how those potatoes are doing."
Metropolis
Long after
Clark stared down at a vantage point overlooking the podium. The shooter would have had a perfect vantage point from this area. Looking down at the House of El symbol scratched into the steel ledge, there was no doubt in Clark's mind who did this.
"Alexander," Clark muttered.
"Kal-El."
Clark looked up to see Kara land next to him, freezing as she saw the symbol.
"Who did that?" Kara wondered.
"The shooter. I've only seen this one other place: Alexander's room at Cadmus Lab," Clark explained.
"So the shooter is the Lex clone," Kara realized in horror and Clark nodded grimly.
"He's finally back. And just like we thought, he's coming after me," Clark said grimly.
Kent Farm
Same time
"They're honestly not that bad," Martha said as she and Paige ate the sweet potatoes.
"Thanks, but I know it's probably not up to your standards. Clark, Oliver and Chloe are always going on about what a great cook you are," Paige noted a little wistfully.
"I just do what my mom taught me, along with some recipes Jonathan's mother gave me," Martha told her.
From the look that crossed Paige's face, it was clear Martha's words had hit some kind of wound. But Martha wasn't going to pry, not today. She didn't have the right.
Further conversation was interrupted by the ringing of a cellphone.
"Oh sorry, that's me," Paige said, putting down her fork as she pulled out her phone. "It's my sister."
"Well don't let me keep you," Martha said with a kind smile and Paige nodded before answer.
"Hey Piper…he's what?….okay, I'll be right there," Paige said before hanging up.
"Is everything alright?" Martha asked concerned.
"Yeah, an old friend is back in town. I need to go," Paige said before getting up. "Martha, I'm sorry to kind of spring this on you, but since you raised Clark, it's probably nothing you haven't seen before."
Martha's confusion turned to astonishment as Paige Orbed away.
"Unlike anyone you've ever met indeed Clark," Martha muttered, understanding Clark's half answers about Paige a lot better now.
Halliwell Manor
Not long after
Paige Orbed into the Manor, seeing her sisters and Darryl waiting for her.
"Darryl," Paige said in relief upon seeing him.
"Hey Paige," Darryl greeted.
"So um, we'll just be…there," Piper said before she and Phoebe quickly left the pair alone.
"Subtle," Darryl said with a slight laugh and Paige found herself smiling as she nodded in agreement.
"It's good to see you. How are you? How are Shelia and the kids?" Paige asked concerned.
"Good, we're all good, as much as we can be given everything that's happened," Darryl said and Paige grimaced.
"I'm sorry that you got dragged into it," Paige said in remorse. "If I'd known Slade was planning on going after you-"
"How could you? Even I can't believe someone like Slade would target civilians," Darryl said, still in disbelief it had even happened. "It's not your fault Paige. I actually came here to thank you."
"Thank me?" Paige said taken aback.
"You and Clark actually. I know you two had a lot to do with me and my family being able to come home," Darryl pointed out.
"Clark and his friends a lot more than me. And you don't owe me anything Darryl," Paige assured him.
"Maybe not, but I'd like to ask something. I'd like to thank Clark in person, if that's alright," Darryl said, taking Paige aback.
"Uh, I'll pass it along, but Clark has a lot on his plate right now," Paige told him.
"Right, I heard about his mom. She okay?" Darryl inquired.
"She's fine, she wore a bullet proof vest, I just came from having lunch with her. Clark's focused on finding the shooter, plus there's the VRA," Paige explained and Darryl grimaced.
"Yeah, I heard about that. Things are getting out of hand," Darryl noted. "How are things going over there?"
"Not great. No one but the Daily Planet wants to post anything about heroes in a positive light, and they can't do it without coming off as biased. Best they can do is cut anti-hero propaganda," Paige said in frustration. "We need a way to reach more people."
"You know, my grandfather was a reporter," Darryl mentioned, confusing Paige. "But he didn't like how the media operated, so he set up his own paper. He thought he could reach more people that way."
"So you're saying that I should make my own newspaper?" Paige asked dryly and Darryl laughed.
"I'm saying that there's more than one way to reach people. Before we had the internet, we had papers and radio," Darryl said and Paige was silent for a long moment.
"That actually gives me a really great idea. Thank you Darryl," Paige said, excitedly kissing him on the cheek before Orbing out.
"You're welcome I guess," Darryl said, not sure what had just happened.
Daily Planet
Same time
"Tess," Clark said as he walked into Tess's office and she looked up from where she sat at her computer.
"Clark, I assume you've been looking into your mother's shooter?" she inquired and Clark nodded.
"It's Alexander," Clark said and she froze.
"Alexander?" she repeated.
"He's back. We need to go through the traffic cameras, retrace his steps," Clark said and Tess seemed to come out of her shock.
"Right. I'll run facial recognition with pictures of Lex as both an adult and a teenager," Tess said, doing just that.
It took a minute, but she found something.
"Okay, he went into a rundown apartment near Suicide Slums," Tess said.
"Did he come out?" Clark inquired.
"No, never. Wait, someone went in after him," Tess said surprised.
Clark came around the desk so he could see, staring at the picture of the man in shock.
"Zankou," Clark breathed as he recognized the man in black.
"You know him?" Tess asked as she looked over at Clark.
"He's a demon, someone Paige and her sisters have been dealing with," Clark explained his mind racing.
"Why would he be after Alexander?" Tess said, unable to help the worry that filled her heart.
"I don't think he is. Last time we met, I nearly killed Zankou. Maybe he thinks he needs to take me out before dealing with the Halliwells," Clark realized.
Kent Farm
Same time
Martha was in her old room, smiling slightly as she saw a picture of Clark and Jonathan when she felt something behind her. She turned around only for Zankou to grab her by the throat.
"Hello Mrs. Kent. My name is Zankou," Zankou introduced himself with a smirk before shimmering out with Martha.
Watchtower
Not long after
"So, what do you think?" Paige asked as she sat down with Chloe, explaining her idea.
"I like it. It's the Wall of Weird's next level. Where'd you come up with this though?" Chloe wondered.
"A friend of mine got me thinking about how to reach people. So, are we gonna do this?" Paige asked and Chloe smiled.
"Just give me a minute with my laptop."
Metropolis
Later
Clark was standing in the room Alexander had been in, staring at the spot where he carved the House of El symbol into the wall before pulling out his phone and calling Tess.
"I'm at the apartment building. Alexander was definitely here, but no sign of him or Zankou," Clark told her.
"We need to find them Clark. There's no telling what either one of them could do next," Tess worried.
Clark opened his mouth to speak but he got another call and saw it was from his mother.
"Tess, I'll call you right back, my mom is calling," Clark said before switching over to Martha. "Mom, everything okay?"
"Everything is fine Clark. Or would you prefer Kal-El," Clark froze at the sound of Zankou's voice. "We've never been truly introduced, have we?"
"I know who you are. Where is my mother?" Clark demanded.
"Safe. And she will remain so, as long as you meet me where I say, without involving your lover or her sisters," Zankou told him and Clark almost growled.
"Where?" he got out through gritted teeth.
Luthor Mansion
Night
"Well, your son should be coming soon," Zankou said as he tossed Martha's phone to the floor, smiling from where he had her restrained to a chair.
"You touch my son, I will destroy you," Martha said icily and Zankou chuckled.
"I see where your son gets his fighting spirit from. But that fighting spirit will not help him now. I know his weakness Martha. And he will die today," Zankou told her smugly.
"You so sure about that?"
Zankou smirked, turning around to face Clark as he stepped inside the room.
"Hello Kal-El. It's good to see you again," Zankou said happily.
"Not the sort of response I expect from someone I once tried to kill. You know I can vanquish you from here without lifting a finger," Clark pointed out.
"Before or after I kill your mother?" Zankou smirked, an energy ball materializing in his hand.
Clark felt the urge to shoot out heat vision then and there but resisted. As much as he wanted, he couldn't be certain that Zankou wouldn't attack his mother at the same moment.
"Okay, you've made your point," Clark relented and Zankou closed his palm, cancelling the energy ball. "You wanted me? I'm right here. Let my mother go."
Clark then felt a familiar feeling of weakness settle over him before falling on his side. Looking up, Clark saw a teenage by with blond hair with a familiar face holding a gun with green, glowing bullets inside it.
"Alexander," Clark groaned.
"Part of growing up is letting go of our parents Clark. Something you've always struggled with," Alexander said calmly.
"Clark!" Martha called out worried.
"You're not a killer, not yet," Clark groaned as he looked up at Alexander, hoping there was still some part of the good Lex he had known growing up inside him. "You can still come back."
"I'm the last Lex Luthor. After I die, there's no coming back," Alexander said hotly.
"Alexander."
Alexander looked behind him, seeing Tess standing behind him, looking at him pleadingly.
"I see you didn't come alone Kal-El," Zankou noted with an amused smirk. "Although I figured you'd pick the archer or your cousin."
"Tess'll do fine," Clark said confidently.
"You shouldn't be here Tess," Alexander said coldly.
"Please, just listen to me," Tess pleaded.
"No Tess! I am done with all of you! And you," Alexander sneered as he glared back down at Clark. "Always making yourself look better by making me look like some kind of monster!"
"You keep blaming everybody else, but look who has the gun in their hand," Tess said pointedly and Alexander looked like she'd struck him. "I know how you feel. After living in the darkness for so long, you feel like you can't step into the light because you feel ashamed. But Clark was the one person who changed everything for me. He can do the same thing for you."
Alexander shook his head, appearing conflicted before looking down at Clark. "Why would you want to help me? I'm your enemy; we've been locked in battle for years."
"You are not Lex," Martha piped up.
"She's right; you're not locked into anything. You have one thing Lex never had, and that's Tess. She loves you," Clark told him.
"I still do," Tess said, moving forward only for Alexander to turn the gun on her.
"She doesn't love you, she used you," Zankou tried to goad Alexander.
"That's not true. I know I'm not perfect, but I'll always be there for you," Tess said gently, reaching over slowly and gently prying the gun away from Alexander. "Okay?"
Alexander nodded slowly and Tess tossed the gun away. Clark felt his strength return as Alexander fell to his knees, sobbing. Tess was immediately on her knees, wrapping him in her arms as he sobbed into her shoulder, whispering apologies to her.
"I suppose that old human saying is true," Zankou said as, to their horror, the gun shimmered into his hand. "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."
He took aim at Clark but, before Zankou could fire, an arrow sailed through the air and knocked the gun out of his hand and impaled it above the fire place.
"Sorry, no one's shooting anyone today," Oliver, dressed in his Green Arrow suit, stepped out of the shadows, taking aim at Zankou. "At least not bullets."
"You said I should have brought Oliver. Well, I did," Clark said as he got to his feet. "It's over Zankou."
"I disagree, Kal-El," Zankou said, forming another energy ball in his hand. "It's only just beginning."
Zankou threw it not at them, but at the table holding the liquor. As the bottles fell onto the floor, smashing and spilling everywhere, Zankou formed another energy ball. Except this one, he threw towards the fireplace.
"NO!" Clark shouted but it was too late.
It hit the fire and energy seemed to cause it to explode in flames. The flames ignited the liquor on the floor and Clark acted fast.
Speeding over to Martha, he quickly freed her before grabbing her by the arm. At super speed, he grabbed Oliver and Tess, who still had Alexander in her arms, and sped out of mansion.
Once he was sure they were all safe, Clark sped back in and used his super breath to put out the flames. Looking around, Clark saw Zankou was gone. He had already shimmered out.
Daily Planet
Later that night
"I'm sorry you and your mom had to go through that," Paige apologized as she and Clark walked down the steps.
"Zankou'll be back. And now, I know he'll go after the people I love," Clark said with a frown.
"Next time he shows his face, we'll face him together. In the meantime, we have something we want to show you," Paige said.
Who 'we' was became clear when Paige led him into a back room where Chloe was waiting in front of a computer.
"Hey. You might want to take a look at this," Chloe said, pulling something up on the computer and Clark walked over.
"A Beacon of hope, shining light on the truth," Clark read in confusion.
"It's our answer to the VRA," Chloe said before pressing a button and a video began to play.
"Hey Blur, it's Brian," Clark watching as a young man with a hat appeared on the screen. "I like to consider myself a longtime supporter of these 'vigilantes' as they like to call them now. All of my hopes were confirmed when I saw that mysterious little S showing up everywhere. I knew it was you guys. For what it's worth Blur, thank you, you've already changed my life. Keep fighting, no matter what."
The video then changed to a black woman sitting at a table.
"I remember what it was like here in Metropolis before he came, you couldn't even walk the streets. But since the Blur came, we have hope. That's why I want the Blur to know there are still people who support him."
"Being a hero isn't about being able to save every person from a mugging or to pull someone from a burning building, but to give people hope for a brighter tomorrow" A man in glasses said as the video changed again.
"The Blur is a symbol for integrity, morality and selflessness," a teenage girl said as she appeared on the screen. "If you're listening to this Blur, thank you for everything."
"I want to be a hero to my kids, I want to be a hero who helps give them faith in themselves that they can accomplish greatness," a man with a bandana on his head said as he appeared next. "Thank you for helping me believe that heroes can and do exist."
Next was a man in an army uniform.
"Blur, I want to thank. As long as you're doing what you're doing to keep the people of our home town safe, us boys and girls down here can keep on doing our jobs."
Next was a man in a blue shirt with a slight beard.
"I look at the Blur and his powers that he has, and they're amazing to be sure of, but that's not what inspires me about him. It's his character," the man said before a black man appeared on the screen.
"When I see the Blur and his friends turn their differences into strengths, it gives me hope that one day, I can do the same."
"He's always there for us, standing up for us and doing what's right. That's who a hero is, someone who stands up for others," a young black woman said as she appeared on the screen. "Everybody has a favorite hero. Well, my favorite hero is the Blur. Thanks for being someone I can count on to do what's right. We love you Blur, we're always here for you."
Then, to Clark's utter shock, Darryl appeared on the screen.
"My whole life, I never believed in vigilantes, I thought they were part of the problem in the world. Then, one died saving my life and another helped protect my family. It's made me reevaluate…a lot. So Blur, thank you and all your friends for everything you've done."
Feeling shocked and humbled, Clark stopped the video, seeing Paige and Chloe look at him with smiles.
"I can't believe they'd risk coming out to defend me," Clark said in disbelief.
"You have no idea how much you mean to people Clark Kent," Chloe told him and Clark sighed.
"I don't think a couple hundred testimonies will be enough to change the vote," Clark said as he walked a few feet away.
"Try a couple thousand," Chloe said and Clark turned back to her in shock. "All of them willing to step forward for you. They just needed a place to be heard."
"People around the world believe in you Clark. You need to believe in yourself," Paige told him gently and Clark looked away, wondering if she was truly right.
Kent Farm, next day
Afternoon
Sitting down in the living room, Clark, Paige, Martha, Oliver and Chloe watched a news report on the VRA.
"This historic vote is the first of its kind, with an unprecedented number of people going to the polls," the news reporter said. "I've just been told, with all fifty states reporting in, we can announce that measure to repeal the Vigilante Registration Act…has passed."
Clark let out the breathed he didn't know he was holding as they all cheered. He pulled Paige to him in a hug, feeling as though he could finally breathe.
"Thank you for never giving up, even when I did," Clark whispered into her ear.
"Kind of my job as your Whitelighter," Paige joked as they released each other.
Clark laughed lightly before pulling Martha aside.
"I thought people had given into hate, I didn't realize how much hope there was," Clark said in relief. "I wish I would have had more faith, I want to be the man you made that suit for."
"Clark, you don't need a suit to be the world's hero," Martha assured him.
"When I saw all those people willing to defend me, it was inspiring. Kind of got me to think that if I want the Blur to be a true beacon of hope…then maybe people need to see my face," Clark said, surprising Martha. "I met someone who knew me in the future; they said I wore nerd clothes and glasses. Maybe…maybe that's how I disguise myself."
"Well, I'm sure you still look very handsome," Martha assured him and Clark laughed.
"Mom, I'm just not sure how I can treat Clark Kent as a disguise. You and Dad raised me to be who I am right now, the real Clark Kent," Clark said doubtfully.
"What's real is your strength and integrity and compassion. As long as you remain honest to those things, it doesn't matter what you wear or what name you go by, you will always be my son," Martha told him gently.
"So you think I should become that hero, step into the light?" Clark inquired.
"Clark, you are the light," Martha told him.
Clark smiled slightly before pulling Martha into a hug.
"Oh gosh, your father would be so proud," Martha said and Clark's smile dimmed, wondering if he should tell her about Jonathan.
"Mom…" Clark began, trying to put it into as Martha pulled back.
"I think he would like Paige as well," Martha said, glancing from where Paige was talking to Chloe and Oliver. "She's not like other girls, is she?"
"Not exactly," Clark said, knowing what his mother was asking but not willing to betray Paige's secret.
"Whatever the case, I'm glad you found someone who can understand you," Martha said with a smile.
Watchtower
Afternoon
Clark led Paige, Oliver, Tess, Chloe and Kara into the building. Clark and Oliver pulled some of the sheets off the equipment as Chloe picked up a remote. Pressing it, the window unsealed and light filled the room.
"Looks like we're back in business," Oliver said with a smile and a glance at Clark, who nodded as he stared out at the city.
San Francisco
Night
Darryl was taking out the trash when he felt a presence behind him. Tossing the bags into the bin, he turned around, reaching for his gun but paused as he saw it was Clark.
"You feel like pulling a gun on me?" Clark said amused.
"Don't think it would do much difference," Darryl said as he lowered his hand back to the side. "Sorry, instincts of a cop, you know?"
"Yeah, I do," Clark said with a nod. "I hear you wanted to say something to me?"
"Kind of already said it, but thank you for coming here so I can say in person. Thank you for helping me bring my family home," Darryl said gratefully.
"Way I see it, if it weren't for me, you might not have put in a position where you needed to worry about if it wasn't for me. But you're welcome. I feel like I should be thanking you. It took a lot of courage to do what you did," Clark pointed out.
"I become a cop because I believe in doing the right thing. If I had to, I'd the same thing all over again," Darryl said earnestly.
"I believe you. You're a good man Darryl," Clark noted.
"So are you. You have to, to do what you do," Darryl noted and paused. "You and Paige…are you serious about her?"
"Are you trying to give me the big brother talk?" Clark asked in amusement.
"Paige and I have had our issues, but she's like a sister to me. And she hasn't always had the best luck with men," Darryl said, wondering how foolish he must look to Clark.
"I know. I'm hoping to change that," Clark said with a smile.
"Just…treat her like she deserves. She's bene through a lot," Darryl warned him.
"I know. And I'll do my best," Clark promised.
"That's all I want," Darryl assured him.
Clark nodded and, after a moment, he turned around and sped off.
Kent Farm
Not long after
Paige was in the kitchen, putting dishes away after dinner. Martha had gone back to DC and Kara had left to go who knows where, Kara rarely stayed at the house, so she and Clark were usually on their own. She had just put the last dish away when Clark sped back in.
"Hey, how'd things go with Darryl?" Paige inquired.
"Good. I think he said what he wanted to say," Clark assured her.
"Good. So, feel up for a movie?" Paige asked, confused when Clark looked at her with an unreadable look on her face. "What? What is it?"
"I love you," Clark said and Paige froze in surprise. "I've been trying to figure out how to tell you for the last few days, but I didn't know how. So I'm coming out and saying it. I love you, Paige Matthews."
For a moment, Paige was silent and Clark worried that he'd moved too fast. Then Paige walked over to him and grabbed his face, pulling into a kiss.
"I love you too, Clark Kent," Paige said once she pulled back before pulling him back into a kiss.
And that's it for Beacon.
The scene where Clark watches the videos always gets me.
Always kind of bugged me how Oliver and Tess weren't with Clark and the others when they reopened Watchtower.
We've focused a lot on the Smallville side of things for a while, but now we're going to get back to Charmed, with a splice of Smallville as the story begins to reach its endgame.
Stay tuned.