Look Up - Part 1 (Preview) (Patreon)

(AN: So since it was the most promised I started working on Look Up, Part 1 isn’t finished but I got the first 10k words here so im gonna post them and maybe do a view updates until you get the full thing. Or maybe not idk. Anyway this part will explore Clark growing up, and finding out what a Hero is in this universe and finding out what his place is in this world. Hope you enjoy.)

Why do we look up?

What is it about the infinite vastness of the sky that makes humans gaze up to it. It is sometimes said that when you look into the void it drives you mad, and yet humans have gazed up into the sky since the dawn of time. Instead of being broken by it, they were inspired, they reached for it despite being held down to the ground.

Why do we look up when we make a wish?

What made sailors look up when trying to find their way home?

What did humanity want when they first looked to travel off their world and into the stars?

Why is it so common a phrase to look up to someone?

What made Galileo look up towards the stars?

When we fall what makes us look up before we even start to stand?

Why do we look up?

When babies are first brought into the world they look up, often seeing the smiling faces of their mothers.

When babies grow into children they still look up at their parents, their symbols of love and safety.

When those children grow into adults they still often look up trying to find answers to the questions that still plague them.

Such a simple act has had such a profound effect on history as humanity knows it. Perhaps no one will ever know for sure why humanity has always looked up, or perhaps the answer is a simple one.

Hope.

For hope is the intangible desire that despite all the evil and hate in the world, things will end up being okay. There has never and will never be a world without hope, for a world without hope is one that has forgotten to look up.

Perhaps those were the reasons why Martha Kent stood outside on the porch of her family farm looking up into the stars. Or perhaps it was none of those reasons, yet it was her standing there at the exact moment that caused one of her deepest hopes to come true. The world would remember it as the night a meteor hit the town of Smallville, but Martha Kent and her husband Jonathan would remember it as the night their son came to them.

They had been hoping for years—praying even—for a child. Just one. Someone to fill the house with giggles and little feet on the stairs and muddy boots by the door. Marriage had been good to them, real good, except in that one corner of their life that stayed empty no matter how much they wished it did not. They tried doctors, tried church, tried waiting. Nothing ever came.

Until that night.

Martha was sitting out on the porch, rocking slow and staring up like always, when she saw it—a streak of fire tearing across the sky like a match scraped against the dark. It hit their back field with a crash that rattled the windows. Jonathan came running out with the shotgun, thinking maybe a plane or some kind of trouble, but what they found out there in the field sure as hell was not any normal kind of wreckage.

It was not a meteor.

It was a ship. Small, silver, shaped like nothing they had ever seen, humming soft and glowing with this strange kind of light. And sitting inside, wrapped up safe like someone meant for him to get there in one piece... was a baby.

A little baby boy, with wide blue eyes staring up at them like he didn't just crash down into the earth.

A Gift.

That is what they called him. From the stars, from God, from fate. In the end it did not matter where. They held him close, feeling that tiny heart beating steady as a drum, and just knew it. He was theirs.

They did not call anyone. Did not hand him over. Did not tell a soul. He was Clark Kent from that night on, and that was that.

For the first five years, he was the kind of boy parents dream of. Happy as can be, always smiling, always running around with that boundless energy kids have. He would chase Shelby out through the back fields, laughing while the dog barked and circled him. Or he would be over by the Langs playing tag with Lana. Every day was something new.

Heroes filled his little world. He loved them. All of them. Silver Sentinel most of all—said he was the best, with that shiny armor and big cool sword. Clark would tie a towel around his shoulders and run up and down the yard like he was flying, saving invisible folks and fighting make-believe monsters with a stick sword and a plastic helmet.

Jonathan was not much for the superhero stuff. Thought it was all glitz and noise—Vought International making millions selling dreams to folks who did not know better. But he never said a word against it to Clark. He just went along. Took him to every movie that came out, even the real loud ones with too many explosions. Sat right beside him with popcorn and a big smile, listening to Clark ramble the whole drive home about laser eyes and power armor and bad guys getting what was coming to them.

They had hoped for a child for years and nothing would stop them from making the most of the time they had now.

That was how the Kents spent the first years of Clark's life.

_____________________________________

"7!"

"6!"

"5!"

"4!"

"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

"Ready or not here I come!" Martha Kent shouted, standing outside the barn beside the Kent family home. Moving on her tip toes she entered the barn with a cat-like smile on her face. "Where is my little hero," she called out as she stalked towards the first stable stall.

"Is he here!" She jumped into the stall, only to see that it was empty. Only a small bale of hay and an empty bucket. With her hand on the wooden door she moved along to the next stall. Empty again. "Mmm it seems my little man has gotten better at hiding," Martha said, as she moved away from the stalls and towards the ladder. She smiled as she heard the wood creak from the second floor; she quickly moved to the ladder and climbed up its rungs. "Are my ears deceiving me or did I hear the sound of a naughty boy being up where he shouldn't be," she said, as she climbed onto the second floor.

The second floor of the barn was mostly unused, and contained various junk collected over the years the Kent family had lived there. Apart from that it did have a spectacular view of the night sky from one of its large windows, and was one of the favourite places of a certain Kent. "Clarkkkk where are youuuu," Martha said in a sing-song voice. Her gaze drifted across the various pieces of junk—old tractor parts, boxes of clothing, antiques—and they narrowed onto a mannequin that lay stood the back.

A smile graced her features as she could see a pair of feet that didn't belong there. Martha causally walked across there. "Boy I hope I can find Clark soon, otherwise Pa and I are gonna have to eat that whole cherry pie without him..." her smile widened when she saw the feet by the mannequin start to bounce from one to the other.

"I can't seem to find him anywhere," she said while scratching her head, looking around obliviously despite being right next to the mannequin. Martha then heard a small chuckle from her left—right where the mannequin happened to be. "Did I hear something?" She said aloud, "it sounds like I heard a little boy giggling, but that can't be right." She moved over to the mannequin while keeping her eyes away from it.

The moment she got close enough she pounced and grabbed a little boy from behind it. "Found you!" She called out with a smile, making the boy laugh and giggle, as she spun him around.

"I was hiding here the whole time!" Clark said while laughing. "You didn't see me!" He hugged onto his mother.

"You're getting too good as this game hun," Martha said as she started walking back to the ladder. "Next time I might need Shelby to come and help track you down with that big ol' nose of his." She booped him on the nose causing the young boy to giggle again.

"How did you get up here hun?" She asked. She was more than a little curious. Clark had always scared of the ladder that led up here after he fell off two years ago.

"I flew!" Clark said with a wide smile, while throwing his arms up in the air.

"Oooh did you now? I didn't know my little boy was the Homelander." She lifted him higher while spinning him around.

"Nuh uh, I'm Silver Sentinel!" Clark replied.

Martha smiled as she climbed down the ladder with Clark on her hip. "Well Silver Sentinel still has to eat dinner," she said, as she walked out of the barn.

"Can we watch the Young Guardians!?" Clark asked, looking up at his mother, his eyes wide enough to give the family dog a run for its money.

"You know the rule Clark, dinner time is family time," she said chidingly. "It's the only time all three of us get to spend time together."

"Awww but mommm," Clark whined, his little feet kicking in the air as Martha carried him across the yard towards the farmhouse. Inside, the kitchen smelled of warm cherry pie and roasted chicken, the table set with three plates just waiting.

Jonathan Kent looked up from his newspaper, his glasses perched on the end of his nose, a smile creasing his face as he saw his wife and son come in. "Well look what the cat dragged in," he said with a chuckle, folding the paper aside. "Our little escape artist finally got caught huh?"

Martha set Clark down in his chair, ruffling his dark hair. "Yup, found him up in the loft behind that old mannequin. Sneaky as a fox this one." She moved to the oven, pulling out the pie with mitts that had seen better days. "And get this Pa, he says he flew up there. Our boy's got quite the imagination."

Jonathan leaned over, giving Clark a wink. "Flew did ya? Well if you're flyin' now, maybe tomorrow you'll be pullin' the plow all by yourself. Save your old man some backache." He laughed, a deep rumble that filled the room, as he served up the chicken and potatoes.

Clark bounced in his seat. "I did fly! Like Silver Sentinel! Zoom!" He made whooshing sounds, arms out like wings, nearly knocking over his milk glass.

"Easy there hero," Martha said, steadying the glass with a grin. "No flyin' at the table. Now let's say grace." They bowed their heads, Jonathan leading in a simple prayer thanking for the food, the farm, and their family.

As they ate, Clark chattered on about the stars he'd seen from the barn window, how they looked like they were winking at him. "Do you think there's people up there Pa? Lookin' down at us?"

Jonathan chewed thoughtfully, glancing at Martha with that knowing look they'd shared since that fateful night years ago. "Maybe son. Maybe they're lookin' up too, wonderin' the same thing."

Martha nodded, her heart swelling as she watched her boy, this gift from the stars. Why do we look up? She thought again, slicing into the pie. Perhaps because sometimes, the answers we are looking for come crashin' down to us.

_____________________________________

Things changed after Clark's fifth birthday.

Started small. Little stories. Clark said he flew. Martha and Jonathan would laugh, thinking it was just pretend. Kids talk big. But then, one day in the barn, while Clark was helping Pa fix up the tractor, something happened. The jack slipped. The metal came down hard and fast. Would have crushed Jonathan clean. But it did not. Because Clark, that little boy with his hands still covered in dirt, just reached out and caught it. Caught it. Held it like it was nothing.

That is when everything flipped.

They kept it quiet, but things started happening real fast after that. He got stronger. Could lift bales of hay like they were made of cotton. Then one day he floated clean off the ground, hovered there like the wind forgot to pull him back. Chickens squawked and scattered. Martha nearly dropped a plate. Then came the running. So fast he blurred. The super hearing. Said he could hear the Wilsons whispering in their kitchen half a mile off. Then the heat beams—burned clean through a fence post by accident. Then the fall from the barn roof that did not leave a bruise.

He was strong. He could fly. He could take a hit and not even blink.

He was... well... he was just like the Homelander. From the Seven, the world's greatest hero. Same powers, more or less. But not the same boy.

Martha was wonderstruck. "He is a miracle," she would say. "Our miracle." As if she expected such a thing from her son.

Jonathan... well, not so much. He did not trust Vought. Did not trust what they did to people. "They are poison," he would mutter over supper. "Selling gods in capes to the highest bidder. If they find out about Clark..."

There were arguments. Small ones at first. Then louder. After Clark went to bed, voices would rise in that kitchen. Martha saying he could be hope. Jonathan saying he could get taken. Used. Changed. Every time it ended the same. Them holding each other, scared more than anything.

But in the end, they agreed.

It was Clark's choice.

Someday.

Not now. Not while he was still so small, not while he still ran around with his cape-towel and made "whoosh!" noises at the dinner table.

For now, he was just a boy.

Just a boy with a big heart.

Let him run. Let him laugh. Let him look up at the stars without having to carry them just yet.

_____________________________________

*BOOM*

A baseball cracked across the sky, trailing a ripple through the clouds like a stone skipping across water. It was going just over the speed of sound, spinning fast, a streak of wind moving in its wake—and Clark Kent was right behind it.

He hung there just above the clouds, fifteen now and already pretty tall for his age, a head above most of his classmates. His shoulders were broad, his chest filling out the flannel shirt he still wore half-buttoned over his school tee. His hair was black and wild, messy in that way that made it look like he'd just rolled out of bed—even though he'd already flown halfway across the county that morning.

He laughed loudly, as a streak of white tore through the air below him.

"Get it, Krypto!" Clark called out, grinning as the white Labrador launched up through the mist like a furry little missile, mouth snapping shut on the ball mid-air. The dog wagged his tail so hard he spun a little before streaking right for Clark, legs pumping through the sky like it was a field. The dog slammed into him with all the joy of a cannonball, knocking Clark backwards in the air. The two of them tumbled head over heel across the clouds, laughing—well, Clark was laughing, Krypto barked excitedly, tail flailing like a propeller.

"Come on, buddy! I'll race you back home!"

Clark shot off like a comet, arms at his sides, wind peeling past his ears. Krypto barked once and zipped after him. They swerved through clouds, dove down over the tree line, even buzzed the top of a silo where old man Becker was just finishing up his morning chores.

Luckily he didn't look up.

Clark laughed as Krypto gained on him, then reached out and gave the dog a gentle nudge to the side, sending him spiraling with a surprised bark. But Krypto recovered quick, zipped back up and snapped playfully at the hem of Clark's shirt, tugging it just enough to slow him down. They hit the backyard at nearly the same time, kicking up a gust of wind that knocked over a watering can and made the clothesline snap.

"Clark Joseph Kent!" Martha called from the back porch, arms crossed. She had an apron on and flour on her fingers. "You were only supposed to take him on a walk!"

"Oh come on, Ma," Clark said, still catching his breath, "you know how much he loves playin' catch up there. Don't you, boy?" He knelt and rubbed Krypto's head, and the dog leaned into it, tail thumping the dirt like a drum.

Martha rolled her eyes but could not hide the smile tugging at her lips. "Get in here and eat before you're late for school."

Clark grinned and jogged toward the porch. "I'll be in in a sec, Ma," he called back.

"Oh, aren't you walkin' with Lana today?"

"Nah," he said, hopping up the steps, "she got a ride from her boyfriend."

Martha gave a look as she wiped her hands on her apron. "I'll never understand what she sees in that boy."

Clark leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before sliding into his chair. "What, Grif? He's not too bad. Bit football focused, but he's a decent sort."

Martha tilted her head just a little. "I always thought... well, with how much time you and Lana spent together growing up, you'd end up with her."

Clark chuckled, grabbing a piece of toast. "Come on, Ma, you know it was never like that with us."

"Well, a mother can wish," Martha said, patting him on the shoulder.

"A father can too," Jonathan said, stepping into the kitchen with his sleeves rolled up, his hair tousled and arms still speckled with dirt. He looked like he had been out in the fields already, boots leaving faint smudges on the floor as he moved.

"Don't you start," Clark said, pointing his toast at him.

Jonathan chuckled as he went to the sink, washing his hands. "Did you fix up those fence posts like I asked you?"

Clark nodded, reaching down to scratch Krypto behind the ear. "Did it before I walked Krypto this morning."

"Good lad," Jonathan said. "Work ethic like that, I'm surprised you don't have a girlfriend yet."

Clark let out a long sigh, slouching back in his seat. "Most of the girls aren't interested in farm boys, Pa. They want to move to the big cities, where the heroes are. Not be slumped down here."

Jonathan looked over at Martha with a grin. "What do you reckon about that, Martha? Ol' Clark here thinks us Kent men slump down the women we end up with."

"Ah, fiddlesticks..." Clark muttered, dragging his hand down his face, only to look up and see Martha giving him the look—arms folded, eyebrows raised, lips pursed.

Jonathan, on the other hand, was grinning ear to ear.

"I'll have you know, young man," Martha said firmly, "that any woman would be lucky to be a Kent wife. This may not be a grand life, but I have a home, food on the table, and a family. I couldn't ask for anything more."

Clark sat up straighter, guilt in his eyes. "Sorry, Ma. I didn't mean it like that."

She softened, reaching to ruffle his hair. "Go on now, get moving before you're late."

Clark stood and grabbed his backpack from the door. "Love you both," he said over his shoulder.

"Be good, Krypto."

And with that, he was gone—just a whoosh, a gust of wind, and a faint ripple in the air.

Jonathan chuckled as he sat down in Clark's empty seat and shook his head. "So much energy nowadays."

"And you don't help, little man," Martha said, reaching down to stroke Krypto's head. The dog let out a low whine, ears down as he looked toward the door Clark had zoomed out of. "Ever since Clark found you in that stasis ship, or whatever that thing was, he hasn't gone anywhere without you."

Krypto whined again, looking positively betrayed.

Martha sighed, picked up a piece of bacon from the pan, and handed it to him.

The dog perked up instantly, tail thumping hard against the floor.

"Yeah," she said with a tired smile. "That's what I thought."

...

Clark flew with his arms tucked to his sides and the wind slicing past his face. The early morning light made the clouds glow gold and pink, and Clark drifted through them slow at first, letting his fingers trail through the mist.

Then he grinned.

And with a sudden burst, he shot upward before he flipped and dove headlong toward the horizon, cutting through the clouds like a bullet through water. The world came rushing up beneath him, fields turning into barns, roads winding like ribbons, and the familiar shape of Smallville rising in the distance. He slowed just enough not to create another sonic boom, easing into a glide before landing just outside of town, right behind an old feed shed near the railroad tracks. He checked around for anyone, then dusted himself off and jogged out into the open road, merging with the stream of students heading toward Smallville High.

With a deep breath, he adjusted his backpack, brushed a few leaves off his shoulder, and jogged out toward the road just as a few other students were walking past. By the time he rounded the corner and reached the front of the school, he was just another fifteen-year-old boy among many, no different from the others—well, no different on the outside.

The front lot was busy, buses letting off students, kids streaming out with half-zipped bags and slouched shoulders. Someone's Bluetooth speaker played music from a side pocket. A few students tossed a football back and forth across the sidewalk, getting yelled at by one of the assistant coaches.

Signs hung over the school entrance: WELCOME TO KANSAS CITY, TRIP WEEK – 10TH GRADE! Someone had added glitter to the edges.

Clark moved with the crowd until he spotted Chloe and Sam over by the lockers near the main entrance. Chloe had her usual energy this morning, her blonde ponytail swinging behind her while she seemed to be explaining something to Pete, likely some cryptic she had been researching for the past few weeks. Pete looked like he'd just rolled out of bed, hoodie still half on and a granola bar stuck in his mouth.

"Hey, guys," Clark said, flashing a warm smile as he approached.

"Clark! There he is," Chloe said, her eyes sparkling with as her smile reached them. "Thought you'd overslept again."

"Nah, just taking the scenic route," Clark replied, leaning against the locker next to hers.

Sam smirked, tossing his hair out of his eyes. "Scenic route, huh? Sounds like you got lost."

So, Clark, spill," Chloe started, her eyes narrowing playfully at him. "You vanished after practice yesterday. Were you out in the fields again, staring at the stars or whatever it is you do when you up and disappear on us?"

Clark chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck in that sheepish way he always did when she called him out. "Nah, just helping out on the farm. Dad had me fixing the tractor. You know how it is."

Sam snorted, weaving around a group of freshmen who were glued to their phones. "Farm boy strikes again. One day you're gonna show up to school covered in hay, and we're gonna have to pretend we don't know you." He bumped Clark's shoulder lightly with his own, grinning wide. "But seriously, man, you missed out. Chloe and I hit up the diner after. She annihilated me in air hockey... again."

Chloe laughed, a loud sound that made a couple of nearby kids glance over. "What can I say? I'm unstoppable. You should've seen his face when I scored that last point. Priceless. Next time, you're coming, Clark. No excuses."

"Deal," Clark said, his smile easy and genuine. The hallway smelled like a mix of cheap body spray, cafeteria breakfast, and that faint, ever-present scent of old textbooks, though for Clark all those smells were if they were right next to him; luckily after lots of practice he figured out how to dull them. As they rounded a corner, squeezing past a cluster of cheerleaders gossiping by the water fountain, Sam's eyes lit up like he'd just remembered something.

"Dude I can't believe I forgot, Kansas City's gonna be wild," Sam said, his hands whipping outwards. "The Young Americans are showing up, and I heard the Silver Sentinel himself is gonna be there mentoring them. Like, actual superheroes in the flesh!"

Chloe grinned, nudging Clark. "Yeah, it's gonna be epic. I bet Clark's already got his Silver Sentinel fanboy checklist ready—autograph, selfie, maybe a cape to sign?"

Clark's cheeks flushed a soft pink, and he shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to play it cool. "I'm not his number one fan, Chloe. There's gotta be people out there with way more merch than me. I just... appreciate what he stands for, okay?"

Chloe and Sam burst out laughing, Chloe doubling over slightly. "Oh, please, Clark," she said, poking his sides playfully, making him squirm. "You're such a Boy Scout. If you were a supe, they'd call you the All-American, no question."

Clark rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at his lips. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up."

Still chuckling, the trio headed toward their first class, weaving through the bustling hallway. As they entered the classroom, Clark's gaze landed on his childhood friend Lana Lang, her dark hair falling in soft waves as she sat near the window. She looked up, her eyes brightening. "Hey, Clark," she said with a bright smile.

"Hey, Lana," he replied, his smile softening as he took the seat beside her.

She tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. "You made it just in time. I was starting to think you'd gotten held up at the farm again."

Clark grinned, leaning back in his chair, his broad shoulders brushing against the wooden backrest. "Wouldn't miss it for the world. Especially not with the trip coming up. You excited about Kansas City?"

Her lips curved into a smile, and she propped her chin on her hand, elbow on the desk as she faced him more fully. "Absolutely," she replied, her tone laced with genuine enthusiasm. "It's like a mini-escape from Smallville. No more cows, or cornfields, just city lights and maybe some actual fun. Grif's already talking about dragging me to that barbecue spot he loves. What about you? Planning to hit up any spots with Chloe and Sam?"

He laughed lightly. "Yeah, sounds good. I'd settle for just hanging out as a group. Maybe grab some ice cream or check out that hero exhibit downtown. You know, normal stuff."

Lana's eyes twinkled with amusement, and she leaned in a fraction closer. "Normal stuff, huh? Coming from the guy who's always got his head in the clouds about space or whatever. Still... we should all stick together on the trip, make it a friends thing."

"I'd like that," Clark said. "A lot. Tell Grif he's invited too."

She nodded, a soft laugh escaping her. "Will do. He's excited, says it's our first big trip as a couple."

Before either could say more, the classroom door swung open with a creak, pulling their attention forward. The teacher, Ms. Evelyn Harper, strode in. "Alright, everyone, settle down," Ms. Harper called out. "I know you're all buzzing about the Kansas City trip, and I don't blame you. But let me be clear: you're representing Smallville High. That means no shenanigans, especially with the Young Americans and the Silver Sentinel there. We don't want to embarrass our little town in front of a superhero team, do we?"

The class burst into cheers and whoops, the jocks in the back banging on their desks like they were at a football game. "Hell yeah, Silver Sentinel's gonna sign my jersey!" Whitney yelled, pumping his fist. "We're meeting real supes, boys!"

"Yo, think they'll let us play some ball with 'em?" another jock hollered, earning a round of laughs and high-fives.

Ms. Harper arched an eyebrow, her lips quirking up as she held up a hand. "Alright, alright, simmer down before you break the furniture," she said, her voice cutting through the noise with that mix of stern and amused. "I get it, it's exciting, but let's not start a ruckus here. Save it for the city."

The room quieted to scattered chuckles, and she nodded. "Class dismissed, go get on those buses. And remember what I said."

Kids grabbed their bags and shuffled out, the hallway turning into a mad rush. "This is gonna be lit," someone muttered ahead of Clark as they spilled into the parking lot, the yellow buses idling with doors open.

Clark stuck close to Chloe and Sam. "You think the buses have AC? Last trip I sweated through my shirt," Sam griped, wiping his forehead dramatically.

Chloe rolled her eyes. "Drama queen. At least it's not the ancient one with the sticky seats. Come on, let's grab the back."

They piled on, the bus filling with shouts and laughter—kids claiming seats, tossing bags overhead. "Window seat's mine!" a girl called out, shoving her friend playfully. Clark slid into a row near Chloe and Sam, the vinyl seat creaking under him as the engine growled to life. The bus lurched forward, tires crunching gravel, and the chatter ramped up. "So, what's the plan when we get there?" Chloe asked, twisting to face them. "Straight to the hero meet-and-greet, or off for food first?"

Sam grinned, pulling out a crumpled map from his pocket. "Food, duh. I heard there's this barbecue joint that does ribs bigger than your arm. Clark, you're buying, farm boy owes us for all the times we covered for you."

Clark laughed. "Hey, I don't disappear that much. But fine, ribs on me."

The three friends continued to laugh and joke while on the road. While Clark played it cool initially he was excited to meet some heroes in the flesh, especially since the Young Americans were around the same age as them.

Also Silver Sentinel.

An older hero, almost from the dawn of heroes—coming just after Solider Boy and Payback. He was a true hero, one who always did his best to save the day. The best thing about him though, he stayed true to his roots. He could've joined the seven or made it big in one of the larger cities but he never left the Midwest.

*Even the quiet places need saving*

Clark would never forget the time he heard him say that. In truth it inspired him to be a hero. At least when he was younger. Ma and Pa said they'd support whatever decision he made in the future, but they wanted him to realise what being a hero meant. He'd no longer have any privacy, he'd belong to the public and to Vought. They would also take a special interest in him as he had powers just like Homelander. The news would eat all that up and he would soon see an army of reporters flooding Smallville to get any information on him they could.

Clark wanted to save people, he wanted to be a hero just like Silver Sentinel. But he also loved his life with his family and his friends, he liked working on the farm with his Pa and he liked Smallville. Despite not being their real son Ma and Pa had never treated him any different.

*Clark... you're my son, that's all you'll ever be, no matter where you came from or if you're human or not you are Clark Kent and I am your father*

Clark smiled as he looked out the window. He had a good life now, and maybe he wasn't a hero, but that wasn't too bad. Right?

_____________________________________

Annie hunched over the porcelain toilet in the cramped bathroom stall, her blonde hair falling in disarray as she retched violently, the acrid taste of bile and half-digested burger flooding her mouth. Her costume clung uncomfortably to her skin, the fabric bunching up around her knees as she knelt on the cold tile floor.

Outside the stall door, her mother, Donna January, stood with arms crossed, her face etched in a stern frown, lips pursed in disapproval. "Annie, I expected better from you," she snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut through the lingering echo. "That junk food? It's poison. You'll blow up like a balloon and won't fit into that costume. Do you want to ruin everything we've worked for?"

Annie wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, the tang lingering as she pushed herself to her feet. She felt a wave of defeat wash over her, her reflection in the stall's small mirror showing puffy eyes and smeared makeup. "Mom, it was just one burger," she murmured in a small voice as she unlocked the door and stepped out. "The others were having them. It wasn't a big deal."

Donna's expression hardened further, her hands planting on her hips. "The others? Annie, listen to me. Those kids they don't have the bright future you do. They'll be stuck in the Young Americans forever, peddling their little gimmicks for scraps. But you? You're heading for greater things, real hero status. But not if you give in to every temptation that comes your way." She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a grave whisper. "The devil will tempt you, sweetheart, but you have to be strong. If you're going to be a good Christian, a true hero, you resist. You rise above."

Annie just stood there with her head bowed, as her mother's words rained down like blows, each one stinging deeper than the last. She nodded numbly, not daring to argue back, her hands twisting the hem of her costume.

Finally, Donna sighed, glancing at her watch. "Clean yourself up and make yourself presentable. There are lots of people coming to see the Young Americans today. Don't let them down."

"Okay, Mom," Annie whispered, her voice barely audible.

Donna gave her a curt nod and turned on her heel, the door clicking shut behind her. Alone now, Annie shuffled to the sink, turning on the faucet with trembling fingers. She cupped water to her mouth, swishing it around before spitting, then grabbed a bottle of mouthwash from her bag, gargling fiercely to banish the sour taste. Wiping her face with a paper towel, she stared into the mirror, her blue eyes meeting her own weary gaze. "You are a hero," she told her reflection firmly. "You will be perfect. You can be better."

She took a deep breath, straightening her posture and smoothing out her costume, composing herself until the vulnerability faded behind a mask. Then, she stepped out of the bathroom and back into the dressing room assigned to her. She sank into the chair, closing her eyes for a moment, trying to center herself.

A knock on the door shattered the quiet. "Miss Starlight?" a young runner called from outside.

Annie stood, opening the door a crack. "Yes?"

"Silver Sentinel wants everyone in the meeting room in five minutes," he said, clipboard in hand, looking harried.

"Thanks," she replied with a polite smile. "I'll be there in a minute."

As the runner hurried off, she closed the door and whispered to herself again, "You can be better." She checked her makeup one last time, adjusting her headpiece and ensuring every seam of her costume was flawless, before heading down the hallway to the meeting room.

When she walked in, Drummer Boy was already lounging in a chair, his red-and-blue outfit rumpled as he laughed mid-sentence with Holy Mary, who sat primly across from him in her flowing black and white robes. Alex looked up, his face lighting up with boyish excitement. "Annie! There you are. Where've you been hiding? This convention center's got a kickass breakfast buffet."

Annie forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes, staying tight at the corners. "I'm not feeling too hungry right now."

Holy Mary snorted softly, quickly masking it with a cough into her fist, her eyes flicking away innocently.

Alex shrugged, unfazed, popping a grape from a nearby fruit bowl into his mouth. "Suit yourself. But hey, you excited? Apparently, this is gonna be the largest gathering we've ever had. My rep tells me it's gonna boost our ratings through the roof."

Holy Mary nodded eagerly, her curls bouncing. "Totally. Higher ratings mean more opportunities—charity events, sponsorships. We could really make a difference... and yeah, the perks don't hurt."

Annie wasn't feeling the enthusiasm, a knot still twisting in her stomach, but she just smiled and nodded, murmuring a noncommittal "Yeah, sounds great."

"Come now, Drummer Boy, ratings aren't everything," a deep, resonant voice interjected from the doorway.

Silver Sentinel entered the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. He was an older man, lines of experience etched around his eyes and mouth, but still imposingly massive at around 6'5", his broad frame clad in gleaming silver armor that hugged his muscular build. Massive white wings arched from his back, and a long sword hung at his belt, its hilt etched with symbols.

"Our first priority is always to the people," he continued, as he took a seat at the head of the table. "Even if a person hates us, it's our duty to save them. That's what being a hero is."

Alex flushed a bit, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry, sir. Got carried away."

Silver Sentinel smiled warmly, waving it off. "No need for that, Drummer Boy. You are learning, as you all are. And while I'd rather take you out there and show you what heroes do in the field, part of being a hero is appearances like these."

He leaned forward, his wings folding neatly. "So make sure you're on your best behavior. Feel free to show off a bit, but be humble. People like a hero who's relatable."

Pulling out a tablet, he scrolled through the schedule. "Itinerary for today: We'll start with a Q&A session, then a meet and greet with fans. After that, a mock spar, you three against some actors we've hired to play criminals. Keep it flashy but safe."

He glanced up. "There's a raffle as well. Starlight, you'll be handling that."

"A raffle?" Annie asked, tilting her head.

"Yeah, just a bunch of our merchandise as prizes—t-shirts, posters, that sort of thing. Though four of the prizes are one-on-ones with one of us. Quick chats, autographs, nothing major."

Silver Sentinel pocketed the tablet and stood. "That covers it. Our reveal's in less than an hour, so get ready. Let's make this a good one."

As the meeting wrapped up, Annie lingered in her seat, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the table while Drummer Boy and Holy Mary filed out, chatting animatedly about the raffle prizes. The door clicked shut behind them. She glanced up at Silver Sentinel, who was gathering his notes, and rose quietly, approaching him with hesitant steps.

"Um, Silver Sentinel?" she said tentatively. "Isn't... isn't what we're doing kind of a waste of time? I mean, is it smart to leave Des Moines and come all the way here? There could be things happening back there right now, while we're gone."

Silver Sentinel turned to her, his expression softening into a paternal smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling beneath his silver helm. He reached out a large, gauntleted hand and gently rubbed the top of her head, tousling her blonde hair slightly. "Ah, Starlight," he said warmly. "This is all part of being a hero. If we didn't do these appearances, the money wouldn't come in. And without that funding? We'd all be stuck working day jobs, scraping by with barely any time left to save people. It's the unglamorous side, but it's what keeps the lights on."

He tilted his head, studying her with a knowing look. "Hasn't your mother explained this to you?"

Annie nodded, her cheeks flushing under his gaze. "She has."

"Then listen to her," Silver Sentinel advised, his hand lingering a moment longer on her head before dropping to his side. "She's got a good head on her shoulders and knows this profession inside and out. Trust me, she's steering you right."

"Yes, sir," Annie murmured in a small voice, her eyes fixed on the floor.

"Good girl," he replied, his tone approving as he gave her shoulder a light pat. "Now, go get ready. We've got a show to put on."

_____________________________________

"Alright, everyone, you're free to explore the convention center," Mr Hargrove announced in his no-nonsense tone. "Check out the exhibits, meet some supes, have fun—but remember, do not leave the center without telling a teacher first. And make sure you're all back in the hotel lobby by 6 p.m. sharp. Got it? No excuses."

As the other students started to disperse like a flock of birds taking flight, Chloe threw her hands up dramatically and yelled, "We're free!" Her voice echoed slightly over the crowd, drawing a few glances from passersby.

The trio wasted no time diving into the sea of attractions. They wandered through the halls, eyes wide at the array of exhibits showcasing old hero memorabilia. There was Silver Sentinel's first costume on display—a sleek, metallic silver suit with a flowing cape, scuffed from early battles, mounted in a glass case.

Nearby, outfits from past members of the Young Americans hung in illuminated alcoves: the red-and-blue ensemble of Patriot Girl, the high-tech armor of Tech Titan, and the cloak of Nightshade, each with plaques detailing their heroic deeds.

Sam paused at one display, staring enviously at a group of cosplayers walking by in elaborate hero getups. "Man, I'm so disappointed I didn't dress up as a hero today," he grumbled, crossing his arms. "Look at all these people! I could've been, like, a mini A-Train or something. This is lame."

Chloe burst out laughing, nudging him with her elbow. "Oh please, Sam. You'd look ridiculous in spandex. What, you think you'd pull off the tights? You'd trip over your own feet."

Sam shot her a mock-glare. "Hey, I'd rock it! Clark, back me up here—tell her I'd make an awesome hero."

Clark, who had been geeking out over a holographic projection of a famous Young Americans battle, got pulled into the fray. "Uh, well... Sam's got spirit, Chloe. But yeah, maybe skip the cape..." He grinned, trying to play peacemaker.

Chloe rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "See? Even Clark thinks you're better off in civvies. Face it, Sammy, you're more sidekick material."

Their conversation flowed easily as they laughed and teased each other, weaving through the crowds. They snapped selfies with oversized statues of heroes, debated the best superpowers—Clark voted for flight, Chloe for super-intelligence, Sam for invisibility "for pranks of course". They just generally soaked in the atmosphere, and had fhe kind of fun that made the day fly by.

As they rounded a corner near a food court area, Chloe rubbed her stomach. "Okay, after this, we gotta hit that ribs place we saw on the way in. I'm starving for some barbecue sauce action."

Sam nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Extra spicy for me."

But before Clark could agree, a booming voice crackled over the speakers throughout the center: "Attention, all attendees! The Young Americans will be making their special appearance in the main hall in just 10 minutes! Don't miss it!"

"Golly, I guess we better put that food on hold," Clark said, his eyes lighting up like a kid on Christmas morning.

Chloe snorted, nearly choking on her laughter. "Did you really just say 'golly'? What are you, from the 1950s?"

Clark rolled his eyes, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "Shut up, Chloe."

Sam cracked up, clutching his sides. "His mom would kill him if she ever heard a curse exit his mouth!" He told Chloe who started to laugh too.

"You guys suck," Clark said, pouting slightly.

"Golly gee willikers I'm sorry Clark!" Chloe said.

"Yeah, yeah," Clark muttered, shaking his head with a grin. "Come on, guys, let's go."

They joined the surge of people filing into the massive main hall, a large space with tiered seating and a stage bathed in colorful lights. The air buzzed with anticipation, fans chattering and waving glow sticks. Clark led the charge, weaving through the growing crowd with determination, Sam and Chloe trailing behind.

"Slow down, fanboy!" Chloe called out, giggling as she grabbed Sam's arm to keep up. "Look at him go, it's like he's meeting his long-lost family."

Sam snickered. "Yeah, Clark, chill! You're gonna elbow someone in the face just to get a front-row spot?"

Clark glanced back, undeterred but smiling. "You guys have no idea how cool this is. The Young Americans? Live? And the Silver Sentinel! This is legendary!"

They managed to squeeze their way toward the front, elbowing past clusters of excited attendees until they were just a few rows back from the stage. Clark was in full fanboy mode, bouncing on his toes and rattling off facts: "Did you know Silver Sentinel once took down an entire cartel? And his sword, it's not just a weapon, it channels pure energy!"

Chloe and Sam exchanged amused looks, whispering mockingly, "Nerd alert," but they were caught up in his enthusiasm too.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and the announcer's voice thundered through the speakers, riling up the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen! Are you ready to witness the guardians of tomorrow? The team that's saved our state time and again? Give it up for... the Young Americans!"

The crowd roared as spotlights sliced through the darkened stage. "First up, the sonic heartthrob—Drummer Boy!" Alex, stormed in, his garish drum-themed suit glinting as he clapped, unleashing a shockwave that rattled the hall.

"Next, the blessed savior, Holy Mary!" The supe moved onto the stage waving before settling her hands, clasped in pious grace.

"The radiant powerhouse, Starlight!" Annie, dressed in her white-and-gold costume,, electricity crackling as she lit up the stage with light blasts.

"And finally, the leader, the legend himself.... the Silver Sentinel!"

The crowd held its breath as Silver Sentinel soared onto the stage from above, his wings flapping and kicking up wind, his metallic suit reflecting the lights in a dazzling display. He landed with a heroic thud, drawing his iconic sword in one fluid motion. With a dramatic flourish, he thrust it forward, and a brilliant beam of light shot out, illuminating the hall in a cascade of energy.

The crowd roared, a deafening wave of applause and screams. Clark was right there with them, cheering at the top of his lungs, his face lit up with pure awe, pumping his fist in the air as if he were part of the team himself.

Silver Sentinel stood tall and imposing on the elevated stage, he sheathed his glowing sword back into its scabbard at his hip, the metallic clink resounding through the hall. The crowd, a sea of eager faces from wide-eyed kids to adults, fell into a hush as he approached the microphone stand at center stage. A faint smile played on his lips. "Folks," he started, "let me just say one thing... you're the real heroes here. Day in and day out, you stand by us through thick and thin. Your unwavering support is the fuel that powers our missions, the wind beneath our capes. It's because of everyday good American Christian's like you that we can rise up and protect this great nation from threats both seen and unseen. And let's not forget a shoutout to our incredible partners—Vought Industries, who equip us with the unbreakable gear we need, and Horizon Energy, who keep us hydrated just after a fight!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, hands clapping furiously, some fans waving homemade signs emblazoned with "Young Americans Forever!"

Clark, sandwiched between Chloe and Sam near the front, felt a surge of inspiration wash over him, his heart pounding as if the speech were directed right at him.

Silver Sentinel grinned wider, his teeth flashing white under the lights, and raised a gloved hand to quiet the roar. "Now I'm going to keep this short and sweet so we can all have fun here!"

"We're kicking off a raffle right here at the con—your chance to win exclusive Young Americans merch, like limited-edition signed posters, action figures straight from Vought's vaults, and even a coveted backstage pass to hang with the team! Make sure you grab your tickets at the booths scattered around the center; proceeds go toward our community outreach programs. And that's not all—we've got a cosplay contest firing up at 3 p.m. in Hall C, where you can show off your best hero impressions and win prizes. Then, at 5 p.m., join us for an interactive hero training workshop, where we'll teach you some basic self-defense moves inspired by our battles. But hold onto your seats, because here's the big news that's got everyone talking..." He paused dramatically, letting the suspense build, the crowd leaning forward in their seats.

"The Young Americans are expanding our reach!" he declared, his voice booming. "Soon, we'll be establishing a new team base right in Kansas City, watching over the heartland and ensuring that every corner of this beautiful country is safe and secure!"

The hall exploded once more in thunderous applause, feet stomping on the floor, creating a quake that vibrated through the seats. Clark was on his feet, cheering louder than anyone around him, his fists pumping high in the air, eyes sparkling with unbridled awe and a touch of envy—he could picture himself right there, part of that legacy.

Silver Sentinel raised his voice to cut through the crowd. "With your continued support, we'll solidify our place as the greatest superhero team this country's ever seen!" The crowd went absolutely wild, a storm of whoops, whistles, and chants of "Young Americans!" filling the air. Clark felt like he was vibrating with excitement.

As the ovation gradually subsided, the lights dimmed slightly, and the announcer bounded back onto the stage. "What an incredible show from our heroes! Don't miss the Young Americans' exclusive meet-and-greet and Q&A panel at 4 p.m. sharp in Hall B—get up close and personal, ask your burning questions! And remember, those raffle winners will be announced at 6 p.m. in the main lobby, so keep your tickets handy. Stay heroic, folks, and keep the spirit alive!"

The stage lights faded as the team struck heroic poses for one last photo op, then exited amid lingering cheers. Clark spun toward Chloe and Sam, his face flushed with adrenaline, practically bouncing on his toes. "Guys, we need to get those raffle tickets. This is our chance, imagine winning a backstage pass! I could actually talk to Silver Sentinel!"

Chloe, her blonde ponytail swaying as she smirked, nudged Sam with her elbow, "Whoa there, calm down, Fanboy Kent. You gonna camp out all day for a signed cape? Or maybe ask Silver Sentinel to autograph your forehead?"

Sam, grinning like a Cheshire cat, piled on without missing a beat. "Yeah, Clark, it's like you're straight out of a comic—'Oh, Silver Sentinel, please adopt me and teach me your ways!' Next thing, you'll be writing fanfiction about it."

Clark rolled his eyes, but a grin tugged at his lips despite the teasing—he was used to their ribbing, and it only fueled his determination. "Laugh it up, you two. I'm getting a ticket anyway. You'll be jealous when I win big."

The trio spilled out of the hall along with the dispersing crowd. Chloe stretched her arms overhead, her graphic tee riding up slightly to reveal a sliver of toned midriff, and let out a contented sigh. "Alright, after that hype, I'm starving. Let's finally hit that ribs place we spotted earlier."

Clark hesitated at the edge of the group, glancing toward the raffle booths visible in the distance. "You guys go ahead. I'm gonna grab a raffle ticket real quick. Want me to pick one up for you? My treat."

Chloe chuckled. "No, you're alright, Stan. Knock yourself out."

"That's low, Chloe," Clark replied, shaking his head with mock offense, though his smile betrayed him.

Sam jumped in. "Yo, Silver, I wrote you, but you still ain't callin'! I left my cell, my pager, and my home phone at the bottom!" Chloe doubled over, laughing harder, clutching her sides as tears pricked her eyes.

"Okay, okay, I'm going now," Clark said, mock-exasperated but chuckling along, waving them off as he turned and headed deeper into the convention center. He weaved through the bustling halls, dodging groups of fans debating hero power rankings, past booths showcasing holographic displays of epic battles and cosplayers striking poses for photos. The raffle stand was a colorful setup near the center, adorned with Young Americans banners and staffed by enthusiastic volunteers in branded tees. Clark reached it, already picturing his winning ticket, but as he patted his pockets for his wallet, his hand came up empty. "Oh boy..." he muttered under his breath, a wave of frustration washing over him. Of course he'd left it back at the hotel room, tucked safely in his duffel bag.

Clark pivoted and hurried toward the exit, his long strides eating up the distance. Pushing through the glass doors, he was immediately assaulted by a sudden, relentless downpour, fat raindrops splattering against his glasses and soaking his plaid shirt in seconds. Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance, the sky a swirling mass of dark gray clouds. "Gee, the weather sure is getting bad," he murmured to himself, pulling his jacket tighter around his broad shouldersl. Water streamed down his face, as he jogged across the parking lot to the adjacent hotel, his sneakers squelching on the wet pavement.

Once inside the hotel lobby, he shook off like a wet dog, ignoring the curious glances from other guests, and dashed up the stairs to his room. Fumbling with the keycard, he burst in, grabbed his wallet from the nightstand where he'd absentmindedly left it during check-in, and stuffed it into his pocket. No time to waste—he bolted back out, the rain even heavier now, wind whipping sheets of water sideways as he sprinted toward the convention center, his clothes clinging uncomfortably to his skin.

Just as he neared the entrance, his breath coming in puffs, a piercing, wailing siren shattered the stormy air, rising and falling in that unmistakable, bone-chilling pattern. Clark's stomach dropped like a stone; growing up in the tornado-prone plains of Kansas, he knew that sound all too well—it was the tornado warning siren, blaring from speakers mounted on poles throughout the city.

Adrenaline surged through him as he yanked open the doors and bolted inside. The convention center had transformed into a scene of utter chaos: attendees panicking in every direction, some rushing blindly toward exits only to be funneled back by security shouting instructions, others huddling under tables or against walls, clutching bags and loved ones.

Shouts echoed off the high ceilings—"Where's the shelter?" "Is it coming this way?"—mixed with the cries of scared children and the frantic beeps of cell phones receiving emergency alerts.

Clark's eyes darted wildly around the crowd, his heart racing in his chest as he pushed forward, calling out, "Chloe! Sam!" desperate to find his friends.

Clark concentrated hard, his superhuman senses sharpening as he tried to drown out the screams, shattering glass, and the relentless howl of the wind whipping through the convention center's corridors. He closed his eyes for a moment, blocking it all out, focusing on the familiar voices of his friends. After a few minutes he managed to pick up Sam and Chloe.  They were in the basement with the other students from their group, huddled together in what sounded like a reinforced shelter area, the teacher's voice droning on about staying calm. Clark let out a slow breath, his shoulders relaxing just a fraction. At least they were safe for now.

But he couldn't shake the urge to assess the bigger threat. Pushing through the lobby, Clark slipped back outside into the storm, the rain lashing at him like icy needles, soaking his already drenched clothes to the skin. The sky was a vortex of black clouds, lightning cracking across the horizon. And there, barreling toward the city like a freight train, was a massive tornado. "Oh sugar..." Clark muttered under his breath, his eyes widening behind his rain-streaked glasses.

He didn't hesitate. Rushing back toward the entrance, Clark started herding the scattered crowds. "Everyone, get back inside! Head to the basement, it's the safest place! Move, now!" People were fleeing in all directions, some blindly running toward the parking lot, others frozen in terror.

He spotted a family stumbling in the wind and dashed over, helping them up, guiding them through the doors. "You're okay, just keep moving the basementis straight ahead!" More fell in the crush—an overweight guy in a hero cosplay tripping over his cape, a group of teens sprawling in a puddle—and Clark was there each time, lifting them effortlessly, as he urged them to safety.

Out in the streets, things kept getting worse. Cars swerved erratically, horns blaring as drivers tried to flee the city, but the wind was turning the roads into a nightmare. Vehicles skidded on the slick asphalt, crashing into each other. Screams pierced the air as people inside struggled, doors jammed, smoke rising from engines. The tornado moved closer, its roar like a thousand jets, debris swirling in its maw—billboards, roof tiles, even a parked bicycle twisting upward.

Clark jogged over without a second thought, his heart pounding. He yanked open a jammed car door with a subtle burst of super strength, pulling out a dazed driver whose forehead was bleeding. "You alright? Get to the convention center basement, quickly run!" He moved to the next, helping a woman and her kids from an overturned SUV, shielding them from flying debris with his body as the wind howled fiercer. All the while, the tornado inched nearer, its destructive path carving through the outskirts, power lines snapping like twigs.

What should he do? The question raced through Clark's mind as he worked. Should he stop it—reveal his powers, expose himself to the world? He'd kept his abilities hidden for so long, protecting his family, his life in Smallville. But people were dying out here. Lives hung in the balance.

The Young Americans are here, he reminded himself, glancing toward the convention center. They will stop it, right? Silver Sentinel and the team. But the wind escalated into a gale-force assault, ripping signs from buildings and hurling trash like shrapnel. Then, cutting through the wind, a terrified scream from above.

Clark's head snapped up, his enhanced vision piercing the storm—he saw a man, probably a maintenance worker or a fan, teetering on the edge of the convention center's roof, the wind shoving him toward the abyss. The guy lost his footing and plummeted.

Clark tensed to move, his body coiling like a spring, but in that split second, he saw a figure in white-and-gold move over the edge. Starlight. She grabbed Max's arm mid-fall. But the wind was too strong; her grip slipped on his rain-slicked jacket, and she teetered, her own balance failing as the gust pulled her over the edge too.

Clark didn't think a moment more. He launched off the ground in a blur flying upward, the air whooshing past him. Just as they both tumbled off the roof, Clark caught them, Starliht in one arm and the guy in the other. After flying back up to the roof he set them both down carefully. "You okay?" Clark asked, his voice steady despite the adrenaline.

The two stared at him, their faces pale with shock. Max, a lanky guy in a Vought staff uniform, shivered but nodded. Starlight, her blonde hair plastered to her face, her outfit clinging wetly to her body—blinked in disbelief but managed a nod too.

Clark's gaze shifted, spotting the source of a rotor noise—a sleek black helicopter on the far side of the roof, its blades whirring to life. Through the rain-streaked windows, he could make out the figures inside: Drummer Boy, Holy Mary, and at the center, Silver Sentinel himself, barking orders to the pilot.

Confusion hit Clark like a punch. "What... what are you doing?" he asked Starlight, turning to her. "Why are you leaving?"

He called out toward the chopper, "Hey! Wait!" but his voice was swallowed by the engine roar. The helicopter lifted off, banking away from the storm, leaving the city behind.

Starlight wiped rain from her eyes, her expression a mix of guilt and resignation. "The management team decided it was too dangerous to stay here. They ordered us to evacuate... said we couldn't risk the team's safety."

Clark's brow furrowed deeper. "But what about everyone else? Isn't Silver Sentinel going to help? That's what heroes do, protect people!"

Starlight looked away, her lips pressed thin, no answer forthcoming. The silence spoke volumes.

"Then why didn't you leave with them?" Clark pressed, his voice softer now.

She glanced at Max, who was still catching his breath. "I saw that Max was going to fall off, and I... I couldn't do nothing."

Clark smiled despite the situation, a genuine warmth breaking through. But that smile faded as the wind howled louder, the tornado's funnel now visible tearing through nearby buildings, debris vortexing higher.

"What do we do?" Starlight said, her voice trembling, eyes wide with fear—she looked out of her depth, the corporate polish cracking under real peril.

Clark glanced at the storm, then back at her. "Get people to safety. The basement of the convention center and the hotel—they're reinforced, should hold. Rally whoever you can."

Starlight nodded, a flicker of determination cutting through her scare, though her hands shook slightly. "Okay... okay, I can do that."

Without warning, Clark scooped her up in his arms—bridal style, around her waist and under her knees. She let out a startled scream, clutching his shoulders as the ground fell away. He flew them down swiftly to the ground, landing lightly amid the panicked crowds.

Then, with a nod to her, Clark launched back into the sky, soaring toward the heart of the storm.