The neon lights of Metropolis gleamed in the darkness as you pulled your jacket tighter against the cool night air. The city felt alien to you—so loud, so chaotic. It wasn’t like Smallville, where the stars were visible, and life moved slower. But then again, nothing had felt the same since Clark left.

The memory of that day was still fresh in your mind. The explosion. Martha’s anguished cries. The guilt etched into Clark’s face as he held onto the remnants of hope that crumbled alongside their dreams of a family. And then, just like that, he was gone. No goodbye. Just an empty barn and a gaping hole where he used to be.

It wasn’t hard to track him down. Stories of a mysterious figure with impossible strength and a penchant for trouble had been circulating for weeks. A string of robberies, high-stakes parties, and whispers of someone who seemed untouchable led you to this moment.

You stepped into the dimly lit bar, your heart pounding. Smoke and music filled the air, but your eyes locked onto him immediately. He stood by the pool table, clad in a black leather jacket, a ruby-red glow pulsing from the ring on his finger. His laugh was loud, his demeanor cocky—so different from the Clark you knew. But it was him. It was Clark.

“Clark!” you called out, louder than you intended.

He turned, his smile faltering when he saw you. For a moment, the Clark you knew flickered beneath the mask. “What are you doing here?” His voice was cool, detached, but his eyes betrayed him.