Brilliance (PG/PG-13)

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[NYC300Z]

You finally updated way to go Mooman! Hope the next one doesn't take 4ever like the last one! :lol:

[kewl]

yay, u updated!!!! hope it would be continuous though ;)

[MOOman0618]

Ok, now don't everybody be expecting an update REALLY soon. I am far too busy reading all the other wonderful fics to write my own! :) But I will do what I can to get it as soon as possible.

[SVsleuth]

So how often do you plan? Every 2 days? Twice a week? Once a week? Less than that? Not 4Ever, right???

[akuma]

Hmm....4Ever...:D, Yeah how often r the updates gonna be?

[midnite_spark]

can't wait to see what ray has in mind!!

PPMS!

[MOOman0618]

Well...my first deal was I would update after Ketchup did...so maybe my second deal should be I'll update after 4Ever does...but I don't think I could do that to you guys. I would never finish!:) So I would say no sooner than a week from now. But who knows maybe I will surprise myself.

[linn]

that was a great update wonderign what hes planning......ppms!

[NYC300Z]

yeah make a deal with 4Ever make her update too! naw i'm just playing I couldn't wait that long!:lol:

[Cardinal]

Woo-hoo!!! MOO's story has hit 10,000+ views! Go MOO! :p

[binkys711]

congrats on the view score dude! and you only updated once but it was very cute! I'm intrigued as to what the hell Ray is up to! PPMS!!!:D

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
Well...my first deal was I would update after Ketchup did...so maybe my second deal should be I'll update after 4Ever does...but I don't think I could do that to you guys. I would never finish!:) So I would say no sooner than a week from now. But who knows maybe I will surprise myself.

Your week has passed, MOO..... Are you at least working on an update? PLEEEEEASE! C'Mon, do it for Dr J while he's here.

PPMS!

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
Your week has passed, MOO..... Are you at least working on an update? PLEEEEEASE! C'Mon, do it for Dr J while he's here.

PPMS! That's sooo true! :D Now, be good and listen to SV!

[ajfinn]

MOO neglected to tell us that it was his BIRTHDAY yesterday!!!!!!!!!

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOOMAN!!!! You're one of the coolest dudes on the planet :D

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D


AND, your story is pure "Brilliance" so update soon!! :)

[sandy]

amazing story! ppmasap!!

[Cardinal]

Umm...I think MOO is really busy. Keeping a fiancee happy and taking graduate-level engineering classes tend to make a person busy. Don't expect too much out of him.

He barely has enough time to read and post comments for our stories as it is. :p

[ajfinn]

Okay, I'm almost caught up with this!! And I LOVE it!! So hurry and update so I'll have more to read :D

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
He barely has enough time to read and post comments for our stories as it is. :p

You pretty much nailed it right on the head. I am doing my best...but can't promise anything. Oh well...don't hate me :)

[SmallvilleMan]

BOO THIS MAN:p

[SVsleuth]

PPMS!

[NYC300Z]

PPMS!;)

[ajfinn]

I'm finished reading the whole fic now, Moo :) Excellent!!!!! NOW, you have to update, because I'm not as patient as these other peeps :lol: hee hee

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by ajfinn
I'm finished reading the whole fic now, Moo :) Excellent!!!!! NOW, you have to update, because I'm not as patient as these other peeps :lol: hee hee

Well...if we factor in the amount of time it took you to finish, and then relate that to how often I update...


You should expect one around Easter. :)

[NYC300Z]

Easter? Are you serious?

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Oh, C'mon, Moo, How about by Christmas, at least! Better yet, by Thanksgiving - 2005!( just to be clear) ;)

[kewl]

update pleez?

[Cardinal]

I'll paraphrase Billy Idol for you:

"In the midnight hour, we want MOO, MOO, MOO...

With a rebel yell, MOO, MOO, MOO..."

Keep writing boy! :p

[MOOman0618]

Ok, I know it has been a while. But I kept my promise and posted WELL before Christmas! If you all get lucky maybe I will crank another one out by New Years!! :)

--------------------------------------------------


Part 22

Ray arrived back in Smallville later that he expected, but he had to stop several times to refuel with coffee and Funyuns. First he drove back to Chloe’s house to apologize for running out on her the night before. He pulled up to her house just as she was leaving to go visit Lana at the Talon.

“Chloe, I’m glad I caught you.”

“Ray? You look awful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen eyes so bloodshot. Did you sleep at all?”

“Thanks Babe, good to see you too.” Ray smiled and moved in to give her a hug.

“I’m sorry; it is good to see you.” She gave him a quick kiss and leaned back in his hug so she could look at him easier. “But you deserve it after deserting me last night for no apparent reason.”

“Hey! I thought I was forgiven, and I did have a good reason. If you’ll come with me to Clark’s place I will show you why I had to leave so quickly.”

“Well…I was just going to see Lana, but I’ll just tell her to come to Clark’s too. You’re lucky I like you so much or you would be in some serious trouble.”

“So you like me now do you?” Ray flashed Chloe a very satisfied smirk, pulling her even closer to him. Chloe slowly moved close to Ray’s lips.

“Maybe a little,” she got one last grin out before their lips met and they shared a wonderful good morning kiss. They eventually made their way back to Ray’s car and drove to the Kent farm. Clark was working as they pulled into the driveway. He finished his work in superspeed well before they even got out of the car.

“Hey guys, how’s it goin?”

“Hey Clark.”

“Dude, I’ve got a surprise for you. You’re gonna freak.” Ray basically leaped from the car and scrambled to the trunk to unload his treasures. He literally started throwing things out of his trunk onto the dirt. He threw the last piece out and stood proudly in front of his pile. “Well, what do you think?”

“Tell me what I am looking at and I will tell you what I think.” Clark contorted his face in an attempt to figure out what lie in front of him.

“What is it? It’s your own suit of armor, Man! Aren’t you pumped?!” Ray was grinning like an idiot obviously very impressed with his own work. Clark and Chloe laughed a little bit at Ray’s enthusiasm but were still a little confused.

“Ray, as cool as this is…I don’t see how this is going to help me. My skin is my armor.”

“Yes, but what if there is meteor rock around?”

“Meteor rock? Why would meteor rock make a difference?” Clark looked nervously at Chloe who shrugged.

“Sorry, Clark. I told him. He would have figured it out eventually. He is pretty bright if you hadn’t noticed.” Clark squinted at Chloe then rolled his eyes.

“Yeah I noticed, but how about we talk about things like this before you go telling people things about me?”

“Yeah of course Clark, sorry.” Chloe put her hands in her pockets and leaned back against Ray’s car.

“Don’t worry about it. Now Ray, explain. How would a suit of armor protect me against meteor rocks?”

“Well two ways actually. The actual armor is actually a prototype of my own suit I made a long time ago. It is very durable and strong, but it is far too heavy. It weighs over two hundred and fifty pounds. That weight was supposed to be offset by the strength enhancement, but it was never enough. So since this is a prototype it does not have any of the awesome features that mine does. So no taser, HUD, cooling or strength enhancement. Luckily you don’t need any of those.”

“That still doesn’t answer my question Ray. Unless that thing is made out of lead then I am still out of luck.”

“This is the second way it’ll protect you. I umm, ‘borrowed’ a radiation suit from one of the nuclear engineering labs. It’s really awesome, it’s made out of Demron. Demron is a polymer composite of polyurethane and polyvinylchloride. Basically a very heavy, very dense rubber that blocks radiation, just like lead. I secured it to the inside of the armor so it won’t get ripped or tore up while you’re fighting.”

“Are you serious? This is freaking awesome!” Clark was now getting very excited. “Can I try it on?” Clark rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

“Sure thing, it’s all yours.” Before Ray could blink Clark had already put the entire suit on and was testing out his flexibility.

“Whoa there tiger!” Ray held up his hands and took a step back.

“What? You said I could put it on.”

“I know, but there are a couple rules with this thing.”

“What do you mean rules?”

“Well you have to realize that this suit is not indestructible. If what Chloe told me is true, then it won’t be able to keep up with all of your abilities. You won’t be able to lift much more than 2500 pounds before the legs start to buckle. Also you can’t move too quickly or the joints will snap.”

“What about my heat vision and x-ray vision?”

“No, none of that crazy eye stuff either. The heat vision you can use if you want to burn a whole right through the visor in the helmet, which would totally defeat the purpose of you wearing it. And everything is radiation proof, meaning x-rays will be mostly blocked as well.”

“Alright, this is gonna be tough to get used to.”

“Clark, we should really test it out first. I am not 100 percent sure it will even work with whatever type of radiation is coming from those meteor rocks. Are there any around her so we can try it out?”

“Yeah, I’ll go get the one you keep in your loft Clark.” Chloe turns and walks into the barn to retrieve the lead box with the piece of Kryptonite in it. As she walks away Lana drives up to the house and gets out of her SUV.

“Hey Lana.” Clark’s muffled voice comes from the very tall, dark and ominous suit of armor. Lana looked to where the voice was coming from and giggled.

“Aww, did Ray let my little Clark play with his toys?”

“NO! This is mine! Ray made it for me!” Clark was almost jumping he was so excited. Lana was laughing even harder now. He’s way too cute for his own good. Just as Lana’s laughter was subsiding Chloe came out of the barn with the lead box. She walked right in front of Clark and held it up.

“Chloe what are you doing with that?” Lana looked very concerned and very confused.

“We are just trying something Lana, don’t worry.” As Chloe finished her sentence she opened the lid to the box and held it close to Clark.

“What the hell are you doing?! Get that away from him!” Lana screeched grabbing the box from Chloe and quickly closing it. She turned to Clark to see if he was ok but he was standing tall, as if nothing had happened.

“It didn’t even glow.” Clark was almost stunned. He had expected it to work, but it still surprised him. “I didn’t feel a thing. Lana, open it again.”

“Clark, what is going on?”

“Please, Lana. Trust me. Just open it.” Lana still looks skeptical but slowly opens the box. The Kryptonite stays dark and Clark stays strong. Lana lets out a nervous laugh as she sees him standing in front of the deadly rock. He reaches out his hand and takes the Kryptonite from the box and holds it in front of him.

“I feel nothing, no pain or weakness. This is fantastic.” Lana and Chloe still look a little worried, but Ray smiles at his accomplishment. Clark lifts the Kryptonite higher in the air and crushes it in his powerful hand the pieces blowing away in the breeze. “This is going to be great.”

[Cardinal]

Sounds like a good tradeoff...most of the time anyway.

Clark loses some of his strengths, but negates his one weakness. Well, his one fatal weakness anyway...nothing can negate the weakness he has for the luscious Lana Lang.

Great to have you back among the ranks of updating writers, MOO! :D

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
nothing can negate the weakness he has for the luscious Lana Lang



So true!! So true!! :)

[kewl]

awesome update moo!!! i agree to that card!!! i hope the suit works perfectly!!!

[cufcchic]

wow i love this fic! awesome update! so clark's not allergic to greenk with that on...........cool.

[SVsleuth]

Ahhhhh! you updated, Moo! And stayed up till 3:30 a.m. to do it! Oh, thanks so much for the early Christmas present! It will be interesting to see how the suit works in live action. I hope Clark can get used to it & learn to hold back on some of his abilities in order to stay impervious to kryptonite.

Bad Chloe, telling Ray without consulting Clark...

Sweet Lana, being so worried about Clark when the kryptonite was around.

PPMS, Moo!

PPMS, Moo!

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
Oh, thanks so much for the early Christmas present!
Well you guys have been so good this year. :p

[ajfinn]

Woohoo!!! An awesome update!! Can't wait to see how this turns out, Moo. The suit is very interesting, because it both helps and hurts Clark ...... so which will it be? hmmmm.

Update soon!!

[NYC300Z]

yay Moo updated! I wonder what Clark will do to the suit? If it can
t keep up with him?

PPMS!

[iloveit]

hey, i just caught up and i love this fic! clark and lana are so cute together! ppms!

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Nice twist there MOO. I wonder how the suit will work in combat. That should be interesting. And keep the cute clana coming :D PPMS!

[midnite_spark]

wow...i was surprised to see this one on the top of the 1st page!

great update! can't wait to see what clarkie is going to do with his new toy :D

[akuma]

Dude, that was great update, like the idea of the suit for Clark!! i think it is a good trade for Clark, its not like he HAS to use heat vision to beat up somebody, cant wait for next one in hopeful near future:p

[binkys711]

Yay! You finally updated! great Christmas present! Loved the suit Idea! that was awesome! PPMS!!!:D

[sandy]

oh, so good to see a long awaited update!:D very awesome idea with the suit! u hafta be 'brilliant' to come up with that! post soon!

[super12]

so i geuss there wont be an update till the new year. ppms

[kewl]

i hope we get an update before the new year :(

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Ah, I just spotted you at the board MOOman! Is there any chance of you updating this incredible cool fic anytime soon? That would've been awesome! PPMS!

[MOOman0618]

Part 23

“Clark this is incredible.” Lana stood awestruck watching as the green powder blew away. “From what you told me before, you should be on the ground right now.”

“You’re right. I can hardly believe it, but Ray did it. Don’t ask me how. I don’t speak geek nearly well enough for that.” If they could see under Clark’s helmet they would have seen him grinning ear to ear.

“So what does this mean? Are you completely invulnerable now?”

“No” Ray interrupted. “Clark may be indestructible but this suit is not. Don’t get me wrong it is plenty durable, but it is still only metal. If the suit gets a hole or a joint breaks and the Demron is torn Clark will be exposed to the radiation. That is why it is very important to keep those powers in check alright there Chief?”

“Yeah, definitely. I promise I’ll be nice and gentle.”

Lana moved close to Clark and wrapped her arms around his armored waist and smiled up at him. “That’s right, Clark. You’ll be like a big teddy bear won’t you?”

“I would kiss you right now if it wasn’t for this stupid helmet.”

“Hey, if you don’t want it…I’ll take it back.” Ray said smirking.

“Ray, be nice.” Chloe gave him a playful slap on the arm.

“He is the one who is complaining about the new toy I gave him just because he can’t kiss his girlfriend!”

“Are you saying that you wouldn’t give up your toys to kiss your girlfriend?” If ever a look said, ‘you’re in trouble’ it was the look Chloe was giving Ray right then.

“Well that depends, are you my girlfriend now?” Ray raised an eyebrow looking very impish.

“Maybe.” Chloe replied not able to hold back her smile anymore.

“Then I would give up every toy I have to kiss my beautiful girlfriend.” Ray leaned in and gave Chloe a soft kiss.

“No fair!” Lana said watching them kiss. She reached up and began tugging on Clark’s Helmet trying to get it off. Clark reached up, unlatching the helmet and took it off. Lana clasped her hands around his neck and pulled him down toward her.

“A little insistent aren’t we?” Clark resisted slightly, teasing her just a little.

“Get down here and kiss me.” Lana said more forcefully.

“Yes ma'am!” Clark finally gave in to his unrelenting girlfriend and kissed her tenderly.

As the two couples stood in the driveway each in their own dream world, Martha came quickly out of the house. “Clark...Clark!”

Clark slowly pulled away from Lana’s very kissable lips but kept his eyes focused on hers. “Yeah, mom?”

“Clark, look at me. This is important. I just saw on the news. It has gotten out that Lex is in the hospital here in Smallville. If those men see or hear anything about that they will probably come back and a lot of people are going to get hurt.”


“I need to get to the hospital. I can’t let them hurt anybody else. They’re gonna be ready for us this time, Ray you with me?”

“You know it man, let’s do this.”

----------------------------------------------

Earlier in Metropolis the five men were getting more restless and more vicious. They had been combing the city looking for Lex, going through all the channels they knew. Those unlucky few that had no information for them met a quick end. As deep as they searched the city, it was a simple news report that gave them what they were looking for.

“Who knew Lex Luthor would be stupid enough to stay in that hick town. Alright, we can’t let those two punks get in our way this time. We have to prepare.”

“How are we going to do that? We don’t have any weapons and they nearly overpowered us as it is.”

“I’ll tell you how. First we are going back to LuthorCorp and get more of that green stuff. If I am going to be a freak I am going to be a damned powerful freak. Second, we gotta get our hands on some weapons. How much you wanna bet Luthor has enough to equip a small army hidden somewhere in that building? Getting back in should be just as easy as getting out was getting out. Third, we are going back to Smallville to take care of Luthor and those other two.”

----------------------------------------------

“Clark, can you come up to the loft with me?” Lana turned from the group in the driveway leading Clark by the hand into the barn and up the steps.

“Lana, what’s wrong?” Lana turned to Clark, here eyes glistening on the verge of tears. She had her arms wrapped around stomach trying to keep herself together.

“I know you and Ray have to leave soon but could you take off that suit please? Just for a few minutes.”

“What is this all about?” Clark placed his cold, metal covered hands on her shoulders.

“Clark, this is the first time since you told me your secret that I have had time to think about you going off to fight. I saw how weak you got the last time and it took all your strength to keep going. I’m scared. I can’t let you leave me without holding me for a little. Is that ok?” The tears were now freely falling from Lana’s eyes. The worried expression melted from Clark’s face as a reassuring smile took its place. He took the suit off as quickly as he could, before Lana could even blink. He gently unwrapped Lana’s arms and placed them around his waist. He eased her head onto his Chest as she let her tears fall.

“Lana, I’m going to be fine. I’m ready for them now. Kryptonite can’t hurt me with that suit on. Besides, Ray will be right beside me. Please don’t worry, this is not my first time dealing with creeps like this.” Lana buried her head even further into his flannel as she tried to speak without shaking.

“How can you tell me not to worry? I love you Clark. Promise me you will come home to me in one piece.” She tilted her head up to look pleadingly into his eyes.

“I promise. Lana, I’m sorry, but I have to go.”

“I know you do. Be careful, Clark. I love you.”

“I love you too, Lana. I can’t think of a better reason to keep myself safe than knowing you will be here waiting for me.” Clark gave her a soft and lingering kiss. He took a step back, shot her a genuine smile and sped down from the loft with his armor already back on.

[Cardinal]

Showdown at the O.K. Corral.

Let's get ready to rumble!

In this corner, five meteor freaks...in that corner, Clark and Ray!

[SVsleuth]

2nd! - Aw - that was sweet - lots of nice Clana sweetness. And Chloe & Ray got in some lovin' too. Yay! Thanks for the update, Moo. I know you're back in school & it's not easy to find time for this little addiction of ours. PPMS!

[akuma]

WOW!! awesome job!! glad u updated, i love this fic, so much emotion too! cant wait for more!

[kewl]

awesome update!!! sweet clana..... watch out u meteor freaks, here comes clark & ray to the rescue!!!! PPMS!!!!

[binkys711]

WOOOOOO!!! YOU FINALLY UPDATED! HOORAY!!! That was awesome! poor Lana waiting for Clark to come back in one piece:( he'll be alright though, right MOO?! *nudge nudge* ) Those guys are gonna be really tough this time with powers! but Ray and Clark can handle 'em!:\ PPMS!!!:D

[maru11]

how sweet!!

[NYC300Z]

Cool update! Awesome Clana! Can't wait til u update again!

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Hi, there, Moo -

I know you're busy planning a wedding and all, but it's been almost 2 months since your last update, and this shouldn't stay on page 5 forever. I hope you can find a little time to update for us. Please???? PPMS!

[MOOman0618]

Ok, lets see a show of hands of people that actually remember anything about this fic. Lets, see there is...one hand up...and its mine.

Well thats ok. I realize that it has been an uber long time since I updated, and everybody has forgotten...but I really didn't want to leave this fic unfinished. So I finished it. I will be posting the final two updates here fairly soon. So if anybody actually remembers the story, and cares to read it, it will be here.

And if you want to, I'll bet reading the last update I wrote back in JANUARY! will help refresh your memory. :)

[akuma]

YAY!!! FINALLY!! I still care bout this story! But i do need a refresher, so im off to read!:D:D

[SVsleuth]

Woo-Hoo! post away, MOO! Can't wait for the ending! :)

If you're finishing this one, maybe there's even hope for 4Ever! ;)



Here are links to the previous few chapters:


BRILLIANCE: Part 21 (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1562591#post1562591)


BRILLIANCE: Part 22 (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1708767#post1708767)


BRILLIANCE: Part 23 (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1776498#post1776498)

OK, MOO, I re-read the last three & am ready for the updates. ;) PPMS!

[Cardinal]

This is inconceivable! - Vezzini :lol:

This is also a completely MOOlicious surprise!

I had been led to believe that you were killing this fic just short of the finish line even though you had figured out how to end it. I guess this is another benefit of your new job.

Can't wait to see Ray and Clark in tag-team action against the forces of evil!

:D :D :D :D :D

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
This is inconceivable! - Vezzini :lol:


HA! I thought so too!! :lol:

Update coming in the early evening...

[MOOman0618]

Now that I have gotten everybody excited:rolleyes: My stupid thumb drive decided it would be a good idea to not let me get to my file with the update on it...So I will get the update up first thing tomorrow. Probably around 7:30 am.

...But in the long run 1 more day is nothing compared to the 6 months I have made you wait already! :D

[NYC300Z]

lol ok good to hear Moo! 730 am Eastern right? I'll check before I go to work if I have time!;)

[MOOman0618]

And like I said yesterday, if you reread the last update, or the last couple updates before this one...this will probably make a whole lot more sense. The last chapter may be up later today...we'll see.

Part21 (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1562591#post1562591)

Part22 (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1708767#post1708767)

Part23 (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1776498#post1776498)



Part 24

Figuring that Lex held a substantial arsenal in Luthor Corp. Tower was a good assumption on their part. As the super-powered men made their way through the building, they found weapons lockers for security personel, explosives and most importantly the last stash of the Kryptonite cocktail that gave them their curse to begin with. They collected everything they could carry including pistols, automatic rifles, and even a few grenade rounds that Lex kept in the building…just in case.

The men shot themselves up with more of the Kryptonite infused liquid, instantly increasing their powers. They were ready, and made their way back to their van and started toward Smallville.

-------------------------------------------------

Ray and Clark had made their way to the hospital to wait for the battle they knew they could not avoid. There was no chance they could convince anyone to evacuate, they knew if they even tried it would get the police involved and would just make it more likely someone would get hurt or killed. They intended to stop the five before they even got close to the hospital.

The sun was just about to set when the van finally came screeching down the highway through Smallville. Ray and Clark knew they had to intercept it before it got anywhere near the hospital, so Clark had been using his hearing to listen for them. As soon as Clark heard it they both made their way to the streets.

In the distance you could see their headlights as they swerved from side to side going as fast as the big van could take them. Clark stepped out onto the road and into the path of the oncoming van.

“It’s that freak in the suit again! Well, let’s just see how well I can aim with this big van of mine.” The driver pushed down harder on the already floored gas pedal and gripped the wheel harder causing the metal to bend slightly.

Clark braced himself crouching slightly, positioning his left foot behind him and extended his right shoulder forward. The men in the van were laughing and yelling thinking they would take this irritation out easy. They stomped their feet and banged on the roof as they approached the Kryptonian wall in front of them.

BOOM! The van struck Clark at no less than 110 miles per hour with a horrible crash, crunching metal and breaking glass. The man in the passenger seat was launched straight through the shattered windshield and flew further than seemed possible before skidding across the pavement. The rest of the occupants were slammed around colliding with whatever was in front of them. There is no doubt that if these men had not been super-powered they would have been killed instantly. But as it were they were hurt, but not dead. Their second dose had further increased their healing rate and after only a few seconds, they began to recover. The man who flew out the window, however, was not as fortunate. His injuries were severe and even with his powers; it would take a long while before he could do any fighting.

Clark thought the fight was over before it started. He didn’t know how any of them could be in any shape to fight and he thought them lucky to be alive. He put both hands on the engine block and pushed the van several feet backwards out of his way. Ray came running from the side of the road to investigate the situation.

“Holy Crap Man!! Oh my god! They just…I mean BOOM!!” Ray continued on this string of incoherent exclamations waving his arms around before stopping suddenly, turned to Clark and backhanded him in the chest. “Dude! In what way is stopping a van with your face going nice and easy on the suit? Do I need to grab good ol Mr. Webster so he can define GENTLE?!”

Clark’s suit was clearly dented, but was essentially undamaged. “Ray, I don’t know what you are flipping out about, It’s fine…see.” Clark patted himself all over to show the suit was intact.

“Just be a little kinder to the armor, alright there Stonewall?”

Clark chuckled at Ray before he turned and realized that the guys in the van were not done yet. They had shaken off the initial shock and were now scrambling to get their equipment and get out of the van. They pile out of the back toting their rifles, aiming at their targets.

Ray and Clark see this at the same time. Ray dives and rolls off the road attempting to find some cover. Clark on the other hand stands his ground and watches them approach. They begin to fire and the bullets bounce off the suit, adding some dents to it in the process.

“CLARK! Being gentle would constitute at least attempting not to get shot!” Ray’s comment attracts the attention of two of the men who fire in his direction. Right now Ray is too far away to defend himself, he gets up and starts to run, attempting to circle around the men to avoid their gunfire. It’s better than going head first into it like Mr. I’ll be like a big freaking teddy bear over there. Even though he ran as fast as he could, he is still caught by a few rounds. The impacts knock him off balance and he stumbles to the ground. He is now being hit almost continuously with bullets, bouncing off of him. Hey, I am ok…it’s not the most pleasant feeling, getting shot, but I am ok.

Ray realizes that his suit is working perfectly, and he is not being injured by even heavy rifle fire from two men. He manages to stand up and starts to move again. It is hard for him to keep up any speed while trying to keep his balance. Finally he is close enough to the men that he can defend himself.

The men throw down their guns after realizing they are not affecting him and prepare for the fun part…hand to hand combat. Even though the men now are even stronger than before, Ray is now prepared. His adrenaline is pumping and he is ready to fight. The three men clash. Kicks and punches, blocks and guards. Ray is not only fending off two attackers but he is getting in his blows too. It seems a stalemate between them, Ray’s armor protecting him and the men healing so quickly.

Clark stood in the rain of bullets flying at him without flinching. His armor was holding out just fine, and the bullets weren’t a threat to him anyway. He waited, patiently taking a few steps toward the gunmen as they continued to fire. Finally their clips ran out and they needed to reload. Clark decided this is when he would make his move.

Ray said no going at superspeed, but he didn’t say anything about flying. Clark came up off the ground and flattened himself out becoming parallel to the road. Putting both hands stretched out in front of him and making them into fists he took off like a rocket toward one of the men. In a mere fraction of a second he slammed into the man, both fists landing square on his chest sending him flying backward and landing hard on the pavement and passed out from the impact. Clark still hovering in the air, although straight up now, turned to the second man. He had reloaded his gun and was ready to fire when Clark spun backwards in the air, landing both feet directly on the man’s chin sending him flailing and flipping through the air. He flew up and grabbed onto one of the man’s feet stopping him mid-flip. Clark cocked his arm back and threw the man right to the ground landing on top of his partner. Clark took this opportunity to use some of the beat up van to wrap these two fallen attackers in a tight ring of steel.

Meanwhile, Ray was still dealing with his two assailants. He was beginning to tire from the back and forth blows, and knew he had to rethink things. Activating the in hand tazer, blue electricity sparked from his fingers. The first man to attack was welcomed with a block from this live weapon. Electricity surged through the man’s body as he convulsed from the shock. His eyes rolled in the back of his head and his hair even began to smoke. Fortunately, Ray had also made a few modifications to his suit the night before. Including juicing up his tazer to what would normally be lethal levels in any other situation. The man fell to the pavement and continued to shake uncontrollably.

The final man saw his partner fall and also saw the other two had been incapacitated by Clark. He ran to what was left of the van and retrieved the one rifle with the grenade launcher attached. He turned and immediately fired two rounds, one at Clark and one at Ray. Ray had no time to react and Clark’s speed was useless with the suit on. Both grenades hit their marks and the heroes were struck with the full impact of the explosions.

Clark held his ground, but the suit had already been weakened by the gunfire. He could feel the joints cracking and breaking away. The majority of the armor was intact, but without a full seal the radiation seeped in and he could feel the Kryptonite start to take effect.

Ray was immediately knocked unconscious from the force of the blast and his head hitting the road. His suit had not failed, but the explosion had blown out the tazer.

Clark and Ray were both very vulnerable. Clark was not exposed to Kryptonite and Ray was unconscious. Clark looked and saw that the two men he tied up were between him and the last one still fighting. He would never make it past them with enough energy to take him out. But he had to try. He had to get to him before he went after Ray. Clark stood and made his best speed toward the last man. But it was no use. Not only were there three of them close to Clark, but they had just gotten another dose of the poison earlier. He fell to the ground before he even made it to the two tied up.

Ray awoke to see Clark on the ground and the man reloading the grenade launcher. He managed to get to his feet and shuffled toward the man. He saw that the man had finished reloading and was aiming at a very weak Clark. Ray ran as fast as he could and dove in front of the launcher as it went off, tackling the man in the process as the grenade exploded. The man didn’t stand a chance against a direct blast from a grenade even with his powers. Ray lay on the ground, his armor broken and falling away from his body. He could not move or talk. He struggled to lift his head to see if Clark was ok, but he couldn’t and passed out.

[SVsleuth]

MOO!! You are no allowed to leave us on a cliffie! Get back here and post the rest!

Things aren't looking good for our two heros at the moment. I hope they'll be okay. That was some awesome fight scene!

PPMS!!! (TODAY!!!!!!) :p

[MOOman0618]

I was just waiting for at least one reply. :) So here is the final update.

Part 25

Chloe gently pushed the hair from Ray’s face and stoked his cheek as he lay on the old couch in the loft.

“Ray, wake up. You with us hun?”

Ray reluctantly opened his eyes and saw Chloe smiling down at him. He tried to sit up but found that his ribs hurt immensely and fell back onto the pillow under his head. “What the hell happened?” He placed a hand on his head to try to ease the pain of his splitting headache.

“Clark brought you back, you’ve been asleep for a couple hours now. You must be exhausted.” Chloe’s voice was full of genuine concern as she tended to Ray.

“Clark? Is he ok?! How did he bring me back? The last I saw him he was in a heap on the ground waiting to get blown up.” Ray laughed, but it only made his chest hurt worse.

“He said the explosion knocked you pretty far away from those guys, so he was able to get to you and got his strength back.”

“What happened to them? Did they get away?”

“Clark called the police and told them what happened without giving away too much info. They were able to restrain the four that survived and took them away. You don’t have to worry about them anymore.”

“That’s good, at least they didn’t hurt anyone.”

“Ray, they hurt you! Or did that slip your mind already?”

“Well you know me, my mind can get pretty slippery sometimes.” Ray grinned at Chloe as she shook her head and smiled.

“Can I get you anything, another blanket, something to eat or drink?”

“You’ll go get me stuff? I didn’t figure you for that sort of a girl.”

“Normally I’m not, but you’re hurt and I figured it’s the least I can do.”

“Wow, I’m gonna have to get beat up more often.” Ray raised his arms and placed his hands behind his head in a very relaxed position and let out a very satisfied sigh.

“Oh no, you better have got this hero thing out of your system because the next time you come back all beat up like this I’ll wait till you are well again and beat you myself!” Chloe shook her very unintimidating fist at Ray while making her threat.

“Ok, ok just calm down. I don’t think I will be running out to battle super-villains any time soon. But if you don’t mind, I think a few aspirin would do wonders for this headache.”

“Sure, no problem.” Chloe kissed Ray on the forehead, got up and headed toward the stairs.’

“Oh, and Chloe?”

“Yeah, what else do you need Sweetie?”

“When you get back, we can discus the details of my sponge bath.” Ray shot her a million dollar smile as he lay on the couch pulling the blanket up under his chin.

“Oh dream on, Buster.”

-----------------------------------------------

Clark and Lana lay in his bed holding each other. Lana had her head resting on his chest and her leg draped over his. Clark had his arm around her holding her tight. They just lay for a while staring at the wall or ceiling. Lana, tracing invisible lines with her delicate finger across his stomach, finally spoke.

“Clark, I was so worried about you. Chloe had to convince me not to follow you two so I could make sure you were all right. She threatened to tie me to a chair if I didn’t stop pacing.”

“It’s a good thing you didn’t. You could have gotten seriously hurt or worse!”

‘Yeah, but it was really hard for me to just let you go out and fight without me there to protect you.”

“You protect me? Lana, I am here to protect you.”

Lana props herself up on her forearm and turns to look him in the eye. “Hey, just because I don’t have superpowers doesn’t mean I can’t try to protect the man I love.”

“And that is why you are perfect for me. I know I can trust you with everything that I am, and you will always be there for me. But can you make me a promise?”

“I guess that depends on the promise.”

“Leave beating up bad guys to me? I wouldn’t want them to hurt your pretty face.”

Lana squinted a little bit at Clark, “So you wouldn’t want me anymore if I wasn’t pretty?”

Clark’s mouth dropped open, confused as how this just happened. “I didn’t mean that…I just…you see what I meant was…”

Lana tried to hold back her laughter as she rolled onto Clark, straddling his hips. “Clark, I didn’t realize one of your powers was being so shallow.”

Clark looked up at her, even more confused than he was before. “I um…”

“Now tell me you’d love me even if I was horribly ugly.” Lana positioned her hands at his sides, ready to tickle at any second.

Clark took a second to answer, “…I’d love you even…”

“Not fast enough!” And that was it; Lana unleashed her 100 lb furry of tickle. Clark started to laugh uncontrollably and pretended to try to get away. “Say it now or I’ll keep going!”

“I’d love you…even if…you were horribly…ugly!” Clark finally got out between laughs and gasps for air.

But Lana did not stop. “Say it again with feeling!”

“Hey guys, where’s the aspirin.” Chloe walks into Clark’s bedroom to see the carnage that is taking place. Lana finally stops tickling and they both try to stop laughing. “Oh god, I did not need to see that.” Chloe covers her eyes and run back downstairs.

-----------------------------------------------
After Clark and Lana had composed themselves they got some aspirin for Ray and headed out to the loft to check on him.

“Hey buddy, how’s it goin?” Ray asked Clark as he saw him coming up the stairs.

“Aren’t I supposed to be asking you that?”

“Dude, I am fine. Just a couple bumps and bruises.”

“You were blown up…twice.”

“All in a days work my man.”

“Ray, I wanted to thank you for taking that hit for me.”

“Hey, don’t even worry about it. You would have done the same for me.” Ray holds out his fist and Clark gives him a ‘pound’.

“Well, I’m glad you’re alright.”

“Me too, I think if I would have come back any worse Chloe would have finished me off herself!” Chloe was sitting next to him and gave him a playful slap on the shoulder. “Hey, now I don’t think that is helping the healing process.”

Lana smiles at the new couple and turns to Ray, “So what are you going to do now?”

“First thing I need to do if fix up both of these suits and get them working again. Then who knows…I’ll bet Metropolis could use somebody with some crime fighting skills. Don’t you think so Clark?” Ray is wearing an awfully mischievous smile on his face.

“I think you’re right Ray. And if you ever need any help you know where to find me. In fact, you better keep my number on speed dial, I have a feeling you’ll need it.”

----------------------------------------------

Later that night, after Chloe had taken Ray back to her place to ‘continue his care’ Clark and Lana stood in the loft, looking out the window at the stars.

“So this is what it will be like for us?”

“What do you mean, Lana?”

“You going off and fighting people to protect others, getting yourself in to all sorts of danger.”

“I think so, I mean I have these gifts and I have to use them.”

“I know, and it is great that you will be helping people. It is just going to be hard for me.”

“But I have to do it. Do you think you can handle it?”

“Clark, when we are together we can handle anything. Now bend down here and kiss me before you have to fly off and save the world again.”

“Yes ma’am!”

THE END

[SVsleuth]

Yay! Sweet Clana goodness to the end. :) Lana and Chloe each taking care of her man.

Thanks for coming back to finish the story for us, MOO. It was awesome!

[akuma]

2!

Its over! Great fic Moo, and an awesome ending! Glad u finally decided to put ur amazing writing to use and finish the fic! Great fighting from Clark and Ray, thanks for the story:D :D

[NYC300Z]

3rd! Great Update and way to finish! Nice Clana ending! You going to do a sequel?;)

[Cardinal]

That was a very MOOlicious ending...and to think, it only took 5 months to get the last installment. :p

*Looks around cautiously to make sure MOO isn't anywhere nearby*

SEQUEL!!!

[Dr. Jeckyll]

The end! It was an awesome ending MOO! This was one of my absolute favourites so it was a very pleasant surprise to see you finish it! I loved the fighting scene. We don't have a lot of action-fics around here so this one was very cool and different! And your Chloe/Ray pairing also worked perfect. I cared as much for them as for Clark and Lana.

So once again - awesome ending. I hope it wasn't your last fic, but thanks for at least finishing this one!

...and now I finally got it in the right thread :D

[deanyouk]

that was a great story... i enjoyed it!

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Dr. Jeckyll
The end! It was an awesome ending MOO! This was one of my absolute favourites so it was a very pleasant surprise to see you finish it! I loved the fighting scene. We don't have a lot of action-fics around here so this one was very cool and different! And your Chloe/Ray pairing also worked perfect. I cared as much for them as for Clark and Lana.

Glad I could offer someting a bit different. And I am really glad you became attached to Ray and Chloe...I was hoping people would.


Originally posted by Dr. Jeckyll

...and now I finally got it in the right thread :D

Heehee :)


Originally posted by Cardinal
*Looks around cautiously to make sure MOO isn't anywhere nearby*

SEQUEL!!!

Well...if we go with my past updating schedule and a little break inbetween fics...the sequal would get started sometime around September of 2012. So keep your eyes open in 6 years or so. :p

[maitriniazngurl]

Moo, come on we need a sequel!! I just started to read this story and it's great!! Come on your a great writer. :D