Unexplored Regions (R)

[Ms.Metropolis]

Disclaimer: I own nothing besides the story line.

Summary: Clark has tried to avoid the problems of his past. But sooner or later, the past is bound to catch up with him.

************
Chapter 1 Repeat

Daily Planet, Year 2012

Clark Kent walked into his office and set his briefcase on his desk. He quickly opened it up and pulled out some papers. He closed his briefcase again, and turned around to walk out the door when a man came bustling in behind him.

"Kent, you were supposed to have that article on my desk two hours ago."

"I'm sorry Mr. White, I'm running a little late today."

"Off fooling around again?"

"If only you knew." thought Clark.

"Don't bother thinking up a decent excuse, I have to run this to the printing room before they run the paper without it." said White, rushing out of the room just as quick as he rushed in.

Clark sighed and went around the desk to sit down. Perry White was not a patient man. Even if he knew the truth, he would still rush him to get his articles in.

Clark Kent was good at what he did. He was a star reporter for the Daily Planet, and had been nominated for the Pulitzer prize more than once. But no matter how close he came, he had never made the cut. He had no qualms about it, because the only two people that had ever beat him were Chloe Sullivan, and her cousin, Lois Lane. His two best friends.

Clark looked at his watch and sighed. It was only 7:00 a.m, but after a long night of doing his real job, Clark was exhausted. Chloe and Lois had insisted on coming along, and they made sure not to forget the popcorn. Clark chuckled when he remembered how they cheered him on, their faces full of the stuff as he tossed aside a man who had tried to hold him at gunpoint. Lois had almost choked. Chloe almost died of laughter. It was fun having them tag along, but they always ended up being a handful.

"Like children." Clark thought to himself, and shook his head.

"Geez Clark, it's about time you decided to show your lazy face around here." said Lois, swinging around the door entrance. She closed the door behind her and sat in the chair opposite of him.

"Sorry Lois, I was up late last night trying to save a woman from choking on her own popcorn." said Clark with a smirk.

"Oh c'mon!" said Lois, in mock offense. "Y'know, that could have happened to anyone."

"But it only ever happens to you."

"That was the first time!"

"You're right, last time it was a hotdog."

"I was cheering you on!!"

"And ended up choking on a hotdog."

"Well.." said Lois, standing up and opening the door. "I can see where i'm not wanted."

"FINALLY." said Clark, holding out his arms in exasperation, and then smiling smuggly at her. Lois returned the smile.

"Remember, you're supposed to meet me and Chloe at the usual spot in three hours." she said, before leaving his office.

Clark laughed and looked down at the papers in front of him. He was almost 26 years old, and his life consisted of the Daily Planet, being Superman, and his 2 best friends. For a while, Clark had thought of Lois as a romantic interest. But as time went by, Clark sub-consciously realized that she was not the girl for him. There were only 2 women in his life that Clark had ever pictured a real future with. One, had been out of his life for years. And the other, was dead. Killed by Lex Luthor before he ended up with life in prison. Clark would have killed him if Chloe hadn't been there to jump in between them.

That was almost 4 years ago, and Clark had made little progress. He had gotten a promotion at the Daily Planet, but that was the only thing that had truly changed in his life. It was always the same thing.

Get up. Go to work. Be Superman. Come home. Go to bed.

The same thing, day after day. Clark had no real complaints about his life. He liked being a reporter, and he LOVED being a hero. But something was missing. Clark snapped out of his daze when his phone rang. He fumbled around his cluttered desk for a moment, until he finally found what he was looking for.

"Hello?" said Clark, rubbing a hand over his eyes. "Oh hey, Chloe." Clark tried to concentrate on what she was saying, but his thoughts were jumbled from lack of sleep. "I know. Less than 3 hours. Trust me, i'll be there." He hung the phone up and stretched. Today Clark had to do what he did every Friday. Meet Lois and Chloe at a bookshop/diner called "Ground Zero." Clark and Chloe co-owned it. To outsiders, it was just a place to read a book and eat. But to the people that were close to them, it was a place for a group of people with supernatural powers to gather.

Underneath the store was a sort of training room, where the super friends would discuss another top-secret mission. Clark preferred to work solo, so his once-a-week visits surprised no one. Chloe had tracked down the other outsiders, and left a trail of crumbs until they found themselves at "Ground Zero" eager to learn how to become a protector for all mankind. Clark had been expected to lead the group, but had refused.

"I'm not a leader." he had said. "I have no right to tell them what's right, and wrong. They have to teach themselves."

Now Clark sat back in his chair, and turned on the monitor to his computer. He still had the old "Crows" emblem as his background. He didn't play football for very long, but he couldn't help but show his support for his old highschool. Alot had happened there, things that had changed his life forever. Clark looked down at his watch and widened his eyes in shock. He had been lost in a daze for almost 2 and a half hours. He quickly stood up and grabbed his brief case.

If he didn't show up to the rendezvous, Chloe would never forgive him.

[Cardinal]

Sounds like a nice start!

Now for the bad news.

If that (R) means what I think it does, then you can't post this fic on this board. Here at K-Site, there is an entirely separate fan fiction board just for R-rated and NC-17-rated fics. The only stuff allowed here is PG-13 appropriate material and below.

Sorry, because this sounds interesting. :(

[Ms.Metropolis]

Well it's not "R" for smut or anything. Basically "R" for a little bit of violence.

[Cardinal]

That will probably be okay then, I would guess, as long as no one is having their intestines ripped out or anything like that. ;)

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

plz contimnue

[Ms.Metropolis]

Chapter 2 Denying Heros

"Clark!" said Chloe, walking over to him as he entered "Ground Zero" and pushing him towards the back and down the stairs. "We've been waiting for you forever! For someone who can run faster than a speeding bullet, you take forever!"

"Sorry Chloe, I got sidetracked at work, and then I had to catch up before I was able to come down here." said Clark, being led down the stairs by the hand.

"Well you're almost too late. We have a surprise for you." said Chloe, smiling as they rounded the corner.

Clark stopped suddenly and stared in shock.

"Surprise!" said Lois, rushing over to them and taking Clark's other hand. Together, Chloe and Lois somehow managed to get Clark deeper into the room.

"Okay boys and girls, sound off!" said Lois, smiling.

Inside the room was a group of people. Some of the faces Clark recognized, but alot of them, he didn't. Chloe and Lois had gathered a decent size group, and Clark assumed they all had powers.

A familiar face stepped forward first.

"Bart Allen. Nice to see you out of the corn town Clark." he said. He was no longer the boy Clark remembered. Although he still wasn't particularly tall, he had grown a few inches and he definately wasn't wearing a backpack.

"Arthur Curry." said another familiar face. Clark looked over at him. "What's up, bro?" It had been almost 7 years, and Arthur had hardly changed at all.

"What are they all doing here?" Clark asked, looking over at Lois.

"Shhhh!" said Lois, and pointed to the group. "They're not done sounding off." Clark sighed and looked back towards the group.

"Victor Stone." Victor had definately changed. It looked as if LuthorCorp had finally caught up with him again. The only flesh that wasn't replaced with machine, was one arm, and one side of his face.

"Victor-" started Clark.

"Diana Themyscira."

"How did they-" Clark started again.

"Hal Jordan."

"I know who you guys are!" said Clark. "I might not know you by your birth name, but I do know you by who you've come to be." He pointed towards Diana. "Wonder woman." He pointed towards Hal. "The Green Lantern." He pointed towards the back of the group. "Hawkman, Martian Manhunter, Captain Marvel. And I could name dozens of others."

"Clark, how do you-?"

"Because I've been all over the world. And when they aren't saying that 'Superman' saved the day, they name countless others." said Clark. "Most of you are new at this. I hope you know that just because you've saved a life doesn't make you a hero." At this Clark turned and stormed out of the room, a confused Chloe following after him.

"He's just...uh...hasn't had any sleep." Lois told the others.

"I think Clark just needs a chat with his old friends." said Bart, putting an arm around Arthur and Victor's shoulders.

Victor slowly turned his head to look at him, and shrugged off his arm. Without a word he picked up a jacket to the side and put it on, along with a hat to disguise himself. He glanced Arthur's way and motioned for him to follow, and the trio walked away from the others and up the stairs.

"Clark, are you insane!" they heard Chloe saying, while she flipped the sign on the door to 'Closed.' "What's your problem?"

"My problem is, I already told you I wasn't playing 'mentor' for anyone!" said Clark. "Why can't you understand that I work alone?"

"One of these days you're going to come across something that you can't beat alone, and when that day comes you need to be ready!"

"What's the point?" asked Clark, turning away from her. "If that challenge is defeated a bigger one is only going to find it's way here, and if I beat that one, an even bigger one will come along. It never ends, it never changes."

"Clark, you are Superman. People depend on you to save them when no one else will."

"Are you telling me that because you think I don't know!?" said Clark, turning back towards her. "I love my job. Both of them. I know what kind of threats are out there, I had to learn it by myself. That's what makes me a hero."

"You know, you're wrong." said Victor, as him and the others finished walking up the stairs and into view. "Learning things by yourself doesn't make you a hero."

"It's something alot deeper than that." said Arthur. "Something you're born with."

"The 3 of us." said Bart, and motioned towards himself and the others. "We learned alot from you Clark. From your morals and the things you stand up for. And we may not be as flashy as 'Superman' but we know what it takes to be a hero."

"You are right about one thing though, bro." said Arthur. "You are a hero."

"Or at least you used to be." finished Victor.

"What's that supposed to mean?" thought Clark.

"Like you said. Saving a life doesn't make you a hero." said Chloe. "Doing the same thing, everyday. Day in and day out, it's changed you. And not for the better."

"I do the same thing i've always done." said Clark.

"True." said Lois, also coming into view. "But you used to accept our help when we thought you needed it. Now you barely let us cheer you on."

"You don't understand."

"I know what Lori meant to you Clark. But you can't keep torturing yourself. She's gone." said Lois.

"That's not what this is about." said Clark, heading for the door.

"Yes it is!" said Chloe, sprinting to put herself between Clark and the door. "Stop denying it. And stop denying them." said Chloe, and pointed towards Arthur, Bart, and Victor. "You put Luthor behind bars. That should put you at ease, but it doesn't. So what are you thinking about in that mysterious head of yours?"

It was silent a moment, Clark looking away from everyone, staring off into nothing.

"This is about Lana, isn't it?" said Victor. "Damn Clark, you're still wrapped up in that girl?"

"Oh, that's right!" said Bart. "Where is she anyway, I haven't seen her."

Clark sighed, and gently moved Chloe away from the door. "She's been out of my life for a long time now. And that's not what this is about either." he said, turning his head in their direction, but not enough to look at them. He stood there in silence for a long moment, and walked out the door into the crowded streets.

"What's up with that guy?" asked Bart.

"Wait..." said Chloe, and looked over at Lois. "Do you think he read-"

"Oh no." said Lois. "I bet he did."

"What?" asked Arthur. "What are you talking about?"

"The social high-light of the season." said Lois, while her and Chloe headed towards the door.

"Bruce Wayne's engagement to Lana Lang." said Chloe, and followed her cousin out the door, and out of sight.

[Venezuelan Lana]

this fic is great... PPMS

[maitriniazngurl]

Whoa!! You've got my interest!! That was amazing!! I can't wait to find out more about Bruce and Lana!! And Why is Clark going through such a bad time!!

PPMS!! I can't wait!!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

no way no more blana!!!!

[clark&lanafan06]

Great Story !!!!! PPMS !!!!!

[Ms.Metropolis]

Chapter 3, Heros Behaving Badly

After several moments of discussing what had happened, the trio smirked at each other and and headed for the training room.

"Alright boys and girls, new agenda." said Arthur, walking down the steps with Victor and Bart in tow.

"Because duuuuude, Superguy is in some trouble. In the romantic way." said Bart.

"Romantic trouble?" said Diana, stepping forward to stand at the front of the group. "That's not what we're here for."

"Don't worry sweetcheeks, we got the perfect role for you." said Bart, looking her over.

"How are we supposed to help him with whatever romantic issues he has?" asked Hal, also stepping forward.

"Have any of you heard of a 'Bruce Wayne'?" asked Victor, stepping forward with his arms crossed.

"Of course." said Hal.

"Then you should also know that there are rumors that he's the big bat down in Gotham City." finished Victor.

"He's Batman!?"

"Quiet Wonderbra." said Bart. "It's supposed to be a secret, and we intend to keep it that way." Diana scowled at him as he made his way to the chalkboard on the wall. "It's obvious that this chick he's hung up over has a thing for heros. But Clark and this girl *ahem* woman haven't crossed paths in years."

"Clark's always been a morally upright citizen, and never told a lie without good intentions." said Victor. "The three of us..." he motioned towards himself and Arthur and Bart. "Were friends with him during our highschool years."

"Actually, I met him in highschool, you guys met him in college." corrected Bart.

"Whatever, bro." said Arthur. "Let him finish."

"I think I know what you're getting at." said another voice, a man also coming to the front.

"Always the head of the class, aren't you Billy?"

"I'm a reporter, it's my job." he said. "Okay, well...radio reporter, but still, a reporter."

"Diana will act like she's interested in Clark."

"EXCUSE ME!?"

"Hush Wonderbra, let him talk."

"If you don't stop calling me Wonderbra i'm going t-"

"Clark will by chance run into Lana in a fashion that we will set up." said Victor.

"And Diana will make this girl, uh, Lana, jealous?" finished Billy.

"Not really jealous. Just aware of what she could have had if she'd stuck around." said Arthur. "Of course, we don't really know what happened to seperate them, so a little bit of homework has to be done before we can make any set plans."

"Carter, we think that's the perfect job for you." said Bart, gesturing to the man who was sitting silently in the back, his arms crossed and his face blank.

"This is not why I came here." he said in a thick Eygptian accent. "I'm not one for these.....childish games."

"Lighten up." said Arthur. "We know why you came, it's why we all came. But before that happens we have to pull out the stick that's wedged in between Clark's buttcheeks." Everyone but Victor and Carter laughed at the joke.

"You have the ability to fly." said Victor. "Diana has the ability, but not the stealth. While we're doing the research needed on Clark, we need someone to find some on-"

"The girl." finished Carter. "Lana."

"Why do you bother with this pursuit?" said an odd looking man. Clark was an alien, but you wouldn't know it looking at him. This man was another story. "I am not here for him to lead. I am here to learn."

"And you will." said Arthur. He sighed and took a seat, clasping his hands together. "Clark used to be one of the greatest men I ever had the pleasure of meeting. I don't think he understands what's coming, but I know for a fact that he's felt it. We all have, even the normal people."

"Exactly. We do not have time for games."

"J'onn." said Victor. "Clark may seem like an ordinary farm boy, but he's one of the most complex people I ever met. He's attached to these friends of his like he would die without them, but he says he works solo."

"His girls have been out with him. The shorter one admitted that." said J'onn.

"His girls?" asked Bart.

"What else would you call them?" asked J'onn. "Yours?"

Bart sighed and leaned against the chalkboard. "No, you had it right the first time. Although I have tried with Chloe but she's just not feeling my vibes y'know? Personally I think she's just playing hard to get, but you never know with this chick. She-"

"What do you suppose needs to be done?" asked J'onn, looking away from Bart and towards Victor.

"Dude, rude!" said Bart.

"Alright." said Victor, walking to the chalkboard and shoving Bart to the side.

"Rude!!" Bart said again, and stole the chalk from Victor.

"If we can get these two to meet, perhaps a few of us hype up our boy to Lana before he gets there, maybe he'll set an impression." said Arthur, coming to stand beside Victor. Bart was writing out the words: Operation 'Get Clark's Mojo Back.' Victor popped him upside the head, took the chalk and erased the words to write: 'Clark and Lana.'

"We have to find out if they're still interested in each other, and if they are-"

"Set them up." finished Diana. "This might actually be fun."

"Matchmaker matchmak-" Bart was cut off by Victor's hand covering his mouth.

"Don't."

"What is it with you people and being all kinds of rude?"

"Alright lady and gentlemen, let's get started on our first mission!" said Arthur with a smile.

[happycamper]

I think I'm going to love Operation: 'Get Clark's Mojo Back' :lol: I liked the original name better than the alternative...:lol:

I'm glad to see that Clark's friends can see the truth - that he actually needs to have Lana back with him to be the best he can be. :)

On with the fun...


:D :D

[mysteryman1]

Update Soon.

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

yea sounds fun

[Cardinal]

Get Clark's mojo back...'cause he put the Grrrrr in swinger, Baby!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

and make lana fall in love with clark all over again soon

[maitriniazngurl]

That's a great update!! Really love the funny moments between the heros. I can't wwait for Lana's part to come in. :D

[Ms.Metropolis]

Chapter 4, Mission #1

Bruce Wayne Manor

Carter flew over the Wayne manor, and landed just beyond the gate. He quickly crouched behind the bushes as the door opened, and watched as a young man and woman exited the home, arm in arm.

"Are you sure you want to go? You must be tired." the woman was saying, walking down the sidewalk with the man. "You were gone all night."

"Lana, i'll be fine. I've been doing this my whole life, remember?"

"So that's Lana." thought Carter, slowly moving to follow them down the path. "Very beautiful woman."

"I know," continued Lana. "It's just that I worry about you."

"Hey." said the man, and pulled her to a stop to face him. "I know you worry about me, and that's what I love about you. I didn't think that anyone would ever actually feel that about me. But you have to understand that this is what I do. This is who I am."

"I just worry, Bruce. I've been in this type of relationship before." said Lana, and continued to walk, Bruce walking beside her.

"You've told me about it. But you won't tell me who." said Bruce. "You don't trust me with that secret? I trusted you with mine."

"She's kept Clark a secret. Good woman." thought Carter.

"I trust you Bruce." said Lana. "But, this person and I..." Lana trailed off.

"You loved him." finished Bruce. "That much I can tell."

Lana nodded. For a very long time Clark was the most important person in Lana's life. She thought about him more than she'd like to admit.

"Lana, if you aren't ready for this kind of relationship, I'll understand." said Bruce, as he held open the gate for her to walk out. "No rush."

"He's been out of my life for a very long time. I'm in love with someone else. If i'm not ready now, I never will be." said Lana, with a smile. "Besides, when i'm with you, I feel like I can do anything."

A limo pulled out in front of them, and Bruce opened the door to let her in. "That's because you can my dear." said Bruce, climbing in behind her. "You can."

*********

Metropolis, Daily Planet

Clark walked into the Daily Planet, and headed towards his office. Lost in thought, he didn't notice anyone or anything around him. He was walking towards his office out of pure instinct. Why had the meeting at Ground Zero upset him so much? "Chloe knows how I feel about leadership." thought Clark, opening the door to his office and walking in, closing the door behind him. "I can't teach anyone how to be something greater." Clark sighed and loosened his tie. He went around the desk to sit down, and ran his hands over his face. "Why was I really upset today? Was it because Lana was brought up? Clark stopped to think for a minute. "No. It's not Lana. I accepted her as not part of my life a long time ago. It hurt like hell, but I was finally able to move forward." After many months of moping, Clark had convinced himself that Lana was better off without him. And he was better of without her. "I would have always been afraid that she would have been hurt. Hurt by my enemys to get to me." The fact that he had read the article about Lana and Bruce Wayne's engagement hadn't eased his mind. "Maybe it is Lana."

"Clark!" said a voice at the door, knocking wildly. "I'm coming in, hope you're decent!" The door slammed open, a smiling Lois behind it. "Guess what?"

Clark groaned and planted his face on his desk. "Do I even want to know?"

"Of course you do silly!" said Lois, closing the door behind her and sitting opposite of him once again. "Two of the best reporters of the Daily Planet have just scored the Wayne/Lang story!"

Clark immediately picked his head up to look at her. "Who?" Lois' smile only grew wider. He groaned again, burying his face in his hands. "Please say that it's not us."

"That's right Mr. Kent! We're going to the biggest social event this year. Bruce and Lana's engagement party at Wayne Enterprise!" Clark spoke, but his words were muffled by his hands. Lois leaned forward. "What?"

Clark picked up his head to look at her solemly. "Perry must hate me."

"Don't say that! You're a star reporter of the Daily Planet. And a story like this has to have professionals." said Lois, and patted him on the arm. "C'mon, we have to go find you a suit."

Clark groaned again for the third time in five minutes, and stood up to be led out of the room, and back into the crowded streets.


*********

Metropolis, Ground Zero

"Alright, let's get this party started!" said Bart, coming down the stairs in a suit.

"Geez Bart, I guess you want attention." said Victor, standing up in his own black suit and matching hat.

"How can you say that?" asked Bart, looking down at himself. "I look good."

"Your suit is red, and only red." said Victor, adjusting his tie. "How can I not say that?"

"It brings out my eyes." he said, and pulled up his collar. "Denial is the first step, to realizing I will be the best looking man there."

"Are you taking anyone?" asked Arthur, flipping down the pant-leg of his blue suit. He grinned at the shocked look on Bart's face.

"We're allowed dates!?" he asked, bewildered.

"Well...yeah." said Arthur. "I'm taking Lois."

"I'm taking Chloe." said Hal from the corner, in his green suit.

"Wha-!?" said Bart. He pointed an accusing finger at Hal. "You stole my woman!"

"Sorry to tell you this," said Hal, coming to stand beside Bart. "But she asked me." He smiled wickedly at him, and headed up the stairs. "C'mon lady and gents, we can't be late."

"Damn!" said Bart. He noticed Diana putting on her shoes a few feet away. "Hey Diana." he said, and waited until she looked at him. "How you doin'?"

"Forget it Speedy." she said, leaning up and walking past him. "I'm going as Clark's date."

"Does Clark know?" asked Bart, watching her go up the stairs.

"No." she said, rounding the corner.

"Well what Clark doesn't know won't hurt him!" yelled Bart, and quickly followed her up the stairs.

Everyone gathered at the front doors, each of them dressed in their formal wear. They were all smiling, obviously liking how they looked.

"Okay guys." said Arthur, and opened up the door. "Remember, look casual, and don't let anyone know why you're really there. If someone asks you who you're there with, look around to see if either the bride or groom is around. If the bride is there, say you're with the groom, and if they groom is there, say you are with the bride. Capiche?" They all nodded in understanding, and Arthur motioned for them to walk out the door. "Then our chariot awaits!"

[happycamper]

Operation: 'Get Clark's Mojo Back' commences.

Just thinking...shouldn't we be feeling sorry for Bruce?

Nah... :lol: :lol:

Anyway, everyone here knows for whom Lana is actually intended. ;)


:D :D

[Cardinal]

Yeah, as we all know, Bruce had a different chick in every movie...so who knows if he'd even be faithful to Lana? ;)

[deanyouk]

Wow, great story... keep it coming..

[maitriniazngurl]

Man!! Keep it coming!! I love these updates!

Bruce does get a different girl in every movie.. but hey, this is a fanfic.. and I'll be feeling sorry for Bruce!

PPMS!

[emsfan]

great job update soon:)

[mysteryman1]

Update Soon.

[mysteryman1]

Update Soon.

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

ummmmm ok...............

[mysteryman1]

Update Soon.

[midnite_spark]

Ooooo you got me hooked!!!

[maitriniazngurl]

PPMS!!

[mysteryman1]

Update Soon.

[mysteryman1]

Update?

[sagas7]

bring clana soon but not very fast like many other fics because if you do it wont be as fun