Chapter Text
With his son stepping into the role of Superman, Clark had great faith in him and the rest of the Superfamily to protect Earth in his absence. He had watched Jon grow into a more than great hero, embodying the same values and strength that defined the mantle. He had satisfyingly proven his dedication and capability countless times. He was so proud of him.
Clark wasn’t worried, and he knew Jon would be there when he ultimately comes back.
Clark and Lois had divorced a few years earlier. The decision to part ways was mutual and stemmed from their diverging paths rather than any real animosity. Lois's career as an editor-in-chief demanded her full attention, while Clark's commitment to his superhero duties often kept him away from home. Slowly, they became aware of their wavering feelings for each other. Despite the separation, they remained close friends, they still harbored deep respect for each other. Their friendship allowed them to co-parent Jon efficiently and kept them on supporting each other. That mutual understanding made the separation less painful.
Clark would miss her, but he knew she’d be okay.
Clark thought of Bruce. His best friend and the finest of them all, really. Over the years, their relationship had evolved from wary allies to best friends. And, after the divorce, Bruce was there. He stood by Clark's side, held his hand and looked at him with genuine concern. In those dark moments, he found comfort in Bruce's presence. One night, all that tension between them exploded into a kiss, and suddenly things shifted. For a few weeks, they were more than just friends. There were secret touches, stolen glances, and whispered conversations between them. They never put a label on it, never called it love or a relationship.
Then Bruce, pragmatic as always, eventually put a stop to it. "We can't do this, Clark," he said one night, looking more regretful than Clark had ever seen him. "It's too complicated. We have too much at stake."
Clark understood, even if it hurt. They backed off, leaving that chapter of their relationship unresolved. But their friendship didn’t suffer. They still fought side by side, and still shared a bond that was unbreakable.
Clark would miss him, but he wasn’t worried.
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It felt heavier than any battle he had fought, and it was on a Thursday. Clark took the time to sit down with each person that meant a great deal to him, explaining why he had to go and telling them his goodbyes. He started with Jon, who already knew because he had been preparing him to become the new Superman. The conversations with Jon had been lengthy and intense, filled with lessons, advice, and the heavy burden of responsibility. Jon understood the gravity of his father's mission and the role he had to step into.
Next, Clark met with Kara, Kon, and the Irons. He made sure they understood the importance of his mission and expressed how proud he was to have fought alongside them. "You all have been my strength, my support," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "Remember your responsibility. You are more than capable of protecting this world.".
Each hug felt like a final battle, each goodbye the beginning of profound loss. Yet, he left them with a duty, a purpose and the knowledge that he believed in their abilities to carry on his legacy.
After those goodbyes, he met with his closest friends in the Justice League. To Diana, he expressed his deep gratitude for her friendship and support throughout the years. She pulled him into a fierce hug, and he held on tightly, drawing strength from her. "I’ll be here when you return," she promised, her voice confident. "I’ll keep the hope alive." Then, he shared heartfelt words with Barry, Arthur, John Stewart, J’onn and Hal, thanking them for who they were, for what they stood for and for their friendship as well.
"It's not going to be the same without you.", Arthur had solemnly said.
To John and Hal, Clark promised. "Thank you, both of you, for your friendship and for standing by me. I’ll see you both out there in the cosmos."
J’onn was the last. He stood by the window, gazing out into the sky, when Clark approached him quietly. "J’onn," The Martian Manhunter turned, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding. "You are leaving."
Clark nodded. "Yes. Thank you for your wisdom and friendship, J’onn. I’ll miss our talks."
J’onn placed a hand on his shoulder, his touch comforting. "We will see each other again, Kal. Until then, be safe.". They embraced.
Each farewell had made Clark heavier. Each hug somehow had gotten tighter as the reality sunk in.
For his human friends, the goodbyes were especially poignant. Their shared past filled with love and respect made Clark hug Lois a little longer. He knew that when he returned, she and the others would likely be gone.
Clark saved his mother and Bruce for last. He knew how the conversation would go with the latter.
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The Batcave was eerily silent, punctuated only by the clicking sound of the keyboard and the drip of water through the cavern. Bruce was alone in front of the Batcomputer, his intense gaze fixed on the streams of data across the screen. Clark made sure his kids weren't around before coming over. Bruce almost missed the soft whoosh of a cape and the presence of another figure behind him. He stopped typing.
"Bruce."
He turned slowly in his chair to see Superman, standing there with an expression that was both solemn and deeply sorrowed.
"Clark ?" Bruce frowned.
Clark took a deep breath, his eyes meeting the other man’s.
"I need to talk to you about something important."
Bruce leaned back in his chair, giving him all his attention. In response, Clark's face tightened resolutely.
"I have to leave Earth for a long time."
Bruce's eyes narrowed.
"How long ?"
"Approximately sixty years."
Bruce’s heartbeat remained steady. He’s sure he can find another way , Clark thought. Again, he knew how the conversation would go.
"Why ?" Bruce asked calmly.
Clark paused before he could answer with his well-rehearsed explanation.
"There's a distant planet in the GN-z11 galaxy, Latonae. It's on the brink of collapse because of a catastrophic failure in its core. Their people have reached out for help. Not just any help, but for someone with the strength and abilities that I have. If I don't intervene, millions will die. And it's not just saving them ; it's about stabilizing their planet for future generations…"
And there's no one else who can do this ? , Clark predicted.
Bruce considered the words, his mind racing through the implications.
"And there's no one else who can do this ?"
Clark shook his head.
"Not in time. I've consulted with the Guardians of the Universe, and even with their resources, they estimate it would take decades to mobilize the necessary forces. I’m the only one who can get there fast enough and make a difference."
Bruce was silent for a moment, then he stood, his cape swaying slightly with the movement.
"And the sixty years ?"
"Time dilation. GN-z11 is 32 billion light years from here, it’s very far even when using hyperspace engines. Plus, I'll be working for a while in an environment where time moves differently. The time there equals approximately a fourth of the time here. Overall, it might feel like fifteen years for me, but here... it will be sixty."
Bruce's frustration started to swell up.
"When ?"
"I still have to say goodbye to my mom," Clark sighed softly, resilient. "Then I’m gone."
Batman’s strong jaw clenched.
"Why did you wait until the last minute to tell me ?"
Clark's eyes softened. "Because I knew you'd try to find another solution, and I respect that. You're the most resourceful person I know, Bruce. But this is the only way, I promise." He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I didn't want you to lose sleep over it, to spend countless nights torturing yourself trying to come up with an alternative. You've already sacrificed so much.”
For months, Clark had himself tirelessly searched for an alternative, scouring through every possibility and consulting with allies across the universe. He had spared no effort in exploring every possible solution. He sought counsel from the Guardians of the Universe, delved into ancient Kryptonian archives, and even consulted with beings from distant galaxies known for their advanced technology. The realization slowly dawned on him that there was no other viable option. His mission to save the planet extended beyond merely preventing its immediate destruction. The catastrophic failure in its core threatens not only to tear the planet apart but also destabilize its very existence in the long term. He was essential not just for the initial rescue efforts but also for stabilizing the planet's geological and atmospheric systems for future generations.
In other words, he had to go and he had to stay for a while.
As the days turned into weeks and the urgency of the situation grew, Clark had to confront the harsh reality that he was the only hope for Latonae. With a heavy heart and a sense of duty weighing on his shoulders, he finally accepted that this mission - an echo of the late Krypton’s fate - was his to undertake, no matter the personal cost.
Bruce's expression hardened, but Clark deciphered some understanding floating in his eyes.
"You could have trusted me."
"I do trust you,” he nodded earnestly. “More than anyone. That's why I waited until the last possible moment. I needed to make sure everyone else was prepared before I came to you. I needed to make sure they would be okay in my absence, and I knew that telling you too soon would put too big of a weight on your shoulders.”
Bruce's fists clenched by his sides, but he didn't argue. He knew Clark was right, even if he didn't like it.
"You should have let me help."
Clark smiled faintly.
"You always help, Bruce. Even when you don't realize it. But this time, there was nothing you could do. I had to make this decision alone, for everyone's sake.”
Clark noticed the exact moment when realization dawned in Bruce's eyes. He understood that there was nothing he could do to prevent Clark from leaving. He might try, but Clark was immutable.
Bruce had always known a day like this one might come, but the reality of it struck him like a blow. Clark… was leaving for sixty years. Bruce was forty-three years old. The thought of never getting to see him again filled Bruce with a deep sadness he couldn't fully express, he couldn’t fully contain either.
Bruce’s gaze found the ceiling of the cave and seemed to get stuck there as he tried not to blink. When he bit down on his trembling lower lip, Clark saw the tears he was so desperately trying to conceal.
Using his superspeed, Clark reached out and pulled Bruce into a tight embrace, holding him firmly against his chest.
For Bruce, loss had usually been sudden and abrupt. In his life, allies and loved ones often disappeared without warning, leaving him to deal with grief and unanswered questions. Whether it was a vanishing act or an untimely death, Bruce had grown used to dealing with the aftermath of loss alone, never having the opportunity to properly bid farewell. But now, for once, Bruce was faced with the raw reality of a face-to-face goodbye, confronting the imminent absence of someone he deeply cherished.
"Thank you for everything, Bruce," Clark said, his voice deep with emotion. Bruce trembled in his arms, unable to hold back his tears any longer. Clark continued. "You mean so much to me. I'll never forget all our moments together. Please, please take care of yourself," Clark's arms tightened around him even more. "God, I’ll miss you."
Bruce's grip tightened, his voice breaking as he spoke. "Clark…"
Clark's own tears welled up, and he held Bruce even closer. "I know, Bruce. But I have to do this. I need to save them. And I need you to promise me you'll take care of things here. You'll keep going, for as long as you can."
"I promise," he managed.
In the grayish lights of the Batcave, they held each other tightly, their embrace conveying what words could not.
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The farewell between Clark and Martha Kent was filled with love, sorrow, and yet acceptance. They stood in front of his father’s grave. Martha held her son tightly, her touch lingering with a bittersweet tenderness as they exchanged goodbyes. She assured Clark of her neverending support and pride in his selfless mission, knowing it was a duty only he could fulfill. Clark, in turn, expressed his gratitude for her and his Pa’s unconditional love and guidance.
Martha wouldn't be there when he returned.
With a final embrace and a lingering gaze, Clark bid farewell to the woman who had shaped him into the hero he had become. He carried her love with him as he disappeared in the starry sky.
🌕🌕🌕
Bruce silently watched the familiar red dot monitoring Superman’s trajectories on his screen. It blinked steadily on Smallville for a little less than half an hour before disconnecting as Superman flashed out of their orbit.
Bruce had always known a day like this one might come, but it still hurt like hell.
