For a tale that wasn't supposed to be dark, this is quickly turning into an angst-fest. Poor Clark is doing what he believes he has to do to protect the innocent, which is totally in character for him. And unless his face shows up on a TV or in a newspaper, poor Grandma Tildy may never see him again. I wonder if Clark will think about that aspect of his leave-taking, that he leaves behind people who care about him and care for him. As long as he's been there, and as helpful as he's been, some of the younger boys will miss him terribly. He's become a big brother to many of them by now, and Chen will miss him also. He might even wonder if he did something to drive Clark away.
If destiny awaits in the east, DC, then will he meet a teenaged Lois and get involved with her somehow? Makes me wonder if she needs a hero just about the time Clark appears on her radar.
Keep them coming! I like this different take on alt-Clark.
