Kapitel 29: Recovery
Sunlight streams in through the sheer curtains, casting soft patterns across the room. Clark stirs awake, his senses sharp as always, even in the comfort of the morning. He glances around and sees Natasha Romanoff beside him, still asleep. Her expression is relaxed, unguarded in a way Clark rarely sees.
He smiles faintly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face before lying back against the pillows. For the first time in what feels like forever, Clark allows himself to linger, to enjoy the quiet peace of the moment.
Time drifts by, and eventually, Natasha stirs, her green eyes opening to meet his.
NATASHA ROMANOFF
(sleepily, teasing)
You're still here? I figured you'd be halfway to saving a galaxy by now.
CLARK KENT
(softly)
Not today.
They share a quiet moment before Natasha stretches and sits up, pulling the sheet around her.
NATASHA ROMANOFF
(smirking)
Well, if you're staying, I'm getting breakfast. You should consider joining the rest of us eventually.
She leans down, brushing a kiss against his cheek, before slipping out of bed and heading to the bathroom.
Clark watches her go, a faint smile lingering on his face. Once alone, his super-hearing instinctively tunes into the world outside.
SFX: Construction noises, voices of workers shouting instructions, the hum of machinery, and the distant sound of reporters broadcasting updates on the city's recovery.
Clark sits up, focusing more intently. He hears snippets of conversations:
WORKER 1
We need another crane over here—this wall's about to give!
WORKER 2
The city's a wreck. Gonna take weeks to clear all this debris.
REPORTER
...the aftermath of yesterday's battle leaves much of New York in ruins. Crews are working tirelessly to restore some sense of normalcy...
Clark frowns, the weight of responsibility settling on him again. He stands, moving toward the window and looking out over the city. Even from here, he can see the damage—the broken buildings, the smoke still lingering in places.
Determined, he steps back, moving quickly to get dressed. By the time Natasha returns, he's already pulling on his boots.
NATASHA ROMANOFF
(raising an eyebrow)
Heading out already?
CLARK KENT
(quietly)
There's a lot of work to do out there. I can help.
Natasha steps closer, studying him for a moment.
NATASHA ROMANOFF
(softly)
Just… don't forget to take care of yourself too, Clark. You can't carry the whole world all the time.
He smiles at her, appreciating the sentiment, but says nothing as he finishes lacing his boots.
CLARK KENT
I'll be back.
Clark stepped out onto the balcony, the morning sun rising over the New York skyline. He closed his eyes and tilted his face upward, letting the warm rays wash over him. The sunlight felt like a balm, easing the weariness that clung to him after the chaos of the last day. For a few moments, he just stood there, still and serene, as if soaking in the life the sun gave him.
Below, the city was alive with noise—construction crews calling out orders, machinery clanking, and the faint chatter of news anchors reporting on the recovery efforts. Clark's enhanced hearing picked up every detail, from the hum of power tools to the voices of people helping each other amidst the rubble.
Opening his eyes, he looked down at the streets far below, his resolve hardening. "Time to get to work," he murmured to himself.
Moments later, he was in the heart of the city, landing softly in a heavily damaged area. Workers froze mid-motion, staring at him as if unsure what to say.
"It's him," one whispered, eyes wide.
"The guy who stopped the nuke," another added, grinning.
Clark didn't stop to acknowledge the murmurs. He scanned the wreckage, spotting a massive slab of concrete pinning a construction vehicle. Without hesitation, he crouched and lifted it effortlessly, freeing the machinery underneath. The workers nodded their thanks, moving in to retrieve their equipment as Clark turned to assess the next problem.
"Two blocks over—collapsed building," one worker called out to him. "Think you can help?"
Clark nodded and took off, a gust of wind whipping through the street as he vanished.
The day passed in a blur of activity. Clark worked tirelessly, moving mountains of debris, clearing roads, and creating safe paths for rescue crews. He carried injured civilians to safety, handed a rescued dog to a tearful child, and even used his heat vision to cut through twisted beams of steel, making it easier for others to work. Everywhere he went, people paused to watch, awe-struck by the ease with which he accomplished the impossible.
By late afternoon, Clark found himself lifting a toppled crane back into position while a small crowd of workers and onlookers watched, their amazement etched on their faces.
"That's... unbelievable," the foreman muttered under his breath, shaking his head.
"Thank you!" someone shouted, their voice rising above the clamor. A few others joined in, clapping and cheering.
Clark gave them a brief nod, not lingering. There was still too much to do.
Hours later, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Clark returned to Stark Tower. His suit was streaked with dirt and ash, his hair tousled by the wind. He landed quietly on the same balcony where he'd begun his day, taking a moment to look out over the city.
The damage was still visible, but there was progress too. People were working together, clearing debris and rebuilding their lives. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start.
Clark allowed himself a small smile as the golden light of the sunset bathed the city. For the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of hope—not just for the world, but for himself.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein