The Vigilante (AU)

Chapter Three: Visiting an Old Friend

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any DC characters.

Garfield POV:

    The drive from Gotham to Jump City was a long one but I didn't mind. I watched as the doom and gloom of the Gotham night sky disappeared and was replaced by sun, clouds and wheat for miles around. I listened to some pop and rock music as I drove a little over the speed limit. I have a Porsche now, what do you expect? The car drove like a dream and I was still half expecting Bruce to call me and tell me to bring it back to the manor but he never did.

    I finally came upon a few road signs telling me how far along I was. Only about an hour or so to go before Jump City. However my eyes drifted to the sign right after, telling me I had just entered the city limits of Metropolis, home of Superman. I decided I'd better make a pit stop to the Daily Planet just to let Clark and Lois know I was finally heading off to college.

    Metropolis was very different from Gotham. The streets were clean and traffic moved at a rhythmic pace. Everyone was smiling as they waved to each other, the sun casting an almost protective glow over the city. Everyone was happy because they knew if any trouble was going to occur, they had their very own resident superhero who could save the day. Crime in Metropolis was almost non-existent since the emergence of Superman. There were still the occasional supervillains like Lex Luthor who would try and stop Superman, but he always foiled him in the end.

    I was so engrossed at looking at the city I almost drove right past my destination. I skidded to a stop and found a spot right across the street from the front entrance to the building. I stepped out of the car and breathed in, the clean air almost making me light-headed, my lungs accustomed to the polluted streets of Gotham. I looked up as the tall building towered over me. The giant golden globe with the words THE DAILY PLANET spinning slowly on its axis. One day I hope to work in a place like this. I haven't had much time to read up on what kind of news outlets Jump City had.
I quickly slipped on my holo ring, my hair changing from green to blonde and my skin from green to tan. I used the holo ring when I wanted to go anywhere in public. My persona as Vigilante in Gotham had me wearing my combat suit but I also kept my green appearance as to throw off the press and potential villains from figuring out my identity.

    I quickly made my way across the street and into the building. I looked around and realized I stuck out like a sore thumb. My bright red motorcycle jacket and white shirt received me a few side eyes and confused expressions from the reporters and office jockeys wearing suits and ties. I was already here so I didn't care very much. I hopped into the first available elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. The ride was quick and I finally arrived in the bullpen, the main hub for the passing of important information as well as the offices of very important reporters.

    I passed a few offices with names I could vaguely remember like Perry White and Jimmy Olson. Then I finally made it to the one I was looking for. Lois Lane was painted in big black letters on the door. But the newest addition was EDITOR IN CHIEF written under it as well. "Well congrats on the promotion Lois." I said this to myself as I heard a little bit of shouting.

    I quietly opened the door and waited in the corner as Lois was talking to one of the reporters.

    "I told you Dave we cannot print this without a second source. I know you're passionate about this but please find someone to corroborate your story. Then I will print it in a heartbeat I promise." He grumbled a little under his breath but reluctantly grabbed his story and headed out the door. Lois sat down in her chair and rubbed her temples, still not realizing I was leaning against the wall and smirking.

    "Tough day?" I said, watching her jump a little in her chair and almost toppling over. She steadied herself, looking at me with a glare but then her eyes softened as she realized it was me.

    "Jesus Garfield! You can't scare me like that." I chuckled while walking over to her and giving her a hug. She relaxed a bit though and we finally separated.

    "It's really nice to see you though. You take too much after your father though." She nudged me a bit and we both chuckled.

    "Well sometimes I can't turn my silent steps off. I'm sorry. But I just came by to see you guys before heading off to Jump City. I got accepted into their journalism program." Her eyes went wide before she pulled me in for another hug. For a small lady she was surprisingly strong.

    "Lois...can't...breathe." She let me go and laughed a little.

    "Sorry, but I'm just so happy for you! What made you wanna go into journalism?" I was about to answer but I heard a small crash outside the door and someone apologizing.

    "Dammit Kent! Watch where you're going!" The door opened to reveal a guy wearing a suit, his black hair falling over his eyes who was picking up a few files while pushing his glasses up on his nose.

    "Sorry Jerry, sorry. Wasn't watching where I was going." He finished helping pick up the papers, handed them back and closed the door behind him. He huffed a sigh and straightened up, making him look more sturdy. He took off his glasses and put them in his pocket.

    "I thought you were done with the clumsy act Clark?" He smiled as he looked up, recognizing my voice. He hugged me as well, watching his strength so he didn't crush me.

    "Good to see you kid. And I have. That was an actual accident." He chuckled nervously. Lois just smirked, crossing her arms over her chest. He walked over, giving Lois a small but passionate kiss.

    "Hey hun. Sorry I'm late. This is for you." He pulled a stack of papers behind his back. The title read ''HOW LEX LUTHOR USED HIS COMPANY FUNDS TO TRY AND KILL SUPERMAN." Written by Clark Kent and Lois Lane.

    "You do realize kissing me won't always work to get out of handing in a late story right?" He leaned down and kissed her again. She blushed a little bit.

    "Been working okay so far." He winked after saying this. She nudged him before they both turned to look at me again. My face scrunched up from watching them kiss. Twice.

    "Come on Garfield. Once you find a girl you love, you'll be kissing her all the time." He wiggled his eyebrows a little before Lois lightly slapped him on the arm.

    "Anyway, Garfield was telling me how he just got accepted into a journalism program in Jump City." She smiled while looking at Clark. A big grin appeared on his face as well.

    "Well that's awesome kid. But what made you wanna go into journalism?" He looked at me slightly confused.

    "Well it was actually you guys. After learning about how you guys worked to report the truth to help people, I realized that's what I wanted to do. It always helps me with my actions as Vigilante to know the facts while tracking these guys down." I smiled just thinking about working in a place like this. Clark put his arm on my shoulder.

    "Well I'm really proud of you. I know you'll be an awesome reporter. Maybe we'll even work together sometimes." It made me happy that he was proud of me. I hugged him once again. We finally let go.

    "Well I figured I'd stop in and give you the news before I headed to Jump City. So if you guys need any help or Superman does." I wink at Clark as I say this. "You know where to find me."

    We said our goodbyes as I made my way out of the building and back to the car. I looked back at the building once more. I could see myself working here in the future.

    I started the car once more. Jump City here I come.