Fic: Heart of s Stone (End Notes)
End Notes:
1-The title is compliments of the poem quoted at the end of the story. I don't know anything in particular about this poet, Thamnaret, but the poem was included in the PIP Anthology of World Poetry in the Twentieth Century, and I thought it was particularly apropos as the inspiration for this particular portion of the timeline.
2-From the Prelude, you've seen that I don't really subscribe to the notion of Bruce ever dying. I know that many people feel it is a crucial characteristic, that, as a hero whose humanity is a defining characteristic, he should eventually suffer the most inevitable of human failings. I…have a different perspective, and I apologize in advance for indulging myself this way. My general thought process, in this series in particular, is that there are so many ways that Bruce could extend his life that are perfectly legit canon options-from time travel, to different universes, to the availability of advanced Kryptonian technology, to contact with other alien life forms and technology, to boom tubes, to interactions with supreme beings, to nanotechnology and cloning, to the Lazarus pit. I don't feel that it's necessary to have Bruce die and Clark continue on like some near immortal, alone, alienated and bereft. I don't think my version of either one would tolerate such a conclusion. IMHO, if the two of them were highly motivated to find a solution (such as being in love), nothing would be outside their purview-or in other words, if I'm going to assume that the two of them are bonded beyond space and time, I'm also going to assume it means enough to Bruce to deviate from his usual methodology. Also, I think Bruce would realize that Clark wouldn't be able to function after his death, and even if Bruce wanted to let nature run its course, common sense and the good of the planet would cause him to consider another way.
So…all that to say my Bruce Wayne lives as long as Clark Kent lives. They started this thing together; they will end it together. My apologies if this flies in the face of convention. ;)
1-The title is compliments of the poem quoted at the end of the story. I don't know anything in particular about this poet, Thamnaret, but the poem was included in the PIP Anthology of World Poetry in the Twentieth Century, and I thought it was particularly apropos as the inspiration for this particular portion of the timeline.
2-From the Prelude, you've seen that I don't really subscribe to the notion of Bruce ever dying. I know that many people feel it is a crucial characteristic, that, as a hero whose humanity is a defining characteristic, he should eventually suffer the most inevitable of human failings. I…have a different perspective, and I apologize in advance for indulging myself this way. My general thought process, in this series in particular, is that there are so many ways that Bruce could extend his life that are perfectly legit canon options-from time travel, to different universes, to the availability of advanced Kryptonian technology, to contact with other alien life forms and technology, to boom tubes, to interactions with supreme beings, to nanotechnology and cloning, to the Lazarus pit. I don't feel that it's necessary to have Bruce die and Clark continue on like some near immortal, alone, alienated and bereft. I don't think my version of either one would tolerate such a conclusion. IMHO, if the two of them were highly motivated to find a solution (such as being in love), nothing would be outside their purview-or in other words, if I'm going to assume that the two of them are bonded beyond space and time, I'm also going to assume it means enough to Bruce to deviate from his usual methodology. Also, I think Bruce would realize that Clark wouldn't be able to function after his death, and even if Bruce wanted to let nature run its course, common sense and the good of the planet would cause him to consider another way.
So…all that to say my Bruce Wayne lives as long as Clark Kent lives. They started this thing together; they will end it together. My apologies if this flies in the face of convention. ;)