Cold water roused Clark from his deep sleep. He didn't remember what had happened, but he found himself now in a prison. The place was in sharp contrast to the luxury of Mongul's quarters. As his vision cleared, he could see he was surrounded by various creatures, no two seeming to belong to the same species. A bloated frog-like creature with three eyes regarded him coolly. It had been him who'd thrown the water over him. Clark went to step forwards, but was halted by a pair of chains attaching his arms to the wall. Grimacing, he pulled at them and was pleasantly surprised when they broke. His strength had returned. Perhaps not entirely, but that was a good start. It also meant that wherever Warworld was, there was a yellow sun shining down on it.
"Well, that saves me the trouble of unchaining you," said the frog-man, unconcerned by the display of strength. "It's time for your first match anyway."
The creature gestured for him to follow, but Clark stood his ground. It was just as well he had met the alien known as Mongul before coming here, since now he was prepared for the kind of thing he might face. He was as alien as anything here, but he was the only one who looked human.
"I'm not going anywhere with you," he said, standing his ground. He would not show fear. The alien looked him up and down and sighed. Clark turned suddenly and swung with his right hand, intending to smash through the wall and begin trying to find a way out of here. If he'd been teleported here from wherever Lenaria had held him, he should be able to find a way to teleport back.
A hand grabbed his wrist.
"That's enough, boy," hissed the frog. It's foul breath brushed the back of his neck. "There's nowhere for you to go. Mongul's already altered the teleporter so it won't take you back home. And even if you got past the barrier around the city, we already know you can't fly yet. And even if you could fly…"
"I think I'm starting to get the idea," said Clark dryly, shaking his wrist free from the creature's grasp. "How do you know I can't fly, anyway?"
"News travels around here; well, depending on the kind. Info on a fighter? You better believe that's going all over."
"What's your name?" asked Clark as he was led out of the cell. The other fighters watched him as he went. His sharp hearing picked up various mutterings about how Kryptonian's had always been overrated, and how this one had barely left his mother's teat.
"My name is Yuish," said the alien. "Though few remember it. Draaga is the only one they care about, besides Mongul himself."
"Draaga?"
"Yes, the most powerful fighter on Warworld. No doubt you'll be pitted against him, one day. As long as you don't make any foolish attempt at escape. If you do, Mongul will have to make an example out of you."
"Quite so, Yuish."
Clark recognised the arrogant, overbearing voice immediately. It was far more repulsive to him than the alien's appearance. Mongul was humanoid, though could never pass for human. His skin was a distinctive shade of yellow, and his body large and powerful; built like a locomotive. Clark couldn't be sure yet how he matched up to the leader of Warworld. He hoped he wouldn't have to find out.
"I won't fight, Mongul. I'm not a monster like you," said Clark. Mongul waved a hand dismissively.
"Many of your people said the same, but they saw things my way in the end," said Mongu calmly. "Don't look so nervous, boy. I've selected an easy opponent for your first bout. We can't have you losing already, can we? I have a long career planned for you."
"I couldn't care less what your plans are," hissed Clark. Yuish, looking nervous beside him, gasped. The back of Mongul's hand struck Clark's cheek before he could react. It jerked his head to the side, stinging like crazy. Well, he'd just had his first taste of Mongul's power. Strong and fast. But it would take a lot more than that.
"Careful, Kryptonian. You will move as I direct or you will be moved. There's no need to be angry at me. I'm going to make you a hero! Now get out there and show the people what you're made of!"
888
"What are you talking about? You had something to do with Jonathan's death?" asked Lana, sounding shocked.
"Uh… someone want to tell me why Lionel Luthor's here and why he's talking all funny?" asked Pete.
"Lionel Luthor is merely the vessel I am using. I am Jor-El, true father of Kal-El. And to answer your question, Lana…"
"That's enough Jor-El!" declared Martha, standing up suddenly. "Where is Clark? Is he alright?"
"He is alive for now," said Jor-El.
"Bring him back, then," said Chloe. "You gave him a mission, and wherever he is now, he isn't going to be able to complete it."
"I am unable to agree to that request," said Jor-El. Lana shook her head. Jor-El's voice betrayed no concern for Clark at all. "Kal-El is no longer on Earth; he is a prisoner on a place known as Warworld, far from here."
"Then why did you come here!?" shouted Martha, losing her temper suddenly. Lana didn't blame her, but she took Martha's hand as the woman stepped forward. Clark had been apprehensive, if not exactly frightened, around Jor-El, and she didn't want anything to happen to her. "If you're not going to help, what do you want with us?"
"There may yet be hope for Kal-El, if you can gain control of the Empireth's base of operations. Unfortunately the time and effort involved would kill this vessel. Therefore I suggest all of you must continue with the mission in Kal-El's place. If you can gain the bottle city of Kandor and bring it to me, you will have all you need to defeat the Empireth."
"The armour?" asked Lana. She hadn't had time to explain everything to the others, and they looked at her questioningly. "You mean one of us can wear it?"
"That is correct," said Jor-El. "As long as you have the armour, overcoming the Empireth will be easy. Once she has been subdued, she can be forced to retrieve Kal-El, if he still lives. You already know where to begin. You must do whatever it takes to obtain the bottle city."
"But.. I don't know how…"
"You must manipulate Lex Luthor's feelings for you," said Jor-El simply.
"I can't do that," said Lana sharply.
"You are human," said Jor-El, and continued before Lana could protest. "I will give you the vessel to assist in your endeavours. He already knows of Kal-El's abilities."
"Now wait just a minute-" began Pete as Martha, Chloe and Lana collectively gasped. Jor-El merely looked at Pete and the youth was silenced.
"Martha will tell you that every time Kal-El is lost, something must be sacrificed. The price may be high in the end, but he must be retrieved. His destiny is too important to this planet for it to be lost now. I must go immediately, or risk damaging the vessel. He will be left with knowledge of what must be done."
Before any of them could protest further, a glow illuminated Lionel's eyes brilliantly, and the dull whiteness that had obscured his pupils before was gone. Lionel looked disoriented for a moment, then collapsed to the ground. Lana, Chloe, Pete and Martha surrounded him, none offering to help him up. Pete in fact looked like he wanted to kick the man in the teeth. To Lana's surprise, even Martha was glaring at him with anger. As Lionel began to stir, recognition returned to his eyes.
"Martha?" he asked groggily.
"You know Clark's secret," said Martha in an even tone. Sitting up, Lionel nodded. He appeared to be inspecting his knees with keen interest.
"I'm afraid that's true, Martha. I swear to you, I've never told another soul. And I never will. But right now…"
"How long have you known?"
"Not long," said Lionel, meeting her gaze now. "Martha, I appreciate you feel.. betrayed… right now, but Jor-El wants me to help you…"
"We don't need help from you," growled Pete.
"I'm sure working together you're all very… resourceful, son…"
"You don't call me that," said Pete. Chloe placed a hand on his shoulder to try and cool him down.
"But we're facing a graver threat here than you yet realise. I'm guessing Miss Lang hasn't had time to fill you in on all the details. Before you make any decision, I guess she should do so."
888
As Clark was taken up onto a podium, surrounded by an even stranger array of alien creatures than had been inside his cell, he figured at least he wouldn't have to listen to Mongul's overbearing voice anymore. As the crowd roared it's approval and Mongul strode into view, he saw he didn't even have that.
"My people, it does me good to see so many of you joining us here today. You've heard the speculation, and now allow me to confirm to you: as I promised, I have delivered. Stepping up today we have a new challenger, of one of the most feared species to ever enter the arena."
Mongul paused a moment as the crowd worked themselves up ever more. Clark shook his head. It sickened him that they got so excited at the thought of such a battle. To his left, on another podium, he could see who he assumed would be his first opponent. Or rather, what. Most of the creatures he'd seen here so far had been humanoid, but this was an outright monster. And after a moment, he recognised what it was. A mixture of lion, snake and goat. The same creature Lionel had told him had been seen on Earth in the desert…
"Yes, for the first time in well over a decade, aiming to make a name for himself, I gave you: the last Kryptonian, Kal-El!"
Thunderous applause came from such creatures as had two hands; others made do with fearsome roars of approval.
"But, my people, this Kryptonian was raised on Earth, a planet populated by weaklings. As such, can this mere child truly rise to the top? Will he one day challenge Draaga himself? Or will he fall in his first battle?" asked Mongul, looking eagerly at the crowd. Clark could see the creature relished his role. "His opponent is also from Earth, but this creature has gone from man to myth. Once human, his body was altered to create the fearsome beast you see before you now. Let us watch them engage in battle… on Warworld!"
The crowd rose to it's feet. Clark tried to shout a protest, but his voice was drowned out completely. He turned with horror to look at the monster he was about to face. He was not afraid of it; not at all – rather, he was shocked to learn it had once been human. How could that be?
The Empireth, he thought coldly. She'd been sending other… specimens here other than him. She couldn't send a regular human – they wouldn't be strong enough to please Mongul. So she made them into something else.
He turned ready to face his opponent, before realising they couldn't possibly fight here without risking hurting someone. He tensed as he saw, from the corner of his eye, a large gun turning towards him. Mongul smirked at him, and then the roar of the crowd faded. Clark spun furiously, finding himself in completely new surroundings. It looked like he was in the middle of a ruined city, with empty husks of buildings barely remaining standing. There was no sign of anyone.
Not until The Chimera was beamed in. It's lion head regarded him closely, and when Clark saw it's eyes he realised any humanity the creature had once possessed was long gone. There was also a goat's head in the middle of it's body, and at the rear was a group of hideous snakes He tried to remember what he knew about the mythical creature.
A burst of flame erupted from the goat's mouth. Oh yeah, it can breathe fire, he thought. The creature leapt forward and Clark's mind worked quickly. If he were facing the monster of legend, it's fire would presumably have been magical, and could have hurt him. As this one had been manufactured, he was probably safe. He stood his ground, letting the creature launch a blast of fire at his chest, and staggered back at the force of the heat. Good plan, Clark, he thought dimly. With his powers not quite back to full yet, and with this creature's power apparently augmented by whatever Lenaria had done to it, he'd have to be more careful. The blast hadn't really hurt him, but he'd felt it, and a sustained blast could be dangerous.
Lunging forwards, The Chimera tried to take a bite out of him, but Clark leapt clear with ease. It's movements were fast, but not fast enough. Launching a flurry of furious strikes, the creature's paws caught his shoulder only to find Clark grabbing's it's front legs and tossing the creature backwards, where it slammed into one of the ruined buildings. It was only now Clark noticed a number of tiny cameras following them, as one sped over to the Chimera. As it tried to rise, Clark blasted the building with his heat vision, causing the roof to collapse onto the creature.
Roaring with pain, the creature squirmed under it's prison. Clark turned away, then heard a challenging cry as the monster emerged, rubble being strewn everywhere. Clark raised a hand and a huge stone shattered against it. The Chimera pounced onto him, but Clark leapt into the air, carrying the monster with him, swerving his body at the peak of the jump. The goat head snapped to one side, launching a flame at him, but Clark grabbed it's neck and jerked it wildly, causing the flame to miss it's target at the last moment. The Chimera's body writhed as it was slammed into the ground, a crater forming in the ground under the force of the impact. Clark stood back, half-expecting the creature to rise again, but the snakes at the back flailed weakly, and the eyes were dulling.
"What say you?"
Clark turned as he heard Mongul's voice emerging from one of the cameras. At first he thought Mongul was talking to him, but as he heard the crowd he knew otherwise. The crowd was chanting for blood.
"The people have spoken," said Mongul, who had expected no other response.
"I won't kill it," said Clark coldly. "It was human once. I'm through playing your sick games."
"Ah, the naiveté of youth!" said Mongul, sounding amused. "You don't have a choice, Kryptonian. You do it our way freely or are forced into doing it. We are a democracy, and the people demand that creature's death. I will allow this one defiance only."
Clark was about to give an angry retort when he heard something in the camera. A moment later, a blast of energy struck the creature and stripped the flesh from it's bones. Clark stood trembling slightly as he looked at it's remains.
"I'm sorry…" he gasped. Home suddenly felt a long way away.
