Chapter 35 [Five minutes earlier—Inside of the Kent Household]
Even as Clark and Lana talked up in the Loft, Jonathan and Martha relaxed after dinner. With the chores all done, their son's moods at peace (for the time being at least) and dishes cleaned up, their minds slowed a bit. The dusk-lit interior lent a bright orange and yellow hue to their surroundings almost hinting at the transition back to Nocturne's dominance.
"Nice not to have to be baking for the whole world tonight," Martha admitted while slumping tiredly into her easy chair.
"But nobody does it like you do, Sweetheart," he complimented her with a smile. "You're at your best when you're creating and helping people. You do know that, right?"
She conceded a smile and a shoulder shrug. "Those things do make life worth living. A certain farmer does too."
He let his eyes sparkle at her. Even though it had been years since their first meeting at Met U, she still had the astounding ability to maintain the important things and yet refurbish the world every day. He admired how in her own way she was his and Clark's rock at all times. "We do that for each other, Martha. It's my greatest joy in this life…well other than Clark finding us."
She breathed deeply. The mention of Clark brought back the troubles with Jor-El and his disappearance from weeks earlier. I wish we could keep the farm life as we've had it. Still Clark will have to leave one day. We both know it.
"Something bothering you?" he queried.
She shook her head. "Nothing important."
"Martha. It's all right," he pressed caringly.
"Jonathan…." She wanted to just change the subject but somehow she knew it had to come up. "I was just thinking about Clark. The last couple of weeks have been so great. Really. But we can't deny that there's a bigger world…two bigger worlds actually…out there." Seeing him frown, she shook her head. "That's why I didn't want to say anything. I didn't want to ruin the mood."
"I know but we're here on Earth not Krypton. Krypton's gone, all right?" he replied in frustration. "Yes Clark and Lana have the powers but they were raised here not there. It's gone." He sprung to his feet and began pacing. "Why is this all coming up?"
"It will keep coming up because it's the truth," she noted.
Well put, Mrs. Kent…. Kyla materialized within the dimming light with a serious look on her face. "It is the way of things. Some of us know the burden of bearing two worlds and the complications arising from such things. It is such a thing that has to be put to rest now. There is no other way. You cannot sanitize Clark's natural Kryptonian heritage…the one that Lana took on to be with him. Nor can Jor-El eradicate the Earthbound upbringing that you both and Nell Potter have given them."
"They have a life, Kyla! Such a lifestyle killed you!" Jonathan pushed back verbally.
"It killed me because neither side accepted me as I was. It will do the same if you and Jor-El don't stop this!" Kyla replied sharply; her eyes burning into his. "Others are on their way."
At that moment, Louise appeared with Jor-El in another corner of the room.
"Forgive our abrupt entrance," Louise apologized. "It was the only way to get you both together to talk and make a compromise." She sighed heavily.
Why do I have to compromise, Louise? I chose them to FOSTER Kal-El only! This arrangement was NEVER meant to be permanent! Jor-El argued.
"Clark is MY SON! You're dead and so are your ideas! Go away!" Jonathan countered angrily. "You don't get to say what happens to him in my house!"
I am his TRUE FATHER, Jonathan Kent! Do not forget that! Jor-El fired back. I have summoned the children to remind them of that before you both!
How about what WE WANT? Clark's voice echoed telepathically.
The adults in the room turned to find Clark and Lana standing tersely in the doorway.
"Can't we even talk about this?" Lana queried in exasperation. "We all had a part to play. When Clark revealed his true nature to Lex and me, we drove him away. That was really dumb on both of our parts. Jor-El, you used that situation to bring Kal out. I know you only wanted to have your son back as you thought he was. All you did was start a rampage and present a choice to me. I'm glad you did but we risked exposure to do so. Fortunately I had Kyla to help me get things under control. I'm just glad I can be with Clark honestly and to start learning more about what it means to be both human and Kryptonian." She bowed her head. "I'm still sorry that I didn't understand at first. I could have lost you."
Clark smiled warmly at his girlfriend and embraced her. "You wouldn't have lost me. I know you would've tracked me down sooner or later and had that talk. You made the choice to take on my life to be with me. You want that. I do too. I just wish everyone else would understand about the balancing act we have. I don't want to end up like Kyla did." He gazed at his deceased friend across the room. "Sorry to put it like that."
"I said the same exact thing before you came in, Numan. I appreciate your apology but it is not necessary," Kyla assured him. "We all have to work together if this situation is to be positive. If it is to come to its necessary end—a new race of both sides."
"Hence the compromise," Louise added. "The children will finish their human education and experience over the next two solar years. Once they graduate from Smallville High, they will train with Jor-El and learn Kryptonian ways. Then it is up to them after that." She looked pointedly at Clark and Lana. "This is a heavy burden. Can you bear this?"
Lana bit her lip before asking, Jor-El, how long will your training take?
Five solar years, Lana Lang. I have much I wish to impart to you both. Louise and Kyla have a point. Your way is difficult requiring sacrifices. Jor-El glared at Jonathan. I am making mine. Can you, Human, make yours?
"Why should I have to? They're here, Jor-El!" Jonathan retorted stubbornly.
"Then we may have to leave, Dad," Clark disagreed while squeezing Lana's hand for support. "We don't want that. Why can't you just let us decide? I don't want to be away for five years either but we would be going to college right? What's so different about this? Jor-El's trying. Why can't you?"
"They have a point, Jonathan," Martha concurred. "I don't want them going away but we can't lose them! Be reasonable! We all have to give something!"
Jonathan ground his teeth. He didn't understand why he had to give anything to be honest. After all, he loved his son. He was alive where the other father figure wasn't. Still he knew he couldn't keep Clark or Lana in a cage for the rest of their lives either. He did want them to feel complete. He frowned. "Fine. As long as you don't make them forget about us."
And you will cease doing the same for my culture, Jonathan Kent, Jor-El asserted. I will not make them stay for a continuous time either. I am willing to give some leniency for your celebrations. It may take longer but if you all will work with me, I will consider your needs as well.
"We'll make it work," Martha agreed while shutting Jonathan up with a sharp look.
"I'll need to get used to this," Jonathan conceded albeit unwillingly. While he knew he was outvoted, he still wasn't happy about the situation.
Clark grinned and hugged Lana. "We can do this!"
"As long as we're responsible about it, Clark. If there's one thing we've learned about the deals with your other half and the Nicodemus flower, we're not free to do whatever we want. Okay?" Lana reminded her boyfriend.
"Awesome!" Ryan cheered from where he'd been watching in the corner.
"Right. I never want to go through that again," Clark agreed. That work for you, Jor-El?
It does, my Son. Thank you both and you, Louise, for making this proposal work.
"I want what's best for everyone. I still love you, Joe. That's not going to change. Make this work, okay? I'm counting on you," Louise insisted. She smiled at him wistfully before she, Ryan and Kyla vanished into the looming night.
As she said, I want to make this situation a success. If you wish, I will be available to answer questions and assist in any way I can. Just do not try to shut me out, Jor-El offered before disappearing himself.
After that, the remaining quartet just stood silent, mulling over what had just transpired. They were witnessing a new beginning and understand for them all. They were on a new path…
…a path of compromise and hopefully shared belief….
Hopefully one that would bear fruit if all would work together….