Chapter 53 [Cowache Caves]

Jor-El floated about the area pondering his next move. In a manner of speaking, he'd achieved his goal. Still the "Clark side" of Kal-El remained at large with Louise's descendant. He didn't really approve of Kara's deal with her human counterpart. Kal-El should be whole! To reduce himself to that?

Kara strutted into the view with the perfunctory confidence once again. She'd spent a couple of hours outside to allow the sun to boost her healing factor. Now the scars and broken bones had healed. How's our Prodigal Son doing? She motioned with her head toward the other cavern.

His reeducation has completed itself. He motioned with his "hand". Kal-El, come forward!

"Yeah, Dad?" Kal approached with a mix of trepidation and resentment. He was dealing with the Kryptonian 'adjustments' clashing with his own Earthbound knowledge. "Let's just get this over with."

Still won't sit up or roll over. Typical. She frowned. I should have left your miserable hide with the others. If not for my own honor, I would have! She grabbed Kal again. No matter. We'll have *plenty* of time for such things! Jor-El, the portal please?

As you wish. The avatar pointed his finger at the crack in the wall making it glow and expand once more.

"Come on! Really? We could RULE out here!" Kal argued.

This world has done ENOUGH to you! She rammed him hard toward the crack.

"I'LL FIND MY WAY BACK!" Kal protested before disappearing in a flash of light.

How do you put up with him anyway? She shrugged. Follow when you can…if you do. I'll be working with our boy. She stepped into the lit crack and disappeared in a flash of her own.

Jor-El closed the crack in the wall with a flourish. I will indeed follow, Kara. Both of you should respect me!

"Why should they when you don't merit that respect?" Louise brooded while coming out of the shadows.

Louise, I told you that this is the way it has to be! Stop! Don't force me to hurt you! He made his hands glow and fired twin lightning bursts at her….

…bursts which dissipated into thin air before reaching her….

"Seems you aren't the only one with tricks, are you?" She floated over to the crack. She passed her hand down its length making it disappear as she did so. "So much for them." She shook her head at him.

What did you do? I can't sense them! I don't feel the portal! He tensed angrily.

"The Heavenly equivalent of bricking over the doorway. They're sealed in there. Kind of the same as being in your Phantom Zone," she explained. "And no, I can't undo it. Just as you have your duty, I have mine." She glanced toward the ceiling.

Your God and culture? Please! He scoffed.

"As you just said, have respect. I have been sent back, Joe, on a mission of my own. Even if you don't realize it, this is your world now. Clark at least respect its traditions and tries to live within normal bounds. He loves a woman of my house which has been acceptable for generations supposedly with your family. If we can serve as lovers and consorts to you and yours, we can be one," she declared. "It is time." Her eyes glanced skyward again. "Let Your Will be Done!"

As you wish, my Servant, a booming voice answered.

What is this? Who dares? Jor-El demanded.

SILENCE! the new voice countered. On cue a bright light flooded the cavern.

Remember, Joe, I didn't want this! Don't resist please! She shuddered as the glow enveloped her as well.

Jor-El's screaming echoed throughout the caves' granite labyrinth and into the forest beyond. For the animals and humans in the settlements beyond, it served as a reminder of what still lay behind the scenes. That nothing is so powerful as to defy certain Powers That Be….

And so a door was closed in a manner of speaking….