Disclaimer: I own nothing here. Others get rich off of this stuff. I just do it for fun. If life were truly fair, I would have my own Erica Durance dipped in melted chocolate.
Chapter 1: Rebirth
The soft light that had enveloped him went away. He blinked his eyes several times, adjusting to the dim glow surrounding him. He looked around. He had to remember where he was, and why he was there. "How long have I been here?" he asked.
"Seven hundred and forty planet cycles, Master" replied the machine voice.
Two years and change. "Uplink to television transmissions, news reports." Several crystal screens in front of him flashed to life, capturing transmissions from around the globe. What he saw did not help. War, famine, genocide. What have I missed? For several hours, he watched. Yes, terrible things were happening, but there was hope as well. Can I do it? Can I be a light to guide them? He shook his head. He had to try.
Thoughts of home invaded his head. There was a strange layering to his personality. He was no longer two separate individuals. Long ago, they had made peace within him. He was no longer who he was, but he was also not who he was supposed to be. Old doubts and fears still lingered, like a bitter taste on the back of his tongue. But, a clear and unwavering purpose gave him courage and hope. He was a man of two worlds. His first home he had never known, except through other's memories. The only home he had truly known was calling to him now, the voices of those he loved clear to him as if he was already there. He was from a place that seemed so insignificant compared to the mighty palaces of glass and steel that others associated with power. Yet he knew that the true strength of humanity lay in small places like this. Strength of love and character.
He looked up and began to rise, willing himself to his home.
Smallville.
Martha Kent set the table for two. She and Jonathan always broke from working downstairs to eat supper together. Ever since the farm had foreclosed, they had been working and living at the Talon. Lana Lang had bequeathed her half of ownership to the Kents. When the farm was taken, Lex Luthor gave his half to the Kents, much to Jonathan's objections. Lex overrode their objections, stating that he was leaving Smallville for good and wanted the Talon to be taken well care of. Martha accepted his generous offer. She and Jonathan had rough times, thinking of all they lost almost constantly. They had lost the farm soon after Clark had disappeared. Jonathan had been in a coma, medical care decimating their meager savings. When he awoke, he couldn't get in a harvest without Clark's help. The farm was gone in months.
Still, they had built up a good life here. LexCorp had bought up the farm, leaving the house intact. Lex's final gift was a standing offer to sell the house for a ridiculously low price. Martha and Jonathan were saving all they could, in the hopes of regaining their home. In the meantime, LexCorp was farming the land, keeping it viable so the Kent's could have their home back.
Jonathan came up, smiling. "Julie's in charge now, but I told her that you would be saving her some supper for her break." He hugged his wife and kissed the top of her head.
Martha smiled. Jonathan was always feeding the staff. He couldn't let anyone go hungry for more than an hour. She and Jonathan sat at the table, eating quietly. Martha looked up as a quiet knock sounded on the front door. Jonathan got up, silently cursing. The staff knew not to interrupt dinner unless it was an emergency. Jonathan opened the door. Standing in front of him was a tall man, about six foot four, maybe 225 pounds. He had unruly dark hair, piercing green eyes and was shockingly familiar.
"I hope that there's enough left for me." He said.
Jonathan's jaw dropped. "Clark?" he whispered.
Clark smiled and hugged his father. Martha shrieked and ran to her men, giving them a huge hug with tears in her eyes. "Oh, Clark! You're home!"
Clark backed up and took in the shining faces of his parents. "I went by the farm. I asked around and that led me here. I am so sorry. I wasn't there for you…"
Jonathan hugged him again, "That doesn't matter. You're home."
Clark came in and they all sat in the living room. Jonathan began. "Son, where were you? Your mother said that Jor-El did something to you, made you forget us?"
Clark nodded. "What we have been referring to as Jor-El was actually a computer, programmed by him. It was to safeguard and instruct me. It took it's job very literally. When I wasn't cooperative, it took steps." Clark sighed. "I was, for all intents and purposes, Kal-El of Krypton. I completed the quest set on me, and was training and learning." Clark rose and began to pace. "Kal-El and I came to an understanding. We are the same person now."
Martha spoke, "What's to prevent this from happening again, when the computer doesn't like what you're doing?"
Clark nodded. "The computer erased itself once my training was complete. I'm not the same person that I was, but I'm still Clark Kent, son of Jonathan and Martha Kent of Smallville, Kansas. But, I'm also Kal-El, born of Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van-El of Krypton."
"What about Jor-El's plans of world domination?" asked Jonathan.
Clark grinned ruefully. "A mis-translation. The Kryptonian word is Kavelash. The translation is difficult, but it basically means 'guide with a gentle hand'." Clark sighed. "Kryptonians were one of the more advanced species in the 28 known galaxies. Not only technologically, but spiritually and ethically. For thousands of years, they practiced Kavelash within the known universe. Then, they became increasingly isolated. Travel off planet was severely restricted, and they adopted an isolationist policy. All Kryptonians were therefore on Krypton when the sun went nova. I am the last son of Krypton, and I must be a light in the darkness."
The Kents were stunned. This was not the insecure, brooding and mildly obsessive boy that had left. This was a man, aware of his role in the world, and ready to shake it's foundations.
"But, there is one thing…" said Clark.
"What, sweetie?" asked Martha.
"I haven't eaten in more than two years and I'm starving!"
The Kent's laughed together and sat for their first family meal in more than two years.
