Chapter 10

"I wasn't sure what to make of it when you outed yourself as Superman," Fine said as they floated high above the clouds.

"Professor Fine. So it's true, you do have powers just like me," Clark said, deciding to not give anything away and find out how much Fine knew or suspected." I assume you are from Krypton too."

"Yes, I am," Fine said with a smile. "How did you know about that?"

"It was my father, Jor-El; in the fortress. He told me there was someone else on this planet with the same powers I have. I thought you came down with the meteors." Clark said

"I did." I found myself a convincing cover as a college professor. So why are you looking for my ship?"

Clark thought for a moment. "I thought if I could find your ship, I could find out where you were. It's not everyday I get to meet another Kryptonian."

"I imagine." Fine said as he looked down below. "These humans, they are not like us Kal-El. Why become their champion?"

"Because, these people took me in and gave me a home. As long as I have these powers, I can protect them. And maybe one day they can forge a better future than what their history has been."

"Touching," Fine said. "I hope you are right. But there is another threat to this planet, Kal-El. Something I could not see coming."

"What kind of threat?" Clark questioned.

"Lex Luthor," Clark's brow furrowed at that. "With the time he was able to study my ship, he took something of mine. Now he has a way to open a portal to the Phantom Zone and release Zod."

"I need your help Kal-El. Lex knows where my ship is. And if he gets to it he will be able to unleash Zod on this world."

Clark didn't know if he should believe Fine. This could very well be a trap, but what if it was true? If Fine did lead him to the ship, he could end this.

"Alright, I'll help you, "he said nodding. "First we need to get to your ship though. We have to make sure that Lex can't get to it."

"Good call," Fine agreed. "I'll show you where it is."

Clark followed as they flew across the country until they ended up at a secluded warehouse. After entering, Fine led him to a large empty space that soon lit up green. Clark hunched over in pain before falling to the floor.

Fine stood there, smiling down at him. "I must admit, you are more clever than I gave you credit for. At first I had intended to use your dead father to trick you into releasing Zod from the fortress. But when you outed yourself as Superman I knew it was time to re-strategize."

"I don't know what you intended to do once you found my ship. That no longer matters, it is out of your reach now." Fine smiled before walking out, leaving Clark helpless on the floor.

Later at the Kent farm, Kara was waiting in the loft while looking through one of Clark's yearbooks. She wanted to know what kind of life he had while living here on this planet. She heard footsteps and looked up to see Clark standing there.

"Hey Kal," Kara smiled as she got up from the couch. "So how did it go with Fine?"

"Better than expected," Clark smiled. "We have him, Kara. I know where the ship is."

"You do?" She said excitedly. "Good, then we can finally put an end to Brainiac once and for all."

Clark straightened up and looked out into the distance for a moment. "Right. Come on, I'll show you where it is. And we can end this."

As they were leaving, Chloe had pulled up in her car and was getting out. "Clark, Kara, where are you two going?"

"We have something important to take care of right now," Clark said. "We'll be back soon." He smiled as they took off into the sky.

"Weird," Chloe said as she walked toward the house.

Clark and Kara flew until they arrived at a field in Smallville. As they touched down, the ship appeared out of thin air. It had been invisible. Kara stopped, unable to believe it. It had been in Smallville, right under their nose.

Kara then fell over in pain. Looking back, Clark was holding a piece of green meteor rock up to her. "Kal? What's happening to me?"

He grinned as a black substance came out of the ship and formed a cage around Kara. It was then that Clark changed shape to reveal Milton Fine. "So easy. I guess Kal-El didn't prepare you well enough." He placed the meteor rock down, on the outside of the cage before turning to leave. "Don't go anywhere." He laughed before flying off.

He later walked back into the room where the real Clark sill lay on the ground, in pain. He looked up at Fine with an angry expression.

"Good to see you are still alive. So, you knew what I really was this whole time. Impressive, very impressive.'" Fine said. "I have your cousin"

"What have you done," Clark growled.

"I know you wouldn't release Zod for me. But what about for someone you love?" Fine knelt down beside Clark.

"Never." He said angrily. "I'm going to stop you. "

"Hmmm, but can you do that before the kryptonite kills your cousin?" Fine cracked a smile. "It's simple. Release Zod, and I'll release your cousin. Refuse, and you won't be able to find her before she dies."

"So, what is it going to be?"