Twelve.

In an open section of McKinley Park, at Archer and Western, a black Bell 222 helicopter waited. The silence of the early morning was broken by a burst of static, then a voice from the hand mike, "ETA 10 minutes, be ready." The pilot jumped into his seat to initiate the start-up sequence.

Jonathan couldn't take his eyes from his sleeping boy. Even wrapped tightly in blankets, he shivered nonstop. Jonathan gently laid his hand on Clark's head. The boy jerked slightly. Jonathan's eyes teared up. 'Oh, Clark, what did they do to you?'

Simms dug into his pack pulling out some clothes. "Your son's body has been under constant stimulation for days. He should sleep for a while. From what I know about torture tactics, I highly suggest you find a good psychologist."

Jonathan exchanged a determined look with Martha. He nodded his appreciation to Simms.

It took all three of them to dress the unconscious boy in the black sweatpants and t-shirt. By the time they were finished, the van was pulling up to the chopper.

After everyone was secure, Jonathan shook the hand of the two soldiers then climbed in followed by Lex.

Against the time they fueled up twice, it took nearly eight hours to get back to Smallville. They were met at the Luthor Mansion by Lex's security team.

As the helicopter powered down, Lex jumped out turning to take Martha's hand. Jonathan was close behind, stepping aside for the security team to get in and heft his son out. Once the pale boy was in the sunshine his eyes shot open. Jonathan caught him by the arms as he struggled to get away.

"Clark," he said forcefully. The boy's eyes were wild, confused. Jonathan gripped him harder, shaking him slightly. "Clark, it's Dad."

Lex came around beside Jonathan. "Clark, your safe," voice low.

Clark blinked looking from his dad to Lex, shifting his feet. "Are you two working together?"

Jonathan shot a look over his shoulder at Lex. "Lex helped us find you. You have been missing for ten days, Clark."

Clark's eyes filled with tears, "What am I supposed to do?"

Lex's brow furrowed, "What do you mean, Clark?"

"I don't know what to do. I don't know what you want from me." A sob caught in his throat.

Lex stepped back, pulling out his cell phone.

Jonathan relaxed his grip on Clark's arms. The boy stood watching the ground, absently rubbing his left wrist.

Martha came to Jonathan's side. Reaching up she cupped her boy's face. His eyes cleared for a split second. "Mom?"

Her face crumpled as she threw her arms around her boy. His eyes closed, his body relaxed into her, dropping them to their knees. He shook with heaving sobs, his head buried in her shoulder. "Please…just tell me what I am supposed to do," he whispered.

Martha rocked him back and forth, stroking the back of his head. She felt Jonathan kneel beside them, felt his hand on her shoulder, her moral support, her rock.

Lex came up behind them. "I have the best psychologist and physician flying in from Metropolis right now. They will be here in a few hours. Until then, they suggest we get him warm and fed."