Chapter 30 [Five Minutes After Lionel's Arrest—Guest Room, Luthor Mansion]
Clark laid on his stomach. Moans escaped his mouth. Stings and Shivers stabbed through Entire Body. Arms and Legs refused to move on their own. Teeth chattered. Nerve Endings screamed. Muscles spasmed. "Joe…Lana…Mom…Dad?"
Hooded Lady blotted Affected Areas with Soaked Rag. Beside her, Water from her order's sacred lake sat in a cobalt-colored bottle. "I wish I could throw you into our lake. It would help all of your issues, Mr. Kent." She poured Water onto wounded back.
Clark's Eyes bulged open. Scream echoed out of the room and down Passage's length. He'd never felt pain like that. "It hurts!" Tears squeezed from Closed Eyes. He ground his teeth still tighter.
"Of course, it does! That was no ordinary fire. That was hellfire. It attacks anyone with a soul, Mr. Kent. Your internal darkness makes it worse for you." She grabbed for a fresh towel. "You do have issues." Frown and Eye Roll twisted under Hood. "You are at war with yourself. When this is over, you will have to resolve that."
"Work on two sides. Have to work on two sides…live as both…." He rasped. Breathing eased. "Thank you." Exhaustion and Sleep claimed him. "Doesn't…burn so much." He drifted off.
"Thank you, goddess." Observation took in Sol's healing effect on Clark's back. Regeneration had started Healing's process once more. "You are definitely a wonder, Mr. Kent. Most would not have survived." Smile creased her features.
"Hey! How's he doin'?" The Child glared from Doorway. "Brought 'em."
Lex stared at Clark's reddened back. Concern, however, remained over his friend's unconsciousness. "What's going on with Clark?" He eased over to the bedside. Astonishment widened his eyes at Skin's rapid growth along burned edges. "That's incredible! Did you do that?"
"Shh! Keep your voice down." She put a finger to her mouth. "No. I had nothing to do with that. I merely drew the evil out of Mr. Kent's wounds. As I told him, Hansei Arighatto's hellfire would have killed most with that wound. Fortunately, once I treated him, his special physiology seems to be picking up from there. He requires rest." She threw Rag and Towel in Burlap Sack. Sealed Water Bottle went on top of it. "He will need to think on matters. I sense he has been told as much. Do not press him. He will work these matters out." Sigh escaped her lips. "I hope he can find Inner Balance for his own sake. If you could allow him to rest here and not be moved, I would appreciate it. I will return to check on him later. I sense another watershed moment for him soon enough. For him and the rest of you. Take care. All of you." Mists enveloped her and swept her away.
"That's special." Lex rolled his eyes. "Angie, who was that? What did she do?" He looked Clark over.
Angie assessed Clark for herself. "That was our daughter, Deirdre. She's a homeopathic healer of sorts. These burns are healing at an astonishing rate, Lex. Whatever she did, I'd say let the cure do its work. One of us needs to call the Kents. I don't want them worrying themselves sick. If you call Smallville High, I'll talk with them. He's staying off of his feet for the weekend. This assault is on mind, body and soul."
"So maybe I'll have Lana keep a vigil?" Half Serious Supposition wandered lazily out of Lex's mouth. "That'll ruin your plans with Miranda."
"I'd rather have Clark recovered and in one piece." Angie cleared her throat. 'Are You for Real?' Expression contorted her face. "Come on. Let's call the school. Then, we call the Kents." She turned to the Child. "Can you chill out? Maybe some rest would do you good?"
"Yeah." Wisp of Pink encircled the Child. Mist tired him out. "Nap?"
"Come on. I'll get you to the couch. Follow us." Lex led his guests back out of the Chamber and closed the door.
Thus, another tie was forged….
