Over the weeks remaining of the holiday the Sekirei began to try and learn English. They asked for the translation charms to be dropped. Kusano was very quick at picking up the language thanks to her youth. Matsu's genius put her in second place. Musubi came third, something about her natural naivety allowed her to pick it up. There was still a lot of broken English for her but she persevered. Tsukiumi had it the worst, it didn't help that she spoke an unusual dialect of Japanese in the first place, but she refused to be seen as inferior amongst the group and soldiered on.
Jonathan and Martha were very patient with them all as the girls insisted on working their father-in-law's farm, as it was their duty when the numbers 1,2,3 and 5 weren't in Japan doing their duty as members of the Disciplinary Squad. A second team was being planned with Yume leading, it would consist of Homura, Tsukiumi, Hibiki, Hikari and Uzume. Provided Tsukiumi could learn to be a team player.
Kyla was arranging dates with the girls for Clark, she enlisted Lana and Chloe to help organise it all. In the meantime Clark spent the rest of his holiday learning the ropes for MBI, Martha and Amara were working to try and arrange a complete buyout of LexCorp by MBI.
Lex himself had not been seen in Smallville for the past few weeks and both Helen and Tess were happy with that, their Lex was dead.
Clark approached Tess with the idea of her running LexCorp for him in memory of their Lex. She was touched by the idea and promised to give serious thought to it after she discussed it with Helen. Their time training as Amazons had solidified their relationship as sisters.
Heimdall, Sif and Thor made their way back home after paying a visit of respect to Odin where they witnessed Harry presenting Odin with his new baby daughter, Thor. The three Asgardians had spent a lot of time in this world and they had duties to attend to back home.
Loki was staying to assist Amara and the family and also because she was now involved in whatever the Army was up to since they attacked her.
Eventually school started up. It seemed more like years had passed for the teenagers, which for Kyla, Lana and Chloe it had been.
"High school just doesn't seem… exciting, anymore." Chloe sighed as she booted up her computer in the Torch.
"It will be if you have to do it again." Phoebe assured her.
"Especially when you have such specimens like Clark to keep you company." Mindee grinned as she perched herself on a resigned Clark's lap.
"Yeah Clark, how are you going to survive with only five hot chicks to keep you company during the day?" Chloe teased.
"Six."
They turned to the door to see Kyla standing there.
"Aren't you supposed to be starting school today as well?" Lana asked.
"That's why I'm here. Just came from Em- Principal Frost's office to finalise my transfer." She smirked as she sat down next to Clark. "I figured there was no reason for me to be separated from all the action and adventures you guys have, this way I get to spend more time with my soul mate and sisters." She grinned at Clark, Lana and Chloe. "Plus, you know, I heard you guys needed a new ethnic minority character in your cast."
"Don't they usually get killed off quickly?" Chloe challenged.
"In their first episode." Phoebe agreed.
"The females at least get a tragic exit. Usually after the hero of the story realises he loves her." Lana rolled her eyes. Then she noticed everyone staring at her. "That's what I heard at least." She tried to cover weakly.
"Did any of you guys catch some of those Japanese shows?" Kyla asked, Lana was thankful for the subject change.
"I tried, I understood the language but not what was happening." Chloe admitted.
"Same here." Lana rubbed her temple. "It was more confusing than listening to Tsukiumi."
They all turned to Clark expectantly. "What? You really think I had time for TV between dealing with Sekirei, MBI and Harry?"
"Aw, is poor Clarkie feeling over worked?" Mindee teased.
"Yes. This was supposed to be a vacation remember?" Clark said seriously.
"What the hell?" Chloe frowned as she peered over Clark's shoulder.
Mindee slid off Clark's lap as they all turned to see a group of men in Army uniforms walk by the office.
"Come on, Harry might need some witnesses." Clark said.
"I've informed Emma and Scott." Phoebe said as they walked out.
They reached the door and opened it to reveal Harry sitting calmly at his desk with Dani standing behind him.
"This is a private meeting. Please wait outside." One of the soldiers ordered.
"The last time the army came near our friends and family they assaulted one of us. You'll just have to put up with having witnesses." Clark said firmly.
"This is United States Army business, this is not a place for children."
"This is the United States of America. We are American Citizens, you work for us." Chloe countered.
"Captain, escort them out." The seated General ordered.
"What is going on here?" Emma demanded as she stormed in with Scott. "Gentlemen, you are trespassing. The Sheriff is en route, I suggest you calmly exit the building before she gets here."
"We have orders from Washington-"
"So do I, and as far as I am concerned my orders supersede yours."
"What orders?" The General demanded.
"The ones that compel me to ensure the safety and security of this school and its students… which you are violating." She snapped.
"Madam, this is not the time for semantics."
"And this isn't the place for your meeting, but we all have our flaws. Now leave."
"Either Doctor Potter comes with us of his own will or we will take him forcibly. There are no other options."
"Alright, I'll go with you. Helen is on call-"
"You can't seriously be agreeing to this Harry." Emma demanded.
"I'll be back by dinner."
"If you're going then I have to go too." Clark said quietly.
"Clark-"
"Harry, after the last few months, bad things will happen if I let you do something like this alone. You don't need someone of my limited experience to tell you that."
"Gentlemen, would you be willing to meet me at the castle either this weekend or tonight?"
"Doctor, this is not a negotiation." The General scowled.
"I suggest you make it one. There are some very influential and powerful people who will not take kindly to my being pushed around. Mr. Kent is quite right that I will require someone to accompany me. I trust Mr. Longbottom will suffice?" He turned to Clark.
Clark frowned. "At a bare minimum. But try and remember that this will reflect on me as well."
"I promise to behave." Harry smiled.
"You seem to believe that the United States Army is open to negotiation! We are not!" The General said angrily.
"General, either you make an appointment and some concessions or you will be tossed out of the building." Clark warned.
"We are highly trained soldiers son, you couldn't take all of us."
"I wouldn't have to. They would." He jabbed a thumb over his shoulder at the scowling students, several members of the wrestling team and football team where cracking their knuckles menacingly.
"Lord Almighty! Another one of you sailor boys come to cause more trouble in my town?" Came the overly heavy accent of the Sheriff.
"We are Army." The General seethed. "We are here on official business."
"Last sailor that came through here assaulted a young woman and landed himself at the local medical centre before I charged him with sexual assault. He claimed he had orders too. All he really had was a bunch of papers with thick black lines on it. You gonna do any better?" She challenged.
The General nodded to the nearby Lieutenant who handed over a wad of documents.
Sheriff Adams perused them with a frown on her face. She eventually stopped and handed them to Emma. "At least there was readable text on that one." Emma snarked. "The only problem is that those papers are a summons to a congressional hearing. They don't say anything about you taking the good Doctor away for a private interrogation."
"We are to escort Doctor Potter and question him before hand." The General countered.
"Not according to these documents." Clark said, Emma had handed them over to him and he had sped through them as fast as he could without raising alarms. "These documents simply require Doctor Potter to present himself before Congress to answer questions on the so-called 'Superhero Situation' Tomorrow at 10am. There is nothing in here about you escorting him or questioning him yourself."
"Unless you have a legal degree then I don't think you can truly understand-"
"I can read. Even the fine print." Clark interrupted him. "So unless you can point out the section in these documents that specifically states that you are to take Doctor Potter into custody then I suggest you leave." He said as he handed the documents back to the Lieutenant.
"Sheriff Adams, I am pressing charges against these men for trespassing, endangering minors and disturbing the peace." Emma informed the Sheriff.
"Well ain't this just a peach. Looks like I got me some more eye-candy for my cells. Always did like a man in uniform, why I became a Sheriff." She grinned.
The students tried not to giggle.
"Boys, break out your cuffs." She called over her shoulder as two deputies pushed through the crowd of students.
"We are Officers in the United States Army! You don't have the right to arrest us!"
"You're fancy title doesn't count for squat around here, pretty boy." Adams said as she spun the General around herself and began cuffing him. "You want to pull that stuff, take it up with your lawyer."
"Students, return to your classes. The excitement is done for the day and you can discuss and generate rumours to your heart's content at lunch." Emma ordered with a roll of her eyes as the four Army men were marched out.
The students laughed as they headed off. Despite her aloof and cold manner, Principal Frost was actually pretty cool.
"Principal, I'm going to require a pass for the day." Clark requested formally.
Emma raised an eyebrow. Normally she would ask Clark why he needed this. She still would for any other student. But it had been agreed that Clark was no longer just an Apprentice to Harry. He was an adult in their eyes and a respected team member. She couldn't insult him by treating him like a child.
"Very well, Mr. Kent. Remember your training." She advised.
"I will, and thank you."
"Do you need any of us?" Kyla asked with a hint of hope.
"Not for this. I need to keep this fairly low profile for now." He said with a smile.
"Try not to get into trouble Clark." Harry teased.
"I'm not the one who nearly caused all of humanity to be wiped out!" Clark countered.
It was barely ten in the morning and Martha, Jonathan and the girls had been hard at work. All of them, including Tsukiumi had taken to farm work quite well. There had been a little bit of tension when Musubi and Kusano had tried to get her to help with watering the herds, but Yume had dealt with easily enough by explaining they just wanted to include her. It was a new experience for Tsukiumi who always looked at the world as though it was about to attack her or make demands of her. She never had people who just wanted to be with her or even help her.
Kazehana was quite strong and once she was convinced to wear something a little more appropriate than her short purple dress she was happy to work hard along side the others.
Martha was currently preparing drinks for the hardworking bunch when the kitchen door opened and Homura walked in nervously.
"Is everything alright, Homura?" She asked. In an attempt help their English; Martha and Jonathan tried to speak perfect English, without contractions or slang.
"I am having… trouble, Oka- Martha San." Homura said with a bow as she corrected her natural instinct to call Martha 'mother' in Japanese.
"Its just Martha, Homura." Martha smiled kindly. "Tell me what the trouble is?"
Homura blushed and straightened. "I am… in pain?" She embarrassedly indicated her chest, which was developing quite well. She was quickly approaching Martha's own size.
"You don't have a bra?" Martha asked.
Homura shook her head.
"Come up stairs, I'll-" She was interrupted by the customary rush of wind that signified Clark's super-speed arrival.
"Mom, have you seen Diana or Amara?"
"Diana is on Themiscyra and Amara is in Metropolis with Loki. Why aren't you in school?" She asked.
"More army problems. It's sorted for now but the others can fill you in tonight, I will be busy all day."
Martha nodded slowly; it was hard to watch her son grow up. "Let me call Diana, she can ferry you around a bit more inconspicuously and you can ask her what you need to."
"Thanks Mom." Clark said. "How are things going?" He asked Homura as Martha stepped out.
Homura blushed.
"Are you ok?"
"I am having… female issues." She said hesitantly.
"Oh, I apologise." Clark said with a bow. "I should not have pried."
"No… you are husband." Homura insisted clearly uncomfortable.
"I told you that you don't need to worry about that. You-"
"Take- Harry, gave me memories from ship. I remember being woman, it is easier now."
Clark nodded in understanding. "Ok, my advice is to speak to Laura. She is clearly a woman but she dresses in a way you might prefer."
"Thank you Clark." Homura said sincerely.
"Diana will be here in a few minutes, Clark." Martha announced as she came back in. "Go harass the others, Homura and I are busy." She shooed him off.
As Clark closed the door behind him Martha turned to Homura. "Clark's a good boy, but you don't need to worry about telling him everything. All women are entitled to their secrets." She said with a wink.
Homura smiled in appreciation. She didn't necessarily understand what was being said, but she knew Martha was trying to help her.
Clark knew that he had to keep Harry out of the clutches of the US government. If Harry was imprisoned so soon after what Minaka Hiroto had done then the gods would go on a rampage, no matter how pathetic the attempt at incarceration was.
Fortunately Clark had some pull with the Japanese government; owning most of Tokyo tended to do that. He had Takami pull in as many favours as she needed to get a meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan and the Emperor.
Takami had screamed down the phone at him for five minutes before she let him explain the dire need. Her response of 'why didn't you say so' caused him to hang up.
There were to be three other people at the meeting other than him. Amara as Queen of the Amazons, Diana as Princess of the Amazons and Amaterasu, one of the chief deities of the Japanese Pantheon. Of course Amaterasu wouldn't be sitting in the waiting room with them.
It wasn't long before they were at the Tokyo Imperial Palace waiting patiently for their meeting with the Emperor and the Prime Minister. Despite meeting various gods and dealing with several women who claimed he was theirs, Clark was still very nervous.
Amara was cool as a cucumber but Diana was just as bad as he was. This would be her first time meeting a leader of man's world. The last few attempts had her laughed her out of embassy offices as she tried to convince them she was the Princess of a hidden island of Amazons and that they wished to open an embassy in America. She then tried Britain and finally France. No one was interested.
"His Majesty the Heavenly Sovereign will see you now." An aide said as he opened the large doors, everything was fairly simple, no overly ornate finishing's, but it held a natural beauty.
The three walked in and bowed low before the Emperor who was seated on the only ornate thing in the room, a throne. Standing to his side was the Prime Minister; to his other side was an empty chair for his wife. The room was very large and there were armed guards at the edges of the room.
"So you are the one who has been buying up my city." The Emperor stated with narrowed eyes. He was an older gentleman in a suit with greying hair.
"No your Majesty, I merely acquired the company belonging to the man who was doing so." Clark said respectfully.
"But you still feel you own them, you haven't returned what was taken." He challenged.
"Good money was paid and an honourable transaction took place." Clark answered. "Minaka Hiroto was an evil man but he had honourable business practices."
"And where is this man now?"
"He committed crimes against powerful individuals. His fate has been determined. It is not my place to speak on it."
"You have taken a citizen of Japan, you will speak on it." The Emperor ordered heatedly. Minaka Hiroto was wanted by the government for the mess he had made and the disrespect he had for the Emperor. The Emperor might have limited powers but he was considered the spiritual leader of Japan.
"I cannot speak on it myself, but I can put you in touch with someone who can." Clark offered.
"And just how many days must we wait? How much red tape must we wade through?" The Emperor sneered.
"Before the end of this meeting she will be standing with us. But I must warn you, many will be displeased if you disrespect her."
"Are you threatening the Emperor?" The Prime Minister spoke up incredulously.
"No sir, but the person coming outranks us all. And you specifically will be very embarrassed when you realise… or accept who she is."
"Speak plainly, Mr. Kent." The Emperor scowled.
Clark sighed and hoped and literally prayed that the goddess would turn up. He went down on one knee and bowed his head. "Great August goddess who shines in heaven, I beg you grant us an audience."
The Emperor rose from his throne in a rage. "You dar-"
He was blinded by a great light that filled the room but quickly faded to reveal a Japanese woman wearing an elaborate kimono, part of her hair was done in a bun whilst the rest flowed down her back.
"You should feel very honoured, child." The woman chided the Emperor softly. "Not only has the god Kal-El seen fit to show you great respect and bow before you, but I have not struck you down as you stand there gawking at me."
The Emperor's eyes widened and he paled before he fell to his knees and buried his face in the ground, the Prime Minister and guards quickly followed suit.
"Better." She said mildly as she literally floated over the prone form of the Emperor and seated herself on the throne. "Kal-El, come sit with me." She indicated the seat reserved for the empress or consort.
Clark bowed but accepted the invite nervously.
"Remember my young godling, there is a time and a place for airs and graces. This would be one of them. You can be their friend later." She told him quietly so the others couldn't here.
Clark nodded. "I understand."
"You learn very quickly, even for a god. It will serve you well." She smiled with a hint of pride. "Rise my son. All of you." She addressed the Emperor. "Bring chairs for Queen Amara and Princess Diana. For yourselves as well. We must hold counsel."
Two guards left and returned with chairs for the four dignitaries in the room. They were all seated quickly.
"Now, to start, let me assure you that although the monster, Minaka Hiroto, is guilty of many crimes against my beloved people, they pale in comparison to what he did to the gods and those above us. He is serving a sentence that will end with him being erased from existence."
"August One, may I enquire, with respect, as to the nature of the god Kal-El? I beg forgiveness for my ignorance." The Emperor pleaded.
Amaterasu smiled. "Your ignorance is forgiven and your desire to correct it is praised. There are many pantheons of gods aside from the Kami of Japan. There are the Greeks, the Norse, Native Americans and many more. There are even pantheons of other planets.
"Kal-El is the Norse God of Thunder. Recent events involving Minaka Hiroto saw him aid all pantheons. All pantheons and gods view him with respect."
"I understand much, and will meditate on what I fail to." The Emperor said with a seated bow.
"A wise action.
"Now, Lord Kal-El has called for a meeting for two reasons. First, there is a man known as Harry Potter. He is beyond the gods; he is Death in every way. He is a good man and Lord Kal-El is his former Apprentice having recently surpassed his training."
"Congratulations Lord Kal-El." The Emperor said respectfully… he was trying not to pass out about the fact that Death's former apprentice was sitting less than ten feet from him.
Clark just nodded in acknowledgement.
"Death lives in Smallville, Kansas in the Americas. There he works as a doctor healing the sick and spreading the gift of magic. To explain this next part, I must request that both Kal-El and Diana reveal their other identities to you both."
Clark touched his watch and his costume replaced his suit. "I, Clark Kent, am Kal-El, also known as Superman."
Diana looked to Amara who nodded and she touched her own watch and her costume replaced her conservative skirt suit with the shorts, bustier and golden girdle that the goddesses had given her. "I am Princess Diana of Themiscyra, also known as Wonder Woman."
The Emperor and Prime Minister gasped in awe.
The guards began to pale as they realised they were useless against two powerhouses like Superman and Wonder Woman.
"Harry Potter currently controls North Korea." Amaterasu continued causing the eyebrows of the two Japanese leaders nearly vanish into their receding hairlines. "He recently acquired it and has begun spreading his gift of magic and eradicating the hardships.
"The American government has taken an interest in Superman and other heroes, Harry Potter has been seen conversing with them all and the Americans are attempting to take him in and question him. The rest of the world is not ready to know of Death living amongst them, nor of we gods who truly take an interest in our people. So he must work and act as a mere mortal human.
"Kal-El has suggested that Japan offers Harry Potter diplomatic credentials and the backing of their government. Meanwhile, you would be welcome to open relations with the people of North Korea who serve him."
"Of course August One. We will see to it immediately."
"Time is short, tomorrow Harry Potter must appear before the American Congress." Clark warned.
"It will not be an issue. Our own Ambassador to America shall accompany him." The Prime Minister assured him.
"August One, Lord Kal-El, again, I beg your patience, but I am unfamiliar with Queen Amara and the her lands." He said with an apologetic look.
"Queen Amara is the wife of Death. She was requested by Aphrodite of the Greek Pantheon to take the throne of her Amazon nation after the previous Queen was found lacking." Amaterasu explained. "Kal-El suggested this meeting between the two of you so that you could be the first to open diplomatic relations, especially as the West have spurned them and laughed them away." She said in disgust.
"We would be honoured." The Emperor gave a bow to Amara who returned it. There was no way they would say boo to anything the goddess ordered, especially if it involved keeping Death happy.
"Excellent. You have served your goddess and my people well this day my son. I will look favourably upon you." She smiled as she stood.
Everyone else stood as the goddess disappeared in another blinding flash of light.
Everyone was fairly impressed with the way Clark came up with a viable solution to the American government's hard-handed tactics. An envoy from the Japanese Embassy in New York was flown down and had a whole bunch of documents for the entire family to sign. Apparently the Japanese Emperor didn't trust the Americans not to go after Harry's friends and family and were not about to disappoint Amatesaru.
Despite agreeing to Neville accompanying Harry, Clark still insisted on attending himself. Loki had added an extra layer of protection by having the Daily Planet print headline stories about the Congressional Hearing.
Clark, Neville and Harry flew through the night on a luxury leer jet owned by the Japanese embassy; they were put up in the embassy itself so they could be assured privacy. Everything was done openly which meant the various reporters and paparazzi staked outside waiting for any story suddenly got very busy.
The hearing hadn't been designated as closed it just hadn't been announced in order to keep it as quiet as possible. This meant that when Harry turned up with the Ambassador from Japan that morning the camera flashes where at epileptic levels.
Harry was quickly sworn in and the questions began.
"Doctor Potter, can you confirm that you are an American citizen, currently living in Smallville, Kansas?" The chair for the hearing asked, his name was Hoover. No relation.
"I can."
"Can you explain why it is you have brought the Ambassador for Japan to these hearings then?"
"I didn't." Harry answered with his standard cheeky smile.
"That is the Ambassador from Japan, yes? Then please explain his presence." Hoover said in annoyance.
"I accompanied him at the request of my government." Ambassador Sato spoke up. "Doctor Potter holds not only Japanese citizenship but is also a member of my Diplomatic staff."
The panel began furiously conferring and checking their papers.
"How long has this been the case, Ambassador?" Another member asked.
"Since last night." Sato stated calmly.
This caused the gallery to break out into murmurs along with the panel.
"Silence! You will maintain yourselves or you will be thrown out." Hoover said warningly. "Ambassador, could you explain why Doctor Potter was given diplomatic status?"
"Because the Emperor and Prime Minister insisted. I'm afraid I do not have more details myself."
"Doctor Potter, could you explain why you have suddenly become the sudden favoured child of Japan?" Hoover asked a little snidely.
"I could. But perhaps a little bit more respect is needed." Harry stated calmly. "I have come here of my own free will when I could just have easily disregarded you."
There was another gentle rumble through the gallery.
"This is the United States, Doctor, we are not easily ignored." Hoover scowled.
"I know. You're so loud and obnoxious." Harry said blithely.
Sato had to cough into his hand to cover his laugh along with the rest of the gallery.
"Doctor Potter!"
"Yes?"
"You will answer our questions or I will hold you in contempt!"
"Careful Senator, as you are now well aware, Doctor Potter has diplomatic immunity." Sato warned.
Hoover was about to go off on a rant again when the man to his left placed a hand on his forearm and whispered in his ear.
Hoover just nodded sullenly and sat back to let the other man take the lead.
"Doctor Potter, we would like to know the identity of the beings known as Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash and Batman."
"That's nice to know." Harry nodded politely.
The Senator looked at him expectantly.
Harry just sat there calmly staring back.
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"Can you tell us the identities of these individuals?"
"I can."
Again with the pausing… then the Senator realised his mistake.
"Doctor, please tell us the identities of these people."
"No."
"I'm sorry?"
"I said 'no'."
"You are refusing to answer the questions we are asking?"
"I am refusing to give you information that is not mine to give and that you don't need."
"Doctor Potter, you are aware that we can hold you-"
"Diplomatic immunity." Harry interrupted him.
"We can have you deported."
"I suppose you could. Probably wouldn't please those heroes you were talking about. Or Japan, North Korea or Themiscyra."
"What would North Korea have to do with this? Are they behind these people?" Hoover interrupted.
"No, but they do owe me and the heroes a fair amount. They are no longer under an oppressive dictatorship and I hear that this weekend Superman is going to be helping them get rid of all the nuclear weapons that are a nuisance."
"You are claiming that not only has the current dictator been deposed but that North Korea is voluntarily decommissioning its nuclear arsenal?" The other Senator queried.
"Sure, it's not like they need them, Superman and the Green Lantern can easily handle any attacks on the innocent. And they can do it without causing a nuclear war or the fallout." Harry shrugged.
"Superman and the Green Lantern have allied themselves with North Korea?" Hoover gasped.
"Well, not exactly, it's more that they have decided to protect the innocent. They would do the same for any country really, regardless of the idiots in power." He smiled insincerely at the panel. "Now, why don't you ask me some sensible questions?"
"Very well, where did these people come from?" Hoover asked as he decided they weren't going to get anything else from Potter.
"They were always around. They were just never needed. Ordinary citizens going about their lives when all of a sudden a criminal like the Joker appears and someone like Batman is needed to deal with him. They feel they can't stand by and watch others suffer so they step up and deal with it when the authorities can't."
"Are you saying the United States police force is incapable of handling criminals like this Joker?" Another Senator demanded indignantly.
"That depends, are you saying that your police officers sat around idly whilst the Joker killed hundreds until Batman showed up?" Harry challenged.
"We would have handled it!"
"Perhaps you should tell that to the hundreds of people who lost loved ones then. Perhaps another question? This one doesn't seem to hold the answers you can stomach."
"Can you tell us how these people became so powerful? What caused them to gain these abilities?" The man to the side of Hoover asked.
This had everyone leaning forward.
"Some of them were born with their powers. Others were gifted them by others. A select few earned their abilities through training and perseverance."
"What do you mean 'gifted by others'?"
"Well, I suppose 'gifted' is not quite the right term. The individuals were found to possess attributes desired and they were entrusted with the powers and abilities and the responsibilities that accompany them."
"And who is it who determines that these individuals are 'worthy'? Why aren't we consulted?" Hoover demanded.
"Because you aren't worthy. The very fact that you believe you are entitled to have your opinion heard is enough for you to be considered not worth their time. You're lucky I'm sitting here pandering to your egos." Harry snorted. "Did you know that the Green Lantern is an Intergalactic Peace Keeper and part of what is known as the Green Lantern Corps?
"They've been around for millions of years. Humanity has barely hit puberty by comparison.
"Wonder Woman's appointment came about after consultation with her Queen. She was then appointed as the Ambassador to what they call 'Man's World'."
"Are you saying we are… 'immature'?" The man to Hoover's left asked.
Harry grinned cheekily. "Weeelll…. If you have to ask the question…"
"I'm curious, how do you know all these details?" The man on Hoover asked.
"Now that is a good question." Harry nodded approvingly. "Short answer is: they told me."
"And a longer answer?"
"You won't get for several years at least."
"You realise you are not giving us much reason to trust you, Doctor Potter?"
"That's fine. Considering you sent armed men from the army to my home and assaulted my goddaughter sexually, I don't trust you. Only seems fair we feel the same way about each other." Harry shrugged nonchalantly as the gallery gasped and more texts and emails were sent.
"How dare you make such outrageous claims!?" Hoover shouted.
"I have a copy of the Sheriff's report and the lab results that show the General who assaulted my goddaughter had his DNA all over her torn blouse." Harry said his calm manner was steadily slipping away. "He is also currently sitting in the county lock-up waiting for his trial as I was able to have him denied bail."
"It should be noted by the American government that all of Doctor Potter's family are covered by diplomatic protection now." Sato said warningly. "I believe Doctor Potter has answered all the questions he is going to. If you have nothing else we will be leaving."
"This session is not over." Hoover warned.
"It is for myself and my ambassadorial staff. If you have any further inquiries please raise them with my government." Sato said as he rose with Harry.
Neither man bowed to any degree. They left with their heads high.
"How exactly am I supposed to get rid of all North Korea's nuclear weapons?" Clark asked tiredly that evening.
The television in the castle lounge was playing the national news channel that was again dissecting Harry's every gesture and word at the hearing. He was being portrayed as everything from god to the devil, a fame-seeking fan of the heroes to the man who created them.
Harry didn't care and neither did the Emperor and Prime Minister of Japan who were not about to question the gods.
"The military is assembling the missiles in a series of metal transport containers that will be secured together. All you need to do is carry them out of the atmosphere and then to the sun. It should take you the better part of two days."
"You couldn't have asked Hal to do this?" Clark asked. "He's the cop and he doesn't have school."
"I'm sure I can cover your absence." Emma said dismissively.
"That's not why I am asking though." Clark explained. "I'm curious as to why me? Why Superman?"
"If I asked Hal to do it then it might be seen as the Green Lanterns trying to dictate what Earth does." Harry explained. "Superman isn't affiliated with any country, just other heroes and me. I am a Brit living in America who works all over the world and now has Japanese protection, so my affiliation is suspect as well. You are neutral on planet Earth."
"Can you really fly in space?" Kusano asked with wide eyes as she sat on Clark's lap. "Can you take me?"
"Maybe one day. I'm different as I can hold my breath for a very time." Clark smiled.
"I can hold my breath too! Look!" Kusano proceeded to take a deep breath and held it.
Clark just watched calmly as the others giggled quietly.
After a few seconds she went red in her little cheeks and then released her breath. "See!" She said happily.
"Fool child! True Sekirei can hold their breath for much longer!" Tsukiumi said indignantly.
The others just rolled their eyes.
"Uh uh!" Kusano shook her head violently. "I held it really long!"
"Watch child!"
"Did Tsukiumi just start a breath holding contest with a four year old?" Uzume asked as she leaned over to Matsu.
"Yep, isn't she so entertaining?" Matsu giggled.
Clark had discovered that as the inheritor of Higa's empire, he actually had legal custody of Chiho, or rather Martha did. Finding out she had an orphan to care for she immediately headed over and offered the young girl whatever she wanted. Chiho wanted to make Uzume happy after all she had done for her. Uzume had friends and she wanted to keep Uzume in contact with them, so she decided to enrol in Smallville High.
Chiho was something of a genius and picked up the English language easily, Uzume managed through sheer determination to make her Ashikabi proud.
"Tsukiumi." Miya said warningly from her seat between Lorna and Dani.
"Don't worry Cutie Pie. I'll help you get into space with Clark without needing to hold your breath." Dani promised.
Kusano just smiled happily.
"Will the army be coming back?" Lana asked.
"I doubt it, especially as every news station will have the video of Loki being assaulted by tomorrow." Amara answered.
"I'm just glad it doesn't show my naked breast." Loki scowled.
"It was the only way to prevent further attempts and to keep the charges on the General." Amara said soothingly.
"I still think we should kill the bastard." Diana sighed unhappily. Her Amazon teachings left little compassion for men like that.
