AIW - The Kent Family Saga Part II Chapter 20 - Unfinished Business - Part 2
Of one thing I am certain, the body is not the measure of healing - peace is the measure
George Melton
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Clark got up from the swing and forgetting the stiffness and pain went to join the kids by the fence carefully kneeling down laughing as he helped Kala up off Jason's back.
"You were right Dad, I just had to look for what shouldn't be there. Leave it to Jason to turn into a big rock." She giggled as she put her arms around Clark in a grateful hug.
"How did you know that was me Daddy? We went to a museum a few weeks ago at school and I saw a rock just like it. I didn't think anyone would know it was me."
"Jason, you need to blend in if you want to hide, there are no rocks like that here on the farm or all of Kansas as far as I know. What else can you do with that device? Is it just like the one Srnken had?"
"Srnken said it was the next gen-er-ray-tion. It only works for me and I can turn into anything I want, see." Jason was suddenly the vision of one of his favorite cartoon characters Dash, then Scooby Doo and finally as a somewhat smaller version of Batman.
Clark was dumbstruck as he watched the various incarnations. The others watched silently from the porch also just now realizing just what the device could do. As the small boy suddenly became the vision of Batman Clark turned and looked at the others in dismay. "Uh Jason, remember what I said about blending in. You do know that cartoons aren't real and you need to be careful about choosing real people too."
"But these are more fun to do. What they had me do was bor-ing. I don't just wanta look like a bigger kid, that's not any fun." He pouted as he was just little Jason again.
"We'll figure something out. May I see the device for a minute?" Jason took the device out of his ear and handed it to his dad who was still kneeling nearby. Clark looked it over quickly, "Hmmm, you're right this one looks a lot different than the one Srnken had. "I hope you realize it's not meant as a toy. You're going to need to use restraint in using it especially when you're not at home or with one of us. Otherwise we'll have to put it away till you're older. It's part of your secret now, do you understand that?"
Jason sadly nodded his head. "Is it OK if I use it playing hide and seek with Kala?"
"Do you think it's fair to your sister to use it playing a game? Don't you think it gives you an unfair advantage? There is also something else to consider if you lose it, there'll be no replacements." Clark handed the device back to Jason.
Kala was still standing with one arm around her dad's shoulder listening to the exchange. "It's alright. I'm two years older than him so I have the advantage there. If I know he's using it then I'll just know to try and think like him and figure it out like you showed me this time. Besides I have my own gift to learn."
Clark turned his attention to Kala, "What gift is that?"
"Mer Kaper said I was an empath and she showed me how to use my powers."
"What!" Clark looked at her wide eyed with arched eyebrows. "Is that where your dream came from this morning? Wait, last night I was dreaming, vivid memories of Christmas and New Years. You were sending me those images, I remember now." Then as it truly sank in "You're an empath, do you even know what that means?"
"I'm not sure. I looked it up on the internet with mom's help but it was confusing. Will you help me learn what I can do just like you're helping Jason learn what he can do?" Kala's eyes were full of hope as she searched her father's face for his answer.
"Kala, I'm afraid I know little of what you might be able to do but I'll certainly be there to help in every way possible as will everyone else who loves you." Wincing as he got up, he walked back up towards the porch holding Kala's hand as he went while rubbing his back with his free hand. He settled back down on the swing beside Lois patting for Kala to once again squeeze in between them. Jason full of unused energy began racing Einstein around the yard while Shelby joined the grownups on the porch.
Sam marveled at what a natural and loving father Clark had turned out to be. He had been watching and listening closely to the exchange between Clark and the kids along with the other adults on the porch. Clark was so natural with Kala that at times it was hard to remember that she was in fact, adopted. He noticed that there seemed to be a special bond between the whole family and Sam admitted he felt it as well. Remembering Richard and Chloe he was pretty sure they felt it too. There was definitely something more to his son-in-law than met the eye. Now if only the rest of the world would see it.
Sam's mind replayed the news programs he'd watched late last night and again this morning over at Ben's old farmhouse where he had stayed. It made him sick and ashamed for mankind to remember some of the things that had been said about Superman on those programs. People were just too darn fickle and some of the press played the sensational angles for all they were worth only caring about ratings. He hated how quick some of the commentators had forgotten everything Superman had done over the years preferring to go for the shock factor. They glossed over or left out how Superman had been willing to sacrifice himself for mankind on more than one occasion. Sadly the government was no better. Clark didn't deserve any of it and in his present condition it was likely to break his heart and already weakened spirits when he heard all of what was being said.
Martha disappeared into the house for a short time hearing the phone ring then returned smiling purposefully. "That was Lana on the phone. Kala how would you and Jason like to go over to the LL Ranch and ride ponies this afternoon. That is if it's alright with your parents. Seems they're having an event for the local kids in the area to help everyone get back to normal. Lana knew you both were here and wanted to extend the invitation. There'll be several teachers there from the school supervising."
"That sounds great. It'll give us grown-ups time to talk." Lois answered as Kala jumped up and ran to Jason excited.
"Jason, did you hear that, we get to go ride the ponies today." She grabbed his hands as they danced around in circles. Suddenly stopping she noticed her dad's somber expression.
Frowning Clark muttered under his breath as he averted his eyes from the group unable to face them, "If the local kids need an event to get back to normal how are the city kids doing?"
"Daddy, we don't have to go if it makes you unhappy." Kala nudged for Jason to say the same but the little boy remained silent waiting for his dad to say it was alright to go.
"Kala that is not what's making me sad, I want you both to go and have lots of fun. I'm just sad about what happened while I was gone, that's all."
Just as he finished speaking he looked up to the sky as if trying to find something, Lois noticed Jason had reacted the same way. They obviously were both hearing something off in the distance. As she watched Clark she noticed he kept squinting his eyes. After a minute he started rubbing them. "Clark what is it? Are your eyes still burning? Don't rub them!"
"There's a helicopter coming from the North-East. I guess I subconsciously kept trying to see it but it just made my eyes sting and burn more."
"Lois is right you really shouldn't rub them it'll only make it worse." Sam agreed as he got up. "I think I may have some eye drops in my bag, maybe they'll help. I'll be right back."
Returning he put some of the medicine in Clarks eyes just as the helicopter finally came within range of normal hearing and less than a minute later came into view landing just a short distance from the fence in the barren cornfield. As the rotors stopped Richard and Chloe jumped out from the passenger side of the Wayne Enterprises helicopter. Bruce finished shutting the machine down and soon all three were heading to the porch.
Jason and Kala ran to meet them halfway, screaming their greetings as they ran. Jason wasted no time jumping into Richards waiting arms. Lois, watching Bruce's face was sure she saw a hint of jealously in his smile as he approached.
As Richard got closer he looked up at Clark still sitting in the porch swing, "Bruce insisted on flying us up here, it really is easier than using the seaplane." Richard and Chloe were both shocked as they noticed how thin and frail Clark appeared but decided against mentioning it.
Bruce on the other hand dove right in. "You look like skin and bone. Better not put that suit on Boy Scout. I do believe your ribs would be showing instead of your abs."
Clark narrowed his eyes and looked directly at Bruce. "Maybe you could get your friend 'Batman' to loan me some of his muscles. They are removable aren't they?"
Bruce raised his eyebrows, at the remark. "Glad to see your humor is intact." As he turned towards the corn field he continued so low only Clark and Jason could hear as he said, "touché".
Martha rose, "where are my manners, can I get anyone anything. coffee, tea, something to eat?"
Several spoke up saying some coffee would be nice. Lois and Sam both followed her into the kitchen as Richard, Bruce and Chloe took their vacated seats.
Clark bit his tongue wanting to ask how bad is it, but at the same time wanting to wait till the kids had left for the afternoon of pony riding. He remained quiet and pensive. Hating every minute they kept him in the dark. Every minute added to his imagination of just how bad it must be. Why else would they not tell him?
Jason started rattling off all that had happened on his adventure as he now thought of it. He started to tell them all about his gift from Mer Kaper but suddenly stopped afraid he had said too much remembering what his dad had said about keeping it a secret.
Clark had been listening closely since some of what Jason was telling was new to him as well. "It's alright Jason. Go ahead I would like to hear what you have to say too. You can even give a little demonstration if you want to." He smirked to himself remembering the last incarnation.
"Can I do Batman again?" Clark chuckled and nodded as Jason was once again the pint sized Batman.
Chloe, Richard and Bruce had been half believing what the little boy had been telling them but with the sudden transformation their jaws dropped almost in unison as all three were left speechless. Bruce looked in Clark's eyes nodding softly understanding the full ramifications of what he was witnessing. Thinking that perhaps only he and Clark could understand what it meant to the little boy's future.
Martha came out with a tray filled with cups of coffee. Lois was right behind her with a second tray of tea mixed with lemonade, a plate of cookies and muffins and one glass with something that looked like a malt. The women handed the beverages out and passed the plate of cookies and muffins around. Clark had passed on everything Lois offered to him.
Martha grabbed the glass that looked like a malt and stood in front of Clark. "Good because we made this one for you."
Feeling like he had been duped he took the glass looking at it in shock not knowing what to say. He swallowed hard, "Mom, it doesn't even smell good. What is it!?"
"It's a special protein shake to help put some weight back on your skinny frame. You're not eating enough to keep a bird alive. Now drink it." Sam feeling like his attending doctor nodded his head in full agreement and winked at Lois and Martha.
Jason giggled trying to hide his mouth behind his hands.
"Just hold you nose and chug it. That way you won't even hardly taste it." Bruce offered as he enjoyed his coffee.
Clark took a drink, making a face as he swallowed. "Yuck, it is even worse than it smells. I can't believe anyone would willingly drink this stuff, it's disgusting. I'll eat a muffin if you'll just take this away."
"Just be thankful she only made a small glass. I suggest you try harder to eat if you don't want more later. Your mom means business. I'm learning a lot from her." Lois noticed him eyeing the dog at his feet. "Don't even think about it, drink up or we'll be giving you even more next time."
Reluctantly he finished the drink and before handing the empty glass back to Lois he held it down for Shelby to sniff. The dog wined and moved away. "See, even the dog thinks it's disgusting!" After making his point he handed her the empty glass.
Martha motioned to Ben as she went into the house and came back out carrying jackets for the kids. "We're going to take the kids over to Lana's. We'll be right back unless she wants us to stay and help out." The kids each made an event out of kissing everyone goodbye then climbed into the truck waving excitedly as it drove off.
After the kids were out of sight Lois once again sat her sights on Clark, "Now, would you like a muffin and perhaps something a little more palatable to drink?"
"Not really, but I'll take one anyway and maybe some milk, anything to get this foul taste out of my mouth." Lois handed him a muffin from the tray and started to get up to get him a glass of milk.
Clark caught the smirks on the faces of Bruce and Richard. "Lois said all men are just 'big boys'. Don't worry. You two will get your turn just wait." Smirking at Lois he continued, "Just between us men, I think they secretly love to baby us. It gives them the chance to be the stronger sex at least for a while."
"Well, we are the stronger sex. It is a well known fact that if men had babies no family would have more that one!" Saying her peace she continued into the house to get the glass of milk.
Clark brought his hand up to try and control his amusement, "This from the woman who just told her son that, and I quote 'Then your daddy and I will go to the hospital, where I'll get lots of pain killers and she'll be born.'" He suddenly stopped chatching himself "Oh!… you do all know don't you?"
Richard laughed, "Yes we knew. Lois found out a couple weeks ago right after…" his smile disappeared replaced with a look of concern.
"It's alright…you were going to say, right after Jason and I were taken. No use tiptoeing around that fact. Wait, is that wedding rings on your hands, I thought you were getting married on the 14th?"
Richard's fingers were laced with Chloe's as they raised their hands up still clasped showing their matching wedding bands. "We actually went to the justice of the peace a few days ago. With the ship coming back and not knowing what was going to happen…well, we just didn't want to wait. Jimmy and Perry stood up for us."
"I'm sorry your original plans were spoiled. You should think about having a ceremony or at least a reception with all your friends and family present. I'll always cherish the memories of our wedding."
"Maybe in the future Clark," Chloe looked fondly in Richards eyes. "All we really care about right now is being together, nothing else is important. We learned that lesson watching the two of you. Congratulations on the baby by the way."
He smiled thinking of the baby to come then noticed the expression on Bruce's face. "You're missing a lot Bruce, things really are better on this side of the fence even if you do have to drink or eat foul smelling things from time to time to humor them."
"I don't have super hearing but I heard that Kent." Lois came back out handing Clark a glass of milk. "Better watch it or you'll get more of that foul smelling stuff later."
Richard grabbed a bag he had carried from the helicopter. "I almost forgot we've been picking up your mail. At least on the days it was delivered. So much for that motto, neither rain nor snow or sleet shall deter the mailman on his appointed rounds or however it goes. Anyway, alien ships approaching definitely deterred the mail. Oh, I happened to notice that there's a package in there from Josh Groban. You might want to dig it out. It looks like maybe it's a CD."
Lois dug in the bag and pulled out the small package opening it she read the card as she handed the CD to Clark.
To my favorite newlyweds. I just wanted
to share this new CD -
With You.
I hope you both enjoy it.
It is a compilation of older love songs from
my previous CD along with two new songs.
Happy Valentines Day,
Your Personal Wedding Singer,
Josh
"Wow, that was really sweet of him. Thanks for bringing our mail Richard that was really sweet of you too." Lois got up and kissed his cheek. "I heard what you just told Clark, congratulations you two on your wedding. I agree you need to have a 'redo' or at least a reception and soon! Any plans for a honeymoon?"
"We really haven't even had time to think about it yet and since I was just hired I have no time off coming." Chloe answered raising Richards hand to her mouth and kissing it softly.
"Clark still owes me half of ours. Has Perry been on the warpath with me taking so much time off? I haven't exactly been sending in many articles lately." Lois asked as she put the rest of the bag of mail aside for later.
Richard took a drink of coffee and then answered, "He's had his days but a lot of people took off the last couple weeks. The office has been like a ghost town on some days. Jimmy and a few of the real troopers hung around but almost everybody sent stories in by Email. We managed as best we could. Clark, I just want to warn you he's already talking about getting you to do another first person account on what happened to you."
"I wouldn't suggest he hold his breath, I don't think I'll be doing anything if the kind. Besides I don't even remember big pieces of what happened."
"Are you going to tell us at least?" Lois asked quietly almost afraid to know.
"I'll consider telling what I remember when you all stop hiding what happened here from me. The kids are gone now. I see no reason why we can't start right now. What happened here after I was taken and when the ship returned, I need to know and your keeping it from me is only going to make me think the worse."
Sam who had been quiet for some time spoke up, "Clark's right we do need to tell him. Where should we start?"
"How about from where I was hit by that reflected blast? That's the last thing I remember before waking up on the ship I don't know how much later."
Richard started, "Shortly after you were hit and fell from the sky North Kamdar attacked again. The ship once again absorbed the blast and returned it with incredible force effectively wiping North Kamdar off the map. There was a lot of smoke and dust after you fell and at first everyone thought you either died in the initial blast that you blocked or in the second one that desolated the whole area."
Clarks face went even paler as he painfully considered what he had heard. "North Kamdar, gone?"
"Yes, but then the ship just broke off the attack and returned to Washington and made it known that since you made such a valiant attempt to save us puny humans they had decided to relent for a short time in your honor. They also said they would be back. They had you captive at that point didn't they?" Richard asked frowning.
"Yes, I was badly hurt in the blast and the ship blocked the suns radiation so I had no way to heal and no powers at all. I think Lord Arnken probably came here with the express purpose to take me captive, everything else was secondary."
Bruce took over, "That conversation you had with him when he first appeared has played over and over on the news. He said he wanted you as his son, he was offering you all his power and worth. Some people are saying you took him up on his offer."
"Huh, well, we know what that meant now don't we? He didn't want me to join with him, to be his replacement son. He wanted to join with me literally. He wanted to replace his worn out body with mine when the plan to do the same with his actual son failed. I was merely a prisoner on that ship. Worse still, I ended up a prisoner in my own body. But the hardest of all was knowing Jason might suffer the same fate if I didn't find a way to protect him or have him protected."
"What was the real purpose of the android? Somehow it seemed ineffective and much too easy to defeat?" Bruce asked.
"When I regained consciousness I was afraid I was the only survivor again. Then Lord Arnken entered the room and said sarcastically that I would be joining him after all. When I again refused he started talking about other means of persuasion. That was when they brought the android out and I was told it would be used to infiltrate Earth posing as me. He even emphasized the ones I love most would be targeted using my own memories. The android was meant to put pressure on me to cooperate and I believe also to ruin my name here to convince me there would be no coming back."
"How did they get your memories in the first place?"
"I'm not sure how it worked but they placed some kind of helmet on my head. I was already restrained with straps to a metal table barely able to remain conscious due to my injuries. I wasn't sure what if anything I could do so I just made up a mantra focusing on love and doing no harm. You say the android was easy to defeat?"
"Yeah, it was a real pansy. All it took was a small bomb from Batman's belt. It seemed like it was here to cause trouble more than anything." Bruce nodded knowingly as he made the comment.
"It tried to grab Lois a couple times but each time it stopped and started mumbling something about Love, Lois, Jason, Kala, Mom, love, do no harm. If that was your mantra it worked." Richard supplied.
"What! It grabbed Lois?" Clark looked from Richard to Lois in shock with a truly pained expression on his face.
"It's alright Clark, it didn't hurt me. By the way Jason knew the moment it landed it wasn't you and he alerted Kala. She ran in to tell us and that's when Jason disappeared. I was frantic to say the least. Thank you for getting that message to us, it helped a lot knowing you were alive and at least together."
"I was devastated when I woke up and Lord Arnken paraded Jason in. They took Jason to use against me as one more means to get me to cooperate. They also made it clear to me that he was a backup in case I failed to be of use and finally an heir for the future. If I hadn't been helped by those opposing Lord Arnken this would not have turned out the way it did. It was hard to trust them at first but I did come to believe them and I also knew it was the only hope available to defeat Lord Arnken."
"How did Lord Kal-El come to be?" Bruce broached the proverbial elephant on the porch as he looked intently at Clark and then to the others who all seemed to lean in closer to Clark.
Clark on the other hand shrank down in the swing and looked out into the yard momentarily frowning before looking back. Taking a deep breath he finally answered reluctantly. "Srnken, Lord Arnken's son told me what to expect and what he described was very close to what it was like. We had hoped to delay the process till I was healed and I wanted to have some limited exposure to Sirius thinking it would enable me to overpower and thus circumventing the assault. Unfortunately Lord Arnken's second in command had his own plans along with the ship's doctor. So we had to revert to a less desirable plan knowing I would not be able to prevail during the initial takeover. I was to withdraw and wait for an opportunity to take over. Lord Arnken was appalled by pain, that was to be the stick I could use."
"What was it like when he took over? You said it was similar to what Srnken described."
Clark looked away again not wanting to remember. Sighing he closed his eyes briefly before answering. "They put the helmet over my head again. I closed my eyes and started withdrawing inward. It was like being in a dream, a nightmare really. Everything went dark and quiet. Then I felt something slithering towards me. It felt like I was being swallowed by a snake and then I was in its belly struggling to breath. I don't know how long that feeling lasted. It seemed like years of nothing but oppressive darkness and quiet. The next thing I remember was sensing Lord Arnken writhing in pain so I concentrated on sending additional pain to the nerve endings in my temple and neck. It was like being awakened from a nightmare, I was shocked to hear and then actually see Jason screaming for me as he held onto my ankle while I was accelerating into the sky. Somehow I was momentarily able to take control so I convinced Jason to let go. When he did I screamed for Der Motin to keep his promise to keep Jason safe and return him to you." He finished looking at Lois. The unbearable pain was still evident on his face and in his eyes.
"Do you remember anything else?" Lois asked softly taking his hand squeezing it in comfort.
He shook his head as he looked out towards the fence, "Just immense pain, I tried to get away from here. I thought I was dying and didn't want any of you to have to witness it."
"Clark, Mer Kaper made sure you were here because she knew you needed us to survive. She was right. You needed her and Jason to bring you back but you needed us too. Don't ever try to protect us like that again. You need us just as much as we need you."
"I know Lois, but…"
"No buts. You have got to stop trying to do everything by yourself."
"I know, but this was different."
"Clark, you use that excuse every time. I said no buts!"
"I've told you everything I remember, now will you please tell me what I am facing here. There is no way it can be worse than what I have already experienced. Just tell me, please." Clark pleaded in a tired an exasperated tone.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxox