Chapter 21 Superman Go Home Part 1

If a hero is supposed to save everyone... then who is left to save the hero?"
- Danny, from Asylum

Xoxoxoxoxox

Clark looked up at the sun shining down on him sighing in exasperation. "The sun's not helping me much from here, too much atmosphere in the way. I wish I could fly up and get better exposure."

"Why don't you go in and lay down for awhile? We can continue this discussion later."

"No! I not going anywhere till you all tell me what's going on. What is it you are all so bent on keeping from me?" He looked directly at Richard and then Bruce expecting them to be more forthcoming.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling before he started Bruce finally began to answer. "Clark there's a lot of people blaming Superman directly for what happened. Right now they're lumping all aliens together most likely due to fear and ignorance. There's a movement to force Superman to leave Earth if and when he shows up. It started right after the android showed itself but the movement gained a lot of support in the last 72 hours. A lot of people panicked waiting for that ship to return. After what happened yesterday even more people joined the others. Statues and posters of Superman have been overturned or defaced all over the place."

Clark couldn't help notice that Bruce referred to Superman in the third person similar to the way he had always done himself, partly to keep the personas separate in his own mind. Today the two personas seemed to be melding together in his head, the line of separation somehow lost.

Richard continued from where Bruce stopped, "There are several measures being brought before both the House and Senate on how to respond. One Senator is even calling for you to be tried for treason. The United Nations is also debating what their response should be. The president has been mostly silent waiting to see what congress and the public does next. We put a special edition out of the DP suggesting you may be hurt or unable to respond. So far no one even seems to care if that's the case or not. Either that or they just don't buy it."

Lois took Clarks hands in hers and squeezed them as she spoke. "Clark, it's just hysterics. Everyone will come to their senses. Just stay here and heal. Maybe by the time you're better it will all have passed."

"No, this will not pass so easily. A country was obliterated and I can fully understand why people would hold Superman responsible. It was my fault. They came here for me and I wasn't able to stop them. They could just as easily have destroyed the entire world. In fact, when I regained consciousness I thought they had. …It might be better for Earth if Superman never returns this time. Perhaps his very being here brings other forces into play."

He stopped momentarily considering what he had said then continued looking away as he pulled his hands away from Lois. "I don't think I care if Superman ever does come back. It's just become too hard. I…I'm just not sure I can do it anymore."

"I don't want to hear you talk like that." Lois brushed his hair out of his eyes and putting her hand to his chin she turned his head so she could look him in the eyes.

"You don't understand how I felt when I thought I was the only survivor… again. I just wanted everything to be over. Then later there was a part of me that was actually glad that Jason was there with me. How could I ever even think that! What kind of a father am I to think such a thing?"

To Clark's surprise Sam spoke up in his defense, "Clark you weren't really glad Jason was there, you were just glad that you weren't alone and there's a big difference. I've been watching you, you're a wonderful father don't ever let anything make you believe otherwise. No matter what you or anyone thinks you were not to blame for what happened. Given a little time, people will come to their senses. They just need to be reminded of who you really are and what you stand for."

Richard got to his feet and paced the porch, "I agree, right now the world is being bombarded with falsehoods and just one side of a complex story. The media is only playing to people's fears and anxieties which is only making matters worse. We need to make sure everyone hears what really happened. Including at least parts of what you endured. Chloe and I will make sure that happens. Your job is to stay here for now and recover."

"Oh, so you're going to turn it into a pity party. I don't want that either."

"No, we're not. You should know by now that you can trust us to only tell what should be told as far as you're concerned. Don't forget Jason is my son too and he'll be affected by this as well. I want him protected as much as you do."

"I know Richard and I do trust you and Chloe. I'm just not sure I can just sit back and let you handle this." Feeling resigned he finally accepted that Richard was right. "Perhaps I should at least make a statement."

"I want to write something too." Lois added.

Clark looked at Lois momentarily, "No, you're too close to things people will know you're prejudiced. Richard is right. It needs to come from them. They're close enough to know the facts but far enough to be neutral." He turned back to Richard and Chloe, "Richard, you two are to report this as a neutral third party understood? That is the only way I'll agree to it. You can use Superman as a source for the facts."

Bruce spoke up wanting to make sure he was included. "I'll back them up. The more forces we have getting out the real story the better. I have my own means for getting news out believe me. Richard and Chloe will not be the sole voice of reason speaking out with the facts. I can also put considerable pressure on the networks to stop the chaos they're helping to create."

"What do you want your statement to be?" Lois asked once again taking his hands in hers.

Clark thought for a long moment, eyes unfocused then he turned to gaze in Lois's eyes before answering. He noticed Chloe had taken out her tape recorder and turned it on. Speaking with as much of his usual Superman voice as he was able to muster he started.

"I accept full responsibility for everything that happened in my name or performed by my likeness. I can not deny that the Trprian Lord Arnken came here to find and overpower me for his own purposes. It is only thanks to his son Srnken, Daughter-in-law Mer Kaper and council Der Motin who befriended me shortly after my capture that his plans were thwarted. Know that I would never consciously cause harm to any living being. That said I will abide by what ever decision is made by the world powers as to Superman's continued presence on Earth."

Lois looked at him stunned. "Clark, are you sure that's what you want to say."

"Yes, it's what needs to be said and I will abide by any decision. Will you be content with me just being Clark if it comes to that?"

She pulled him to her wrapping her arms around him, "You know I would be, but will you be able to stop being who you were meant to be?"

Richard cleared his throat. "Hmmph, he may be right. That response from him just might make people remember the real Superman. I say we go with it." Bruce, Sam and Chloe nodded agreement.

"We need to get more background. What you remember about the initial attack. What were you thinking when you blocked that blast? That was extremely heroic did you consider it could take you out of the fight?"

"In a situation like that you don't think, you act. I didn't feel what I did was heroic. I felt it was my responsibility. I knew it was possible that I would be taken out but I prayed if I was that it would make everyone realize the Trprians were serious and stop the attack."

"How did that green beam affect you? Was it Kryptonite radiation?" Sam asked leaning forward in his chair.

"I'm not really sure, the pain I remember from the green beam was different than the pain I experience when exposed to Kryptonite. The pain from Kryptonite builds starting with nausea and the loss of flight but this was immediate complete agony. It felt as if my blood was boiling throughout my entire body. It must have at least been based on Kryptonite radiation to have affected me like that. I have to admit it was what caused Lord Arnken to accept a final death, I wasn't far behind."

"Do you think that's why you're not recovering as fast? The affects on your system sound quite different." Sam asked rubbing his chin considering what he had just heard.

"It seems like the most likely explanation. I'm as much in the dark here as all of you."

"You should let me take some new blood samples and compare them with the ones I took at the fortress. Maybe we can learn something. Why don't we head back into the house, my bag is in there."

Clark sighed taking one last look at the sun and got up to follow Sam into the house. He sat down on one end of the couch already shivering slightly. Lois pulled an afghan off the back of a nearby chair and wrapped it around his shoulders before she settled in next to him. Richard, Chloe and Bruce grabbed their cups and the tray of cookies and muffins and followed them inside.

Clark watched as Ben started to grab one of the crystal needles from the holder in his bag. "Wait, do you have any regular needles?"

Looking up at Clark with a questioning expression he answered. "Yes, you want me to try one of them?"

"Humor me. I have a feeling it's all you'll need."

Shaking his head Sam prepared a normal needle and swabbed Clarks arm. As everyone watched the needle penetrated the skin and Sam withdrew the blood sample as they all watched silently. Clark was the only one who was not surprised. "I'll need to take this to my lab to make the analysis. Don't worry I'll do it myself just like last time. I can have the results by tomorrow afternoon. That is if Bruce can take me back to Metropolis with Richard and Chloe later today."

"There's another piece of the puzzle we need to consider. If Lord Arnken exposed my body to the full radiation of Sirius that may have had an impact as well. I keep wondering why my eyes are stinging so much. I think they were stinging when I became aware of Jason holding onto my ankle. I don't remember if they had already exposed me to whatever that green beam was at that time or not. What happened when Lord Kal-El appeared?"

"Clark you're right. They told us Lord Arnken did expose your body to the unshielded rays of Sirius. When Lord Kal-El first appeared it was as if your whole body was glowing. Your eyes, they were white and it was like sparks were coming from them."

"Lois is right your body was glowing and your eyes can be seen shooting off sparks the whole time in the video. When the tree was destroyed in front of the white house the beam from your eyes was more like a white hot laser beam than the heat vision I've seen you use in the past." Richard looked around the room for consensus.

Ben hovered over Clark with a thermometer. "Open up I think I should check your vitals again." As he waited on the temperature reading he took out his other instruments listening to Clark's heart, checking his eyes and ears and reflexes making notes as he went. He raised his eyebrows as he read the thermometer. Something's going on, your temperature is only 96.3º. That would certainly account for your being so pale and cold."

"There's something else too. I lost way too much weight for such a short period of time even if my body was deprived nourishment. I have a strong feeling the extreme radiation exposure from Sirius caused my body's metabolism to go haywire. I wouldn't be surprised if I was overheated for a time expending tremendous amounts of energy. That would explain a lot of the symptoms I'm still experiencing."

"Clark, is there anything else you can think of?" Ben asked as he began putting his bag back together carefully putting the vials of blood in a special holder.

"No, nothing else."

Lois pulled back looking into Clarks face seeing the strain in his expression. "Are you feeling any better?"

"I'm not sure, it does seem a little easier to walk but I'm really tired and now that I'm out of the sun I feel cold."

Lois noticed the others had taken their jackets off after they came indoors. Clark had just pulled the sleeve up for her dad to take the blood sample. He was still wearing his jacket and had an afghan wrapped around him as well. "How about some hot chamomile tea? That should help warm you up from the inside. Your mom told me you like chamomile tea. Speaking of your mom she and Ben must have decided to stay with the kids at the LL Ranch while they ride the ponies."

As she got up she asked if anyone else wanted anything. Chloe followed Lois to the kitchen to help make the tea and another pot of coffee. As Chloe returned with the tray of tea and coffee Lois put the Josh Groban CD in placing the player on random play and joined the others as she and Chloe settled back in their places. The room was quiet momentarily as everyone sipped their drinks. A song started in Italian.

Sento nell'aria il profumo di te
Piccoli sogni vissuti con me
Ora lo soAs the others continued their conversation Clark listened to the song smiling softly to himself tuning out everything but the song.

Tell me that you already know the future
Tell me that this is not the end
Without you I don't want to exist
For you, for you, I'll live
Love will win
Richard asked Clark a question and when he didn't respond they all looked towards him realizing he was focused elsewhere. Lois looked towards the speakers and picked up the CD holder and opening it up examined the little program looking for an English translation for the song. Finding none she put the program back and tossed the holder aside. Clark seemed to notice, he smiled as he began translating the remaining parts of the song.

"I will do anything you ask me to
I'll go everywhere you go
I'll give all the love I have for you"

"I don't have to tell you
By now you already know
That I would die without you…."

"For you, for you, I'll live
Love will win…"

The room remained quiet as he finished until the next song started, this one in English. Lois turned the music down using a remote control and the room returned to normal conversation.

Suddenly the relative quiet was broken when Jason came running into the room heading directly for Clark crying.

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

Just a couple hours earlier

Jason and Kala jumped out of the truck excitedly running to the fence looking at the many ponies all saddled up and ready to ride. "I want the dark one with all the spots." Jason said pointing at one particular pony rearing its head up neighing to the crowd of kids.

Kala shook her head at her brother's pick. "Well I want that pretty blond one over there. I bet that's a girl pony."

An older boy standing on the other side of Jason snickered. "City kids, that's a filly not a girl pony and so's the other one! Don't you guys know nothin?"

Kala and Jason just shrugged and looked at one another, Jason moved closer to Kala and away from the boy soon forgetting all about him.

Lana and several teachers came out and helped the kids mount the ponies. At first the adults led the ponies around a small pen making sure each child was ready to ride alone. Soon, but not soon enough for many of the older kids they were out in an arena walking and then galloping the ponies around in a big circle. After about an hour Lana whistled and all the ponies stopped and started slowly making their way back to the small pen. Some of the more experienced kids tried to control the ponies wanting them to stay in the arena but the ponies all had a mind of their own no doubt focused on food and rest waiting for them in their corrals.

As they entered the pen Lana shouted to the kids. "We have some drinks, sandwiches, chips, and cookies for all of you over on the tables. Everyone just help yourself."

Jumping down from their ponies Jason and Kala ran together finding Ben and Martha helping out at the tables. Jason let go of Kala's hand and ran up to Martha beaming.

"Did you see me riding Coalie? That's my pony's name. Kala was riding Sunshine. That was fun. Do you think we can do it again real soon. Did you know a girl pony is called a filly? Coalie and Sunshine are both fillies. Why do they call them fillies Grandma? What do they call boy ponies? What's in this sandwich? I don't know if I like it. Is this fruit punch?"

"Uh, Jason you're so excited you're not even giving me a change to answer your questions. Why don't you and Kala just go sit down with the other kids and eat your sandwiches. You can ask your questions later after we get home? That way you two can get to know some of the other kids here."

Jason looked at the table but there were no places where he and Kala could sit together. He noticed the boy from earlier was sitting with seats on either side open. "Could you move over so me 'n my sister can sit together? Please."

"Oh, what do we have here, a sissy? Has to sit with his biggg sis-terr. I bet you sleep with a teddy bear too, don't cha?" A couple of the older boys nearby laughed with their buddy which only spurred him on. Seeing Jason near tears he continued, "Awwww, a crybaby too. Maybe you should just go home to your mommy little boy."

Kala had had enough no one was going to make her little brother cry while she was around and could do something about it. Without his knowing it she touched the top of the boys hand as she focused on a big bear like she had seen in a movie growling at a hunter. The boy screamed falling backwards in his chair spilling his punch all over himself.

"What's the matter big boy, did something scare you!?!" Everyone at the table laughed as the boy sputtered and tried to untangle himself from his chair. One of the teachers came running over to see what the commotion was as Jason took a seat and Kala moved an empty chair next to his smiling innocently. The older boy finally managed to get up putting his chair in the open space left after Kala moved hers.

Soon they were enjoying their sandwiches and forgetting the little incident. The boy sat quietly next to Kala till someone mentioned Superman causing him to become more animated.

"They say he tried to take over the whole country, the world even. My mom thought he looked scary. She said he had fire in his eyes."

"My dad says you just can't trust him, nobody with that much power can stop from turning bad."

"My mom says he's getting a bum rap. Do you know what bum rap means?"

The boy next to Kala piped up "Yeah, well my dad says Superman should just go back to where he came from. We don't want that alien here anymore!"

Jason jumped up knocking his chair away as he stood back from the table discarding his sandwich in the process. "Don't talk about Superman like that. Superman is good. He protects us. He's my fa……" Kala's eyes opened wide in shock as she grabbed Jason's arm just in time. Catching himself as he saw his sister's shocked expression he finished remembering almost too late that he had to keep the secret. "…favorite hero."

"Oh, so the little boy has a hero, I bet you even have Stupperman PJ's with a little red cape Huh?"

Jason began crying in earnest now, "You stop that, take it back or you'll be sorry."

Kala jumped out of her chair standing with her hands on her hips defiantly, "Leave my little brother alone, why don't you pick on someone your own size. Or are you afraid they might fight back?"

"Crybaby, crybaby, Stupperman's little cryba…" Before he could finish Jason shoved the bigger boy to the ground and landed on top of him holding him down.

"You take it back, take it back…"

Martha came running over grabbing Jason up in her arms. She had been nearby but was not able to move fast enough to stop Jason from jumping on the bigger boy. A teacher grabbed the older boy who brushed himself off a little embarrassed that such a small boy had tackled him and managed to hold him down.

Kala glared directly into the boys eyes and said. "You're mean, someday some bigger kid's gonna pick on you just like you did Jason and you'll be sorry. You just wait!"

"Uhhhhh, am I suppose to be scared little girl."

"You will be you just wait. It will happen and sooner than you think and no one is going to be there to stand up for you. So there."

"Come on Kala, we're going back home now. Let's just thank Lana and we'll be on our way." Martha held out her hand for Kala as she handed Jason over to Ben. Before turning she glared at the boy, "Your mama raised you better than that Jeffery. You should be ashamed of yourself."

Arriving home Jason raced into the house crying running directly for his dad's arms. "Daddy, they were saying mean things about you. Why would they do that?"

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

Sorry no bathtub scene this time.

Please have pity and review anyway. Hee hee