Chapter 37 Game - Set - Match!

Use your enemy's hand to catch a snake.
Persian Proverb

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

Clark felt free at last, the air was brisk and Kala was well bundled against the cold giggling on his right side. He noticed how rosy her cheeks were, her curly brown hair barely visible under the cap that was held in place with a strap tied under her chin. He delighted as she squealed holding his right hand firmly trying desperately to maintain her balance. He turned to look at Jason who was on his left side bundled for the sake of appearance only. He noted that Jason was steadier but he was nonetheless clinging to his left hand for balance as he laughed almost non-stop. Chloe sped past them and immediately turned facing them as she matched their pace. Clark chuckled softly at her maneuver and watched as both kids waved at her excitedly.

Looking over to the clearing he saw Richard and Lois talking and watching them. He handed the kids off to Chloe and sped over to Lois holding out his hand to her. She seemed hesitant but finally took his extended hand standing up wobbling trying to gain some form of balance. He sighed softly and smiled not content to just hold her hand to provide balance instead he held her close. Then closer still, he breathed in deeply, life was so good.

Lois became aware of Clarks arms embracing her tightly as she slowly woke up. They often slept in each other's arms but he seemed to be pulling her closer than usual. She moved slightly so she could look up into his face. He was smiling perfectly content breathing softly. Lois noticed his eyes darting back and forth under his closed lids. He was obviously having a pleasant dream. He nuzzled her hair with his cheek and sighed. The first light of morning was just hitting his face and he appeared to almost glow. Lois closed her eyes content, feeling safe and warm wanting to enjoy just a few more minutes before beginning another hectic day.

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

Kala came bouncing downstairs and hugged her mom, "Mom I had the best dream last night. I know just what dad wants to do for his birthday next week, but I bet he won't tell us on his own."

Martha and Ben looked up from the morning paper. Lois grabbed the bagel she was buttering and handed half to Kala. "My, you sure are happy this morning. Does your dream about your dad's birthday have anything to do with it?"

Kala shook her head no. "Well partly, but mostly I'm happy because I know that everything is going to be alright now."

"Of course everything is going to be alright. Why would you think otherwise honey?"

"Mom, I know Daddy said he wouldn't let that bad man hurt us but now I know for sure because Dad's birthday is not till next week and he was real happy. That bad man was not making him worry anymore so we could just have fun."

"Good that only confirms what we have already told you. You don't need to worry about that man we're going to take care of him very soon. Now, I bite, just what does your dad want to do for his birthday that he won't tell us?"

"He wants to go ice skating, I'm not sure where it is but it looks like it's out in the woods."

"That sounds like a place he and Chloe used to go with a bunch of other local kids. It's not far from the farm. Kala's probably right he used to love ice skating even after that time when he and another boy fell through the ice."

Lois brought her hand to her mouth and said almost under her breath, "I wonder if that's what he was dreaming this morning." She remembered the shared dream the two had experienced just a couple of nights before. Just as the thought occurred to her she heard Clark and Jason coming down the stairs laughing. They had just returned from a morning flight and she noticed Clark also seemed in a particularly good mood.

Clark sat a basket of fresh eggs on the counter and then sided up to Lois kissing her good morning. He pulled back looking at Lois and then Kala and his mom, "It's almost as beautiful out there this morning as it is in here. The snow is melting and starting to look dirty but the sky was clear and, well just beautiful."

"It seems you and Kala both got up on the same side of the bed today. I'm not sure who is happier. Anything you want to share with us?" Lois inquired.

Clark grinned and looked at Kala, "Did you have another dream last night?" Kala smiled nodding her head. "What did you dream?"

"I dreamed it was your birthday and we all went ice skating in the woods. You taught me and Jason and then you helped Mom. We all had lots of fun and Daddy Richard and Auntie Chloe were there too." Kala put her unfinished bagel half on the counter and wrapped her arms around Clark. "But that's not really why I'm so happy. I'm happy because in my dream that bad man wasn't making everyone sad anymore."

"Awwwww, honey I think we had the same dream again. It left me feeling on top of the world. You're right too, Luthor will soon be history, it's like I can feel it."

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Clark dropped Lois off at the Planet and handled several typical emergencies before making his way back home. He and Lois had called Sam Lane the day before and filled him in on the doctor's visit and also updated him on the plans for Saturday both the party and the trap being set for Luthor. He had also confirmed with Bruce Wayne on both counts.

Finally confident that everything was falling neatly in place Clark began polishing his article on the environment. He had promised Perry the article before the alien threat and was only now finding time to concentrate on finishing it. Just as he was doing a final edit he was interrupted by another emergency.

Both kids were working quietly doing their school work on little desks set up in the home office just for them. Ben and Martha were in the family room playing scrabble. Clark let them know he would be back soon and disappeared.

A short time later the doorbell rang and before the adults could respond both Jason and Kala had run to the door and were peeking out the window to see who was there. Kala backed away immediately a mixture of fear and dread on her face. Ben now concerned ran up and looked out the window before deciding what to do.

Martha didn't hesitate to push the panic button on her cell phone alerting Clark of a possible emergency. Her alarm proved to be redundant as Clark had heard the alarm device on the house alerting him to a possible unwelcome guest. Racing home he didn't relax till he was coming down the stairs having seen the caller as he flew towards the house. "Everyone can relax, it's just Ms. Widow. No doubt here to check up on Kala."

Kala didn't seem relieved. She backed up towards the office and disappeared as Clark opened the door. "Ms. Widow, to what do we owe the pleasure?"

"Mr. Kent Good morning, I went to check up on Kala at the school this morning and was told she has not been in attendance for several weeks, that you were home schooling her from time to time. I felt concerned enough to make sure all was as it should be."

"Please come in. Let me take your coat, can we get you anything, some coffee or perhaps tea?" Clark motioned her towards the family room taking her hat and coat, hanging them on a coat tree in the foyer.

"Tea would be very nice. It is still really cold out there."

"Uh, this is my mother, Martha Kent and a close family friend Ben Hubbard." They shook hands and then Martha went to get tea for them all.

Jason spoke up puffing up his chest, "you can't take my sister I won't let you and neither will Daddy!" He was putting on a brave stance but the possibility of tears was evident in his eyes.

Clark turned to Jason realizing Kala was no where to be seen. "Jason, nobody is going to take Kala away. I'm sure Ms. Widow is just here to make sure Kala is being well cared for which is exactly what we would want her to do." He turned back to the social worker, "isn't that right Ms. Widow?"

"Yes, yes, it is. May I see her?" she looked around the room.

Clark nodded then started to leave but stopped and spoke first, "I think she may have been frightened by your showing up after such a long time. From the way Jason is acting they must think you're here to take her away for some reason. I intend to tell her that's not the case before I bring her out here. Is there anything I need to know before I console her?"

"No, I'm not here to take her away. I do need to verify she is being properly schooled though."

Clark smiled broadly, "that will be no problem. If anything she's ahead of her class now. We have not neglected her studies by any means. We've just been seeking to keep both our kids safe with everything that has gone on recently."

Clark left the room scanning the areas Kala might have hidden finding her quickly hiding under the desk in the office. He went into the room closing the door behind him. "Kala you can come out honey. No one is going to take you away, not ever."

Still under the desk Kala spoke up tearfully, "Are you sure? She took me away before from other families and she always gave me back to my other mom."

"Kala, you remember our dream this morning? That is our future. No one is ever going to take you away from this family. You are part of us now. Who would be Jason and Elina's big sister helping to look after them if not you?" Clark pulled the chair out and sat down opening his arms to her. "You trust me don't you?"

Kala crawled out from under the desk and into his lap placing her head on his shoulder. "I trust you Daddy. Do you really need me to help look after Jason and Elina?"

"Honey, you know we do and we always will. Sometimes I feel you look after me too."

"Oh Daddy, I love you."

"I love you too." He gave her a big hug then said with a warm smile, "now let's go show Ms. Widow just how smart you are. She was just concerned because you haven't been in school lately, that's all." Clark got up setting Kala down and held her hand as the two went back to the family room together.

Xoxox

Ms. Widow listened to Jason talk animatedly about the nature special he and Kala had watched the night before while she enjoyed her hot cup of chamomile tea. She had laughed to see how fast Jason had finished his cup of hot chocolate. She was also quite amazed at how much the young boy had learned from the show. Things she didn't even know about species of animals. She was quite taken by his natural charm and friendliness. Turning around she saw Clark returning holding Kala's hand. "Hello dear, I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you."

"As long as you're not here to take me away I'm not scared."

"I brought a couple tests from your teacher, I want to give them to you just to make sure you're not falling behind. Is that alright?"

"Ah huh, I'm not afraid of tests, I like learning. Daddy, Mommy and Grandma make it lots of fun when they teach us."

Ms. Widow looked up at Clark, "Is there somewhere we can go, just the two of us so I can administer the tests and also speak to Kala in private?"

"Sure, the kids were just doing their school work in our home office. We have desks set up for both of them there. Right this way." Clark showed Ms. Widow to the office and left her alone with Kala.

"So you like living here huh?"

Kala nodded and smiled. "I feel loved here. This is my home now."

"Well lets just do these tests your teacher sent and we'll be almost done honey."

Kala finished the tests quickly and handed them back to Ms. Widow. "That was easy, I bet even Jason could do those tests. Daddy and Mommy teach us a lot more that just what's in the school books. They teach us about life too and how to use what we learn a lot better than when we're in school."

"Don't you miss your friends?"

"Oh, I like school and sometimes I miss my friends but its really more fun learning here. Jason is not just my little brother he's my best friend too. We have lots and lots of fun together. Did you know Mommy is going to have another baby?"

"Oh really, and how do you feel about that honey?"

"I was worried a little at first thinking maybe they wouldn't need me anymore since they would have a real daughter but Daddy told me I was their real daughter. He said that the baby will add someone else for all of us to love. He says love works expo-end..expen-iently…."

"Do you mean exponentially?"

"Yes, that's it, exponentially." Kala confirmed smiling.

"Do you even know what that means?" Ms. Widow inquired.

"Yes! Kala smiled broadly clearly proud of herself and happy for the meaning at the same time. "Daddy told me it means love doesn't just add like 2 + 3 5, it multiplies like 2 X 3 6 then 6 X 6 is 36. He says love constantly increases faster and faster as more and more people are included."

Ms. Widow felt a chill go down her spine hearing the little girl's explanation. "Your Daddy is a very wise and loving man. I have never thought of love like that but I'm sure he's right."

Xoxoxoxoxo

Clark had been doing his best to not eavesdrop but finally his curiously got the best of him. He gazed at the office door and tentatively opened up his hearing surprised to hear Kala laughing and telling Ms. Widow about Jason's drumming ability. Clark laughed allowing himself to relax and headed to the kitchen to get another cup of tea for himself and more hot chocolate for Jason.

His mind went back to that day when Jason had first exposed him as Superman to Lois and Richard. He remembered how Jason had begged and cried wanting a hot chocolate sure he was no longer 'lergic' as he had said. Was that really only eight months ago? It seemed like a lifetime, someone else's lifetime at that! How lost he had been that day. So much had changed since then. He couldn't even imagine his life now without his family.

The office door opened and Ms. Widow came out holding Kala's hand smiling. Clark met her in the doorway to the family room. "The change you and your family have brought about in Kala is remarkable. I'm sure when the 6 month waiting period is complete in May you will be legally the family your obviously already are. It has been a pleasure Mr. Kent. Please give Mrs. Kent my regards."

Xoxoxoxoxo

Early Saturday morning Luthor was in his hideout pacing back and forth. He had had the feeling since he woke up that things were finally going to fall in place. His goons had finally made good finding a few small fragments of Kryptonite near where the Gertrude had gone down. It wasn't much but with what he had them do with it he felt confident it would suffice.

One of his contacts from an alien hate group had informed him of a theory that they had almost taken the alien down with a bomb laced with kryptonite a few months earlier. It had got him to thinking how best to make due with the small amount of Kryptonite he had been able to get his hands on. He ran his hand over a small vial in his pocket, dying to get the chance to prove his theory right.

While his mind's eye visualized Superman sprawled out before him turning a sickly green his cell phone rang to the tune of Jaws. He flipped it open and answered hiding his glee. "Good, I knew it. We'll be right there, call me if anything changes. By the way, did you get that little audio package working?... Excellent, I knew it would come in handy."

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Before dawn Clark called the starship and flew the family including Sam to Wayne Manor. Martha, Ben and the two kids were going to spend the day there in relative safety while the days' events played out.

Bruce met them at the door introducing Alfred, seeming a little concerned. "There hasn't been a kid here since I was a child. I hope they don't tear the place up."

"These are well behaved children. You have nothing to worry about Mr. Wayne, besides Ben and I will be watching them closely." Martha seemed slightly put off by his remark not realizing he was being his usual sarcastic self.

"I don't know Bruce. It looks to me like the place could use some life, maybe a color crayon mural over there, a chalk one there. Then it's always fun to make tents and trampolines out of the furniture, huh kids?"

Jason cupped his hands over his mouth giggling, while Kala put her hands on her hips laughing before she answered. "Oh Daddy you are so funny. You don't have to worry Mr. Wayne we promise we're not going to break anything."

Bruce winked and smiled in answer, "Well are you three ready to get this show on the road?" Then to his guests, "Sorry I can't stay and entertain you but I have my own plans for the day."

A short time later the three landed the starship inside the Fortress of Solitude. Batman was following in his high speed helicopter but it would take him a little longer to arrive. Clark took out his cell phone and called Richard. "Everything's a go here. See you momentarily."

"I agree it sounds like a great day for a little flight. I'll call the starship and we'll meet you there, oh say in about an hour and a half? That'll give us time to finish a couple things here and pack a lunch." Richard spoke into his cell phone then flicked it closed.

Superman closed his phone smiling. He quickly made sure Lois and Sam were comfortable before kissing Lois goodbye and taking off. He passed Bruce on the way back and gave him a high sign figuring he would be in place in little over half an hour. Arriving in the vicinity of the White house Superman surveyed the area and spotted a yacht anchored a ways off shore with unattended fishing poles in the water. Inside men were huddled around a monitor. He had been right. They were listening in to the White house with surveillance equipment.

Speeding up beyond the capability of an eye or even a camera to capture his flight Superman entered the house from the side away from the river. As he came down the stairs he put his finger to his lips motioning to the river. Richard, Chloe and Catherine nodded. They had been expecting this and had been speaking in carefully selected words or writing for two days or staying away from the house altogether.

The three busied themselves chatting and pretending to get ready for a fun filled day including a picnic while in outer space. All the while Superman continued to watch and listen to the men on the yacht. They all four smiled at the irony. It wasn't long before Superman wrote them a note.

Luthor is on his way, he is about to take the bait.

A short time later Superman wrote a second note.

Luthor has landed on the yacht. Call Starship in 15 mins.

He wanted to be sure Bruce had landed at the fortress and everything was in place.

After the prescribed time Richard paged the starship and went out to the patio to watch for its arrival. The ship landed and as he approached it the door swooshed open. He went inside momentarily as if checking it out then came back out leaving the door open.

Just as he headed for the house his cell phone rang and he flipped it open. He stopped in his tracks. "But Uncle Perry, we have plans!... I know, but can't it wait till Monday. Oh, Crap! Fine! I'll have it to you in the next forty-five minutes." He slammed his phone closed and took one last look at the starship clearly annoyed. Shaking his head he triggered the door of the starship closed. He stalked back into the house slamming the door as he went.

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

Luthor bent over the computer screen as he listened to the feed from the White house. He couldn't believe his luck. Fortune was indeed smiling on him today. He wouldn't even need the little half-breed girl. The ship was his for the taking. "Let's go, that ship is mine."

Xoxo

Seconds after Richard made his way back into the house Superman broke out in a big grin and once again wrote a note.

Worm on hook, bait being taken

Xoxo

Luthor and his three henchmen approached the patio making sure the coast was clear as they crept closer to the starship. They had not been sure if it would open for them or not. It did and Luthor immediately motioned for one of his goons to step inside. When nothing happened he followed along with a second goon while the third stood guard.

They quickly looked at the control panel. It looked somewhat like a GPS screen labeled in English and little codes. Metropolis was currently being displayed with a blinking dot showing the riverfront location. The man studied the touch screen panel shrugging his shoulders. He touched the panel hoping for a power-up signal. The ship's door started to close shut as the third goon squeezed inside just as the ship powered up.

The goon piloting the ship puffed up his chest. "This thing is a chinch to fly."

Luthor laughed, "Of course you moron. Otherwise, neither that stupid alien nor his idiot friend would be able to fly it." Luthor sat back, "Ok see if you can get us to the arctic, I have unfinished business there."

"Look, as soon as I keyed in arctic this came on the screen. He must have it saved as a home site or something."

Luthor laughed, "like taking candy from a baby. It's almost taking all the fun out of the game."

Xoxo

After a few minutes Superman spoke up "They're approaching from a neighbors yard, they tied up a few houses down and are creeping towards the house." When Superman saw Luthor approaching the house and he knew it was safe to talk. They had left their equipment on the ship. "They're close. Power up the ship on my command but don't key in a destination till I tell you. Let's see what they do first." After a few more minutes Superman nodded his head. "Power up… now and close the door."

After just a minute more he smirked, "Gee they even want to go to the arctic, surprise surprise." Then he outright laughed, "You're right Luthor, this is like taking candy from a baby."

Superman turned to the three laughing at his comment. They had obviously picked up on what he had heard Luthor say. "We'll call you as soon as they land and get out of the ship, you know what to do." Then he was gone.

Xoxox

The starship floated down through the crystal beams and landed silently. The door swished open and the first goon poked his head out. Luthor gave him a push with his foot and followed him out like he already owned the place. The fortress was dark and cold. Luthor looked around noticing to his satisfaction an even larger starship nearby. Ignoring it for the present he gingerly walked over to where the control console would be and held his hands out willing the console to rise. When nothing happened he frowned and bent down inspecting the flooring. His men came up behind him.

"Did you really think I would leave the welcome mat out for you again Luthor!"

The starship powered up and disappeared.

Luthor whirled around smiling actually glad the game was back on. It had just been too easy. There was no sport in the game if he didn't get to actually kill the alien. "Well, with you, you just never know."

His men drew their guns knowing they would be useless against Superman but they pointed them at him all the same.

Superman ex-rayed Luthor and saw nothing that appeared dangerous. Batman came out from his hiding place and stopped just behind him. Sam and Lois remained hidden with high powered rifles ready in case they were needed.

"Ah, I see you brought your little rat friend, afraid to face me alone huh?" He closed the space ever so slightly between them.

"I know your tricks Luthor he's here merely for backup."

Luthor quietly took the little vial out of his pocket as the two inched closer to one another. Acting as if he was bringing his hands up in surrender he turned and shrugged to his men. They dropped their guns as Luthor smashed the vial in his hand. When Superman grabbed him he blew the contents directly into his face.

Superman stumbled back disoriented and coughing wildly. Batman grabbed him and kept him from falling setting him down gently. Seeing the green dust all over his friend's face he grabbed a device from his belt and sprayed water hoping to wash away the deadly dust particles.

Simultaneously shots rang out from above as Lois and Sam fired multiple warning shots. Sam called out in his best commanding military voice. "Don't move any of you. We are both dead aims and I stress the word dead!"

Luthor wasted no time knowing he had only seconds. He ran to the second larger starship he had noticed upon arriving hoping it would be as easy to fly as the one they had arrived in. He ran to the ship not slowing down as he approached it. The door swooshed open just as shots rang out hitting him in the leg. He ignored the pain and fell inside hitting the control panel as Sam ran up to the ship. He was too late. Luthor was already safely inside the ship. It quickly powered up and was soon rising in the air moving ever faster.

Superman regained his senses just after the ship cleared the fortress. Between coughs he screamed, "No, no I have to stop him!"

Sam took Batman's place helping Superman as Lois ran up to join him still pointing her rifle at Luthor's men. "Hold on son, you're not going anywhere."

"But you don't understand he'll die out there. If I don't get to that ship within the next few minutes it will be out of my range and I won't be able to help him."

Batman had quickly hog tied the men and turned back to Superman. "Tell me, why on earth are you worried about helping that monster? He just tried to kill you for about the umpteenth time!"

"I have to help him, it's who I am." He pushed Sam aside, got up and tried to take off but fell back down unable to fly, the exertion causing him to start coughing again. He looked up at the opening where the ship had disappeared and shrunk to the floor crestfallen. "It's all my fault, I might as well have held a gun to his head. I wouldn't have wished this fate on anyone not even Luthor, my worst enemy."

Xoxox

Luthor laughed as the ship cleared the fortress thinking to himself, Imbecile, this was just too easy. He looked down at the flesh wound on his leg and then looked up at the console. The image was showing a blue blinking light on what looked like the solar system. The image changed after a minute to what looked like an overview showing many points of light and in the far corner of the image, a steady red light.

He noticed a countdown clock. "Oh no, is that days?" he said aloud. The screen changed to English in response and the full realization hit him like a sledge hammer. It read years to destination. The ship turned opaque and his heart leapt into his mouth. "No, no that can't be. What did I do, what did I do. SUPERMAN HELP!"

He slumped in the chair. He saw a button that was glowing bright red, it said: Activate Stasis. He trembled, his hand hovering over the button.

Xoxox

Sam, Lois and Batman looked at each other. Superman sighed seeing the questioning looks on their faces. "The only programming in that ship is a direct course to Krypton. The same course I took." He barely voiced though his coughing.

"So you're saying he's on a trip just like the one you took? Will the ship's life support system keep a human alive that long?" Lois went to Superman mindful of the goons watching and put her hand on his back offering comfort.

Between coughs Superman explained, "Only if he triggers the stasis system, but that's not all. The ship's crystal spires were compromised so I removed them before the trip Batman and I took last year to New Krypton. The ship no longer has the ability to reach hyper speed. His trip will take more than a thousand years."

"Batman looked him dead in the eye as he responded. "I see no problem with that. You're not responsible. Luthor stole your starship and sealed his own fate. You said he liked playing games, well I say, Game-Set-Match."

Xoxoxoxo

Reviews are much appreciated. It is nice to hear what you think of the story.

The next chapter will most likely take the family to the birth of Elina!