Three days Later, Clark Kent's Apartment, Metropolis
Clark moaned as he peeled the covers off of him allowing the rays of the sun to hit his face, although annoying he knew it was good for him as he rose from bed. He took a moment to look around his apartment it was a modest size, with a bedroom, living room and kitchen, and a bathroom (for visual reference look for Clark's Apartment in Lois and Clark new adventures of Superman). He sighed as he walked to his bathroom sink and looked at his face in the mirror, there was light bruising around his right eye and his cheek, and small bruises across his body.
"Well at least it's better than yesterday" Clark thought as he walked to his shower allowing mind wandered three days ago.
He floated in the ocean for what must've been three hours maybe even more before he regained consciousness. Everything hurt for him but he managed to lift himself into the air and fly back to Metropolis incredibly slow. It was night when he got back as he flew into the open window of his apartment and collapsed on his bed passing out again. He awoke next morning to loud knocking on his door, with his X-ray he saw Lois and freaked. He was still very sore all over so he didn't use his super speed as he removed his tattered shirt and jeans throwing them into the closet where a small pile of ruined shirts, jeans, and boots laid. He threw on a robe and his glasses and answered the door. Lois was there to ask where Clark was since he never came back to work, but was shocked to see his bruised face. He told her that during his walk back to the planet he saw a guy getting mugged and tried to help, and got beat up for his troubles. It worked and Lois said she would tell Perry. An hour later he received a call from Perry to take some time off, which Clark gladly took. He then received a phone call from his contacts asking about his investigation, after he told them about the fight they proceeded to nearly blow out Clark's eardrum screeching about how they would find them and wipe them off the face of the earth. Clark managed to calm them down telling them that he was sore but fine, his contacts told him to stay at home and heal in a few days he would be back to 100%. And he proceeded to do that. Metropolis was surprisingly quiet for the last few days nothing to bad was happening aside from a few purse snatchings and a few accidents. Clark still did his part helping where he could but clearly wasn't at his best almost being spotted a few times.
Clark emerged from the shower drying himself off and walked to the sink mirror, he examined himself noticing beard stubble forming on his chin. He sighed as he focused on the mirror his eyes glowing red, though this time instead of a large beam a small thin beam barely noticeable to the human eye came out and bounced off the mirror. Clark then proceeded to guide the beam across his chin burning away the stubble and leaving him clean shaven. He exited his bathroom wearing sweatpants and an undershirt walking to his refrigerator and took out some leftover Chinese food from a previous night. He brought the food to his living room where he also left his laptop and proceeded to eat the food and check his email. He scrolled down his inbox replying to emails from work, telling them that he would be back tomorrow, and from his family telling them that he was doing fine not mentioning the fight that left him unconscious in the middle of the ocean. There was one email that he took extreme interest in, an email from star_caretaker, his contacts address he asked if they search for the energy of those three ever, but also to look into the water city he was in and figure out why there were Soldiers in it.
It's been on Clark's mind for the last few days the entire city was turned into a research site, as he fought those three women he saw various equipment strewn around the city. Even when he saved the soldier he was clearly apart of some kind of evacuation, he would go and investigate the city again but in his current state he's sure that it would take him six hours to and back from his home. He opened the email and silently read it in his mind.
"Good Morning Kal I hope you are healing as projected and getting your much needed nutrients"
Clark read as he continued to eat his Chinese food.
"I am sending this digital message to give you an update on the investigational assignment you gave me three rotations prior, I am sad to inform you that I have not been able to locate the energy of the three wretches that dared to hurt you, this machinery is still new and needs to be recalibrated but it will work, and we will find them and make them pay"
Clark sighed as he read the message the anger in it very blatant. "Why do I feel like I am going to have to remind her that we're trying to subdue and detain, not execute them" Clark thought to himself as he continued to read.
"On the investigation to the reason as why there were humans on that city I was able to find some very interesting things, those soldiers were from your countries government"
Clark's eyes widened as he nearly choked on his food "Those were American Soldiers" Clark thought surprised as he continued to read.
"They were tasked with protecting the researchers and the facility that they made in the city, they were looking for something and appeared to have found it, I attempted to investigate the site but found it completely erased of any human interference, nothing showing that they were there remained. So, I attempted to find a connection with the researchers the soldiers were protecting, it was quite difficult. The facts were hidden very well but I was able to find something, a symbol I hope it will be of assistance" the email ended and below was the symbol.
Clark examined the symbol and his eyes widened in his realization, the symbol was purple and green it was a giant X and on the lower left side a line went through the bottom making it look like an L was over the X. Clark immediately recognized the symbol it was a symbol he saw everywhere in Metropolis
"What does Lex Luthor have to do with all this" Clark thought grimly scratching his chin.
Lex Luthor was a prominent figure in Metropolis well respected an adored by many. Clark knew of his many philanthropic endeavors but also heard about some of his darker backdoor dealings though none of it was proven. But there was someone he could talk to about all this someone who was dedicated to showing the world the true Lex Luthor and it was someone he was going to see tomorrow at work.
"Okay tomorrow me and Ms. Lane are going to have a very extensive talk about Mr. Luthor" Clark, thought seriously as he closed his laptop.
Same Time, Steven's House, Beach City
Three days, three days since the gems left and they are yet to comeback. Steven was surprised when he awoke the morning after they left and saw that they were still not home, he proceeded to wait for them to return. Each passing hour he got more and more worried until once again night fell and he was alone, this time his father came and kept him company for the night. And after a conversation on the phone with his friend Connie she said she would visit to keep him company. Steven sat on the steps leading to the warp with his back turned to the pad, Connie sat next to him consoling him. It's not that he lost hope that they would return he was just worried because it was so long, and he also wondered what happened during the mission that could've halted or drastically delay their return. Connie assured him that they would return and that she would stay with him until they did, Steven really did appreciate Connie's company and was glad she was here. He and Connie were about to stand up and walk to the kitchen when light suddenly erupted from behind them, Steven was completely frozen turning around very slowly. He turned to see three figures each with nervous smiles on their faces, they all just stared at one another for 10 seconds or maybe more. One of them tried to speak but before they could Steven ran up to them and hugged all three of them at once. They returned the hug kneeling on the warp pad enjoying this moment.
"What took you guys so long Dinners cold" Steven said with a tear running down his eye.
They spent the first hour simply enjoying each other's company laughing and joking without a care in the world.
It was the next hour when Steven finally asked "Guys what happened during your mission"
The gems froze momentarily each of them had a look on their face, Pearls was worry, Amethyst was embarrassment, and Garnet though she could hide it but had a look of agitation. Steven gave a worried look to his family
"I-If you guys don't want to talk about it, its fine" Steven said softly.
"No, we left without telling you where we were, and why we were gone for so long, you deserve to know" Garnet said softly, both Amethyst and Pearl gave a small nod as they all walked over to the couch.
"We were attempting to follow a lead with the soldiers from the kindergarten, and that lead brought us to the city of Aqua-Firma" Garnet said, with both Steven and Connie listening intently.
"Steven told me about what happened in the Kindergarten, but what's Aqua-Firma?" Connie asked curious about the area.
"Aqua-Firma is a gem city built for the purpose of taking your planet's ocean to help form more gems, it was supposed to be the first but was never finished due to…. Outside forces" Pearl explained rubbing the back of her neck at the last part.
"Yeah now it's really unfinished after what we did" Amethyst said giving a small laugh
"Well what happened did you find the soldiers" Steven asked, a bit excited by the story.
"Heck yeah we did. They had another whole weird science thing there and we almost got one of them to talk until…" Amethyst said starting off strong but slowing down when she came to the end.
"What happened was it that soldier did he use that weird gun on you again" Steven asked worried.
"No it was some big, stupid, jerk with his dumb boots, lame cape, and…." Amethyst yelled very angrily
Pearl put a hand on Amethyst shoulder wanting to calm her down.
"No Steven it wasn't the soldiers, we were attacked by this" Pearl said as her gem began to glow a light shined from it towards the ground.
Within the light a figure took the shape of Clark blue shirt, red cape, and all. Both Steven and Connie looked at figure rather confused he looked big and strong, but also looked very human and wasn't wearing the soldier garb.
"Is this one of the guys who attacked you? Was he part of some group?" Steven asked really wanting an answer.
"He looks like the guy who works at the auto shop, only with a cape" Connie said as she examined the image.
"Nope it was just him" Garnet said in a matter of fact tone.
"One guy in a cape fought you, well what happened did he have a weapon or something" Steven asked very confused by what he was hearing.
"More like he was a weapon" Amethyst said annoyed.
The image from Pearl's light then disappeared and in its place moving images took form. A movie of the fight that happened between the gGems and the Man of Steel from Pearls POV played out in front of the children. Steven and Connie Marveled at the individual and how he was able to take on all the gems and multiple fusions. Freezing breath, fire eyes, Flight it was incredible.
"How can one person do all this?" Steven asked in wonder
"Because this isn't a human being this is a Kryptonian" Pearl said angrily.
Again Steven and Connie were confused "What's a Kryptonian a type of gem" Connie asked
"Kryptonians are organic like you but they come from a world far from this one" Garnet said seriously.
Both Steven's and Connie's eyes sparkled upon hearing that "He's an alien but he looks just like me, I mean he looks human" Steven said containing his excitement.
"On the outside yet but genetically you are completely different" Pearl said dissipating the projection.
"Kryptonians come from a planet not too different from Earth. But being from Krypton, only they were far more advanced, Gems and Kryptonians have been at war for millennia we lost track of what happened during the war here on earth, though they are probably still fighting" Garnet said with sadness in her voice.
"You had to fight an entire planet of him" Steven said shocked
"Yes and No, gems fought Kryptonains but they were never able to do anything like this, they were as fragile as humans they're technology is what gave them a chance, but he did things no Kryptonian should be able to do" Pearl said frantically and with worry.
"Well are you sure it's a Kryptonian, maybe it's another… alien" Connie said trying to make sense of this situation.
"No, he is a Kryptonian, I now because of that crest" Garnet said firmly like she was containing her anger.
"You mean that red S" Steven said while pointing to his own shirt
"It's not an S, it's a Kryptonain crest, and that is the crest of the House of El, the greatest monsters in gem history" Garnet said gritting her teeth and sinking her fingers into her knees.
Steven saw the discomfort Garnet was in and wanted to ask what was wrong, but he also saw the anger inside her and decided now was not the time to ask.
"Okay so why would a super powered alien be here on earth?" Connie asked
"We're not sure, but he being here might explain how those Humans know about the gem tech" Pearl said in deep thought.
Steven's mind began to wander towards the mystery man and all that he did. He was strong enough to match Garnet blow for blow, and he was faster than the eye could see leaving only a blur. Then Steven's eyes widened at a sudden realization a blur
"Maybe this guys the blur from Metropolis?" Steven yelled out excitedly catching everyone off guard.
It was now the gems turn to be confused as they all stared at Steven
"The…Blur" Amethyst said in a skeptic tone.
Connie then realized what Steven was saying "Oh yeah he's has the same colors and he moves so fast it has to be him, but the blur saves people. But based on what the gems said, he seemed friendly" Connie said excitedly, then slowing down to think during the end.
"Wait, just wait a second, what blur in Metropolis, what are you talking about?" Pearl said wanting to know what the two children were talking about.
"It was before we left for the kindergarten, me and Connie saw a news report about something saving people in Metropolis" Steven said
Garnet took a moment to ponder remembering that Steven did want to talk about something like that.
"Yeah and when I went back home I did some digging online and found a blog talking about some of the sightings" Connie said as she pulled out her laptop and began typing on it.
Steven and the Gems crowded around Connie to see what she was doing. Connie had typed down Daily Planet Blog and The Blur to the search engine and clicked on the first link. It brought them to a page with the Daily Planet logo and links to different news stories, Connie clicked on the link at the very bottom of the page Metropolis Marvels. This lead to a page that was mostly empty except for a few images and videos, on the top of the page it showed the number of followers it was only three.
"Are you sure this is a reliable source of information Connie, this looks very similar to Renaldo's blog" Pearl said skeptically as she scanned the page
"Well I'm not sure it's legit, but the guy running it seems to be very passionate about it look he has a new video" Connie said as she clicked on the newest video.
The video loaded for a few seconds before coming on showing the Daily Planet logo, and then a cheaply made Photoshop logo of Metropolis Marvels. And the video began showing the red haired freckled face of Jimmy Olsen who appeared to be sitting in a dark room
"Hello true believers, it is I Jimmy Olsen intrepid Reporter for the Daily Planet, here to give you the latest on the strange happenings of our fair city" Jimmy said confidently.
"And it's time to give you an update on the blur, for the last few months a strange phenomenon of people in life ending situations being miraculously saved by what they could only describe as a red and blue blur, even yours truly is a part of this Mystery" Jimmy said dramatically.
"For the longest while these events have been written off as chance occurrences and lucky breaks, though recent evidence has finally given some leeway to a theory of mine" Jimmy said with a bright smile on his face.
"Two days ago there was a fire at a Star Labs facility by the docks, many of the workers were trapped in a back room with no way of escape, that was until something blasted through the steel door and the wall behind them giving them an escape route, the police said an explosion from within the building sent some debris flying and destroyed the door and wall, though some of the workers did say they saw red and blue and after some digging around the ruins of the burned down facility I found this" Jimmy said dramatically as he reached into his pocket.
Jimmy them pulled out a small piece of cloth it was blue, red, and yellow appearing to be the bottom part of a diamond.
"This is a bit of someone's clothes and nobody in the building was wearing anything with these colors, which means someone else was in there and these colors match the blur, which proves my theory that the blur is a person and has been saving people across Metropolis. It's not much but it's a start and you bet I'm going to be bringing you more evidence as my investigation continues. In other news the strange sightings in Gotham…." Jimmy said as the video continued but Garnet paused and rewound it.
She paused the video on the part where Jimmy brandished the piece of cloth and examined it.
"That does look like a piece of his shirt" Amethyst said as she examined the image.
"There are a bunch of reports of The Blur saving people across Metropolis" Connie said as she clicked on another link on the blog.
This page showed multiple news articles involving people being saved by a mysterious force, the gems scanned the articles each saying the same thing a gust of wind, a red and blue blur, and suddenly they were out of harms way.
"Okay so we have a lead, let's head down to Metropolis and find this guy" Amethyst pounding her fist into her hand
"We just can't rush him Amethyst especially in after what happened last time, we don't know what else he can do" Pearl said trying to be the voice of reason.
"Pearl's right we need to learn as much about him as possible, tomorrow we'll head to Metropolis and do some reckon" Garnet said seriously
Steven immediately stood up "Let me come too" Steven said almost yelling.
All the gems and Connie were caught off guard by this Pearl was the first to speak up.
"Steven this Kryptonian is extremely dangerous, more dangerous than any gem monster we just can't…" Pearl said worried for Steven.
Garnet stopped Pearl before she could finish "No Steven should come this mission will be strictly reckon, he deserves this after what happened" Garnet said smiling at Steven and Steven returned it.
"Okay so you'll all going together but where will you start Metropolis is huge" Connie asked
"Well we should probably start at the news place where that Jimmy guy works" Steven answered.
"Then it's settled tomorrow we'll head to Metropolis and investigate the Daily Planet, until then why don't we cook some dinner and watch the Lone Blade" Garnet said happily.
Steven smiled as he ran to the Kitchen, Connie following behind, the gems smiled as they too followed to help Steven. Now would be the end of the day for them. On the next day they headed to Metropolis "The City of Tomorrow.
Note: Okay this is something I felt like I should address based of a review I got, in this Story Superman is no where near his full power he's still growing and getting stronger. That's why the fight between him and the gems was so close, also for this story the gems are getting a buff so that they can go toe to toe with what the DC Universe offers up.
Please leave any questions you have in the reviews and I will answer its long as it doesn't spoil the story. :D