Superman/Steven Universe:
The Shield of Hope
(Note: Sorry for the long wait everybody, computer troubles that I am still dealing with delayed this chapter for way longer than it should've been. Still, I managed to fight through and give you this new chapter. I hope you all enjoy it :)
Chapter 20
Smallville, Kansas, The Kent Farm
The crystal gems sat in the small American household sitting across from the recently ousted Clark Kent's Parents. Steven had a happy smile on his face while eating pie and looking around the house, while the gems just stared at the two wide eyed.
"You have an amazing home Mr. and Ms. Kent. And your apple pie is amazing." Steven said as he took another bite of pie.
"Why thank you so much Steven. Any friend of Clark's is welcome in this house." Martha said with a smile.
"Well your friends have been silent…. And still for a while now. Can I help you ladies to something to drink or….?" Jonathan asked.
"Don't mind them Pa, I guess they're still reeling from the reveal." Clark Kent said walking into the room with a pair of Jeans, a hoodie with Smallville High on it, some worn out sneakers, and a new pair of glasses. The gems looked at him.
"He threw me through a building. And I couldn't see past a pair of glasses." Pearl said in disbelief.
"Don't feel bad Pearl, I didn't figure it out until I got in his head. It's a really good disguise." Steven said trying to make her feel better.
"I told you that it would work Clark." Martha said proudly as Clark sat next to her.
"Yeah, yeah, it worked mom. If this could fool my colleagues as well as aliens, it turned out better than I ever expected." Clark said.
"I'm sorry for being so rude, but Clark is your son. Are you aware of his….?" Garnet trailed off looking at Amethyst who shot her arms up to the sky in a flying motion.
"Oh of course we are, we raised him." Martha said simply.
"And raise me well you did, teaching me right from wrong and showing me how to control my powers. You know, they actually convinced me to go to Metropolis." Clark said.
"You were bigger than this small town Clark, you needed to go out there to find out more about yourself. And it looks like you all have quite the story to tell." Jonathan said.
"Things have gotten a bit hectic the last few days a lot has happened, first you see-." Clark said but was stopped by a crash outside startling everyone.
"Looks like Lola is here, with that delivery." Clark said with a smile getting up and walking to the door.
"Delivery? What Delivery?" Steven asked following him.
Once Steven stepped outside the house his eyes widened at what he saw. On the farms dusty road was a familiar van with Lola standing next to it and opening the door.
"I hope you enjoyed your flight, Older Mr. Universe." Lola said as Greg shakily got out of the car.
"I-it was j-just fine thank y-you." Greg said stepping out of the car trying to regain his footing.
"DAD!" Steven yelled happily getting his father's attention.
"STEVEN!" Greg yelled as Steven and into his embrace and the two hugged.
"A boy needs his father, I thought it would be good to bring you two together. Don't worry nobody will find you here." Clark said walking to the two.
"Thank you, thank you so much." Greg said to Lola and Clark.
"Always happy to be of service." Lola said.
"So this is your home." Greg said picking up Steven.
"Yeah and your welcome to stay here as long as you want." Clark said.
"Dad, Mr. Kent is Superman!" Steven said excited.
"Yeah, I knew Schtewball." Greg said with a smile.
"OH COME ON! HE KNEW TOO!?" Pearl yelled from the house as John and Martha approached Greg.
"I guess you and Rose took our advice." John said.
"What you said stuck in her mind. Nice to see you two again you look well." Greg said to the Kents.
"It's nice to see you as well, Mr. Universe. I knew from the moment we saw this child he was you and Roses. He has her eyes and your hair." Martha said.
"Well, what's left of my hair." Greg said rubbing his head.
"Like your one to talk." John said making the parents laugh.
"Come on let's go inside, I think we need to have a story exchange." Clark said as he and the others walked back to the house.
"Mr. and Ms. Kent how did Clark become your son?" Steven asked from his father hold.
"Well I'm guessing you know about Clark's true parents and their unfortunate end. Well let me tell you about what happened after that it was 29 years ago…" Martha said.
29 years ago, Arizona, Coconino National Forest
Jonathan and I went up to a national forest in Arizona one summer for a getaway. We wanted to go someplace interesting to get our mind of some troubles we were having. After three days in the wilderness, one late night there was this meteor shower.
The scene was of a small campsite amidst a dense forest. The setup having a single tent, campfire, and a picnic table. A few feet away from the campfire there was a blanket on the ground and on it was a younger Martha and Jonathan Kent. The laid on the blanket next to one another and looked up into the starry night sky the moon hanging overhead. John had a smile on his face while Martha while not straight up sad looked a little unhappy.
"Heck of a view ain't it Martha?" John asked.
"John we live on a farm, it's exactly the same." Martha said.
"Not exactly, the way the moonlight shines through the trees, the stars are moved around differently. It's just…. Beautiful." John said pointing to the sky.
"I thought I was the artist, not you?" Martha joked.
"I guess you're rubbing off on me." John said laughing.
Martha joined, but it wasn't as enthusiastic. There was an awkward silence between the two that lasted a few seconds. And then there was a streak across the sky.
"Hey look, a shooting star!" John said pointing towards the streak.
"Oh yeah, look at that." Martha said actually surprised.
"Well it wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me to take a wish from my lovely wife. Go ahead Martha, make a wish." John said looking to his wife getting a sweet smile back.
Martha closed her eyes as the streak went across the sky, opening them once it passed. A small smile on her face as she looked up. John looked at her with an understanding smile.
"I know what you wished for Martha." John said.
"John…. I know you're trying to cheer me up with this trip, but I just can't get my mind off…." Martha said as her hand went to her belly a frown forming on her face.
"Martha…. I think we should keep trying." John said as he place his hand over hers.
"But the doctor said…." Martha said.
"Who cares what the doctor said. We can't lose hope, there's always a way. Besides I think you would be an amazing mother." John said leaning closer to her.
"Oh John, you always know the right thing to say." Martha said leaning in closer as well.
"Besides I'm okay with trying again." John said with a sly smile wrapping an arm around her making her giggle.
"John your so-WHOA! That was a big one." Martha said sitting up and looking to the sky with a surprised expression.
"Well that's some surprising language from you." John said surprised
"What n-no not-never mind. I was talking about in the sky another shooting star, passed only it was bigger like it was closer. It looked like….." Martha said pointing to the sky.
Then they both saw a red streak soar through the sky.
"That!" Martha said as she stood up John following.
Then multiple red streaks tore through the sky overhead as the couple looked on in awe.
"Is that a meteor shower?" Martha asked amazed.
"Looks like it, but shouldn't there have been a report about it coming? There should be dozens of people here to watch it, I mean look at all of them. Shouldn't NASA have seen them coming or….." John started but stopped when a huge roaring filled the air.
Birds took off from the tree fleeing in terror as the trees and very Earth began to shake. The couple held each other close as the shaking intensified and the roaring reached deafening levels. Until finally they saw it barely above the treeline a giant fireball fly right overhead. It passed them quickly and slowly began to lower barreling through the trees that stood in its path. Before finally touching the ground where it began to dig into the Earth as it continued to move forward. It kept going and going until it hit the side of a mountain where it crashed into an abrupt stop the front of the ship embedding itself in the rocky face.
"I'm sorry, I need to ask a serious question." Pearl said interrupting the story.
"Oh, yes what is Pearl?" Martha asked.
"Oh it's not for you, it's for Lola." Pearl said pointing to her.
"Oh!" Lola said surprised.
"You were controlling the ship right, how did you allow it to crash?" Pearl asked
"O-oh well you see there was an unforeseen factor that….." Lola stammered.
"You messed up didn't you?" Garnet said with an mischievous smile.
"She totally did!" Amethyst said with a laugh.
"She kinda did." Clark said scratching the back of his head.
"I DID NOT MESS UP! I will admit that my attention was diverted for a moment." Lola explained.
"After four months of space travel, the ship was able to keep Kal-El well-nourished and healthy we had just passed the planet you called Mars."
Kal-El's ship was peacefully floating past the red planet as within Kal-El was sleeping peacefully.
"Oh it's only a matter of time before we arrive on our new home young Master El. I've already made plans for the ship to land in an uninhabited part of the planet in the upper part of the planet. Data shows it to not have any human settlements or dangers aside from the cold and local wildlife. Though you needn't worry young Master, once we land I will unleash the sunstone which will convert into a special citadel where I will care for you and educate you." Lola said happily within the ship.
"I know Master Jor-El wished for you to interact with the humans, but that can wait a few years once you have been properly educated on Kryptonian etiquette….. And I evaluated the dominant species….. And wildlife….. And plant life….. And scan the planet for any harmful pathogens… You know I think I should go over the data Jor-El left before we land. Be right back young master." Lola said before disappearing into the ship.
Lola was gone for 30 minutes, the ship got closer and closer to the Earth, and looked to be heading to where she wanted. But unbeknownst to her there was a rough meteor that followed them from Krypton. The meteor was just slightly smaller than the ship but was coming in fast from overhead.
"Alright, I think everything is safe, though I am worried about this human disease called chicken pox. Once on Earth I should probably isolate a strain of it and-GREAT MOONS OF KRYPTON WHAT IS THAT!?" Lola yelled out panicked just noticing the oncoming meteor.
She tried evasive maneuvers, but it was too late. The rock slammed into the ship breaking apart as it did revealing multiple glowing stones from within that quickly scattered; some were green, but there were other colors as well. Though the ship was unharmed it was radically off course and now in a spiral. With the violent jostle Kal-El was awake and crying.
"Blasted bits of Rao, where did that come from?!" Lola cursed noticing Kal-El was crying.
"Oh, ssssshhhh, it's going to be okay young master. This is fixable all I have to do is-MOTHER OF RAO REALLY!" Lola yelled as she noticed the ship was heading right for a satellite.
The ship crashed through it easily but was even more of course and losing control. That and the multiple hits while not damaging the ship did seem to be jostling Lola, making her lose control.
"J-G-Con-nnection being lost. Must-in-itate-emergency procedure. Land-on ne-arest landmass. Mustcush-ion impact. Prot-ect the y-oung master no matter the cost." Lola stammered as red lights flashed within the ship as it entered Earth's atmosphere heading towards North America.
"It was not at all according to plan, Kal-El almost died." Lola said panicked.
"But I didn't, you did what you could to make sure I stayed safe. You adapted to the situation and did what you could." Clark said putting his hand on Lola's shoulder making her smile.
"Yeah way to clean up your mess." Amethyst said giving Lola the thumbs up.
Well as soon as we saw that thing fly overhead we had to see what it was. John was hesitant about the whole thing, but I was going to go whether he came or not. And was the type who usually pulled me out before things got bad. But to this day it almost felt like destiny that we were there at that moment that I was compelled to approach and not to run. And I am so glad I did because then I would've never received the greatest gift in our lives.
Martha easily followed the path of destruction left by the ship. John followed close behind holding a shovel he grabbed from the truck.
"Martha you and I have watched too many movies to do something this stupid." John said nervously.
"I know your just as curious as I am, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity John." Martha said excited.
"Yeah I know, but I don't want this to be the end of our lives. Let's just look at this thing from a distance and get out of here before the fire starts spreading." John said seriously.
"I know John, I know it's just…. Wait did you hear that?" Martha asked as she looked around.
"The sound of roaring fire, yes I hear it." John said.
"No not that, listen." Martha said and John quieted up and listened.
"Waaaaah…" Came a cry.
"Is…. That a baby?" John asked shocked.
"A baby….. What if someone was closer to the crash and they got hurt?! What if they're baby got hurt?! Come on John!" Martha said running towards the sound.
"MARTHA SLOW DOWN!" John yelled running after her.
The two ran through the destroyed trees and burning landscape, though they didn't even notice any of that they were focused on the sound of a crying baby. They did however notice what they came up to as they saw the alien craft embedded in the mountain side.
"What the hell?" John whispered amazed.
Martha was shocked by what she saw as well, but snapped out of her stupor when she heard the crying once more.
"I-I think it's coming from inside." Martha said as she moved forward.
"Martha get away from that thing. We don't know what it is… or what will come out." John said holding the shovel close.
Martha approached the craft being sure not to touch it, slightly afraid by what may be inside. The only thing moving her forward was the crying, though she was starting to wonder if it was a baby. John was on the other side of the ship examining it.
"It plowed through all those trees and crashed into the side of a mountain, and there isn't a single scratch or dent on this thing. Heck it ain't even dirty." John said as he tapped the side of the ship with the shovel.
Martha slowly began to peer onto the top of the ship towards the sealed up cockpit and the window with it. The area appeared to be filled with some kind of gas not allowing Martha to see what was inside. Martha got closer until something from inside slammed against it, Martha was scared but not for herself for what was inside. She saw a small pudgy hand tap against the window as the crying intensified, Martha immediately recognized what it was.
"JOHN THERE'S A BABY IN HERE!" Martha said.
"WHAT!?" John said looking to see the small hand tap against the window as well.
"There's some kind of gas inside, the poor thing may be suffocating. We have to get it out." Martha said as she scanned the area finding a large branch, she picked it up and lifted it over her head.
"Martha wait!" John said as Martha swung down.
Inside the ship little Kal-El was crying, he was scared, the kind voice from before was gone, he was alone. Lola was still in the ship but was unable to speak and calm the child, or do anything at the moment.
"I need to reboot everything, there's no telling where we are or what will find us." Lola said panicked as she frantically tried to fix the ship. Then she heard something slam against the ship.
"AAAHHHH SWEET RAO WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! I CAN'T ACTIVATE ANY OF THE SHIPS DEFENSES!" Lola yelled panicked as she tried to work harder.
Martha continuously slammed the branch against the top of the ship trying to break the glass to no avail, until the branch snapped in half a top it. John watched his wife work he wanted her to stop, and wanted to leave, but a part of him knew he had to help. Something was in there and it needed help, whether it was a baby or some kind of alien he wasn't the type of man who left anything to die when he could've helped. He looked at the ship hatch noticing the small opening on the side.
"MARTHA MOVE!" John yelled as he stabbed the shovel into the opening and the began to push using the shovel to pry it open.
"THEY'VE BREACHED THE SHIP! MY SHARD HAS BEEN DAMAGED AND IS REPAIRING I CAN'T REFORM AND DEFEND KAL-EL! IT CAN'T END LIKE THIS, THEY TRUST ME, WE CAME SO FAR!" Lola cried.
With one last push the hatch cam open and the smoke came flying out as they crying was louder. The Kent's looked in withheld breaths as the smoke cleared. Finally they were eye to eye with a small chubby blue eyed baby crying its eyes out. Kal-El cried until he noticed who was looking at him.
"Uh?" John said confused.
"Eh?" Kal-El mumbled surprised.
"Aaawww!" Martha looking at the baby with stars in her eyes.
"Are those humans?" Lola said looking at them through the ship. Then Martha reached in a caressed Kal-El's face taking in the softness.
"Martha you can't….." John said.
"John, it's a baby look at him." Martha said as she put a finger under his chin and tickled him.
Kal-El liked the new woman's touch it was warm and soft, and now she was touching him someplace that made him feel funny and he giggled. John had to admit that the child was cute as he watched him giggle.
"T-They're touching him…..b-but it doesn't seem to be hostile. In fact Kal-El seems to be…. Charmed by them." Lola said warily.
Martha examined the inside of the ship noting the child was wrapped in some kind of blanket. Kal-El continued to giggle and reached out for her wanting to be picked up. Martha smiled and reached down gently picking the child up, much to Lola's dismay. Martha gently held the child in her arms looking into his ethereal blue eyes and smiling face as he gurgled and cooed. John walked up next to his wife looking at the child still nervous about this whole situation.
"They appear to be harmless, but they are getting way to close to Kal-El. Perhaps I should… wait sensors are back online. Aerial hostiles are coming in, they might be normal natives, but these might be the planets ruling body. I cannot allow Kal-El to be discovered by such forces now, maybe these humans can help with an escape." Lola said to herself as she forced herself to activate. From the front of the ship a slot opened and out popped her shard getting Martha's attention.
"John hold him." Martha said handing the baby to John.
"M-M-Martha I-I-I don't…" John stammered dropping the shovel as Martha put the baby in his hands.
He held him with a nervous expression while Kal-El just examined him with wide curious eyes.
"H-hi there…. Space…..Baby." John said nervously
Kal-El reached out and touched John's nose surprising him and he made a funny face that made Kal-El laugh. Kal-El then began to touch every part of John's face as his expression softened, Kal-el then reached his hair and began to play with it laughing.
"You're….. Just a baby aren't you?" John said with a laugh feeling ridiculous about his previous nervousness.
"John look at this." Martha said holding out the crystal shard from the front of the ship that contained Lola. The shard had the house of El engraved on it and was cracked.
John still holding the baby examined the shard, but then heard something making him turn around. And from the distance he saw the Helicopters coming in and he also saw that the fire was starting to spread across the forest.
"Martha we gotta go now." John said seriously.
"What about that?" Martha said pointing to the ship.
"We can't carry it and we have no time. This fire is getting bad and people are coming wanting answers that we can't give them." John said. Martha looked at the baby and nodded the two then took off away from the ship leaving it.
"So you just took him, no questions asked?" Amethyst asked.
"Well we certainly weren't gonna leave him out there by himself." Martha said.
"B-but you had no idea what was in there it could've been dangerous. I mean it's very nice that you did, but at the moment you had no idea what would happen." Pearl said.
"Yeah, we didn't know, and honestly before we knew Clark was in there, we were pretty scared and nervous. I guess what kept us moving forward was a fusion of curiosity and…. Well genuine worry. There was a small part of us that wanted to help whatever was there, looking back it was insanely reckless, but it felt like the right thing to do." John said with a smile.
"You guys are even nicer than I remember." Greg said smiling.
"This is the human kindness that Rose fought for." Garnet said as the other two gems nodded.
"Well what happened after you guys ran, there must've been people searching the area." Steven asked.
"Well yes, but we managed to cover our tracks at the campgrounds pretty well. The real problem was leaving the forest." John said.
The Kent's sat in their truck in complete silence. John was at the wheel drumming his fingers along the steering wheel looking rather nervous the shard on his dashboard. While Martha was holding a sleeping baby Kal-El who was blissfully napping in the red blanket from the ship.
"They probably found that ship and called the government. They know that something was in there, and they are gonna tear this forest apart to find what it was. We ain't gonna get out of here without the government pulling us over and asking us a billion questions." John groaned rubbing his face.
"John….. You know we can't give them this baby. I don't want to sound like Jeb with his crazy government conspiracies back home, but this child is not from around here. And if they get him….. Who knows what will happen to him. Regardless of what he is, or where he came from, he's just a baby." Martha said rocking Kal-El.
"We aren't gonna give them the baby Martha….. But what are we going to do? If we make it out of here what can we do with him, we can't just leave him at an orphanage or abandoned him." John said panic rising raking his hands through his hair.
Martha smiled continuing to rock the baby smiling at it. John turned his head to see the scene, looking at Martha who gave him a look.
"Oh Martha, no." Jonathan moaned.
"We need to think of names." Martha said ignoring him.
"No, Martha. No" John groaned.
"I always liked names starting with C." She continued.
"Are you even listening to me?" John said raising his hands.
"Like Carl or Charlie?" She said deep in thought.
"What about Clark?" Jonathan muttered, Martha looked up to find that Jonathon had reached over and was caressing the baby's soft cheek, getting a soft coo.
"Clark? That's perfect." Martha said smiling at the child.
"You really want to do this?" John said.
"He doesn't have anyone John and he doesn't deserve to be some lab experiment. He deserves a chance to live a normal life." Martha said.
"But we both know he isn't going to be normal. Someday we'll need to tell him about this, about how we found him." John said.
"And when the time comes we will, but now he's just a baby. And no matter what happens we will treat him like he's ours no matter what develops and give him that normal life." Martha said with a smile that made John smile.
"I always knew you had what it takes to be a mom. I'm just not sure if I have what it takes to be a dad. Even when we were trying there was a part of me that was glad because I wasn't sure if I could be a good father, I wasn't sure I was ready." John said disappointed himself.
"John, I wanted to be a mom but do you honestly think I was going to be ready for having a child. If there's anything I learned from my folks is that you are never prepared for parenthood. All we can do is love him and show him right from wrong, and you are a good man." Martha said caressing his cheek receiving another smile from him.
"God I love you, you that right?" John said.
"Yes I do, you tell me every other day." Martha said with a smile.
"Well since were committed to that idea, we need to leave. They probably have a checkpoint at the entrance and soldiers patrolling the edges of the forest. so we can't just sneak out. When we came in we signed in as well, if we go out the front they'll check our names and see that we didn't come in with a baby so there'll be questions about that." John said.
"Maybe we can fool them, they're looking for little green men aren't they, not a little baby?" Martha asked.
John thought for a moment and then his eyes widened in a realization. "They are looking for something that doesn't look human." John said making Martha raise an eyebrow.
"Remember that deformed deer we found on our hike to the site. The poor thing died at birth." John said.
Later that Morning
A military checkpoint was setup at the park's entrance cars being stopped and searched before being allowed to leave. John drove up in his pickup truck by himself, stopping for the soldiers.
"Howdy there boys, hunting aliens?" John said with a smile.
"Excuse me?" the soldier asked.
"Well you can stop your searching boys, cause I think I just found me a real-life space man." John said pointing to the back of the truck.
The soldier looked at him confused but then went to the back seeing a tarp and lifting it his eyes widening at what he saw.
"GUYS!" The soldier yelled.
More soldiers came to the truck as John stepped out letting them look at the creature in the back.
"Sir we have to ask you some questions, but can we get your name first?" A soldier asked.
"Well I was hoping for a reward, but if ya wanna know my-" John said but was interrupted.
"No need Mister Joe Shuster, we checked the computer and found your registry. I assure you there will be a reward for you, but we just need a moment of your time right." Another soldier said walking forward.
John was confused by the name given to him, but went with it anyway figuring it was better than giving them his real name. Unknown to any off them the crystal shard laid in the glovebox and was lightly glowing and humming. Out in the forest the soldiers left their posts to go to the truck allowing Martha to sneakily go through the woods, Baby Kal-El marveling at the world around him. She eventually made it to the road and began to walk down it.
3 hours Later
Martha sat at a diner still holding the baby Kal-El, then the sound of a car horn caught her attention. Recognizing it she smiled and ran out paying for her food. In the parking lot John was there with the truck smiling. She entered and they drove away.
"Did they hurt you? What happened?" Martha asked
"Nothing bad just a lot of questions and checking me for any pathogens. I honestly can't believe that worked…. And I got $10,000 for it as well that could help with the baby expenses." John said holding a check with a laugh.
"How long you think it'll be till they figure out that's no alien?" Martha asked worried.
"Don't know, but they won't track it to us, they thought my name was Joe Shuster. Must've been a glitch with the computer or something. They didn't even search the van, kept this safe too." John said pulling out the shard and handing it to Martha.
"Didn't this have a crack in it?" Martha asked looking at the shard that now was completely fixed.
"Don't really remember, my heart is racing about the whole thing. But that was the easy part, now here comes the hard part." John said looking at the smiling giggling baby who was reaching for the shard.
"AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, oh my god! That thing at the base! That is classic!" Amethyst laughed nearly falling out of her chair.
"I guess they held onto that thing longer than we we're expecting." John said with a smile.
"That is an amazing story, you found Clark in a spaceship, tricked the government, and took him away to raise him." Steven said with star filled eyes.
"An impressive feat, but how did you explain the fact that you came back to Smallville with a new baby?" Garnet asked.
"Well first we kept him secret for a month, just long enough to get our stories straight. Told everybody he was my cousins kid, never questioned it since she went down a bad path in life and I haven't seen her in years. I had some friends in the army who helped forge the needed documents birth certificates, medical records, the works. After that it was easy to get the adoption papers and we did our best to raise Clark well." John said.
"You did an amazing job Pa, both of you." Clark said smiling.
"Yes, you two did an excellent job with raising Kal-El. I must say luck truly shined on us with you finding us. You two are model citizens, if Krypton were still around I'm sure you two would be held in high regard despite your primitive nature. Then again that does add to your charm, you're both so simple." Lola said with a smile.
"Thank you for that 'compliment' Lola." John said annoyed Martha patting his shoulder.
"Now, now John be nice, you know she has a….. Particular way of speaking." Martha said with a nervous chuckle.
"I know how you feel, they were the same with me when I was with Rose. They still kinda are." Greg said pointing to the gems.
"I think they're getting better with interactions." Steven said.
"So did you know Lola was in that shard or-?" Amethyst asked.
"No we didn't know for a long while, sure surprised us when Clark introduced us. But, we shared our story so why don't you tell us yours." Martha said with a smile.
The sun was starting to set on the small town and Clark stood on the patio of the house looking out to the fields. The Gems walked out next to him Pearl stood next to him, Garnet leaned on the wall, and Amethyst sat on the Patio railing. They all just silently looked at the landscape a small smile on Clark's face.
"So this is where you were raised. Not gonna lie you certainly hit the jackpot." Amethyst said looking at the landscape.
"This certainly does look like a very nice place to live." Pearl said.
"It is and I think about everyday how blessed I am to be raised by Ma and Pa, to live in this town." Clark said.
"I'm starting to see where you got your sense of right and wrong and your good nature." Garnet said with a smile.
"So what was it like living in corn country?" Amethyst asked with a smirk.
"Pretty quiet honestly, small town everybody knows each other by name, good folk, lots of space, not much to say it's just a quiet little Kansas town." Clark said smiling.
"Landing right in the heartland of America." Garnet said smiling.
Then Greg and John walked out onto the patio with them.
"Taking in the view?" John asked.
"It's very beautiful." Pearl said making John smile.
"You all have certainly been through a lot, I'm glad you're okay son. And you and your boy are allowed to stay here as long as you want." John said smiling.
"Thank you Mr. Kent, that means so much." Greg said.
"So Pa Kent, when did you and Ms. Kent learn of Clark's gifts?" Amethyst asked.
"Sooner than you think, in the first month of raising Clark." John said with a laugh.
It was after everything was setup with Clark, I was doing some work on the car.
John was working on the pickup truck, a car jack keeping the vehicle up as he laid underneath it working on the under belly of the car. Martha then walked out of the house holding the baby Kal-El who was now wearing a diaper and wearing a small blue shirt.
"How the car coming along dear?" Martha asked as she stopped near the car.
"Almost done, just gotta tighten a few more bolts." John said strained as he worked.
"You know we should really get a new Car Jack, when I last used that I swore I heard creaking." Martha said worried.
"It's fine, this thing hasn't failed us in years. I used it on my first car." John said.
"This truck is your first car." Martha said with a laugh as the phone rang from inside.
"Oh that's probably Laura. John come out from there and watch Clark while I go get the phone I'll bring back some lemonade for you as well." Martha said.
"Got ya." John said pulling himself out from under the car as Martha placed Clark on the ground in front of him.
Martha walked inside while John played with the little tyke. He wiggled his arms and poked the babies face and cheeks making him giggle. The baby then grabbed John's finger.
"Wow there son, heck of a grip you got there." John said surprised by how strong it was as he caressed Clark's cheek making him let go.
Then there was a thud from behind making John turn around to see that one of the pipes under the car had come loose.
"Oh I just tightened that! Alright stay right there and watch your Pa work." John said rubbing Clark's head before going back under the car.
The baby Clark curious about what his father was doing crawled around the car to get a better view of what was going on. Once he was in position he marveled at the shiny bumper of the car, it was so clean he could see his own reflection. Clark giggled as he reached out wanting to touch it. But little did either of them know that the car jack was indeed creaking and starting to bend, though John was too much into his work to notice. Martha then walked out with a pitcher in one hand and two glasses in the other.
"John, I told you to watch Clark!" Martha said annoyed.
"I am, something came loose just had to put it back in place." John said as he continued to work.
Martha was going to tell him off, but she heard the creaking. Her eyes went to the jack and then she saw it bending. Her eyes widened and her heart froze, but she managed to scream out.
"JOHN!" Martha screamed dropping the pitcher and the glasses shattering them against the ground.
"Wha-?" John said confused by the scream and the shattering.
Then the jack finally snapped, John's back was pressed against the ground as he heard the snap and then saw the bottom of the car descending. At that moment John's life flashed before his eyes, he saw his Ma and Pa, his high school years, his time in the army, he saw when he first met Martha, he saw their wedding, he saw when they went to the doctor to get the bad news, he saw them in the forest and the meteor, and he saw baby Clark. He was filled with regret about all the things he wouldn't get to do, he wouldn't get to see what type of father he was. He wouldn't get to see Clark grow up, and Martha would be alone. He braced for pain and the end… but it never came. John opened his eyes to see the bottom of the car two inches away from his face, he was shocked and frozen as he stared at it in amazement.
"JOHN!" Martha yelled terrified as she pulled him out from under the car.
"W-how-I should've-?" John stammered sitting up.
He noticed Martha was just staring at something and turned around to see it as well. Baby Clark was holding up the truck by the bumper completely unaware that he just saved a life. The Baby was happily giggling at the weird reflection on the bumper, he turned his head to see the two staring at him. He then released the truck letting in fall to the ground with a crash as he reached out to them wanting to be picked up. There was few seconds of silence until Martha finally walked up and picked up the child as John stood up.
"This just got way more complicated." John said wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Wow you were saving people while you were still in diapers." Amethyst said impressed.
"Come on Amethyst, I didn't even know what was going on." Clark said embarrassed.
"I wouldn't think so little of that moment. You've had the ember of good inside .you since a young age." Garnet said
"People aren't born good or evil, I just had some good folks to point me in the right direction." Clark said with a smile looking at his father.
"We just did what we could." John said with a smile.
"Still, I am guessing he developed more powers as he got older?" Pearl asked.
"Oh yeah, we had to jump through a few hoops to explain a few of the strange happening around our home for years to come. Like on your 6th Birthday when you blew out more than your candles." John said.
"I still can't believe you got rid of all that ice." Clark said with a laugh.
"Okay, now you need to share that story." Greg said intrigued.
Inside Martha was cleaning up the kitchen assisted by Lola and Steven. Martha was doing the dishes with Steven while Lola cleaned the table.
"Thank you two for helping me clean the table." Martha said appreciative.
"It's the least I could do Ms. Kent, you did feed me and Dad." Steven said.
"I'm always happy to serve." Lola said.
"Ms. Kent, if I may ask, what it was like raising Clark? Did he have powers at a young age? How did you deal with them?" Steven asked excited.
"Well to tell you Kal-El began absorbing the yellow sun faster than I expected. With each passing Year he was getting stronger and developing more powers that even I couldn't predict." Lola interjected.
"I treasure each moment we had with Clark, though I admit it was a challenge. But we pulled through and managed to keep his gifts a secret….. Even from him for a time." Martha said.
"So…. You had to tell him at one point. When did you?" Steven asked receiving a few seconds of silence from Martha.
"It was when he was in Elementary School." Martha said with a hint of sadness.
It was Friday and he was just coming home from school. Over the years we taught him how to control his strength and kept him away from any physical sports. There were also instances where he got headaches and started to see through things, but I was able to help with that. A little mental island trick I learned during my travels. But that day everything changed.
Clark pedaled down the dusty road on his red bicycle. He had a huge smile on his face because he got to sit next Lana Lang and talk to her. And it wasn't one of those conversations when he got too nervous to speak and just mumbled. No Lana saw the cookie cat watch he had and talked him, she liked the Ice Cream as well. She had a poster and also signed up for the sweepstakes to win the cookie cat alarm clock. She even wished him luck in winning, Clark's heart was fluttering. As he saw his mother at the end of the road, his mind was on Lana. Her cute red hair, her lovely green dress, she was so pretty. And as his mind wandered to the cute redhead, it happened another of his headaches. But this was different from when he could see through things, he felt something in his eyes something wanting to be let out. And without thinking or control he did, thin red beams shot out of his eyes making him fall off his bike. His eye burned as the beams were fired and it was hard to see, everything was in a blurry red filter, and his head continued to hurt. He heard his mother yelling for him and could hear her running down the road. He lifted his head up towards the corn field and the beams fired into it setting the field ablaze. Even through his blurred vision he could see the fire and knew he was the cause of it. He didn't know how to make it stop everything he looked at burned. So he put his hands over his eyes trying to stop the beams, feeling the heat on his hands. He then felt his mother cradle him.
"It's alright Clark, I'm here." Martha said trying to comfort him.
"Ma, I don't know what's happening! I can't stop it!" Clark yelled panicking.
"Yes you can dear! Just remember the island!" Martha yelled hugging him tighter.
"Ma I-!" Clark said unsure.
"Remember the Island, there's nothing else there. It's just you and what you want, if you don't want something there it's not, and if you want something to stop it will stop. You just need to focus Clark." Martha said comfortingly caressing his head.
Clark heeded his mother's word and tried to focus on stopping whatever this was. What was happening involved heat so Clark focused on something cold. And little by little he felt whatever was happening to his eyes lessen, until it stopped. He eyes felt gummy like he was looking into the sun for a long time. Martha lifted his head to look at him with a small smile, and even though Clark was happy to see his mom. He also saw the raging inferno he caused behind her. Guilt filled him as tears rolled down his face and he buried his head into his mother's chest. She shushed and comforted him holding him close.
"I'm sorry Ma!" Clark cried.
"It's alright baby, it alright." Martha consoled as sirens approached from the distance.
Later that night Clark sat at the kitchen table looking miserable, guilt and disappointment filling him. Almost half the cornfield was burned before the fire department came in and quelled the fire. They had to call in helicopters to help and dump water on it. An excuse was made that the fire must've been caused by fireworks by some rowdy kids who bailed before they could get caught. That was thousands of dollars' worth of corn, somebody's livelihood destroyed, because of him.
"Martha it's past time." John said in the other room. They moved there so Clark wouldn't hear them, but he could though he wish he didn't.
"No John it isn't." Martha said sternly though her voice was trembling.
"Martha-dear, we just can't keep telling him he's special and hope that will suffice forever. He's going have questions and he deserves the answers. We knew this day was coming Martha." John said sympathetically.
"C-can't we wait just one more year. It will change everything in this house." Martha said sadly.
"Change doesn't have to be a bad thing Martha." John said.
The two then entered the kitchen to meet Clark.
"I know you heard us son. This has been coming for a really long time. Follow us." John said.
Soon they were all in the basement of the house in a back room. Clark wasn't allowed down there this was his first time. Down there was what looked like a workbench, on the walls were various newspapers clippings. Upon closer inspection they all appeared to be about possible alien sightings across the country. On the bench was Ham radio, a magnifying glass, a microscope, a tool box, various books, and what looked like a lock box.
"Pa….. What is all this?" Clark asked looking at the room.
"Do you know how we found you Clark?" John said walking to the work bench.
"Uh-y-yeah. I was left on your doorstep one day. And you took me in and adopted me." Clark said confused.
"That…. Wasn't entirely true. We found you, but not on our doorstep. It was in Arizona, in the Coconino National Forest." John said.
Martha stood at the end of the room her hand covering her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes.
"O-oh. But… why would you lie about that?" Clark said not understanding.
"Because when we found you, it wasn't in a basket it was or under a tree. You were wrapped up in your favorite blanket." John continued. Clark's mind going to the red blanket he had since he was a baby and still holds dearly
"We found you in something….. Not of this world. A craft of some kind, inside it was you and this." John said as he unlocked the lockbox he then pulled out the single crystal shard they were able to retrieve from the craft.
Clark marveled at the shard as John handed it to him, his eyes scanned the smooth surface seeing how it sparkled in the light. And then his eyes came upon the engraving on the side the S in the diamond. It was the same mark on his blanket, his parents always told him it was just a random symbol.
"Wow this is beautiful, it glows like the red fairy from my dreams." Clark said marveling at the shard. Then his eyes widened as his mind went to his father's previous words and then to the newspaper clippings across the wall as reality slowly began to dawn on him. Martha began to let out muffled sobs.
"Y-you said…. I was found in a craft….. That wasn't of this world." Clark said as his hand began to tremble the shard still in his hands.
"….It was a spaceship Clark. It fell out of the sky in a ball of fire. And inside it was that little shard….. And you wrapped in that red blanket." John said turning to his son his voice strong but also trembling just a bit.
"B-b-but I thought- I can't… I'm an alien?" Clark said as his voice began to quiver.
Neither John nor Martha answered, which was the answer. Clark stumbled back unable to form any words as his eyes darted to the newspaper clipping on the walls. The various images of flying saucers and bright lights in the skies. The Clark's sight stopped on one image of an inhuman looking monster with gnarled skin, multiple eyes, and claws. Tears began to form in Clark's eyes.
"N-no, I-I'm not a freak. I'M NOT A FREAK!" Clark yelled as steam began to rise from his eyes and then another beam fired from his eyes.
The beams went right towards the crystal, though it did not melt in fact the beams bounced of the Crystal and hit one of the clippings causing a small fire. John immediately went to put it out, while Martha cried and Clark ran away. He ran up the stairs and out the house, he ran through the yard and into the barn. Once inside he went up a ladder to a section of the barn, on a beam was a makeshift paper sign that said "Clark's Fortress of Solitude". There was a telescope pointed outside and towards the sky, a mattress, various posters of movies, some books, and his red blanket. Clark grabbed the blanket and ran to the mattress putting it over him. He sobbed under the cover, he didn't know how long he was in there.
"Clark!" John yelled into the barn receiving no response.
Clark didn't move and continued to sob as he heard his father approach. John slowly removed the blanket showing Clark curled up in a ball sobbing.
"Clark." John said sympathetically reaching for him.
"I-I don't want to be alien-sniff-I don't want to be different-sob-I-I just want to be Clark Kent-sniff-I just want to be your son." Clark sobbed.
Suddenly John grabbed him pulling him up and into a loving hug.
"You are my son!" John said tears falling from his face as he held the hug.
Then Clark began to cry and the two just sat there crying and sinking into the embrace.
"And nothing will change that. The day I first held you in arms was the happiest day in my life and I swore to protect you and give you all the love in my heart. And I will continue to give it to you till the day I die." John sobbed.
"And so will I." Martha said approaching from behind and joining the hug.
"No matter what happens we will always love you, don't you ever forget that." Martha cried as well.
"Th-thank Ma, thank you Pa, I love you." Clark cried in his parents embrace.
"And we love you!" Martha cried.
They remained together for a few minutes.
"Things are gonna be different now aren't they?" Clark asked.
"They are son, but change isn't bad. We just need to learn how to adapt, and we'll be with you every step of the way." John said quietly.
"You are truly a kind soul Martha Kent, we were gifted to meet you." Lola said with a smile.
"Wow it like you always know what to say, kinda like my dad." Steven said.
"Not always Steven, we just speak from the heart and hope it helps." Martha explained.
"This is kinda steering away from the point of the story, but what's the red fairy?" Steven asked.
"Oh I can explain that!" Lola said enthusiastically
I was truly fortunate that the Kent's came along and got Kal-El and myself away from the Earth authorities. I was damaged during the crash so I needed time to heal myself and properly get my systems in order. Though we avoided the Earth authorities, I was still in some crisis due to who had us. I could tell that they were kind, but I still believed that they were not the best suited for caring for Kal-El. I believed that I was the only one who could, so about three weeks after our arrival on Earth.
The moon hung high over the Kent Farm as the sound of crickets and birds filled the air. In the living room the two Kent's sat on a couch the baby Clark in Martha arms. Both of them looked exhausted as she rocked the sleeping baby.
"I think he's finally asleep." Martha whispered.
"Let's get him upstairs." John whispered back.
The two silently carried the baby up the stairs and into their bedroom where a makeshift crib using an emptied out clothes drawer sat near the bed. Still wrapped in his red blanket he silently slept in his drawer as the two exited the room closing the door as quietly as possible.
"Oh boy, this is even harder than I thought." John said exhausted.
"We both know this wasn't going to be easy." Martha said equally exhausted.
"I know, I-yawn-know. I'm going to get something to drink from the kitchen, you want some?" John asked.
"Yeah, but we can't leave him alone for too long." Martha said tiredly.
Not three minutes later the two were in the kitchen sitting at the table passed out and snoring. As they slept the shard laid on the coffee table, it began to softly glow and roll itself off the table and onto the carpeted floor. The light glowed brighter and grew taking a human shape, until Lola formed once again red cape and all. She gently tapped onto the floor and scanned the area. She then moved towards the kitchen, her footsteps not making any sound. She peered inside to see the sleeping Kent's, happy with this situation in a red blur she moved towards the bedroom. She then slowly opened the door and peered inside to see the sleeping baby Kal-El. She had to stifle a joy filled squee as she tip-toed inside towards the makeshift crib.
"Hello young Master El." Lola said her voice filled with joy looking down at the baby who was starting to wake up looking up at Lola in confusion.
"I know it's been a while since you have seen my face, but I know you recognize my voice." Lola said calmingly.
After a few seconds baby Kal started to giggle and reach for Lola.
"Oh you do remember, well done young Master El." Lola said as she began to caress the child's cheek.
"We were fortunate that these humans found us and were able to get us away from the Earth authorities. I must admit I was very worried when they found us, but despite being primitive they are kindly." Lola said as she playfully poked the child making him giggle.
"I wish there would be a way to properly thank them, but there's no time. It's time for us to leave Kal-El, by my calculations it should take us only 3 weeks to reach the most northern part of the planet as planned." Lola said as she gently picked up the child.
She then made her way to the window and opened it. Before she could exit baby Kal-El let out a sad gurgle catching Lola's attention. Lola saw the Baby Kal-El was reaching for a portrait of the Kent's.
"Oh Master El I know they seem nice, but they are clearly not well equipped to take care of you. I mean they are keeping you in this crude wooden box and have already reached their physical limit attempting to care for you. Trust me it will be better for all of us if we just go." Lola said reassuringly as she tried to go again only for Kal-El to be on the verge of crying.
"Oh nononononono Young Master please don't cry. You have to understand they aren't like you they can't care for you like I can. Once we get to the north, and have a base setup, I can tend to your every need and educate you on the lifestyle and history of Krypton. And once the time comes I'm sure you can make this world a new…Krypton." Lola said the last part coming out sadly realizing what she just said.
"What am I doing, this isn't what Master Jor-El and Lara wanted for you. And this is an entirely new world and culture, I don't have the needed data to begin a three month trek with you. What if you require sustenance but I lack the means of getting it. What if they figure out we are not like them and the call the Earth authorities on us and they take you away." Lola said as she began to panic, but she then took a moment to examine the room and the area outside.
"These humans do appear to live in a pretty isolated area, and the settlement we did pass was quite small and their authorities appear to be on a lower level than the ones at the crash site. This does appear to be the optimum area to hide amongst the humans." Lola said examining the farm.
"And despite being ill equipped to handle your care….. The humans are trying." Lola said as she rocked the baby making him giggle.
"It would be well advised of us to stay here and camouflage ourselves among the human's until you are the appropriate age to learn of your heritage. I mean it will be better for your growth to interact with other young-ones….. Even if they are….. A different species." Lola said hesitant.
"Young Master El, I know due to your young mind you have yet to develop the cognitive abilities to process my words. But I need to speak my mind, I-I'm scared, I'm scared, and I don't know what to do without Master Jor-El and Lara. But, they put their trust in me and I will not squander it. I will adapt and learn all I can of this world while caring for you when the humans cannot. You may not see me for a long time Kal-El, but I will always be there for you when you need me most." Lola said smiling and bringing Kal-El close to her face.
The baby smiled and giggled waving its little arms, until his little hand smacked Lola in the face just like on Krypton. Only this time imbued with 3 weeks' worth of sunlight as augmented his strength. When his little fist met Lola's face her head was sent flying back along with her whole body as she still Baby. Her body smacked against the back wall of the room with a crash her out stretched arms still holding Kal-El as she slid down the wall with a pained groan.
"Cough-cough-I'm still his favorite." Lola said with a pained smiled.
Suddenly there were hurried footsteps coming towards the room. Within seconds John and Martha burst into the room with panicked expressions on their faces from the crash the heard. Now all they heard were the happy giggles of baby Clark who was back in his drawer. Though the Kent's did notice that a photograph on the back wall was now on the floor and they saw the Crystal shard at the foot of Clark's crib.
"Wow so you've been with him ever since he was a baby." Steven said as he Martha and Lola made their way upstairs.
"I would never leave the young Master's side ever." Lola said proudly.
"Clark never introduced to her until after he came back from his trip. And it certainly explain a lot of the strange things happening around the house, and I'm not talking about the things Clark could do." Martha said.
Baby Clark was crying in his crib, when the door opened revealing Lola with a baby bottle filled with milk. She silently entered the room holding the bottle out as her hand started to glow red heating the liquid inside. Once at an appropriate heat she stuck the bottle in the crying baby's mouth. Clark happily drunk the liquid calming down making Lola smile. Then she heard footsteps and quickly went for the window, leaving right before Martha entered to check on Clark.
Next was Clark when he was 7, standing in front of his house with a broken bike looking rather sad as Johnathan tried to console him. In the dark of night Lola was in the barn fixing the bike. And in the morning Clark was happily riding it as a confused John looked on.
Then it was a 13 year old Clark sleeping in his bed without a care in the world. Once again Lola entered and sat on the bed next to Clark. She smiled caressing his hair, and took a breath. She then began to sing but it wasn't her voice but that of Lara's.
I have often dreamed of a far off place
Where a hero's welcome would be waiting for me
Where the crowds would cheer, when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying this is where I'm meant to be
I'll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way if I can be strong
I know every mile would be worth my while
When I go the distance, I'll be right where I belong
Down an unknown road to embrace my fate
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you
And a thousand years would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime but somehow I'll see it through
And I won't look back, I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track, no I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope
But I won't lose hope, 'till I go the distance
And my journey is complete, oh yeah
But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart, oh
Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
I will search the world, I will face its harms
I don't care how far, I can go the distance
'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms
I will search the world, I will face its harms
'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms
Her finger lightly touched Clark's face
"You will find your place one day, Kal-El." Lola whispered.
Clark yawned opening his eyes his vision blurry. Standing over him he saw a blurry red figure, he could make out a human shape but not much. There was an ethereal light around her giving her a heavenly light around her.
"Wha-who are-?" Clark murmured as he blinked and suddenly she was gone.
The Next Day
The Mr. Universe van sped down the worn asphalt road heading for town of Smallville. Inside was currently Steven, Pearl, Amethyst, and Clark. Who stopped in front of a supply store, before exiting?
"I'm happy to do a favor for Ms. Kent, but are you sure we should be exposing ourselves like this." Pearl asked as she walked down the street receiving some look from the townsfolk.
"Don't worry Pearl, I promise you ain't gonna stand out. And it'll be quick, were only grabbing some sewing stuff and somethings for the farm." Clark reassured as opened the door to the supply store.
"The craft store is not too far from here, are you sure you'll be okay?" Pearl asked Steven.
"Come P, look at this place. Not to mention he'll be with us, lighten up a bit." Amethyst said.
"I know, I know it's just….." Pearl said concerned.
"I know Pearl, we'll figure something out." Clark said reassuringly.
Pearl smiled and walked down the street letting the three enter the supply store. They then spread out through the store gathering various supplies such as planks, nails, and sandpaper to name a few. And after Clark stopped what would've been a disaster involving Steven, Amethyst, and a Sander they were at the register.
"I telling ya it would've worked if you hadn't stopped me." Amethyst said.
"I guess Pearl was right about keeping an eye on you two." Clark sighed pushing the cart to the register.
"Sorry about that." Steven said sheepishly.
"No harm done…. Thankfully. All this please, how much?" Clark asked reaching for his wallet.
"Hmmm, how about a trade. I give you all this and you give me that cookie cat alarm clock." A female voice said.
Clark's eyes widened upon hearing the voice looking up to see who was at the register. It was a red headed woman wearing a plaid red shirt with overalls. She had blue eyes, freckles, and a large toothy smile.
"Lana?" Clark said with a surprised smile.
"You should've called and told me you were coming home Clark." The girl named Lana said with a smile.
"Who's this?" Steven asked.
"Oh guys this is my old friend Lana Lang." Clark said gesturing to the girl.
"Lana Lang? Dang, Clark, I didn't know you had a thing for alliteration." Amethyst said with a sly grin.
"Ooooooo, having fun in Metropolis are you Clark?" Lana said giving a similar smile.
"O-oh-w-w-well I just-I mean….." Clark stammered nervously.
"Keep your glasses straight I'm just joking. We stopped dating long ago, I ain't that hung up." Lana said with a laugh.
"SHE'S YOUR GIRLFRIEND!" Steven yelled embarrassing Clark.
"We were high school sweethearts, till I realized Clark was too big for this small town and had to do his own thing. Though I'm not gonna lie, you running around in a T-Shirt was not what I was expecting. Though I do appreciate seeing you being a lot more confident with your body." Lana said.
"Wait you know about the whole….?" Amethyst said as making as flying gesture with her hands.
"Ohyeah it was even from before we dated." Lana said.
We became friends during the last few years of elementary my family's farm was the neighboring one to the Kent's. We and another old friend of our Pete Ross always stuck together. Clark was still his reserved self even back then and I always tried to get him to open up a bit, and I did this by pulling him into crazy dangerous stunts. Jumping off the top of a silo onto Hay bales, exploring the abandoned paper factory, catching a bee to make honey, I had a good-heart but was not the brightest kid. But then there was the day I convinced Clark to play hide and seek with me in Ben Hubbard's wheat field that was the day we both learn how strong he really was.
A young Lana kneeled down in a field of Golden wheat giggling to herself as she waited for her friend to find her.
At the time Ben Hubbard was currently going through his fields with his Thresher. We both knew this, but I told Clark we'd be fine as long as we stood on the far side of the field. I heard the Thresher in the distance but didn't think much of it believing it to be far away. I didn't know it was coming right at me until it was too late.
Lana's face got a little concerned as she heard the thresher getting louder. She then turned around to see the massive machine heading right for her. Her instincts kicked in and she tried to run only for her foot to get caught in the soil making her fall forward unable to move as the blades got closer.
But Clark did and he jumped in the way. He covered my body with his, I was so scared not only for myself but for Clark. I thought we were both gonna die, but we didn't.
Soon all Lana saw was Clark's blue shirt as she jumped atop of her. Her vision was obscured but she still shut her eyes in terror. What she heard she could compare to metal hitting against another piece of metal. It hurt her ears and she screamed wanting it to stop. Then the metallic sound slowed, there was a low whirring sound, and finally it stopped. Lana slowly opened her eyes to see Clark over her a worried expression on his face.
"Crawl, Now!" Clark said panting.
Lana followed his instructions without hesitation crawling out from under him. She quickly got up to her feet and gawked at what she saw. The blades of the thresher were completely destroyed bent and snapped in various ways. Then her eyes went to Clark seeing that his shirt and pants were in tatters, yet there was not a single scratch on him. He looked just as surprised as Lana looking at himself and the thresher.
The blades bounced right off of him like they were made of Styrofoam, we walked away from that without a scratch on either of us. And do you know what Clark said after all that.
"LANA, I'm Stronger than Steel!" Clark said proudly and excited.
"Stronger than Steel, seriously?" Amethyst said with a laugh as they walked out the store carrying various supplies.
"Well I was, and it was the first thing to come to mind." Clark explained.
"Looking back on it now Clark it was kinda cheesy." Lana said as she helped them.
"Well I think it was kinda cool." Steven said.
"You know you kinda remind of Clark when he was little. I can tell you're a dork with a good heart." Lana said smiling at Steven making him smile.
"It's nice to see you Lana, look at you in charge of your dad's Supply store." Clark said.
"Look at me? Look at you. Making a name for yourself in the big city of Metropolis making new friends." Lana said.
"My name isn't big, I mean I have a good spot at the Daily Planet but….." Clark said.
"You know what I mean. I always knew you were gonna do something amazing with those powers." Lana said.
"Yeah…. But I'm starting to think I made a mistake about doing this. Things got bad real quick Lana and I really don't know what to do." Clark said unsure of himself. And then Lana pulled on his ear.
"Clark do you remembered what you said when you left Smallville?" Lana said tugging on his ear.
"I'll make you proud Ma and Pa?" Clark said confused.
"You know that they were already proud of you no matter what. You said you were going to be the best man you could be and that you were gonna make the world a better place. Don't tell me you're gonna give up on that are ya?" Lana said.
"W-well no I don't want to…." Clark said.
"And do you regret all the things you've done so far?" Lana asked.
"Of course not!" Clark replied.
"Then stop getting down on yourself and cheer up. You're a good man Clark and you have done nothing but try to do good. Whatever your problem is I'm sure you'll find a way, and by the looks of it you ain't doing it alone." Lana said pointing to the two behind him.
"Yeah…. I guess I'm not." Clark said with a smile looking at his friends.
"I'm guessing your gonna be busy for a while, but come on by later, we can chat and catch up. See ya later flyboy." Lana said with a wave as she walked back into the store Clark smiling at her.
"Whistle-That is one heck of a girl." Amethyst asked.
"Yeah-she really is." Clark said with a smirk.
"She's a little bit like Ms. Lane, they both have that go for it mentality." Steven said.
"A little, but Ms. Lane is a whole different being." Clark said with a smirk as he walked back to the van Pearl coming down the street bag in hand.
Later that Day
The sun was once again setting on the Kent farm and Steven was making his way through the house to Clark's old bedroom which he was allowed to sleep in. He passed John and Martha's bedroom.
"Hmmmm, but is this making too bold of a statement." Lola said from behind the door.
Steven curious knocked on the door and heard Lola yelp.
"Lola it's me, can I come in?" Steven asked.
"Oh….. Young Master Universe… yes please come in close the door behind you." Lola said.
Steven shrugged and entered the room closing the door behind him to see Lola sitting on the bed smiling at him.
"So…. What's up Lola?" Steven asked.
"Oh just working on something for Master El to help with helping of earthlings." Lola said.
"Ooooo, Superman stuff, like what?" Steven asked excited jumping on the bed.
"Oh it's just that Kal-El's current choice of clothing when he uses his powers is so flimsy. It requires him to purchase multiple shirts with the family crest and perform constant maintenance on his pants and boots. For a while I've been trying to make him something more durable." Lola said.
"OH, YOUR GONNA MAKE HIM A SUPER-SUIT!" Steven shouted.
"Ssssshhhhh, I wish to surprise Master El. I have some designs but I haven't decided on the colors yet." Lola said.
"Steven can help, let Steven help!" Steven said excitedly bouncing on the bed.
"Well another opinion would help with the development. Okay then, tell me what you think I was thinking of using black, but maybe Green would be good instead." Lola said as she projected a hologram.
What was shown looked like one of the military armors that Kryptonians wore. It was large and bulky would've covered his entire body, even had a helmet. The El crest laid proudly on the center of the suit and was currently all black. Steven looked at the suit perplexed in deep thought.
"What do you think Green would be better?" Lola asked as the suit changed to green.
"No it's not the color…..okay a little, but isn't this suit a little…. Scary?" Steven asked.
"Well this is basic Kryptonian Battle armor, it was developed during the gem conflict. It provides the utmost protection for Kryptonians and even amplifies their strength and speed. Within a suit like this Master El will certainly be protected from any threat. If I could just figure out the color." Lola said proudly.
"Well it's just that…. People may get the wrong idea if they see Superman fly through the sky in this bulk armor. Also why does Superman need armor? Isn't his skin armor, and he's already super-strong and stuff, so….?" Steven reasoned.
"I… Well… Oh my." Lola said in realization.
"Also why are you using black, what about the blue, red, and yellow? Speaking of that why did he choose those colors?" Steven asked.
"Oh he got it from me. The colors were used by the El family during Krypton's Golden Age after the gem conflict as time passed we went through many changes eventually stopping on black and silver. I've had to change my form many times, but Jor-El really liked the Golden Age and tried to bring the colors back in style. So of course I changed my style to match what he wanted." Lola said as she removed her cloak showing the suit underneath. It was a one piece suit that covered her entire body it was a blue with light blue ends, a yellow belt, and a red diamond center the crest proudly on her chest.
"THAT'S IT LOLA, THAT'S WHAT YOU SHOULD USE!" Steven yelled pointing at her attire.
"You really think so, but this is styled like basic Kryptonian under armor. It's not that extravagant." Lola said surprised.
"Trust me with the right touches I think this could be something iconic." Steven said excited.
"Hm, I can synthesis some sturdy Kryptonian fabrics at the fortress. And I admit Master El does seem to be fond of the color scheme, we will require the proper tools needed for this endeavor." Lola said.
"Let's get Ms. Kent we just bought her sewing supplies." Steven said smiling.
"Oh young Master, those Earth needles will never be able to pierce Kryptonian fabrics. I'll be sure to make some special needles at the fortress as well. This is so exciting." Lola said happily clapping her hands.
"Oh yeah it is." Steven said jumping on the bed the both of them giggling.
Clark sat inside the barn in the upper section the sign that said Clark's Fortress of Solitude. His laptop atop his lap as he typed away Glasses on his head. On the screen was a page on a Scientist named Emil Hamilton. Clark clicked on the screen and moved to a page that said "Emil Hamilton Joins Lexcorp" showing a picture of an elderly white haired man with glasses shaking Lex Luthor's hand. With another click he was on another page "Scientist disgraced after selling Lexcorp Secrets" this showed the same elderly man only going down the steps of a court house surrounded by men.
"He worked for Lex, he must've been involved with the investigation into my ship. The scientist back at the compound said he wanted to meet me." Clark said to himself looking at the laptop.
"SUP DUDE!" Amethyst yelled using her whip to hang from the ceiling and surprising Clark.
"Amethyst do you always have to greet people like that." Pearl said annoyed entering the barn.
"I can't help it, he's supposed to have super senses ain't he?" Amethyst said laughing as Clark composed himself.
"Hello Clark what are you up to?" Garnet asked stepping onto the section next to him.
"It might be nothing, but it's a chance. This scientist Emil Hamilton." Clark said showing the laptop screen to the gems.
"Isn't that the name that military scientist said?" Amethyst said.
"I believe I heard of him before from science magazines." Pearl said examining the photo.
"He worked for Lex and then was fired for selling Lexcorp secrets. After meeting Mr. Luthor, I am taking his reasons with a grain of salt." Garnet said as she read.
"He's still in Metropolis, I need to talk to him. I think he knows something and that's why Lex fired him and discredited him so he can't share what he knows. I'm heading back to Metropolis tomorrow to talk to him." Clark said seriously.
"And we're coming with ya." Amethyst said.
"Well, we might as well try to pick something up on all this craziness. It might be fruitful." Pearl said.
"You seem set on meeting him, why?" Garnet asked.
"Call it a farm boy's intuition but, I-I have this feeling on the back of my neck, like something is coming, something bad, and its close. To close for comfort." Clark said as he looked up into the sky.
Behind Earth's Moon
Hidden behind the shadow of the moon something floated, purple light could be seen along the smooth structure. Within a darkened hall within the floating structure voices spoke.
"I wish this could've been handled before we came, but I suppose if you want something done right you'll have to do it yourself." The jovial voice said.
"It cannot be helped, regardless everything is in place and preparations will soon be complete. We will have what we need and an addition to the collection." The stoic voice said.
"I can't say I'm interested in this addition, still every bit helps." The jovial voice said.
"Of course it does, still we require the hybrid. The mission depends on it." A serious voice said.
"Begin the countdown!" all three voices in unison spoke as purple vein like lights erupted across the room illuminating it a bit. Soon the room began to fill with dozens of purple lights in the shape of upside down triangles.
Metropolis, Suicide Slums
In a rundown apartment in the dangerous suicide slums. Within this apartment were multiple computer screens all raggedly connected showing various numbers and charts. On the walls were various notes, pictures, and newspaper clipping pinned to the walls. A diploma in a frame as well as a medal, and various trophies on a bookshelf filled to the brim with readings. The computer's slightly beeped slowly until picking up in speed and moving faster the screen flashing green and purple. Suddenly a figure entered the room and ran to the screens, the screens illuminating his bearded face, his eyes widening under his large glasses.
"Greta! It's time to pack up!" Emil yelled out the room.
"Why?!" a woman yelled back
"That thing I hoped wasn't happening and that I was just crazy about….. Is really happening!" Emil yelled back worried.
(Note: Well, a lot of emotions swirled around this chapter huh, I hope you all enjoyed it. And hold on because the ending is coming sooner than you think and things are about to kick into high gear. If you like what you've read please leave a review, I will get back to you ASAP. ;)