Chapter 17 [Upstairs]

Martha sat on her bed. The shower relaxed her. I wish we had the rest of our clothes. At least we're alive. That's something. She rubbed the back of her neck. That poor pilot didn't deserve to go that way. Who would do that to him? Who knew we were coming up here?

Clark stepped out of the bathroom. His towel rubbed out residual water from his hair. "I managed to clean these clothes." He grinned. "Soap and water in the sink. Some super agitation. Rinse in the bathtub. Heat vision drying works wonders. Want me to do that for you?" He stood in front of her.

Approval prompted a nod. She had to hand it to him. Nary smudge or stain marred button-down shirt and khakis. "I'll put on the bathrobe. Will it take long?" She opened the closet and pulled out a terry-cloth robe.

"Maybe fifteen minutes. Just give them to me when you're ready." Clark stepped into the bathroom. How's it going over there? You both okay?

Miranda went downstairs to get the lay of the land. I was trying to get clean. Ugh! I wish we had time to go shopping! These clothes are ruined! Lana winced. Are you doing laundry over there?

Yeah. Figured I'd clean up. I'm cleaning Mom's stuff too. There's soap in the bathroom. If you want, I can wash your clothes too. Mom and you can share the robe. His eyes rolled. I didn't mean like that!

Uh HUH! You are such a guy, Clark! Snarky giggle came from Lana in spite of their current straits. So, soap and water in the sink, rinse under the tub faucet, hang and heat vision dry?

That's it. Disappointment prompted a frown. Mom would be dressed. You'd be in the robe. I'd be in here. Everyone stays dressed. I respect you, Lana. I guess I can't wait. Two years until…well…

I know, Clark. It'd be nice. We just need to make sure we don't screw everything up before then. Lana's heart skipped a beat. Despite Teasing's barb, she understood his gist. Temptation pulled her toward such moments to be honest. Remember what you just told Clark. Don't screw it up now! She trudged to the mirror. Her clothes' desperate state induced a shudder. "Definite idea there." She cringed. "I really wish we had time to go shopping." She went into the bathroom. Wonder what's going on with Miri? Is she okay? She stepped in the closet and changed. She came out in the room's bathrobe. She held two hangers in hand.

Suds filled the sink. Blouse, jeans, socks and undergarments took their respective baths of sorts. Tub rinse and wringing removed remaining mud and sawdust. How much heat vision do I use, Clark?

Just a light touch. I'm done with Mom's clothes. Maybe you can stand around the corner from the bathroom so I can't see you? Just leave your clothes hanging in on the shower rod. I'll dry them for you, Clark offered.

Okay, Clark. Just knock. I'll stand behind the door. I'm in the white robe already. My clothes are in the bathroom. Lana stood beside the door. She felt his approaching aura. Then, Miranda's followed his. I can just hear it now. Anticipation could almost hear Miranda's barbs over 'domestic bliss' and 'getting cozy'. Her eyes rolled.

We've got bigger problems right now, Boss. Actually, I need to talk with both of you. So, it's just as well. As long as Captain Plaid keeps his x-ray stuff to himself, Miranda informed her. Her eyebrow quirked at him.

She's dressed. Who do you think I am? I wouldn't…at least not if I can help it, Clark narrowed his eyes at Miranda. Did Kal…? Realization filled in *that blank* for him. Great…Another low for that creep! He shook his head.

Kal's not Clark, Miri. It's okay. Two different personalities in the same person. I wish I understood. Lana opened the door and stood behind it.

Lana, if I'm right, my reason for understanding healed Mr. Luthor the other day. I know all about people with MPD issues. Remember that woman in your nightmare? She's the reason for that guy's mental state and your old scar. Come on, Clark. Follow me. Miranda stomped into the room. "Your Mom knew him too by the way, Clark." She headed for her side of the room. Despite Old-New Emotions' surge within herself, she averted her eyes from Lana in the robe. "Clark, can you deal with Lana's clothes please?"

"Miri, what?" Lana came out from behind the door. "Is everything okay?" Her sensitivity picked up on Miranda's emotions. Warmth, Desire, and Panic rose in waves akin to Heat from Summer's sidewalk. "What's going on? I felt stuff from you downstairs." She closed the door.

"Yeah. I'll get those dried out." He sucked in a deep breath. Memoria recalled their conversation from earlier that week. He cleared his throat and went into the bathroom. He shut the door. Heat vision's delicate brushes dried the clothes. Embarrassment wrenched over drying her underwear. I help Mom with the laundry. What's the big deal? He brought out the clothes. "Here you go." He turned around. "I won't peek. Promise."

Lana raised an eyebrow. "I trust you, Clark. Miranda and I have been in Gym class and showered in the same place at the lake. It's okay." She changed at super speed in less than two heartbeats. "There." She shook her head at the torn sleeve. "At least I'm clean. Hopefully, they still let me into the museum."

He looked at Miranda behind Lana's back. "Well, maybe they have a shirt in the gift shop?" He leaned against a wall. He bit back usual Jealous Fiancé advisories/suggestions. He kept himself from even *thinking* about that secret. "So, what happened downstairs? You'll scare Mom like this."

"She should be scared, Clark. Frankly, we should all be scared!" Miranda narrowed her eyes at him. "We're being watched." Sharp breath rasped through her lungs. "You mean neither of you felt anything downstairs? SERIOUSLY?" She threw her hands up in the air.

"Miri, kind of lot to process. You…." Lana started.

Hey, Joe…Jor…Sorry. Can you help me get through to them? Sorry if the lowly human needs to ask but… Sarcasm tarred Miranda's request. She shook her head.

FOR A HUMAN YOU SHOW SENSE! IT IS A WORTHY REQUEST! Jor-El growled in their heads. SHE IS CORRECT, KAL-EL AND LANA! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! I THOUGHT YOU WERE ALONE! YOU ARE NOT! A RALPTORIAN HERE? NOW?

Ralptorian…what? Clark exchanged looks with the girls. Jor-El, what?

She seemed pretty ticked off to me. She knows me from somewhere. She even had the nickname down, Boss. Miranda rubbed her forehead. We've got bigger issue than that. The Step-Bastard's here. He was right downstairs.

"You knew he was in New York. Maybe he saw us by that campus or in the Coffee Bean?" Clark tried to think the matter through.

I FELT HIS POWER, KAL-EL. DARKNESS BURNS WITHIN HIM. I FELT SOMETHING ELSE…SOULS OR PRESENCES WITHIN HIM? Jor-El puzzled through that.

Miranda cringed. He's possessed by some ancestor. That guy was a soul-eating demonic samurai according to legend. One of my teachers in Japan told my class about him. Anyhow, when he and his creep squad killed my family, he consumed their souls. Sobs choked her. Tears ran down her face. They're trapped within him. Anyhow, Joe, sorry about the weakness.

YOU WANT TO FACE HIM. AT LEAST YOU DO NOT HIDE FROM WHAT HE IS OR WHO YOU ARE, MIRANDA DUBOIS. YOU BIDE YOUR TIME AS A TRUE WARRIOR! Jor-El issued rare assurance to her. YOU STAND BESIDE MY CHILDREN. I APPRECIATE THAT!

Thank you. That means a lot. I care about them both too. You know about that? Miranda cleared her throat.

I KNOW ABOUT HIM. YES. WHAT YOU SAID TO THEM EARLIER IS THE TRUTH. LANA'S ANCESTORS BROUGHT ABOUT THE EVIL THAT INFECTS HIM AND CURSES YOUR FAMILY. THAT IS A MATTER FOR ANOTHER TIME! WE SHOULD FIND THE RALPTORIAN AND….

Clark turned toward the door. "You all feel that?" He rushed toward the door.

"You bet I did! That's what she felt like!" Miranda unzipped her bag. "Get ready, you Two. I'm not taking any chances." She took out her kitana.

Open the door. I'm here to help you. Dr. Swann knows about me. If I wanted to, I can break this door down just like they can, the Dark Haired woman's voice instructed.

"Fine! I want answers." Miranda opened the door to find the aforementioned woman waiting there. A large shopping bag sat at her side. Surprise widened her eyes. She set her blade down. "Whoops!"

"Perhaps you might invite me in? I come in peace and bearing gifts after all." The former voyeur waited expectantly. She raised the bag. That includes you, Mr. Hotshot Kryptonian.

DO AS SHE SAYS. I SENSE NO HOSTILITY TOWARD US IN HER.

"Uh…yeah. Thanks. Sorry. We're trying to be careful these days." Miranda invited her inside.

That was promising to be some conversation….