Fic: I Still Believe (6/?)
Title: I Still Believe (6/?)
Author: babettew54
Category: Superman Returns, Batman Comics
Pairings/Characters: Clark/Lois, Joanne/Samuel, Bruce/Diana, Lex Luthor II, Jason, Connor, Martha/Ben
Rating: T
Word Count: 3,300
Summary: This is a story about secrets and lies how they always come out and usually at the worst possible time.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters, except for Joanne Kent and Samuel Hamilton; they’re mine. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: In this next chapter, Luthor II has stirred up quite a can of worms as everyone seems to be affected by his many schemes, and Sam and Jo try to stay above it all, but that may not be possible. Read on and please leave a comment. Thanks guys! :D
Banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 6: Collide
At the Armstrong's lakeside home:
Jo and Sam were seated at the table about to eat when Jo got a text from her Mom. She was immediately on alert. Her mother rarely sent her a text. "I'm sorry, Mr. And Mrs. Armstrong, but there's an emergency and Sam and I have to leave."
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I'll put together a few plates to take with you. I know you two haven't eaten yet."
"Thank you, Mrs. Armstrong. We'll try and eat some of it in the limo."
Once at the door, Jo and Sam turned and thanked them. "Good night, everyone," Jo said, hoping to be polite.
David and Tiffany both smiled at their friends. "Good night, guys."
Once they were inside the limo, Jo explained what was in her Mom's text.
"So, he's a clone?" Sam concluded.
"It was only a wild idea, but it definitely looks that way." Jo then texted her Mom back that they were on their way and would be there shortly.
"And what can we do about it?" Sam was trying to put it all from his mind, but that appeared to be impossible at this point.
"That's what my Mom wants to talk to us about."
"Where's your Father?"
"I don't know. I guess we'll find out when we get there. Here, let's eat some of this chicken. It smells real yummy."
"I'm not hungry." He turned to stare out the window.
Jo scooted over to him. "You have to eat something, please Sam. Here, take a bite." She held up a drumstick and of course, he had no choice but take a bite.
They ate in companionable silence for a while.
Then the limo pulled up in front of her house. They exited the limo, thanked the driver and headed inside.
Lois had changed and had been waiting for them. They were both startled when the front door opened before Jo had a chance to use her key.
"Mom, what in the world is going on?"
Lois felt bad about the entire evening. "I'm sorry to pull you away from the Armstrongs. Did you get a chance to eat?"
"We ate in the limo. Just tell us what's happening." Jo and Sam then sat down on the sofa. Jo returned Sam's coat to him. She thanked him and smiled. He warmly returned her smile.
Lois couldn't miss their hidden exchanges. It warmed her heart, but it also worried her, especially with everything going on with Luthor II. "I'm sorry all of this happened on your special night, Jo, but things have gotten a bit crazy around here since the news conference."
"Tell us, Mrs. Kent." Sam was terribly worried.
Lois paced for a moment then told them everything she knew. "Jo, your Father took off a little while ago, and the League is making plans to storm LexCorp and retrieve his cousin."
"His cousin?" Jo and Sam exclaimed at the same time.
"Yes, her name is Kara, Kara Zor-El. She's your Father's uncle's child. She was sent here at the same time as your Father, but she was waylaid by a kryptonite meteor, but she's alright, from what we can tell during the news conference."
"And this Luthor II clone has her, and he's holding her against her will," Sam concluded.
"Yes he is, and the kryptonite that's around her neck could take away her powers indefinitely, if she's exposed to it for too long, but we can't be sure about that."
"I can see why Dad feels as if it's urgent that he rescue her as soon as he can," Jo thoughtfully said.
"That's true, honey, but there's more to it." Lois sighed. "Luthor II knows about us. He knows Clark Kent is Superman." When neither Sam nor Jo said anything, Lois became worried. "What is it?"
"Luthor II knows about Sam too," Jo sadly confessed.
"But how?" Lois was astounded.
"While we were at the lake, we caught two men spying on us and they were taking photographs."
"They told you that Luthor II knows about you?" Lois asked Sam.
"Not in so many words. They did say that they were specifically instructed to take photos of me."
Lois began to pace, then she put it all together. "Luthor II is a clone so he must have Lex's memories somehow. That explains how he knows about Clark, but he must have found out about Sam some other way."
"This is all just too unreal," Sam said then he stood up and paced as well, then he thought about what this could mean for him and those he loved.
Jo could see how worried he was, so she came over to him and took his hand. "Mom, is Sam in any danger?"
"Honey, we all are, and who knows what he might do. I called Jason a little while ago and he'll be here as soon as he returns from Hawaii with the team. He can watch over us until your Father takes care of Luthor II and rescues Kara."
"So Dad has a plan?" Jo asked, wondering again if she should actually join a team and fight.
Sam watched Jo for a moment, and he could see how excited she was about becoming a part of a team with her Father and maybe with the League one day.
Lois went to them and pulled them both into a hug for a moment. "Yes, he has a plan, but please be careful and stay close to home for the next few days."
"Of course, we'll be careful Mom."
Jason arrived just then. "Mom! Oh, there you are. Hi, Sam, Jo! I'm glad you two are alright."
"We're fine, honey, and thanks for coming so quickly," Lois greeted her son. "Would you please escort Sam home then I'll explain everything when you get back?" Lois asked her son.
"Sure, Mom. Are you ready Sam?"
"In a few minutes, Jason." He paused as he squeezed Jo's hand. "Mrs. Kent, could Jo and I have a moment alone? All of this has our heads spinning." Sam was truly worried about her.
"Of course, you can go into the den. We'll be right here, won't we Jason?" Lois could not help it as he popped his shoulder then raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, I'm sorry I spied on you two before."
"It's in the past Jason. I know you were watching out for me, but Sam and I are not kids anymore." She paused and turned toward the den. "Come on Sam." Hand in hand, they headed into the den.
Jason turned to his Mom. "Who was that?"
Lois chuckled. "That was your sister … a very beautiful and smart young lady."
"I'll say, and forceful too, like her Mother." Jason shook his head as he rubbed his arm pretending to be hurt. "I guess I can't call her squirt anymore."
Lois chuckled. "No, I guess not."
~o~o~
As soon as the door closed, they pulled each other into a tight hug. "I can't believe this is happening." Jo was so worried about him.
He stroked her hair. "Me neither. I'm just glad I decided to stay." He pulled back then pushed her hair out of her eyes. "I won't let anything happen to you, Jo. I promise." Sam could not forget about his dream.
"Sam I have to say this." She paused, eyes shining. "I love you. I've loved you for so long," she finally admitted it.
He smiled at her glowing face. "I can't think of a time when I haven't loved you, Jo."
And then they were kissing a bit desperately feeling as if they didn't, they wouldn't get another chance.
After a minute or two, they reluctantly pulled apart. Sam did not want to leave her. "I'll see you soon."
"Good night, Sam."
"Good night, Jo."
Then he was gone.
~o~o~
The Kent house, a little while later:
Jason had returned from escorting Sam home. He was in one of the guest rooms. Jason and Conner had both moved out within a year of the other. They actually lived together for a time, and then their love lives got in the way of that.
They now had separate apartments. They double-dated a few times, but it was surprising how long they were still seeing the same people after all this time. Conner was still seeing Megan and Jason was still seeing Zatanna.
Over in Jo's bedroom, she was on her bed trying to sleep, but it was impossible. She then got out of bed and found herself at her parent's bedroom door and then she knocked. "Mom, are you awake?"
"I'm awake, sweetie. Come in." Lois sat up in bed. Jo climbed in beside her and pulled her Mother close.
"What's on your mind, honey?"
"Have you heard from Dad?"
"No, not yet, but they should be at LexCorp in a little while."
"I should be there with them." Jo stated determined to think about this superhero business again. She was wasting her abilities.
Lois perked up. Jo had not mentioned wanting to be a superhero for so long now, since she was little. "Honey, you are not obligated to do any of it. It is in your blood, but that does not mean you have to be a superhero." She pulled back and stared at her daughter. "Have you thought any more about going to college?"
"Yes, I have, and I think I can do both, go to school and help Dad now and then."
Lois smiled and pulled her daughter tight against her. "I can remember long ago when you were willing to help your brothers in any way that you could but going to college, I think that should be your priority right now. Your powers will always be there."
"That's true, Mom, and I have thought about it."
Lois knew what brought on this change. "How was the prom?"
"It was a lovely evening. We danced, talked and we took photos too. It was … lovely." Jo repeated herself. She wasn't ready to elaborate about what had been said downstairs. She couldn't look her Mother in the eye. It was still too close to her heart right now.
Lois understood so she did not push her daughter. "I know you're tired. Go and get some rest. It's a Saturday so no rush to get up too early. I have a feeling that things are going to get rather hectic around here, especially when your second-cousin shows up."
"Wow, it's actually true? I have a second cousin. She's beautiful, isn't she? I saw the video."
"Yes, she's beautiful. It's the El blood, I suppose." Lois chuckled.
"Good night, Mom." Jo got out of bed, but then she suddenly heard birds chirping. "I guess its morning already."
"Good morning, honey." Lois smiled at her daughter.
Jo left her Mother's room, climbed into bed and was immediately asleep.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, at the Hamilton house:
Upstairs in his room, Sam could not stop watching the news stories about Luthor II. It was running on all channels now, apparently all during the night. He wanted to throw the remote at the screen. Sam was thinking. This is not right. He's an imposter.
Sam stared at the television getting more and more agitated. There was no doubt in his mind what all that money was being used for … all kinds of shady dealings. It should be used for charity, greening the world, helping starving families and children, not nefarious dealings with criminals trying to hurt one man.
Kitty was so worried about her son. Jason had briefly filled Sam's parents in about the planned rescue of Kara from Luthor II and also about him knowing about Sam and who he was. Conner had spoken to Jason earlier to update him about the League's plans.
Kitty was headed to her bedroom when she heard the television in his room. The television was obviously turned down low, but she heard the name Luthor II and knew what Sam had been watching.
Emil had headed back to the lab. As soon as he had found out the possibility of another Luthor clone, he headed there hoping to help the League find answers.
Kitty knocked then entered her son's room. "Honey, turn that thing off. It's late. Aren't you tired?"
"I can't sleep."
Kitty took the remote from him and turned it off. "Enough of that now. You can't do anything about it."
He looked up from the television screen and spoke his thoughts. "Maybe I can."
Kitty sat down next to him. "What do you mean?"
"I could tell the world who I am."
She shook her head at him wondering if he'd gone mad. "No, no, no, you can't!"
He took her hand. "I know it's a terrifying thought, but I'm not afraid, and I know you're not afraid of anything, Mom."
"It's not me that I'm worried about. It's you, Sam. What if …?"
"Mom, we can't live our lives like that. What if this happens? What if that happens?" He paused then squeezed her hand. "You know I'm right."
She pulled him tight into a hug. "I can't stop you." She pulled back and touched his cheek. "I'm proud of you Sam, remember that."
"I know you are." He sighed then he glanced out the window. "I wonder what Jo will say to the news."
Kitty smiled. "She'll love you, Sam, no matter what you decide to do." Her eyes twinkled when he turned to face her.
"You know?"
"Honey, I've watched you two for years and it's not surprising to me nor anyone else how she feels about you."
He shook his head resigned to his feelings a long time ago. "I love her too, you know."
"Well, duh!" Kitty smiled at him.
They both shook their heads and chuckled. She stood up then. "I don't have to tell you to be careful."
"No, I'll be careful. Good night, Mom."
Kitty leaned down and kissed his cheek. "I love you. Good night, honey."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, high over the streets of Metropolis:
Clark had a few minutes, so he dialed Emil who was hard at work at S.T.A.R. Labs. "Emil, is there anything you can tell me?"
"Yes, I have a few reports here with me." He paused. "Lex's body has been found."
"What? He wasn't buried?"
"No his body was found on the streets of Gotham a few weeks ago and brought to the morgue as a John Doe."
"Unbelievable. What else did you find out?"
"His body was badly decomposed, but … his brain had been removed."
Clark was stunned. "Are you kidding me?"
"No, it's true."
"I've heard enough. This Luthor II is a sick clone with Lex's brains." He shook his head. "Thanks, Emil. I'll call you later."
"What was all that about?" J'onn had overheard some of it.
"I'll tell you later. We have to get Kara away from him, the sooner the better."
"What's the layout, Blue Boy?" It was Batman, pushing Clark's buttons as usual. Diana rolled her eyes at him. They were in his Batmobile sitting and waiting two streets over. It was almost dawn, and the streets were pretty deserted, plus it was an early Saturday morning, which served their purposes immensely.
Clark took one last look inside LexCorp then he spoke into the communicator. "All clear, only a few guards, no real threat," Clark replied. He ignored Bruce's jibe.
J'onn and Clark both watched from the sky as Conner entered the building in his Superman costume looking so much like Clark that everyone stared at him when he first appeared at Watchtower just before the mission.
The guard at the front desk was immediately surprised but cordial to him. "Is there a problem, Superman?"
"No problem. There was a silent alarm, and I'm here to check it out." The guard went to his monitors and did not see any alarms. He turned back to tell him that very thing, but moments later he wouldn't be telling anyone anything for a while. He was knocked out with a finger pop to his forehead. Conner took his revolver, removed the firing pin rendering it unusable. He then dragged him out of sight behind some false bushes in the lobby.
"There's another guard below ground, and that's probably where they're holding her," Superman told Kon-El through his hearing device.
"Got it; I'm headed there now," Kon-El responded. He took the stairwell two at a time looking through the walls as he went. He could clearly see through them so nothing yet. Then the third level down the walls became too dense, and he could not see through them.
He entered the floor and spotted the guard as he came from around a corner. He shot laser vision from his eyes just as he pulled a revolver from his side holster. The guard screamed for a moment then another finger pop, and he was also out. Conner also took his revolver and removed the firing pin. It too was rendered unusable. He then continued down a corridor and the walls were still dense. "This must be the place."
He then lifted a massive door, and it opened easily and there sat Kara. She was huddled on a bed in the corner wearing the same clothes as during the conference, her knees pulled up as if to support her head. He could tell she was awake. He spoke to her through his mind in their shared Kryptonian language. Please don't be afraid. I'm here to rescue you. She did not appear to have heard him, but seemed terribly weak and barely able to hold her head up from her knees. He came closer.
"Don't move." It was Luthor II holding a kryptonite gun at his chest. "Well, well, well, we meet again … Kon-El."
"Move in, NOW!" It was Superman.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: Collide, Leona Lewis
A/N: Man, this story is seriously getting tough, but my Muse came through for me over the past several days. I've been in a writing frenzy for days now. Stay tuned for the next chapter. It's a crucial one! Thanks for reading everyone. Reviews are so much love.
Author: babettew54
Category: Superman Returns, Batman Comics
Pairings/Characters: Clark/Lois, Joanne/Samuel, Bruce/Diana, Lex Luthor II, Jason, Connor, Martha/Ben
Rating: T
Word Count: 3,300
Summary: This is a story about secrets and lies how they always come out and usually at the worst possible time.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters, except for Joanne Kent and Samuel Hamilton; they’re mine. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: In this next chapter, Luthor II has stirred up quite a can of worms as everyone seems to be affected by his many schemes, and Sam and Jo try to stay above it all, but that may not be possible. Read on and please leave a comment. Thanks guys! :D
Banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 6: Collide
At the Armstrong's lakeside home:
Jo and Sam were seated at the table about to eat when Jo got a text from her Mom. She was immediately on alert. Her mother rarely sent her a text. "I'm sorry, Mr. And Mrs. Armstrong, but there's an emergency and Sam and I have to leave."
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I'll put together a few plates to take with you. I know you two haven't eaten yet."
"Thank you, Mrs. Armstrong. We'll try and eat some of it in the limo."
Once at the door, Jo and Sam turned and thanked them. "Good night, everyone," Jo said, hoping to be polite.
David and Tiffany both smiled at their friends. "Good night, guys."
Once they were inside the limo, Jo explained what was in her Mom's text.
"So, he's a clone?" Sam concluded.
"It was only a wild idea, but it definitely looks that way." Jo then texted her Mom back that they were on their way and would be there shortly.
"And what can we do about it?" Sam was trying to put it all from his mind, but that appeared to be impossible at this point.
"That's what my Mom wants to talk to us about."
"Where's your Father?"
"I don't know. I guess we'll find out when we get there. Here, let's eat some of this chicken. It smells real yummy."
"I'm not hungry." He turned to stare out the window.
Jo scooted over to him. "You have to eat something, please Sam. Here, take a bite." She held up a drumstick and of course, he had no choice but take a bite.
They ate in companionable silence for a while.
Then the limo pulled up in front of her house. They exited the limo, thanked the driver and headed inside.
Lois had changed and had been waiting for them. They were both startled when the front door opened before Jo had a chance to use her key.
"Mom, what in the world is going on?"
Lois felt bad about the entire evening. "I'm sorry to pull you away from the Armstrongs. Did you get a chance to eat?"
"We ate in the limo. Just tell us what's happening." Jo and Sam then sat down on the sofa. Jo returned Sam's coat to him. She thanked him and smiled. He warmly returned her smile.
Lois couldn't miss their hidden exchanges. It warmed her heart, but it also worried her, especially with everything going on with Luthor II. "I'm sorry all of this happened on your special night, Jo, but things have gotten a bit crazy around here since the news conference."
"Tell us, Mrs. Kent." Sam was terribly worried.
Lois paced for a moment then told them everything she knew. "Jo, your Father took off a little while ago, and the League is making plans to storm LexCorp and retrieve his cousin."
"His cousin?" Jo and Sam exclaimed at the same time.
"Yes, her name is Kara, Kara Zor-El. She's your Father's uncle's child. She was sent here at the same time as your Father, but she was waylaid by a kryptonite meteor, but she's alright, from what we can tell during the news conference."
"And this Luthor II clone has her, and he's holding her against her will," Sam concluded.
"Yes he is, and the kryptonite that's around her neck could take away her powers indefinitely, if she's exposed to it for too long, but we can't be sure about that."
"I can see why Dad feels as if it's urgent that he rescue her as soon as he can," Jo thoughtfully said.
"That's true, honey, but there's more to it." Lois sighed. "Luthor II knows about us. He knows Clark Kent is Superman." When neither Sam nor Jo said anything, Lois became worried. "What is it?"
"Luthor II knows about Sam too," Jo sadly confessed.
"But how?" Lois was astounded.
"While we were at the lake, we caught two men spying on us and they were taking photographs."
"They told you that Luthor II knows about you?" Lois asked Sam.
"Not in so many words. They did say that they were specifically instructed to take photos of me."
Lois began to pace, then she put it all together. "Luthor II is a clone so he must have Lex's memories somehow. That explains how he knows about Clark, but he must have found out about Sam some other way."
"This is all just too unreal," Sam said then he stood up and paced as well, then he thought about what this could mean for him and those he loved.
Jo could see how worried he was, so she came over to him and took his hand. "Mom, is Sam in any danger?"
"Honey, we all are, and who knows what he might do. I called Jason a little while ago and he'll be here as soon as he returns from Hawaii with the team. He can watch over us until your Father takes care of Luthor II and rescues Kara."
"So Dad has a plan?" Jo asked, wondering again if she should actually join a team and fight.
Sam watched Jo for a moment, and he could see how excited she was about becoming a part of a team with her Father and maybe with the League one day.
Lois went to them and pulled them both into a hug for a moment. "Yes, he has a plan, but please be careful and stay close to home for the next few days."
"Of course, we'll be careful Mom."
Jason arrived just then. "Mom! Oh, there you are. Hi, Sam, Jo! I'm glad you two are alright."
"We're fine, honey, and thanks for coming so quickly," Lois greeted her son. "Would you please escort Sam home then I'll explain everything when you get back?" Lois asked her son.
"Sure, Mom. Are you ready Sam?"
"In a few minutes, Jason." He paused as he squeezed Jo's hand. "Mrs. Kent, could Jo and I have a moment alone? All of this has our heads spinning." Sam was truly worried about her.
"Of course, you can go into the den. We'll be right here, won't we Jason?" Lois could not help it as he popped his shoulder then raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, I'm sorry I spied on you two before."
"It's in the past Jason. I know you were watching out for me, but Sam and I are not kids anymore." She paused and turned toward the den. "Come on Sam." Hand in hand, they headed into the den.
Jason turned to his Mom. "Who was that?"
Lois chuckled. "That was your sister … a very beautiful and smart young lady."
"I'll say, and forceful too, like her Mother." Jason shook his head as he rubbed his arm pretending to be hurt. "I guess I can't call her squirt anymore."
Lois chuckled. "No, I guess not."
~o~o~
As soon as the door closed, they pulled each other into a tight hug. "I can't believe this is happening." Jo was so worried about him.
He stroked her hair. "Me neither. I'm just glad I decided to stay." He pulled back then pushed her hair out of her eyes. "I won't let anything happen to you, Jo. I promise." Sam could not forget about his dream.
"Sam I have to say this." She paused, eyes shining. "I love you. I've loved you for so long," she finally admitted it.
He smiled at her glowing face. "I can't think of a time when I haven't loved you, Jo."
And then they were kissing a bit desperately feeling as if they didn't, they wouldn't get another chance.
After a minute or two, they reluctantly pulled apart. Sam did not want to leave her. "I'll see you soon."
"Good night, Sam."
"Good night, Jo."
Then he was gone.
~o~o~
The Kent house, a little while later:
Jason had returned from escorting Sam home. He was in one of the guest rooms. Jason and Conner had both moved out within a year of the other. They actually lived together for a time, and then their love lives got in the way of that.
They now had separate apartments. They double-dated a few times, but it was surprising how long they were still seeing the same people after all this time. Conner was still seeing Megan and Jason was still seeing Zatanna.
Over in Jo's bedroom, she was on her bed trying to sleep, but it was impossible. She then got out of bed and found herself at her parent's bedroom door and then she knocked. "Mom, are you awake?"
"I'm awake, sweetie. Come in." Lois sat up in bed. Jo climbed in beside her and pulled her Mother close.
"What's on your mind, honey?"
"Have you heard from Dad?"
"No, not yet, but they should be at LexCorp in a little while."
"I should be there with them." Jo stated determined to think about this superhero business again. She was wasting her abilities.
Lois perked up. Jo had not mentioned wanting to be a superhero for so long now, since she was little. "Honey, you are not obligated to do any of it. It is in your blood, but that does not mean you have to be a superhero." She pulled back and stared at her daughter. "Have you thought any more about going to college?"
"Yes, I have, and I think I can do both, go to school and help Dad now and then."
Lois smiled and pulled her daughter tight against her. "I can remember long ago when you were willing to help your brothers in any way that you could but going to college, I think that should be your priority right now. Your powers will always be there."
"That's true, Mom, and I have thought about it."
Lois knew what brought on this change. "How was the prom?"
"It was a lovely evening. We danced, talked and we took photos too. It was … lovely." Jo repeated herself. She wasn't ready to elaborate about what had been said downstairs. She couldn't look her Mother in the eye. It was still too close to her heart right now.
Lois understood so she did not push her daughter. "I know you're tired. Go and get some rest. It's a Saturday so no rush to get up too early. I have a feeling that things are going to get rather hectic around here, especially when your second-cousin shows up."
"Wow, it's actually true? I have a second cousin. She's beautiful, isn't she? I saw the video."
"Yes, she's beautiful. It's the El blood, I suppose." Lois chuckled.
"Good night, Mom." Jo got out of bed, but then she suddenly heard birds chirping. "I guess its morning already."
"Good morning, honey." Lois smiled at her daughter.
Jo left her Mother's room, climbed into bed and was immediately asleep.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, at the Hamilton house:
Upstairs in his room, Sam could not stop watching the news stories about Luthor II. It was running on all channels now, apparently all during the night. He wanted to throw the remote at the screen. Sam was thinking. This is not right. He's an imposter.
Sam stared at the television getting more and more agitated. There was no doubt in his mind what all that money was being used for … all kinds of shady dealings. It should be used for charity, greening the world, helping starving families and children, not nefarious dealings with criminals trying to hurt one man.
Kitty was so worried about her son. Jason had briefly filled Sam's parents in about the planned rescue of Kara from Luthor II and also about him knowing about Sam and who he was. Conner had spoken to Jason earlier to update him about the League's plans.
Kitty was headed to her bedroom when she heard the television in his room. The television was obviously turned down low, but she heard the name Luthor II and knew what Sam had been watching.
Emil had headed back to the lab. As soon as he had found out the possibility of another Luthor clone, he headed there hoping to help the League find answers.
Kitty knocked then entered her son's room. "Honey, turn that thing off. It's late. Aren't you tired?"
"I can't sleep."
Kitty took the remote from him and turned it off. "Enough of that now. You can't do anything about it."
He looked up from the television screen and spoke his thoughts. "Maybe I can."
Kitty sat down next to him. "What do you mean?"
"I could tell the world who I am."
She shook her head at him wondering if he'd gone mad. "No, no, no, you can't!"
He took her hand. "I know it's a terrifying thought, but I'm not afraid, and I know you're not afraid of anything, Mom."
"It's not me that I'm worried about. It's you, Sam. What if …?"
"Mom, we can't live our lives like that. What if this happens? What if that happens?" He paused then squeezed her hand. "You know I'm right."
She pulled him tight into a hug. "I can't stop you." She pulled back and touched his cheek. "I'm proud of you Sam, remember that."
"I know you are." He sighed then he glanced out the window. "I wonder what Jo will say to the news."
Kitty smiled. "She'll love you, Sam, no matter what you decide to do." Her eyes twinkled when he turned to face her.
"You know?"
"Honey, I've watched you two for years and it's not surprising to me nor anyone else how she feels about you."
He shook his head resigned to his feelings a long time ago. "I love her too, you know."
"Well, duh!" Kitty smiled at him.
They both shook their heads and chuckled. She stood up then. "I don't have to tell you to be careful."
"No, I'll be careful. Good night, Mom."
Kitty leaned down and kissed his cheek. "I love you. Good night, honey."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, high over the streets of Metropolis:
Clark had a few minutes, so he dialed Emil who was hard at work at S.T.A.R. Labs. "Emil, is there anything you can tell me?"
"Yes, I have a few reports here with me." He paused. "Lex's body has been found."
"What? He wasn't buried?"
"No his body was found on the streets of Gotham a few weeks ago and brought to the morgue as a John Doe."
"Unbelievable. What else did you find out?"
"His body was badly decomposed, but … his brain had been removed."
Clark was stunned. "Are you kidding me?"
"No, it's true."
"I've heard enough. This Luthor II is a sick clone with Lex's brains." He shook his head. "Thanks, Emil. I'll call you later."
"What was all that about?" J'onn had overheard some of it.
"I'll tell you later. We have to get Kara away from him, the sooner the better."
"What's the layout, Blue Boy?" It was Batman, pushing Clark's buttons as usual. Diana rolled her eyes at him. They were in his Batmobile sitting and waiting two streets over. It was almost dawn, and the streets were pretty deserted, plus it was an early Saturday morning, which served their purposes immensely.
Clark took one last look inside LexCorp then he spoke into the communicator. "All clear, only a few guards, no real threat," Clark replied. He ignored Bruce's jibe.
J'onn and Clark both watched from the sky as Conner entered the building in his Superman costume looking so much like Clark that everyone stared at him when he first appeared at Watchtower just before the mission.
The guard at the front desk was immediately surprised but cordial to him. "Is there a problem, Superman?"
"No problem. There was a silent alarm, and I'm here to check it out." The guard went to his monitors and did not see any alarms. He turned back to tell him that very thing, but moments later he wouldn't be telling anyone anything for a while. He was knocked out with a finger pop to his forehead. Conner took his revolver, removed the firing pin rendering it unusable. He then dragged him out of sight behind some false bushes in the lobby.
"There's another guard below ground, and that's probably where they're holding her," Superman told Kon-El through his hearing device.
"Got it; I'm headed there now," Kon-El responded. He took the stairwell two at a time looking through the walls as he went. He could clearly see through them so nothing yet. Then the third level down the walls became too dense, and he could not see through them.
He entered the floor and spotted the guard as he came from around a corner. He shot laser vision from his eyes just as he pulled a revolver from his side holster. The guard screamed for a moment then another finger pop, and he was also out. Conner also took his revolver and removed the firing pin. It too was rendered unusable. He then continued down a corridor and the walls were still dense. "This must be the place."
He then lifted a massive door, and it opened easily and there sat Kara. She was huddled on a bed in the corner wearing the same clothes as during the conference, her knees pulled up as if to support her head. He could tell she was awake. He spoke to her through his mind in their shared Kryptonian language. Please don't be afraid. I'm here to rescue you. She did not appear to have heard him, but seemed terribly weak and barely able to hold her head up from her knees. He came closer.
"Don't move." It was Luthor II holding a kryptonite gun at his chest. "Well, well, well, we meet again … Kon-El."
"Move in, NOW!" It was Superman.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: Collide, Leona Lewis
A/N: Man, this story is seriously getting tough, but my Muse came through for me over the past several days. I've been in a writing frenzy for days now. Stay tuned for the next chapter. It's a crucial one! Thanks for reading everyone. Reviews are so much love.