Destiny
Part One
By Hordak Alpha

     Five months had passed since the death of Jonathan Kent and the healing had only just begun for Clark.       Clark Kent was now the man of the house.   He withdrew from college in order to pull the load at the farm now that his father was gone.       Clark tried to bury himself in his work to forget the pain but it still clutched at his chest.       The pain was only more since Clark had lost more that day besides the only father he had ever known.   Clark had also lost any chance he had had before with Lana Lang, the woman he loved.      During the course of the past five months Clark and Lana had grown further and further apart and during that time Lana had gotten closer and closer to Lex Luthor.        Clark knew he had to get past it and even though he still loved Lana as much as he had before he knew that pursuing Lana was fairly pointless.     

       Clark tossed the bales of hay into the back of the old Kent family pick up truck with relative ease.         The youth moved in a fluid motion, a unity between his great strength and speed and accomplished the chore in a scant few moments.     Just then Chloe Sullivan, Clark’s best friend pulled up and parked her car just a few feet away from the pick up.      “Hey, Clark.” said Chloe as she got out of the car and strode over to Clark,  “Are we still on for the movie tonight?”            

        Clark shook his head.   “Sorry, Chloe, I’m going to have to pass on this one.   I still have a lot of work to do.”            

        “Come on, Clark,  you have got to have some fun once and awhile.” said Chloe trying her best to persuade Clark.            

    “I haven’t felt like having any kind of fun for quite awhile.    I’m sorry but I’m going to have to pass.”  said Clark in a somber tone.     He hated to disappoint Chloe once again but had to come up with an excuse.    The truth was he didn’t really have anymore work to do but  he didn’t exactly want to experience any fun at the moment.

         Suddenly tremors shook the ground as something crashed into the corn fields near the house.        Chloe almost lost her footing but Clark rushed over with super speed and caught her before she fell.      “What was that?” asked Chloe.     

        “I’m not sure.  You stay here while I go check it out.”  said Clark.     In an easy burst of speed Clark dashed away from Chloe and ran to the cornfields.          When he got there Clark found something rather startling.      A smoldering crater rested in the center of the field.       Clark watched as a tall, lean man emerged from the crater and began to walk towards Clark.     As the man got closer  Clark could see him better.         The man had dark, slicked down hair and a moustache-beard combo adorned his face.     The man was clad completely in a black jumpsuit of some type.         Once the man got closer he smiled at Clark.     “Well, the spitting image of your father.” said the man.       

      Clark took on a serious look.    “Who are you?” he asked.              

      “You should know me or know of me to be exact.” said the man,  “I know you, Kal-El.”              

      “How do you know…” Clark’s words trailed off.          Before he could say another word the man dashed towards him with super human speed and smashed Clark across the jaw.        Clark was tossed through the air and he sailed across the corn field.    

               Clark landed hard on his back.     The man rushed over with super speed and loomed over Clark.      “The barriers of the Phantom Zone have at last begun to weaken and finally I have arrived.” said the man.      

            Clark’s eyes grew wide.   “Zod.” uttered Clark.          

           “Bright boy.” said Zod as he picked up Clark by the neck and hurled him through the air.      Clark smacked into the front of Chloe’s car with tremendous force.       Clark regained his footing and shouted to Chloe.   “Take the truck and get out of here now!!”    

             Before Chloe could do anything Zod rushed over and grabbed her by the neck.       “Why run away when you can play with us?” asked the evil man.    

           “Put her down.” said Clark,   “This is between us.”      

            “Yes it is.” said Zod,  “But I need something that will make you do what I want you to do.”      

            Clark scowled at Zod.   “What do you want?”  he asked.      

             Zod, keeping a firm grip on Chloe, said with a sly grin  “Take me to the Fortress, Kal-El, take me to Jor-El.”

          Within a short amount of time  Clark was leading Zod through the system of caverns beneath Smallville.       Ancient paintings adorned the walls that Clark and Zod passed by.      During the course of this Zod still had a firm hold upon Chloe.      

	“Hurry up, Kal-El.” hissed Zod,  “My patience grows thin.”          

	“Here.” said Clark,  “This is the way to the Fortress.”   Clark pointed to an inset octagonal shape set deep into a cavern wall.    Clark pulled the octagonal key of the craft that brought him to Earth and inserted it into the octagon in the wall.           Suddenly before them a control console appeared.     Clark moved over to the console and activated a crystal.    In a brief flash of light Clark, Chloe and Zod were transported to the Fortress of Solitude deep within the Arctic.    

            The inside of the Fortress was entirely constructed of crystal.    Jagged crystals adorned the walls and floors.       

	“Alright we are here.” said Clark,  “Now release Chloe.”              

	“Why would I do that and give you a free shot to attack me?” asked Zod,  “I want to speak to Jor-El.   I know he is here.     When the doorway between this world and the Phantom Zone was opened I heard his voice.”              

	 “You were correct Zod but I’m not exactly the Jor-El you remember.” said the voice of the Jor-El A.I. that occupied the Fortress of Solitude.        

	“How did you get to Earth?” asked Clark,  “I was told you were trapped within the Phantom Zone without any way to escape.”              

	“I shall do the talking, boy.” snapped Zod.          Clark frowned at Zod.    Chloe remained silent all along but the fear that shone in her eyes spoke numerous volumes to Clark.   

        “Jor-El, I have finally arrived here on this pitiful little world.” Said Zod, his voice echoing through out the Fortress, “I am pleased that your scientific studies were correct.      This power I have been granted by this world’s sun is most pleasing.”            Jor-El did not reply.              Zod’s face twisted into a sadistic scowl.   “Do you fear me, Jor-El?   You should.   Your pitiful son is too weak to provide a challenging defense to this world.”       

	“Let Chloe go now!” ordered Clark,  “Then I’ll show you the error of your words.”             

	 Zod turned towards Clark with a grin etched on his face.    “You are either very brave or very foolish to issue a challenge of that caliber to me.” He said.              Zod dropped Chloe and the young woman fell to the ground.                          Chloe got to her feet and hurried away from the scene, taking shelter behind a formation of crystals.            Zod gestured to Clark.   “Here I am, boy, take your best shot for I am only going to allow one.”                  Clark stood stiff and then he dashed forward in a blur of speed, swinging his right fist with the intention of crashing it into Zod’s jaw.   

        In the half mille-second it took Clark to reach his foe Zod brought up a hand and, with impressive reflexes equal to Clark, caught the fist in midair.    “Sadly you are not fast enough.” Said Zod in a calm tone.             Zod began to crush Clark’s fist.          Clark moved his other hand swiftly and performed a hand chop to Zod’s elbow.          The strength of the blow forced Zod to release Clark’s fist.                 Clark began to back away to clear some room between himself and Zod.                           

	Zod dashed forward with calculated malice and landed a flat palmed strike across Clark’s chest.           Clark Kent went soaring backwards through the air and smashed into a formation of crystals.           Zod leapt over and landed just a few feet from Clark.         “You are not living up to your promise, boy.” Said Zod, “Highly disappointing.”                      

	 Clark leapt to his feet.      He quickly glanced up and saw a jagged crystal formation on the ceiling directly above Zod.           Clark’s eyes glowed with a soft crimson and twin vaporous heat beams lanced out from his eyes and struck the crystal rock that held the crystal formation on the ceiling.           The heat beams melted through the rock and the formation came crashing down onto Zod.               In an instant Zod hefted the crystal formation off of him and tossed it aside.      Clark hurried forward and landed a punch across Zod’s face.       Clark had unleashed a great amount of his strength into the punch and the interior of the Fortress of Solitude shook with concussive force.       Zod stood, unphased by the punch.        He picked Clark up by the neck and hurled him away.            Clark landed hard on the crystal ground.          

	 Zod turned his attention away from Clark and spotted Chloe peering out from behind a formation.            Zod dashed off and grabbed Chloe by the back of the neck.       “You have lived among humans too long., Kal-El.” Taunted Zod, “You have grown just as weak as them.”           

        Zod dropped Chloe hard onto the ground.      “It has been a long time since I have killed a person.” Said Zod,  “I wonder how much strength it takes to crush a human skull.”               

	Chloe’s eyes, blinking back tears of fright, darted from Zod to Clark, who staggered to his feet.”             “Clark!!” shrieked Chloe.                      

	Anger seared through Clark Kent and he rushed forward in a mad sprint.         He became a blur and about half way through his run Clark leapt forward with his powerful agility.      The momentum of the super run carried Clark forward making him smack into Zod.                  When he did Clark caught Zod in a tackle and the two of them crashed into a crystal formation, with Zod taking the brunt of impact.                      Zod pushed with one free hand and Clark went soaring through the air.     Clark landed hard against a wall.        Suddenly, the image of Zod began to flicker.      Clark looked in surprise as the image of Zod dissolved away to reveal a hovering mechanical drone that sputtered sparks.             

	 “It appears you have damaged my drone.” Said the voice of Jor-El.                Clark walked over to Chloe and helped her to her feet.            Chloe buried her face into Clark’s chest and sobbed in fright.          

	“What do you mean your drone?” asked Clark with a hint of anger in his voice, “You were responsible for this?”                              

	Jor-El remained silent for a moment and then the A.I.’s voice filled encompassed the entire chamber.      “I sent the drone after you to test your reaction to a vital situation.     It appears the drone was not powerful enough to sustain damage.”               

	Clark scowled towards the formation of crystals that was the control console for the Jor-El A.I.           “What kind of stunt is that?” asked Clark,   “You endangered Chloe for no good reason.”                        

	“I had to see if you were up to the task of actually confronting Zod on the spur of the moment.” Said Jor-El, “Frankly, it appears you are not yet ready for such an event.”       

	Clark gently pushed Chloe away from him and, with a glint of anger in his eyes, moved towards the crystal console.              “You had to test me?” asked Clark,  “Is this another part of that ‘realizing my whole destiny’ thing you have been spouting off to me for months?’                    

	 Jor-El remained silent for a moment and then said  “Yes, and it appears, like you did all of those months ago, you are not yet taking the subject seriously at all.”             

	 “What did endangering Chloe have to do with all of this?” yelled Clark.              

	“The entire experience had to appear real, Kal-El.” Said Jor-El,  “It was very realistic in the sense that, in the event that Zod or another criminal escapes the Phantom Zone, your loved ones shall be in danger.”          

           “That is because Zod or the others would come looking for me, right?” asked Clark.                

	“Yes, they would.    Zod already knows that you are here on the Earth and he knows that the solar light from this world’s sun gives a kryptonian incredible power.” Said Jor-El.             

	“Zod is locked away within the Phantom Zone so there isn’t anything to worry about.” Said Clark.                 

	“What my drone told you was truth.” Said Jor-El,  “I have detected that the barriers separating the Phantom Zone from this dimension have begun to weaken.    When they do Zod and his followers will come here to Earth where he shall unleash a new campaign of fear and death like he did on Krypton so long ago.”        

	Clark paused.   “So that is what this was all about.” Said Clark,  “This whole experience was to teach me that, if Zod did come to Earth, I am not powerful enough to protect my loved ones?”                 

	“Yes,” said Jor-El,   “That and to convince you to pursue your destiny at this moment and to not further delay.”           

	“You could have used a different method.” Said Clark, “Chloe could have been killed by that false Zod.”                  

	“No, for I was in control of the drone the entire time.” Said Jor-El,  “  The illusion of endangering the life of your friend was necessary to force you to fight without restraint.”                     

	Clark glanced towards Chloe and saw the fear still hanging in her eyes.    Clark then turned his gaze back towards Jor-El’s console.      “It wasn’t an illusion to Chloe.” Said Clark,  “It wasn’t fair to use her as a pawn in your little demonstration.”  Clark turned his back to the console and walked over to Chloe.     

	“Where are you going, Kal-El?” asked Jor-El.             

	“Back to Smallville.” Said Clark as he took Chloe by the arm, “I need to get away from you for awhile after this.”  

	  “The further you delay your learning the less time you will have to embrace the full extent of your power.”         Clark walked Chloe out of the chamber.     “If you do not embrace your destiny, the purpose of why you were sent to Earth in the first place…” called out Jor-El, “….all of mankind will be doomed by Zod and their own demons.” 

             That night Clark sat in the loft of the barn peering out at the night sky.      Martha Kent ascended the stairs up to the loft and came to stand behind her son.      “What happened outside?” asked Martha,  “There is a crater smack dab in the middle of the cornfield and Chloe’s car is parked outside with the front end smashed in.  Care to explain?”              

	Clark looked back to his mother.    “Another one of Jor-El’s stunts.” Said Clark with distaste, “He sent a Zod look alike after me in order to force me to embrace this so called purpose that he has been spouting off about for months now.”                

	 Martha moved close and put her arms around her son.     “Something tells me you aren’t too happy with the whole thing.” She said.            

	Clark turned his gaze back towards the night sky.   “He brought Chloe into this.     He made her and I think the whole thing was real to test how far I’ve come when it comes to combat.   I don’t know why Jor-El wants me to fight.” He said.                

	“You mentioned that Zod character before when I was infected with that virus and you and Professor Fine went to the Fortress.” Said Martha,  “Wasn’t Zod the person Fine was trying to free from the Phantom Zone?”                  

	“Yeah.” Said Clark,  “Jor-El said something that the Phantom Zone is weakening and Zod is going to escape.   I’m having a hard time believing that.”                  

	“Why?” asked Martha,  “We have seen and heard stranger things since you were sent here to us.”            Martha’s thoughts trailed off as she paused for a moment on the word “us”.    Sometimes she forgot that Jonathan was gone forever and it was still hard to think or even speak of him in a past tense.              

       “Why am I the one who has to confront Zod and his lackeys when and if they escape from the Phantom Zone and come to Earth?” asked Clark.        

	“Perhaps you are the only one who can.” Said Martha,  “You have said it yourself on numerous occasions you want to use your powers to help others and use them to help benefit humankind.”                     

	 “I do want to help people but I don’t want to have to use violence all of the time.” Said Clark, “I don’t want to turn into a heartless soldier only using my powers to fight off Zod, Fine or the next meteor freak that comes my way.”                 

	“I don’t think you could ever become a heartless soldier, Clark.” Said Martha, “The way you are talking right now tells me that you think with your heart and not your emotions.   Of course I have known that for a long time.  A mother knows her son.” 

           Clark turned to face his mother.     “I just keep getting the feeling that Jor-El wants to turn me into some sort of global warrior using might to solve mankind’s problems.” He said.                

	Martha looked into her son’s eyes.    “Clark, I don’t think so.      Although I don’t essentially agree with Jor-El’s methods I do think he was trying to show you something.     Maybe he was trying to get you to think about your place in life.”                         

	“Maybe.” Said Clark, “But, I still don’t like the way he handled it.   It is like he is trying to force my hand.”

        “Force your hand?” asked Martha, “What do you mean?”      

	“Jor-El has been talking about this destiny I supposedly have and urging me to pursue it.  So far I’ve only been here helping you out on the farm.” said Clark.      

	 “I appreciate that very much.” said Martha, “But, Clark, you have to keep your possibilities open.      If what Jor-El said comes true the world is going to need someone who can stop the criminals from the Phantom Zone.   You are the only person I know who could.”            

	Clark nodded.   “You know if that happened I would do all I can but from the way Jor-El talks he thinks I’d fail in such an event.”            

	 Martha smiled at Clark.   “Listen, maybe you should confront Jor-El on the matter.     Get him to answer everything you want to know.”              Martha turned and headed towards the stairs.  “I’m going into the house for the night.” she said,  “Good night, Clark.”        

	“Good night, Mom.” said Clark.       

	 Martha Kent walked down the stairs and left Clark alone with his thoughts.    

               The next day Chloe came over to the Kent Farm to look over her car.     Lois Lane, Chloe’s cousin,  gave Chloe a lift.        “What the hell happened to your car, Chloe?” asked Lois,  “The entire front end is smashed in.”     

	By this time Clark had made his way out of the farm house and had overheard Lois.     “I…uh.. It is my fault, Lois.” said Clark as he walked over to the ladies.        

	 “How the heck did you manage this, Kent?” asked Lois as she pointed at the wrecked car,  “The car is just sitting here and there isn’t anything around that could have smashed into it.”               

	“I accidentally crashed the tractor into the car, Lois.” said Clark, thinking of the best excuse he could at the moment.      

	 “I doubt a tractor could have caused this much damage.” said Lois,   “Tractors don’t go fast enough.”            

	 “That is how it happened, Lois.” said Chloe,  “Lets just drop it and call a tow truck.”       

	 Lois nodded.   “Okay, I’ll call for a wrecker.” said Lois as she walked away, pulling her cell phone out of her coat.              

       When Clark knew that Lois was out of earshot he felt it was safe to talk to Chloe about what had happened the day previous.       “I am sorry about yesterday, Chloe.” said Clark,  “If I had known about it I wouldn’t have let Jor-El drag you into it.”   

	 Chloe waved it off with “I know, Clark.     Lets just forget about it okay?”     

	 Clark nodded.  “Okay.” he said.                   

	In a scant few moments Lois walked back over to Clark and Chloe.        “The wrecker should be coming out fairly soon.” she said,  “I’m going to go to Metropolis for my job interview.”                

	“You are looking for a job in Metropolis?” asked Clark, “Where are you going?”                     

	“Chloe has perked my interest in the Daily Planet.” said Lois,    “I’m thinking of interning there for awhile and get a feel for the job.  Maybe if I like it I’ll take it up as a career.”        

	“That’s great, Lois.” said Clark with enthusiasm,  “Good luck.”         

	 “Thanks, Clark.” said Lois,  “I need every bit of it.”   Lois then turned to Chloe.   “So, are you going to be fine?” she asked,  “Or should I wait to give you a lift before I head into the city?”       

	 “Mrs. Kent will probably give me a ride later.” said Chloe,  “Go on, I’ll be fine.”      

	“Okay.” said Lois as she hugged Chloe, “I’ll see you later then.”    She walked over to her car and opened the door.  “Bye, Clark.” she said.      

	“Have fun in the city.” said Clark.       

	“I will.” said Lois as she got inside and closed the door. 

                 After Lois pulled away Clark said “I’m glad she didn’t see the crater in the field.  I don’t think I could have come up with an explanation for that.”              

	“I’m sure you couldn’t have.” said Chloe in a somber tone.         

	“Again I’m sorry.” said Clark,  “It won’t happen again.”          

	“Are you sure you can promise such a thing?” asked Chloe as she blinked back tears,   “I don’t think you can.”       

         “Chloe, I will protect you.” said Clark,  “You know I always will.”            

	“Clark, if that maniac had actually been real I would probably be dead right now.” said Chloe as she regained her composure somewhat,  “ Even with all of your strength you were hardly even a match for that thing.   Hell, if he had been the real Zod you’d probably be dead too.”            

	 “What are you trying to get at, Chloe?” asked Clark,  “From the way you are talking it sounds like you are blaming me for all of this.”               

	  “No, I’m not blaming you.” said Chloe, “But it is because of you I was dragged into the whole mess even if you didn’t have a conscious decision in the matter.”          

	Clark remained silent.          

	“Listen, what I’m getting at is….” Chloe paused.    She bit her lip and began to blink back tears again,  “…What I’m trying to say is that I need a break from you, Clark.    I can’t take this anymore.”               

	“Take what anymore?” asked Clark,  “Is it me?”                  

	“Yes and no.” said Chloe,  “Trouble keeps seeming to come to you, Clark Kent, and I don’t think I can deal with it anymore.”     

          “Chloe, are you saying our friendship is over?” asked Clark.     

	“No.” said Chloe,  “I just need to get away from you for awhile.    From the trouble that seems to keep coming for you.”  

            Clark looked at the ground.   “I understand.” he said quietly,  “I’ll  take you back into town after the tow truck comes for your car.”         

	 “No.” said Chloe,  “I’d rather have your mother do it.”         Chloe went over and hugged Clark tightly as she tried to keep the tears away.     “I don’t hate you, Clark, I just hate what keeps happening around you.”   she said.      

	  Clark embraced her gently.   “I know.” he paused for a moment,  “I know.”

          “Jor-El.” called out Clark,  “We need to talk.”          Clark was in the Fortress of Solitude hours after his conversation with Chloe.          

	 “What do you wish to discuss, my son?” asked Jor-El.              

	 “Tell it to me straight.” said Clark,  “Tell me exactly what my destiny is supposed to be by your standards.”                    

	  “I sent you to Earth to save it.” said Jor-El,  “You are this planet’s greatest hope and I knew you were even before I sent you here.”             

	 “Why?” asked Clark,  “Why am I mankind’s greatest hope?”     

	“Because of your power,” said Jor-El,   “That and your upbringing.    You care for others, just like I cared for the poor souls on Krypton when I tried to convince them that the planet was coming apart.”            

	 “You aren’t the real Jor-El though.” said Clark,  “You are just a computer programmed with his persona.”                

	 “Not just that.” said Jor-El,   “I also have memories.   Memories of your mother and memories of your birth.    I remember how glorious Krypton was.”               

	 “Just get back to the point of why I came here.” said Clark,   “I want to know what you are expecting from me.”    

	 “I expect nothing.” said Jor-El,  “I only hope.”               

	“Hope for what?” asked Clark.             

	 “I hope that you will take to heart what I have taught you so far and choose to embrace your destiny.” said Jor-El,  “You are the only person on this planet that not only can save it from Zod but also save it from itself.”        

	 “Save it from itself?” asked Clark,   “What are you talking about?”                  

	“There are evil men among the good, Kal-El.” said Jor-El,  “If there is no one to stop the evil then the wicked shall triumph.    They can be a great people, Kal-El, if only they had someone to show them the way and save them before they destroy themselves.    You could be that someone.   That is why I chose to send you to Earth.”               

	 Clark turned and began to leave the chamber.     “I found out what I wanted to know.” he said,  “We’re done.”                

          
    	 Later that night Clark came into the kitchen carrying his backpack.   Martha sat at the kitchen table balancing her checkbook.      “Clark, where are you going?” asked Martha as she looked up from her work to her son.    

	“Mom, I’ve been doing some thinking.” said Clark,  “I need to get away for awhile.    I need to get in touch with who I am.”  

           Martha nodded.  “I see.   Well, I can’t stop you, not like I would because I knew you were going to leave home eventually.” 

                “I’m not leaving for good, Mom, I’m just going away for a short time to figure things out.” said Clark.           

	 Martha got up from her chair and said “Wait here one moment.” she said.           Martha left the room and when she came back she was carrying a blanket.        “Your father and I were going to give this to you one day but I think you should have it now.” said Martha as she handed the blanket over to Clark.        

	“Is this what I think it is?” asked Clark.          

	 “Yes it is.” said Martha,  “This is the Iroquois blanket that Nathaniel Kent and his wife Mary owned way back when in the days of the settlers.”                Clark looked the blue blanket over.     On one side a diamond shape was sewn into it with a red snake slithered into an ‘S’ shape.               “That red snake is a symbol of healing, Clark.” said Martha,  “It fits you because you have a spirit that heals and protects others.”               

	 “I can’t take this yet.” said Clark,  “It is a family heirloom.”                 

	“It is yours now.” said Martha,   “Then when the time comes you can pass it on to your children when they come of age.”     

        Clark paused for a moment.    “Maybe I shouldn’t go just yet.” he said,  “You still don’t have any extra help here on the farm besides me.”         

	 Martha looked into her son’s eyes.    “I will manage fine, my dear.    I’ve already got a few young high school men interested in helping me out around here with the chores.”     Martha paused for a moment.     “You need to do this, Clark.” said Martha,    “My heart is telling me so.”            

	Clark nodded.   “I know.”       Clark embraced his mother.   “I love you, Mom.”        

	 “I love you too, Clark.” said Martha.            Clark carefully placed the Iroquois blanket into his back pack.        He hugged his mother again and was out the door.

              A short time later Clark stood in the main chamber of the Fortress of Solitude.       

	 “Kal-El.” said the Jor-El A.I.,   “You have returned.  What brings you here?”             

	 “I’ve been doing some thinking.” said Clark,  “About what you said and some things my mom said.”        

	 “Thinking.” said Jor-El,  “Has a result come out of your pondering.”                

	 “My mom says that I think with my heart.” said Clark,  “My heart is telling me to find a way to protect my family, my friends and the innocent people of the world from themselves and whatever dangers may come from the Phantom Zone.”       

	“What way have you found?” asked Jor-El.             

	 “That way, my heart, has lead me here, to this Fortress of Solitude to find who I am and who I am to be.” said Clark. 

            “You must mean…” said Jor-El but before he could finish Clark waved a hand to quiet the A.I.       

	“Yes.” said Clark,  “I’ve come to find….” Clark paused for a moment,  “ My destiny.”

                                End of Part One.