Stolen Legacy
Written by Hellacre13
Chapter 19:
Martha Kent was a kind and compassionate woman. There was nothing she wouldn't do for those she loved. She never thought of herself as anything special beyond trying to be a good wife and mother. Her son was the apple of her eye. He had given her the fulfillment she never imagined she could have after years of yearning for a child. That Clark was super only seemed to make her realize how privileged she was to be his mother. Sometimes she often wondered if she had done the best job or if he would have been better off with people who had similar powers. But everyday that she heard or read what he did as Superman, made her concede that she and Jonathan had done okay.
It was not unusual then that having someone like Diana in the house brought up a lot of emotions for her. Diana was so different to any female she knew and she also seemed to represent something that Martha felt, despite all the love she and Jonathan had lavished upon Clark, he had lacked under their care. The ability to understand what it meant to be powerful and gifted. Added to that, Diana was so exotic and enigmatic. Martha could not see how Clark or any red blooded man could not be attracted to her. And if he did fall for Diana, Martha was not sure such a woman would be right for him. Still, she tried to be a good hostess and show empathy for the young woman.
The first couple of days were uneventful. Diana explored the farm, learned its routine and had her session with J'onn J'onnz. By the third day she was a little restless. Apokolips made all its inhabitants task oriented and even on Themyscira she had a regime to adhere to. She now needed to do something to occupy her muscles while her mind was not engaged or at rest.
She announced her desire to assist around the farm.
Martha blinked. "But you are a guest here."
"When I was confined I had no choice. Now I can walk around and do as I please which is very good…but I need to occupy myself. I have never been one to sit around and do nothing all day."
After a long debate, Martha agreed to allow her to help.
The first attempt was at washing dishes and Diana's strong fingers broke and bent several plates and spoons.
Diana was confounded and apologetic. "I am sorry. I did not expect these dishes and utensils to be so fragile."
Martha looked at the pretty, blue glaze pattern with some regret but said, "It's okay. Accidents happen."
"Can I help you do something else? What were you going to do next?"
"I was only going to vacuum the living room and hallway. It's fine. I can do it."
"Vacuum?"
Martha went into the small utility/laundry room next to the kitchen and dragged the vacuum cleaner out. "We use this machine to clean the house."
"Oh, I see. I have read about this. This machine is a primitive suction device when compared to what was used on Apokolips by the servants but I think I can use it," Diana said. "Permit me. I admit, I am interest to see how it works."
Twenty minutes later Martha was hanging some clothes on the line, when she heard a crash and exclamation of disgust.
She came in to see Diana with the vacuum smoking, dust floating everywhere and several ornaments, including a vase and the lamp in pieces on the floor.
"What happened?" Martha gasped.
Diana had a steak knife in her hand and looked perplexed. "I tried to recalibrate the settings. It was so slow and not picking up the dust at optimum speed. It began to over heat and spit dust and the hose became a little unpredictable and it damaged your things."
Martha stared at the layer of dust now settling everywhere and she sighed as she picked up a piece of the shattered vase. She uttered plaintively, "This belonged to my grandmother."
"I…am sorry. I had no idea. This vacuum is not very good at saving labor, is it? Have you considered an Electro Trilobite? Or even one of those other rudimentary things…my Amazon sisters use it…a broom?"
Martha was a little speechless.
Later that day matters did not get any better when she tried to help Martha do laundry. She was feeling guilty about giving Martha extra work and now she saw the two baskets on the kitchen floor that held dirty garments. Martha had just stepped out with Jonathan to the farmer's market to get fruit and vegetables. Diana had heard her mention to Jonathan that she would do some washing when she got back.
Diana loaded up the washing machine. It was not that hard to work out where clothes went and where to pour detergent and where to start it. Diana had handled spacecrafts and the most sophisticated computers. She was sure she was doing this right and was careful not to tamper with the settings. She realized that Earth appliances were generally slow and basic and one could not expect too much from them.
Diana heard a bucking and banging ten minutes into the cycle and ran into the laundry room. She gasped to see the whole machine shaking and water spilling from the hose which had gotten loose at the back.
She shouted, "Stop, you stupid machine!"
But of course it did not stop. There was no voice override as there was on Apokolips with most labor saving devices.
She pressed down upon it, using her arms so it would stop and gasped to see the metal lid sink under her strength. She grunted and yanked the cord out of its socket. The whole machine jerked to a stop and water drizzled as she picked up the hose and put it back in its slot. Diana regarded the flooded floor and winced.
What did she do wrong? She groaned as she opened the dented lid and looked in. The sheets and all of Mr Kent's heavy work clothes were in a tangle in the soapy water. Diana grimaced and looked at the floor. She needed to clean it up before they came home and before it leaked into the kitchen.
Martha walked into the house with her husband behind her. They both carried market bags. She suddenly stopped short at the living room and cried, "Where in God's name are the curtains?"
Jonathan looked over her shoulder and saw that sure enough all the curtains had been pulled down from the windows.
Martha hurried to the kitchen. "Sweet Jesus, what has that girl done now?"
They came into the kitchen to see several cupboards open and goods, detergents and utensils out on the floor. Diana had her head in the cupboard under the sink.
"Diana! What are you doing?"
Diana crawled out and blinked. "You are back… and so soon..."
Martha put her bag on the floor and put her hand on her hips. "Young woman, why are my living room curtains missing? And why have you opened up those cupboards and dragged out its contents?"
Jonathan offered, "Looks like she's been looking for something."
Diana reddened and stood up. "I…there was an accident."
Martha stiffened. "What?"
"Another one?" Jonathan looked very amused and as if he could not wait to hear what she had done. Life had been a little quiet since Clark had left them and he was finding Diana a breath of fresh air. "Woowee, what did you do now? Apart from this…er…mess?"
His wife shot him an unappreciative look and crossed her arms over her chest. "Yes, Diana?"
Diana, looking very sheepish, went to the back door and opened it.
Martha saw the washing machine standing on the grass with its dented lid and a pile of soaked curtains on the ground next to it.
Diana said in a rush, "I tried to help you do your washing of the sheets and Mr Kent's clothes but then the machine began to behave erratically and jerk all over the floor and flooded the room and I tried to stop it but it got damaged. I use the cloth from the windows to wipe the floor because you do not have a water suction machine. I wanted to try to repair the machine but I need proper tools. I was looking for Mr Kent's tool box. I was certain I saw him bring it in last night…" She trailed off lamely as Martha walked to her washing machine and stared at it in stupefaction.
Jonathan chuckled. "I did but it's in the pickup right now. I took it to help a friend at the market."
"Oh." Diana frowned. "I do not understand why it began to go out of control. I followed the instructions on the panel and…"
Martha's voice was clipped. "You overloaded it."
"I did?"
"Yes."
"But it all seemed to fit…"
Martha looked at the sodden curtains. "And there is a mop for spills."
"A mop?" Diana looked a little confounded.
Jonathan leaned in to whisper to her, "The thing with the long wooden handle and the head of yarn. It's in the laundry room in a yellow bucket."
Diana grimaced, "Oh. That."
Jonathan went to his wife and patted her shoulder. "I'll help clear up this mess and Clark will sort out the machine."
Diana began, "Mrs Kent, please allow me to help…I am sure I can fix that machine…Well, perhaps we need a new lid…But I am sure I can…"
Martha put her hand up to cut her off. "Diana, you have done enough. I think from now on if you want to help, you will help outside and see what Jonathan needs doing. Heaven knows if you mess up the barn or trample some bushes it won't be so bad. I have one house and will clean it myself. Jonathan, I'm going to put the groceries away and start lunch."
Diana looked at Jonathan who gave her a small but reassuring smile and tilted his head as if to urge her to followed Martha. She obeyed.
She said, "Mrs Kent, I do not mean to be a nuisance. I was only trying to help."
"I know, Diana. But it's wise, for now at least, until you find your footing, you need to stay clear of doing my chores, especially when I'm not here."
"I know I am very bad at domestic matters. On Apokolips we had androids and Lowlies and on Themyscira I never had to do anything like basic cleaning…"
"Yes, you're not a very average girl, are you? You were part of the Elite and you are a royal princess. But cleaning is what we do out here. Even Clark. There are many benefits to be gotten from basic cleaning," she returned grimly.
She reentered the kitchen and looked at the half emptied cupboards with an exasperated snort.
Diana stood on the threshold of the back door and said gravely, "I know and I was not belittling what you do. It is just I can do other things better but it does not mean I cannot and will not try to learn new tasks. I can still try and help you."
"Oh, how can you help me?"
"Do you need me to lift furniture? I can do that."
Martha looked at her a little taken aback at first, then said dryly, "No I don't need you to move anything."
Diana came around to face her. "I can demolish a wall…fall a few trees…with only my fists. I don't even need a mace or ax."
Martha's brows joined together. "No!"
Diana picked up the large leg of lamb that they had purchased from market from the table. "I can skin and slice up carcasses quickly and precisely. My blade skills are excellent. Only do not ask me to kill any animal. My animal empathy makes it a difficult thing for me to do."
Martha lips tried not to twitch. Diana's blue eyes were looking at her with real sincerity and remorse. It was the kind of look that made her want to give into her. But she said firmly, "No. You will be better with Jonathan outside. Try not to take this personally. It's for the best."
"At least until Clark comes home," she grimaced, as she climbed into bed that night. "Then he can take responsibility for her. I don't think my nerves can handle it at my age."
Jonathan looked up from his book. "You know she was just trying to be helpful."
Martha plumped her pillow. "She can be helpful if she stays away from my appliances and any notion that she wants to help me. And I'm sure she is more comfortable out in the yard and fields with you."
He nodded. "She seems to be better. More relaxed. And she is very interested in my power tools and tractor and the pick-up. She said wouldn't mind learning how to drive."
"Oh Lord, please don't put her behind a wheel so soon. I can imagine the disaster. She'd mow down everything. We do not need to be taken to court, thank you very much."
He chuckled. "I think she does not know her own strength when she is out here in our world. Themyscira and Apokolips are lands created by Gods. It's funny the most skilled warrior on another world is like a duckling now taking to water."
Martha exclaimed, "A duckling? A young heifer in a tea parlor is more like it! You know she offered to break down a wall, chop down some trees and skin and slice a carcass for me?"
"Really?" Jonathan pulled his glasses down on his nose and peered at her.
"Really."
They both suddenly guffawed with laughter.
Martha wiped her eyes and leaned into husband. "I have never been this exasperated since we had Clark burning down the barn and breaking down the roof."
Jonathan grinned and kissed the side of her head. "I knew you were not that mad at her."
"How could I be? You should have seen her eyes when she offered to make amends. God help Clark if she subjects him to it and she learns what it can do."
It was Thursday afternoon and Martha was cutting back her rose bushes when she heard a droning sound. She knew the sound of a car engine in the distance and she jerked to her feet. Having Superman for a son always made one vigilant and in tune with the surroundings. She winced and dropped her shears and shouted at her husband who was tinkering with his pickup with Diana at his side.
"Jonathan, we have visitors!"
Jonathan saw her hustle to them. "It looks like the Lewis' car. She waved at Diana. "You need to go to go to your room, Diana. We can't let them see you."
Diana began, "But Kal-El said I could walk around freely…"
"Yes, but not before we get your ID settled. The Lewis clan is very nosy and if they see you now, too many questions we can't answer will be asked. They will spread it all over the town we have someone up here and we'll have other folks dropping by unannounced. So can you please wait in your room?"
Diana nodded and hurried away. Jonathan began, "I need to go and check on the fence…"
"Oh no, you don't, Jonathan Kent! You're not leaving me with them alone." She grabbed up a cloth and tossed it at him. "Get clean up and come inside."
Mrs Abigail Lewis, her twenty eight year old daughter, Lorelei, and Lorelei's eight year old son, Bobby, sat in the Kent living room. Abigail was several years younger than Martha and she was married to the owner of Smallville's large hardware store. Her daughter was a widow. Lorelei had lost her husband when Bobby was a baby and she had not remarried. This circumstance was not because she lacked any suitors. Everyone in Smallville knew Lorelei's eyes were actually trained on Clark Kent. They had been on him for years. From the time they went to High School. Back then Clark had only eyes for Lana Lang and when he left for Metropolis, Lorelei had given in and accepted one of her many beaux.
Lorelei was an attractive woman with blond hair and blue eyes. She had never followed on with college since her talents were more centered on beauty and grooming and with her father's help, had opened a hair salon. Most Smallville ladies, Martha Kent included, patronized her establishment. Lorelei and her mother always fawned on Martha because they saw her as the means to get close to Clark. It also helped that Bobby liked Mr Kent too. Whenever Clark came home, and ran errands for his mother, he always stopped by to say hello to the town's folk and a of couple times he baby-sat Bobby in the salon while Lorelei had to run to the bank or post office.
"I had hoped we might see Clark here," said Abigail, glancing around sharply for signs of his presence. She accepted the cup of tea and slice of cake Martha passed around. "We have not seen the dear in such a long time."
Martha lied awkwardly as she sat near her husband on the love seat, "I'm not too sure when Clark is coming home. But I will be sure to tell him you dropped by if and when I see him."
Lorelei said, "Well, we heard from someone who was passing by that they saw someone up in the field yesterday with Jonathan. It was someone quite tall, so we thought it must have been Clark."
Jonathan waved his hand casually. "Oh, that was just one of Ben Hubbard's farmhands helping me out. Not Clark."
Bobby squirmed and nudged his mother. "If he's not here, can we go? I'm bored."
"Shush. We just got here." She looked up and explained, "He gets a bit twitchy when he has to sit down for a while."
Abigail said, "If dear Clark were here he would take him out on the tractor or play ball with him. Bobby does look forward to that whenever he comes."
Martha nodded. "Oh yes, Clark is good with children."
"Yes, I always wondered why such a decent boy has not gotten himself a wife and a couple of kids by now. Seems such a waste. Honestly, Martha, we aren't getting younger, and I'm sure you and Jonathan want to see grandchildren. Tell Clark to get on with it. I declare, it's a while since we had a nice wedding in Smallville…You know, one that does not involve strangers?"
"Well, we believe in our son's ability to make that decision when he's found himself a girl, " said Jonathan, a little facetiously. "We're a bit odd that way."
Abigail forced a smile and said dryly, "Sometimes if you don't put a little pressure, Jonathan, these children won't do what's right for them. How old is Clark?"
"Twenty Eight," said Lorelei. "Same as me."
Martha grumbled under her breath, "As if she didn't know…"
Abigail continued, "Same as Lorelei. I have been telling Lorelei don't wait too long to make up her mind as there are few good men out there, much less men who like children. Especially other men's children. You know, the salon is doing very well?"
"Yes, we know," replied Martha.
"Lorelei is actually thinking of opening a branch in Metropolis."
"Is she now?"
"Yes, and maybe when Clark is here next time you can tell him to drop by the salon?"
Lorelei added sweetly, "I would be so grateful. Seeing that he knows Metropolis and all."
Martha replied with a forced smile, "I'll let him know. More cake?"
Diana watched the two women and the little boy enter the house from the bedroom window with curious eyes. Apart from J'onn she had not seen anyone since coming to the farm. She found herself wondering what they might be discussing and actually had to concede Mrs Kent was right about the need for her to stay out of sight. In a way she was glad not to have to face anyone yet.
The first time she had walked outside and breathed the clean, crisp air by herself had been immensely satisfying. She had walked the fields and visited the animals in their pens and even ventured into the woods, mindful she could not go too far so that she was seen. The farm was not as large as the Healing Isle but for once she had no one watching her. It had been wonderful. Only part of her had wondered what it would have been like to have someone like Donna at her side or even Kal-El.
She found herself thinking about him. She had seen him as Superman everyday on the television, doing some feat or the other, saving lives and preventing disasters. Sitting watching him as a viewer she realized how idolized he was; crowds of people and reporters were always around him. She still could not believe he lived a double life. That the simple farmhouse she was in was his home.
Diana glanced at the picture of him and his parents.
His father had been very kind and very easy to interact with whereas Diana knew she frustrated his mother a little. She felt guilty about flooding her kitchen and breaking her appliances. She just found it hard to do indoor tasks; they seemed alien to her. Martha seemed happy however for her to help Mr Kent outside, so Diana was happy to oblige.
Diana went to the book shelf. Maybe she could read while she was waiting. She had looked at the titles since her first night and was at a loss what to choose. She was going to ask Kal-El to suggest a title when he came home. Now she just randomly pulled down a volume.
It was called The Last of the Mohicans and the cover seemed a bit worn. Diana sat on the edge of the bed and opened it. She let out a little grunt as a small silvery, blue armored creature with feelers and a spiked tail wriggled across the page like a fish. Diana flapped the book and the insect fell to the floor. Acting without thinking Diana stamped her foot on it.
Her foot went straight though the floor.
Martha was now wishing that her visitors would leave. She had listened to Abigail boast about her husband's plan to run for mayor for the last fifteen minutes. She also did not like that Bobby was rubbing his sticky hands on her favorite throw-cover and then plucking threads from the fringe. His grandmother did not seem to think anything of it and Lorelei more interested in where Clark got his hair trimmed. She could never remember Clark using any of the barbers in town.
"Not that his hair does not look nice," she gushed. "But you should tell him we cut men's hair too. I'm also finishing off a course in Indian Head Massage. I'm told I have very good hands and I'm sure there's nothing more stressful than living in a big city."
"He has a barber in Metropolis," Martha said swiftly. "Clark rarely complains. In fact, he loves his life there."
"So he'll never come back to the farm? Ever?" queried Abigail. "When he retires, I'm sure he'll love to live here. It would be a shame to see this place fall to rack and ruin as the Lang place. Do you know if they will allow anyone to buy it? My Jake would buy it in a heartbeat…"
Before anyone would respond there was the sound of splintering above them. A foot suddenly appeared.
Martha nearly choked on her cake while Abigail gasped. "Merciful heavens! What is that?"
Bobby jumped up. "It's a foot!"
The foot vanished quickly and Lorelei gaped at the hole then frowned. "I thought you said no one was home?"
Martha said swiftly, "That's just the cleaning lady."
Abigail quirked her brows. "You have a cleaning lady? Since when? You never said anything."
"Er, yes. She comes in once a week to help me with the dusting. My hands get these arthritic flare ups whenever it gets cold and she is a godsend."
"Do I know her? Maybe I could use her too? Good help is always so hard to find."
"No! No, you don't and she's already really busy. I… Jonathan, can you go see if she is okay? Those floor boards are so rotten…I told you we need to replace them and spray those termites," Martha said hurriedly.
Jonathan rose and seemed to be trying not to laugh. "Sure, honey. I think I'll fix that right away and call in pest control."
Bobby asked, ready to follow Mr Kent, "Can I come see?"
Martha stood up and shook her head. "No, it's too dangerous. Jonathan is going to fix it and we can't have anyone sitting here just in case anything else collapses. It was really nice seeing you all. Maybe we can catch up soon. I'll see you in church, Abigail. Bye now."
Abigail, Lorelei and Bobby found themselves whisked out of the house and escorted to the car.
Martha let out a sigh of relief to see them drive away. She walked back to the house and made her way up to Clark's room.
There she found Jonathan measuring the floorboards with a tape and Diana watching him from a corner. When she walked in Diana looked up and uttered, "I'm sorry, Mrs Kent! I did not think…I…saw this armored looking creature and it looked like a nanobot! I thought maybe Apokolips had sent spies."
Jonathan confirmed, "A silverfish, honey. I explained to Diana they live in books and they are common insects to be found here."
Martha, to their surprise, waved her hand dismissively, "Oh it's fine. Thank god you did break it. We never would have gotten rid of them. Come on, child, and let's have a cup of tea. Jonathan will sort this out. I swear I could not even drink what I brewed when Abigail went on and on about her Jake and his campaign and Lorelei kept gushing about Clark's hair."
Diana faltered, "W-what?"
Martha took her by the hand. "You have to remember that everything here, Diana, is not strong enough to take your strength. It's going to be one of the harder things to do but soon you'll get use to it. Clark knows exercises to teach him muscle control. When he comes we'll let him run them by you."
As Martha led her out, Jonathan gave Diana a paternal smile and wink.
Clark landed near the farmhouse on Friday night. He had with him a knapsack, a red Macy's bag and a thick, brown, A4 size envelope under his arm. He had said he would try to come in time for dinner but as usual there had been an emergency in Metropolis that required his intervention.
He had spoken to J'onn and his mother about Diana's progress. J'onn was pleased that Diana seemed more relaxed but his mother had sounded a little stressed when she mentioned that things were fine but for a few "minor" incidents. He felt a little guilty leaving Diana to his parents and had spoken to Perry to take some time off for Christmas so he could be free and actually be able to take some of the burden off them. Perry had fretted and fussed but granted Clark two weeks in December. He would be due back to work three days after Christmas day. Until then Clark had only the weekends to help out.
He blurred into the barn, dropped off his bag in the loft and changed swiftly into a pair of jeans, a white and red baseball shirt, sneakers and his glasses. He carried the Macy's bag and the envelope back to the house.
He opened the back door and entered the quiet kitchen. He could hear voices coming from the living room. Well, at least they were talking to each other. So things mustn't be too bad. He headed for the living room. He did not go in right away. He used his super vision to watch them for a minute.
He saw his mother sitting in her rocking chair, knitting a sweater, and his father sitting with Diana near the window, the chess board between them. The CD player he had brought for Pa last year was playing a collection of old time melodies. Sadly the treasured turntable and records had been destroyed when the Kents had been attacked by last year by the Silver Banshee. They missed the feeling of nostalgia of the old turntable but the new CD player allowed Jonathan access to music he thought he would never find and his son was helping him build his ever growing collection with a new CD every month.
The strains of "Moon River" played in the back ground.
Diana moved her rook.
Jonathan blinked. "Ouch, Missy. That's a sly move."
Diana watched him crinkle his gray brows and then move his bishop. "How's that?"
She smiled and took his bishop with her queen. "Even better. Check."
"Hey, how did you do that?" He moved his king from being taken.
Diana moved her knight. "Check."
"Ah, no. For someone who just learned this game, you sure are whipping my tail. You sure you never played chess?" He moved his king away.
"Very sure." She knocked a pawn away with a rook and said, "Check again."
Martha laughed. "I think you met your match Jonathan."
"She's been batting those lashes at me and asking me questions about the war and distracting an old man," he protested and moved his king back.
Diana said triumphantly, "I would never bat my lashes to win a game, Mr Kent. Check and mate."
Jonathan shook his head ruefully. "That's the third straight game you beat me. I'm done for. You should play with Clark. He's good at this and you'll need to use any tactic at your disposal. Lash battling included."
Diana smiled a little and began to arrange the pieces on the board. "The prospect of a game with Kal-El would be interesting."
Martha looked at the clock. "I was sure he'd be here by now. Poor boy, I saw a fire had broken out in Metropolis. I bet he's there. I hope he's eaten…"
"I'm here, Ma."
"Clark!"
All three turned to see him standing at the door way.
Diana felt an odd sort of sensation in the pit of her stomach. He was in his "Clark" persona but she couldn't see any difference other than the glasses did give him a slightly studious look and she noticed the forelock was gone. It was a pity, since possibly the forelock could look well with the glasses too.
He greeted his parents with the usual affection and then smiled down at Diana. "How are you settling in?"
She looked up at him and gave his mother a conscious glance. "Well enough…I think."
Martha smiled. "As well as can be expected. Have you eaten, Clark?"
"I grabbed something at the Watchtower. I'm okay for now."
Jonathan got up from his seat. "Sit down, son. Maybe you can give Diana a game. She's been winning every game. Come and see if you can salvage some Kent pride."
Jonathan went to his easy chair. Clark sat down opposite Diana but he said, "Thanks, Pa but before we get into anything, I have some things for Diana."
He handed over the envelope first.
"What is it?" she asked.
She opened it up and out tumbled her new ID in the form of a passport, birth certificate, social security number, high-school diploma and several other pieces of paper.
The Kents looked on curiously and Martha asked, "Well?"
Diana scanned the documents and said for their benefit, "I am called Diana Prince. I was born in Greece. It seems I have lived around Europe for many years judging from the many stamps on this book."
Clark explained, "It makes sense with your accent. You sound slightly European. Your father was an American and in the military. Your mother was Greek and a teacher. They both died in an accident when you were twenty one and you moved to the USA a year ago to meet your father's side of the family and you decided to apply to stay on."
Diana looked at Martha and Jonathan. "But how is it I end up here in Kansas?"
"Your father was an old friend of Ma's. They went to school together and let's say your father's side of the family has not been all that welcoming because he married an outsider. So Ma has been kind enough to allow you to stay with us for a little while."
Diana stared at a black plastic card with the word Platinum at the top and MasterCard at the bottom. "What is this?"
Jonathan observed, "You're rich is what it is."
Clark went on, "It's a credit card. It's how we pay for goods and services here. That card is credited with a sum of money. A rather large sum. The Amazon Embassy sent that because your mother knows you will need things and it ties in nicely with your history. The Prince family was well connected and your father left everything to you."
She nodded and then her brows rose at a piece of paper. "I have a Fencing Master's diploma?"
Clark smiled. "Well, Bruce thought since you are very good with your sword, it would be the most obvious thing to have. The Italian Academy you got it from is where Bruce himself has attended and he was able to pull in a favor. He was tempted to go with History or Languages but this seems more bohemian and exotic. I doubt we would get away with anything run of the mill because you're not the most average looking or sounding person."
She sighed. "I see. Very well. I will have to try and remember these details."
Jonathan advised, "If anyone asks too many questions we'll all just play up the losing your parents bit and they hopefully will take the hint and not to be nosey parkers and be sensitive to your situation."
Diana put the documents back in the envelope and rested it on the window ledge. She looked at the red bag. "That is for me too?"
Clark picked it up and passed it over to her. "Yeah. We need to take you shopping to get proper clothes, and you can't go in tunics and sandals. Mari was kind enough to buy you an outfit so you would look normal when we go out. Ma, I'm hoping we can take Diana shopping tomorrow? Pa, can I borrow the pickup?'
Jonathan nodded, "Sure, you can take it."
Martha said dubiously, "Smallville only has a few boutiques, Clark. I don't know if we will get much for her. I'm not sure what young people wear these days…"
Diana began, "I don't need much."
Clark said, "I can always take her to Metropolis later but for now we just need a few outfits if anyone comes by."
"True. We had a close shave yesterday afternoon. Abigail and Lorelei came over with Bobby," said Martha.
"They didn't see her, did they?" he asked, worriedly.
"No, they only saw her foot." And Jonathan explained what happened and suddenly there was a burst of laughter from Clark.
Diana looked sheepish. "In my defense,I thought it was a nanobot." She opened the bag and peered inside curiously.
Martha sighed, "I was never so thankful when she did that. You know, Clark, they are still holding out on that notion that you would marry Lorelei and be Bobby's father."
Clark rolled his eyes. "God, doesn't it count that I have never shown interest in her and never even dated her?"
"While you're still single…no. When we go into town tomorrow I suggest you brace yourself to go and see Lorelei because they will take extreme offense if they hear you came home and did not drop by the salon."
He winced, "Maybe you and Pa could take Diana…"
Martha clicked her tongue. "No. You and Jonathan always try to slick out of dealing with the Lewis's. You'll be accompanying us." She broke off to utter, "Diana, you don't need to take out everything here, dear…"
But Diana had pulled out everything onto her lap. There was a pair of jeans, a white blouse, blue jacket, black ballet flats and a bra and matching underwear wrapped in a smaller bag. The bra fell at her feet and she bent to pick it up.
Diana sniffed and studied it by extending it like an elastic band. "What is this? Some sort of suspension garment?"
Martha said flustered, "Diana, dear, I'll explain it to you later. Do put it away."
Clark coughed and said, "It's an undergarment, Diana. It's called a bra. Because of the types of fabrics clothing is made of here, those under garments are required."
"Oh. I see." She stuffed it back in the bag seeing Martha's red cheeks. As usual Jonathan was trying not to chortle. She explained, thinking it might defuse the awkwardness, "We just bind our breasts on Apokolips and I am not wearing any bra under this tunic."
Clark bit his lower lip. Oh yes, he knew that.
Martha choked. "Well…well…yes…that fabric is thick enough…It's a kind of high grade cotton, isn't it? I know they spin some of the best wool, cotton and silks there and export them."
Diana put the garments back in the bag and put it down. "Yes, the Amazons have very high quality garments. How did Vixen know my size?"
"Everyone who comes into the Satellite have whole body scans down. It was easy to, er, work it out," he said, trying not to remember the scene at the satellite when he went to find out Diana's proportions for Mari. Wally and Hal were there and the wise cracks and whistles when they saw Superman working out her measurements had made Clark squirm a little. While he was no prude, it had made him feel a little like a voyeur but he had to admit they were right. At 36-26-36, Diana was perfectly built and with her face and height…she was, according to Wally, "hotness on an apokoliptic scale…pun intended"
"Well, isn't that handy," began Martha trying to change the subject. "Isn't this Mari a designer?"
"Yes, so I was sure she would choose out something appropriate," Clark answered, grateful to his mother for being understanding. Diana's ignorance of societal norms was something they would have to work upon.
Jonathan suggested, "Martha why don't we let the kids play chess and we can brew some nice hot chocolate?"
Martha got up. "Yes, that's a good idea."
Clark watched Diana across the chess board. "So, care to pit your skill against mine?"
She nodded. "I am."
"I warn you, no one, not even Batman has beaten me."
"Really? Your Kryptonian genetics may give you an advantage but I have been gifted by Athena and Hermes, amongst others."
"Wisdom, strategy, speed and trickery versus an edetic memory and enhanced mental capacity? We shall see."
Martha had shown Diana how to wear the bra and diplomatically explained to her what was considered polite conversation in mixed company. Now she was bringing in her blouse which she had ironed for the shopping trip the next day.
She found Diana was sitting on the edge of the bed and frowning at the ballet flats.
Martha glanced up. "Something wrong with the shoes, Diana?"
She announced wryly, "He beat me."
"He beat…? What? Oh! At chess?"
She crinkled her nose. "Yes. We tied two and he won the third. I almost had him. I was so careless. I should have seen he would do that move."
Martha laughed and hung the blouse in the wardrobe. "Hmm, you have a competitive streak in you. Well, you can have a rematch but I warn you, he is very very good. He knew calculus by age eleven."
Diana said confidently, "I will beat him. I am excellent at strategy and tactics. This was just a set back."
Martha smiled. "Well, it seems apart from weekends, he has two weeks with us in December. So you will get your chance to beat him. Here is your blouse."
Diana begun, "I could have ironed…"
Marth cut her short, "Um, no. It is the only one we have. We can't afford burnings as well. Okay, my dear, have a good night's sleep."
Diana stood up. She said, "Thank you, Mrs Kent. Thank you for your patience and kindness to me."
There was that wistful, awkward look again.
Martha sighed. Heavens, what would happen if she really unleashed the charm? "It's fine, Diana. Have a good night. We leave at nine tomorrow."
"Good night, Mrs Kent."
Diana was about to change into an old nightgown Martha had provided her to sleep in when she heard whistling.
She ventured to the window and she saw him walking to the barn. He stopped at the horses and stayed for a few minutes. He seemed to be feeding them something. He patted them affectionately and then vanished into the barn.
She changed, took off the light and got into bed. Moonlight pooled into the room.
Diana turned to face the window and she stared at the direction of the barn. She could not help but wonder what he was doing.
No doubt gloating about his victory. Well, Kal-El, you will see, an Amazon warrior never gives up.
There was a smile on her lips as her lashes closed and she fell asleep.
Clark lay upon his bed, his hands clasped behind his head, and he looked at the night sky. It was one of benefits of super vision to be able to breach the roof top and see the stars and if he really wanted to, the planets and moons in the solar system and even the sun. But tonight he just enjoyed the moon and its millions of stars.
In Metropolis he never had this. It was always lit up with artificial light. It was only here and in remote spaces that he could see and appreciate that Earth was not alone in the universe and it was beautiful. He felt close to Lara and Jor-El when he looked at the stars.
He wondered about them and what they would make of the young woman lying in his bed some one hundred yards away. He knew his father seemed to find her frankness entertaining and his mother occasionally seemed at a loss, but generally able to cope.
He smiled a little when he recalled their chess game. He had really enjoyed it and was surprised to find he wanted to win. It was rare to find someone who could match him in many ways. At the Daily Planet people talked about the friendly rivalry between Lois and Clark but that simply was untrue. Because of his abilities, Clark never really tried to outdo Lois. It would be unfair. He just let her think she was out scooping him. He had super vision, super hearing and a mind that could be as analytical as Bruce's if he wanted it to be. It was just that he did not want or needed to be top dog at the Planet as Lois aspired to become. Being a reporter not only allowed him to home in on stories and world events but he had a semblance of a normal life and well, he needed to pay bills at the end of the day. With Diana, it was certainly refreshing in that she knew she was dealing with someone as capable as herself and similarly as when she fought him, she certainly did not hold back in wanting to win a game of chess. He lived in a world where he always held back with everything and everyone and even if he never complained, it got to him at times. Yes, it was only a chess game but they would definitely have some rematches.
He chuckled out loud as he recalled her face after he won the third game. She was even more adorable when she was annoyed with herself. He would have to always try to win just to enjoy that expression. Even while she paused to consider her moves… how she frowned or chewed her lower lip or tapped her nose and pursed her mouth. It took a lot of self control to not just stare at her and keep his eyes on the board. She smelled so good too.
Oh boy, he was definitely going to have to watch himself around her. There was no way he was going to let Bruce gloat over this one!
I'm not thinking with my joystick…
Desaad looked at Darkseid as he sat brooding on the throne.
The news of Grayven and Steppenwolf's incarceration at the hand of the Guardians of Oa had reached Apokolips. Darkseid knew he could do very little about it. Not that he wanted to. The two fools deserved their fate. He would not waste his time sending envoys to negotiate for their release. It would be a waste of time anyway. The Guardians would never give them up to Apokolips and it would take a war to break them out, something he could not afford. Not with the war with New Genesis going on. So they would rot in their prisons.
Desaad voiced what everyone was thinking. "My lord, so you are not going to bother with the Kryptonian and the Amazon anymore?"
He looked up at that and was silent for a moment. His voice was cold and foreboding as he spoke. "Victory is made sweeter when the subject suffers, Desaad. Killing is elementary. Any fool can do it. To endure physical pain. To even die. That is nothing unique. Many have done so on the altar of duty. But to make a person regret his or her choices in life…to feel pain by losing what they hold dear when they do not expect it…to feel real emotional and psychological pain…that is what I want for the Kryptonian and the Amazon."
Desaad put his hands together and smiled cruelly. "So we wait for now?"
"We wait."
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