Clark's Roller-Coaster

 “Tal Rho please, leave her out of this.”

“Your affinity for these humans is astonishing.”

“Not for humans brother – her.” Superman put himself to the floor, set his palms on his thighs and looked up at a Kryptonian general he both respected and pitied. “I'll do whatever you ask, I swear it. Just leave her alone.”

“What is it about this simple creature that you humiliate yourself so willingly?”

“I'll tell you, but she's not like us, not even like humans for that matter, this lake is poison to her. Get her out of there, now.”

“Save her yourself.” Tal Rho replied without particular emotion, least of all sarcasm. Clark flew to Nikita, pulled her out of the Burning Lake, so the lake would have been called in Kryptonian, and lifted her to the shore. He put his hand to the left side of Nikita's torso. Where the Xavallen heart was positioned. When he looked up, Tal-Rho was staring down at him, his face hard and unreadable, except for the concern shining in his eyes.

Kal-El made a very respectful decision and began speaking in Kryptonian. “Grant me one favor – let me take her home. She is my adopted daughter.” Tal Rho started and took a single step closer to his captive. “I have a wife, a human wife her name is Lois. We adopted Nikita four years ago.” He hesitated briefly. “Will you promise me you'll leave them alone?”

Tal-Rho looked at him, surprised and moved but not entirely convinced. Superman resumed English. “I submit. I'll do what you ask, I swear it. But I beg of you, leave my family alone.”

“WE will take your daughter home. And you will follow me to my fortress, my home. You have my promise I will let your human family live unharmed. I make no such promise for anyone else...including you brother.”

“I ask nothing else.”

Having said goodbye to his wife and daughter, Kal-El followed his brother through the desert. A new life and an unknown world awaited him. Tal-Rho was a stranger to him. Until 3 weeks ago he had not even known the man was Kryptonian let alone his half-brother. Clark was certain punishment for the sake of punishment, intentional cruelty was not in Tal's nature. Prior to forcing his surrender, Tal had asked him to join him of his own free will. His refusal had clearly wounded the man. But he was forced to admit he knew almost nothing else about the man. Which left him in the dark about what was coming next. What would Tal-Rho force him to do?

They came to a high plateau in the badlands. They halted and alighted before it. Tal walked slowly and disappeared within a holographic projection of a rock wall. Clark followed. And was greeted by the sight of an enormous cavern, bright, airy and natural. The sun warmed the air but there was not a breath of wind.

“This is my home.” Tal offered, sparing Kal the need to ask. “And for most purposes, yours as well Kal-El.”

“You knew I would never turn against humanity.” Kal El observed.

“as long as you don' – that was the one thing of which I am absolutely assured.”

“What will you have me do?”

“Relax brother I'm not going to launch you against the human race. You've promised me you won't resist us, that's enough for me.”

“And acknowledging that I ask you, what will you have me do?”

Tal-Rho nodded, in recognition. “Take that self-righteous glyph off your chest.”

“Burn it off.” Clark said firmly. “If it offends you so much, burn it off. I won't stop you. But it still means something to me. I won't betray myself.”

“You understand Kryptonian ways better than I thought.” Tal's eyes glowed red and heat shot from them like lasers. The crest on Superman's uniform melted away. “This is for you brother, wear it with dignity.” Tal teased as he hung a silver chain and green jewel around Kal's neck. It was kryptonite and just enough fo it – apparently- to make Kal feel sick and fall to the ground. That is to say, enough to make him weak, not enough to actually poison him. Don't worry Ka-rean, you'll get used to it.”

“Ka-rean, 'small one' I suppose I should have expected that.” Superman said without a hint of hostility in his voice.

“What is it you want Tal?” Kal-El demanded fearfully. “What are you trying to achieve?”

“Truthfully, I'm not entirely sure. Beyond the moderate pleasure of hearing you call me 'master' on occasion.”

“I will never call you 'master'.” Kal-El retorted. “I will call you 'sire' or 'great one' or even 'the Majestic', but never 'Master'!”

“Great One will suffice.”