I've been bad with my feedback on this tale, but I really like it. I found Lex' manipulation of his "brother" convincing and reasonable. I also found his decision to utterly control Kal/Clark to the point of creating an unstoppable, undetectable assassin believable.
The only thing I have difficulty in swallowing is that Clark, despite his obvious desire to be a good man, can actually become a productive member of society - or a superhero. Although, if someone had given me a quick summary of the story so far and told me I'd like it a lot, I probably would have disagreed.
I know that this Clark had few choices in his life and was controlled from the time he could talk. I also know that he killed Lois' family, albeit under orders from Luthor. But at this point, I don't see how he can forgive himself, much less get full forgiveness from Bruce or Lois.
But I do like it, from start through this chapter. There's obviously a reckoning with Lex coming, and I have to believe that Bruce, Alfred, and especially Lois will all be on Clark's side. I have no doubt that Batman can take Nigel St. John in a fight, and I'd bet Lois could take the green K from Luthor and free up Clark to do whatever he thinks he needs to do.
I also believe that you'll bring us to a point where we see Clark forgiven and trusted. Will Lois be able to love him? If a woman had killed members of my family, I would find it exceptionally difficult to love her, irrespective of the circumstances. My first inclination would be to put a couple of bullets in her brain. (I don't know that I'd actually do it, but....) I'm pretty sure that my response shows a shortcoming in me, but I don't know how else to react.
Anyway, we'll see what happens. And I just bet it'll be a real corker. Great job!
Hi, Terry!
Glad you find Lex's actions and motives believable. He's so thoroughly evil, he'd never be able to resist a personal, invulnerable assassin to dispatch his rivals with.
As for Clark, he's got a lot of growing to do before he can function in society, that much is very true. Let alone become a hero to the masses. Which, all things considered, might never come to pass, simply because no one would trust him if word got out that he used to kill people without a second thought. As it is, Lois is a bit of a rare case in that she's able to see past the enslaved assassin that he was to the man he was always meant to be.
Like you, I'm not sure I would have Lois' strength of character if I were in that situation. But, as the show itself pointed out, wherever there's a Clark, there's a Lois meant to be with him.
You're right in saying that Clark may never be able to fully forgive himself for his past, even if Lois and/or Bruce fully absolve him from his misdeeds/sins. He's got a lot of blood on his hands, and regardless of if he kills Lex or helps imprison him by testifying or what have you, it's never going to be something he can wash off. It'll haunt him until the day he dies. And the fact that he was manipulated into that lifestyle (as opposed to freely choosing it) is worse for him than if he'd willingly become the monster he used to be.
Lots of developments still to come in these final chapters, and hopefully you'll find the ending satisfying!
