Very good chapter, Anonpip!
The kryptonite dust that just keeps spreading is really scary. What a fascinating plot development! I've read the comics for years, but I can't remember kryptonite dust turning up everywhere. Who is responsible for this horrible threat to Superman? Luthor?
I really liked how you wrote Clark's attempts to first be Superman and perform rescues in spite of the dust, and then try to find his way back to Lois. I loved the way he took off his Superman suit but put his red shorts back on in order to look like a man in speedos. And then he took a taxi to Lois's, where I take it he was able to contact Perry, who came to his rescue. How smart Perry was to bring Clark back with that story about Clark being in a witness protection program! I snickered at the thought that Clark had spent ten years secretly being a clerk. Clark the clerk, isn't it perfect?
The part where John told Lois that Clark had given up his life for her was good. You know I'm not going to completely forgive Clark for not coming clean with Lois after he was shot, but I have to agree that he sacrificed his civilian identity for Lois that night.
I like how you made John understand that there couldn't be anything between him and Lois after Clark came back.
All in all, this was a very well-written chapter full of surprises!
Ann
