Hands (SuperBat)

24 Clarity

It has been a month since the conversation of trying to get better. So far, Kal did take Bruce's advice. And he reluctantly left the manor every few days for therapy. As long as he had Bruce or Diana by his side, he felt the strength to go on.

Then something happened.

"What?" Bruce said alarmed. He looked up from his desk to Kal standing in front of him. He was surprised about what came out of his partner's mouth.

Kal repeated himself, "I'm going to visit Vandal." He seemed determined.

"I don't know if that's a good idea," Bruce replied.

"Of course you don't," Kal said. "You can't coddle me forever. I have to face him."

He replied, "You basically already faced him, when you and the Justice League captured him."

"No," Kal said, shaking him head. "That was for the world. This time it is for me."

Bruce looked at him to study him. He tried to understand what was going through that head of his.

Was this closure for Kal? Finally a way for Clark Kent and Superman to come back?

Finally, Bruce exhaled, "Fine, but I am coming with you."

"I expect nothing less."

And so, Batman and Kal went to the penitentiary that Vandal was confined. Kal didn't both to suit up. He came in his regular ole flannel that made Batman want to puke.

Batman and Kal stood in the visitor's room. Batman kept a close eye on Kal. He wanted to make sure that Kal could stay okay in the interaction. He was asked not to interfere, but Batman said he couldn't keep that promise.

And then, Vandal was let in.

"Oh?" Vandal said as the guard pushed him to sit down. He stared at Kal as his cuffs were locked to the table. He was so confident for a man who was handcuffed.

The guard left them and locked the door.

Vandal asked, "So why would a man such as yourself come to visit me?" He didn't even acknowledge the bat in the room. "You haven't been feeling 'super', have you?"

Kal didn't react to the statement. He stared back for a few more seconds. Then he said, "Yes, but eventually I will come back."

"And you know I'm immortal," Vandal said. "I will always come back, and I can take out whoever you love."

Kal didn't take his eyes away, but he did take a breath. He wasn't fast to talk.

Bruce knew it.

Kal was terrified. He said, "And I can always take you down again."

"You needed help last time," Vandal retorted. "How will you defeat me when they will all be dead?"

Kal stood his ground, but he glanced at Batman.

Vandal continued, "And I can take you down with their blood on my hands again."

With Kal's breath trembling, he glared at Vandal. "They aren't weak to be defeated by you."

"But wasn't Kara-El the strongest woman on earth?"

"DO NOT SPEAK HER NAME!" Kal yelled at his fist slammed down to break the table. It forced the handcuffs to break from the table. He froze as he saw what he did. He placed his hands back to his sides and said quietly, "You have no right to speak any of their names."

Vandal didn't flinch at all. It was like he had something up his sleeve. Maybe he did have a plan. When has he never? He said, "Okay, Kal-El. What about you? You have their blood on your hands? Or should I say mouth? Body?"