3 Days After the Fundraiser

The world, was full of chatter about who, or what is Superman? This planet, was almost incapable of believing that an outsider wants to save it, and the religions, governments of Earth were being tested. Every corner of the political landscape was giving his view on Superman, why does he do what he does? Is there an agenda? Should we let him?:

"We as a population on this planet have been looking for a saviour. 90% of people believe, in a higher power. And every religion believes in some sort of messianic figure. And when this saviour character actually comes to Earth, we want to make him abide by our rules? We have to understand that this paradigm shift. We have to start thinking beyond politics" 

"On this Earth, every act is a political act"

"To have an individual engaging  in these state-level interventions should give us all pause" 

"Maybe he's just a guy trying to do the right thing"

"I'm not saying he shouldn't act, I'm saying he shouldn't act unilaterally" 

Clark flying around wasn't the only hit topic of debate on every news channel. (Y/N) himself was also being shown, amateur footage of the Battle of Metropolis showing the armoured (Y/N) and Superman trying their best to fight off General Zod and (Y/N) saving lives where he could in Metropolis and Smallville. 

"This Rogue Kryptonian, the one who turned on his own race. We can't account for if that was part of his plan or not, like it or not he is partly responsible for the destruction that was created"

"Should we forgive someone who so easily turned on his own people? Who's to say he won't turn on us the minute he sees us loosing?"

"The fact that there is a Superman level, military trained individual in hiding somewhere on Earth is a threat to national and global security" 

"During World War 2, were we best buddies with the Russians as soon as they joined the allies? No of course not. When the dust settles, and the truth comes to light we must ask ourselves if we feel safe with having a person like that living among us"

These were just some of the talks that had been taking place over the last few weeks, (Y/N) sighed as he turned the television and pushed himself to his feet and made his way into the kitchen. Martha was currently out doing a shift at the diner where she worked in order to get a little cashflow, she left (Y/N) a list of chores to do which were pretty basic. Dishes, clothes need washing etc. There wasn't that much to do, but enough to keep (Y/N) busy throughout the day and and not completely board. For a being with superhuman level, sitting down and doing the dishes could be seen as almost comical for some. 

But for (Y/N), doing these simple tasks was almost relaxing. It allowed his mind to wander, look out the window and soak in the beauty of Earth as he often did. The sunlight reflecting off the cornfields, flocks of birds chirping as they flew across the blue sky. Nature in all its glory. The Krytponian placed the last soaking plate on the side for it to drain, turning to the oak wooden table (Y/N) inspected the list, and what was remaining on his small list. The last one thing was:

'Get Milk'

It seems that was the thing that (Y/N) drained quite quickly, he was quickly getting addicted to coffee with 6 or 7 cups daily. Martha didn't mind, in fact she even laughed when (Y/N) suggested in trying different types of coffee and wanting to experiment with mixing and matching certain milks and coffee. With Clark promising to take (Y/N) to something known as a 'Starbucks' as they thought he would enjoy it. Grabbing his coat, and making sure the front door was locked, (Y/N) began his journey into the heart of Smallville. 

As (Y/N) walked into the town, he once again came across the many crews and trucks belonging to the clean up and investment of Smallville. Companies see their chance to make a good public image and swoop in to help a struggling town. Reaching the local store, the bell rung as (Y/N) opened the door flashing the clerk a smile which he got one back. The store was surprisingly busy, with (Y/N) taking note of the amount of LexCorp personnel shopping and buying snacks, some seemed to be simple workers, short sleeved grey shirts and caps, but three men were defiantly higher ups or at least security. All black gear, white LexCorp logo on their back with one man looking eerily familiar, one John Corben. 

"Alright grab the basics, meet up in 5 minutes Mr Luthor wants us at the Capital by tonight" Corben ordered. (Y/N) recognised this tactic from similar events on Krypton, redirecting smaller forces to group and protect a crucial point. Whatever was happening at the 'capital', Luthor clearly needed quantity over quality of troops there. As these men didn't look like high level security guards like Corben, they looked like ordinary men. 

As (Y/N) passed Corben to get to the dairy section, Corben caught a look at (Y/N) and starred at him for a few seconds. A look of bewilderment, confusion and rage came across the mans face, doing his best to push into (Y/N) and shove him back. Needing to play into his human person, (Y/N) fell back, and leant on a nearby shelf spilling some bags of chips to the ground. 

"Watch it" was all Corben said with a harsh tone as he and some men walked out of the store. Adjusting his clothes and smoothing them out, (Y/N) quickly picked up the bags of chips and putt them back into their proper positions so everything was neat and tidy, just making everyones lives a little easier. 

Making his way to the daily section, scanning all the different cartons for the one that Martha liked most, and grabbing three cartons to make sure they were stocked up for a while. Just as the rest of the LexCorp men were leaving, (Y/N) placed the milk ready for scanning, paid and took his leave. Making sure to grab a bag just in case he dropped a carton, too many times he had accidentally crushed cartons or certain foods with his strength. 

With Corben gathering up his men, it seemed the LexCorp presence in Smallville was decreasing. All the marked trucks, vans and equipment were being packed up and leaving down the road (Y/N) was walking. Several residents even stepped outside to see all the commotion, it was sight to see. Almost like a convoy of automobiles, all single file and maintaining the same speed. 

(Y/N) paid no mind to whatever the corporation and billionaire were doing, it didn't affect him in anyway so why should the care? 

Returning to the Kent Farm, (Y/N) made sure to pack the milk away in the fridge straight away and instantly put on a pot of coffee. The Kryptonian took notice of the mail that was gathered near the front door, which he somehow didn't notice when he got back in. As (Y/N) passed the couch he made sure to turn the TV on, just the house seemed more alive than it actually was. With the channel of course showing Senator Finch giving another speech relating to Clark and (Y/N) himself. 

Flicking through the letters (Y/N) saw that pretty much all of them were for Martha. Bills, post cards and such, but he did notice that one was written for himself. Placing Martha's letters aside, (Y/N) used his right thumb to open said letter. Instantly as the paper was peeled open, black and white photos flooded out, there was no main letter just dozens of small photos each holding a different happy face of a random looking human. On the back of one photo, was writing in bold, read lettering;

'Their Blood is on Your Hands' 

(Y/N) felt his breath get caught in his throat he looked over all the photos of men and women seemingly living their best lives. But the background of the photos is what caught (Y/N)s attention, it was Metropolis. As he felt himself grow hotter, the news from the TV rang through his ears as (Y/N) began to panic.

"How do we determine what's good? In a democracy good is a conversation not a unilateral decision. So I urge Superman, and the Rogue Kryptonian to come this Hill of the People tomorrow to see those who have suffered. The world needs to know what happened on that day. And to truly know their intentions are. How far will Superman take his power? Does he act by our will, or by his own?"

(Y/N) leant against the wall with an arm as the world began spinning for him. He tried his best to gather up the photos and concentrate but that wasn't working. He felt his eyes burning up, and ran outside, (Y/N) gripped his own hair as he couldn't control what was about to happen. His head looked to the sky, was he screamed out with two shining red energy beams projecting from his eyes and blasted into the sky. (Y/N) felt his face burning up from the heat, and it was starting to hurt, so he buried his face into the ground so the beams wouldn't draw attention. 

While the heat beams ravaged and destroyed the dirt beneath him, (Y/N) tried desperately to shut his eyes and eventually he managed to. The Kryptonian took deep breathes as held his head in his arms, a few tears slowly flowing out. Two equal in size holes could be seen, which would be a few feet deep even though the blast lasted for a few seconds. (Y/N) felt a little woozy, and his legs like jelly. 

Someone kept sending him these letters, the handwriting matched the previously sent one. Someone wanted to hurt him, not physically, but emotionally. (Y/N) made sure to gather up all remaining photos, and stash them away with the newspaper he received. Neither Martha or Clark would find it, he had been enough of a burden to them. (Y/N) spent the rest of the day composing himself, calming his emotions, he was expected to make a public appearance and he had no idea what to do. 

Later that night Clark showed up at the farm, he wanted to have a talk with Martha and (Y/N) separately. 

"Let's take a walk" was all Clark suggested to (Y/N) after he had a talk with Martha. The two kept to the Kent Farm, mainly walking around the edges of the property. 

"I know you don't want to go tomorrow" Clark started with (Y/N) remaining silent only breathing in and out. "I won't force you to do anything, but you know, you have to be there right?"

"I just-" (Y/N) tried to get out. "Why is this world so complicated?" he asked. "These people, they question everything, when someone does good they question why. Why can't they just accept a helping hand?"

"I don't know" Clark said bluntly. "We're all afraid of what we don't understand, even you can relate when you first came here. You were afraid of going against Zod's orders because you've never done it before" Clark went, with even (Y/N) knowing he was telling the truth. "It's just nature, we see or do something we don't understand, and begin to question it. Dad used to tell me about how this-" Clark pointed to his Superman suit. "-Can be a symbol, something that brings people hope. People here don't understand why I want to do that, but no matter what, no matter they say or what I hear. I'll do my best to bring them that hope" Clark finished, allowing (Y/N) to think over his situation for a moment. "Sometimes-"

Before Clark could continue (Y/N) cut him off with an answer, "I'll go tomorrow. I'll go to the Capital and make it clear, I'm not a threat to this world" he said with pride in his voice. 

Clark gave a deep nod of approval, knowing that this was the decision. "You're going to need a suit, and not one with a tie" he joked. 

"I-" (Y/N) began to speak. "I have one, but it's a little banged up".

A few minutes later, both (Y/N) and Clark walked into the barn and with one hand the former moved a massive piece of the wooden floor. Revealing a chest, and inside said chest was a metallic grey suit of armour, the same one worn during the Battle of Metropolis. 

The Next Day 

It was coming up to 11:05 AM, and (Y/N) was taking deep breathes. Shouting and screaming was getting louder and louder as (Y/N) was flown over Washington D.C. Clark or, Superman was holding his shoulder carrying him as the two approached their decision. (Y/N) clicked a button on the side of his armour and his face was concealed with his helmet. 

"They won't know who you are even without the helmet" Superman commented as the two were over the Capital Building. 

"I just........wanna be sure" (Y/N) said while looking down at the large crowed below them. People were contained outside the capital by a fence, with officers littering the steps outside. His eyes darted from person to person, many holding signs were showed different views on the two Kryptonians. Some wanted them to leave Earth, some wanted them to stay.  Some criticised the power they had, some praised Clarks actions. 

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Superman asked one as the two descended. Only receiving a nod in return from (Y/N). Both landed, creating a metallic clang as (Y/N)'s boots hit the floor. (Y/N) looked at the crowed and saw a tidal wave of hatred and disgust from the humans, with him exhaling from his nose and joining Superman as they walked up the stairs. As they walked, (Y/N) felt something hit his shoulder and saw a small red mess, seeing a tomato squished at the floor. 

Superman and (Y/N) walked the halls of the capital room, frightened security directing them on where to go. As they walked, many people in suits hugged the walls, scared out of their minds of the Kryptonians. (Y/N) took notice that some of the security guards, wearing the LexCorp logo. More heavily armed than the Government guards, even passing by a disgruntled Corben. Who scoffed as the Kryptonians passed him. Eventually the two reached the packed court room, with (Y/N) taking one final sharp breathing before stepping in. 

The whispers and murmurs of the court room feel silent as they walked in. All eyes were on the aliens with God like abilities. (Y/N) noticed a seat for Lex Luthor, which remained empty. Senator Finch sat at the centre of her committee overlooking the scene, a pack of press sat underneath the committee snapping photos as Superman walked up to the podium and (Y/N) stood off the side but close enough to Superman. 

"Let me say at the outset that I'm grateful to our witness for coming before us today" Senator Finch began, pointing to man with a solum face, sat in a metal wheelchair. "This is how a democracy works, we talk to each other. We act by the consent of the governed sir" she said directed at Superman. "That we those who have committed crimes, not matter amended by whatever good deed. Will face whatever justice we deem necessary" she said looking at the masked (Y/N). "I have sat here before to say that shadow interventions will not be tolerated by this committee neither will lies. Because today, is a day for truth. Because only be speaking-" Finch cut herself off as she seemed to notice something next to her. Her eyes seemed almost glued to something as she was thrown off her trail of thought. "Only by working together can we" she tried to speak again. "C-c-can we" her hand moved up and turned something, (Y/N) tilted his head in curiosity. Finch then looked up, directly at the empty step revered for Lex Luthor, then at the wheelchair bound man, a realisation washing over her at the last second. 

Then 

BOOOOOM

A bomb hidden inside the wheelchair went off. In an instant the court room was enveloped in blazing fires killing everyone but the two, unarmed Kryptonians. The explosion was so powerful it roared through the rest of the Capital building, killing others and heavily injuring others. Flames and smoke could be seen for miles, as the people outside jumped back in fear and shock. Some running in fear and others standing their ground. 

Inside the building the burning courtroom Clark and (Y/N) stood their in shock. Inside (Y/N)'s mind he was once again questioning everything. Why is he here, while these innocents have to die?

As Superman tried the best he could to save what people survived, (Y/N) joined him. People screaming as they burnt or thrown back by the force of the explosion. As (Y/N) placed one man down for the paramedics to inspect him, even though his face was horrifyingly burnt (Y/N) knew who it was, John Corben. His face disfigured and hair completely burnt off, clothes stick to his skin as he withered in pain. Before (Y/N) could pull back, to try his best and save other people he felt Corben grab his arm with all the strength he could muster. 

"You" Corben managed to choke out. "This is your fault" his face was raspy as his vocal cords were barley intact. "You hear me?" Corben shouted as paramedics tended to him, holding him down and doing their best to aide him. 

(Y/N) looked around, seeing the pain and suffering. The sea of black body bags that littered the ground. The fires inside still ablaze as firefighters tried desperately to put them out. (Y/N) could only stand their for a brief moment, and look on at the suffering his mere presence had caused.