Summary: A different ending to the House of Luthor. Superman manages to break the cage when he rams it, resulting in a messier escape. A detailed 'what-if'. Warning: descriptive injuries and wound treatment.
Again, a special thanks to Morgana, Chereche, and Mary who helped me flesh out plot holes and improve the story overall ^_^. And thanks to those on FOLC's Skype group who listened to me ramble and helped me clarify ideas.

Like Toomi8, I always thought Clark recovered from the cage awfully quick and I have often wondered what would have happened if Luthor hadn't been stupid enough to leave the keys within view, causing Clark to have to resort to more drastic measures.
Well, this explores that a bit.

Anyway, since I'm seeing most people utilize one thread for comments, I'll do the same.

Part 1 is here: Escape

I like the beginning of this story and I'm curious where you are going to take this. The House of Luthor seems to evoke quite a number of adaptions, at the moment. Funny thing is, that I'm working on one at the moment, though my take is focusing on something else, entirely.

Anyway, I'll make sure to read your second chapter.

This is right up my street! Injured Superman/Clark needing help and having to trust and confide in those around him. I'm hoping the secret will be out to Perry at the least. Eagerly anticipating more. Give poor Clark a kissie from me in the mean time.

Eagerly waiting for more! ^_^

Oooh, you're working on one too? I look forward to reading it. Like many of the other episodes, there can never be too many adaptations ^_^



Thanks And yeah, Clark will certainly need some TLC.



Thanks ^_^ I plan to post the next one in a few days.

OK, I'm intrigued. This is a new take on the Cage Thing and I'm dying to know what Comes next. I always felt Luthor leaving the key there was dumb and totally OOC so... Curious what Perry may find out (or not) and how everything will turn out for Clark (and Lois of ocurse).

Thanks. And yeah, Perry is definitely going to have a lot of screen time in this fic

I hope to post the next part before the weekend.

Next part is here: Part 2

Yeowch! Poor Clark. I must say, he's handling it very well; only let his Superman facade slip once.

After reading Part 1, I felt I needed to raid the medicine cabinet for a cocktail of Valium, Librium and Xanax. Unfortunately, I didn't have any of those. So I did one better; I ate really good chocolate. Better than drugs.

Now, after reading Part 2, I can almost breathe without the oxygen mask! Am I going to be able to disconnect the blood pressure cuff, remove the pulse oximeter along with the heart monitor when reading the next Part?

You write so well, your story should come with the disclaimer "While reading this story, you can skip the treadmill at the gym. Guaranteed to raise cardiac activity."

Can't wait to read Part 3. Just in case, I'm shopping early for more chocolate.

Wow, excellent story. I'm impressed with how you're weaving the realistic medical situation into the story. That was definitely intense, and the medical and nursing staffs are definitely helping the situation with their calm encouragement and confidence. Nice to see that! Looking forward to Chapter 3.

Awesome! I'd love to see a major setback in the next chapter, maybe something that requires emergency surgery or even for the medics to have to get the jumper cables out... That sounds like tremendous fun...

It's a good thing the anesthesia works. I liked this chapter a lot. Clark is in capable hands. Curiously waiting for part 3

Yeah, he's doing his best to keep his image of Superman up, but it's hard work....

Glad you're recovering :P Next part should help stabilize you a bit more, but I would keep oxygen fairly close still.
And thanks, I do what I can to help others get in shape the fun easy way :P
Chocolate is certainly a good idea.

I've been doing a fair bit of research, and I try to do my best to show doctors and nurses in their element whenever I can Next part should be up in a few days.

There's still a few bumps on the horizon, that's for sure. Trying something I hope hasn't been done before....

Yeah, he was definitely fortunate there. And thanks ^_^

Next part is here: Update

It is so great to see Perry's yodeling skills in action!

Poor Lois. So much of her blindness coming back to bite her, hard. It's gotta be agonizing to know you almost married a man who tried to straight-up murder the world's greatest hero.

Looking forward to more!

Ding ding, first prize to Perry White! His knowing (or suspecting) should make poor Clark's life a lot easier when it comes to managing everyone (Lois) while keeping the secret as best it can be kept.
I did a little googling on radiation sickness. It's nasty nasty thing the way it progress from bad to worse.
I watched an episode of Call the Midwife recently where a soldier had a baby with deformities years after being exposed very minimally to radiation following nuclear testing. But I won't think about that here thank you. Going to be a very long night potentially for all concerned.
Another great chapter. Looking forward to more.

Poor Clark. He isn't doing well. I find the medical scenario very believable. Well done!

Thanks . This is the most I've involved his character into a plot and I'm having a lot of fun with him. And yeah, poor Lois. Reality is hitting her hard right now....


It will. Clark couldn't have chosen a better medical advocate for himself ^_^
And yeah, radiation poisoning I think is the worst way anyone can go Radiation is no joke. Yes, it'll be a long night, but fortunately for Clark, Perry is there


Thanks

I hope to post the next part in a few days.

Love how you've included Perry and Alice in this story. Very believable medical scenario, unfortunately for Clark. Looking forward to seeing where this story goes next.

Catching up!

Your medical lingo is impressive! Looking forward to seeing what Perry does with his new knowledge.

Thanks ^_^ Hm, now that I think about it, I don't know of many fics who have Alice in them.

Thanks, I've tried to get things right ^_^ And yeah, Perry is not going to let this knowledge go to waste.

Next part, Light, is up:

I'm liking this a lot! The bit about his body slurping up the IV seems like the kind of detail the show itself would have had. He's definitely got a unique biology.

That's a relief for all concerned, but I hope it isn't a magic fix. Feel free to prolong poor Clark's misery. Setbacks make for good reading...
I'm hoping he'll basically be restored to looking pretty on the outside but there'll be problems beneath the surface that will take longer and be more difficult to heal. But however it unfolds, I look forward to more of your story. Including an honest conversation between Clark and the Chief.

Another great chapter. I'm glad Clark is doing better. The only thing that had me wonder was what Dr. Carson told Perry's friend about Superman's condition.

What about doctors-patient confidentiality? In my part of this world, Superman could sue the doctor for telling such things.

But all in all, I love your story.

Excellent chapter. I like what you're writing. Intriguing to see how Clark's body responds to the lamps and even the IV. Hope he is healing inside, too.

The rules and laws in fiction are often written to suit the story, not necessarily reflecting real life. I agree with Bakasi about concerns about confidentiality if this was real life. And not only about the doctor talking to Perry's friend, but also the press conference. Even confirming that Superman is a patient in the hospital should require his or his proxy's consent. Did they get informed consent from either Perry or Superman for either one? And did the people staging the press conference talk to security before hand? Their job may be much harder after confirming he's the high-profile patient. At the time the show first aired in the U.S., I think the rules varied by state. A high-profile patient or even a potential patient did have tight security, and those often included even acknowledging someone was a patient. I remember this from when Pope John Paul II visited Philadelphia, the designated hospital and staff were on alert, during his visit and thankfully were never needed. And I know of a couple of incidents elsewhere with celebrities visiting a family member also putting the hospitals in lockdown for information, even tighter than usual.

You're doing a great job with this story.

Thanks ^_^ Yeah, I figured his system would take every advantage given to it as soon as it can, including IV fluids.


He's certainly not going to be walking out of the hospital the next morning. He still has a ways to go..... And yeah, the Chief and Clark will definitely have a little talk ^_^ Thanks



Thanks . As for Carson talking to Perry's friend, I suppose since he was likely going to see Superman soon, he felt he needed to be prepared for what he would see. *shrug



Thanks As for the confidentiality, Perry is acting as Superman's next of kin/medical advocate so he gave permission after talking with Superman and Mr. Brown. Sorry I didn't clarify that in the part.

Anyway, glad you all are enjoying the story so far

Next part, Visit, is up ^_^

Wow. Just as they get close to some kind of breakthrough his broken ribs shift and now I'm sure he's bleeding internally. He may even have a punctured lung, and that's the kind of injury that can kill a patient pretty quickly if not treated properly.

I hope the next part gets posted soon. I want to see just how the medical team will handle this. Will they be able to x-ray his chest? Will they turn off the lights and try to operate? Will they have to reintroduce green K so they can operate? So many questions!

And I have to wait for the next chapter to get them answered! Yikes!

With the hematoma on his side, I'd be guessing that he has a ruptured spleen rather than a punctured lung. Poor guy.

It's good to see Lois and Clark finally meet. I loved how they reconnected and Clark almost told her his secret. Though I'm sure she'd have felt even more guilty, if he'd dropped the truth on her right then.

Looking forward to reading more.

Oooh, cruel cliffhanger! I'm hoping there's no 'omg, I'm about to die better tell Lois the truth' revelation imminent. I rather like her being kept in the dark for the time being. Although if she does find out/realise it's her best friend in that bed it'll make it that much worse for her.
Love the penultimate sentence. Very poetic.
Please don't leave us hanging too long.

Yikes, what a cliffhanger! Okay, you have me thinking about all kinds of possibilities for Lois' reaction. Hurry back... please.

Wow! What a cliffhanger! I’m on pins and needles. I hope more is coming very soon. Clark screaming is heart wrenching. I wasn’t expecting that. I’m enjoying this a lot. Thank you!

Thanks. Your questions will be answered shortly ^_^

Yeah, he's fortunately with it enough to know how damaging it would be to tell her his secret now. Talk about traumatic....

Sorry, and I agree, him revealing his secret now would not only be risky to himself, but to her emotional and mental health....
Hang time is over

I must say, I went through many scenarios in my head before deciding on one....

Thanks ^_^. Well, I think when you learn why Clark screamed, it'll make a lot of sense....

Part will be up soon...

Next part, Healing, is up

Poor Clark! Having pain trigger PTSD...harsh. Lois is right: he should talk to someone; though I get why Perry is reluctant to agree to that. (Potential sequel, though, if he does agree to see a shrink?)

The lowest level of Hell, according to Dante, is a frozen lake in which history's worst traitors are chewed alive by a giant, crying Satan. Should be a good start.

Poor Clark! He’s been through the wringer. Hopefully once he has his powers and confidence back the flashbacks will lessen. Talking through his fears could be a good thing.

Yes, his screaming now makes sense. Healing like that had to be painful.

I really like Dr. Carson and Nurse Noel. They are good, caring people.

I feel for Martha and Jonathan. Being kept from their boy has to be painful for them. It’s good Perry is keeping them in the loop but I wouldn’t expect anything less. I’m sure there will be a lot of tears when they finally see their boy again and it probably won’t only be Martha’s tears.

I like that Clark got thanked for all that he’s done. I know he doesn’t expect it but it’s nice. Like Nurse Noel said, he doesn’t get paid and he makes a lot of sacrifices.

The lower level indeed!

Thanks for another wonderful chapter! I can’t wait for more!

Another great chapter! Full of touching moments and drama and absorbing detail. Well done.
I love Perry saying 'he's one of my boys now... whether he likes it or not'. And Barb's wise words. Awww.
I wonder what's in the package he's brought with him. A box of donuts? A brick of a cell phone to call the folks? Press pass, gaudy tie and glasses to escape unnoticed in?... Looking forward to the next installment.

Well, at least Clark didn't need to have any additional medical or surgical intervention other than morphine and supportive care. Poor Clark, indeed! No wonder he had a flashback.

Perry is handling Lois well. She definitely needs to back off from offering advice. I doubt she'd understand why it might not be well-received, but Perry is in a good position to realize just how much she hurt Clark by ignoring his warnings and dismissing them as jealousy. I suspect he knows some of that, even if Clark never told him.

It's good that Perry is keeping Martha and Jonathan up-to-date. They must be beside themselves with worry. I still think the administrator and others were short-sighted regarding the timing of releasing information about this high-profile patient. Hopefully Henderson and the security team can protect Clark until he recovers his powers or leaves the hospital.

Looking forward to more and finding out what's in Perry's package.

I can definitely understand how the good guys feel about Luthor.

That's an interesting idea... (the sequel). It'll depend on the muse...
Ironic that the lake is frozen. And yeah, a start :P

Thanks, I really like writing Carson and Noel ^_^ As for Clark, the worst is over at least

Thanks Perry is one of my favorite characters to write (although there are many ties). As for the package . . . you'll see

Yeah, Perry thankfully knows what he's doing. As for Henderson and security, I'd say they're doing a pretty good job so far....

It's a bit early for poor Clark to develop PTSD already.

This chapter was powerful and very well written. I love every bit of your story. I can't wait to read the next installment.

Not sure it's technically PTSD, as I think most anyone in that situation would have had a flashback , but either way, yeah, poor Clark . Anyway, glad you're liking it ^_^ Next bit, Diversion, is now up.

Nominated for the Best Line Ever:


Brilliant line. I don't know if you put it in for this reason, but that statement alone will do more for his public relations and more against any group threatening him than any simple press release.

I'm glad he's getting better. I hope this continues - with Lois beside him. He needs to tell her the truth now that he's getting well. And she'll still be mad - but also thankful that he's alive, so maybe it won't be too bad.

Hope not, anyway.

@Blueowl: People in Victorian England named what we now call PTSD as "railway spine" because so many people who'd been in railroad accidents - especially if the rails burst up through the car floor - exhibited the same symptoms. And it only took one occurance. I learned about that while I was researching PTSD for my story "Veterans of Foreign Wars" last year. It may depend on each country's definition - I know that Aspberger's Syndrome is no longer recognized by the American Medical Association as a distinct condition. Unfortunately, that doesn't help all the folks who endure it.

Yay, he's almost better! I don't know how the authorities think they'll be able to move him to an undisclosed location, even if it's by helicopter. They'd need decoys everywhere to get him out undetected. Maybe it's time for the glasses to come out.
Sweet little moment with the boy and his mom.
Now I know there's no possible way you're be able to pull this all together in one more chapter so I second the sequel idea wholeheartedly. I'd love to see more interaction with Perry now he knows. And revisiting the hospital staff who looked after him so well when he's no longer a patient. Pretty please?

Thanks for another great chapter! It’s wonderful seeing Clark almost back to normal. He’s been through a lot. Definitely a humbling experience.

I enjoyed the exchange between Superman, Joseph and his mom. It was very touching.


I agree with Terry about that being a brilliant line. It shows he has a sense of humor and makes him more relatable.

I’m curious where he’ll recover. Maybe his own apartment with his parents since his secret identity is still secret or maybe Smallville. I’m also wondering if he’ll tell Lois that he’s Superman. I can’t wait for the next chapter! I hope it’s coming soon! Thanks again!

Well according to ICD-10 (International classification of diseases) I would call it adjustment disorder. The flashbacks certainly are a part of PTSD, but that usually develops after several months. (I just had advanced training on the subject)

But now to your story. It's good to see that Clark finally feels better. And he's trying to be super already. Way to go, Superman.

I, too feel that this story demands a sequel. I for one would be an avid reader.

I also loved that line of Superman's, with Clark showing his humanity and humor. The scene with Joseph and his mom was priceless and very touching. Glad to see Superman is recovering quickly and will be curious to see how your last chapter wraps things up, or not.

Also hoping for a sequel.

Terry Leatherwood - Thanks, when I thought of how he might deal with failing to fly in front of people, I figured, why not poke fun at himself? :P As for Lois, she'll be coming in soon ^_^
As for the PTSD info, thanks. Considering how much medical definitions have changed over the years, it makes sense that PTSD continues to evolve as we gain a better understanding of the monster.


gr8shadesofElvis - The idea for a sequel does have merit.... I might be able to get around to it after I finish the new fic I'm working on (sleep walking challenge). I too wouldn't mind him visiting the hospital again


Songbird - Thanks ^_^ Whenever I can get a kid and/or everyday people in the fic, I try to. I always enjoy showing that somewhat rare dynamic. Next part is on its way.


bakasi - Adjustment disorder ... I wonder if that overlaps at all with some issues autistics have. I have brothers with it as well as two of my kids. Sometimes it just takes one incident and they'll continue to go back to that moment when something reminds them.
Anyway, yeah, you can't keep Superman down forever ^_^, and apparently the same goes for sequel bunnies.


cuidadora - Thanks ^_^. And another vote for a sequel? Well, I'll see what I can do, though it'll likely be a bit .


On with the fic, final part is here: Resolution

Absolutely beautiful ending to this first story in your new series! ^_^ ... We are getting more, right?

This story has hit just the right spot for me. I'm having a bit of a struggle with life at the moment and it's been nice to have something to cheer me up every few days, so thanks for that. I'll look forward to whatever comes from you next. Happy (and speedy) writing!

What a lovely way to end this story! As far as I know, you found a unique way for Lois to react to Clark's secret. And his reaction to her reaction was so in character. I especially found the last section touching. Well done! Looking forward to your next story, whether or not it stands alone or is a sequel to this one or a previous story.

I very much enjoyed this story.

I love this story! That was a beautiful and touching ending. Lois’s reaction to Clark’s revelation was perfect. Clark comforting her was sweet and I can see him doing that. He’s all heart. Thank you for making me smile!

It was a joy reading this story. The last few paragraphs at the end were perfect.

Thanks Jessica.

I loved how this story ended, but I also want to vote for a sequel.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. The reconciliation between our favourite couple was were tender and touching. I sure hope that we get a sequel, or see more of your writing.

I liked the supporting characters you created and how they connected with Superman. It added an element that did more than just showing the two personas—Clark & Superman. The interactions, including what happened when he was transported via wheelchair to a sunny room in the hospital, actually served to humanize the alien more so than just knowing that he is Clark Kent. They also showed a definitive contrast between Superman’s goodness and the people who loved him, and Luthor’s evil and others who hated him.

While your story is complete as is, I believe it could be plumbed to a deeper level from several angles to become a richer, much longer tale!
Thanks for sharing!

Blueowl,
I read only completed stories due to being left high and dry too many times over the years. I'm pleased to see the many posts you've received and would like to add mine now that it is complete. I too found the resolution to that episode was not explored as well as could be but I suppose, given the one-hour (45 minutes with commercials) time limit, they did the best they could. Your story is what fanfic is for, to explore situations in-depth and present alternative solutions to the premises set up by the writers. I have not read all the comments that have been posted so I apologize if some of my comments are duplicates.

You've presented the medical information with great and thorough detail. If you are not a medical professional I congratulate you on your diligence regarding the injuries and their treatment. Your descriptions made me empathize with his injuries and the pain he suffered through. I think Clark's choice of Perry as his next of kin was perfect. Clark knows Perry to be a man of integrity and will do what is necessary while also watching out for Superman's best interests. Clark's idea to have Perry call the Kents and tell them Kal-El gave them permission to talk to him if the need arose fit as well. Perry figuring out the secret on his own worked too. Perry's pretty sharp and having spent so much time with Superman it made sense that he'd figure things out, especially as he is not burdened by the emotional entanglements Lois has. You portrayed the damage Luthor had done with startling reality. Those injuries and the reaction of those who treated Superman showed how evil your version of Luthor is. While it seemed that Luthor had more Kryptonite than was hinted at on the show the mention of having Kryptonite bullets worked because of what happened when Arianna shot Superman in another episode. I especially liked how Superman reacted to natural sunlight compared to the lights they had used. The pace of healing was magnitudes faster with natural sunlight as to be miraculous, but it may have harmed him to a point as his doctor mentioned when his ribs healed super fast, causing him intense pain that brought back memories of his torture at Luthor's hands. Of course, they couldn't know that would happen, and on reflection, did more good than harm otherwise Superman would not have been close to normal when the plot against his life was taking place. As I'm sure others have mentioned Superman's reaction to the outpouring of love and gratitude by people in the hospital was very touching. I found myself choking up along with Clark and his reaction was perfect.

On a side note, I wonder how long it took Perry to find the secret closet with the suits? He sure surprised Clark when he presented him with the Suit but I never expected less from Perry. I did wish you had shown where Superman went between leaving the hospital and returning to Clark's place. Of course, maybe Perry worked out with Henderson to allow Superman to recuperate at Clark's place. I wonder if Henderson might also know, or at least suspect, the truth. The ending scenes with Lois and Clark wrapped things up beautifully. Unlike that stupid solution of Clark taking back his declaration of love, he did what he should have done and confided his secret to Lois. By the end of the first season, Clark knew Lois was trustworthy despite her blindness with regard to Luthor she deserved to know, especially since she realized her true love was Clark. I guess I can see maintaining the sexual tension between them but I believe they could have done a better job of handling their love.

Thanks for writing this story and sharing it with us,
Ray

Sorry for taking a while to comment!

I enjoyed your version of events. Your medical knowledge is impressive and detailed, which had me squirming a few times. The reveal in the last chapter was a nice touch.

Thanks for sharing your imagination with us.

I really enjoyed this. You captured the intensity very well! I loved the response of people as he was transported through the hospital and even outside with the bomb.

I intensely regret the 2 years in which this story existed without me knowing about it, but an investigation has been launched into how such a calamity could have been allowed to happen.

Gosh, I love your flavour of Superman- the way he is so relatable and makes people feel at ease even when he's not doing so hot is conveyed so well. Plus of course the copious amounts of medical hurt/comfort which hits my trope-kink for that perfectly. AUGH, the vulnerability, the caring medical staff OCs, I've died and gone to heaven.

Wow, I didn't realize I never responded to people's reviews for this fic!! Granted, looking at the dates, it makes sense. We had been out on vacation and then soon after we got back, school started and then my youngest was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma (he's thankfully in remission now), so..... Now that life has calmed and this has come to my attention, I'll reply to them now

Queen of the Capes -- I have a bare bones bunny in my brain for a sequel. Maybe one day.

gr8shadesofElvis -- Glad this fic was able to cheer you up. I hope things have improved for you.

cuidadora -- I felt the reality would be pretty jarring for her and that reaction was the only one that made sense to me. Happy it worked

LoveIsForever -- Glad you enjoyed it!

Songbird -- Clark made it super easy for me to write ^_^

Morgana -- Endings are usually hard for me to write. I don't recall this ending being one of them.

SupesFan -- I need to figure out the substance of any sequel. Currently, it's a little thin, but who knows

bakasi -- Wow, many people wanting a sequel to this.... You guys certainly come armed with carrots.

Penny_Lane -- I really love writing everyday characters into the story and have them play a part with Superman/Clark. I suppose it's a self-indulgent pseudo self-insert

Ray -- I did a great deal of research on the medical stuff and admittedly have always been more inclined to learn medical stuff because I really like just knowing. One never knows when you might need to know.
I really love Perry's character. He has so much depth that I feel is rarely fully utilized. I'm glad I did at least some degree of justice for him. And imagining Perry digging through Clark's apartment to find Superman's suit is a funny picture.... I might one day have to do something like that.
Henderson is a smart guy....
And gah! That taking back his declaration was immensely frustrating! Lunkhead.

Toomi8 -- Well, considering I took 2 years to reply, I think you're fine....

PuffyTiger -- Superman needing help by normal people is a guilty pleasure of mine. Glad it seems to be one of yours too?

LauraHex -- Well, if you had found it sooner it appears I never would have replied to the reviews, so in that case it was a good thing


Thank you EVERYONE for reading and reviewing! ^_^ I love this group.