At Kent Farm, Clark eased his truck to a stop and climbed out, guiding the cow carefully down from the back. Its hooves had been repaired at the vet, and with no surveillance anywhere near the property, Clark lifted the animal with practiced ease and led it toward the barn.
Martha Kent watched him with a gentle smile.
"When your father was still around," she said softly, "we argued more than you'd think. But Jonathan loved me, and I loved him just the same. After every argument, we had our own ways of cooling off."
Clark paused, listening.
"I liked riding horses through the flower fields. The smell alone could calm my nerves. Jonathan," she chuckled quietly, "he trimmed hooves. Horses, cows, anything that stood still long enough. After a fight, every animal on this farm somehow ended up with fresh shoes."
She rested her hand on Clark's shoulder and pulled him into a brief embrace.
"You've been distracted lately," Martha continued. "I thought maybe doing things his way might help you breathe a little easier."
Clark lowered his head. "I…"
Martha sighed, already understanding.
"Smallville is small," she said calmly. "This farm is smaller. Metropolis feels big until you look at the rest of the country. And compared to the world? My son has barely seen anything."
She smiled brightly and gave his back a firm pat.
"You've finished university. You're grown now. Stop hanging around town doing jobs that don't matter. If you don't like the gas station, quit. Go explore. There's an old Ford in the garage, isn't there? Take it. Drive. See what's out there."
"I can't just leave you alone here," Clark said quickly.
He meant it. Even without Axel heading toward Smallville, the idea made his chest tighten. Clark knew how dangerous the world could be. He also knew that no danger frightened him more than the thought of something happening to his mother.
Martha laughed softly and patted his arm.
"Don't be ridiculous. I've lived here my whole life. Every neighbor knows me. And don't underestimate me just because I'm a woman. Your father taught me how to use a shotgun, and I got better than him. If some idiot tries breaking in, I'll show him exactly what a Kansas farm woman can do."
She raised an eyebrow. "Since when did it become your job to protect me?"
Clark hesitated. "But…"
"No buts," Martha said firmly. "Think about it. We've got time. Tell me when you've decided."
She glanced toward the cow. "The vet did decent work, but Jonathan would've done it cleaner. Now, what do you want for lunch? Beef stew and potatoes?"
Clark smiled and hugged her. "Anything you make is perfect."
As he led the cow into its pen, Clark glanced back at Martha. His lips pressed into a thin line.
He hoped Axel would pass through Smallville quietly.
If he didn't, Clark already knew he would not allow anyone to put his mother at risk.
At the Smallville Philharmonic Cafe, General Sam Lane's walkie talkie crackled.
"Report, General. Target confirmed. Axel is driving a stolen Maybach S680 toward Smallville. Estimated arrival in fifteen minutes."
"Copy that," Lane replied.
He placed a firm hand on his daughter's shoulder.
"Lois, listen to me. There's no reason for you to see him again. We stick to the plan. My men intercept him outside town and put him down before he reaches you."
Lois clenched her fists. "I gave him my word."
"Your word won't matter if he kidnaps you again," Lane snapped. "Or worse. I won't look your mother in the eye if something happens to you."
Lois met his gaze, unflinching.
"I know it's reckless," she said. "But this interview matters. Gotham is crawling with criminals, and Axel still stands out. People like him don't come around often."
Lane cut her off immediately. "No story is worth your life."
He squeezed her shoulder once more. "Stay in the cafe. Don't move. Once he's captured, I'll arrange an interview the proper way, the same way I always have."
With that, he turned and left, heading straight for the command vehicle.
Inside, his eyes locked onto the live feed of the speeding Maybach.
Inside the car, Axel drove one handed, phone in the other, following the navigation with mild interest.
He had sent Bartel back to Gotham after reaching Metropolis. Military traps were not something Bartel could handle. Hell, even Batman in his early days would have struggled against open terrain and organized troops.
Axel did not care.
After dumping Bartel, he had found a decent shop, tied up the staff while police surrounded the building, showered, changed clothes, and still managed to slip out before Metropolis PD finally caught on. Their response time was faster than Gotham's, he would give them that.
The Maybach belonged to some rich asshole with a villa. Axel had to admit, the car handled beautifully. He almost wanted to keep it.
Bang.
The steering wheel jolted violently.
The Maybach skidded, spinning before grinding to a halt.
Axel sighed. "Really? A blown tire?"
Old tricks. Predictable. He stepped out with his phone still in hand.
"Alright, boys, relax. You're way too eager, too eager, too eager… what the f—"
Electricity slammed through his body.
His freshly styled hair exploded outward as his muscles locked, his body jerking uncontrollably against the current.
Inside the command vehicle, Sam Lane clenched his fists.
"He's still visible," Lane said sharply. "Operation begins."
The order echoed across the comms.
Axel twitched violently on the roadside, teeth clenched, eyes burning.
"Fuck," he muttered through the shock.