Superman Defeated (latest model)

                                                A Short Day a Long Return

Superman started in horror as the man who identified himself as Lex Luthor walked up to Nikita and tore off her oxygen mask. This time, when submerged inside the phosphorus liquid she would suffocate on what for her might as well be boiling tar.

“No, no please!” Superman cried out suddenly. “Whatever I have done – Whatever I could have done to make an enemy of your person – punish me NOT her. I swear to you, I do not remember you, or what happened between us. But whatever I've done whatever has driven you to do this, I implore you, do not make her suffer for it. She doesn't deserve this. There is nothing she could have done to deserve this. On that I would stake my life.”

“And how can you be so completely certain of that?”

“Because in the 11 weeks since whatever it was happened, she's barely left my side. She has been tireless and endlessly patient with me as I essentially relearned my own life. And she was the first person I saw when I opened my eyes in the jungle. Jeremiah did mention you however. He said you and I have been nemesis since I first came...since I first revealed myself to your world as Superman.” Superman looked down briefly, relieved that he had kept another secret from spilling out of his mouth. “Look, whatever you want from me, you have it. Whatever I have to do, I will DO just stop hurting her.” Superman put his hand to his mouth and bit into his own palm. “You say I'm a monster. Well you haven't said that but you treat me like one. I accept it. I'm not one to lie. Whoever I am, I'm still me and I am not a liar. Whatever you want form me, whatever I did to you or even if I did nothing, don't make her suffer for MY sins. You have no reason to hurt her. And you know that, don't you? She's only here because you knew I cared for her. You dont' have anything against her. Sir, I am actually asking if this is so.” Lex Luthor didn't respond verbally, but casually nodded his head.

“Since I woke up I have learned enough to come to two conclusions. One: I'm alone in the universe. Two: Because of Nikita, I don't feel so alone. I will fight to my last breath for he. If it...” He paused and considered the man in front of him. “Sir, however I have wronged you, do not make her suffer for it. She does not deserve this. You want my surrender, you have it. I will do whatever you ask, I swear it. All I ask is that you let her go free. Luthor, I will BEG for it if needs be.” Catching a look in the man's eyes, Superman actually smiled. That's what you want from me isn't it? To hear me beg you if not for my own life, then for the life of a friend? That's what you wanted from all of this?”

“You really don't remember me do you? And the answer to your question is yes.”

Superman flew over the rampart directly to Lex, his demeanor anything but threatening. “Mr Luthor, I appeal to the humanity I am certain you must have, whatever I did to you, or even if I did nothing, don't make her suffer for it. Take your revenge upon me alone. There must be something that can penetrate my flesh.”

“Short of using Kryptonite on you nothing will. __I take it you don't remember but if I get you around that stuff, a normal medical needle would penetrate your skin. It's also about 30 different kinds of painful for you.”
“Then why do you not...” Superman said, sincerely confused.

“It's not the most accessible substance in the world. Being from 7 galaxies away.

“Find some. I'll happily submit.” Superman pulled himself to his knees but looked steadily at Lex.

“My name is Kal-El of Krypton. I know that much. I speak the truth when I say I do not know anything about you beyond your name. But I swear to you on anything that would matter – I AM Defeated. There is only one thing that can make this bearable. And that is if I could by this act save the life of a friend.”

“It will, if you tell me why you speak of her with such passionate conviction.”

“There is nothing she could have done to deserve this. On that I would stake my life. Whatever I have to do, I will do. Just PLEASE stop hurting her.” Superman bit into his own palm. “You're saying I'm a monster. Well you haven't said that but you treat me like one. So be it. Whatever I did to you, or even if I did nothing and you just hate me, take your revenge on me alone. You don't have anything against HER do you? She is just a means by which to get what you want from me. The most efficient way you knew to bend me to your will.” Lex Luthor gave a look. “What I mean is, you have no reason to wish her harm?”

Lex did not verbally respond at first. “No.” He said finally.

“Then you can let her go. You have me.” Superman fell to his knees, bracing himself on his left wrist as he did so. With his eyes firmly to the ground, he changed the world. “Nikita...” He turned his head away, as if trying to avoid some terrible sight. “...is precious to me. She's more dear to me than I would have thought possible. Spare her life. Let her go free. I beg of you.”

 Lex Luthor gazed down at him, unable to keep the look of delighted shock from his face.