SVsleuth
02-15-2009, 12:07 AM
Together Forever - A Post-Requiem One-Shot
(A/N: Watching the videos is optional, but I think they do add something, and you'll enjoy them. To me, they are a large part of communicating the emotions of Clark and Lana in this fic.)
muscal introduction: How Can I Not Love You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuXbKX7oc1I (video by aloefera)
For the first month after she left Clark, Lana had traveled all over the world, using her abilities to save people. She found it quite exhilarating, and filled every waking moment searching for someone else to save. As the second month rolled on, however, the newness of it all began to wear off, and the loneliness began to seep in.
Lana lay awake at night, trying to get some sleep. But every time she closed her eyes, his face was there, his voice calling out to her. "Don't leave. Stay." She tried to push the memory away, but the harder she tried to fill her mind with something else, the more his face was there.
Finally, she gave in and allowed herself to think of him. Clark. I wonder how he is, what he's doing? I wonder how he's coping.
After much tossing and turning, she finally fell asleep. When she awoke, she found she had been dreaming of him. It was as if all the memories were flooding her mind as she slept. As she opened her eyes, hot tears began to pour out, and sobs from deep within made their way out. How she missed him!
Suddenly, all desire to go out and save the world was gone. Lana found she had nothing left to give. And then his voice seemed to echo in her ears, "What about what WE need?" And she understood him like never before. You just can't keep on giving and giving and giving to the world, ignoring your own needs as if they don't exist.
Oh, Clark, I need you. I miss you so much! Lana sobbed into her pillow. She made no saves that day or the next....
musical interlude: Where You Are
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzXSpvovyN4
(video by hollywoodgirl2005)
***
Chloe scoured the internet daily, searching for news of amazing saves by the newest mysterious superhero, dubbed the "black blur". Cyberspace was filled with speculation about the newest savior: was it a new hero? Or was it the red/blue blur, dressed differently? Theories ran rampant. Chloe just smiled and kept a log of every report she could find on both the "black blur" and the "red/blue blur".
Today, however, Chloe's face was full of worry. Reports on the "black blur" seemed to have vanished a week ago. Could something have happened to Lana? She wished Lana had agreed to keep in touch, but in spite of all Chloe's pleading, Lana had insisted that she had to make a clean break from everything and everyone having to do with her past. Chloe had promised Lana that she would not try to track her down. For days, Chloe had resisted the urge to break that promise. Today, she could resist no longer. She had to know if Lana was okay. So Chloe began to plot on a map all of the places where Lana had apparently made saves, hoping that this would give her some clue as to where Lana had established her base of operations. "There must be someplace where she goes to sleep every night," Chloe reasoned.
***
Clark mustered up what willpower he had left and set about to solve the mystery of the creature who had attacked Jimmy and kidnapped Chloe at their wedding. He rarely slept. He couldn't close his eyes without seeing her face, and feeling the heartache that he tried to keep buried deep inside. Lana had said she would always be with him, in his heart. She was right. But her presence there was torture to his soul, no comfort at all. How could she not understand how much I need her in my life? Does she not need me in the same way? How does she go on?
musical interlude: Still
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDfFMPGK8jw (video by jin3626)
Clark knew Chloe was keeping track of Lana's saves. He was glad to hear about the first few, but by the third day had told Chloe to please stop reporting Lana's every move to him; his heart just couldn't handle it. So he worked 'round the clock, trying to find some trace of that monster, and making other saves in Metropolis, as needed.
For weeks, he'd found no leads on the creature. Then, suddenly, it seemed to reemerge with a vengeance. Reports came streaming in to The Daily Planet. Clark dashed to the scene immediately, not wanting to lose its trail. There was a huge commotion at the Metropolis Sharks' sporting facility, where the creature had appeared and begun to kill people randomly. Panic had set in. People were hysterical, trampling one another in their haste to escape.
Clark sped right up to the creature and spoke. "Leave these people alone. I'm Kal-El. I'm the one you want."
"Kal-El. Well, it was easier to draw you out than I expected," the creature rasped.
"I'll take you on," Clark told him, "but not here. There are too many people here. I'll meet you across town, at Bulldog Stadium." Clark turned and zipped away.
***
Chloe heard the reports from the Sharks' stadium almost as soon as Clark did. She began calling Clark frantically, wanting to plead with him not to face that monster alone and unprepared. She had almost lost Jimmy to that monster. She wasn't willing to lose Clark.
Finally Clark answered his phone. "What is it, Chloe. I'm busy," Clark said into his cell as he stood in the middle of Bulldog Stadium, waiting to see if the creature would appear.
"Clark, where are you?" Chloe asked him. "You can't face that thing alone! It's too powerful." Stay on the line, Clark, stay on the line long enough for me to trace the signal, she prayed, as she frantically worked to trace the call.
"I have to try, Chloe. I can't just let it run rampant killing people. It wants me. It can have me. What have I got to live for anyway? At least the world will be safe."
"No, it won't, Clark. The world needs you," Chloe's voice was pleading with him.
"No. It doesn't. There are other heroes out there. They can handle things. All I am is a magnet, drawing these creatures to this planet. Without me here, they'll leave Earth alone," Clark insisted.
"Clark, how can you say that? That's not true. We..."
Clark cut her off. "He's here. Good-bye, Chloe," Clark said with finality, and her phone went dead.
Chloe punched a few more keys. "Got it!" she said with relief. Grabbing her keys, she headed off to Bulldog Stadium.
***
The traffic was worse than Chloe had ever seen it. It took forever for her to get across town, but finally she arrived at Bulldog Stadium. She ran in, expecting to see Clark in the midst of a battle with that alien monster. What she found inside, however, was silence. A deadly silence.
She could see someone, kneeling, in the middle of the football field. She ran as fast as she could toward him. As she got closer, she recognized him. "Davis?"
And then she stopped as if frozen, horrified at the sight before her. "Oh, my go- -" Chloe's hand flew to cover her mouth and she began shaking. Clark was lying on the grass, in a pool of blood, a large shard of Kryponite protruding from his chest. Her eyes met Davis'. "Is he...?"
Davis had tears running down his face. "He's still breathing. Barely. Chloe, I did this to him. It's all my fault."
"How can it...?" Chloe suddenly realized what Davis meant. "No. No, Davis, that monster...you can't be...," she stammered as she unconsciously backed away from him.
"It's true. Chloe. I'm not who you think I am. And I don't know when he'll come back. But, right now, all I can do is try to save him. Help me, Chloe. I have to get the meteor rock out and try to stop the bleeding. I have to try," he sobbed. "Oh, what have I done?"
Chloe looked at Clark and knew she had no other choice. She had to try to help Davis save him.
Chloe knelt down behind Clark's head and pressed her hands to his chest as Davis pulled with all his might to remove the Kryptonite. A large piece broke free. Davis looked at it. "Damn. That's not all of it, Chloe. There's still a large chunk, buried deep in his chest. There's no way I can get it out. Chloe, I'm sorry," Davis sobbed.
Chloe's tears fell upon Clark's face. Clark's eyes fluttered open for a brief moment. It took a great effort from him. He looked into Chloe's eyes and uttered one word: "Lana".
Somehow Chloe knew what he meant. It was his only hope.
Chloe pulled out her Blackberry and frantically found the information on Lana's whereabouts which she had finally pinpointed just that morning. She began to send urgent messages to Lana by every means she could: text messages, e-mails, phone calls. She hoped and prayed that Lana would get just one of them and would respond quickly.
Suddenly, there was a blast of wind, and Lana stood there, ten yards away, afraid to come closer. She took one look at Clark and knew he was dying. "Clark!" she choked out through the sobs that tried to rise through the lump in her throat.
Chloe looked at her. "Lana, there's a large piece of Kryptonite deep in his chest. We can't get it out. Do you think you...?"
Lana backed away. "Chloe, if I come too close, I'll kill him."
Chloe shook her head. "If you don't try, he'll die. Just use your speed. Hurry."
Lana took a deep breath, nodded her head, then sped to his side, and slid her fingers deep into his wound. She felt the surge of Kryptonite flowing into her body. She also saw the green webs spreading over his chest, and saw pain on his beautiful face unlike any she'd ever seen before.
It really only took an instant, but it seemed an eternity to Lana that she caused him to suffer. As soon as she felt the flow of Kryponite stop, she removed her hand and sped a safe distance away from him.
The midday sun shone down brightly upon them. Chloe and Lana both prayed that it could revive him.
Davis stood up and wiped his hands on his shirt. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I have to go. I don't want to hurt him again."
Before Chloe could reply, Davis ran out of the stadium.
***
Chloe sat beside Clark, stroking his forehead and hoping for the best. Lana moved ten yards away from him and fell to her knees, willing him to pull through. After only a few minutes, Clark began to stir. His eyes fluttered open and met Chloe's as she hovered over him. Clark struggled to speak through the pain.
"Lana?"
Lana lifted her eyes quickly to search for his. "I'm here, Clark."
Clark turned his head toward her and met her gaze. Again he struggled to speak.
"Stay."
Tears ran down Lana's face as she heard him.
"I'm not going anywhere, Clark."
Clark attempted a weak smile, then closed his eyes again, allowing the rays of the sun and Lana's presence to strengthen him and heal his wounds.
musical interlude: Like the Sun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVEIwTDm6f8 (video by MizzyBee123)
For several hours Chloe and Lana stayed there with him, as he gradually regained his strength and the open wound began to close up. As the pain subsided, Clark sat up. He glanced at Chloe then focused his gaze on Lana.
"Thank you - both of you."
"For once, I'm thankful for my ability to absorb Kryptonite, Clark," Lana told him.
Clark stood up and took a step toward Lana, wanting to hold her, if only for a moment. Lana got to her feet quickly and backed away from him.
"Clark, don't. You're too weak. Not now. Please," Lana pleaded with him as the tears spilled over her cheeks once again.
Clark stopped and just held her gaze.
"I've missed you every second," Clark told her.
Lana nodded. "You were right, Clark. I can't keep giving and giving to the world while ignoring my own needs. I'm running on empty. I have nothing left to give. Clark, even if we can't be together, I want you in my life; I need you in my life. I'm sorry I didn't see that before. I thought it would be easier to never see you or talk to you; but it's not."
A smile tugged at the corners of Clark's mouth as he gazed at Lana lovingly.
"Meet me in my loft later tonight?" he asked.
Lana smiled and nodded. "I'll be there."
***
Clark stood at the loft window, gazing out at the full moon. Suddenly, he heard her voice from behind him.
"That's just the way I picture you, every night - standing there gazing at the same moon I gaze at as I think of you."
Clark turned. "Lana."
Lana smiled. "I love the way you say that."
"What?" he asked, not understanding.
"My name. I love the way you say it," she told him.
Clark smiled. "Lana. My Lana." He took a step toward her.
"Wait, Clark. I can't stand hurting you," Lana said as she backed away.
"Lana, not being able to hold you hurts me more than all the Kryptonite in the world. Please. Just for a moment, let me hold you in my arms," he pleaded.
"I have an idea," she said. "Wait, I'll be right back." Lana sped away. She returned in a few moments and threw something to Clark.
"What's this?" he asked as he looked at the garments in his hands. "Oh! Lead lined - from the x-ray department. Well, it ought to help some," he said as he slipped the garments on over his clothes.
Clark moved toward Lana slowly. He could still feel the effect of the Kryptonite, but it wasn't as strong as the last time he was with her here.
"It helps," he said as he closed the gap between them and took Lana into his arms. He held her in a tight embrace for a long moment, then pulled back to look into her eyes. Lana reached out to touch his face, and immediately saw the green streaks appear under his skin. She dropped her hand and pulled away from him, moving across the loft to a safe distance.
"I"m sorry, Clark. I can't stand to see that happen to you because of me," Lana said.
"Lana, I'm okay. Really, I am. But I need you," Clark told her.
"I need you too, Clark. So much." The tears spilled down her face. Lana reached up and grasped the clear stone of her necklace. "Clark, just because Dr. Groll can't reverse the process of my suit absorbing Kryptonite, doesn't mean no way exists to fix our problem. Every time I look at this necklace, Clark, I'm reminded that Kryptonian technology somehow was able to neutralize the green Kryptonite to make it no longer harmful to you.
"I actually had thought about that, even before I was forced to absorb all of the Kryptonite, Clark. It's why I had the necklace out in the first place that day. But I have a confession to make." Lana looked away from Clark for a moment before looking back and continuing. "I'm sorry, Clark, but I lost faith that day. I gave up on us. When I thought back on everything we've been through, all I could see was that no matter how hard we tried, something new would always arise to keep us apart. So I thought, 'What's the use of trying to find a way to reverse this or neutralize the Kryptonite? Even if we succeed, something new will come along to keep us apart.' It's so painful, Clark, to keep trying to be together, and keep meeting obstacle after obstacle. So I gave up. I thought it would be easier to try to go on without you. I tried to tell myself that all those obstacles must mean we're not meant to be together."
Lana wiped away her tears, composed herself a bit, then continued.
"I was wrong, Clark. I see that now. What I now see is that our love is SO strong, that no matter what obstacles are thrown at us, we somehow always find our way back to each other. And THAT'S what really matters. Every obstacle we overcome just serves to strengthen and deepen our love for one another. I don't want to give up, Clark. My necklace is proof that Kryptonite CAN be neutralized. I want you to try to find out how, Clark - no matter how long it takes. And if new obstacles arise after we've conquered this one, then we'll face those together as well. Please forgive me, Clark, for giving up on us. I don't ever want to do that again. I love you. I will always love you."
Clark closed the distance between them and again took Lana into his arms. "I love you, Lana. I forgive you. I know it's hard to keep on doing this, to keep on trying. But our love is so strong. We've overcome so much. We can beat this too, and anything else that tries to separate us. We WILL be together, Lana. I promise you. I will never give up trying. I love you so much." Clark loosened the embrace enough to be able to capture her lips with his own. He kissed her deeply, then released her and moved away again, regaining his strength. He turned back to look at Lana. "I'll go to the fortress tonight and try to find some answers, Lana. I won't give up until I find out how my ship neutralized your necklace and how I can duplicate that process."
"Let me come with you, Clark. Please," Lana pleaded.
Clark heard the pleading in her voice and he could not refuse her. He nodded. "Alright. Meet me at the caves. I guess we may as well go now. Ready?"
"Ready," Lana answered. "Race you," she said with a grin, then turned and zipped down the stairs. Clark raced right after her.
Clark arrived at the caves just after Lana.
"I win," she gloated with a teasing smile.
"You had a head start," Clark teased right back with a huge grin. "Anyway, follow me into the caves. Just keep back a bit, to reduce the effect on me. I kept the lead lined clothes on, but I can still feel the effects of the Kryptonite somewhat."
Lana nodded her agreement. Clark headed into the caves and Lana trailed along behind him, keeping a safe distance. When Clark reached the main chamber, he pressed his palm to three symbols in succession, and the inner chamber opened. Lana's eyes opened wide.
"I don't remember this place ever being here. How'd you find it?" Lana asked.
"It was left here for me. It's sort of a transportation portal, Lana. I'll never forget the first time I showed it to you and took you to the fortress," Clark told her, a smile spreading over his face. I dream about it often."
"What? What are you talking about Clark? I've never been here before - nor to the fortress," Lana said, looking at Clark strangely.
"Yes, you have, Lana. It's a long story...and it's complicated. I'll fill you in later. Right now, we should get on with what we came here for." Clark took the disc from his pocket and moved close to the octagonal table. "Okay, Lana, come join me. We have to do this together." He held his hand out to her. "Do you trust me?" he asked.
Lana nodded and moved slowly toward Clark. Suddenly, a bright light shot out from the table toward Lana, enveloping her completely. Clark stood as if frozen, stunned at this unexpected occurrence. Before he could react at all, the light vanished, and Lana slumped to her knees.
"Lana!" Clark rushed to her side and knelt down beside her, grasping her by the shoulders. "Are you alright?"
"What was that?" Lana asked as they both rose to their feet.
"I don't know. I hadn't even put the disc in yet to activate it." Clark clasped both of Lana's hands in his and looked down at her with concern. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine, Clark," she answered as she reached up to caress his face. Suddenly her eyes grew wide. "Clark! Your face! Your hands! You're not reacting!" Lana grabbed his face with both hands and pulled his lips down to her own. She kissed him deeply, then pulled back to look at his face. "Clark!" She moved in for another kiss. Clark held her in a tight embrace and deepened the kiss, kissing her the way he could only dream of in recent weeks.
When they finally broke the kiss, Clark said, "The portal reacted to the presence of Kryptonite the same way my ship did. It must have neutralized it."
"I wonder if I can still absorb Kryptonite," Lana said.
Clark said, "Let's find out. Wait right here." He zipped away then returned in a flash, without the lead-lined suit. He handed Lana his lead box, which contained a small piece of Kryptonite. He stood back as she opened the box and touched the rock. She felt the Kryptonite absorb into her suit.
"I still absorbed it, Clark," she said with disappointment as she closed the box. She then turned and walked toward the portal. Again, a beam of white light shot out from it and enveloped Lana, just for a moment this time. Clark quickly moved toward Lana and enfolded her in his arms.
"It's okay, Lana. Your ability saved my life today. That's a good thing. Now that we know how to have it neutralized after you absorb it, we'll be fine." Clark took Lana by the hand and brought her nearer to the portal. "Come on, Lana. I still want to take you to the fortress. We have a memory to re-create today." He inserted the key and a swirling light enveloped them. In an instant, Lana found herself standing in a beautiful ice palace, with Clark's arms around her.
"I don't think you need the gloves and scarf this time, Lana. Are you cold?" Clark asked.
Lana shook her head. "No, cold doesn't bother me anymore."
Clark smiled, lifted Lana into his arms, then looked up, concentrating. After a moment they began to fly straight upwards. Lana turned her face toward Clark's and smiled widely, unable to believe they were actually flying. They flew to a platform on the top of a huge column of ice, high above the floor of the Fortress. Clark set Lana down and she stepped away from him, looking around in awe.
"This isn't the first time you've done that, is it?" Lana asked as she looked around in awe.
"We've done this once before," he answered. "But you don't remember. That's my fault, Lana. I was so stupid. But now we have another chance. I promise, I won't screw it up this time."
Clark held out his hand, showing Lana the lump of coal he had collected when he'd dashed home. He clenched his fist around it, and Lana watched in amazement as a golden light shone out from between his fingers as he squeezed it tightly. He opened his hand then, and blew away the coal dust, revealing a perfect diamond. Lana looked at it and then at Clark in wonder. Clark smiled as he took out a gold ring band and placed the diamond on top of it, then used his heat vision to solder them together. He then went down on one knee in front of Lana, holding the ring up.
"Lana, will you marry me?"
Lana looked down at him, overcome with emotion. A smile quickly graced her face as she extended her left hand toward him.
"Yes, Clark, I'll marry you," she answered softly, her eyes glistening with tears of joy.
Clark slipped the ring onto her finger, then stood and lifted Lana into his arms, spinning around with her as she wrapped her legs around him.
When he brought them to a stop, Lana caressed his face, relishing in her ability to be able to touch him again. She then lowered her lips to his once again, sealing their promise with another lingering kiss.
musical interlude: Everytime We Touch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb_zJvDurW4 (video by 2841985)
***
Only one week later, Lana found herself walking up the aisle of the little Smallville church, with her eyes fixed on the only man she'd ever really wanted to marry. It was a very small wedding. Martha was there, of course, and Nell and Dean. Chloe was the maid of honor, and Ollie was the best man. Pete, Lois and Jimmy completed the list of guests.
She met him at the altar, and he took her hand. Such a simple gesture, but one they both appreciated more than ever. What a gift, just to be able to touch him!
Her eyes remained fixed on his, her hand in his. Finally it was time.
Lana looked up into his blue-green eyes and spoke her vows from the heart: "I, Lana, take you, Clark, to be my beloved husband, to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life."
Clark smiled down at Lana and made his own promises to her: "I, Clark, take you, Lana, to be my beloved wife, to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life."
Lana placed Clark's wedding band on his finger. "Clark, take this ring, as a sign of my love and fidelity."
Clark slipped Lana's wedding band onto her finger. "Lana, take this ring, as a sign of my love and fidelity."
The minister then made the pronouncement. "By the power vested in me by God and the State of Kansas, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He turned to Clark, "You may kiss your bride."
Clark needed no prompting, however, as his lips had already captured Lana's. When they finally broke the kiss, the minister spoke once more: "I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kent."
Clark took Lana's hand in his and the newlyweds walked hand in hand down the aisle, with wide grins on their faces. It was a day they had both dreamed of for years, and finally the dream was a reality.
Both Clark and Lana knew there would continue to be challenges ahead for them; but after all that they'd been through, after all they'd overcome, they now knew their love was strong enough to overcome anything. They walked out into the sunshine, ready to face whatever the future sent them - together.
musical interlude: Love to be Loved by You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI30rPtbhFk&NR=1 (video by clana99)
THE END
(A/N: Watching the videos is optional, but I think they do add something, and you'll enjoy them. To me, they are a large part of communicating the emotions of Clark and Lana in this fic.)
muscal introduction: How Can I Not Love You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuXbKX7oc1I (video by aloefera)
For the first month after she left Clark, Lana had traveled all over the world, using her abilities to save people. She found it quite exhilarating, and filled every waking moment searching for someone else to save. As the second month rolled on, however, the newness of it all began to wear off, and the loneliness began to seep in.
Lana lay awake at night, trying to get some sleep. But every time she closed her eyes, his face was there, his voice calling out to her. "Don't leave. Stay." She tried to push the memory away, but the harder she tried to fill her mind with something else, the more his face was there.
Finally, she gave in and allowed herself to think of him. Clark. I wonder how he is, what he's doing? I wonder how he's coping.
After much tossing and turning, she finally fell asleep. When she awoke, she found she had been dreaming of him. It was as if all the memories were flooding her mind as she slept. As she opened her eyes, hot tears began to pour out, and sobs from deep within made their way out. How she missed him!
Suddenly, all desire to go out and save the world was gone. Lana found she had nothing left to give. And then his voice seemed to echo in her ears, "What about what WE need?" And she understood him like never before. You just can't keep on giving and giving and giving to the world, ignoring your own needs as if they don't exist.
Oh, Clark, I need you. I miss you so much! Lana sobbed into her pillow. She made no saves that day or the next....
musical interlude: Where You Are
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzXSpvovyN4
(video by hollywoodgirl2005)
***
Chloe scoured the internet daily, searching for news of amazing saves by the newest mysterious superhero, dubbed the "black blur". Cyberspace was filled with speculation about the newest savior: was it a new hero? Or was it the red/blue blur, dressed differently? Theories ran rampant. Chloe just smiled and kept a log of every report she could find on both the "black blur" and the "red/blue blur".
Today, however, Chloe's face was full of worry. Reports on the "black blur" seemed to have vanished a week ago. Could something have happened to Lana? She wished Lana had agreed to keep in touch, but in spite of all Chloe's pleading, Lana had insisted that she had to make a clean break from everything and everyone having to do with her past. Chloe had promised Lana that she would not try to track her down. For days, Chloe had resisted the urge to break that promise. Today, she could resist no longer. She had to know if Lana was okay. So Chloe began to plot on a map all of the places where Lana had apparently made saves, hoping that this would give her some clue as to where Lana had established her base of operations. "There must be someplace where she goes to sleep every night," Chloe reasoned.
***
Clark mustered up what willpower he had left and set about to solve the mystery of the creature who had attacked Jimmy and kidnapped Chloe at their wedding. He rarely slept. He couldn't close his eyes without seeing her face, and feeling the heartache that he tried to keep buried deep inside. Lana had said she would always be with him, in his heart. She was right. But her presence there was torture to his soul, no comfort at all. How could she not understand how much I need her in my life? Does she not need me in the same way? How does she go on?
musical interlude: Still
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDfFMPGK8jw (video by jin3626)
Clark knew Chloe was keeping track of Lana's saves. He was glad to hear about the first few, but by the third day had told Chloe to please stop reporting Lana's every move to him; his heart just couldn't handle it. So he worked 'round the clock, trying to find some trace of that monster, and making other saves in Metropolis, as needed.
For weeks, he'd found no leads on the creature. Then, suddenly, it seemed to reemerge with a vengeance. Reports came streaming in to The Daily Planet. Clark dashed to the scene immediately, not wanting to lose its trail. There was a huge commotion at the Metropolis Sharks' sporting facility, where the creature had appeared and begun to kill people randomly. Panic had set in. People were hysterical, trampling one another in their haste to escape.
Clark sped right up to the creature and spoke. "Leave these people alone. I'm Kal-El. I'm the one you want."
"Kal-El. Well, it was easier to draw you out than I expected," the creature rasped.
"I'll take you on," Clark told him, "but not here. There are too many people here. I'll meet you across town, at Bulldog Stadium." Clark turned and zipped away.
***
Chloe heard the reports from the Sharks' stadium almost as soon as Clark did. She began calling Clark frantically, wanting to plead with him not to face that monster alone and unprepared. She had almost lost Jimmy to that monster. She wasn't willing to lose Clark.
Finally Clark answered his phone. "What is it, Chloe. I'm busy," Clark said into his cell as he stood in the middle of Bulldog Stadium, waiting to see if the creature would appear.
"Clark, where are you?" Chloe asked him. "You can't face that thing alone! It's too powerful." Stay on the line, Clark, stay on the line long enough for me to trace the signal, she prayed, as she frantically worked to trace the call.
"I have to try, Chloe. I can't just let it run rampant killing people. It wants me. It can have me. What have I got to live for anyway? At least the world will be safe."
"No, it won't, Clark. The world needs you," Chloe's voice was pleading with him.
"No. It doesn't. There are other heroes out there. They can handle things. All I am is a magnet, drawing these creatures to this planet. Without me here, they'll leave Earth alone," Clark insisted.
"Clark, how can you say that? That's not true. We..."
Clark cut her off. "He's here. Good-bye, Chloe," Clark said with finality, and her phone went dead.
Chloe punched a few more keys. "Got it!" she said with relief. Grabbing her keys, she headed off to Bulldog Stadium.
***
The traffic was worse than Chloe had ever seen it. It took forever for her to get across town, but finally she arrived at Bulldog Stadium. She ran in, expecting to see Clark in the midst of a battle with that alien monster. What she found inside, however, was silence. A deadly silence.
She could see someone, kneeling, in the middle of the football field. She ran as fast as she could toward him. As she got closer, she recognized him. "Davis?"
And then she stopped as if frozen, horrified at the sight before her. "Oh, my go- -" Chloe's hand flew to cover her mouth and she began shaking. Clark was lying on the grass, in a pool of blood, a large shard of Kryponite protruding from his chest. Her eyes met Davis'. "Is he...?"
Davis had tears running down his face. "He's still breathing. Barely. Chloe, I did this to him. It's all my fault."
"How can it...?" Chloe suddenly realized what Davis meant. "No. No, Davis, that monster...you can't be...," she stammered as she unconsciously backed away from him.
"It's true. Chloe. I'm not who you think I am. And I don't know when he'll come back. But, right now, all I can do is try to save him. Help me, Chloe. I have to get the meteor rock out and try to stop the bleeding. I have to try," he sobbed. "Oh, what have I done?"
Chloe looked at Clark and knew she had no other choice. She had to try to help Davis save him.
Chloe knelt down behind Clark's head and pressed her hands to his chest as Davis pulled with all his might to remove the Kryptonite. A large piece broke free. Davis looked at it. "Damn. That's not all of it, Chloe. There's still a large chunk, buried deep in his chest. There's no way I can get it out. Chloe, I'm sorry," Davis sobbed.
Chloe's tears fell upon Clark's face. Clark's eyes fluttered open for a brief moment. It took a great effort from him. He looked into Chloe's eyes and uttered one word: "Lana".
Somehow Chloe knew what he meant. It was his only hope.
Chloe pulled out her Blackberry and frantically found the information on Lana's whereabouts which she had finally pinpointed just that morning. She began to send urgent messages to Lana by every means she could: text messages, e-mails, phone calls. She hoped and prayed that Lana would get just one of them and would respond quickly.
Suddenly, there was a blast of wind, and Lana stood there, ten yards away, afraid to come closer. She took one look at Clark and knew he was dying. "Clark!" she choked out through the sobs that tried to rise through the lump in her throat.
Chloe looked at her. "Lana, there's a large piece of Kryptonite deep in his chest. We can't get it out. Do you think you...?"
Lana backed away. "Chloe, if I come too close, I'll kill him."
Chloe shook her head. "If you don't try, he'll die. Just use your speed. Hurry."
Lana took a deep breath, nodded her head, then sped to his side, and slid her fingers deep into his wound. She felt the surge of Kryptonite flowing into her body. She also saw the green webs spreading over his chest, and saw pain on his beautiful face unlike any she'd ever seen before.
It really only took an instant, but it seemed an eternity to Lana that she caused him to suffer. As soon as she felt the flow of Kryponite stop, she removed her hand and sped a safe distance away from him.
The midday sun shone down brightly upon them. Chloe and Lana both prayed that it could revive him.
Davis stood up and wiped his hands on his shirt. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I have to go. I don't want to hurt him again."
Before Chloe could reply, Davis ran out of the stadium.
***
Chloe sat beside Clark, stroking his forehead and hoping for the best. Lana moved ten yards away from him and fell to her knees, willing him to pull through. After only a few minutes, Clark began to stir. His eyes fluttered open and met Chloe's as she hovered over him. Clark struggled to speak through the pain.
"Lana?"
Lana lifted her eyes quickly to search for his. "I'm here, Clark."
Clark turned his head toward her and met her gaze. Again he struggled to speak.
"Stay."
Tears ran down Lana's face as she heard him.
"I'm not going anywhere, Clark."
Clark attempted a weak smile, then closed his eyes again, allowing the rays of the sun and Lana's presence to strengthen him and heal his wounds.
musical interlude: Like the Sun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVEIwTDm6f8 (video by MizzyBee123)
For several hours Chloe and Lana stayed there with him, as he gradually regained his strength and the open wound began to close up. As the pain subsided, Clark sat up. He glanced at Chloe then focused his gaze on Lana.
"Thank you - both of you."
"For once, I'm thankful for my ability to absorb Kryptonite, Clark," Lana told him.
Clark stood up and took a step toward Lana, wanting to hold her, if only for a moment. Lana got to her feet quickly and backed away from him.
"Clark, don't. You're too weak. Not now. Please," Lana pleaded with him as the tears spilled over her cheeks once again.
Clark stopped and just held her gaze.
"I've missed you every second," Clark told her.
Lana nodded. "You were right, Clark. I can't keep giving and giving to the world while ignoring my own needs. I'm running on empty. I have nothing left to give. Clark, even if we can't be together, I want you in my life; I need you in my life. I'm sorry I didn't see that before. I thought it would be easier to never see you or talk to you; but it's not."
A smile tugged at the corners of Clark's mouth as he gazed at Lana lovingly.
"Meet me in my loft later tonight?" he asked.
Lana smiled and nodded. "I'll be there."
***
Clark stood at the loft window, gazing out at the full moon. Suddenly, he heard her voice from behind him.
"That's just the way I picture you, every night - standing there gazing at the same moon I gaze at as I think of you."
Clark turned. "Lana."
Lana smiled. "I love the way you say that."
"What?" he asked, not understanding.
"My name. I love the way you say it," she told him.
Clark smiled. "Lana. My Lana." He took a step toward her.
"Wait, Clark. I can't stand hurting you," Lana said as she backed away.
"Lana, not being able to hold you hurts me more than all the Kryptonite in the world. Please. Just for a moment, let me hold you in my arms," he pleaded.
"I have an idea," she said. "Wait, I'll be right back." Lana sped away. She returned in a few moments and threw something to Clark.
"What's this?" he asked as he looked at the garments in his hands. "Oh! Lead lined - from the x-ray department. Well, it ought to help some," he said as he slipped the garments on over his clothes.
Clark moved toward Lana slowly. He could still feel the effect of the Kryptonite, but it wasn't as strong as the last time he was with her here.
"It helps," he said as he closed the gap between them and took Lana into his arms. He held her in a tight embrace for a long moment, then pulled back to look into her eyes. Lana reached out to touch his face, and immediately saw the green streaks appear under his skin. She dropped her hand and pulled away from him, moving across the loft to a safe distance.
"I"m sorry, Clark. I can't stand to see that happen to you because of me," Lana said.
"Lana, I'm okay. Really, I am. But I need you," Clark told her.
"I need you too, Clark. So much." The tears spilled down her face. Lana reached up and grasped the clear stone of her necklace. "Clark, just because Dr. Groll can't reverse the process of my suit absorbing Kryptonite, doesn't mean no way exists to fix our problem. Every time I look at this necklace, Clark, I'm reminded that Kryptonian technology somehow was able to neutralize the green Kryptonite to make it no longer harmful to you.
"I actually had thought about that, even before I was forced to absorb all of the Kryptonite, Clark. It's why I had the necklace out in the first place that day. But I have a confession to make." Lana looked away from Clark for a moment before looking back and continuing. "I'm sorry, Clark, but I lost faith that day. I gave up on us. When I thought back on everything we've been through, all I could see was that no matter how hard we tried, something new would always arise to keep us apart. So I thought, 'What's the use of trying to find a way to reverse this or neutralize the Kryptonite? Even if we succeed, something new will come along to keep us apart.' It's so painful, Clark, to keep trying to be together, and keep meeting obstacle after obstacle. So I gave up. I thought it would be easier to try to go on without you. I tried to tell myself that all those obstacles must mean we're not meant to be together."
Lana wiped away her tears, composed herself a bit, then continued.
"I was wrong, Clark. I see that now. What I now see is that our love is SO strong, that no matter what obstacles are thrown at us, we somehow always find our way back to each other. And THAT'S what really matters. Every obstacle we overcome just serves to strengthen and deepen our love for one another. I don't want to give up, Clark. My necklace is proof that Kryptonite CAN be neutralized. I want you to try to find out how, Clark - no matter how long it takes. And if new obstacles arise after we've conquered this one, then we'll face those together as well. Please forgive me, Clark, for giving up on us. I don't ever want to do that again. I love you. I will always love you."
Clark closed the distance between them and again took Lana into his arms. "I love you, Lana. I forgive you. I know it's hard to keep on doing this, to keep on trying. But our love is so strong. We've overcome so much. We can beat this too, and anything else that tries to separate us. We WILL be together, Lana. I promise you. I will never give up trying. I love you so much." Clark loosened the embrace enough to be able to capture her lips with his own. He kissed her deeply, then released her and moved away again, regaining his strength. He turned back to look at Lana. "I'll go to the fortress tonight and try to find some answers, Lana. I won't give up until I find out how my ship neutralized your necklace and how I can duplicate that process."
"Let me come with you, Clark. Please," Lana pleaded.
Clark heard the pleading in her voice and he could not refuse her. He nodded. "Alright. Meet me at the caves. I guess we may as well go now. Ready?"
"Ready," Lana answered. "Race you," she said with a grin, then turned and zipped down the stairs. Clark raced right after her.
Clark arrived at the caves just after Lana.
"I win," she gloated with a teasing smile.
"You had a head start," Clark teased right back with a huge grin. "Anyway, follow me into the caves. Just keep back a bit, to reduce the effect on me. I kept the lead lined clothes on, but I can still feel the effects of the Kryptonite somewhat."
Lana nodded her agreement. Clark headed into the caves and Lana trailed along behind him, keeping a safe distance. When Clark reached the main chamber, he pressed his palm to three symbols in succession, and the inner chamber opened. Lana's eyes opened wide.
"I don't remember this place ever being here. How'd you find it?" Lana asked.
"It was left here for me. It's sort of a transportation portal, Lana. I'll never forget the first time I showed it to you and took you to the fortress," Clark told her, a smile spreading over his face. I dream about it often."
"What? What are you talking about Clark? I've never been here before - nor to the fortress," Lana said, looking at Clark strangely.
"Yes, you have, Lana. It's a long story...and it's complicated. I'll fill you in later. Right now, we should get on with what we came here for." Clark took the disc from his pocket and moved close to the octagonal table. "Okay, Lana, come join me. We have to do this together." He held his hand out to her. "Do you trust me?" he asked.
Lana nodded and moved slowly toward Clark. Suddenly, a bright light shot out from the table toward Lana, enveloping her completely. Clark stood as if frozen, stunned at this unexpected occurrence. Before he could react at all, the light vanished, and Lana slumped to her knees.
"Lana!" Clark rushed to her side and knelt down beside her, grasping her by the shoulders. "Are you alright?"
"What was that?" Lana asked as they both rose to their feet.
"I don't know. I hadn't even put the disc in yet to activate it." Clark clasped both of Lana's hands in his and looked down at her with concern. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine, Clark," she answered as she reached up to caress his face. Suddenly her eyes grew wide. "Clark! Your face! Your hands! You're not reacting!" Lana grabbed his face with both hands and pulled his lips down to her own. She kissed him deeply, then pulled back to look at his face. "Clark!" She moved in for another kiss. Clark held her in a tight embrace and deepened the kiss, kissing her the way he could only dream of in recent weeks.
When they finally broke the kiss, Clark said, "The portal reacted to the presence of Kryptonite the same way my ship did. It must have neutralized it."
"I wonder if I can still absorb Kryptonite," Lana said.
Clark said, "Let's find out. Wait right here." He zipped away then returned in a flash, without the lead-lined suit. He handed Lana his lead box, which contained a small piece of Kryptonite. He stood back as she opened the box and touched the rock. She felt the Kryptonite absorb into her suit.
"I still absorbed it, Clark," she said with disappointment as she closed the box. She then turned and walked toward the portal. Again, a beam of white light shot out from it and enveloped Lana, just for a moment this time. Clark quickly moved toward Lana and enfolded her in his arms.
"It's okay, Lana. Your ability saved my life today. That's a good thing. Now that we know how to have it neutralized after you absorb it, we'll be fine." Clark took Lana by the hand and brought her nearer to the portal. "Come on, Lana. I still want to take you to the fortress. We have a memory to re-create today." He inserted the key and a swirling light enveloped them. In an instant, Lana found herself standing in a beautiful ice palace, with Clark's arms around her.
"I don't think you need the gloves and scarf this time, Lana. Are you cold?" Clark asked.
Lana shook her head. "No, cold doesn't bother me anymore."
Clark smiled, lifted Lana into his arms, then looked up, concentrating. After a moment they began to fly straight upwards. Lana turned her face toward Clark's and smiled widely, unable to believe they were actually flying. They flew to a platform on the top of a huge column of ice, high above the floor of the Fortress. Clark set Lana down and she stepped away from him, looking around in awe.
"This isn't the first time you've done that, is it?" Lana asked as she looked around in awe.
"We've done this once before," he answered. "But you don't remember. That's my fault, Lana. I was so stupid. But now we have another chance. I promise, I won't screw it up this time."
Clark held out his hand, showing Lana the lump of coal he had collected when he'd dashed home. He clenched his fist around it, and Lana watched in amazement as a golden light shone out from between his fingers as he squeezed it tightly. He opened his hand then, and blew away the coal dust, revealing a perfect diamond. Lana looked at it and then at Clark in wonder. Clark smiled as he took out a gold ring band and placed the diamond on top of it, then used his heat vision to solder them together. He then went down on one knee in front of Lana, holding the ring up.
"Lana, will you marry me?"
Lana looked down at him, overcome with emotion. A smile quickly graced her face as she extended her left hand toward him.
"Yes, Clark, I'll marry you," she answered softly, her eyes glistening with tears of joy.
Clark slipped the ring onto her finger, then stood and lifted Lana into his arms, spinning around with her as she wrapped her legs around him.
When he brought them to a stop, Lana caressed his face, relishing in her ability to be able to touch him again. She then lowered her lips to his once again, sealing their promise with another lingering kiss.
musical interlude: Everytime We Touch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb_zJvDurW4 (video by 2841985)
***
Only one week later, Lana found herself walking up the aisle of the little Smallville church, with her eyes fixed on the only man she'd ever really wanted to marry. It was a very small wedding. Martha was there, of course, and Nell and Dean. Chloe was the maid of honor, and Ollie was the best man. Pete, Lois and Jimmy completed the list of guests.
She met him at the altar, and he took her hand. Such a simple gesture, but one they both appreciated more than ever. What a gift, just to be able to touch him!
Her eyes remained fixed on his, her hand in his. Finally it was time.
Lana looked up into his blue-green eyes and spoke her vows from the heart: "I, Lana, take you, Clark, to be my beloved husband, to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life."
Clark smiled down at Lana and made his own promises to her: "I, Clark, take you, Lana, to be my beloved wife, to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life."
Lana placed Clark's wedding band on his finger. "Clark, take this ring, as a sign of my love and fidelity."
Clark slipped Lana's wedding band onto her finger. "Lana, take this ring, as a sign of my love and fidelity."
The minister then made the pronouncement. "By the power vested in me by God and the State of Kansas, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He turned to Clark, "You may kiss your bride."
Clark needed no prompting, however, as his lips had already captured Lana's. When they finally broke the kiss, the minister spoke once more: "I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kent."
Clark took Lana's hand in his and the newlyweds walked hand in hand down the aisle, with wide grins on their faces. It was a day they had both dreamed of for years, and finally the dream was a reality.
Both Clark and Lana knew there would continue to be challenges ahead for them; but after all that they'd been through, after all they'd overcome, they now knew their love was strong enough to overcome anything. They walked out into the sunshine, ready to face whatever the future sent them - together.
musical interlude: Love to be Loved by You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI30rPtbhFk&NR=1 (video by clana99)
THE END