The Clana Journals

[SVsleuth]

Sacred - Part 2

Clark is seated on the couch in his loft looking at an issue of Time Magazine with a picture of Dr. Swan on the cover. He stands up and puts the magazine down on his desk next to several large pictures of Kryptonian symbols from the cave walls. He picks up one of the pictures and studies it. It is the symbol that has been tattooed onto Lana’s back.

*****

CLARK’s JOURNAL

I wish I could make sense of all of this. Jor-El says I must find the three stones. One is already in the cave, thanks to my time spent “reborn” as Kal-El. There are two other symbols on that table in the cave - one of them is the same as the symbol Jor-El seared onto my chest before I destroyed my ship. The other was this symbol (Clark stops writing and again picks up a photograph of one of the symbols from the cave wall.) It’s the symbol that was on the transference stone - and it’s the same symbol Lana found branded onto her back when she touched Isobel’s tomb in Paris. I wonder what Isobel has to do with any of this? I wonder why Lana was marked with this symbol of transference?

I felt so bad telling Lana that I couldn’t read the symbol when she asked me. But I really haven’t any idea how Lana and Isobel connect to these Kryptonian symbols and stones. I wonder if she’s learned anything more? Maybe it’s time that we work together to try to figure all of this out. That symbol - transference. Somehow it allowed Isobel to possess Lana - kind of like the Transference stone caused Lionel & me to switch bodies. But Lana couldn’t have switched bodies with her 16th century ancestor - could she? None of this is making sense. Why Lana?

Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to go see her and try to find a way to help each other with all these mysteries.

*****
Clark arrives at Lana’s apartment. The door is ajar and Clark can hear dresser drawers being opened and slammed shut forcefully. He knocks gently. When Lana doesn’t seem to have heard him, Clark decides to venture in to find her, wondering what could possibly be going on with Lana.

Clark makes his way toward the noise and stops in the doorway of Lana’s bedroom. Lana’s back is to him. She leans down to pick up some clothing from the floor, then turns and adds it to her suitcase, leaning down to pack the clothes in more tightly. Clark observes Lana’s tattoo as she bends over and her top rides up. He finally speaks, making his presence known to Lana as she turns around.

Clark: Going somewhere?

Lana pauses for a moment, caught off guard by Clark having just walked into her apartment. She picks up some more clothes from her dresser then looks again at Clark.

Lana: China.

Her tone of voice indicates to Clark that she is greatly upset about something.

Clark: China? Are you serious?

Clark walks farther into the room as Lana goes to her chest of drawers to collect more clothing.

Lana: And freaked out and mad and just about everything else you can possibly imagine.

Clark: Lana, what’s going on?

Lana closes the drawer and turns to face Clark as her words tumble out from her pent up anger.

Lana: Which part? The immaculate tattoo, the fact that I seem to be a harboring a 16th century witch, or that Jason and Lex took off with a map to uncover it all behind my back?

Clark: Why would they do that?

Lana: I don’t know, but Jason said that we were going to figure this out together. But it turns out he has a rather limited definition of “we.”

At this Clark’s demeanor changes as the conversation turns toward the very point that has been contentious in his own relationship with Lana. He sighs slightly, but takes the plunge anyway.

Clark: Well, maybe he has a good reason why he’s not being open with you.

Lana looks up at Clark seriously, as those words strike her uniquely, coming from Clark. Clark notices her knee-jerk reaction to his comment, but continues just the same, somewhat uncomfortably.

Clark: Don’t you think you owe him a chance to explain?

Lana: Clark, you know I don’t give up on someone that easily.

Clark breaks eye contact, and lowers his eyes. Lana continues.

Lana: But I’m not gonna just let him lie to me - even if it is for a good reason.

Clark recovers his composure and answers Lana more confidently.

Clark: So you’re gonna take off and fly halfway around the world just like that?

Lana tries to sound matter-of-fact as she drops the next bombshell.

Lana: Lionel Luthor made all the arrangements and I’m taking the LuthorCorp jet.

Clark’s shoulders drop and his eyes shift involuntarily at mention of Lionel’s involvement. Clark’s reaction doesn’t escape Lana’s notice, and she continues quickly before he can protest.

Lana: And I know, Clark, that I can’t trust him. But he gave me the name of this professor that might be able to help.

Seeing her determination, Clark makes a quick decision.

Clark: Well, then I’m going with you.

Lana looks up with a stunned expression. She stutters as she tries to refuse.

Lana: N - - uh - -

Her eyes narrow and she shakes her head slightly in a negative motion.

Lana: I’m not gonna drag you into this.

Clark answers with an assertiveness that surprises even himself.

Clark: I’m not letting you go alone.

Lana stares back at him, at a loss for words, shocked that Clark would stand by her after everything they have gone through in their relationship.

*****
CLARK’s JOURNAL

Wow! Lana’s taking off for China to find out what Jason and Lex are doing behind her back. She said it had something to do with solving the puzzle of the tattoo & Isobel. Why would they exclude her from that? After all, she’s the one who got the tattoo and was possessed by Isobel. Lana said Jason and Lex had some sort of map that evidently led them to China. Why China? Lana got branded in France. This still doesn’t make any sense. I wonder where this “map” came from, and how Jason and Lex got it?

Lana is sure ticked at Jason for going behind her back - and for lying to her. Jason must have a good reason for hiding it from Lana. Maybe, like me, he was trying to protect her somehow. Maybe he thought it could be dangerous for her to have gone to China with him.

I could see just how determined Lana was to go to China to sort it all out for herself. I knew it would be useless to try to talk her out of it - but I couldn’t just let her walk into something potentially dangerous. So I felt I had no other option than to insist on going along with her to China. In spite of the rift that has grown up between Lana and me, I still care about her - deeply. Yes, I’m still in love with her. Always have been. And I will always protect her, if it is within my ability to do so.

I wonder why Lionel Luthor would help Lana with this? I’m surprised that she went to him to ask for his help. I’ll be even more surprised if Lionel does not have an agenda of his own. That’s a second reason why I couldn’t just let Lana fly off to China alone. This is gonna be weird - Lana and I flying across the world together - and on a Luthorcorp jet, no less! It’s going to feel awkward to have hours alone with Lana. I don’t know what I’ll say. I hope it won’t be hours of strained silence. No, I refuse to let that happen. This could be the start of closing the rift between us. I have to make the most of this unique opportunity to repair my friendship with Lana. I will not waste this chance.

*****
LANA’s JOURNAL

I can’t believe that Clark insisted on accompanying me to China. I guess, as always, he feels he must protect me. Somehow, the thought of having Clark looking out for me is comforting. It is quite scary to be heading off to China, not knowing what to expect. And it is rather unnerving to be taking help from Lionel Luthor. Why was he so eager to help me? What’s in it for him?

It was kind of weird, having Clark just show up at my apartment like that. He hasn’t done that in a very long time. Things have been so strained between us ever since I got back from Paris. One thing he said caught me off guard: “Well, maybe he has a good reason why he’s not being open with you.” That’s what he said in defense of Jason - but I didn’t miss the double meaning. Clark still believes hehad a very good reason to not be open with me. Somehow, he felt he was protecting me by not opening up to me. I still don’t understand that logic. I didn’t accept it from Clark, and I won’t accept it from Jason - if his lying to me is somehow an attempt to protect me. But, somehow, I get the feeling that there’s a lot more to it than that with Jason. If Lionel’s story is true, about Isobel and Gertrude, and Gertrude being Jason’s ancestor, there may be something very strange indeed going on. Jason and Isobel are searching for those three mythical stones, according to Lionel. If that is true, what in the world is so special about those stones? What could have been so important about them that Gertrude would have Isobel executed because of them? This whole thing is getting so weird. I’m glad Clark is coming with me. Maybe he actually can protect me. I still think he knows more than anyone about the symbols in the cave - and the one on my back. I wish he would have told me what it means. Things could have been so different if Clark had just opened up to me. Maybe this whole current mess could have been avoided.

I really miss having Clark in my life. It was kind of neat to have him walk back into it so unexpectedly today. Maybe this trip will be an opportunity for us to finally get our friendship back onto a firm footing. It’s been especially awkward ever since that day he tried to force himself on me in his loft - something he claims to have no memory of, saying it “wasn’t him”. It sure didn’t seem like the Clark I knew, that’s for sure. Maybe it really wasn’t him. Maybe something happened to him temporarily - kind of like when Isobel possessed me. Lionel says Isobel is using me as a “vessel” through which she plans to work to seek those stones. I’m really freaked out and scared by all of this. And even if it seems irrational, I feel comforted to know that Clark will be around, looking out for me.

*****
(End part 2)

[Cardinal]

Lana gets her security blanket back. :)

Clark Kent making a snap decision is so out of character for him. He normally agonizes over what to eat for breakfast, much less like a decision like this.

[NYC300Z]

Yeah this should help them on the road back towards each other. A little alone time on a flight half way around the world! Not to mention the adventures they'll have when they get there!;)

PPMS!

[happycamper]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Clark Kent making a snap decision is so out of character for him. He normally agonizes over what to eat for breakfast, much less like a decision like this. :lol: :lol:

Very apt observation. Still, it is Lana...and it's not like he has to reveal a secret or anything, just something minor like accompanying her on a 10,000+ mile journey as her champion.:\

I like that Lana is beginning to discern the essential difference in the personalities of Jason and Clark. :)


:D :D

[emsfan]

That was great update!!!! very impressive style! i like it som much! update soon:)

[SmallvilleMan]

Clark ticked me off in this episode. I thought he had so many chances to get Lana back in this episode. I mean Lana sets him up so perfectly with some her lines and then he screws it up. Well, not screw it up, but not do what he should.

[NYC300Z]

ppms~!

[SVsleuth]

Wow! NYC - you have 9800 posts! Amazing! I hope to be able to work on this some, later today. No promises of when the update will be though.

[maitriniazngurl]

Great update SV

This was one of my favorite episodes in Season 4. I really love your journals. It helps me understand what's going on in their minds.

Update soon. :)

[clana1fan4ever]

Great update!!
ppms!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

steph one question. are.....you....going..to.....follow...the...EXACT. ..STORY...LINE....FROM....SEASON....4...>!!!!!!! cause that would stink if you are

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by *#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*
steph one question. are.....you....going..to.....follow...the...EXACT. ..STORY...LINE....FROM....SEASON....4...>!!!!!!! cause that would stink if you are
In THIS thread - Yes. I follow season 4, BUT I add the journals, showing that Clark & Lana are always thnking of each other even when they are with someone else. And now that we've mostly gotten past the Jasana & the Clalicia, we're finally getting to the CLANA!!! So what stinks about THAT? You're going to find out WHY Lana decides to go to the prom, and WHY Clark asks her to dance, etc... I'll probably take this fic into Season 5, only for about three episodes. I won't do all of season 5, because I can't stomach it. I'll do through HIDDEN, then instruct the readers who haven't already done so to go read MY version of season 5, HIDDEN: Extended Edition/AClana Future.

IF you want alternate season 4, read my OTHER thread, Alt. Clana Scenes, which has a couple of one shot episode endings at the beginning of the thread, followed by an entire season 4 re-write. I hope one of these will meet your desires.

;)

[Nemu]

About s5 of journals... have you seen the deleted scenes from Hidden? man they had so much potential for lana in one of them... and you kinda used it ;)

PPMS

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Nemu
About s5 of journals... have you seen the deleted scenes from Hidden? man they had so much potential for lana in one of them... and you kinda used it ;)

PPMS
I did? Cool! No, I haven't seen the DVD scenes yet.

[SVsleuth]

Sacred - Part 3

In Shanghi, Jason and Lex get chased and captured.

****

Meanwhile, a LuthorCorp jet soars through the sky, amidst fluffy white clouds. Lana and Clark are aboard. Clark is seated in a large chair across from Lana, who is sitting on a built in sofa. Lana hands Clark several drawings and a map which she had received from Lionel. Clark studies intently the ancient map and the other drawings, especially one of a Chinese temple with the Kryptonian sheild above the entrance, the same symbol Jor-el had once branded onto Clark’s chest.

Without taking his eyes from the drawings, Clark ventures a hesitant question.

Clark: How did Lionel know these symbols were about you?

Lana: There are two answers to that question, and they’re both three time zones away.

Clark glances at Lana momentarily, then stands up, taking a few steps, and glancing again at the drawings. His back is to Lana.

Lana: Clark, um, I’m sorry. I-I feel like you’re the only person in my life right now who doesn’t have an agenda.

At that, Clark pauses, then sighs heavily before replying somewhat flatly, his back still to Lana.

Clark: Lana, whatever their motives are, I’m sure they still care about you.

Lana: That still doesn’t change the fact that everybody seems to know more about me than I do.

Clark: It must be scary to think that someone out there has a plan for you, but you don’t know what it is yet.

Lana looks toward Clark, who is still facing away from her. She hesitates for a moment, then seems to decide to open up.

Lana: Ever since that tattoo appeared, I feel like I’ve been walking around with this huge secret….

At this, Clark turns to face Lana, finally making eye contact. Lana continues.

Lana: …like everybody only knows what’s on the surface, but there’s something inside of me that’s so much more powerful.

Clark’s reply is more an assertion than a question.

Clark: And you’re afraid if people know about that part of you, they’ll see you differently.

Lana looks up at Clark with wide eyes.

Lana: How could they not?

Clark looks away again, thoughtfully.

Lana gazes at him for a long moment, which becomes an awkward silence. She decides to change the subject.

Lana: So, um, what’d your parents say about coming to China?

Clark: Nothing.

Clark walks toward Lana and sits down beside her, staring away from her at first.

Clark: I didn’t tell them. I left them a message.

Clark now looks toward Lana. Lana smiles apologetically, seeming to be struck by the unusual situation the two of them find themselves in. She ventures another thought.

Lana: It’s funny. (Lana glances toward Clark hesitantly.) The two people I ended up trusting are Lionel Luthor … and you.

Clark and Lana look at one another somewhat awkwardly, keenly aware of how circumstances have unexpectedly thrust them together again.

*****
CLARK’s JOURNAL

Finally Lana took a nap, and I have a little time to try to think and sort things out. When Lana handed me the map that Lionel gave her, I was shocked to see that it was the same map I had seen at Lex’s - the one hidden beneath that old manuscript that Bart stole and later returned. I should have guessed that the map and the stones were connected somehow. What was it Lex told me about that map? He said it was the last surviving page from a 14th century manuscript. And he said that Rasputin would stare at it for days at a time, attempting to penetrate its secrets. Rasputin believed the page would reveal a path to “unimaginable power“.

A path to unimaginable power - yeah, a map to the location of one of the stones - the stones Jor-el says Imust find before someone else does. Jor-el said that many seek the stones out of greed, and would abuse the power, leading to the ultimate destruction of Earth. I guess I have no choice but to seek the stones. But it felt so awkward when Lana said she felt like I was the only person in her life who didn’t have an agenda. If she knew that I am actually seeking those stones too, that they have everything to do with me, and my home planet, and Kryptonian things - she would think I was no different from Lex and Jason - just using her to get to the stones. But that’s not true. I wasn’t thinking of Jor-el’s crusade for the stones at all when I insisted on going to China with Lana. I just wanted to protect her. And now, somehow fate has propelled me farther along the path of seeking the stones.

Lana opened up to me a bit - like she used to do. She said that ever since that tattoo appeared, she feels like she’s been walking around with this huge secret, but that there’s something inside of her that is much more powerful. How ironic that Lana feels the need to hide a huge secret - just like me. I understood exactly how she feels. I knew she was afraid that if people knew about that part of her, they’d see her differently. When I said so, she asked, “How could they not?”

That’s exactly how I’ve felt for so long - that if I told Lana the truth about me, that she would have to see me differently. I still feel like that now - that if Lana found out the truth about me and Krypton, and my quest for those stones, she would see me differently.

Lana felt that it is strange that she’s ended up trusting Lionel Luthor… and me. I’m not so sure it is wise of her to trust Lionel, even though I did sense a change in him after the transference incident. But I hope I can be worthy of her trust. I feel like a heel though, because I’m ending up using her information for my own quest, though that’s not what I intended. And yet again, she’s opening up to me, and I am unable to open up to her in return.

I really wish I could open up to her, and share with her everything I’m trying to piece together. But I can’t forget that Isobel had powers that could hurt me. So even if I were ready to tell Lana everything, I can’t - because I cannot tell Isobel everything.

*****
LANA’s JOURNAL

I can’t believe I took such a long nap. I woke up to find Clark had fallen asleep in the easy chair, with some sort of notebook open in his lap. It appears to be a journal. What I wouldn’t give for a chance to read Clark’s journals. I’m sure there are secrets galore to be uncovered there. But I would never invade anyone’s privacy that way.

It’s kind of weird - flying to China with Clark - after all we’ve been through. But I really felt that I needed someone to turn to - and it seems that I can’t trust Jason or Lex. Somehow I always know I can depend on Clark when I am in need. Somehow I know deep inside that he’s always pulling for me, always has my best interests at heart - even when he won’t let me in. And somehow, I always find myself opening up to him very easily. I know I can trust him, in spite of his secrets.

So I decided to show him the map and the drawings that Lionel gave me. I figured that if Clark is going to be on this journey with me, he might as well have the same facts as I have, for whatever it’s worth. I know Clark knows more about those symbols from the cave, those symbols that are on the map, than he has told me. And right now, I don’t care if he tells me what he knows or not. I just know I can trust him - I have to trust someone.

When Clark took his first look at that map, the expression on his face seemed to be one of recognition - almost as if he’s seen it before. He sat and studied the map and the drawings intently. I could see by his demeanor that he was trying to piece something together. He asked me how Lionel knew the symbols were about me. I indicated that Lex and Jason must have told him. Again, Clark seemed to be trying to piece something together. I tried to say something that would let him know that I trust him. But when I expressed my frustration that it seems everyone knows more about me than I do, he seemed to get it right away.

He said, “It must be scary to think that someone out there has a plan for you, but you don’t know what it is yet.” I got the feeling that he feels the exact same way himself. Again I opened up to him, telling him something I haven’t told anyone - not even Jason - about how I’ve felt a power inside of me ever since I got the tattoo. Clark’s response really jolted me. He said, “And you’re afraid if people know about that part of you, they’ll see you differently.”

Exactly! Clark understands. Because he’s going through the same thing - I could sense it. And for a moment, I began to understand why Clark has been so silent about his secrets. He’s afraid that if anyone knows the hidden part of him that they’ll see him differently! He’s been afraid that if I know the hidden part of him that I’ll see him differently. He did actually say something like that once - & I took it that he felt I am too shallow. But I get it now. It hasn’t been about how shallow he thinks I am - it’s about how vulnerable he feels. I can’t imagine anyone not seeing me differently if they really saw the part of me that is hidden. And Clark must feel the same way. That’s how it is when you have this kind of a secret.

When that realization hit me, I felt an awkwardness between us - I felt rather exposed - and wondered if I had already revealed too much to Clark, and now he’ll see me differently. I don’t want him to see me differently. And yet, somehow I always feel able to open up to Clark in a way I never can with anyone else. I still have a connection with him, on a deep level. And even if he still cannot open up to me directly, he has dropped a few hints, beating around the bush a little. And I do understand him a little better.

Somehow I feel like a small piece of the barrier that has been keeping us apart has begun to crumble. I think Clark and I will be able to be good friends again. I’m glad for that, because I’ve really missed having him in my life. Clark will always hold a special place in my heart. And now that I understand a little more about how things have felt on his end, I am confident that we can find a way to rebuild our friendship.


*****

[Cardinal]

Nice to see that Lana is beginning to understand that Clark's unwillingness/inability to tell his secrets has less to do with her and more to do with him. :)

[happycamper]

Lana seems to understand Clark a little better. Does that make it easier for her to accept him as the season ends?

You know, I never thought of Isobel as an additional danger when this was going on. Glad you let me see another reason for Clark keeping his secret in S-4 other than idiocy.


:D :D

[NYC300Z]

They both seem to becoming closer together! This update makes it seem like things will happen faster than they actually do. Oh well the next update should be fun lol

PPMS!

[SmallvilleMan]

I especially disliked that plane scene, when clark decided to make no moves........Like an easy one to Lana said how could people not see you differently would be this: "No secret you could have would change the way i feel about or make me see you any differently than I do now." Come on Clark, that was an easy one!:mad:

[C.A.chick]

Oh my, have I missed a lot. I love the insight on all the different feeling and thoughts running through both Clark and Lana's heads. Its very nice to see the 2 of them finally beginning to get along, even if it is only as friends. I love reading your journals! PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Sacred - Part 4

Jason and Lex are confined in a dark room in the temple in Shanghi. Both claim to be protecting Lana, and neither seems to trust the other. An armed guard comes in and drags Lex out of the cell forcefully. Kryptonian symbols are painted on the wall in the cell.

*****

Clark and Lana enter a crowded Chinese street. They look around with awe.

Clark: It’s hard to believe we were driving by cornstalks this morning.

Lana: We are definitely not in Kansas anymore.

They walk down the street, looking around at all the pedestrians and street vendors. Both sides of the street are lined with closely packed shops.

Clark: So how are we supposed to find this professor--

A Chinese man rides past on a bike, nearly running into Lana. Lana jumps into Clark’s arms as Clark instinctively reacts to protect her. They gaze into each other’s eyes for an awkward moment, as time seems to freeze for them. Clark’s arms are wrapped around Lana, the lower portion of her shirt clasped tightly in his hand as it rides up slightly, his fingers grazing her skin … Clark can’t help but smile warmly at Lana, who lowers her eyes self consciously, as she tries to suppress the smile that is beginning to form on her lips in response. She looks away for a moment, then cannot help but look again up at Clark, seeming to study the look in his eyes. Unnerved by what she finds there, she again lowers her eyes and turns to continue walking down the street.

LANA’s THOUGHTS

Why is my heart racing? Why do I find it hard to catch my breath? I haven’t felt like this since… since the last time you held me in your arms, Clark - that day that you kissed me unexpectedly at the Talon - not long before I went to Paris.* Why do your eyes mesmerize me? Why does the light touch of your hand on the small of my back send electricity coursing through my veins? Don’t let go, Clark. Just hold me longer. I feel so safe and secure in your arms. I miss being here in your arms. I feel so at home here.

What is it that I’m reading in your eyes, Clark? It’s something I haven’t seen in a long time, something I thought was gone forever - but I still see it there - when you gaze into my eyes - the desire - the longing - a depth of love. Am I imagining it? Or is it really still there, Clark? Everything I ever felt for you is rising to the surface, seeming to be released from a place where I have kept it hidden away. Your lips are inches from mine. I have a strong urge to… but I wouldn’t dare… unless you make the first move, Clark. I see it in your eyes. You want to. Oh, just kiss me already, Clark.

…Darn, he’s pulling away. Well, I guess a crowded street in Shanghi is not really the best place for us to rekindle the old flame. Gosh, I’m confused. I’m going to have to sort out my emotions sometime soon.

CLARK’s THOUGHTS

Woah, that was close! Are you okay, Lana? Yeah, yeah, you’re fine. How’d you end up in my arms? Not that I’m complaining. I haven’t held you in my arms in so long. I hope you don’t pull away too quickly. It feels amazing to have you in my arms again. I miss this so much, Lana - I miss you. I can hear your heart pounding, Lana - keeping up with mine. Is it just from the fright - or is there more to it? What is it, Lana? The way you’re looking at me - it’s been a long time since you’ve looked at me that way. Am I reading it right? Lana, your lips are so close to mine. You don’t know how much I want to pull you in for a kiss right now. But the last time I tried that you rebuffed me - you went so far as to go to Paris. I told you then that my feelings for you have never changed - and they still haven’t. Again, we seem to be standing here avoiding what we both want. But I don’t want to blow it with you, Lana. We’re finally beginning to trust one another a bit again, but I shouldn’t move too fast and scare you away. I know you were afraid to get close to me again, afraid that I’d hurt you again by pushing you away. Well, I’m just going to treasure this moment, tuck it away in my heart with all the other fond memories of us, and enjoy this unique opportunity to spend time with you again. Because I am enjoying being with you again, Lana.

*****

Clark keeps his eyes fixed on Lana. Seeming to feel his gaze upon her, Lana once again glances up to meet his gaze, then quickly lowers her eyes and this time does begin to walk down the street.

After taking only a few steps, Lana looks again at Clark, this time holding his gaze as she talks, making an effort to turn her mind back to the purpose for their visit, by answering the question Clark asked before the bicycle incident.

Lana: Um, Lionel said to just take this street, uh, until we find a green rooster.

Finally tearing his eyes from hers as she begins to discuss the task at hand, Clark walks beside Lana down the street. The next time Lana looks up at him, Clark has a hard time suppressing a smile that wants to form on his lips. As soon as she looks away, the full blown smile makes its way onto his face, unseen by Lana, who is now staring straight ahead with a serious expression on her face.

Clark: You know, Lana, I’m not sure we should trust this woman. Maybe we can do this on our own.

Somewhat amused, a smile breaks out on Lana’s face.

Lana: I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that you spoke fluent Mandarin and knew your way around Shanghai.

Clark adds his own smile of amusement to Lana’s as he turns toward her.

Lana touches Clark on the shoulder and points to a shop with a green rooster sign hanging near the door. Clark turns to look where Lana is pointing. Just then, a Chinese woman walks out of the shop and right up to Clark and Lana, as if expecting them.

Woman: Miss Lang, Mr. Kent. I’m glad you guys made it here safely. Do you have the map?

The three of them walk down the street together as Clark takes the map out of his jacket pocket and unfolds it, handing it to the woman. Lana looks around uncomfortably.

Woman: [Excitedly] I never really believed this existed. You have no idea how many fortune hunters have searched for this map.

The woman studies the map intently as the three walk together.

Clark: The temple seems to be located at the fork of a river.

Woman: That’s odd. There’s no river there. But these symbols, they match those on the temple wall.

Lana: So you know where it is.

Lana continues to glance around nervously as if expecting someone to be listening to them.

Woman: I know the place well. There’s no mistaking that symbol.

Clark: Are you sure that this is the only temple with these kinds of markings?

Woman: On this continent anyway. That’s all part of the temple’s mystique.

They stop walking in a narrow alleyway between two shops.

Woman: There’s a myth that claimed an all-powerful god that came from another world and hid a treasure there. The god left some kind of map to it. But the map was stolen centuries ago by European bandits. As far as we know, they never found the treasure.

Lana: Can you take us to it?

Woman: Of course. But don’t show this to anyone. As long as the stone is still out there, there are fortune seekers who are willing to kill for it.

She hands the map to Clark. Lana glances up at him anxiously.

Woman: We need to be careful. Other people may know you’re here.

Clark puts the map back in his jacket and the woman leads them back into the street, toward the temple.

End of part 4

*****
* NOTE: Lana is referring to the Talon scene in Legacy - when Clark kissed Lana, and she kissed him back, but then pulled away - and discussed her conflicted feelings with Lex. It's in the very first chapter of the Clana Journals - where the journals all began.

[Cardinal]

What a promising start for a romantic clinch.

If only one of them had the "stones" to take a step forward, we could have had Clana three episodes earlier.

[Nemu]

well... they are both willing to start sorting out what is happening between them... which is good... very good even...

PPMS

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

well that was nice,steph, but it culd use some more clana adjustments. but one move at a time!

[happycamper]

Yeah, Card's right. The only thing keeping them apart is themselves...sigh.

You could start to feel the tension here, as events began that would eventually lead to the prom and beyond.

But if only...:(


:D :D

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

:D

[NYC300Z]

wow what a moment so much more was brought out of it looking into their thoughts!;)

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Sacred - Part 5

Lex is brought back into the cell, and Jason is led away by the guards. Through Lex’s interaction with the guards, we learn that he had paid them to get info from Jason, without harming him - but someone else paid them higher, and all bets are off. Then Lex is dragged away as well.

*****
Inside the Chinese temple, the Chinese woman is leading Clark and Lana through a large hallway.

Woman: During the cultural revolution, the government destroyed most of the ancient temples. But for some reason, they protected this one. Maybe because it’s always been shrouded in superstition. Villages have refused to cross the threshold, fearful that the god will one day return as he promised.

She leads Clark and Lana into what appears to be a room of worship. Clark looks around at the paintings and carvings on the walls. A certain wall with a painting of a dragon on it draws his attention. Below the painting is a circular indentation in the wall, large enough that a person could step through it if it were a door. Clark notices Kryptonian symbols painted on it in red. He especially notices the symbol which had once been branded on his chest by his ship. He focuses his gaze on the symbols and uses his X-ray vision to look through the wall, seeing some kind of idol standing behind it. Lana notices Clark’s intent gaze at the wall.

Lana: Clark, did you find something:?

Clark tries to shrug it off as nothing much.

Clark: Just more symbols. Why don’t you two keep searching around? I’ll look more in here.

Woman: [To Lana.] This way.

Lana looks back at Clark curiously, as she allows herself to be led away by the woman.

Woman: There’s another chamber in the east wing.


LANA’s THOUGHTS

Clark doesn’t realize I can still read him like a book. I know he saw something. He called it “nothing much” but I could see in his face that it was something much more than “nothing”. I can always tell when he’s being less than truthful. He seemed so eager to get rid of us, I presume so that he can investigate his hunch alone. Well I certainly can’t call him out in front of the Professor, so I guess I’ll go with her and hope Clark finds something that could be helpful and will tell me later.

*****

Lana and the Professor exit the room, moving into another part of the temple. Clark walks slowly toward the wall with the indentation. He places both of his hands on the recessed part of the wall, and begins to push. It is a hidden door, as he suspected, and Clark is able to slide it open, using his strength. Behind the wall is a large statue with its arms sticking straight out like a scarecrow. There is an elaborately embroidered garment, with a scene similar to that on the map. The head of the statue is an ornately decorated mask. As Clark looks at it, the eyes of the mask suddenly flash a brilliant green and Clark is immediately weakened, slumping to the floor in great pain. The eyes of the mask continue to glow at him angrily.


CLARK’s THOUGHTS

That garment is the original map! But why would there be kryptonite guarding it if it was meant for me to find, like Jor-El said? This isn’t making any sense. Ugh, that must be highly refined kryptonite. I can’t move at all. How am I going to get away from it? I’m losing strength fast. I can barely breathe. Could this be how it all ends for me? I wish I had more time. I never got to tell Lana the truth. Lana, I still love you. I really wanted you to know me. I wish things could have been different. If only I had more time, just one more chance. This time would be different - no more secrets, no more lies. No more, Lana.

*****

Lana and the woman are walking down another hallway. Lana hears a sound.

Lana: What was that?

They both look around nervously. Suddenly several uniformed men run into the hallway and toward Lana and the woman.

Woman: Run, Lana!

Two men grab Lana before she can run away. They push her to her knees. Another man grabs the Chinese woman and breaks her neck. She drops to the ground as the other men yell at Lana in Chinese. The third man comes to Lana, pointing his smoking gun at her back. She cranes her neck around to look at him fearfully. Her jacket is slightly raised on her back, revealing a small piece of Lana’s tattoo. Noticing it, the man lifts her shirt and sees the whole symbol. He says something in Chinese to the other men and they drag Lana to her feet, walking her out of the hallway, passing the dead Chinese woman on the floor as they go.


LANA’s THOUGHTS

Oh my g--! They killed her! She said there were people who would kill for that map. What have we gotten ourselves into? They’re going to kill me too! I always thought I would die young. But I never imagined it like this. I wish I could see Clark just once more. I need for him to know that I …

What? They didn’t shoot me? What are they looking at? The tattoo. What are they saying? I wish I could understand Mandarin. Somehow the tattoo kept them from harming me. I wonder why? What do they know that I don’t? I’m so scared. Where are they taking me? I wish Clark would show up. He’s always been there when I need him - and if I ever needed him, it’s now. Where are you, Clark? Help me! I need you.

*****

Back in the main room of the temple, the green eyes of the idol’s mask continue to glow. Clark is still slumped on the floor, gasping for breath, in agonizing pain.

(End Part 5)

[Cardinal]

And thus, SV gives us her very own cliffie in the middle of the ep. I liked seeing that Lana knew he was trying to hide something else from her. It could make their ride home somewhat contentious.

[happycamper]

Bad cliffie, bad...:(

I guess the tattoo wasn't all bad after all...;)

Why is it that Cark could never tell the truth, even when he was trying to help Lana! :(


:D :D

[NYC300Z]

yeah what a crazy cliffie. I wonder how they didn't spot Clark? oh well nice to know they still care for one another!;)

PPMS!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

wonderful!

[SVsleuth]

A/N: Just want to clarify that in Part 4, the kiss Lana remembers as she looks into Clark's eyes is the one from Legacy, when Clark was out searching for Jonathan, stopped at the Talon to use the phone, and kissed Lana. It's in the very first chapter of Clana Journals, where the journals all begin.

[SVsleuth]

Sacred - Part 6

Jason and Lex are being tortured by the Chinese guards with electric current, as they attempt to find out where the stone is hidden. Lana is then brought in, subjected to the electric current, and Isobel manifests herself, in order to protect Lana’s body and then seek out the hidden stone.

Two guards find Clark lying on the floor before the idol. They drag him away. His strength returns and he pushes the guards away sending them flying into the wall. He then seeks out Lana.

As Clark approaches the room where Lex and Jason are being held, he is relieved to see that Lana is there too - until Isobel turns and blasts him with energy which throws him into a wall. He is knocked out.

Clark regains consciousness and frees Lex and Jason. Clark takes them to the main room to see the garment with the original map embroidered on it. The three figure out together that it isn’t a map, but a drawing of the temple as seen through the tree.

Meanwhile, Isobel has taken the map that the guard had obtained from Jason and found the tree. She scatters rose petals on the ground at the base of the tree while chanting words in Latin. The Kryptonian symbol which had been seared onto Clark’s chest appears on the ground, then the ground cracks apart as a pedestal rises out of the ground revealing an artifact in the shape of a horse. Isobel smashes it on a nearby rock, revealing the long sought stone, a metallic object engraved with the same symbol. As soon as she breaks the horse, Clark hears a ringing in his ears and speeds away to the source of the sound. He snatches the stone at super-speed, but then stops nearby (for some unexplainable reason), allowing Isobel to shoot her energy at him again and regain the stone.

Isobel wraps the stone in a fancy cloth then heads to the temple. Clark follows her there and they sword fight over the stone. Eventually as the two reach for the stone at the same time, they are both thrown back by a powerful burst of energy & temporarily stunned.

By the time Clark gets up and goes to find Lana, Jason has already arrived. Lana is herself again and doesn’t remember anything since being taken by the guards. Clark tells her it was Isobel. Lex returns and asks if they found the stone. The stone is nowhere to be found.

*****

CLARK’s JOURNAL

Things are getting more and more complicated. The more I try to find the answers, the more questions I find. This whole thing with Lana and Isobel - it really freaks me out. I mean, here I thought I was going to China to protect Lana, and next thing I know, she and I are in a swordfight over one of those damned stones. It felt so weird. Even though I knew Isobel was in control, I was so afraid I might hurt Lana. I could never forgive myself if I ever hurt her. She didn’t seem to have the same qualms about hurting me, however. When she started chanting in Latin and threw that sword at me, I was caught quite off guard. I had forgotten for a moment that Isobel has powers that can really hurt me. Thankfully the wound healed quickly.

That whole swordfight should never have had to take place. When I got that stone in my hand, I should have sped very far away from Isobel. I don’t know why I didn’t. I guess maybe I was reluctant to leave Lana, for fear I would lose track of her for good. I’m still confused about how Isobel became connected to Kryptonian symbols and the stones of power in the sixteenth century. Were Kryptonians on Earth that long ago?

Isobel seems to think these stones are for her, and is using Lana to get to them. Jor-El says the stones are meant for me to find, and that it is urgent. Jason and Lex seem to have their own agendas as well. Maybe it is all predestined. Maybe in time, everything will come together and we’ll see what the forces of destiny have been working toward all along. For now, however, I don’t understand much at all. It’s like Lana and I are stuck in the middle some cosmic theater production that is unfolding scene by scene, but neither of us really understands what role we are supposed to be playing. And the whole thing just further complicates everything between Lana and me.

Before the reappearance of Isobel, I was just beginning to feel a connection with Lana again. When she ended up in my arms in the street in Shanghi, my heart was racing, and I wanted so badly to draw her closer, and capture her lips with my own. For a few moments, I had hope that maybe there is still a chance for Lana and me. I could see it in her eyes - there’s still something there. But after Isobel returned - well, it’s hard for me to look at Lana and not see that part of her. Will Isobel always be a part of Lana? Or is it possible that she will eventually leave? I once told Lana that nothing could ever make me see her differently and change the way I feel about her. But with Isobel, I can’t help but see Lana differently - because there’s always the uncertainty about whether Isobel might suddenly take control. I have to be so cautious, approaching her hesitantly. And I don’t see how I could consider pursuing a deeper relationship with Lana again while there’s still a chance of Isobel resurfacing. It’s so frustrating. I wish these stones and Isobel and Jor-El would all just go away, so Lana and I could have another chance. I really miss having her close to me. I really want her in my life again.

*****

LANA’s JOURNAL

So I traveled all the way to China and back and what do I have to show for it? Nothing. I don’t even remember what happened. The guards killed the professor, then dragged me down to a damp, dark room, where Lex and Jason were in chains. They had obviously been beaten and tortured. I have never been more frightened in my life. My only hope was that Clark would show up to rescue me, like he always has when I’ve been in trouble. As they bound me to the electrified chair, I kept expecting Clark to show up. I desperately wanted to feel his arms around me again, as they had been earlier in the day. I never feel safer than when I am in his arms. But he didn’t come.

I felt an excruciating pain as the guards sent electricity into me. And then, the next thing I knew, I was waking up in the hall of the temple, with Jason beside me. Clark was there too. He said it was Isobel. I have no idea how I got there, or what I did when Isobel was in control of me - just like the first time. Strange that both times I woke up from being possessed by Isobel, Clark was there. I know he knows more about all of this than he’s told me - the way he stared at the symbol on the wall in the temple, the way he stayed behind to investigate there, the fact that he is always there after Isobel possesses me, the fact that he has been obsessed with the caves and those odd symbols. I wish he would tell me what he knows, even if he doesn’t understand it all yet. I desperately want to get rid of the possibility of Isobel taking control of me again. But I don’t know how to get rid of her. The tattoo is still there. Isobel must still be inside of me, somehow. Yes, I can still feel a strange power inside of me, a power I wish I could be rid of.

Isobel is seeking those three stones of power. Maybe, if I find them and unite them, she’ll have what she wants and then will leave me alone. But I have no idea where to begin to find the three stones that Lionel told me about. How likely is it that I can find them? Lionel said Jason’s mom has been searching for them all her life, and has found none of them.

Jason. Has he been working for his mom all this time? Was our entire relationship just a façade, so that he could use me to help his mother get the stones? Did he know I was a descendant of Isobel? I don’t know what to believe. I’m not sure I can trust Jason anymore. I’m going to have to find a way to test his loyalty to me. And what about Lex? He ran off to seek the stones without informing me either. Can I trust him? No, not right now. I can’t. So here I am again with no one to trust.

The only person I feel inclined to trust is Clark. Somehow, in spite of him not telling me what he knows, I feel I can trust him. I guess it’s because I know Clark - he’s definitely not seeking power. I somehow get the feeling that maybe he’s caught in the middle of all of this just like I am - that his secrets have something to do with all of this. Maybe I’ll go see him. Gosh, it’s been a long time since I sought Clark out in his loft. But I have to go. I need someone to talk to as I try to sort things out. And I’ve always been able to talk to Clark. Maybe there’s a chance that after everything that’s happened , he’ll finally talk to me. Maybe he will at least tell me what happened, what I did while Isobel controlled me. And yet, I’m afraid that, having seen that part of me, he’ll see me differently.

Come on, Lana, be honest with yourself. All of that might be true, but, you know there is yet another reason you want to go see Clark. Okay, I admit it. It’s the connection I felt with him, as he held me in his arms for that brief moment in Shanghi. I felt something that I want to feel again - something I’ve never felt with Jason or any other guy I’ve dated - except Clark. There’s a part of me that really wants to explore that again - really needs to explore that again. I can’t forget the look in his eyes as he gazed into mine for that brief moment. I can’t forget what we once had, and I long for it again. And yet another part of me is scared - scared to even try to go there again with Clark - afraid he’ll pull me close again only to push me away yet again. Can I risk that? The pain is unbearable every time he does that. And still, there’s nothing like the feeling I have when I’m in his arms. I tried to escape this war within myself when I went to Paris. But it follows me wherever I go. Sooner or later I’ll have to resolve these feelings I have for Clark, one way or another. So I guess I’ll start by just going over to see him. What have I got to lose?

*****

(End Part 6)

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

greta update steph!

[Cardinal]

Woo-hoo! Gonna have a Clana scene in the loft!

Strange that now Clark is the one with concerns about Lana instead of the other way around.

Still can't believe the BDA didn't x-ray everyone in sight to find the stone in Jason's pocket...what a maroon!

[NYC300Z]

Lana sure has some feelings for Clark stronger than I would have thought at this point but hey that's always good!

PPMS!

[happycamper]

This was the starting point for re-uniting Clark and Lana. I agree with you, it was because Lana knew she could trust Clark - could always trust him.

During this and times in the past, she let that trust and love overcome her wariness at his secrets, leading to happy Clana. :)

(Another reason to hate S5, when she somehow forgot about all how she could trust him)

More, more, more!!!


:D :D

[SVsleuth]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I hope to be able to write the last part of Sacred tomorrow. :)

[happycamper]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
Thanks for the feedback, guys. I hope to be able to write the last part of Sacred tomorrow. :)
I'm treating this as a promise! :lol:


:D :D

[SVsleuth]

Sorry, hc, and everyone. Looks like it won't be today. My son needed my attention tonight, and he always comes first. I'll try to get back to it soon.

[happycamper]

:(

[SVsleuth]

Sacred - Part 7

In the loft, Clark is seated at his desk staring blankly at his laptop screen. The only words he has typed are “Why I Want To Go To Central State”. The soft sound of heels clicking can be heard. Lana enters.

Lana: It’s kind of hard to take college application essays seriously after the last couple of days, isn’t it?

Clark looks up with a start, eyes wide, somewhat apprehensive. He answers a bit nervously, trying to make a joke.

Clark: I was just trying to figure out if hidden temples and body-snatching witches fits under “community service” or “extra-curriculars.”

Lana smiles at his humor, then becomes more serious.

Lana: Did I come at a bad time? You seemed kind of startled when you saw me.

Clark glances away then back at Lana quickly, then stands up and walks past her as he speaks.

Clark: No. I just, um... I thought maybe you were my parents. I’ve been avoiding them ever since we got back.

Clark’s back is now to Lana. She follows him, shoves her hands in her pockets and questions his excuse.

Lana: And the real reason would be?

Caught in his white lie, Clark turns toward Lana, drops the excuses and answers her more honestly, remembering his resolve to be more open with Lana if he could have one more chance.

Clark: Seeing you speak Latin and throw those guys around the room like toothpicks is kind of weird.

Lana seems stricken by that admission. She lowers her eyes and nods slightly, before Clark takes a breath and continues honestly.

Clark: And even when Isobel’s gone, sometimes I look at you and there’s a part of you I don’t recognize anymore.

Lana reacts involuntarily with a smile and a stifled laugh at the irony in his words. Clark’s face falls, hurt that she would laugh when he was trying to be honest with her.

Clark: What?

Lana can’t help but laugh softly again as she looks up at Clark apologetically, through a wide grin.

Lana: I’m sorry, it’s just that... Do you know how funny that sounds coming from you?

Clark catches on to the irony and shrugs his shoulders with a grin. They exchange a meaningful look and smile for a brief moment. Then both lower their eyes. When Lana continues speaking, Clark raises his eyes again to hers.

Lana: Somehow, I think that the only way that I’m going to be able to put Isobel and all of... all of this other stuff behind me is if I find all three of those stones.

Clark nods slightly, then answers gently.

Clark: I’m sure they’ll end up in the right hands.

Lana: I hope so - because right now, I kind of feel like some random piece of a puzzle I’ll never understand.

Clark answers with a comforting voice and a raise of his eyebrows.

Clark: Well, maybe we’re not supposed to understand it just yet.

Lana gazes at him intently, questioningly. Clark blinks, then looks directly into Lana’s eyes as he replies.

Clark: I get the feeling that our lives are a lot less random than we think.

Lana ponders this as she gazes at Clark for a long moment. Clark gives her a half-smile.

Lana: May-be.

The gaze they exchange seems filled with unspoken words. Lana nods slightly then smiles at Clark warmly.

Lana: Good night, Clark.

Lana turns toward the stairs. Clark watches her go, a slight smile forming on his lips.
He then hears a beep from his laptop and walks back to the desk to check his email. He finds a new e-mail from Virgil Swann.


CLARK’s JOURNAL

I was really surprised when Lana came to see me. It’s been a long time since she came up to the loft just to talk. I miss those days. I enjoyed having her here again, if only for a few minutes.

I have to admit, though, that when I first heard her voice, I reacted instinctively as if she were Isobel. I was relieved to find that she wasn’t - although there’s something different about her still - a part of her I don’t really know or understand.

Lana believes that the stones are meant for her - that until she finds them, she can never be free of Isobel. What if that’s true? What if Jor-El was wrong and the stones are really meant for Lana, and not for me? What if Jor-El is the one who is using me to seek the stones out of greed for the power promised from the stones? Jason has his own reasons for seeking the stones, as does Lex - and Lionel. Each of us has our own reasons for thinking that we are the one who must find and unite the stones. Am I any different from the others? What if those stones aren‘t meant for me after all? I mean, the original map was guarded by kryptonite. Why would it be, if the stones were meant for me to find?

Only, I can‘t get Jor-El’s warning out of my head - that if I do not find and unite these stones right away, that someone else will, and will abuse the power. I can see how putting great power into the hands of Lex or Lionel - or even Isobel - could be disastrous.

It seems like too much of a coincidence that both Lana and me have a link to those stones. Maybe that’s not as random as we think. Maybe Lana and I are meant to find them together - meant to help one another, and to be an important part of each other’s lives again. I’d like that. I’d like that very much. I’m glad we’re beginning to mend our friendship.

It’s funny. Whenever Lana looks up at me for a long moment, my heart rate quickens, and a wave of emotion floods through me. That has never happened, except with Lana. Something about her calls out to me - I feel a connection to her that I cannot explain. I get the urge to enfold her in my arms and never let go. But I can’t - not as long as Isobel is still there. Then again, maybe Isobel will always be there. Can I accept all of Lana, even the part that is strange? Would she accept all of me - all the strange things about me - if she knew everything?

*****
LANA’s JOURNAL

Maybe we’re not supposed to understand it just yet…. I get the feeling that our lives are a lot less random than we think.

Those words of Clark’s really impressed me. Somehow I got the sense that he and I are meant to figure this out together - that we were always meant to have our lives cross in a unique way. And yet, Clark seemed reticent - keeping his distance from me. He tried to explain it away at first, but then admitted the truth - that seeing Isobel - experiencing that part of me - kind of freaked him out. My heart sank, my hopes were dashed as he confirmed my fear - that he’d see me differently. It hurts. I wonder if he can ever feel the same about me as he once did - or if that is gone forever, thanks to Isobel.

I guess maybe all those times that Clark couldn’t tell me his secrets - maybe it was because he feared the same - that I would see him differently.

And yet, I got a strange feeling that Clark has some role in this whole drama about the stones. He said “maybe we are not supposed to understand it just yet” - as if it involves him in some way too. It wasn’t really anything he said - just his body language, and the way he looked at me.

Of course, I might be imagining things, just because I always seem to go weak in the knees whenever Clark gazes into my eyes. Maybe I’m trying to read too much into it. I don’t know. In any case, I’m glad Clark and I have begun to repair our friendship. It’s been so long since I’ve visited him in his loft - too long. We have a lot of memories there. I see them everywhere I look in his loft. So many fond memories of a simpler time in our lives. I wish we could go back to those days. I didn’t realize just how much I’ve really missed having Clark in my life. There’s something about him - something mysterious that I can’t quite figure out. And yet, it draws me toward him. How I long to be held again in his comforting arms!

I hope Clark can get past Isobel, and still see me the way he always has. I really wish to be rid of her for good. I only wish I knew how to accomplish that. I told Clark that maybe if I find all of the stones I’ll be able to put Isobel behind me. He said something about them “ending up in the right hands” - almost as if he knew who should have them - maybe him? I guess in time it will all make sense. Clark seems to think so. I hope he’s right.

*****
(ONE more part to Sacred - Then back to Alt. Clana. )

[Cardinal]

Way to go, Clark. That's it, make the girl you love feel like a freak. So much for Lana coming over because she felt a spark on the street in Shanghai. :\

[happycamper]

2nd, again :)

No, I disagree. ;) Clark's words gave Lana an insight into how Clark might feel, and allowed her to better grasp her own feelings for Clark.

Of course, it's just more mischance and angst. The fates never were on their side. :(


:D :D

[Cardinal]

The fates...AL/Miles...whoever you want to blame is fine with me. ;)

[NYC300Z]

So much in that short scene. More than I ever noticed on the show. It makes the rest of the season make more sense!;)

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Sacred - Part 8

JASON’s JOURNAL

I was shocked at what I saw when I entered the temple. Isobel was hovering in the air, then Clark jumped toward her, ripped her pocket, and the stone fell to the floor. Clark reached for the stone, but Isobel grabbed his wrist. When she did so, Clark and Isobel were thrown apart with a powerful force. They were both knocked out just long enough for me to pocket the stone.

So Isobel found the stone, and Clark tried to take it from her? Why? And how the hell did he move that fast? That’s the second time I’ve witnessed his speed - the first being when he saved my life in the locker room during that spiked Gatorade incident. Clark may not be the disinterested party that he pretends to be in this whole hunt for the stones.

So what do I do with the stone, now that I have it? It seems just about everyone wants it. Well, I’m certainly not giving it to Lex or Lionel or Clark. That leaves three options: keep it and tell no one, give it to Lana, or give it to my mother. Lana is obviously upset with me. I’m not sure where we stand at the moment. I’m not sure what to expect from Isobel either - but if these stones can increase her power, I don’t want to see them in her hands. As for my mother, she has been searching for those stones her entire life long. All those vacations we took to the far corners of the earth. I never realized they were just part of her obsession with finding those stones. My mother says Isobel is out to kill her - and me, and all of Gertrude’s descendants. Might she be right? Isobel even said I was doomed to pay for my ancestors’ mistakes. I wish I really understood what all of this is about. It feels like Lana and I are involuntary players in some sick game being played out by our ancestors. I wish I could protect Lana from all of this. But do we really get a choice in our own destinies? Or are Lana and I destined to live out this nightmare, until either Gertrude or Isobel obtains her revenge? My mother’s words haunt me: “Then you’re in love with a girl that may kill our entire family.”


*****

Lana opens her apartment door and finds Jason standing outside. She stares at him coldly, offering no greeting at all.

Jason: Can I at least come in?

Lana thinks about it for a few moments, then opens the door but turns her back to him and walks toward the kitchen. Jason steps inside as Lana pours a cup of tea.

Jason: I guess I don’t have to ask why I haven’t heard from you since we got back from Shanghai.

Lana doesn’t respond. Jason closes the door, then walks slowly toward Lana.

Jason: I’m sorry I lied to you.

Lana keeps her back to him and picks up her mug of tea as she replies with subdued anger.

Lana: I don’t even know which lie you’re apologizing for - that you said you were in Metropolis when you were really in China or that you’ve been working with your mom all along.

Lana takes a sip of her tea.

Jason: I wasn’t honest about going to China because I didn’t want to put you into danger. If you remember a certain torture chair, I’d say that’s pretty decent foresight. (Lana still doesn’t respond.) You have to believe me.

Lana finally turns to face Jason, answering him with a challenge.

Lana: Give me one good reason.

Jason: Okay.

Jason reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a red embroidered handkerchief, setting it on the counter. He unfolds it carefully, revealing one of the stones of power. Lana stares at it in amazement as she sets her mug on the counter.

Jason: Is that good enough?

Lana gazes in disbelief at Jason and then back at the stone, beginning to walk toward it.

Lana: Jason, how did you--

Jason: I got there right before Lex. I saw you and Clark knocked out. And there it was right in front of me. I didn’t want Lex or Clark to know about it, so I mailed it to myself from China.

Lana stares at the stone, seeming to be fascinated with it, beginning to breathe heavily, eyes wide. She suddenly turns to Jason questioning him with urgency.

Lana: Did you tell your mom?

Jason: I got it for you.

At these words, Lana’s expression begins to change. She turns her attention back to the stone, gazing at it covetously.

Jason: All I care about is protecting you, okay? You’re the only one in my life that matters to me.

Lana’s breathing becomes heavier as she stares spellbound at the stone. She is unable to respond to Jason. Jason realizes that Isobel’s lust for the coveted stone is overpowering Lana’s ability to respond to him herself.

Jason: Blink twice if you can understand me.

Lana slowly turns her head and looks at Jason for a long moment. His eyes show anxiety and fear as he awaits a response. Lana finally succeeds in blinking twice. Jason breathes a sigh of relief and smiles. Lana also breaks into a smile then embraces Jason. He wraps his arms around her loosely and rubs her back, a look of concern coming over his face. Lana/Isobel glances toward the stone with a smile of triumph, as if thinking, “At last! A stone of power is mine at last!”

*****
LANA’s JOURNAL

So Jason ended up with the stone in Shanghi. I had become convinced that Lex was right - that Jason has been aware of Isobel all of his life - that he grew up in a household filled with information about her.


But, Jason didn’t give the stone to his mom. He brought it to me. He insists that he only cares about me. What if he didn’t know what his mother was up to all that time? What if he really is only involved in this because of me? What if all he really wants is to be with me? He sounded so sincere. Maybe I was too quick to judge him.

Even though I don’t remember most of what happened in China, when I laid eyes on that stone, I knew what it was - no, Isobel knew. I could feel her power strengthen within me. I could feel her lust for the power, for the stone. I just want to be rid of all of this - rid of the stones, rid of Isobel. Maybe that’s what Jason wants too. I’ll have to devise a way to find out definitively just where Jason really stands concerning all of this.

*****

JASON’s JOURNAL

I decided to bring the stone to Lana. I gave it to her, to show her that she’s the only one I really care about. But I didn’t count on Isobel’s reaction to the stone. It was like her zeal for the stone overtook Lana, and Lana couldn’t even respond to me. I remembered what my mother said - that Isobel means to kill all of Gertrude’s descendants. For a moment, I began to fear for my life, wondering if Isobel would fully take control of Lana yet again, and come after me. And for the first time, I realized why my mother has been so passionate about finding the stones - it’s just her survival instinct. She’s trying to protect our family.

I thought I could be with Lana, and just forget about Isobel. But closing my eyes to reality won’t make the real danger go away. I cannot ignore Isobel and just go on together with Lana pretending Isobel isn’t inside her. Doing so could very well cost me my life. The fact is, Isobel does inhabit Lana. Isobel does wield great power - I’ve experienced it myself, the first time Isobel reared her head.

I cannot find the stones for Lana. Giving them to Lana is really giving them to Isobel, thus giving her more power to eliminate my entire family. I cannot let that happen. Is the only way for Lana to ever be free of Isobel for her to complete Isobel’s quest of revenge against Gertrude? If so, there may be only one way for me to truly help Lana: sacrifice my own life, in order that Lana may be free. I’m not sure I have it in me to do that. As much as I love Lana, and as much as I want her to be free, I don’t think I can sacrifice myself, my mother and our entire family. So maybe all I can do is make sure none of the other players ever finds all three stones - and keep all of the stones away from Isobel. I guess my only option is to find those stones myself.


*****
Clark enters the Kent kitchen. Jonathan and Martha are there playing a card game at the counter.

Jonathan: Well, I do hope you brought us a souvenir.

Clark: I know that going to China is grounds for a serious lecture, but I didn’t have a choice.

Clark removes his book bag from his shoulder, sets it down, then turns to face his parents.

Jonathan: All right, Clark. At least please tell us that the stone is safe in the cave with the other one.

Clark speaks somewhat nervously.

Clark: Look, even though there was kryptonite guarding the original map, I got the stone in my hand. But I lost it.

Martha: Clark, I don’t understand. If these stones were intended for you to find, why would they be surrounded by kryptonite?

Clark: Yeah, it makes me wonder if they really were meant for me. But right now we have another problem.

Clark begins to speak more animatedly.

Clark: Before he died, Dr. Swann sent me one last e-mail. He said he’d been searching for the stones for years, and even with the vast resources at his disposal, it was futile. I was his last hope. That’s why he asked Bridgette Crosby to give me the one stone he did find.

Martha’s face clouds with fear.

Martha: Which stone?

Clark: That’s the thing. I called her numbers. They were all disconnected. No one even claims to have known her. It’s like she never existed.

The worry is evident on Martha and Jonathan’s faces.

*****
CLARK’s JOURNAL

What are these stones, anyway? Where did they come from? How did they get here? Who hid them? Why was Dr. Swann looking for them? What else did he know about the stones, and their connection to Krypton? Why couldn’t he find them, even with all of his vast resources? Why couldn’t he, but Lex and Lionel could? Why did Dr. Swann think I could find them? The only one I found was when Jor-El made me into Kal-El, and I could fly and had enhanced powers. So many, many unanswered questions!

I was relieved that Mom and Dad didn’t overreact to my taking off for China without permission. I could tell that my being involved with these Kryptonian stones makes them extremely nervous, and very worried. I know they’re afraid I’m getting myself into something I don’t understand, and that I might get hurt, or be changed again. I know they don’t trust Jor-El. But Dr. Swann said I must trust Jor-El, and that it is urgent for me to do so. I’m scared too. But I can’t just do nothing, and allow these dangerous stones to get into the hands of the Luthors or someone worse.

And yet, I do wonder why the original map was guarded by kryptonite. And I do wonder how Dr. Swann got one of the stones in his possession. And I am freaked out by Dr. Crosby’s disappearance. How could she just drop out of existence? Who could orchestrate that? Only someone who obviously already wields great power.

When Mom asked, “Which stone?” I could see the fear in her face. I knew she was remembering when I was Kal-El, and Dr. Crosby brought Mom a black-K stone, which helped me get free from Kal-El. I knew she was wondering if that might have been the stone in question. But, I don’t think it is. One stone is in the cave. Another is the transference stone that I left behind at the jail after switching back with Lionel. The third is the one I had in my hand briefly in China. Am I supposed to unite them, like Jor-El said? Is that part of my “destiny”?

I know my parents are very reluctant for me to be involved in all of this again. They want me to just pretend to be a normal teenager living a normal life. But closing my eyes to the reality unfolding all around me won’t make it go away. I have to face it. Yes. I have to seek out Jor-El, in spite of my parents’ fears. I will.

*****

Clark is in the hidden chamber in the underground cave staring seriously at the stone altar. His face shows apprehension as he thinks about trusting Jor-El, after everything he’s gone through with him in the past, especially the “re-birth” as Kal-El, the branding of his chest, and all of his talk about “destiny”. Dr. Swann’s voice rises up from his memories to guide him.

“Kal-El, you must write your own destiny.”

Clark remains next to the altar, staring at it fearfully as he weighs his options.

*****
(End of SACRED)

[Cardinal]

So this is the ep where Jason goes over to the dark side!

Once again, Lana will need someone she can trust. I wonder who that could be? :lol:

And how DID the Luthors manage to find the stones after searching for them for such a short period of time (especially Lex)?

[NYC300Z]

2nd! Yeah Jason's motives were really obscure at this time this kind of helps us out! Clark is really confused lol it shouldn't be this hard for him lol

PPMS!

[happycamper]

3rd :)


So the realization that Lana still has Isobel within her is what makes Jason turn away from the good within himself? :( It almost makes me feel sorry for him and what happens later. Although it is certainly a better motive than mere jealousy (from the prom) that Smallville gave us.

And what of Lana’s feelings for Clark. It seems here that she’s willing to give Jason a second chance. :mad:

Poor Clark. Bewildered as always! :lol:


:D :D

[SVsleuth]

Clana Journals: LUCY


Lois’ sister Lucy comes to stay with her for a while at the Kents’ home. Clark has to learn to live with two Lanes and tries to help Lucy out of a mess in which she has gotten herself involved. Clark and Lana have no interaction with each other in this episode. There are only a couple of scenes pertinent to this fic.

*****

Jason and Lana enter the Talon wearing running clothes. They make their way up the stairs toward Lana’s apartment.

Jason: You know, you cheated on that last stretch, young lady. I had you beat.

Lana links her arm with Jason’s, playfully.

Lana: Well, I only offered you a kiss. Didn’t think you’d actually fall for it.

Lana pushes Jason out of the way and runs up to the apartment. He grins and follows her. When they enter, they both stop abruptly, looking around the room in distress.

Lana: Oh, my God.

The apartment has been ransacked. Chairs have been tipped over, and the contents of the shelves have been strewn on the floor.

Jason: Hold on.

Jason goes to the open bathroom door and looks inside. Then he closes the door and comes back to Lana.

Jason: Is anything missing?

Lana: I don’t know.

Lana runs to her dresser and looks at her jewelry box.

Lana: My jewelry is still here. (She picks up her wallet from the bed.) My wallet’s right where I left it.

Jason: Okay, well, if nothing valuable is missing, then...

They share a look of realization.

Lana: The stone.

Lana and Jason run to the fireplace. Jason removes a loose brick from the base of the fireplace and pulls out a small box. He opens the box and it is empty. Lana puts her hand on her head in panic and walks away from the fireplace. Jason drops the empty box on the hearth and stands up, moving toward Lana. He questions her, in an almost accusatory tone.

Jason: Who else could’ve known it was here?

Lana: I - I don’t know.

Jason continues walking toward Lana.

Jason: Well, no one saw me take it in China.

Lana looks away, groping for a plausible explanation.

Lana: Maybe, uh, maybe Lex or Lionel figured it out.

Jason: Or Clark.

Lana’s face falls as she hears Jason doubt Clark. She looks up at him quickly. Jason’s eyes narrow as he studies her reaction.

Jason: I mean, you always said there was a side of him that you never really knew.

Lana replies passionately.

Lana: I don’t care who did this, Jason. I don’t care about these stones. I just want to forget they ever existed.

Jason: Lana, this isn’t some bad dream that you can just blink away. This is real life. We have to find that stone.

Jason walks past Lana. Lana grabs his arm and turns him back toward her.

Lana: No. We don’t. Jason, our relationship has become more about chasing artifacts than it is about you and me. And that isn’t a relationship. Remember when our biggest problem was trying to find a place to steal a kiss?

Jason stares at Lana seriously, as if realizing the truth in what she is saying.

Jason: Yeah, you usually preferred under the bleachers.

Lana looks away as she continues.

Lana: Well, there is no reason why we can’t go back to those days, without worrying about break-ins and artifacts and the Luthors.…. and Clark Kent.

Lana finally meets Jason’s eyes with her own.

Jason searches Lana’s eyes for a moment, then nods slightly. He answers somewhat uncomfortably.

Jason: You’re right. Then whoever took the stone, they can just keep it. And, uh…, and we’ll just concentrate on the only thing that really matters. Us.

Lana nods as she looks up at Jason hopefully.

*****
LANA’s JOURNAL

I tried to act normal with Jason this morning, going for a jog with him, and even tricking him with an offer of a kiss. I’m sure he doesn’t suspect that I staged the break-in to test his loyalty. But I had to do it. I have to know if Jason still really cares about me and not just about those stones. I have to know for certain if his loyalty is to me or to his mother, and her quest. It seems by his giving the stone to me, that maybe my suspicions were unwarranted. Maybe I misjudged him, and Jason has just been looking out for me all along.

I hope my little deception doesn’t backfire on me, though. Jason seemed a little too eager to suspect Clark, just as much as Lex or Lionel. I really don’t want him to bother Clark. I’m convinced Clark is caught up in all of this in a similar way as I am - that it’s part of his secrets - and I don’t want to be the cause of more trouble for him. We’re finally on friendly terms again, and I don’t want to mess that up.

Hopefully, Jason won’t be bothering anyone about the stones. He said he would drop the search and just focus on “us” - though he did seem somewhat reluctant. So now I’ll just watch him closely, and find out what he does. Actions speak louder than words. His actions will show where his true passion lies.

*****

JASON’s JOURNAL

I can’t believe after all the research we’ve done, and even a trip to China, Lana just wants to drop the whole thing. Why would she want to do that? I thought she wanted to find out why all of this is happening to her.

I understand that she wishes we could go back to the way things were in Paris - but we can’t ignore the realities of life. Isobel does inhabit Lana, and Isobel does want the stones - and Isobel does want revenge on Gertrude, and intends to take it out on me and my mother.

That’s got to be it. It’s not really Lana who wants us to stop searching for the stones - it’s Isobel who wants me to stop searching for them, so that she can find them herself, and gain enough power to get her revenge. I cannot allow her to succeed. I must find that stone. I should have kept it when I had it. Why did I think it would be safe to give it to Lana? I was so stupid, not realizing that Isobel is the one who is really in control. I guess I was blinded by love. Maybe the Luthors, or Clark did me a favor by stealing the stone. It will be easier to get it from them than to get it back from Isobel.

Lana seemed reluctant to think that maybe Clark was the one who stole the stone. It seems something changed between them on the trip to China - she seems less suspicious of him, and more willing to trust him than to trust me. There are a lot of things about Clark that don’t add up. I saw him try to take the stone from Isobel. I saw his unusual speed. There are a lot of reasons to suspect Clark - yet Lana seems ever ready to overlook them, to give him the benefit of the doubt. I don’t know why, but I just don’t trust him.


*****

Lois is taking a woman’s order at the Talon. The woman is seated at the table. Lois is wearing an apron and carrying a serving tray and notepad.

Woman: I need a, uh, half-half soy latte, no foam, no whip, and a, uh, blueberry muffin top, hold the stem.

Lois: (To herself as she walks away.) Whatever happened to regular old black coffee?

Lois walks behind the bar, passing Lex and Clark who are standing at the bar.

Lex: (To Clark.)Two Lanes under one roof. That’s got to be interesting.

Another waitress hands both Clark and Lex a cup of coffee. Clark answers, somewhat jokingly.

Clark: Well, I haven’t had a hot shower in two days, and the laundry machine is running nonstop. The phone line is consistently busy.

Lex smiles sympathetically. Clark shrugs.

Clark: No, it’s nice having them around. I mean, it kind of takes the loneliness out of the house.

Lex answers sarcastically.

Lex: Yeah, I always hated the sound of a quiet home.


*****
CLARK’s JOURNAL

It’s kind of strange having Lois and her sister living with us. Lucy is kind of cute, but not really my type. Lois has been acting strange ever since Lucy arrived. She even opened up to me about her life. That felt a bit weird. But it helped me to understand her a bit more - to see why she’s so abrasive. It’s all just a façade.

As for me, I’m not sure how long I can take these living arrangements. No hot water, the phone always tied up, and I get to sleep on the sofa. I told Lex that at least it kind of takes the loneliness out of the house. I guess what I really mean is that they distract me from my tendency to sit around missing Lana. I was really glad when she came to see me the other day. I hope we’ll see each other more often now. I really do miss her. Two Lanes are a poor substitute for one Lang.

*****

At Lex’s mansion, Lionel is in the guest house meticulously cleaning a pocket watch when Jason barges in. He walks toward Lionel and speaks in a low, threatening tone.

Jason: Luthor, where is it?

Lionel: Well, perhaps you can tell me what it is you want.

Jason: You know exactly what it is I want. You gave me that map because you knew I’d end up in China, and you knew I’d find that stone.

Jason walks over to the bookshelf and starts knocking books onto the floor, looking for the stone.

Jason: It was all one big calculated ploy, wasn’t it?

Lionel: If I had the foresight which you attribute to me, I wouldn’t need any ancient artifacts to help me.

Jason: If you’ve got any kind of foresight, you will let me know where that stone is right now. Otherwise, this is gonna get very ugly.

Lionel: Oh, so now in addition to hurling accusations, you decide to threaten me?

Jason: You break into her apartment, you go through her private things--

Lionel: I assure you, breaking and entering is not my style.

Jason continues to search around the room, throwing things out of his way.

Lionel: Your lost treasure isn’t here, Mr. Teague. You’ll have to look somewhere else. Good day.

In a rage, Jason grabs Lionel off of the couch and shoves him against the bookshelf.

Jason: I’m not going anywhere, Luthor, until you give me that stone or you convince me that you didn’t take it.

Lionel: You storm in here, you accuse me of some ham-fisted home invasion--

Jason slams him against the shelf again.

Lionel: Why are you doing this? Is it an act? An elaborate diversion?

Jason: Don’t turn this around on me!

Lionel sees that Lana has entered the room, and plays it to his advantage.

Lionel: I think we both know there’s nothing stronger than the love between mother and son. And I’m sure Miss Lang agrees.

Lionel looks over Jason’s shoulder at Lana. Jason turns around and sees that Lana is standing in the doorway, watching the confrontation with tears in her eyes.

*****

LANA’s JOURNAL

I’ve never seen Jason so angry. The way he was going after Lionel - I could hardly believe that it was Jason. That’s a side of him I’ve never seen. So different from the carefree man I met in Paris. He’s obviously obsessed with finding those stones - that’s all that matters to him. He can’t claim he’s doing it for me, because I told him I’m not interested in them anymore. I guess Lionel and Lex were right - his loyalty is to his mother. He must have been working for her all along. He never ever cared about me. How could I be so blind! He was just using me to get to the stones. I never should have trusted him!

I wish I had never gone to Paris, never met Jason, never gone to that church to visit Isobel’s tomb. If only I would have stayed in Smallville, and given Clark another chance when he asked me to. But I was too afraid - afraid that he would pull me close only to push me away again. Why couldn’t I give him one more chance? Maybe things would have worked out. But now, with Isobel and all of this, I’m afraid Clark will never again see me the way he did - will never again look at me the way he used to. How I wish we could go back to the way we were.

*****

Lex enters his study where Lionel is seated at the desk.

Lex: Dad, clearly the idea of personal space is lost on you.

Lionel: Lex, one of your employees paid me a visit recently, and I wasn’t clear whether it was official business or what it was.

Lionel stands from the desk and walks around it, giving Lex his space back.

Lex: As far as I know, our outstanding business if finished.

Lionel: Well, he--Jason Teague, that’s who it was--accused me of taking something that didn’t belong to me, of stealing.

An annoyed expression crosses Lex’s face.

Lex: Well, it wouldn’t be the first time.

Lionel: Be that as it may, the accusation was false.

Lex sits down at the desk.

Lionel: (Thoughtful.) But given what’s missing, I almost wish I was guilty.

Lex: What was it?

Lionel: You know the answer to that question, Lex. You’re the one who took it from him.

Lex: Dad, if you want to play games, there’s a deck of cards in the parlor.

Lionel: Let’s talk about games. You hire someone to travel to China to search for an ancient artifact. He finds it, he steals it, but he keeps it for himself. Then you have to steal it back from him. (Chuckling.) You’ve turned hot potato into an art form, son.

Lex looks at Lionel in shock.

Lex: Jason Teague found the stone?

Lionel: Either you are the best con man in the world, or you are truly unbelievably naive.

Lex lowers his eyes.

Lionel: Good afternoon, Lex.

Lionel leaves the study. Lex remains quite still at the desk, in deep thought.

*****
Lana enters her apartment in the Talon. She turns on the light and closes the door. Then she walks over to the window and opens it, climbing through it to the fire escape outside. On the side of the building is a pipe and she unscrews the end of it, reaching in and pulling out the folded red handkerchief.

She opens the handkerchief revealing the stone. She stares at it somewhat nervously.

*****

LANA’s JOURNAL

What should I do with the stone? Just keep it hidden? I can feel that Isobel desires the power. It scares me. I’m afraid for her to find the stones. What will happen to me if she does? Maybe I should give the stone to Clark. Somehow, I get the sense that he would know what to do with it. Isobel rebels at that thought. I don’t know. I guess I’ll just keep it hidden for a while, until I can make up my mind what to do with it.

*****

(End of LUCY)

[Cardinal]

Jason's not a bad guy, he's just looking out for his best interests, and Lana misinterprets this, thinking he's been plotting against her the whole time.

One more to go! :p

[akuma]

Nice update, its nice to have ur idea of why they acted the way they did on the show. Great job, cant wait for more!

[NYC300Z]

Lana's thoughts are all over the place she just seems really confused! Card are you serious I think this part just caught part of Jason we'll see

PPMS!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

gr8 update

[Nemu]

woah 1 post for Lucy? lol

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Nemu
woah 1 post for Lucy? lol
Yep, 1 post is all it needed. I'll probably only have 1 post for Onyx as well, then on to Spirit, which will be longer,with wonderful Clana... ;)

[happycamper]

Jason's not evil yet! He gave the stone to Lana after all...idiot!!

He's just a little weak and has been reminded that Isobel is a threat to him and his mother.

Lana has given him reason to doubt her, so he is starting to draw away. On the other hand, I never knew why Jason was so intolerant of Clark, especially since Clark had saved him.


:D :D

[C.A.chick]

Hmm. So is Jason after the stone for Lana or Genevieve? I wonder... Jason said he thought that Isobelle was behind Lana's motivation. But he doesn't really believe that does he?

Lana has definitely smartened up. Setting Jason up. Its nice to have the inside scoop on what she is thinking. You definitely show us plenty of her motivations and aspirations.

As for Clark. What can I say about him? He's still stuck in his horrible nightmare of a life. Nice to see he's still thinking of Lana, though.

And as for you, SV, great update! I loved the journals, and the insight they provide us clueless readers with. Very nice, very nice. Can't wait for the next installation!

Yours Always,
C.A.chick

[Cardinal]

Bump!

[SVsleuth]

Thanks for the Bump, Card.

A/N: After a looong lapse, this fic will be updated later today. So, if anyone is still reading, I suggest that you re-read the last episode, Lucy, to refresh your memory while you wait for ONYX. After that, we've finally reached the CLANA episodes, so the journals should get more interesting.

[Nemu]

sweet

[C.A.chick]

Can't wait SV!

[clana1fan4ever]

Yay!! Can't wait

[binkys711]

I can't believe I hadn't caought up with the journals yet! It's been so long. Finally caught up dough!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE reading the journals! just gives you so much insight as to what they were probably thinking at the time. Teehheee Lana really misses Clark, we all knew it, this just helps prove the point more :p

Can't wait for u to update! hehe I'm ready for it! BOOYAH! PPMS!! :D

[SVsleuth]

ONYX

Lex and Dr. Sinclair are in a lab experimenting with irradiating seeds using meteor rock. The temperature rises too high, and an explosion occurs. Lex gets caught in a beam of light, and is split in two. One Lex leaves the lab with Dr. Sinclair, as a second Lex looks on from behind an overturned table.

***
Clark and Chloe visit Lex at the hospital. He seems unusually friendly, and invites them to come to the lab so he can show them the amazing project he’s been working on. Chloe is skeptical and decides to go talk to Dr. Sinclair before believing Lex. Clark leaves with Lex to go see the lab.

***

Meanwhile, the second Lex visits Dr. Sinclair in the hospital. He tells him about the accident creating two of him, and asks if Dr. Sinclair knows if there is a way to force his two selves back together. Dr. Sinclair says his notes are in the lab, and maybe he could figure out a way if he had them. It becomes obvious that this Lex has no intention of trying to put himself back together. He is glad to be rid of his weaker half. When Dr. Sinclair closes his eyes to rest, Lex sticks an empty syringe into Dr. Sinclair’s IV tube and pumps it full of air, as he stares at Sinclair darkly.

***
Chloe walks toward Dr. Sinclair’s room. As she approaches, she sees Lex come out of the room. She is confused, because she thought Lex had left with Clark, to show him the lab. Lex tells her he just wanted to check on Dr. Sinclair before he went to the lab, and that he’s sleeping. He leads Chloe away from the room, saying maybe she should come back when the doctor is feeling a “little more alive”. Lex leaves Chloe there and walks away, just as a Code Blue is called for Dr. Sinclair’s room. Medical personnel hurry into Dr. Sinclair’s room, and Chloe turns back to gaze after Lex. He looks back at her coldly as he turns a corner. Chloe sees the doctors attempting to resuscitate Dr. Sinclair. She is suspicious as she remembers the look on Lex’s face.

***

Clark and Lex arrive at the lab, where Lex tells Clark about the experiments he has been doing to try to grow fruit in sand with only a few drops of water. He lets Clark taste the fruit. It tastes rotten. Lex says that’s what they were trying to correct when the explosion happened. As Lex explains, he mentions that as they were increasing the temperature, the meteor rock became unstable. When Lex opens a cabinet to find Dr. Sinclair’s notes, there are several large samples of meteor rock in the cabinet as well. Clark feels the effects, and stumbles backwards, almost knocking over a table. He makes an excuse as he continues to back away from the kryptonite, blaming it on the rotten apple not sitting right in his stomach. He tells Lex he’ll wait for him outside.

As he leaves, the second Lex, who was hiding in the lab, watches him go, having observed and overheard everything.

***

Lex number one meets with Lionel at the mansion, and offers to help with the charity fund raiser. Lionel is surprised, but grateful.

Lionel leaves the room. Lex turns back to his briefcase on the desk and picks up Dr. Sinclair’s notes. Suddenly, the second Lex is standing behind him.

Lex #2: Amazing work, isn’t it?

Lex turns around, startled by the voice. He is even more startled to find himself face to face with himself.

Lex #2: Hello, me.

Lex #2 whips Lex across the face with a pistol, knocking him to the ground.

Lex #2: Meet the real you.

***
The two Lexes are in the basement of the mansion, where the second Lex has tied up the first Lex. The second Lex doesn’t know what would happen if he killed his other half, so decides to keep him locked up. He puts him in an iron mask and rants about how King Louis XIV imprisoned his twin brother this way. He taunts his other half until he tires of it.

“It’s good to be the king,” he says with satisfaction as he turns to leave the room. Lex continues to scream and struggle. “I guess it’s up to me to show the world the real Lex Luthor,” the second Lex declares. He turns off the lights as he leaves the room. Lex falls silent in the darkness.

***
Clark meets Chloe at the Torch office. She informs him that Dr. Sinclair is dead. She tells him it seems suspicious & that she saw Lex leave Dr. Sinclair’s room just before he died. Clark is confused, and says that he and Lex left the hospital together when they left Chloe. Chloe thinks there is something strange going on and plans to investigate by hacking into the surveillance system at the Smallville Medical Center. She says it will take a while, so Clark asks her to call him if she finds anything, then leaves.

***

CLARK’s JOURNAL

Something weird is going on. But, like Chloe said, this is Smallville. Lex was acting so super friendly - in a weird way. Something was off. And now Chloe says he was at the hospital after I left - but he was with me. How could that be? Well, that experiment did involve the use of kryptonite, so I guess some kind of weird effect on Lex is possible. I hope Chloe finds something soon.

***
Lana enters her apartment with a bag of groceries. She turns around to find Lex seated on her couch and stops walking, confused.

Lana: Lex. What are you doing here?

Lex: I got a message on my cell that you wanted to see me.

Lana: So….. you just… let yourself in?

Lex: My bad. Would you like me to go?

Lana: No, no. It’s okay. You kind of just surprised me.

Lex stands up and walks toward Lana.

Lex: I’ve been doing that to a lot of people.

Lex chivalrously takes Lana’s groceries and smiles at her. She smiles back cautiously. Lex walks toward the counter with the bag of groceries, his back now to Lana.

Lex: So what can I do for Miss Lang this afternoon?

Lana: I wanted to talk to you about Jason.

Lex: (Flat) Oh. Him.

Lex puts the grocery bag down on the kitchen counter. Lana’s brow furrows in confusion at the unusual way Lex is acting.

Lana: I, uh, I really appreciate everything that you’ve already told me about Jason and his mom, but do you… Do you really think that—

Lex turns and looks at Lana.

Lex: What I think, Lana, is you deserve better.

Lex walks around the counter as he continues to speak.

Lex: You deserve to be with someone who recognizes how extraordinary you are.

Lex reaches Lana, and places a hand on her shoulder. He gets uncomfortably close to her. Lana looks up at him with fear and confusion in her eyes. He caresses her face with the backs of his fingers. Lana flinches.

Lana: Lex, what are you doing?

She looks at him uncomfortably.

Lex: What I’ve always wanted to.

Lex leans in and kisses Lana forcefully on the lips. Lana pushes him away immediately and slaps his face hard, stepping away from him.

Lex: Well, I do like them feisty.

Lana: Get out of my apartment!

Lex: If that’s how you want to play it. Oh, by the way, I’m closing the Talon.
Lex opens the door as if to leave.

Lana: What?! You can’t do that!

Lex closes the door and turns to face Lana again.

Lex: Hmm, I think I can.

Lana: Lex, this is my home. Where am I supposed to go?

Lex: That’s really up to you, isn’t it? Lana, you could live like a queen by my side, or get tossed out with the rest of the garbage. Why don’t you think about it?

Lex checks Lana out from head to toe and back again.

Lex: I know I will.

Lex leaves the apartment. Lana stands there angry and shaken by Lex’s behavior.

***

LANA’S JOURNAL

What in the world has gotten into Lex? He’s never expressed - desires - like that for me before. Has he been suppressing an attraction all of these years? Why is it that every guy I think I know, suddenly displays a completely different side of himself?

That’s exactly the kind of thing I wanted to talk to Lex about concerning Jason. I was hoping that Lex could give me some insight into Jason. I can still see Jason that night at the mansion, being rough with Lionel, and demanding the stone. Lex previously told me that Jason has known about Isobel Theroux all his life. I didn’t want to believe that, I thought I knew Jason - but then this whole other side of him seemed to emerge, that I had never seen before.

And now Lex shows up here, and shows an even bigger change than Jason did. But something really weird seems to be going on with Lex - something different than with Jason. Lex really didn’t seem like himself. He seemed like a completely different person. It wasn’t like the change in Jason. It was more like that time that Clark -

Clark! All those times that Clark’s personality suddenly seemed to change completely, and he didn’t act like himself - he never would tell me what was going on, but I think he knew… Maybe Clark will be able to help me figure out what’s going on with Lex. If it’s similar to whatever happened to him those other times, he may know what to do. I have to go see Clark.


***

At the mansion, the first Lex is still tied up in the basement. The second Lex fences with a female partner, then challenges Lionel. He taunts Lionel while he forces him to defend himself, until Lionel finally gets enraged and bests Lex, knocking him to the ground and holding the sword tip to his chest. Lex is pleased, saying, “I knew you were in there somewhere, Father.”

Lionel looks down at Lex uneasily, realizing what he has done. Lex stands slowly, the tip of Lionel’s sword still pressed against his chest. Lex strikes it with his own sword, causing Lionel to lose his grip, and his sword is thrown to the floor.

Lex: You should’ve stayed in prison. You were safer there.

Lex whips his sword at Lionel’s face, giving him a small cut on the cheek. Lionel gasps and touches the small amount of blood on his face. Lex tosses his sword to Lionel and Lionel catches it. Then Lex grins and exits the room. Lionel watches him go with fury in his eyes.

***

Clark walks quickly into the barn but slows his pace when he sees Lana sitting on the stairs.

Clark: Lana?

At the sound of his voice, Lana quickly tries to compose herself, and looks at Clark. Observing her for a few moments, Clark realizes that she seems upset.

Clark: Are you okay?

Lana forces a smile.

Lana: Yeah.

Lana rubs her hands nervously on her pants legs then stands, and walks down the few steps to ground level. She realizes that she can‘t fool Clark.

Lana: No. Uh…

Lana puts her hands on her hips and walks toward Clark.

Lana: Did you know that Lex is going to close the Talon?

Clark walks toward Lana.

Clark: No. Who told you that?

Lana: He did.

Clark: Well, I saw him last night. He didn’t mention anything.

Lana: Clark, when I, um, when I came home, he was in my apartment. The way he was acting… It was like he was a totally different person.

Clark: (thoughtfully) Maybe he was.

Lana stares up at Clark, realizing that he already knows something is going on with Lex.

Lana: Do you think that maybe he’s having another psychotic break?

Clark thinks for a moment then shakes his head negatively and meets Lana’s gaze as he answers truthfully.

Clark: It’s more complicated than that.

Lana: It always is, isn’t it? (Then thinking of Jason, she continues.) You think you know someone, but there’s this side of them that you never see. Until it’s too late.

Clark reacts as if she’s talking about him. He looks away and sighs.

Clark: Well, you’ve certainly seen me at my worst.

Lana is quick to reply.

Lana: And at your best.

She looks up at him sincerely. Clark meets her eyes, surprised at her positive attitude toward him.

Clark: (About to say something important.) Lana…

Clark’s cell phone rings. He turns away as he answers it. Lana hugs herself and looks away as she waits for Clark to take the call.

Clark: Hello?

Chloe: Clark. I found surveillance footage of Lex and me outside of Dr. Sinclair’s room talking…. And of you and Lex leaving the medical center.

Clark: What about the time stamps?

Lana looks toward Clark with interest, wondering if this has something to do with what is going on with Lex.

Chloe: They’re identical. Looks like our favorite billionaire has one hell of a split personality.

Clark: Yeah. Thanks.

Clark flips his phone shut and turns back to Lana, unsure of what to say. They look at one another silently. Clark looks away.

***

CLARK’S JOURNAL

Damn! Why couldn’t I just explain to Lana what’s going on with Lex? I look at her and get all tongue tied. I’m afraid to try to explain anything - afraid the conversation will turn to the things I’ve kept from her - things I still don’t feel free to tell her, because of Isobel, & because she’s with Jason, & because we’ve grown so far apart in this last year. During the trip to China, I felt like we made a small start to repairing our friendship. The fact that she came to me when she knew there was something wrong with Lex shows that we have indeed made some progress. But my inability to open up to her, even about Lex - it frustrates me to no end.

I wish life could just be normal for a change in Smallville. I wish there was no kryptonite, no stones of power, no Jor-El, no Isobel, and that I could just be normal. I wish things could be different between me and Lana, and I could just ask her to go to prom with me, and things could be the way I’ve always dreamed they could be. But with all the weirdness, and with Jason still around, and with all my secrets - there’s just not a chance.

***

Clark goes to the Luthor mansion to talk to Lex. He thinks he is talking to the friendly Lex, but it is actually the second Lex, who fools Clark into thinking he is the other Lex. Clark tells this Lex everything he and Chloe have found out, and shows him the pictures from the surveillance cameras of the two different Lexes at the hospital at the same time. Lex tells Clark to get Chloe and meet him at the lab while he gets his security team together.

***

Clark, Chloe, and Lex enter the lab at LuthorCorp. Lex gets a phone call and excuses himself, leaving Clark and Chloe alone in the lab. Chloe starts snooping. Clark unexpectedly uncovers a piece of black kryptonite, but backs away from it quickly, before he can be affected by it. Chloe opens a cabinet & finds the body of a security guard.

Lex is watching all of this. When Clark & Chloe are standing in front of the cabinet, he pushes a button on a remote control and a huge platform begins plummeting towards Clark and Chloe from the ceiling. They both look up when they hear it, but it is falling too fast for them to get out of the way. Clark pushes Chloe to the ground and lies down over her, shielding her from the impact. The platform cracks in half on his back, completely covering Clark and Chloe.

Lex: (Smugly) Situation contained.

Lex turns to leave, then stops when he hears a rumbling coming from the broken platform. He turns around and watches Clark stand up and easily push the two pieces of the platform away. Clark doesn’t realize he is being watched. Chloe is unconscious. Lex watches with amazement.

Clark kneels down next to Chloe.

Clark: Chloe? Chloe?

Lex’s eyes widen, and he leaves the lab.

***

Clark and Chloe are in the Kent kitchen, where Clark helps Chloe tend to a cut on her face. They talk a bit, Chloe hinting as always, hoping Clark will let her in on his secret, since she already knows anyway. He gives a lame explanation about diving under a table that protected them. He tells Chloe he just wants to keep her safe, & she decides to go stay with Lois at the military base. Chloe leaves.

***
Clark enters the barn talking on his cell phone to Lana.

Clark: Okay. But if you see him, call me. And be careful. Lex really isn’t himself. He’s more dangerous than we thought. Thanks, Lana.

***
LANA’S JOURNAL

Well, at least Clark finally called me himself to fill me in on something. It’s a start anyway. He still didn’t tell me the details, but he sounded really worried. He said Lex is more dangerous than we thought. I wonder how he knows that. I wonder what happened. I would have pressed him for details, but it sounded like he was in a hurry. He was so anxious to warn me, though. That’s one thing about Clark that never changes - he always wants to protect me. Strange thing is, that I never feel safer than when I’m with him.

This is all so weird - Lex being dangerous and all. So many weird things happen in this town. I wish things could just be normal for a change.

***

Clark hangs up after speaking to Lana. Lex speaks to Clark from above him on the loft, startling Clark.

Lex: Is that what you think of me, Clark? I’m hurt. I thought we were friends.

Clark super speeds to the upper level. He and Lex have a heated discussion, in which Lex reveals that he saw Clark catch the concrete at the lab, and has figured out his secret. Clark presses to find out where the other Lex is, until this Lex admits that he is alive & nearby, since he doesn’t know what would happen to him if he killed his other half.

Lex tries to convince Clark to join him in conquering the world. Clark insists he will never join him. Lex pulls out a meteor rock ring, and punches Clark in the face, sending Clark through the window of the loft and he falls all the way to the ground outside. Lex walks away from the window. Martha and Jonathan hear the commotion and run out to the barn. Lex keeps Clark weakened with the kryptonite, while taunting the Kents. He ends up shooting Jonathan in the leg.

Lex: You were right about me all along, Mr. Kent. I am the villain of the story.

***


Jonathan is lying in a patient bed at Smallville Medical Center, and Martha and Clark are standing nearby.

Jonathan: Two Lexes? How the hell did that happen?

Clark: There was an accident at LuthorCorp, and I think that Lex was affected… by black kryptonite.

Martha: How did Lex get a hold of black kryptonite?

Clark: Well, I don’t think he knows anything about the black K. I think he accidentally created it when he was experimenting with meteor rocks. (Thinking out loud.) Wait, that’s how I can put the two Lexes back together.

Jonathan: How?

Clark: The duplicate Lex in the barn, he said he was keeping the real Lex alive, somewhere close to keep him safe. And if I can find him…

Clark leaves the hospital room hurriedly.

Martha: Clark!

***

Clark superspeeds to the mansion and uses his hearing to locate Lex in the basement. He goes there, and frees him from his chains, then removes the mask. Lex tries to warn him to get out, but the second Lex shows up with the kryptonite ring. Clark is weakened. The second Lex finds a sword nearby, and lifts it, ready to strike Clark. The other Lex wraps a chain around the neck of his double, and the two struggle. Clark focuses his heat vision on the ring, heating it until it turns into black kryptonite. The two Lexes are engulfed in a light, & struggle, until finally a single Lex falls to the floor.

Clark: Lex? Lex?

Clark kneels beside Lex. Lex sits up with a start.

Clark: It’s all right. It’s over now.

***

Clark goes to the lab and talks with Lex, briefly. Lex claims he doesn’t remember anything, & that he’s trying to figure out if the accident created an evil Lex, or if that’s what’s really inside of him. Clark tries to encourage him, telling him not to be too hard on himself, that it really wasn’t him.

***

Lana opens her apartment door, and is surprised to find Lex standing there. They look at one another awkwardly.

Lex: Hi.

Lana: Hey.

They stand in silence for a while, unsure of how to proceed. Lana swallows hard as Lex lowers his eyes uncomfortably. Finally, he speaks.

Lex: As far as awkward moments go, this is definitely memorable.

Lana remains silent for another moment, looking at Lex apprehensively, and trying to decide how to respond. Finally, she opens the door wider, and walks across the room, folding her arms across her chest. Her back is to the open door.

Lana: Chloe filled me in on what happened.

Lex walks slowly into the apartment, stopping just inside the door.

Lex: I wish I could remember exactly what my other half did so I could apologize properly.

Lana turns toward Lex, her arms still crossed, & retreats slightly.

Lex: I just hope it wasn’t anything we can’t past.

Lana: Well, as long as you’re not closing the Talon and kicking me out.

Lex: I said that?

Lana replies uncomfortably.

Lana: Along with expressing certain… desires.

Lex shakes his head side to side slightly, as he prepares to apologize.

Lex: Lana, I’m sorry. It wasn’t me.

Lana cuts in quickly.

Lana: Are you sure?

She stares at him with a challenge in her eyes. Lex breaks eye contact, looking away, before looking again at Lana as he replies.

Lex: Look, whatever my feelings are, I’d never do anything to jeopardize our friendship.

Lana’s eyes widen as she realizes that Lex is not denying having those feelings. She lowers her eyes, then looks back to him with a slight nod.

Lana: I know.

Lex sighs, and looks away. He glances at Lana once more before turning toward the door. He takes a step, then pauses, and turns back once more, apologetically.

Lex: I really am sorry.

Lana just nods, smiling unconvincingly, unable to say anything else. Lex turns away again and leaves, closing the door behind him. Lana stares at the door.

Lana: So am I.

***
LANA’S JOURNAL

This is so unsettling! Lex didn’t deny having those feelings toward me. So when he kissed me, saying it’s what he’s always wanted to do, that was really true. Always? Ever since we met? When I was fourteen? Eww!

I’ve always looked up to Lex as a kind of a “big brother” - someone older and wiser who I could go to for advice, even advice on how to deal with Clark and Jason. And now I find out that Lex has seen our “friendship” completely differently - that he’s been attracted to me?

I feel like I’ve lost a brother forever. I will never be able to talk to Lex the way I used to, never be able to be around him without remembering. And, if the attraction is true, then is everything else he said true too? About wanting me to live by his side as his queen? Is that how he sees me? - As some trophy to show off? It turns my stomach!

I feel so alone now. Lex is not who I’ve thought he was - neither is Jason. I will never be able to be comfortable around either of them again. Clark is somehow different, though. Somehow, no matter what strange personality shifts he’s had, I always feel drawn back to him, knowing I can truly trust him. I can’t explain it. I mean, he forcibly kissed me once too, but when he denied it was him, I somehow believed him. I still do. There’s something about him that still draws me - and I can’t deny it. I can’t deny that I’d love to be going to Prom with Clark this weekend. It’s something I’ve dreamed about ever since I promised Clark I’d save a dance for him, back in freshman year. But, I guess there’s no hope of that, at this point. So I guess it will be another Brad Pitt marathon for me on Prom night. Alone. It seems I always end up alone.

***

Lex is seated at his desk in the study, deep in thought. If my feelings expressed for Lana are true, then what of the other traits I showed? Are they really inside of me too?

Lionel enters.

Lionel: Planning your next assault, son?

Lex immediately notices the cut on Lionel’s cheek

Lex: Dad. Your cheek.

Lionel: Well, it’s a wake-up call. And I’m grateful for that.

Lionel goes to the bar and pours a drink. Lex stands up and begins to try to apologize to Lionel as well.

Lex: Look, whatever I’ve done in the last few days…

Lionel: Please, no need for an apology. Quite the contrary. (Lionel sniffs the glass of brandy, then walks toward Lex.) I must say, you finally proved yourself to be the son I’ve always wanted, and I thank you for showing me so clearly the error of my ways.

Lex: What are you talking about?

Lionel: I’m closing down the foundation immediately.

Lex: What? You can’t. The charity is your life.

Lionel laughs.

Lionel: Just a foolish dream. I’m awake now. A man can’t deny his true nature, can he, Lex? (Lex doesn’t respond.) No. We’re Luthors.

Lionel hands the brandy glass to Lex and steps even closer to him.

Lionel: We’re Luthors.

Lionel exits. Lex remains still, staring at the door.

***
END of ONYX

[Cardinal]

The truth about Baldy is out! Lana knows that she's the focus of 'Lex Lust.' Ewww is right!

Here's a recommendation, Lana. Go to the friggin' dance. But not too early, we want you to make a grand entrance.

[Hahaveryfunny]

EWWW! Lex lust on Lana EWWWW! I agree with you on this Card.
Lana go to the dance with Clark, he'll be thrilled to take you! Just a suggestion.

PPMS!

[clana1fan4ever]

Okay now thats a real ewwwww Lex lus on Lana...

Lana go on and go to the dance!!:D

[NYC300Z]

Yeah strange time for everyone I guess. Glad to see Lana coming around to Clark. Yeah like everybody else said ewww for Lex lusting over Lana!

PPMS!

[binkys711]

Glad Lana always feels so safe with Clark and that she always believes him (even when he Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hide :p) as for Lex....*tries holding gag reflex* *shivers* as everyone said, even Lana, EWWWWW!!

Awesome update! PPMS! Spirit is so close! YAY! Here comes da clana, BOOYAH!!! :D

[SVsleuth]

SPIRIT - Part 1

A group of students in the hallway of Smallville High is busy painting a banner to be hung over the stage at the Prom. The banner reads “Smallville High Prom, Look to the Stars.”

Chloe and Lana are walking down the stairs together as Lana reads aloud from the latest issue of the Torch.

Lana: “Election of Prom royalty is an archaic and elitist ritual whose time has come and gone.” Chloe Sullivan strikes again.

Chloe: What? Oh, please don’t tell me I’ve lost you to tiara fever, too.

Lana: No. But balloons and taffeta seem a little harmless compared to your usual targets.

The girls reach the bottom of the stairs and continue walking down the hall. Chloe continues to make her point, talking animatedly.

Chloe: Well, this is how I see it. Homecoming is for jocks, graduation is for parents, and Prom is the right of passage that’s for all of us. It’s supposed to be a culmination of four years of memories. Why do we have to ruin it with the pinnacle of a popularity contest?

Lana: So, does that mean I order more pizza for the Brad Pitt marathon?

They stop walking.

Chloe: What? You’re not going? What happened with Jason?

Lana: Showing up with the coach that got fired for dating a student? That is an entrance I could live without.

Chloe: Right.

Lana: Besides, after imagining something for four years, I just don’t think it could live up to expectations.

Chloe: Well, not if you’re part of the half-empty persuasion. And the Lana I know wouldn’t cop out like that. (Lana scrunches up her nose, and shakes her head side to side slightly, as Chloe tries to convince her.) Come on, Lana, it’s gonna be so much fun! Lex even got Lifehouse to play for the seniors. You can help me bring stag back in style.

Lana laughs.

Chloe turns as she hears the voice of Dawn Stiles who is making her way down the hallway.

Dawn: Excuse me. Coming through.

Dawn walks directly toward Lana and Chloe with two other girls following close behind her.

Chloe: (To Lana.) Smells like school spirit.

Dawn and her followers stop in front of Chloe.

Dawn: Chloe, you may think bashing a sacred school tradition in your tabloid rag is cool, but I think it’s disgusting.

Chloe: Lighten up, Dawn. You’ll get your throne because the entire school is terrified of you and your vicious rumor mill.

Dawn pushes her hair behind her left ear with her hand and continues her tirade.

Dawn: Kill me now! You are such the hypocrat.

Chloe: Hypo—

Chloe cuts herself off, as both she and Lana stifle their laughter.

Chloe: I’m sorry. Whatever it is that you’re saying to me is getting lost in translation.

Dawn: Don’t play stupid. The only reason your picture is on that wall is because of your lame article.

Chloe: What picture? What wall?

Dawn looks at the wall behind Chloe and Lana. Lana and Chloe turn to look at the wall, and Chloe’s face falls instantly. Her eyes widen in disbelief. There on the wall is a poster with photographs of the three nominees for Prom Queen: Paige Dejong, Dawn Stiles, and Chloe Sullivan. Chloe is stunned to silence, while Lana smiles, enjoying this turn of events in response to Chloe’s article.

Dawn: I would say, “May the best girl win,” but I think we both know who that is. Hmm? (She pats Chloe’s shoulder patronizingly.) Laters!

Dawn waves perkily and leaves with her two silent friends in tow.

Lana: (Teasing.) So, apparently I’m not the only one who enjoyed your article... (She curtsies.) ...your highness. (She laughs.) Good luck.

Lana walks away. Chloe continues to stare at the poster in disbelief.

***

LANA’s JOURNAL

Prom fever is everywhere. Posters and banners are in every hallway, and the Prom is all everyone talks about - even Chloe. I can’t believe that in response to Chloe’s article against having Prom royalty, she was nominated for Prom queen herself. The look on her face was priceless. Hopefully, her new status will keep her occupied with more important things than trying to convince me to show up at the Prom.

I couldn’t tell Chloe my real reasons for not wanting to go to Prom. She assumed I’d be going with Jason. I used the excuse that I didn’t want to show up with the coach who got fired for dating a student. Well, that might have been my reason a few weeks ago, but now, after everything that happened with Jason’s obsession with obtaining those stones - well, I’ve been avoiding him. I think dating Jason was a mistake. Trusting him was a mistake.

The second reason I gave her was closer to the truth. I said that after imagining something for four years, I just don’t think it could live up to expectations. Yes, that IS the truth. But I haven’t told anyone what I’ve imagined for four years. The truth is, that whenever I’ve imagined going to Prom as a senior, I’ve always imagined going with Clark. He’d be dressed up in his tux, looking so very handsome, and he’d come to my door. He’d step inside my apartment, and stare at me silently for a few moments, before snapping out of his daze to give me a corsage. I’d pin a boutonniere on his coat, then we’d stare into each other’s eyes for a few moments. “You’re gorgeous, Lana” he’d say, and then he’d lean down and kiss me softly. Then, pulling himself out of the moment reluctantly, he’d smile saying, “Ready to go?” I’d smile back at him, nodding my head, then he’d take my hand in his and lead me out of my apartment, and down the stairs into the Talon. All eyes would follow us as we made our way through the Talon and out to the car….

Once at the dance, Clark would never leave my side. We’d dance every dance together, and I would be totally content to spend the entire evening in the comfort of his embrace. At the end of each slow dance, I’d tip my head to gaze into his eyes, and he’d lower his lips to mine. The perfect Prom night - with Clark.

How I wish there was a chance that even a tiny bit of that dream could come true. But Clark and I have grown so far apart this year. We’ve only just begun to repair our friendship, and there’s no way he’ll ask me to Prom - especially since he doesn’t know that my feelings for Jason have changed. There’s no way the Prom can live up to my expectations, so, I’ve decided to just skip it, order pizza, and have a Brad Pitt marathon.

***

On the property of the Luthor estate, the body of a woman is found. Lex’s security guards point out what was found to Lex. Jason shows up as well, just as the woman’s wallet is found - she is Bridgette Crosby. Jason reveals that he is familiar with that name, that she works for Virgil Swann, the billionaire. Lex tries to get rid of Jason. Jason insists that if this has anything to do with the elements, then it concerns him. Lex has his guards escort Jason back to his car.

***

Clark is leaning back in a computer chair behind his desk in the Torch office. He is reading Chloe’s article in the latest edition of The Torch. The headline says, “Boycott the Vote!”

As Chloe walks into the room, Clark says teasingly:

Clark: Now, should I bow to you when I see you, or...

Chloe: Cute. Very cute. (Chloe goes to her own desk and drops a binder on it.) What about boycotting the vote didn’t anyone understand?

Clark: Oh, they understand it perfectly. You see, you are the boycott. I mean, think about it. The last four years, everyone has been trying to break out of the stereotype they’ve been stuck in. (Clark shrugs and grins mischievously, as he turns his attention back to the article.) You’re the battle cry.

Chloe: Ahh. The great Smallville High Prom coup, huh?

Chloe walks out from behind her desk and approaches Clark. Clark smiles widely, obviously enjoying this.

Chloe: Clark, you didn’t happen to have anything to do with this, did you?

Clark smiles slyly as he glances at Chloe.

Clark: I may have spoken to a few people.

Chloe throws her pencil at Clark playfully. He quickly blocks it with the newspaper. Chloe walks toward Clark and sits on the corner of his desk.

Chloe: Now, I know you’re not gonna let me storm this Bastille alone. (She leans toward him.) So who is Smallville’s most eligible bachelor taking to Prom?

Clark becomes serious. He glances at Chloe uncomfortably as he folds the paper.

Clark: I was actually…. thinking of sitting this one out.

Clark gets up quickly, as if trying to avoid the reaction he knows is coming from Chloe. He walks across the room, stopping near the window, with his back to Chloe.

Chloe: What? Oh, not you too. Wait, let me guess. You spent four years imagining what it would be like, and you just don’t think it’s gonna live up to your expectations.

Clark: Something like that.

Chloe hops off of the desk and walks over to confront Clark to his face.

Chloe: So you’re gonna let me break out of my rut on stage wearing a sash while you’re at home playing the what-if game for the nine hundredth time.

Clark: I never said you were in a rut.

Chloe: Yeah, but I am. And I’m not alone. You know, Clark, in a couple of weeks, we’re gonna graduate from this adolescent fantasy and we’re not gonna have a rut to fall back into. (Clark looks thoughtful.) The thing about expectations, Clark, is they’re supposed to drive you to do more with your life, not stop you from living it. Personally, I think the future holds a lot more promise for you than you give it credit.

Clark looks at Chloe seriously, considering.

***
CLARK’S JOURNAL


Woah! When I mentioned to a few people that we ought to make Chloe the boycott, I never expected it to actually happen. And I didn’t expect her to practically ask me to take her to Prom because of it. I’m glad I successfully evaded that issue. I had already decided to sit this one out. There’s only one person I’ve always dreamed of taking to Prom - Lana. Since she’s with Jason, and that’s out of the realm of possibilities, I don’t see the point in going at all.

When I told Chloe I was planning to skip Prom, she said, “Not you too” - as if someone else had told her the same thing. And she nailed it when she said, “Let me guess. You spent four years imagining what it would be like, and you just don’t think it’s gonna live up to your expectations.” It sounded like she was quoting someone. Could it be Lana?

I wonder what Lana imagined when she dreamed of Prom? I know I always dreamed she’d be with me. She would look so beautiful, and I’d be at a loss for words as I got my first look at her, then presented her with a corsage. She’d pin a flower on my lapel, then we’d share a kiss, before heading down the stairs into the Talon. A hush would fall over the place, as all eyes would look to the breathtaking beauty descending the stairs on my arm. I’d be so proud to be her escort.

At the dance, Lana would stay by my side. We’d dance every dance together, not wanting to break our embrace. I would drink in her fragrance, as I held her close and she’d rest her head upon my chest contentedly. Between dances we’d sneak in a few kisses. Perfect. That’s the only Prom I ever wanted.

Chloe seems to think I’ll just be sitting home moping, playing the “what-if” game for the nine hundredth time. Is she right? Is that what I’m doing? I can’t deny that my thoughts would be on Lana, and on how I wish things could be. If it weren’t for Jason, I’d risk it even now - I’d ask Lana to Prom. I mean, what could it hurt to ask? But, since she’s with Jason, that’s out of the question. So I have no reason to go.

***

Dawn Stiles and her two friends enter the Talon, going over their plans for Prom day. Dawn sees her boyfriend, Billy, with another girl, and then he breaks up with her. Dawn becomes intent on getting a date for the Prom who meets her criteria. She asks her friends to get her a yearbook.

***
Dawn is driving her car as "La La" by Ashlee Simpson plays loudly over the radio. She is flipping through the yearbook on her lap as she drives, barely paying attention to the road. Finally, her attention is drawn by a picture of Clark and she gasps happily. She picks up her cell phone and calls her friend, Harmony, to get her to look up Clark’s number, since he is “gorgeous, captain of the football team, and single long enough that it’s not sloppy seconds.” She is writing the number down, and not paying attention to her driving. The road curves unexpectedly, and when Dawn looks up, she sees a barricade in front of her, and she is about to run through it and over a cliff.

Dawn screams as her car crashes through the barricade and tumbles down the hill, end over end, finally coming to rest upside down. Dawn has been thrown from the car and is lying unconscious in the midst of green meteor rocks. Dawn’s hand begins to shimmer with red energy.

***
A little later, Martha Kent is driving down the same highway. Somehow, Dawn has made her way into the road. She stands in the middle of the road, waving her arms and trying to get Martha’s attention. Dawn is completely invisible to Martha who keeps driving, right through Dawn. Martha’s head jerks and she slams on the brakes. Once the car is stopped, Martha looks at her hands and then looks at herself in the rear view mirror.
.
Martha/Dawn: Holy crap! I’m Clark Kent’s mom!

*****

[Nemu]

oh that was good!!

and it brought to mind some of the images from the episode... soo nice...

And their vision is pretty similar...

PPMS!!!

[Cardinal]

A couple of things to comment on.

First, I agree with Nemu, Clark and Lana have nearly identical dreams about Prom, which is great! :D

Second, I personally had never considered Chloe's attempt to get Clark to attend the Prom to be an attempt at getting him to take her to the Prom. I guess that's my male perspective kicking in. SV (woman) obviously believes Chloe was angling for a date.

I learn something new every day. ;)

[binkys711]

Card:Actually when Chloe and Clark talk together, I get the vibe she was trying to get him to ask her to prom as well. :) I was surprised from the fact that the big BDA got the signals! :p Don't think Chloe was angling say to speak, but deep down I think her fantasy was much like Lana's. Poor girl.

As for SVsleuth...Loved the update! hehe very interesting to see that clana had the same expectations of prom. So cute! :D

loved da update! PPMS!!!

[SVsleuth]

Yes, Card & binkys - later in the epi, when Clark dances with Lana, Chloe is moping on the sidelines, remembering how Clark deserted her freshman year at the Spring Formal. I think Chloe WAS hoping for her own Prom fantasy to come true, with Clark. And even the tone of voice she uses when she calls him out on staying home to play the what-if game for the 900th time showed that she was really wishing he would just get over Lana & move on (to her). This IS season 4 Chloe, not Season 6. In Season 6, I think Chloe has gotten past her Chlark fantasy; but not in Season 4. ;)

[SVsleuth]

SPIRIT - Part 2


Clark walks into the Kent house and stops suddenly. He hears "La La" by Ashlee Simpson playing loudly in the kitchen. Clark walks toward the kitchen.

Clark: Mom?

Clark stares in confusion as he sees Martha dancing wildly to the music. She is holding a carton of ice cream in one hand and spoon in the other. She doesn’t see Clark come in.

Clark shouts over the music.

Clark: Mom!

Martha finally notices Clark and turns off the radio.

Clark: What’s going on?

Martha laughs.

Martha: Hi, ….son.

Martha eats a heaping spoonful of ice cream.



Clark is increasingly confused.

Clark: What’s for dinner?

Martha looks at him with surprise.

Martha: Dinner? Oh, right! Here. (She holds out the ice cream tub and walks toward him.) Start with this. It’s really yummy.

Martha places the carton in Clark’s hands. Clark looks at her with concern.

Clark: Are you feeling okay?

Martha: I’m great. I was wanting to ask you... (She pushes her hair behind her left ear and stares up at Clark flirtatiously.) Do you have a date for the Prom yet?

Clark: Mom, I told you, I’m not going to the Prom.

Martha: What?! You have to go!

Clark recoils in response to this outburst.

Clark: Well, I kind of wanted to go with Lana, but it‘s not —

Martha: Lana Lang? You can’t be serious. You two are so last year. Clark, your Prom is the most memorable night of your life. I’m not going to let you miss it. You can take me.

Clark: Mom, you’re already going, remember? With Dad. You’re chaperones.

Martha: Oh. Yeah, right. Cool.

She rolls her eyes.

A sneeze is heard. Martha turns toward the sound and sees Lois coming down the stairs sneezing, followed by Shelby.

Lois: I swear the dog knows I’m allergic. He follows me around wherever I go, torturing me.

Martha looks at Lois viciously. She turns to Clark.

Martha: So, this is your little secret. You’re taking her to the Prom, aren’t you?

Clark snorts and Lois laughs as they exchange a look.

Clark: Lois?

Lois: Mrs. Kent, a lot of things are possible in this world, but there will be a man on Mars before Clark and I go to Prom together.

Clark looks at Lois, somewhat annoyed.

Martha: So what, you two just get together and mack, but keep it on the down-low in public?

Clark: (Embarrassed.) Mom!

Lois: I don’t mean to be rude, Mrs. Kent, but, uh, did you crack up on the cooking sherry?

Martha: Of course not! I’m just super-pumped about Prom!

Lois and Clark share a worried look.

Martha: Well, I’m gonna go.

Martha walks o the door. Clark follows her.

Clark: Mom, maybe I should take you to the Talon tonight.

Martha: The Talon? Oh, right. I work there. No, I can drive myself. (She waves.) Laters!

Martha leaves the house. Clark spins round to look at Lois.

Lois: “Laters?”

Lois & Clark exchange another worried look.

***

Martha walks into the Talon, pushes her hair behind her ear, and walks like a teenage girl, swinging her hips. As she makes her way toward the bar, she overhears two high school girls seated at a table talking about Dawn.

Girl: I am psyched Billy dumped Dawn. She was getting so stuck up.

Martha’s face clouds with anger.

Girl #2: I heard he already hooked up with Sue Ann Gardner.

Martha turns to the girls angrily.

Martha: Sue Ann Gardner is a big, fat ho!

The girls look at each other and laugh in disbelief. Lana comes down the stairs from her apartment, evidently having heard Martha.

Lana: Mrs. Kent?

Martha looks Lana over.

Martha: Oh - hi, Lana. Shouldn’t you be at school helping with the decorations? The Prom committee needs all the help they can get.

Lana: I - I’m not gonna go to the Prom.

Martha: Why? - You think you’re so above it all?
Lana is stricken.

Lana: No, of course not.

Martha: Oh, come on. Poor little orphan girl, going off to your fancy French art school, going out with a big college guy.

Martha laughs.

Lana: (Offended) I don’t have to listen to this.

Lana starts to leave.

Martha: Hey.

Martha reaches out and touches Lana’s shoulder to stop her. There is a flash of light and, suddenly, Martha looks confused. She puts a hand to her head. Lana looks down at her hands and then she sees her reflection in a mirror and smiles excitedly.

Lana: Genius.

Dawn’s spirit has been transferred into Lana. Lana begins walking quickly toward the exit. Just then Clark enters the Talon and sees Lana.

Clark: Lana, have you seen my mom?

A perky Lana walks right up to Clark.

Lana: Forget about your mom, Clark. (She pushes her hair behind her ear.) I have been meaning to ask you something. (She looks up at him expectantly.)

Clark: Yeah, sure. What is it?

Lana: Well, I know that it’s kind of last minute, but I thought it would be totally amazing if… we went to Prom together.

Her last few words come all in a rush, and she looks up at Clark hopefully. Clark is surprised.

Clark: Us? (Lana nods & smiles slightly.) Lana, what about Jason?

Lana looks up at him with a sultry expression.

Lana: Clark, it’s you I want to go with.

Clark is taken aback and his eyebrows furrow with confusion.

Lana: Don’t you want to go with me?

Lana pushes her hair behind her ear again and stares at Clark temptingly. Clark is dumbfounded. He tries to reply.

Clark: Well, I mean, I—

Lana interrupts him.

Lana: Awesome. It’s a date. I’ve got to get back to the school and help set up. They’re lost without me.

Clark’s eyebrows raise slightly. Lana smiles and waves.

Lana: Laters.

Lana leaves the Talon. A confused Clark glances back at Lana as she exits, then walks toward Martha who is seated at the bar staring blankly.

Clark: Mom. Mom, are you all right?

Martha nods her head then looks up at Clark, confused.

Martha: For the life of me, I can’t remember how I got here.

Clark looks back at her, worried.

***

Clark’s Journal

Something really strange is going on. Mom was acting like a teenager, and now she’s back to normal, but doesn’t remember anything. And now Lana is acting strange. She asked me to Prom? As much as I’d like that, she just wasn’t acting like herself. And she’s going to school to help set up? That just doesn‘t seem like something Lana would do. “Laters?” Both my mom and Lana said that when they left. Where have I heard that before? ….. Ah, Dawn. Dawn Stiles, the girl who insists she has to be Prom queen. But why would Mom & Lana be acting like Dawn? I’d better get over to school & see what else is going on with Lana. Maybe Chloe can help me figure this out.

***
Lana walks into a school hallway where preparations for the Prom are still being made. She starts ordering people around, just like Dawn. She is angered by the attitudes her supposed friends have toward Dawn Stiles. She then hears Billy and sets out to get back at him. She makes plans to meet him after he gets dressed.

Billy and Lana smile at each other, and then Billy goes into the locker room. When he is gone, Lana turns around and walks away from the door, again pushing her hair behind her ear. She walks over to an electric floor buffer that a janitor has left in the hallway. She rips the cord out of it and the end of the cord sparks with electricity. She smiles mischievously.

***

Clark is walking down a different hallway in the school where he finds Chloe.

Clark: Chloe, have you seen Lana?

Chloe shakes her head negatively as she replies.

Chloe: The only people here are the school spirit club spreading their Prom-aganda. Why?

Clark: There’s something going on. My mom started to act strange. It’s like she’s channeling some inner teenager, and now Lana’s not acting like herself.

Chloe: Well, if you think Lana’s here decorating for the Prom, that definitely falls under “altered states.”

Clark stares back at Chloe seriously.

***
Lana goes into the boys’ locker room and tries to electrocute Billy. The lights flicker on & off in the entire building. Clark superspeeds to Billy and frees him. Lana makes eye contact with Clark, then leaves the locker room.

Clark follows Lana out into the hallway, but before he talks to her, she touches the back of a guy standing at his locker. There is a flash of light, after which Lana looks disoriented. The guy starts smiling as he walks away from Clark and Lana as they talk to each other.

Clark: Lana? What’s going on?

Lana: I don’t know.

Clark: You came out of the boys’ locker room.

The guy walks around the corner and touches a female teacher who is walking toward him, transferring Dawn’s spirit into her. The teacher smiles and walks over to where Harmony is standing with Dawn’s other friend. She touches Harmony, and Harmony immediately walks away. The teacher touches her head as though she is dizzy.

Harmony walks past Clark and Lana, glaring at them as she goes. They don’t notice. Harmony pushes her hair behind her ear and keeps walking.

Clark: (Motioning to the locker room.) Lana you were just in there.

Lana: I don’t even know how I got to school.

Harmony glances coldly back at Lana and Clark again.

***

Chloe hangs up the phone in the Torch office and walks over to where Lana is sitting on the couch.

Chloe: That was Clark. He’s at the hospital. Billy’s gonna make a full recovery.

Lana: Good. Clark said he saw me come out of that locker room. Do you think I could’ve done anything when I was blacked out?

Chloe can’t come up with a response.

Lana: Why would I ever hurt Billy Durden?

Chloe: You wouldn’t. But Dawn Stiles would.

Lana: Dawn? The girl most likely to be Prom Queen?

Chloe: People were saying that you were acting freakishly like her, and Clark’s mom was acting very Dawn-ish before she came back online at the Talon.

Lana stands up and walks across the room as the two girls continue to put the pieces together.

Lana: That’s the last thing I remember before blacking out - talking to Martha Kent in the Talon.

Chloe: And Mrs. Kent says the last thing she remembers is driving along route 54. That’s where they found Dawn’s body at the bottom of Carlton Gorge. The mother lode of all meteor rock.

Lana: (Understanding.) Oh, my God.

Chloe: They have her in the emergency room. She’s in a deep coma.

Lana: So you think that her spirit was somehow able to take over Martha and then transfer into me?

Chloe: Well, we are in Smallville. And I mean, what would the Senior Prom be without a body-snatching Prom Queen?

Lana takes a nervous breath.

***


Inside the Smallville Medical Center, Clark stands with Chloe and Lana in the hallway outside Dawn’s room.

Clark: Lana, are you okay?

Lana: Yeah, I just feel really horrible. I have no idea what I did.

Clark: Well, you didn’t do anything. You were inhabited by Dawn Stiles.

Lana nods.

Chloe: And the question is, now that we have the old Lana back, where’s the new Dawn?

Harmony walks up to them.

Harmony: (With exaggerated concern.) How is she?

Clark: Well, she’s barely hanging on. She’s got massive head injuries, and she’s severely disfigured.

Harmony: Disfigured?

Clark nods. Harmony walks to the window of Dawn’s room.

Harmony: No, it couldn’t be. My face was so perfect.

Chloe looks at Lana and Clark strangely. Harmony enters the hospital room and looks at Dawn who is unconscious in the bed. Her face is covered in cuts.

Harmony: Ew, gross.

A nurse enters the room.

Nurse: Uh, you’re not allowed in here.

Harmony turns to the nurse with a threatening smile.

Harmony: Really?

***

Lana and Clark are still in the hallway. Chloe isn’t with them anymore, but is on he phone at a nearby counter.

Lana: I’m terrified to even think what else I could’ve said or done in the last hour.

Clark: So you don’t remember what you said to me in the Talon today?

Lana: Oh, no. What’d I say?

Clark: You just, um... asked me to Prom.

Lana: (Surprised.) Oh. Really?

Clark: It wasn’t you, though, right? It was Dawn. So…

Clark shakes his head negatively. Lana nods her agreement.

Before Lana can say anything, a woman’s voice is heard over the loudspeaker.

Woman: Code Blue, room 256. Code Blue, room 256.

Clark and Lana walk toward Dawn’s room and Chloe catches up with them. The same nurse that just spoke to Harmony walks up to them.

Nurse: Excuse me, are you friends of Dawn’s?

Clark: Yes. What happened?

Nurse: There’s nothing they can do. I’m afraid she passed on. I’m sure she didn’t suffer. I’m sorry.

The nurse walks away, and turns the corner. When she is out of their sight, she holds up an empty syringe, smiles as she looks at it, and throws it away.

***

LANA’s JOURNAL

Sometimes the strangest things happen in this town. Who would ever have thought that Dawn Stiles would inhabit Martha Kent, and then transfer into me? I’m glad to know that the things Martha said to me at the Talon were not really Martha’s opinion of me, but Dawn’s. To hear Martha say those ugly things about me really cut me to the heart. It makes a whole lot more sense that it was Dawn. She’s always been jealous of me for some unexplainable reason.

It’s so weird to be missing memories of all that time when Dawn possessed me. I somehow got from the Talon to school, & apparently attacked Billy Durden. I’m glad he’s going to be alright. Even though I know it was Dawn who went after him, I would feel just awful if he were really injured.

Clark said that I - that Dawn - asked him to Prom. Why would she do that? I guess since Billy dumped her, she was looking for a last minute date. Certainly Dawn Stiles would never show up without an escort. When Clark told me that, my heart leapt into my throat. I wonder what Clark said. I mean, he thought it was me - right? Did he agree? From the way he acted at the hospital, it seems that he probably did.

Just thinking about Clark being willing to take me to Prom makes my heart beat faster even now. Why? If I’m honest with myself, I’d have to admit again that there is no one I’d rather go to Prom with than Clark. I’ve always dreamed of going with him.

Why didn’t I tell him that I’d still go with him, if he still needed a date? It would have been so easy to say that, if we hadn’t been interrupted. Then my dream could maybe come true. Should I call him now, and, even this late in the day, ask if he would like to go with me, assuring him that it is really Lana asking this time?

No, I can’t do that. As much as I’d love to go to Prom with Clark, things are just too complicated. I still haven’t officially broken things off with Jason, and Clark would never agree to go with someone else’s girlfriend - except that he did - at least, I think he agreed, when he thought Dawn was me. Maybe he didn’t give her an answer. I don’t know, things are still so strange between me and Clark. I don’t feel like I can call and ask him. If he really wanted to, he could have asked me - but he didn’t. He just waved it off, since it was Dawn who had asked.

So, I guess I’ll stick to my original plan, and order pizza for my solitary Brad Pitt marathon. Hopefully a large dose of Brad Pitt will help me take my mind off of Clark Kent. What is it about him that keeps drawing me back to him? I hope I get another chance to find out.

***
CLARK’s JOURNAL

Why did I even bother to tell Lana that she - I mean Dawn - had asked me to Prom? It was kind of awkward. But I guess I somehow hoped that if I told her, she would insist that we go together anyway. I guess I was just dreaming. And the way I phrased it didn’t really give her much room to do that. I was going to attempt to ask her anyway, but that code blue kind of interrupted us and we never got back to it.

I wish it really had been Lana who wanted to go to Prom with me, instead of Dawn. When she asked me, I was so surprised and confused, I couldn’t even answer coherently. But, Lana’s reaction when I told her about it was hard to read. All she said was, “Oh. Really?” but I could have sworn I heard her heart rate increase. I thought I saw something in her eyes - something like…hope. Or maybe it’s just me and my wishful thinking, reading things into it.

Four years I’ve imagined going to Prom with Lana, holding her close to my heart as we glide across the dance floor. All I ever see is her beautiful face in my dreams. How I wish I could have one more chance to start over with Lana. Because if I had one more chance, I would promise her that this time will be different. I would promise her no more secrets and no more lies. I’d be willing to tell her everything in order to give us a real chance to be together. I want that chance more than anything. Question is, does Lana want that too?

[Cardinal]

I can just see those two standing there in the hospital, each one willing to step over the line between them and ask.

Too bad that they didn't get to, we would've had a proper Clana-filled dance. No attending the dance with Hois.

[Nemu]

interesting... the insight is very good...

and I agree with Card...

PPMS!!!

[SmallvilleMan]

hahahahahhaha Hois:rotfl: I remember liking this episode, good job as always Sv. Can't wait til you do Blank.......Or when you have to explain in Ageless why Clark and Lana seemed forgot about the "This time will be different." talk. :rolleyes:

[SVsleuth]

Harry! Hey! I never knew you were still reading this. Good to hear from you. ;)

[SmallvilleMan]

Yes I am still onboard, I didn't know you snuck in the Onyx update until a couple days ago. Liked that one too, althought it is always frustrating reliving those scenes where Clark has a chance to be with Lana and does nothing:mad: Ugh....If it were only that easy in real life.......

[NYC300Z]

Caught up with Spirit! Can't wait for their dance!;)

PPMS!

[binkys711]

Argh! Neither of them have the dang guts to step up! soooooooooooooo close. Both are so hopeful and confused and madly in love with each other! :D

Loved da update! PPMS!!!

[Cardinal]

Bump!

[SVsleuth]

SPIRIT - Part 3

Lex finds Jason in his library, snooping on Lex’s laptop. Jason does some acting, and accuses Lex of being in on Bridgette Crosby’s murder - for an artifact. Lex denies it. Jason threatens to go to the police with the info he has.

***
Lois is at Smallville Medical Center, trying to get medication for her allergy to Shelby. She is frustrated that they keep wanting to do more tests, instead of just giving her allergy medication.

The nurse who has been possessed by Dawn comes up to Lois, saying with a mischievous smile, “Maybe I can help you.”

It seems Lois will be the next person inhabited by Dawn.

***

At the Kent farm, Clark is seated at the kitchen counter looking through a Smallville High yearbook. He sees the picture of Lana, and releases a sigh of disappointment. Just then, Jonathan and Martha come down the stairs dressed formally. Jonathan is slipping his coat on, and his tie is untied, hanging around his neck. Seeing them, Clark stands to greet them, the yearbook still open in his hand.

Clark: Hey, you guys look great!

Martha: Clark, the only reason we agreed to be chaperones was because of you.

Clark: I know, it’s a little backwards. My parents are going to the Prom and I’m staying home to wait up for them.

Jonathan ties his tie as he speaks.

Jonathan: Son, when you’re older, we don’t want you to have to look back on high school and regret not going to the Prom.

Clark: Dad, I’m not sure that standing by the punch bowl and watching bad dancing is a memory I’m gonna cherish.

Jonathan chuckles as Martha adjusts his tie slightly.

Jonathan: I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Clark.

He glances at Clark then speaks to Martha.

Jonathan: Alright, I’ll bring the truck around.

Jonathan leaves. Martha turns and looks up at Clark with an audible sigh.

Martha: I think I know why you’re not going tonight.

Clark replies honestly, without making much eye contact.

Clark: When I was a freshman, I remember standing outside and watching the seniors going into Prom, the guys in their tuxes and the girls in their dresses. I guess I always thought that would be Lana and me.

Martha: Oh, Clark. Things don’t always end up the way you picture them, but sometimes they can end up even better if you give them a chance. If you change your mind, I put your tux by the door.

Martha smiles slyly.

Clark looks briefly at Martha, then toward the door & back to Martha, somewhat taken aback.

Clark: You rented me a tux?

Martha nods and smiles as a car horn is heard.

Martha: Just in case.

Martha reaches up to hug Clark. Clark is touched.

Clark: Mom...

Clark smiles as he hugs his Mom, then becomes thoughtful as she heads to the door in response to the horn honking again.

Lois’ voice breaks into his thoughts.

Lois: Well?

Clark turns his attention toward the stairs, where he see Lois, all dressed up in a strapless pink prom dress. She is wearing pink earrings to match and holds a corsage and purse in her hand. She pushes her hair behind her ear and smiles down at Clark.

Lois: How do I look?

Clark swallows and responds uncomfortably.

Clark: Um… It looks like you’re going to the Prom.

Lois: I am.

Clark stares at Lois as she walks down the stairs and comes right up to him.

Lois: And you’re taking me!

Clark looks at Lois in disbelief.

Lois: I’m not going to let you sit around moping all night while your parents go out and do the electric boogaloo all night. It’s gonna be fun!

Clark shakes his head side to side.

Clark: No, I-I-I-I’m not going.

Lois: Massive re-strategy. You’re going to your senior Prom whether you like it or not. (Lois smiles widely.) End of discussion. Put on your tux.

Clark is dumbfounded, trying to formulate a response. Finally he does.

Clark: Lois, wasn’t this not in the realm of possibilities?

Lois: Anything is possible, Clark. (Clark raises his eyebrows.) Anything.

Clark just stares back at Lois, at a loss for words.

***
Clark finds himself in his room, tux in hand, wondering how he ended up agreeing to take Lois to his prom. He tosses the tux on the bed, and grabs his journal.

CLARK’s JOURNAL

Why is it that everyone seems so bent on my going to my prom? Dad seemed to think I’ll regret it if I don’t go. Lois won’t take no for an answer. And Mom said that things don’t always end up the way you picture them, but sometimes they can end up even better if you give them a chance. Could she be right? How could things end up even better than what I’ve always dreamed? Ever since our freshman year homecoming dance, I’ve dreamed of dancing with Lana. She promised me a dance back then, which I’ve never collected. Hey! What if Lana is at the Prom? Maybe I could at least collect on that promise…. Who am I kidding? I’m sure Jason wouldn’t allow it.

Well, I guess I will at least get to see Chloe possibly become homecoming queen. As her best friend, I guess I should be there to support her. Maybe that’s all Lois wants to do too - be there for Chloe. Well, I guess it’s not a bad thing to just go and see what happens. Can’t be any worse than sitting home alone - or having to listen to Lois chew me out for hours on end. At least I’ll get to hear Lifehouse, if nothing else. Besides, my mom spent good money renting me a tux. I shouldn’t let it be for nothing. Oh, well, I guess I’d better get dressed now, before Lois gets on my case.


***
Jason brings Sheriff Adams to the Luthor property, and points out to her where he saw the body of Bridgette Crosby. The sheriff says there is no record that a Bridgette Crosby ever existed. Jason tries to say that Lex must be covering it up. The sheriff doesn’t believe him, and warns him that the next time he says there’s been a killing, there’d better be a body.

The sheriff gets in her patrol car and drives away. Jason then takes out his cell phone and dials a number as he gets into his car.

Jason: Hello, mother? (He smiles.) Oh, it’s done. Lex took care of the body just like we wanted. (Pause.) Mm-hmm. I love you too.

Jason flips his phone shut & puts it on the seat beside him. Then he picks up a small box and opens it, revealing the transference stone. He takes it out of the box, and fingers it, as a menacing look spreads over his face.

***

At the school gym, the Prom is going on. Lifehouse is playing on the stage as Lois enters in her skin tight pink dress. Clark, dressed in his tux, follows Lois into the gym uncomfortably. Lois looks around with excitement.

Lois: Isn’t this amazing? Oh, aren’t you so glad you came, Clark? We are gonna have so much fun!

Her voice rises to a near squeak as she completes her statement. Clark looks around uneasily.

Clark: Okay, Lois, you got me here. You can stop laying it on.

Lois looks all around with an air of excitement. She then turns back to Clark.

Lois: I’m gonna go get some punch.

Lois walks away. At the punch table, Jonathan hands Martha a cup of punch, then reaches for the ladle to serve another cup.

Lois doesn’t go to the punch table, but, rather to the place near the stage where the tiara and scepter are displayed for the prom queen. She stares at them covetously, placing a hand to her heart as it beats wildly in anticipation.

Chloe enters the gym alone. She looks around at all the dancing couples apprehensively, then speaks aloud to herself.

Chloe: Come on, Chloe. You can do this.

Chloe walks a little farther into the room searching for a familiar face. She finally sees Clark and smiles with relief. Clark sees her and smiles widely, seeming to relax as Chloe waves and comes over to him.

Chloe: Hey. Haven’t I seen you here before?

Chloe smiles widely as she looks up at Clark.

Clark: Well, maybe this time we won’t have any natural disasters.

Clark grins. Chloe replies, her smile still wide.

Chloe: I’m really surprised that you made it.

Clark shrugs and lowers his eyes for a moment, before replying.

Clark: Yeah, well, remember all those regrets we were talking about? I think not seeing you with a crown on your head would be at the top of the list.

Chloe rolls her eyes. Clark smiles at her, but his expression is more genuine than teasing.

Chloe: I’m glad you’re here.

Lois’ shrill voice can be heard as she comes toward them.

Lois: Clark! Clark!

Chloe looks up confused as Lois approaches. Clark’s smile fades as he glances toward Lois.

Lois: It’s called an escort for a reason.

Chloe’s smile is erased as well, as she gazes at Lois in disbelief.

Chloe: And you’re here. In pink. Why?

Lois replies in a bubbly voice, with a bright smile.

Lois: I came to, uh, cheer you on, of course.

Chloe stares at Lois in confusion. A female teacher interrupts the music to speak into the microphone.

Teacher: Excuse me, everybody! Excuse me!

She turns to speak to the band for a moment.

Teacher: Thanks, guys.

She turns now toward the assembled students.

Teacher: If I could just get your attention for a moment. Thank you. It is time for the big announcement.

Lois makes her way closer to the stage, anticipating the announcement of the Prom queen. Clark & Chloe follow her. The teacher soon announces that Chloe is the winner. Lois turns to Chloe and gives her a hug of congratulations. Dawn transfers from Lois to Chloe. Chloe goes up on stage, accepts her crown, and gives a very Dawn-like speech. She even tries to get the crowd to acknowledge Dawn as the most deserving of the honor. She is stunned when the crowd continues to support Chloe over Dawn.

Meanwhile Lois has become her usual brash self, and questions Clark. Clark realizes that Dawn was inhabiting Lois, and now Chloe.

Chloe is horrified at the crowd’s reaction, and turns her head, wiping away an unhappy tear.

Chloe: Anyway, I promise this will be one night that I will always remember... And you will never forget.

***
Lana is in her apartment, slouched on her sofa, a bowl of popcorn within reach. She stares at Brad Pitt on the TV screen, but her thoughts are not on the movie, nor on Brad. Thoughts of dancing with Clark at Prom, as she had always dreamed, refused to vacate her mind. Lana kept trying to ignore those thoughts and focus on Brad Pitt, but her efforts were in vain. Finally, Lana stopped the DVD, turned off the TV, then pitched the remote across the room. She reached for her journal and began to write, hoping to rid her mind of the thoughts that plagued her.

LANA’s JOURNAL

Gosh, I am a basket case. I never thought it would be this difficult to endure Prom night. All I can think of is Clark. All I can imagine is how it would be to be in his arms, dancing at the Prom. When did I first start dreaming of that anyway? I think it was back in freshman year, the day Clark & I talked at the graveyard and he walked me home. He tried to ask me to homecoming - but I was already going with Whitney. He seemed so disappointed, but he looked so cute. I wished for a moment that I could go with Clark. But I knew I couldn’t break my date with Whitney. The best I could do was to promise Clark I’d save him a dance if he showed up. But he never showed up. Ever since then, I’ve dreamed of dancing with him. But then things took a weird turn, and Clark took Chloe to the Spring formal. Various things happened each year that kept us from ever going to a dance together. Senior Prom was the dance I always hoped would rectify all that. But, here I sit, trying to watch Brad Pitt, while the Prom goes on without me.

I wonder if Clark decided to go or not. As of yesterday, he didn’t have a date, but I wonder if he might go anyway. If he did, maybe I could at least give him that dance I promised him. Who knows what might happen after that?

Well, sitting here isn’t getting me anywhere, so at least I can show up and see what happens. At the very least, I can support Chloe in her bid for Prom queen. At best, I’ll finally get to give Clark that dance I owe him after all!

Lana snapped her journal shut and headed to her closet. Good thing I bought a couple of new dresses while I was in Paris, hoping a formal occasion would arise for me to use them. Lana busied herself for the next hour with hot rollers, makeup, etc. Finally she pulled on the white gown from Paris, and looked herself over in the mirror. She was quite pleased with her appearance on such short notice, and was glad for the hair styling techniques she had also picked up while in Paris. Satisfied, she collected a clutch purse, then headed out the door.

[Cardinal]

I'm glad to learn that Lana wanted to be with Clark back in the Pilot.

You, of course, just had to stop there. Right before the start of the absolute best Clana. :(

[Nemu]

:Dthat was good!!! and the next one should be even more interesting...

but truth be told... it is the alt. one i can't wait to see... but we do have to go through here first ;)

thanks for the PM SV... I was almost at the Lana part when i got it ;)

PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

Sweet to see that Lana's been having similar thoughts about Clark. Can't wait to see their thoughts about the dance they share!

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

The fourth and final installment of Spirit should be posted later this evening. :)

[Nemu]

sweet!! then it will be alt?

[SVsleuth]

SPIRIT - Part 4


The music resumes at the Prom, and couples go back to dancing. Clark abandons Lois and goes after Chloe, realizing Dawn is possessing her now. As he reaches the stairs, he sees his dad, lying at the bottom of the staircase.

Clark: Dad? Dad, you okay?

He helps Jonathan stand up.

Jonathan: Yeah. Chloe, she’s not—she’s not acting like herself. She took off down the stairs. I-I’m fine.

Clark: Dad, I need you to get something for me.

***
Clark confronts Chloe/Dawn in the boiler room, where she is trying to blow up the school, by setting a flammable oil on fire with a flaming torch-mop. Clark baits Dawn into letting Chloe go and moving into him.

Chloe gasps and then steps back a little, confused.

Chloe: Clark?

Clark takes the tiara off of Chloe’s head.

Clark: Crown’s mine, b!tch.

Clark slaps Chloe across the face with enough force to send her flying across the room. Chloe cries out.

Clark: Genius.

As Clark/Dawn again attempts to torch the school, Jonathan stops her, by using kryptonite against Clark.

Chloe wakes up and watches from the floor as Clark groans, drops the mop, stumbles backwards and falls to the floor in pain.

Clark: What are you doing? What is that?

Jonathan walks even closer to Clark, holding the rock near him.

Jonathan: It’s time for you to leave, Dawn!

Clark: Aah!

Dawn leaves Clark, as Chloe watches in stunned silence. Finally, Jonathan tosses the rock away from Clark & shuts off the oil valve. Chloe feigns unconsciousness, not wanting Clark to know that she saw everything.

Clark sits up, his strength restored.

Clark: Chloe!

He helps her up.

Clark: Are you okay?

Chloe: Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks.

Clark bends over and picks up the tiara.

Clark: I think you dropped something. Congratulations, Chloe.

He hands the tiara to her and she smiles.

***

Clark reenters the gym where the Prom is still going on. He walks over to Lois at the punch table.

Clark: Listen, Lois—

Lois: Your parents filled me in. Apparently some girl named Dawn was possessing me?

Clark: Yeah, well, that’s the short version.

Lois: Yeah, well, that’s the last time I’ll ever let her do my hair.

Clark: Look, I’m sorry you got pulled into all of this.

Lois: Don’t worry about it. I never quite made it to my senior Prom.

She takes a drink of punch.

Lois: The punch could use a little kick.

Clark smiles.

***
Lana walks apprehensively into the gym. She stops and looks around, releasing a nervous breath and rubbing her sweaty palms down the sides of her dress.

What am I doing here? This feels so awkward. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe I should forget it and just go home.

***
Lifehouse begins to play a slow-dance song, You and Me. There is a long pause in the conversation between Lois and Clark, as Clark looks toward the band thoughtfully. Finally, he speaks up, rather uncomfortably.

Clark: You know, I was thinking… since you did get all dressed up and you came here with me... (he shrugs) you should at least get a dance out of it.

Lois has been looking away from the band, and something else caught her attention.

Lois: Chivalry noted. But I’m not the one you want to dance with, Clark. She is.

Lois nods toward the door of the gym and Clark looks in the direction she is indicating. He sees that Lana has just entered the gym, and is standing there somewhat awkwardly, all alone. He glances back at Lois.

Lois: Go.

Clark smiles at Lois and begins to make his way toward Lana.

***

Lois turns, and sees Chloe sitting at a nearby table watching Clark, a look of disappointment on her face, as she sees him headed toward Lana.

Lois sits down at the table next to Chloe, and tries to console her.

Lois: Hey. You know, a year from now, this is all gonna seem like a lifetime ago.

Chloe: (Sadly.) That’s funny, because it feels like just yesterday when he deserted that nervous freshman on the dance floor.

Lois: You’re headed for Metropolis. You are destined to be a big shot reporter at the Daily Planet. Do you really picture Clark Kent being able to keep up with you?

Chloe thinks about it for a moment.

Chloe: You know, Lois, I think Clark might have a lot more to offer than you realize.

Lois responds dryly.

Lois: I wouldn’t bet on it.

***

Lana looks around again, having now walked a little farther into the gym. Her eyes widen as she catches sight of Clark, walking in her general direction. Her heart rate increases and she puts a hand to her chest.

Wow! It should be illegal for a man to look that good. He seriously needs to ditch the flannel and dress up formally more often.

Lana’s eyes are focused anxiously on Clark as he slowly makes his way across the crowded dance floor.

It looks like he’s heading toward me! Gosh, could he move any slower?

Clark keeps his eye on Lana as he weaves his way through the dancers, who keep blocking his line of vision. Finally, he gets a clear view of her. He pauses, swallowing hard as he takes in the sight of her. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

Oh, Lana, you’ve never looked more beautiful. Come on, Clark, get over there before the song ends. What if she refuses? Gosh, she makes me nervous. Well, I guess it can’t hurt to ask.

Clark resumes walking, with a little more determination. He finally approaches Lana. They look at each other nervously for a few moments. With rising hope, Clark takes the risk. He extends his hand toward her, never taking his eyes from hers. Lana gazes back at him hopefully.

Clark: May I have this dance?

Lana breaks into a hesitant smile, relieved.

Lana: I thought you’d never ask.

Lana places her hand in his. Clark leads her onto the dance floor. You and Me is still being played by Lifehouse.

’Cuz there’s you and me
And all of the people
And nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And there’s you and me
And all of the people
And I don’t know why
I can’t keep my eyes off of

You and me
And all of the people
With nothing to do
And nothing to prove
And it’s you and me
And all of the people
And I don’t know why
I can’t take my eyes off of you

Clark and Lana stare into each other’s eyes as they begin dancing together. Both are quite aware of the lyrics being sung.

It’s so true, Lana thinks. I can’t keep my eyes off of you, Clark. It’s been so long since I’ve gazed into your beautiful eyes. I was afraid of what I might see there - but all I see…is love.

Clark’s thoughts are not much different. This song is so right. I can’t take my eyes from yours, Lana. For so long, I’ve dreamed you would someday look at me like this again. You’re so beautiful, Lana. I can’t believe we’re really here, together.

The song continues.

There’s something about you now
That I can’t quite figure out…

Reassured by what she has found in Clark’s eyes, Lana instinctively draws nearer to him, finally lowering her eyes, and resting her head gently against his chest. She smiles contentedly and closes her eyes as Clark enfolds her in his arms.

Lana’s thoughts respond to the lyrics of the song.

Yes, Clark, there’s always been something about you that I can’t quite figure out. But even more mysterious is the way you make me feel when you look into my eyes or take me into your arms. No other guy has ever had this effect on me. This just feels so right.

Lifehouse continues to sing.

Everything she does is beautiful
Well everything she does is right

Clark takes the lyrics to heart.

Everything about you is beautiful, Lana. It feels so right having you again in my arms. I wish this could last forever.

Clark rests his cheek lightly against Lana’s hair, drinking in her scent as they continue gliding across the dance floor as one.

Jason looks into the gym. He sees Lana dancing happily with Clark. His eyes narrow angrily and he leaves. The music and dancing continues.

’Cuz there’s you and me
And all of the people
And nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And there’s you and me
And all of the people
And I don’t know why
I can’t keep my eyes off of

You and me
And all of the people
With nothing to do
And nothing to prove
And it’s you and me
And all of the people
And I don’t know why
I can’t keep my eyes off of you


When the song ends, Clark and Lana are reluctant to release one another, and she remains in his embrace. Clark hugs her closer, and Lana’s arms tighten around him.

Someone speaks into the microphone.

“That’s it for this year’s Smallville High Prom. We’d like to thank Lex Luthor for arranging for Lifehouse to be here. We hope you all had a very memorable evening. Goodnight everyone.”

Reluctantly, Clark and Lana loosen their embrace and again look into each other’s eyes.

“Thanks for the dance, Lana.”

“Well, I’m very glad you finally collected it.”

She smiles warmly at Clark. His smile widens as well, then he leads her toward the exit.

***

CLARK’s JOURNAL

What an amazing evening! I’m so glad Dawn got me to the prom after all. In spite of the body-snatching Prom queen, things turned out wonderfully!

That dance with Lana was a dream come true. Nothing has ever felt more right. The way she looked at me - my heart was about to pound right out of my chest.

I don’t know what has happened between Lana and Jason, but I wasn’t about to ask. I can’t imagine that she would look at me that way if they are still happily together. I’m not going to sit on the sidelines waiting any more. It’s time to try to move forward with Lana, while it seems I have a chance. But I don’t want to scare her off, so I’ll take it slow for now, and focus on just getting comfortable being around each other again.

Then again, Lana’s probably going away to college. I’m thinking of staying close to home, to help with the farm. So I may not have much time to work with. No matter where she goes, I can run there quickly, and still see her often - IF I let her in. But can I? Am I willing to reveal myself to her? What about that tattoo? What about Isobel? Might she return? Can I risk it?

My heart wants so much to be with you, Lana. I love you - always have, always will. Without you, I feel like a huge part of me is missing. I need you, Lana. Please give me one more chance. I promise you, this time will be different.

***

LANA’s JOURNAL

I’m so glad I decided to go to the Prom after all. Dancing with Clark was…amazing. I felt so breathless as he took me into his arms and gazed into my eyes. No one else affects me like that - definitely not Jason. In fact, after being with Clark for only one dance, I can’t remember what I ever saw in Jason in the first place.

In my heart, I know I still want to be with Clark. I love him - I really never stopped. But am I ready to give him another chance with my heart? He’s hurt me so many times, and it seems that every time we get close, he pushes me away. Can I risk that again, to give him one more chance? I want to - but I’m so afraid. Yet, before I left for Paris, Clark promised he wouldn’t leave me again. What if I hadn’t left? Should I have given him one more chance? Would we still be together if I had?

Clark & I have barely spoken to each other this entire year. He’s seemed so far from me. Maybe I shouldn’t rush anything. Maybe we just need to get comfortable being around each other again, and then see where it leads. But if he wants to try again, I think maybe I’m willing to take that chance.

College might have a major effect on this, too, though. I presume Clark is going off to college somewhere. I’ve been thinking about staying here in Smallville, until I am more certain of what direction I want to go in, and until I can get the answers I still need about the tattoo and figure out what I should do with that stone. So it may be too late already for Clark and me to try again.

But I miss you so much, Clark. I miss being wrapped up in your arms, and resting my head against your chest. I miss gazing into your gorgeous eyes, and feeling your lips upon mine. I want that again.

And yet the possibility scares me to death. Can I really trust him with my heart again?


***
END of SPIRIT

[Cardinal]

AHHHH! The Clana that some of us have been waiting more than a year and half to get to....Spirit!...when Clana came back to Smallville. :D :D :D :D :D

I like the way they are both so hopeful about their future together, but willing to take it slow.

Thanks, SV!

On to "Blank."

[Nemu]

:D

that was sweet... I sure like that their thoguths reflect each other's showing they are on the same brainwave even though they aren't sure...

so offto Blank and "This time will be different" ;)

PPMS!!! (but i would like alt first ;))

[SmallvilleMan]

Sv sneaks in an update and I loved it. Lois was more helpful than anyone when it came to Clana and still is. That's why I like Lois, seems to be the only one who knows how much they love each other and pushes them to be together.

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Nemu
sweet!! then it will be alt?
I know I've kept you waiting so long for that, Nemu. I'll try to work on it and see if I can get it going. If so, good. If not, I'll write CJ Blank.

I'll see what I can get done on Friday & Saturday, but it's not likely I'll have anything more ready this weekend, since my son is coming home from college tomorrow, & we're all going out to dinner; & then Sunday will have a lot of visiting to do for Mothers' Day.

But, I will keep trying.

[Nemu]

lol dont worry SV... if Alt has to wait then to CJ Blank... we are on the good stuff in both story...

[ajfinn]

SV, the time you put into this blows my mind!! And honestly, I couldn't HANDLE watching some of those season 4 eps again. Yet, you've taken TOTAL crap (before Spirit) and given it a heart and meaning!

I bet you're SOOOOOOOOOOO relieved to move on to some good Clana. And OH, what GREAT Clana it was.

:D Kudos!

aj

[escout]

Steph,

I just began reading...but duty calls...I'll have to come back and read it later.

Joe:)

[NYC300Z]

The dance was beautiful! Well done. Them having the same thoughts about going to college and not knowing it....things seem bright:)

PPMS!

[escout]

:) TOTALLY AWESOME UPDATE!!!!!!:rotfl:
Thank you for taking the time to re-write the episodes. Thank you for the perspective from Lana and Clark's points of view. That means so much.

I love that song!!

I loved the update!

Thanks PPMS!!!:)

[clana1fan4ever]

Okay now that was just perfect!

Loved the Clana and the dance!!!

PPMS!!

[SVsleuth]

BLANK - Part 1

Lois is very busy filling orders at the Talon. Some guy comes in, walks right up to the cash register, and takes all the money. Lois stops him, and he zaps her with some sort of green energy. She seems to forget that he has just robbed her, and asks him what she can get for him. He says he’s already been helped, and heads toward the back exit.

Meanwhile Chloe & Clark enter the Talon, discussing where Clark might go to college. He mentions the University of Miami, saying he’d like the beach, but adds that he would feel bad to leave his parents to run the farm with out him. Chloe answers that she guesses he would be hard to replace, with all his “skills” and everything. Clark is taken aback by her statement and asks, “Skills?”

Chloe ignores him and starts talking to Lois. Lois opens the cash register as they talk & discovers she’s been robbed.

Clark notices the swinging doors that lead to the back exit, and follows the thief out into the alley. The thief has gotten into his truck and starts to accelerate down the alley. Clark stands in his pathway, forcing him to brake and come to a stop. Clark walks to the driver’s side door and opens it. The guy shoots the green energy at Clark. Clark stumbles backward, falling against the fence, as flashes of his memories speed by in his mind, going backwards in time.

Clark looks up, and sees Chloe standing over him.

Chloe: Clark? Clark? What happened?

Clark looks at her in confusion.

Clark: Who’s Clark?

Chloe stares at him worriedly.

***

Chloe and Clark drive up to the Kent farm in Chloe’s car. Clark rolls down his window to look around, then they get out of the car. Clark looks around apprehensively, like he doesn’t know where he is. They walk toward the house.

Chloe: It must be kind of weird seeing the house you grew up in for the first time. Do you recognize anything? I mean, the house or the cows… the tractor, anything?

Clark shakes his head negatively.

Clark: You sure this is where I live?

Chloe: Yeah. Um, you spend most of your time over there.

Chloe points to the loft.

Clark looks at her doubtfully.

Clark: In a barn.

Chloe: Well, normal was never really your style, Clark.

Clark looks at her, uncomprehending.

Chloe: That was my attempt at humor. Sometimes I crash and burn. Sorry.

Clark turns toward the house and walks up the steps to the porch. Chloe follows.

Clark raises his hand to knock on the door, but Chloe stops him.

Chloe: Clark, it’s your house.

Clark: Right.

Clark tries the knob and the door doesn’t open. He gives it another pull and tears the door completely off its hinges, sending it flying onto the front lawn.

Clark is stunned.

Clark: I - It was - It was stuck.

Chloe: Actually, I think it was locked.

Chloe smiles and passes Clark, entering the house. Clark follows her and looks at a picture of himself and his parents on the fridge.

Chloe: Mr. Kent? Mrs. Kent?

Chloe looks round the house as she calls for them. She gets no response.

Lois arrives and enters the kitchen.

Lois: What the hell happened to the door?

Clark: You know, I tried to open it, and then—

Chloe cuts in.

Chloe: Yeah, and then some freak wind came and just blew it right off.

Clark doesn’t understand, but he doesn’t say anything more.

Lois: Right.

Chloe: So, Lois, do you know where the Kents are?

Lois: They’re in Metropolis for Mr. Kent’s heart exam. Clark, you know that.

Chloe: Well, not so much. He has amnesia, and he’s having a hard time—

Lois: Again?

Clark: What do you mean again?

Lois walks up to Clark smiling mischievously as she looks him over.

Lois: Well, at least this time you got clothes on.

Chloe: Lois, we need to get his parents back home.

Lois: Well, that’s gonna be a little hard. Mr. Kent has a one-way ticket on the Ambien express. He’s gonna be out of commission for a couple of days. So what happened?

Clark: Well, the last thing I remember, I woke up in the alley. I was with, uh…

He looks at Chloe, unable to remember her name. Chloe helps him out.

Chloe: Chloe.

Chloe turns to Lois.

Chloe: I’m thinking he caught up to whoever was behind the “robbery in plain sight” incident.

Lois: And what, we have a thief with memory repo? (Chloe shrugs.)I guess that could explain why in some weird Smallvillean way I zoned out eight coffee orders before I found the till was empty.

Chloe nods.

Chloe: I’m gonna go to the Torch and see what I can find out about amnesia.

Lois: Yeah, just leave Mr. Memory Reboot to me. I’m getting to be a pro at this.

Lois turns to Clark.

Lois: But you know what? You’re gonna have to put up with PB and J because that’s the extent of my culinary skills.

Chloe: (To Clark.) Okay?

She starts to leave. Clark stops her.

Clark: Uh, please tell me I’m not related to her.

Chloe: No, I am. You live with her.

Lois: Clark.

Clark turns to Lois and she tosses him a jar of peanut butter. He is about to open it, but Chloe takes it away from him quickly, afraid that he might accidentally break it.

Chloe: Uh… you know what? (She puts the jar down.) I’m gonna take him up to the barn, see if anything up there jogs his memory.

Lois: All right. Suit yourself.
Chloe: (to Clark, quietly) We need to talk.

***
Chloe takes Clark into the loft, hoping something there will jog his memory. Nothing. Clark asks Chloe to leave him alone for a few minutes. She agrees and heads down the stairs. Clark searches in the desk for some paper and a pen. He sits down and begins to write.


CLARK’s JOURNAL

This is really weird. I don’t remember anything or anyone. Not my friends, my home. I can’t believe I grew up on a farm. And this, uh, Chloe, says I spend a lot of my time here in the loft of this barn? None of it looks familiar. I didn’t even recognize the people in the picture with me - I guess they are my parents? I don’t look like either one of them. And my - dad - has heart problems? He looks rather young for that, especially for a man who’s worked a farm all his life. He ought to be in great shape. Weird.

Something else seems wrong, though. How in hell did I rip that door off of its hinges? Chloe seems to know something, and lied to that other girl about what really happened. Why would she do that? Then she wouldn’t let me open the peanut butter jar. Why? I hope she tells me what she knows.

Chloe said the coffee shop was robbed and I apparently caught up to the thief. She seems to think he somehow caused my memory loss. How could someone do that?

But then that other girl - the annoying one - she said I’ve had amnesia once before? I wonder what that was all about and how I got my memory back that time. I didn’t get her crack about having clothes on. Surely she never saw me without…? No, no, that can’t have happened.

Ugh! This is so frustrating. It’s like I have no past whatsoever. My only memories are of what’s happened in the last hour or so. I hope this is just temporary. I guess I’ll just have to trust my new friend Chloe to try to help me. I don’t seem to have many other options.

Clark shoves the paper in the desk drawer and makes his way down the stairs to find Chloe.

***
Word has spread quickly throughout the Talon about Clark’s memory loss. Lana enters the Talon and hears the buzz. Clark’s lost his memories? ALL of them? I wonder if it‘s permanent. Her heart sinks, as she remembers the dance at the Prom a few days ago. So he won’t remember - that magical moment at the Prom, he won’t remember. Then again. Maybe he won’t remember whatever all those secrets and lies were about either. I have to admit that I’ve been having conflicting feelings about giving Clark another chance. I mean, what about all those secrets and lies that drove me away from him last summer? Can I just ignore all of that because he makes me feel so - special? But with this new turn of events - well, maybe this could be a real opportunity for us to make a fresh start. I’ll have to go visit him after school, and see how he’s doing. It must be hard for him. Maybe I can help him somehow.

Lana climbs the stairs to her apartment. She enters, and discovers Jason waiting for her there, grinning.

Lana: What’s with the Cheshire cat routine?

Lama dops her keys on the counter. Jason holds up a thick envelope.

Jason: A little something from Central Kansas. Congratulations. I think if they were gonna reject you, they probably wouldn’t have sent a novella.

Lana answers without much enthusiasm.

Lana: No, probably not.

Lana walks over to the bed and leaves her purse there. Jason follows her.

Jason: Hey, I was thinking that we could go check out the dorms on campus this weekend.

Lana turns to face Jason.

Lana: Jason, I’m not sure that I’m gonna go to Central Kansas. I’m not even sure if I’m gonna go to college at all. I’ve actually given this a lot of thought.

Jason: Which part? The part that we’ve been planning this for an entire year? Lana, I thought this was our one chance to put everything that’s happened over the past couple months behind us. It would be like Paris all over again.

Lana: No. Jason, last summer was incredible. But we have to face it. We haven’t been able to recreate that here, not with everything that’s happened. Not with the stones or your mom and all of the lies.

Jason’s expression becomes serious and he responds with tempered anger.

Jason: How long have you known? I mean, your feelings don’t just change overnight, so you’ve obviously been thinking about this a while.

Lana: Yeah.

Jason: Yeah.

Lana: Ever since this turned into the same relationship I was trying to leave behind when I went to Paris.

Jason: Oh, so this is about Clark.

Lana: No, it’s not about Clark. Jason, it’s about us. There are too many secrets. I kept wishing that we could wipe the slate clean, but we can’t. A chance like that… maybe it only comes around once in a lifetime.

Lana turns away from Jason and walks into the living room. Jason’s jaw tightens and his anger rises to the surface. He follows Lana and grabs her by the arm, turning her around roughly. He grabs both of her arms tightly.

Jason: You were the one part of my life that made me forget what I’ve turned into.

Lana looks up at him, frightened.

Lana: What are you talking about?

Jason: Just don’t give up on me.

Jason’s grip is hurting Lana.

Lana: Jason…

Jason: Okay? You have no idea how much I’ve been protecting you. Do you?

Lana looks at him with fear and confusion. Jason lets her go and storms out of the apartment. Lana is left dazed and confused.

***
LANA’s JOURNAL

What the hell was that all about? What did Jason mean about him protecting me? From what? Does it have to do with the stones? Or his Mom? Or Isobel? I’ve never seen Jason angry like that. I never would have thought he could hurt me. I’m convinced that I never really knew him as well as I thought I did.

I guess he took the hint that things are over between us. I just couldn’t take all the lies again. He lied about stopping his search for the stones. He went behind my back & threatened Lionel to try to get one. He’s like a different person than the guy I knew in Paris. I just couldn’t get stuck in another relationship like that.

And yet, here I am considering giving Clark another chance. Why? Because he makes me feel something that no one else has ever made me feel. But I should know better than that. It won’t ever work with all the secrets and lies.

But Clark doesn’t remember anything now. Maybe with the slate wiped clean, we can have another chance. I don’t know, he probably won’t even give me a second look. Why would he? He doesn’t remember anything we’ve shared - not our first kiss, nor our last one. I just wish there could be a way for things to work between us. When I’m in Clark’s arms, time just seems to stand still, and everything seems so right. That has to mean something.

***

[Cardinal]

Yes it does, Lana. It means you can jump Clark's bones...erm, I mean, it means you can give him another shot. :)

Because even BDAs deserve a shot at love.

[Nemu]

i agree with Card...

PPMS!!

[escout]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Yes it does, Lana. It means you can jump Clark's bones...erm, I mean, it means you can give him another shot. :)

Because even BDAs deserve a shot at love.

Great stuff SvSleuth....I agree with Cardinal and Nemu...Clark needs another shot! Better still, give him a double shot.

A double shot of his babies love!!!!!:rotfl:

PPMS

[SmallvilleMan]

I love when Lana tells her boyfriends it isn't about Clark, when it's all about Clark. I've also noticed on many occassions that when comes to the secrets and lies Lana policy she has zero tolerence, but when it comes to Clark she talks a big game, but doesn't act on it. God I love the clana:D

[binkys711]

sorry took me so long to catch up, school's been a nightmare but now...I"M FREEE!!!! MUAHAHAHA! (well sort of :p) anyways....

Loved the clana updates! I absoluetly adored Spirit! With the perfect Clana dance! :D They just can't stay away from each other now can they?!
Great start of Blank, I liked seeing Clark's feelings with his memory loss, especially him referring to Lois, dat was funny :lol: and of course I got a lot of pleasure of Lana considering Clark and not Jason! (HA SUCKA! :p) HOORAY CLANA! (LOL to card's post :lol: I completely agree with him! ;))

Loved all da updates (which I'm deeply sorry I missed) PPMS!!! ASAP! :)

[NYC300Z]

yeah it sounds so nice Lana wants to give Clark another chance she's done with Jason and we know what Clark is about to do next!

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

BLANK - Part 2


At the farm, Chloe hands Clark a crowbar to bend. Clark is surprised that he can bend it. Chloe finds it ironic that she has to explain to Clark that he has special abilities. She tells him about the meteor shower, and the effects that the meteor rocks have had on some people. She tells him that her theory is that he is one of them, adding that he has been a self-appointed hero, always saving others, including her.

She admits that he never confided this secret to her. Clark realizes that he can trust Chloe, & that she would never betray his secret.

***
Chloe then takes Clark back to the Talon, which is now closed for the night. They are trying to figure out what happened with the robbery, and are searching for clues. Clark surprises himself and Chloe when he finds that he can see through things. He finds a card belonging to the robber.

Clark is questioning why he hides who he really is. He wants to stop hiding from people, but Chloe convinces him to keep a lid on it at least until he gets to talk to his parents.

Clark looks away from Chloe, frustrated. He notices Lana coming down the stairs and is instantly captivated by her. Chloe doesn’t know what he is looking at.

Chloe: Clark? Clark?

Clark walks slowly in Lana’s direction. She doesn’t see him and walks toward the front door of the Talon smiling at someone who brings in some fresh flowers. Clark blinks heavily, then several bolts of heat vision shoot uncontrollably from his eyes, catching a nearby lamp on fire. Chloe runs over to the lamp and douses the fire with some water from a vase.

Chloe: Aah! Premature combustion. That’s one I didn’t need to know about.

Clark continues to stare at Lana.

Clark: Who is that?

Chloe sighs and answers him reluctantly.

Chloe: That… is Lana Lang…

Clark’s smile widens. Lana walks toward the front door, still not realizing that Clark and Chloe are watching her.

Chloe: …the love of your life.

Clark gazes toward the door. Chloe looks at Clark with a sigh of disappointment.

***

Clark returns to the farm and heads straight to the loft.

CLARK’s JOURNAL

I can’t believe all of this is happening. First Chloe reveals to me that I’m some sort of mutant, with special abilities. So I find that I’m super-strong. And then, I discover that I can see through things, & start fires with my eyes. I guess I’m a real freak. Maybe this is all just a really bad nightmare. Except for Lana. When I caught sight of her - well, my heart started pounding a mile a minute, & I found it hard to breathe. Then my eyes started burning, and somehow I started a small fire. She certainly did set me on fire inside. There’s something about her - something I can’t quite figure out - but I just feel so drawn to her - so connected. Damn! I wish I could remember! Chloe said Lana and I used to date. I wonder why we stopped. I wish I could remember something - anything. I can‘t live like this, with no memories of my past. My whole life is a void. Maybe there’s something in the desk that might jog my memory.


Clark rummages through the desk drawers, and pulls out some photographs, and some drawings. He takes them with him as he relocates to the couch. He spreads them out on the old chest, and begins to study them, hoping for a breakthrough.


Clark picks up some pictures of Lana, and looks at them slowly. He sighs, then puts those aside and picks up some drawings that he made of the Kawatche caves and the symbols he found there. When he doesn’t recognize any of them, he throws them down onto the chest in frustration. Lois enters, seeing this.

Lois: Looks like one more thing you don’t remember. You usually hide all those emotions. I came to ask if you were doing okay. But it looks like I got my answer.

She pulls up a chair and sits near the couch.

Clark: My life is a complete void. How would you feel?

Lois: Oh, pity party. These are fun.

Clark: Look, Chloe’s very… protective of me. I guess there’s a lot of people that I can’t trust.

Lois: And you can’t tell who they are. Look, you may not remember all the players on the board, but you can still play the game.

Clark: Are you gonna tell me how I’m supposed to do that?

Lois: Trust your gut. Like, what’s it say about me?

Clark grins wryly.

Clark: We don’t like each other very much.

Lois nods.

Lois: You’re on the right track. Keep it up, Smallville.

Lois stands up and walks to the stairs, making her way down. Clark picks up one of the pictures of Lana and stares at it thoughtfully.

Trust my gut, huh? Well, my gut says that Lana has been a very special part of my life. I don’t know what could have happened for us to break up, but I’ve got to find out.

***

Clark walks through the hallway at Smallville High School. He sees Lana standing next to her open locker. He stops, and just stares at her for a few moments. She puts on her jacket, getting ready to leave. Clark walks slowly over to her. Lana glances up, seeing him.

Lana: Hi, Clark.

Clark responds somewhat nervously, like a boy who is meeting a girl for the first time.

Clark: Hi.

Lana: I heard about what happened to you.

Clark just takes in Lana’s appearance, from head to toe & back.

Lana: Oh, uh, I’m sorry. I suppose you don’t even know who I am.

Clark: Lana.

Lana is startled to hear Clark say her name, just the way he used to say it when they were together - the way no one else ever said her name. She stares back at him speechless, as her heart begins to pound in her chest. They continue to gaze into each other’s eyes for a long moment, becoming oblivious to everything going on around them.

Lana finally looks away uncomfortably, and answers him nervously.

Lana: I was, uh, gonna come by later. I didn’t… I didn’t think I’d see you here.

She meets his gaze again, awkwardly.

Clark: I actually came here to see you.

Lana is taken aback by this, and again stares back at Clark, seeing the boy she remembered from freshman year.

Clark: Chloe, she… (he swallows hard and licks his lips nervously before continuing) …she told me that we used to, uh…

Lana: Yeah. Yeah, we did.

Clark: What happened?

Lana just stares back at Clark at a loss for words.

Clark: I mean, please, I just… (he steps closer to her, looking into her eyes) I’d really like to know.

Lana gazes back into his eyes.

Lana: So would I.

A look of confusion comes over Clark’s face.

Clark: It was me?

Lana looks away uncomfortably for a few moments, then looks back into his eyes.

Clark is having trouble accepting this new information. He tries to say something, but it takes a few moments for him to make a coherent sentence.

Clark: I don’t understand. I… If I felt anywhere near like I feel now…

Lana glances away and back, then is about to speak. But Clark continues on.

Clark: No, don’t tell me. I don’t want to know. I don’t want to know because this time it… it’ll be different.

Clark swallows nervously. Lana gazes up at him, searching his eyes, and stunned at what she finds there.

Lana: This time?

A locker door slams shut behind Lana, startling her and pulling her out of the moment. She answers him nervously

Lana: Um, I don’t think we should talk about this right now.

Clark nods slightly, but is unwilling to just drop it.

Clark: When can we.. talk about this?

Lana’s eyes soften as looks back at him, seeing his vulnerability and his sincerity - seeing the boy she once fell in love with.

Chloe and Lois enter the hallway and see Clark and Lana talking.

Lois: How did he get here?

Chloe: Looks like the heart remembers more than the brain.

They watch Lana walk away from Clark quickly. He turns and follows her with his eyes as she heads down the hallway.

Lois: Come on, cuz. Don’t give one more second’s thought to those vacant baby blues.

They walk over to Clark.

Chloe: Hey, good news. (Clark turns toward them, but takes one more glance back toward where he had last seen Lana, before giving them his reluctant attention.) Uh, we traced that day pass you found to Grand View Motor Cross Park. It belongs to a guy named Kevin Grady.

Lois: He lives in Smallville, so we thought we’d go check out the address. Coming?

***
LANA’s JOURNAL

Gosh, I’ve never been so nervous in all my life. I feel as if I just met Clark Kent all over again. The way he said my name…well, it just sent chills down my spine. The look in his eyes when he gazed at me - it was something I’ve missed for too long. Whenever he looks into my eyes, I feel like I am completely mesmerized. He did it to me at the prom - and again this afternoon, at school. I just had such a strong urge to pull him close to me and kiss him. I might have actually done it, if that slamming locker door hadn’t brought me out of my stupor.

It’s really weird, though - him not remembering anything. Not the birthday kiss, or the beautiful toast he made at Lex’s rehearsal dinner. Not all the secrets, and all the times he seemed to keep me at arms’ length, never letting me in. Not the reason we aren’t together. But then he really surprised me, saying he doesn’t want to know what happened, because “this time” things will be different. This time? My heart began to race a mile a minute, just thinking of the chance to be with Clark again. Is it really possible?

Somehow, even though his memories are gone, he feels drawn to me, and wants to be with me. It makes me so nervous. I agreed to meet with him tonight. I can’t believe we might get another chance. A chance like this…maybe it just comes along once in a lifetime. Well, this time, I am determined to make the most of the opportunity. I don’t know what it is about Clark, but when I’m with him everything just feels so right. I really miss being with him. I really want things to work this time.

***
CLARK’s THOUGHTS (as he rides with Chloe and Lois to Kevin’s house)

Lana. I can’t stop thinking about her. I can’t believe I somehow let her slip away from me. I must have been crazy. My feelings for her are so strong. I was so nervous, going to talk to her. It’s kind of weird, knowing that we dated, and yet I feel like I just met her for the first time. At least she agreed to get together with me tonight. I’m so eager to get to know her again. I don’t know what I did wrong before, but this time, it will be different. I won’t let her slip away, I won’t be the cause of it. I’ll do whatever it takes to make things work. She’s worth it. She’s definitely worth it.

***

[Cardinal]

Yes, Clark, she's definitely worth it!

I felt heartbreak for Clark all over again as he fumbled his way through the conversation with Lana and learned that their split up was his doing. :(

I loved his instant, unknowing attraction to Lana and how he was determined to do something about it.

[Nemu]

I always liked that locker scene a lot...

him coming to her like that... shows just how much his love is true...

Then you have to wonder why when he will come back after his training he would move on to Hois...

anyway...

Good work!

PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

If only Clark could keep that promise to him self too bad he'll forget it all over again...oh well it was nice to see them having those feelings they can recreate what they had and even better!!;)

PPMS!

[escout]

:) This is one of my favorite episodes. Clark, without lies or excuses. Knowing only that he loves Lana and doing his best to understand why they are no longer together.

Steph, as usual you did a wonderful job! Thank you!!!! :rotfl:

[SVsleuth]

BLANK - Part 3

Kevin Grady, the Talon thief, packs some things at his dad’s house, uses his special ability to make his dad forget, then leaves the house. Lois, Clark & Chloe approach the house and speak to Mr. Grady about Kevin. They find out he has been a patient at Summerholt Institute. Mr. Grady says they are trying to help Kevin forget the accident - a hunting accident during which Kevin accidentally killed his brother.

Lois doesn’t buy the story completely, and decides to go snooping around the property.

Lois walks away. Clark gets a strange look on his face as his super hearing kicks in.

Chloe: Clark, are you okay?

Clark: I can hear someone running.

Chloe: What? And the super-Wheaties abilities just keep coming. Where are they?

Clark: They’re on the side of the house.

Chloe: Well, go get them.

Clark: It sounds like he’s on a motorcycle now.

Suddenly, Kevin comes speeding by on a motocycle.

Chloe: Trust me on this one, Clark. Run.

Clark: Chloe—

Chloe: Just run, Clark!

Clark runs after Kevin and is shocked to find himself going in super speed. He speeds right past Kevin, glancing back at him as he passes him by, unable to stop. Clark finally does stop, and finds himself in a field with several grazing cows. He has lost Kevin.

***
Clark and Chloe go to the Luthor mansion to visit Lex, in hopes of getting a contact at Summerholt Institute. Lex promises to make a few calls and see what he can find out.

Clark & Chloe start to leave. Lex speaks up.

Lex: Chloe, if you don’t mind, uh, I’d like to have a word with Clark.

Chloe hesitates, certain that is not a good idea.

Chloe: Well, I promised his parents I would get him home.

Lex: Well, I think I can manage that.

Clark: It’s all right, Chloe. You could use a break from chaperone duty. I’ll be okay.

Chloe looks at Lex nervously. He looks back at her innocently.

Chloe: Okay.

She leaves the study uneasily. When she gets to the door, she whispers under her breath.

Chloe: Clark.

Clark turns his head slightly, hearing her with his super hearing.

Chloe: Be careful.

Chloe leaves the mansion.

Lex: Clark, I think I might know something that could jog your memory.

***
Lex takes Clark to the Kawatche caves. He lies to Clark, telling him that they had been working together to try to solve the mysteries of the caves. He tells Clark that they think the symbols are about him. Clark inadvertently reveals that there is a wall that shouldn’t be there, according to drawings he found in the loft. Lex can’t hide his eagerness to see the drawings, and Clark remembers Chloe’s warning to be careful. Clark makes an excuse to head home without Lex.

***
Chloe sneaks into Summerholt Institute, and finds a file on Kevin Grady. She e-mails it to her own e-mail address, and calls Lois, instructing her to get the e-mail.
As Chloe hangs up the phone, someone grabs her from behond, clamping a hand over her mouth.

***
At the Torch office, Lois & Clark watch the video of Kevin Grady that Chloe sent. They figure out that Kevin isn’t the one who killed his brother. It was their dad who accidentally killed him.

Clark zips away in search of Kevin. He finds him in the woods, at Audrey Clearing - where the accident happened. Kevin is trying to remember what really happened. Clark talks to him, trying to help him sort out his real memories from the planted ones. Finally, Kevin knows the truth - that he didn‘t kill his brother, but his father did.

Clark kneels down next to him. Kevin starts to cry.

Kevin: It was my dad. How could he do that to me?

Clark: I’m sorry, Kevin.

Kevin: I don’t get it. I robbed the Talon and I 86-ed your memory. I mean, why would you go through all this trouble for me?

Clark: I guess I just know what it’s like to lose a part of your life.

Kevin: I’m sorry there’s nothing I can do for you. I mean, our only chance is to break into Summerholt, but there’s no way I can get you in there.

Clark: Maybe I can.

Kevin looks at Clark questioningly.

***
Lois brings Sheriff Adams to Summerholt, in search of Chloe, suspecting foul play. The sheriff finally gets them admittance.

***
Clark & Kevin sneak into Summerholt. As they pass some liquid meteor rock, Clark is weakened. He sends Kevin ahead, then slumps to the floor. After a few minutes of trying, Clark is able to reach a rope and pull it. It causes the liquid meteor rock to fall over, away from Clark, allowing him to continue on into Summerholt.

***
Mr. Grady has Chloe strapped down, intending to erase her memories. Kevin enters and confronts his dad. Kevin is pushed down, and Mr. Grady attempts to continue erasing Chloe’s memory. Just as the beam is activated, Clark speeds into the room, and leans over Chloe. The beam hits Clark instead of Chloe, and returns his memories.

As the energy hits Clark‘s head, it bounces off of him in two directions, causing two large steel pillars to begin to fall toward Clark & Chloe. Clark catches them both, one with each hand.

Lois and Sheriff Adams have entered the room and watch in shock. Chloe looks up and sees what is happening, too. Kevin regains consciousness and sees Clark holding the pillars.

Lois: Wow.

Adams: Dear God in heaven.

Clark looks over at Lois and Sheriff Adams, realizing that they saw everything. He pushes the pillars away, sending them both in opposite directions. He looks over at them nervously.

Clark: Lois? Sheriff?

Lois: I guess I shouldn’t call you Smallville anymore.

Kevin is watching all of this, and decides to help Clark out. He blasts Lois and Sheriff Adams with his energy, then he points it at Chloe. He and Clark make eye contact, and he nods at Clark. Then he leaves.

Lois speaks to Clark impatiently, having forgotten what just happened.

Lois: Clark, what are you doing? Are you just gonna stand there all day, or are you gonna untie her?

Lois walks over to the table and helps Clark untie Chloe.

Chloe: Hi. Thanks.

Clark looks back at where Kevin left the room, confused.

***

In the main lobby at Summerholt, Mr. Grady is handcuffed and taken away by a police officer. Sheriff Adams takes statements from everyone involved.

When Clark finishes his statement, he turns around and sees Kevin sneaking into the hallway. Kevin glances at Clark, then turns and walks away. Clark follows him.

Clark: Hey. You’re that kid from the alley. [Kevin nods.] I tried to pull you out of your car, and that’s the last thing I remember before what just happened in the lab.

Kevin: Yeah, I’m sorry about that again, Clark. That was kind of my fault.

Clark: I don’t know what you did back there or why, but I get the feeling I owe you one.

Kevin: I like to see it as more of a “now we’re even” situation.

Clark nods, realizing he must have helped Kevin somehow, during the time he doesn‘t remember.

Clark: Something tells me I shouldn’t stop you from leaving.

Kevin: It’s better if people don’t ask too many questions about me. [He smiles.] Thanks for the chance at a clean slate, Clark.

They shake hands and Kevin leaves.

***

At the Kent farm, Lex comes out of the barn and sees Clark walking toward him.

Lex: Clark. I was just looking for you. Congratulations. I heard you got full retrieval.

Clark: Everything. Everything except the last 24 hours.

Lex: Well, you didn’t miss much, but I wanted to come in person to see the old Clark back.

Lex starts walking back to his car and Clark stops him.

Clark: Lex. Chloe said she left me at the mansion because you wanted to talk. What is it you wanted to talk about?

Lex: I just told you about my own memory loss. I thought it might be comforting.

Clark: I’m lucky to have so many good friends watching out for me.

Lex: Nothing you wouldn’t have done for me, Clark.

Lex gets into his car and drives away. Clark looks slightly worried.

***
Lex sits down in front of the fireplace in his study. He unfolds a piece of paper and sets it down on the coffee table. It is a copy of the map that Clark drew of the caves. He studies it.

***
CLARK’S JOURNAL

What a weird day - or rather, couple of days. I was at the Talon, and someone stole from the cash register. I followed him out into the alley, and stopped him. Next thing I know, I’m in some strange lab. Chloe is strapped to a table, and I find myself leaning over her to protect her. Two large pillars fall, and I stop them. Then I realize that Lois & Sheriff Adams have seen everything. I don’t know how I got there. I don’t know what any of us are doing there.

Then, I see the kid from the alley. He extends his hand toward Lois and Sheriff Adams, then toward Chloe. Suddenly, Lois seems to have forgotten what she just saw. So have Sheriff Adams and Chloe. I knew that kid must have done something - he must have made them forget.

I realize now that I’m missing memories too. I don’t remember what happened for an entire day. That thought makes me so nervous. What about my abilities? What about my identity? Could I have revealed them to someone, during that time? Chloe said I had lost all of my memories. She also said she left me at the mansion with Lex at one point. I hope I didn’t let anything slip to Lex. I got the feeling that he was holding something back about why he came over here. I’ll have to watch him closely.

I really wish I knew what happened all day yesterday. I guess I should talk with my parents first, then cautiously feel out my friends. If I let anything slip, I hope they’ll be honest with me. Funny, me wanting them to be honest, when I’m the one who’s been hiding the truth for forever. I wouldn’t blame them if they decide to hide from me something that they’ve found out.


***
LANA’s JOURNAL

Why am I so nervous about going to see Clark? I took two hours getting ready. I’m not sure if this is really a date or not, but it sure feels like it. I can’t forget the way he looked at me this afternoon, and the way he said my name. He may have lost his memories, but he’s still the same sweet guy - and I’m still drawn to him, inexplicably. I’m just so excited about the chance to start over with Clark - no secrets, no lies - just a fresh start, getting to know each other all over again. He looked so vulnerable as he asked me about what happened between us. And yet, he seemed to be certain about one thing only - that he wanted to make things right between us. He admitted that his feelings for me are still there, even though his memories are not. So are mine, for him.

I can’t pass up this chance. And yet, I’m so nervous, and somewhat afraid. What if those secrets materialize again? Or what if he suddenly regains his memories and pushes me away again? Can I handle that? Can I risk it? How can I not? Clark is just…special to me. He has been for a long time. He always will be. What was it that Clark said in that toast, back at Lex & Helen’s rehearsal dinner? When you have it you trust it, and you believe in it. You take a chance on it. You're willing to sacrifice anything to keep it no matter what the cost. Clark and I have something between us…something that has endured, in spite of all the crazy turns our lives have taken…something that has endured even though he’s lost his memories. Am I willing to trust it…to believe in it? Am I willing to take a chance on it, and sacrifice anything to keep it? I think I am. I don’t want to pass up this chance. It may be the last chance we’ll ever get.

I’m getting more nervous the longer I sit here. I can’t wait any longer. I just have to see him now. I know I’ll be early, but I just can’t sit here anymore. I have to see him. I need to be with him.


***

Lana walks nervously up the steps to Clark’s porch. Clark comes out the front door and meets her. Lana talks hurriedly.

Lana: Hi, I’m early, I know. I’m sorry.

Lana starts walking along the porch. Clark follows her. She glances up at Clark briefly. He smiles at her.

Lana: I guess I’m just a little nervous.

Clark glances at her, not understanding.

Clark: What are you nervous about?

They stop walking and face each other. Clark sees the look of confusion on Lana’s face and realizes that they must have made plans to get together during the day he doesn’t remember.

Clark: Were we supposed to do something?

Lana stares at him with wide eyes, and swallows nervously, unsure of what to say.

Clark: Lana, I’m sorry. I don’t remember anything from the last day.

Lana gazes sat him, realizing something has changed since she last saw him.

Lana: Oh. But everything else you remember now.

Clark nods, observing Lana’s facial expressions carefully.

Lana: It’s probably for the best.

Lana forces a smile and shrugs, but she seems disappointed. Clark picks up on this.

Clark: Were our plans….like…date kind of plans?

Lana lowers her eyes uncomfortably. She’s not even sure what the answer to that question is. Clark realizes that she hoped it was a date.

Clark: Because… what about Jason?

Lana takes a deep breath, finally looking back at Clark.

Lana: Clark, you just wanted to talk. It’s nothing that can’t wait until later.

Lana takes another deep breath as she tries to deal with the disappointment, then begins to walk across the porch toward the steps. Clark watches her go for a few moments, then calls out to her.

Clark: Lana, wait.

Lana stops, & turns back toward Clark.

Clark: I can’t do this.

Clark walks across the porch to Lana. He looks at her intently and speaks sincerely, in a husky voice.

Clark: I can’t let you walk out. Not again.

Lana looks up at him with a mixture of hope and uncertainty on her face. She glances away, and exhales audibly, then looks back at him.

Lana: It’s okay. We both know better than this.

She turns to leave. Clark grabs her arm gently, stopping her. She gazes up at him expectantly.

Clark: I know. That’s why… this time will be different.

Lana looks into Clark’s eyes for a long moment, trying to understand what he means, remembering him saying the same words only yesterday.

Lana: This time?

Clark smiles at her, hopefully. They stare into each other’s eyes, seeming to make an unspoken agreement to try again.

***
LANA’s JOURNAL

Boy, I thought I was nervous before I went to see Clark. That was nothing compared to the way I’m feeling now. I never expected that his memories would be restored that quickly. I never anticipated that he would forget everything that happened yesterday. But I certainly never expected that, memories or not, he’d be so determined to try a relationship again. “This time,” he said, “this time will be different.” He said the same thing yesterday, only he doesn’t remember. His eyes seemed to almost plead with me to give him one more chance. I want to. But I’m so scared. I was prepared to do it if we could start from scratch. But now, now that he remembers everything we’ve been through - well I’m just so very nervous about it. What about all the secrets. He says it will be different. But, can I believe him? Will he really let me in this time? Or will he chicken out, like he always has. I don’t know if I can do this. And yet, I don’t know if I can dare NOT try. When I look into his eyes, he still melts me. No one else ever has made me feel this way. Can I afford to pass it up? Will I forever regret it, if we don’t try one more time? I guess we can just take things slow, hang out a bit, talk more, just stay in each other’s orbit more than we have for the last year - and then just see where it goes. We really don’t have to rush anything. It’s going to take time for us to get to really know each other again. I really miss the closeness we once had. Can we have that again? I hope so. I really do.


***

CLARK’s JOURNAL

I wonder what happened between me and Lana yesterday. It seems clear that she was willing to make plans with me. She said it was just to talk, but I could tell by the way she was dressed and the way she was acting that she was thinking of it as a date. I don’t know what happened with Jason. She never answered that, but, it seems she’s not so tied to him anymore. That dance at Prom was amazing. The way she looked at me, the way she rested against my chest. And tonight, she had that same look in her eyes when she looked at me. I could see her hope - hope for ”us”. And yet, I could sense her fear - her hesitancy to give me another chance. I know I’ve hurt her so many times. I don’t want to do that any more. I just can’t let her walk away from me, when we find ourselves standing there - again - avoiding what we both want. I promised her that this time will be different - and I intend to keep that promise. This time, I won’t hurt her. This time I’ll let her in, fully. She deserves that. I want her to know me - really know me. Then she can decide for herself if she still wants to be with me. I hope she’ll give me another chance. And I pray that I won’t blow it - because I know that if I hurt her again, I’ll lose her forever. I won’t let that happen. I’ll make any sacrifice to make it work. Yeah. This time… it will be different. I promise you, Lana. I promise.

***

The next day, Chloe is in the Torch office typing an article about Summerholt shutting down. Clark walks in and Chloe looks up at him.

Clark: Are you Chloe?

Chloe looks at Clark, worried. Then he smiles mischievously. Chloe grins.

Chloe: That’s funny. It’s not hilarious, but it’s funny.

Clark: My parents told me that you Clark-sat and you called them home from Metropolis. I wanted to say thanks.

Chloe stands up.

Chloe: Well, you could still use some help with your comedy routine, but it’s not like I taught you to eat solid foods again.

Clark: Still.

Chloe: You’re welcome.

Clark: So it must’ve been kind of strange to have a zombie best friend walking around.

Chloe: Yeah, I mean, you know, I never really realized how… complicated that zombie’s life was.

Clark tenses up.

Clark: Complicated? Did I do something unusual?

Chloe: You had a clean slate to start all over with, and you made all the same choices… except for one.

Clark laughs nervously.

Clark: Chloe, I need you to be completely honest with me.

Chloe moves in closer to him, ready to challenge him.

Chloe: Honest, huh?

Clark swallows nervously.

Clark: What’d I do?

Chloe looks him in the eye for a long moment. Finally, she answers him.

Chloe: You trusted me.

Chloe goes back to her desk. Clark watches her, unsure of her meaning.

***
CLARK’s JOURNAL

What was that supposed to mean. Chloe says I “trusted” her? Could I have told her my secret? Everything? But, if I had, wouldn’t she tell me? Or is she just trying to get me to tell her on my own? Or maybe she’s just bluffing, in hopes that she’ll trick me into telling her now. I just don’t know what to think. Well, if she knows, and won’t admit it, then I’m just going to act as if nothing has changed. I’m not going to risk telling her, when she might not really know. After all, I just decided that I’m going to do things different with Lana this time. That likely means letting Lana in on who I am. Adding Chloe too would just be too much. So if she knows something, I guess I’ll just have to trust that she will keep it to herself. Ok, enough of this reflection. It’s time to take action. Maybe I can catch up to Lana, and we can eat lunch together. I know it’s not a real date, but I have to start somewhere. And having lunch together at school could be a really good place to start.

***
END of BLANK

[Cardinal]

And thus ends the most Clana of episodes. :D

Too bad our BDA found a deadly reason to not keep his promise to Lana, but that's a year away.

I loved how Lana was considerably more nervous once she learned that Clark had his memory back.

[Nemu]

as I said... comment tonight...

but for now... I'm sure I agree with Card... ;)

[escout]

:) Very nice Step...Again this was one of my favorite episodes!! Seeing Clark open, vulnerable and totally at a loss, seeking out Lana without all of his excuses and lies, or false pretenses... was wonderful!
I love the way you capture the Essence of their unsaid thoughts and feelings. That in itself adds a special dimension to the story, that sadly was lacking from the show.

Thanks for taking the time to do this for all of us!!! Have a great day!!!!!;)

[binkys711]

YAY CLANA! I liked how Lana is a bit hesitant but still wants to give them a try even though she's been through so much dissapointment, she still wants to give it another go! Ata girl Lana! and ata boy Clark! 'bout time the bda steps up to the plate!

Loved the updates SVsleuth! Can't wait to see the clana in Ageless :) PPMS!!

[NYC300Z]

wow so much between those two! Fantastic!

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

AGELESS - Part 1

LANA’s JOURNAL

It feels so good to be hanging out with Clark again. I look forward to seeing him at the lockers every morning and afternoon - AND we’ve been having lunch together at school all week. I don’t know how I managed to spend almost our entire senior year outside of his orbit. Senior year could have been so much better. But, I’m glad we’re finally getting close again. I didn’t realize just how much I missed having Clark in my life.

I’m really excited now, though. Clark asked me out on a real date - just dinner and a movie - but this time, it’s definitely a date. Clark was so cute when, after asking me out, he had to ask if I could drive, since his dad needs the truck tonight. He looked so embarrassed; it was so cute - oh, I guess I said that already - but he was. I wonder if he’ll hold my hand…or put his arm around me at the movies. I wonder if he’ll be brave enough to kiss me goodnight - probably not, knowing Clark. It seems he’s being so very careful, trying to take things slow. I can’t believe it took him a whole week to get around to asking me out, after his promise that “this time” would be different. I think he’s afraid he’ll screw it up if he moves too fast.

I still wonder what he really means by “this time will be different”. Does he really mean he won’t hide anything from me this time? I haven’t asked. I know he has secrets, but, right now, I’m not going to pressure him about it. I mean, if he starts telling me his secrets, I just might have to tell him mine - all about having that stone from China, and faking the break-in, hiding it from Jason. I know I already showed him my tattoo, and he denied knowing what the symbol meant. Right now, though, I don’t want the tattoo, the symbols, the stones, or Clark’s secrets to muddle things between us. I just want to enjoy Clark’s company. Eventually, maybe Clark will be able to help me figure out what all of that is about, with the tattoo & Isobel and all. But, I don’t want him to think that my main reason for getting close to him is for that - because it’s not. I just miss having him in my life. I love the way I feel when I’m with him. He makes me feels so comfortable, so at ease, so safe and secure. And from what I can tell, he’s missed me just as much. Anyway, I don’t have much time to get ready - only about two hours - so I’d better get started.

***

CLARK’s JOURNAL

Yes! A date with Lana! A real date! Finally! I’m so excited. I can’t believe she actually said yes. I know I must have the dorkiest grin on my face - but I can’t help it. I’ve waited for this for so long.

We’ve been having lunch together at school, and talking by the lockers every chance we get. It feels so good to have Lana back in my life like this, after all the strangeness this year - Paris, and Isobel, and Jason. I still don’t know what ever happened between Lana and Jason - but I don’t see him around anymore, and she seems perfectly content to hang out with me, so I’m not complaining. And I certainly don’t plan on wasting our time together talking about Jason. He’s obviously history, as far as she’s concerned.

I’m really looking forward to spending this time with Lana tonight. It’s just a simple date, dinner and a movie, but it’ll be just the two of us. She hasn’t asked me anything about my secret, in spite of my promise that things will be different this time. I meant it. I’m not going to lie to her anymore. I don’t think it’s time for me to just call her over to do a big planned reveal, but, when things come up, I intend to be honest with her. She deserves that. And when the time is right, I will tell her everything. I’ll even tell her what that symbol tattooed on her back means - and I’ll try to help her figure out why that happened to her in the first place. But, not yet. Right now, I don’t want secrets and mysteries to define our relationship. There’ll be plenty of time for all of that eventually. For now, I just want to be with her, and enjoy her company. I just want to spend time together, getting to know each other all over again. I’ve really missed having Lana in my life. When she gazes into my eyes, I just feel something that I can’t really explain. I feel more normal than ever when she looks at me. I don’t feel so much like an outsider, when I’m with her. There’s something about her, something I can’t quite figure out. But her smile, her eyes… they just draw me to her…always have. And I’m not willing to let her go anymore. I need to take a chance - see if things can work between us. If things turn out half as good as they do in my dreams, I’ll be the happiest guy on the planet.

***

Lana is driving her SUV down the highway toward the Kent farm, bringing Clark home after their date. Suddenly, a strange wave of bright energy blasts across the road in front of the car. Lana swerves and slams on the brakes. The car comes to a stop. Clark looks at Lana.

Clark: Are you all right?

Lana is breathing heavily, her eyes wide with fear.

Lana: Yeah. What was that?

Clark: I don’t know. I think it came from Evan’s Field.

Clark glances out the window toward Evan’s Field, than looks back at Lana.

Clark and Lana run into the field. They stop at the edge of a large crater and look around for a sign of what happened, but all they can see is smoke. Then from beneath the smoke, they hear a baby crying. Lana looks at Clark, then back toward the sound.

Lana: Oh, my God.

She takes off her scarf and runs into the crater.

Clark: Lana, wait. Lana!

Clark follows her as she runs toward the crying baby. He stops and watches in amazement as Lana picks up the baby and wraps him in her scarf. The baby stops crying. Lana stands up, and her eyes meet Clark’s. They look at the baby, and again their eyes meet. Clark looks all around, scanning the sky, looking for some clue as to where the baby came from.

***

At Smallville Medical Center, Clark and Jonathan follow Sheriff Adams down the hallway as she questions Clark.

Adams: Last time I checked, babies don’t just fall out of the sky, Mr. Kent.

Clark: It left a 30-foot crater, Sheriff. How else would you explain it?

Adams: Well, I can’t. That’s why we’re conducting a little something called an investigation.

Jonathan: What’s gonna happen to the baby now, Sheriff?

Adams: Well, he’ll be placed with child services until we find a home for him.

She stops walking and turns to Clark.

Adams: You did good for a change, Mr. Kent. The little critter wouldn’t be alive if not for you.

She walks away. Clark turns to Jonathan and whispers.

Clark: Dad, this baby’s parents… I don’t think they’re from around here.

Jonathan: What do you mean? You think the baby’s not… the baby’s not from Earth?

Clark: We found him in a crater, just like you and mom found me.

Jonathan: Yeah, but when we found you, we also found a spaceship. The truth is we don’t know what happened out in that field.

Jonathan and Clark enter a hospital room where Lana is holding the baby. Martha is there, too. The baby is crying loudly.

Jonathan: Hi.

Martha: Hi.

Lana: I’ve tried everything, but he won’t stop.

Clark: Is he okay?

Martha: If you can believe it, all this crying is a good sign. The doctor said he’s perfectly healthy.

Lana: I’m gonna go talk to the nurses, find out if we can get some more formula. Here, Clark, you take over.

Lana walks over to Clark to give him the baby.

Clark: [Uneasily.] Me?

Lana: Yeah.

Lana starts to hand the baby to Clark. He hesitates.

Clark: Well, I… Lana, I don’t really…

Lana puts the baby in Clark’s arms in spite of his protests. The baby stops crying immediately. Clark looks at the baby and smiles. Lana is impressed.

Lana: Wow. Looks like someone has the magic touch.

Lana smiles widely at Clark, and he looks up at her, returning a smile.

Lana: I’ll be right back.

Lana leaves the room, as Clark turns his attention back to the baby in his arms, smiling at him, then glancing up to Martha and Jonathan.

Clark: Uh…when does child services come and… take him?

Martha: They’re not. They don’t have room for him yet, so he’s going to stay in the hospital until they do.

Clark looks from Martha to Jonathan to the baby, then back to his parents.

Clark: He can’t stay in the hospital. I mean, he… maybe he can come stay with us.

Martha looks at Jonathan hopefully.

Clark: …until they find room for him.

Clark looks down again at the baby who stares back up at Clark sleepily.

***
The Kents and Lana take the baby back to the Kent farm. Clark and Lana set about taking care of the little guy, with some pointers from Martha. When they seem to have things under control, Jonathan and Martha exchange a look and a smile and leave the baby in Clark & Lana’s care.

***
LANA’s JOURNAL

What a strange night! I guess it’s par for the course that a date with Clark Kent would end up taking a weird turn.

The dinner was wonderful. Clark took me to my favorite Chinese Restaurant. We talked comfortably as we ate. It was as if this entire year of tension between us never happened; we were so at ease being together. The movie was one of those fright night features. I couldn’t help but grab Clark’s hand when things got scary - just like I did the last time I happened to be sitting next to Clark at a horror movie - only this time, it was different. I didn’t pull my hand away. Clark clasped my small hand in his large one, comforting me. He rubbed his thumb over the back of my hand, unaware of the electricity he was sending through my body with that simple gesture. Eventually, he released my hand, only to pull me closer to him with an arm around my shoulders. This time, I buried my face in his chest when I couldn’t bear to watch the screen. Clark just tightened his arm around me, and placed a small kiss on my forehead. Again, I’m sure he was unaware of the fire that shot through me at his simple caress.

As we got in my SUV after the movie, I wished that we had been in his truck instead. With the bench seat, I could have snuggled close to him as he drove. As it was, I had to give my attention to driving - which was quite difficult with the way Clark was gazing at me. Whenever I snuck a glance at him, the look in his eye just made my heart begin to race.

And then, with my heart rate already climbing from the movie & from Clark’s effect on me, we encountered this very strange energy wave, and found a baby in a crater. I know a lot of strange things happen in Smallville, but each one always catches me by surprise - especially when Clark is connected to them.

Now, as weird as it was for us to find a baby in a crater, it was even weirder watching Clark with him. I never would have guessed that Clark would be so good with a baby. The little guy has obviously stolen his heart. Clark hardly put him down. The look in his eyes as he looked at that baby - well, it just gave me goose bumps to watch him. I couldn’t help but think, “Gosh, I hope he marries me. He’d be the perfect daddy to our kids.” I blushed when I realized what I was thinking, after only one date. But I can’t shake the thought.

***

The next day, in the Torch office, Chloe pours a cup of coffee as she speaks to Lana.

Chloe: I found an arrowhead in Evan’s Field once, but never a baby in a crater.

Lana: It’s really weird. But what’s even weirder is the way Clark is with him.

Chloe: Let me guess, he’s completely baby-phobic.

Chloe hands the cup of coffee to Lana.

Lana: Actually, exactly the opposite. You should see the look in his eyes when he’s holding that baby. It’s like he’s completely at ease. Not to mention, he’s a natural-born baby-burper.

Clark enters, overhearing Lana‘s last comment.

Clark: I’ve got the spit-up stains to prove it. Sorry I’m late. I was up all night with the crying machine. Every time I put him down, he starts up again.

Lana: Well, if you need any help I could come over tonight.

Clark: Well, that would be great. Could you pick up some formula on the way?

Lana: Sure. How are you on diapers?

Clark: The diapers… pretty good.

Chloe interrupts.

Chloe: O…..kay. Before you guys start picking out the schools for the little tyke, you might want to hear this.

Clark and Lana exchange an amused glance. Lana smiles.

Chloe sits down at her computer.

Chloe: I had my contact at emergency services run a check of all the 9-1-1 calls made around the time that you found the baby. This one kind of stuck out.
Chloe plays the recording on her computer. We hear the baby’s father screaming into the phone as Karen whimpers in pain in the background.

Tanner: What the hell’s the matter with you people? This is an emergency!

Karen: It’s too late! It’s too late! It’s coming! It’s coming! Aaah!

Lana: She sounds so scared.

Karen: No! No, don’t leave me, please!

The recording ends.

Lana: Did he just leave her there?

Clark: If he did, he might still be alive.

Chloe: From the sounds of this, the mother wasn’t as lucky.

Lana: She didn’t even get to see her own baby.

Chloe: But the baby survived. How is that possible?

Clark: Can you trace this call back to the cell phone?

Chloe: I can try.

Clark: If this is the father, he might have some answers for us.

***
Clark sits in class, unable to concentrate on English. Too many thoughts are running in his mind. He pulls out his journal and begins to write.

CLARK’s JOURNAL

Well, that was definitely not the way I expected to end my date with Lana - finding a baby abandoned in Evan’s field. But sometimes good things can come from the unexpected. Watching Lana as she held the baby - she was so beautiful. It was like all her maternal instincts clicked on. She seemed to know just what he needed. And when I was tending to him, Lana kept looking at me in a way I had never seen her look at me before. She looked somewhat amused, and yet…proud of me. Whenever I caught her eye, when she was gazing at me - well, I can’t explain how it made me feel to have her looking at me that way. My heart rate must have quadrupled. She actually looked happy - happier than I’ve seen her in a very long time - happy that we were taking care of the little guy together.

I’m glad dad agreed to let the baby stay with us for a while. I couldn’t just let him stay in the hospital - it’s so cold and impersonal, for a little guy. Ever since Lana put him into my arms for the first time, and I looked into his little eyes, I’ve just felt this overwhelming desire to protect him, to take care of him. I was up with him all night long, after Lana left. Every time I got him to sleep, and tried to put him down, he’d wake up, and start crying again. It was almost like he just needed me - needed me to hold him, to comfort him. I’ve never felt so needed in all my life.

Mom insisted that I come to school today. She said she’d take care of the baby. I could see that she was just as eager as I was to hold him and take care of him. I had such a hard time leaving him, though. It surprised me. I mean, it’s not like he’s not in good hands, with Mom. But I just felt so anxious about leaving him. It was very hard to say goodbye to him. I must have done it five times, before Mom finally insisted that I give him to her and go to school. I never would have believed that I could feel such a strong bond to an infant - especially one whom I’ve known less than a day. I wonder if that’s how Mom & Dad felt about me, when they found me. I certainly couldn’t help thinking about the similarity between my parents finding me in a crater, and Lana & me finding this baby. I wonder if he could be…like me? I can’t wait to get out of school so I can try to find some answers.

I miss the little guy already. I hope he’s doing alright with Mom. I can’t shake the feeling that I ought to be there for him, just in case he needs me. I’m eager to get back home to him. And I’m really looking forward to Lana coming over to help with him tonight. She seems to have bonded with him just as much as I have. I can’t help but think about how it would be if Lana and I were married and could have kids together. She’d be such an amazing mom - I can tell from the way she is with the baby.

Darn, that’s the bell. I guess the rest of my thoughts will have to wait for later.

***

END PART 1

[Cardinal]

I loved the way Lana thought the same thing about Clark that Martha had once thought about Jonathan.

It looks like you've turned Clark into a first-time mother. I'm surprised the guy didn't call home at lunch to make sure Evan didn't need anything, and that Martha wasn't slacking off.

[Nemu]

the start of this update was soo nice... I mean to have both of them on the exact same page (regarding their relationship as well as the secrets and all)

PPMS!!! (guess you are going to complete this one before doing alt ;) the way you are going right now at least...

[SVsleuth]

Yeah, Nemu, I probably will finish off CJ, & then get back to Alt. Clana. I just find it too difficult to keep switching stories. I get confused & lose my sense of continuity. It makes the updates come so far apart. So I think I'll just stick with this one, while it's flowing & get back to the other one after that. Sorry I've made you wait so very long. The Alt. Clana is a lot harder to write, though, especially now that I need to tie up a lot of loose ends.

[Nemu]

lol dont worry ... and i understand...

take your time ;)

[NYC300Z]

This episode means so much more now!;)

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

A/N: Watch for Part 2, coming later tonight. :)

[Nemu]

cool!

[SVsleuth]

AGELESS - Part 2

LANA’s JOURNAL

I just can’t shake the sound of that 9-1-1 tape. The baby’s mother - she sounded so scared. I can’t believe the guy just abandoned her like that, when she needed him most. If he’s alive, he doesn’t deserve to be a part of the baby’s life. That poor girl didn’t even get to see her own baby. It seems she died giving birth to him.

I know a lot of strange things happen in this town, but I can’t understand how the baby survived. And now he’s an orphan - just like Clark - just like me. I can’t help but think that it wasn’t a coincidence that we found him. Or maybe it has more to do with Clark. He’s always the one who shows up in the nick of time when someone is in need. There has to be a reason that he’s the one who found him. And he’s so amazing with that baby. I still can’t get over it. I’ve never seen that side of Clark before. I love watching him with the baby. He’ll be a great daddy someday. I can’t wait to get over there tonight. Somehow it just feels like I belong there - with Clark and the baby.

***

Clark is walking slowly in the kitchen, holding the baby and trying to feed him a bottle of formula. The baby is fussing.

Clark: What’s the matter? What’s the matter, little guy? Is your milk too cold? Huh?

The baby cries. Clark holds up the bottle and uses his heat vision to warm it up. He then talks soothingly to the baby as he offers him the bottle again.

Clark: Here, try this, try this, try this. Huh? Yeah?

The baby stops crying and drinks from the bottle.

Clark: There you go. There you go.

Martha walks in and smiles as she sees Clark with the baby. She seems eager to hold the baby herself.

Martha: Clark, I could easily get Chelsea to cover for me at the Talon. You don’t have to stay home.

Clark: That’s okay. I want to stay with him.

Martha: Okay.

Clark: It kind of changes your perspective when you have someone who depends on you for everything.

Martha nods.

Martha: Yeah.

Clark: And I mean everything.

Clark looks down at the baby with a grimace. He puts the bottle down.

Clark: Could you hand me a diaper?

Martha: Oh, sure. Here you go.

Clark puts the baby down on the counter and Martha hands him a diaper.

Martha: Well, listen, you have my number at the Talon and your dad’s out in the barn if you need him.

Clark: Okay.

Martha: All right? Have fun.

Clark: Yeah.

Martha leaves.

Clark removes the baby’s diaper and shakes his head.

Clark: Okay.

As Clark changes the diaper, the kitchen door opens and Lana comes in. She smiles when she sees what Clark is doing.

Lana: Clark Kent, changing diapers like a pro.

Clark grins widely.

Clark: You know, this baby stuff is easier than people say. I think I pretty much got it under control.

Just as Clark finishes his sentence, a stream of baby pee shoots up into the air. Lana is startled and amused and laughs aloud. The baby gurgles.

Clark: Woah. Nice aim, little guy.

Lana: Clark, we can’t keep calling him ‘little guy’. They’re gonna make fun of him when he gets to high school.

Clark: Well, um, we found him in Evan’s Field. Why don’t we call him Evan?

Clark picks up the baby and smiles at him. Lana lets the baby take hold of her finger, as she smiles down at him too.

Lana: I think he likes it.

Lana begins talking to the baby, sweetly.

Lana: Hello, Evan. This is Clark, and I’m Lana, and we think that you’re the most beautiful baby ever.

Clark glances at Lana then back at Evan.

Clark: You know, Lana, maybe we should take a step back.

Clark starts to walk toward the living room with Evan. Lana follows him.

Lana: A step back from what?

Clark: Well, maybe we shouldn’t get so attached.

Clark puts Evan down in the cradle.

Clark: If his father’s still alive—

Lana cuts in.

Lana: Then he never should have left him in that field.

Clark walks back to Lana and faces her as he replies.

Clark: Lana, we don’t know what happened. He could’ve gone for help. He could be looking for Evan right now.

Lana speaks adamantly.

Lana: Or maybe he isn’t. Maybe Evan is an orphan, just like we were.

Clark is silenced by that.

Lana: Clark, things like this don’t just happen. There’s a reason he survived and that someone like you found him.

Clark gazes seriously at Lana.

Clark: We found him.

They look into each other’s eyes. Lana swallows hard. Suddenly, the lights start to flicker and Clark & Lana look around in confusion. Lana’s eyes grow wide as she looks toward Evan. A bright light emanates from Evan’s cradle and a wind blows through the room.

Clark: Evan?

The light becomes so bright it is almost blinding. Lana instinctively draws nearer to Clark.

Lana: Clark, what’s happening?

Clark raises an arm to shield their eyes from the bright light. Before their eyes, Evan is growing and changing.

When the light finally fades away, they stare at Evan in disbelief. Jonathan runs into the house to see what is going on.

Jonathan: Clark, what— [He sees Evan.] My God…

Sitting before them is Evan, but he is no longer a baby. He is a little boy who looks to be 7 years old. He looks at Clark and Lana fearfully.

***
Lionel meets with Genevieve Teague. She insists that Lex has the stone from China. She threatens to go after Lex herself if Lionel doesn’t get that stone for her, as repayment for her getting him out of prison not so long ago.

***
Lionel visits Lex, telling him that Genevieve thinks he has the stone. Lex denies it, and tells Lionel that even if he did, he wouldn’t trust him. Lionel wants Lex to watch his back, concerned that Genevieve will come after him. She did have Bridget Crosby murdered to get one of those stones. Lionel reminds Lex of this.

***

CLARK’s JOURNAL

There’s no way I can sleep tonight. I’m so worried about Evan. I still can’t believe what happened to him. I mean, one minute he’s a newborn, and the next he’s a seven year old boy! Obviously there’s some sort of meteor rock effect going on here. I feel so powerless to help him, though. What if it happens again? It’s so frustrating. With all my abilities, there’s nothing I can do to help him. There’s got to be something we can do, or someone who has studied the effects of meteor rocks, who can help.

Lex. Lex has had his scientists working with meteor rock on various projects - like that one with the seeds not so long ago. Maybe some of his scientists can help. I’m not too keen on getting Lex involved. But what other choice is there? He may be Evan’s only hope.

I feel so responsible for Evan - like it’s my responsibility to protect him, and do everything I can to help him. If I don’t, who will?

At least, for now, he seems to be safe in Lana’s care. It was amazing, again, to see Lana’s maternal instincts switch on, as she tried to comfort the boy. He must be so confused. Evan took to her right away, clinging to Lana. He wouldn’t go to anyone else. Like a mother, she hugged him and comforted him. Mom brought some clothes for him, and Lana helped him get dressed. She got him something to eat, then made him a makeshift bed on the loveseat, and another for herself on the sofa. I was amazed as I watched her with him - and so proud of her. If I could ever have kids, I’d want Lana to be their mom. Watching her - it was just like in my dreams. I can so easily picture Lana as my wife, taking care of our children. I’d give anything to have that chance someday.

***

The next morning, Martha, Jonathan, and Clark are in the kitchen.

Martha: Where is Evan now?

Clark: In the loft with Lana. And, Mom, I’ve never seen anything like it. Last night he was just a baby.

Jonathan: His growth spurt was really amazing.

Martha: And frightening. Evan needs to be seen by a doctor. We have to take him back to the hospital.

Clark: What are we gonna tell the doctors - he’s some second generation meteor freak? He’ll either wind up in Belle Reve or a laboratory for the rest of his life.

Jonathan: I don’t know, Clark, but we owe it to him to do something.

Clark: I was thinking we’d take him to someone who has experience in the effects of meteor rock.

Jonathan: Clark, I realize that Lex has helped us in the past, but there’s no way that I’m about to put this young man’s life in his hands.

Clark: If I were in trouble and Lex was the only one who could help, what would you do?

Jonathan thinks about it, seeing Clark’s point.

***

Lana enters the loft where Evan is sitting on the couch and reading aloud from The Velveteen Rabbit.

Evan: “You must be very kind to him, to teach him all he needs to know in Rabbit Land, for he is going to live with us forever and ever.”

Lana sits next to him and looks at him with a smile of amazement.

Lana: You know how to read?

Evan: I’ve read all of Clark’s books, but this is my favorite. I also like the encyclopedia.

Lana: The encyclopedia, huh? That’s a pretty long book.

Evan: I know. I stopped on “W.” Windmills. Did you know they were invented in Persia?

Lana stares at Evan with wide eyes, amazed.

Evan: Why are you looking at me like that?

Lana: Um… you are a very, very special boy, Evan. I think that you are the most special little boy that I have ever met.

Evan: Really?

Lana: Yeah. And you’re really lucky, because there are so many more books for you to read and so many places for you to see.

Evan gets excited.

Evan: Like what?

Lana: Like a real windmill. And when you stand up on top of it, the whole world stretches out around you.

Evan is even more excited.

Evan: Can we go? Right now?

Clark walks into the loft, overhearing Evan‘s last question.

Clark: Where are you going?

Evan runs to Clark and jumps into his arms.

Evan: Dad! Mom’s taking me to see a real windmill!

Taken aback, Clark carries Evan back toward the couch and sits him down on the chest in front of it. Clark sits on the couch, and Lana scoots closer to him. Clark looks at Evan seriously.

Clark: Um, Evan, listen. We’re not your real parents.

Evan looks back at Clark and Lana in confusion.

Evan: Everyone’s supposed to have a mother and father, and they’re supposed to love each other very much - just like you and Lana.

Lana stares at Evan with wide eyes, then looks over at Clark, obviously affected by Evan’s words. Clark meets her gaze for a moment, then Lana looks away, back to Evan.

Lana: Clark and I care about you a lot, Evan. That’s what matters.

Evan becomes saddened and questions them further.

Evan: If you’re not my mom and dad… where are they?

Lana: We don’t know. But wherever they are, I’m sure they love you very much.

After an uncomfortable silence, Clark changes the subject.

Clark: You want to go for a ride in the truck?

Evan’s eyes shine with excitement.

Evan: Are we going to the windmill?

Clark hesitates.

Clark: Uh, we will. But first, I want to take you to meet a friend of mine.

Clark & Lana exchange a glance.

***
LANA’s JOURNAL

Evan’s words to Clark really shook me. “Everyone’s supposed to have a mother and father, and they’re supposed to love each other very much - just like you and Lana.” What is it they say? “Out of the mouths of babes…?” Is that how it really looks to Evan - like Clark & I love each other very much? Do we? I have to admit, my feelings for Clark are strong; but are his for me? And these feelings I have - could it really be love, real love?

It’s so weird, because, it does feel like Evan belongs to Clark and me - like he is our son, ours together. Maybe it’s just me, with a runaway imagination, wishing that it were so - that Clark & I were a couple, and could have a child together. Clark said maybe we shouldn’t get so attached. Well, I am attached to Evan - very much so - and so is Clark. And somehow, taking care of Evan, with Clark - it just feels so right. I feel like I’m discovering something I never thought much about before - that being a mother could be the most fulfilling thing I’ll ever do in this world - because I can really make a difference to that child. Strange thing is, when I think of being a mother, it seems so natural to imagine Clark as the father of my children. And, with Evan here, it just feels all the more real. It’s almost like Evan is showing me what a life with Clark could be like - that what I’ve been searching for, can be found right here - with Clark. I wonder if Clark feels the same way.

I guess I’m kind of getting ahead of myself with this line of thought. After all, we’ve only been out on one date - hardly time to start thinking of spending a lifetime together. I certainly won’t admit to anyone, especially Clark, that I’m even daydreaming about such things already. I’d probably scare him away forever. I’d better play it cool, take things one date at a time, be careful not to rush him. It’s just that, with Clark, it really doesn’t feel like it’s only been one date. We both know we’ve had our sights on each other for several years now. Talk about taking it slow - it seems our relationship has been crawling. I’m tired of the snail’s pace. I want to finally have a chance for things to go somewhere for us. I just feel like if we give it a chance, we might discover something truly amazing.

***
CLARK’s JOURNAL

Evan really thought Lana and I were his parents. Wow!

“They’re supposed to love each other very much - just like you and Lana.”

That little boy is amazing. How can he tell how I feel about Lana, and yet she can’t? I’ve been in love with Lana since I was five. I hope someday I’ll be able to show her just how much I do love her. But, could she ever really love me - all of me? I know I promised her that this time will be different. And yet, I’m so afraid to tell her anything that could mess up what we’ve just re-started. If she knew the truth about me, would it matter? Would she accept me? Could she possibly love me?

The way Lana looked at me after Evan said that, though - it really makes me wonder if Lana could actually love me. I wonder what she was thinking. I know I was thinking how amazing it would be if Lana and I did have children together someday. Evan actually feels like [I[ours[/I] already. I can definitely imagine having a family with Lana - I’ve been dreaming about it for years. Evan just makes that dream seem to almost become a reality. I really do love her. I’m determined to never let her walk out of my life again.

I am uncertain as to just when and how to let her in on my secrets. I think, for now, I’ll just try to be more open with her, letting her see some parts of me that I usually don’t share with other people. Hopefully, she’ll see that I’m trying to be more open, and that I do trust her, and am willing to let her in, a little at a time. I just don’t want to overwhelm her all at once. I mean, I just can’t imagine sitting down with her and saying, “Lana, guess what? I’m an alien.” Not gonna happen. I have to let things come out in a more natural way, all in good time.

Well, I guess we’d better get going, if we’re going to take Evan to see Lex. I sure hope we’re doing the right thing, bringing him there. Lana agreed it seemed to be the best course of action. Strange. Lana and I are making decisions together about Evan’s care - just like parents. I guess, even though we’re not really his parents, we are, in a way, acting as his parents - just like foster parents or adoptive parents do. Mom & Dad seem to be leaving most of his care up to Lana and me - I guess because we found him and seem to be so attached. Right now, I just want to help him. If Lex is successful, I’m going to have a mighty hard time letting child services take him away from us. I think Lana will too. If we were older, and could be married, I’d really want to adopt him. I know it sounds crazy, but that’s how I feel. And somehow, I think Lana might feel the same way too.


***
END Part 2 - PLEASE leave a reply, even just a smilie, to let me know you're still reading. Thanks!

*****

[Cardinal]

I love how they both see the other as being an ideal parent. It's a short leap from that to thinking that the other person is an ideal mate. ;)

The last set of diaries kills me. To see them both in love, but unable to recognize that the other feels the same way is heartbreaking. :(

I like how the Kents have just stepped back and are allowing the kids to get a taste of parenting. At least they can see where the Clana is heading. :D

[Nemu]

off to read...


ok have to agree with Card...

and I know how this end and I can't wait to see how you will write the end of this episode...

Well...

Oh yeah... you may nbe right in the comment you left in one of my fics...

You may be ending up going back to Alt Clana before I reach that story (i suppose it is Looking)

Well... PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

Yeah I always thought that there should have been more between them in this episode and the journals show that!;)

PPMS!

[escout]

Loved the updates Steph!!!!!:)

I will say it again...I love seeing the way you give us Clark and Lana's point of view...through the journals.

They really are two teens trying to see what life is all about and what love is about. They are finding that navagating those waters isn't easy.

Then their is the additional complicating factor of the failure of their first relationship...because of Clark. He feels the guilt...Lana feels the doubt about things changing and because of the doubt...... hesitates.

PPMS!!!

Thank you for this wonderful story!!!!!:rotfl:

[SVsleuth]

AGELESS - Part 3

Clark and Lana watch through a glass window as a doctor gives Evan an injection. Evan grimaces as the needle pricks him. He looks over to Clark and Lana. Clark waves at him. Lana tries to smile reassuringly.

Clark: I hope we’ve done the right thing.

Lana: Clark, he looks really scared.

Clark nods.

Clark: I just hope it’ll be over soon. Lex has his top scientists trying to figure out what’s happening.

Just then, Lex descends the stairs into the room where Clark and Lana are, overhearing the end of their conversation.

Lex: And they’ve already come up with some intriguing discoveries.

Lana and Clark turn to Lex.

Lana: Lex, is he gonna be all right?

Lex hesitates.

Clark: Tell us what’s happening.

Lex: Well, the results are only preliminary, but the data indicates that Evan’s body is storing energy like a battery charging.

Lana: Charging for what?

Lex: The theory we’re working on is that once enough energy is stored, it’s expended to fuel a burst of rapid cell division.

Clark: That’s how he was able to go from a baby to a 7-year-old in one day.

Lana: Is there any way to stop it?

Lex: My team believes a bone marrow transplant might slow the growth and bring his metabolism back to normal.

Lana: Can we use my bone marrow? [She gestures to Clark.] We’re willing to do anything to help.

Lex: Well, it’s not that simple. His genetic makeup is highly unusual. For this to work, we’ll need an exact match with a living donor, which means a biological parent.

Clark: Well, we think his mother died when he was born. We’re still trying to find his father.

Lana: What’s going to happen to Evan if we can’t?

Suddenly, the lights in the lab start flickering. A glass window shatters as a doctor is thrown through it by a blast of energy.

Lana: Evan!

Lana and Clark make their way through the shattered glass, stepping through the window. They move toward Evan, who is sitting up on the exam table. He is now a teenager. Lana goes to him and touches his arm, shocked at his new appearance.

Lana: Evan.

Lex follows them into the lab, staring at Evan.

Lex: Unbelievable.

Evan stares at his hands fearfully.

Evan: What's wrong with me?

Lana places a hand on Evan’s back, attempting to calm his fears.

Lex speaks to one of his scientists.

Lex: Prep the level 3 facility. I want him transferred immediately.

Clark becomes protective.

Clark: No! You're not taking him anywhere.

Clark takes off his jacket and puts it around Evan’s shoulders.

Lex: Clark, we need to isolate him while we run more tests.

Evan turns to Lana, fear in his voice.

Evan: I just want to go home.

Lana: Lex, he's just a boy.

Clark speaks forcefully to Lex.

Clark: We understand you're trying to help, and we appreciate it. He's been through enough. We're taking him home.

Clark and Lana help Evan off the bed and walk him out of the lab. Lex watches with quiet frustration.

***

In Clark’s loft, Evan is seated and talking to Clark and Lana. He is wearing a flannel shirt much like the ones that Clark wears, and he has tears in his eyes.

Evan: I'm dying, aren't I?

Lana walks over to Evan and sits on the arm of the sofa, near him.

Lana: Evan, don't say that.

Evan: No, I - I read the average life span of a man is 74 years. I've aged from a newborn to a teenager in 48 hours. [Evan sighs heavily.] Do the math.

Clark walks closer to Evan.

Clark: Evan, we're not gonna give up. Lex has got his team working on a cure right now.

Lana: And if we can find your father...

Evan: You really think they're gonna find a cure for me overnight?

Evan stands up, still very distraught, and turns his back to them. Clark and Lana exchange a worried glance.

Evan: It's like my life was just some sort of trick that was played on me. All that stuff I read in the books that I thought I was gonna see... I'm not... [He turns around to face them] Am I?

Clark moves even closer to Evan, trying to encourage him.

Clark: Don't talk like that, all right? We just have to keep trying.

Lana gets up and stands beside Clark, forcing a smile of encouragement. Evan meets Clark’s eyes.

Evan: It's not fair. This whole thing... it's just not fair!

Lana is distressed, tears threatening to fall.

Evan runs down the stairs and out of the loft.

Lana speaks, desperately.

Lana: Clark, we have to do something. We can't just let this happen to him!

She looks at Clark, hoping he has some idea of what to do. Clark stares after Evan thoughtfully.

Clark: Would you go see if he's okay? [Clark turns to look at Lana.] I need to find his father.

Lana goes after Evan.

***
CLARK’s JOURNAL

I’ve never felt more helpless in all my life. I’m so afraid that Evan’s right - that we won’t be able to find a cure in time. He’s already aged to a teenager. I’m so afraid of what could happen if he changes again.

I wish I knew where to find his father. Maybe Chloe can help me track him down. We have to try to find him. It’s Evan’s only hope.

Lana looked so worried and afraid for Evan. I could tell that she expects me to somehow save the day, like I usually do. But this - this is beyond my abilities.

***

Chloe and Clark walk down the stairs together at Smallville High.

Chloe: So our friendly phone company just got friendlier. I was able to trace the 9-1-1 call back to a cell phone. His mother was Karen Gallagher. She was a senior here.
Chloe hands an old Smallville High yearbook to Clark and he sees a picture of Karen.

Clark: I remember hearing about her. Was she Wall of Weird material?

They enter the Torch office.

Chloe: I got a couple blips on the radar when I heard that she had a knack for shorting monitors whenever she walked into the computer lab, but I had no idea that super-fast pregnancy powers was part of the equation.

Clark: How long was she pregnant for?

Chloe: Well, last weekend, Christina Verano had a party at her house, and Karen apparently went NC-17 with some guy in the bedroom. Christina has no idea who the guy was.

Clark: So she got pregnant and delivered a baby a week later?

Chloe nods.

Clark: We need to find Evan's father.

Chloe observes the deep concern on Clark’s face.

Chloe: Okay.

Chloe sits down at her computer and starts typing.

Chloe: Well, Christina used E-vite to send out all her invitations - I guess ours got lost in the electronic mail. Let's just check all the RSVPs and try to track him down.
Chloe pulls up a list of names and Clark looks over them.

***
Clark enters a car garage holding a piece of paper in his hands. He talks to a man who is working under a car that is suspended on a hydraulic lift.

Clark: Excuse me. Does Tanner Sutherland work here?

Man: Yeah, he's over there.

The man points to the back of the garage with his wrench.

Clark: Thank you.

Clark walks to the back where Tanner is working on another car. Tanner is hidden behind the lifted hood of the car.

Clark: Tanner?

Tanner doesn’t even look up.

Tanner: Leave your car around back, I'll get to it.

Clark walks around the hood to see Tanner.

Clark: Hey, were you at Christina Verano's party last week?

Tanner hesitates.

Tanner: Uh, I don't remember. I…

He wipes his hands with a rag, avoiding eye contact.

Tanner: I think I was working.

Clark: So you didn't hook up with Karen Gallagher?

Tanner responds angrily.

Tanner: What do you want? Who the hell are you?

Clark: I'm the guy who found your son, laying in the middle of a field.

Tanner: Look, dude, I don't have a son, and... and I don't know what you're talking about, all right ? I got work to do.

He tries to walk away and Clark grabs his arm roughly.

Clark: I'm not going to let you walk away from this. You have a responsibility.

Tanner pulls away from Clark’s grasp.

Tanner: Get off me, man. What's your problem?

Clark: My problem is your son needs your help. Now tell me how he got in that field.

Tanner hesitates a few moments longer. Finally, he tells his story.

Tanner: I got with this girl at a party. The next day, she calls me up, crying, saying she's... she's pregnant. I go over, and her stomach... it was already... A week later, we were in my car, we're speeding to the hospital and she's screaming, "It's coming!" And she starts glowing! And then the car, it went up like a freakin' a-bomb! That wasn't a baby. It was some kind of monster.

Clark visibly controls his own anger as he replies, his jaw tightening.

Clark: He's a human being, Tanner, and he's your son. He's aging rapidly. He needs your help. He needs a bone marrow transplant. You're the only one who can help him.

Tanner: What? No! Look, I can't deal with this. I'm sorry. I can't.

Tanner walks away. Clark stands there in stunned silence.

***
CLARK’s JOURNAL

How can he just not care about his own son? If he’d met Evan, he’d know what a great kid he is. Tanner is Evan’s last hope. If he doesn’t agree to help, I’m afraid Evan’s going to die - and I can’t let that happen.

What am I going to do now? What am I supposed to tell Evan? I’m so angry at that guy, I could do a whole lot of damage to something. I’d better find some constructive work to do to blow off steam. Writing is only making me angrier.

***

Clark is moving bags of feed in the barn, trying to release his anger and frustration with Tanner. He talks to Jonathan as he works.

Clark: How could someone do that to their own son?

Jonathan: Clark, being a father is an enormous responsibility. The kid is just too young to handle it.

Clark: He's Evan’s only hope, and Evan’s going to die if we can't convince him to help.

Jonathan: I know that, son, and we're gonna figure it out. But what's more important right now is what are we gonna tell Evan?

Clark: Maybe it's best I don't even tell him I found his father. He's gonna take it pretty hard.

Jonathan: Son, an orphaned child has every right to know about his origins. You should know that better than anybody. I'll tell you what... I'll talk to him, okay? I mean, I do have a little experience in that department.

Clark: Thanks, Dad, but I think I should tell him.

Lana and Evan enter, overhearing Clark‘s last sentence.

Evan: Tell him what? Did you find my father?

Clark doesn’t answer.

Lana: [with rising hope] Clark, where is he?

Cark speaks slowly, unemotionally, reluctantly.

Clark: He works downtown... at Massey's Auto Garage. His name's Tanner Sutherland.

Evan: When can I see him?
Jonathan steps in to help.

Jonathan: Look, Evan, um, sometimes, when you meet your biological father, it can be painful.

Evan: Why? I don't understand.

Clark: They don't always live up to your expectations, Evan. Trust me, I know.

Evan: But I want to see him.

Lana: Evan, we're just trying to protect you.

Evan: [Becoming more upset.] You can't protect me. No one can.

Clark: Just calm down, okay?

Evan: Stop telling me what to do, Clark! You're not my father.

Evan runs up the stairs to the loft.

Clark: Evan!

Jonathan: Clark.

Clark refrains from following Evan, realizing he needs some space.

[b]LANA’s JOURNAL

I’m so worried about Evan. What’s going to happen if they can’t find a cure in time? It’s so hard trying to put on a brave face for Evan - because inside, I’m terrified of what could happen.

I don’t know why, but I just kind of expected Clark to be able to find the answers. It seems he’s always there to fix things when someone needs help. I could see the anger and frustration in his face, though. Clark feels as helpless as I do. I know he won’t give up, though. He’ll keep trying, as long as it takes.

Evan looks so scared and so angry. I want so badly to comfort him, to offer him hope - but it’s so hard, because I’m just as afraid as he is. It hurts so much, watching this happen to him, and not being able to do anything for him. I love him like a son. My heart is breaking for him. I can’t help but agree with Evan - it’s NOT fair that this is happening to him. It’s not fair that he isn’t getting a chance to live a normal life. All he wants is to be normal. Is that too much to ask?

***

CLARK’s JOURNAL

Damn! There’s got to be something else I can do. Evan deserves a chance at a normal life. All he wants is to be normal. I know exactly how he feels, and I wouldn’t wish those feelings on my worst enemy. But Evan - he’s like a son to me. And I feel so helpless.

And Lana, she keeps looking at me as if she expects me to be able to fix this - but I can’t. I can’t just sit here and do nothing, though. I have to keep trying. I’m going to go see Lex. Maybe he can get Tanner to help, pay him to do it or something. It’s worth a try.

***
End Part 3

*****

[Cardinal]

Evan is right, seven years or so per day would kill him in less than two weeks. Of course, the energy blast from his next 'growth spurt' will be problematic, as we all know.

I like how you show that Clark is conscious of Lana's belief in him and how his inability to live up to her expectations only fuels his frustrations.

As for Lana, she doesn't know what else to do besides trust in Clark, who had always been her rock, and try to soothe Evan. She has to feel even more helpless than Clark, because there is nothing she can do to help.

[Nemu]

lol so you are now down to using emails ;)

time to read...

Hi... broken record here ;)

but once I again... I agree with Card...

and the end of that adventure was one of those "stupid" moments in the serie where Lana was pretty oblivious and Clark wasn't that shining...

anyway... I'm sure you will add just the right things in your journal comments...

now as for this one... Yeah the frustration Clark can feel and the helplessness...

PPMS!!!

[SmallvilleMan]

Nice Sv, loved Blank, even though I would have added some different though. Also loved the dating part inbetween Blank and ageless, something the show couldnt do, the lousy bums:mad:

[SVsleuth]

Thanks for the replies, Steve, David & Harry. I'll have part 4 later today. There will be 5 parts to this episode in all. ;)

[SVsleuth]

AGELESS - Part 4

CLARK’s JOURNAL (repeated)

Damn! There’s got to be something else I can do. Evan deserves a chance at a normal life. All he wants is to be normal. I know exactly how he feels, and I wouldn’t wish those feelings on my worst enemy. But Evan - he’s like a son to me. And I feel so helpless.

And Lana, she keeps looking at me as if she expects me to be able to fix this - but I can’t. I can’t just sit here and do nothing, though. I have to keep trying. I’m going to go see Lex. Maybe he can get Tanner to help, pay him to do it or something. It’s worth a try.

***

Lex is in the lab talking to a doctor.

Lex: Is there any possibility of an error?

Doctor: We've run the projections three times.

Lex walks away from the doctor unhappily. Clark enters.

Clark: Lex, I found Evan’s father.

Lex: Where is he?

Clark: He's here in Smallville, but he doesn't want to help.

Lex: I've just been informed that Evan’s cell division is increasing exponentially, along with the energy he expels when he ages. We have only a few hours to stabilize Evan. According to the projections, Evan is building towards a massive chronological event.

Clark: You're saying Evan’s about to die?

Lex: It's a lot worse than that. The next time Evan ages, he'll release enough energy to kill himself and anyone else at hand.

Clark’s eyes widen, and he looks shaken by this news.

***
Evan sneaks out of the farm and goes alone to Massey’s Auto Garage. He wants to meet his father, and hopes to convince him to help him. Tanner is freaked out when Evan calls him “father”.

Tanner: Don't call me that. I'm not your dad.

Evan: Yes, you are. Why won't you admit it?

Tanner: You stay the hell away from me.

Evan: Please, Dad. Just help me. I'm your son.

Evan grabs Tanner’s shirt, and they struggle.

Tanner: No, you're not! You're some kind of freak!

As Tanner pushes Evan away he backs up into a sharp metal tool, which impales him. He falls to the ground, blood dripping from his mouth. He is dead.

Evan: Dad?

Evan kneels down next to Tanner on the floor.

Evan: Dad? Dad. Oh, my God. What have I done?

***

Clark and Lex enter Massey’s Auto Garage, looking for Tanner. Clark is talking on his cell phone.

Clark: Okay, Dad, call me if you find him.

He flips the phone closed.

Lex: What happened?

Clark: Evan's gone. He must've snuck out. My parents are looking for him, and Lana’s at the farm in case he comes back.

Lex: Well, let's make sure we can help him when he turns up.

Clark is looking around, when something catches his eye.

Clark: Lex.

Clark points and Lex sees Tanner’s body. They kneel by him and Lex’s feels his neck for a pulse.

Lex: He's dead.

Clark finds a piece of torn fabric from Evan’s shirt in Tanner’s hand.

Clark: Evan.

Lex: Clark, we needed a living donor to stop Evan from aging again.

Clark stands up slowly.

Clark: There's gotta be something else we can do to help him.

Lex sighs then looks up at Clark.

Lex: There is. We need to track him down and seal him in a containment chamber under LuthorCorp.

Lex’s words hit Clark like a blow. He shakes his head side to side, in denial.

Clark: No. Lex...

Lex stands up and tells Clark the truth eye to eye.

Lex: It's the only way to contain the blast from his final change.

Clark is unwilling to give up. His eyes are wide. He glances down at Tanner’s body, then back up to Lex, then speaks passionately.

Clark: Lex, I'm not gonna let him just die!

Lex: Nothing can stop that from happening now, Clark. [Lex sighs again.] Look, I'm sorry, but if we don't isolate Evan, a lot of innocent people are going to be killed.

The truth of Lex’s words begins to sink into Clark. He gazes back at Lex worriedly, disheartened. He leaves to join the search for Evan.

***

LANA’s JOURNAL

I’ve been pacing around here all night long. Where could Evan have gone? Why would he just run off like that? I’m so worried. What if Clark & Lex convince Tanner to help, but then we can’t find Evan? What will happen to him without the bone marrow transplant?

I have to try to stay positive. It’s just so hard to do when I’m here all alone. I wish Clark were here. His arms around me would be a big help right now. But I shouldn’t be thinking about what I need right now. Evan needs Clark even more. Clark will find him in time. I know he will. He always does, right?

I mean that time that Tina Greer buried me alive - it was Clark who found me, right? And when I was about to die in that tornado, Clark somehow was there, saving me. And when Emily’s clone tried to drown me, it was Clark who came to my rescue. Every time I’m in grave danger, I wake up, only to see Clark’s caring eyes gazing down at me, and to feel his strong arms holding me. He’ll do the same for Evan. He has to. I have to hold out hope. Everything will be okay. Evan will be fine. He has to be.

***

Early the next morning, Lana is in the living room at the Kent farm, talking on the phone.

Lana: He hasn't come back, Mr. Kent. Let me know if you find him. Okay.

She hangs up the phone. When she turns around to go into the kitchen, she nearly bumps into Evan. Startled, she gasps, then releases her pent up frustation, just as a mother would.

Lana: Evan, I have been worried sick about you! We've been looking for you all night.

Evan’s eyes are lowered and he doesn’t respond. Lana sees that he is shaken. Her voice softens.

Lana: Are you okay?

Evan responds shakily.

Evan: I don't know. I did something bad.

He turns away from her. Lana speaks to him in a calming voice now.

Lana: Evan, tell me what happened.

Evan: It was an accident... a mistake.

Lana: We all make mistakes. It's part of what makes us human. What happened?

Evan starts to groan in pain and doubles over. Lana walks around him to see his face, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Lana: Are you all right?

Evan looks up into Lana’s eyes.

Evan: It's happening again. I can feel it.

Lana lifts his face to hers with one hand, while the other slides down his arm in a comforting gesture.

Lana: I'm gonna call Clark, and we're gonna get you help, okay?

Lana walks quickly to the phone. She picks it up, but the line is dead. The lights in the house start to flicker. Lana’s eyes widen in fear. She has no idea what else to do.

Evan starts to panic.

Evan: It's coming! I can feel it.

Lana walks over to him, trying to encourage him as she looks into his face, her eyes wide.

Lana: There has to be something that we can do.

Her eyes move quickly, as if searching her brain for an idea. She stares at Evan helplessly. Evan finally speaks.

Evan: There is. The windmill that you told me about, remember? Where the whole world stretches out around you. I'd like to see it. Just once.

Lana’s eyes grow large as she begins to realize, as Evan has, that his time is really running out. Evan looks at her, pleadingly.

Evan: Please, Lana, hurry.

Lana is visibly shaken as she stares back at Evan.

***
CLARK’s THOUGHTS

Damn! I’ve been searching everywhere I can think of, all night long! Where else could Evan have gone? I understand why he would run away. I ran too when I found out the truth about my own life. At that time, I just wanted to be alone, to think things through. I presume Evan is doing the same thing.

He wanted to do something himself, try to convince Tanner to help him. I don’t know what happened between them, but I wish Lex and I had gotten there sooner. Maybe we could have stopped the accident. Maybe we could have convinced Tanner to help.

Evan must be so scared. He shouldn’t be alone now. I need him to know how much we love him. I need him to know that we’ll keep trying to help him.

I wish I could find Lana. I’ve been calling her for hours, but can’t get through. Dad says she’s not at the farm anymore. I guess she couldn’t stand to stay there doing nothing any longer, and joined the search herself. I wish I could talk to her. I know she must be worried sick, just like I am. Maybe Chloe’s heard from her or Evan. I guess it’s worth a try to check.

***

Clark enters the Torch office where Chloe is working.

Clark: Chloe, has Evan been here?

Chloe: No. I mean, at the rate he's aging, I'm not even sure I'd recognize him.

Clark tries again to call Lana on his cell phone.

Clark: He must be with Lana. I keep trying to call her, but all I get is static.

Chloe goes to her computer and starts typing.

Chloe: Maybe he's putting off an energy field like his mom was. That would explain the power surges.

Clark: Power surges?

Clark‘s thoughts continue. I’ve got to find them. If Lana is there, when Evan… Clark’s concern for Lana’s safety doubles his worry as he desperately tries to find a clue to their whereabouts before it is too late.

Chloe: Yeah, they've been popping up all over town for the last hour. Look, they're happening all over.

She pulls up a map on the computer screen.

Clark: What's this?

Chloe: It's the DWP grid. See, these are the affected areas.

Clark: Where's the most recent one?

Chloe: Um... 10 miles west on the outskirts of town in the middle of nowhere.

Clark processes the information for a moment, and remembers something significant.

Chloe: Why would Lana and Evan be way out there?

Clark: The windmill.

Chloe: The one at Chandler Field?

Chloe takes a closer look at the computer and Clark super speeds away. She realizes he is gone.

Chloe: Go get 'em, speedy.

***

Evan and Lana are standing at the top of the windmill looking around.

Evan: You were right. The whole world is right there.

Evan gazes out over miles of open spaces, with the Metropolis skyline far in the distance. He smiles.

Evan: It's beautiful.

Lana puts on a brave smile as she answers him, fighting to keep the tears from filling her eyes.

Lana: I'm glad you finally got a chance to see it.

They stand there side by side, continuing to gaze into the distance. Suddenly, a rumbling is heard, and Evan begins to glow brightly. Lana looks around fearfully. Evan begins to double over in pain, groaning. The platform begins to shake. Clark super speeds up the ladder and onto the platform, grabbing Lana from behind. She is startled, and nearly loses her balance.

Clark speaks with urgency.

Clark: Lana, you have to go.

Lana replies with desperation in her voice.

Lana: No, Clark, we have to help him!

Clark looks into her eyes, pleading with her.

Clark: There's no time. You have to go now.

Evan calls out fearfully.

Evan: Clark...

Clark urges Lana on.

Clark: Go.

Clark sends Lana down the shaking ladder, then turns to help Evan lie down on the platform. Evan groans in pain. Clark keeps a comforting hand behind Evan’s neck, as he looks into his eyes.

Clark: It's okay. I'm here.

Evan struggles to speak.

Evan: I'm sorry for what I said.

Clark: It's okay, I know. It's all right.

Evan: I'm glad it was you and Lana that found me.

Clark: I think you found us.

The shaking intensifies and so does Evan’s pain.

Evan: It's happening! I can feel it. You better go.

Clark: No. Evan, I'm not leaving you.

Evan gazes steadily into Clark’s eyes.

Evan: I wish you had been my father, Clark.

Clark is deeply affected by Evan’s declaration. Suddenly, Evan grasps his chest, and cries out.

Evan: Aah!

Clark: Evan!

Evan begins to glow brightly.

Clark: Evan!

An intense light emanates from Evan’s face, and his appearance changes, growing older and older by the second, until he looks like a very old man. Clark covers Evan’s body with his own, in hopes of containing the blast enough to protect Lana.

Having reached the ground, Lana runs toward her car and takes shelter behind it, just as the final blast happens and the windmill explodes. When the sound dies down, Lana gets up and runs toward the debris, calling out frantically.

Lana: Clark! Clark!

Lana looks around desperately, unable to see through all the smoke.

After a few tense moments, Clark walks toward her out of the smoke. He is covered in soot and his clothes are torn and burnt. Lana runs toward him, stopping in front of him.

Lana: Clark, are you all right?

Clark: I got clear just before uh...

He looks away.

Lana: Where's Evan?

Clark looks back to her with a deep sigh.

Clark: He's gone.

Lana’s eyes fill with tears, and she swallows hard, as reality begins to hit hard.

***
Clark and Lana drive back to the farm in stunned silence. Lana drops him off.

Lana: I’ll come by later.

Clark just nods, then walks toward the house. Lana drives back to her apartment.

***
As Lana showers, the tears fall freely. After dressing, she finds herself restless. She grabs her journal in an attempt to deal with the myriad of emotions she is feeling.

LANA’s JOURNAL

It all seems so unreal. Only two days ago, I was watching Clark take care of Evan, changing his diapers, feeding him, burping him. And then yesterday, Evan was reading to me, and telling me about windmills. I was amazed, and he totally captured my heart. And now…he’s gone. Just like that. It doesn’t seem fair at all.

I never expected things to end this way. I somehow held out hope, even at the end, that Clark could save him. I keep thinking that maybe this is all a dream, and I’ll wake up, and see Clark standing there with little Evan in his arms again. But it’s not. This is real.

I was so frightened after the blast. I knew Clark was still too close. I was so relieved to see him walking toward me. I don’t know how he got clear in time. I’m just glad he did.

He looked so stunned - in shock - defeated. I’m not used to seeing Clark look like that. He’s always the strong one. I always tend to think of Clark as always able to save the day. But I guess there are some things that even Clark Kent can’t control. I couldn’t think of a thing to say. Neither could he.

I feel numb. How do we move past this? It’s like we’ve lost our son. I can’t deal with this alone. I need to go see Clark. Maybe we can try to hold each other up as this sinks in deeper.

***
CLARK’s JOURNAL

I couldn’t save him. I tried. I tried so hard. But Evan’s gone. I let him down. I let Lana down. I should have been able to do something. Maybe if I had brought him with me to see Tanner… maybe things could have turned out differently.

He said he wished I had been his father. I may not have been his biological father, but he was like a son to me and Lana. I loved him so much - like my Dad loves me. I couldn’t leave him at the end to die alone. For once, I was glad for my abilities, so I could stay with him.

It was so hard to tell Lana. And I’m so angry with myself for lying to her again. “I got clear…” How lame was that? But what else could I do? In our greatest moment of grief, it was not really the right time to reveal my secret. She must realize that I was too close, that it should have been impossible for me to get clear and survive. Well, when it comes up again, after we’ve grieved, I’ll tell her the truth. She deserves to know.

I could hardly bear to see the look on Lana’s face as she realized Evan was really gone. Seeing her pain - it just doubled my own pain and guilt. I wish I could take her pain away. But, I don’t know how. It hurts so deeply - for both of us. I hope she comes soon. I need to see her, hold her, as we struggle to get through this. She shouldn’t go through this alone. Neither can I.

***
END PART 4 - One more part to finish off Ageless.

***

[Nemu]

:D

Well that is part of that situation i mentionned earlier...

at least with the journal entry it makes more sense and less of the clueless CK of the show...

PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

It's like an unspoken unkown connection between those two in this episode/journals. Can't wait for what the final journals in this episode say!

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

AGELESS - Part 5

As night falls, Clark is in his loft, packing away his childhood things that had been brought out for Evan. He holds a baseball glove and a stuffed rabbit in his hands, looking at them sadly as he walks around slowly. Lana comes quietly up the stairs, and enters the loft, just as Clark sets the stuffed rabbit down in an open suitcase.

Clark looks up at Lana, and watches as she picks up Evan’s shirt from the arm of the sofa. She fingers it fondly as she lifts tear filled eyes to Clark’s.

Lana: I can't believe he's gone.

Lana looks down at the shirt again, sadly.

Clark: I know. Me too.

Clark glances up and sees that Lana is fighting back tears. She begins to confide in him.

Lana: This whole year, I've felt so disconnected. But when Evan came into my life, it was like I finally knew where I belonged. [She turns her eyes to Clark’s and holds his gaze for a long moment.] I had a purpose.

Clark: He only lived for a short time, but it seems like Evan’s affected us like we've known him our whole lives.

They gaze into each other’s eyes meaningfully. Lana then lowers her eyes as she continues to speak.

Lana: Clark, we think we have all the time in the world, that we're going to live forever, but it's not true.

She returns her eyes to his.

Clark: I guess we should make the most of the time we have - before it's too late.

Lana looks down and notices a book in the suitcase. She picks up The Velveteen Rabbit and looks at it with a slight smile. She begins to leaf through it, as Clark continues to fidget with the baseball glove.

Lana: This was his favorite book.

She smiles as she looks through it, and glances up at Clark.

Clark: Really?

Lana: Yeah.

Lana’s smile widens, as she looks up at Clark. Clark risks a revelation.

Clark: That was my favorite book when I was a kid.

Lana looks at Clark, surprised that he is opening up to her. Clark walks around to look at the book with Lana, as he continues.

Clark: I, um, I used to pretend that I was the rabbit.

Clark shoves his hands in his pockets nervously, as he reveals this to Lana. Lana’s gaze is fixed on him, taking in his every word, as he shares a hidden part of himself with her.

Clark: I was just like him, and my parents had brought me to life with their love.

Lana looks down at the book again, affected deeply by what Clark shared. After a moment, she looks up at him with tear-filled eyes.

Lana: My only hope is - that Evan felt that way about us.

They continue to gaze at one another meaningfully, until Clark draws Lana into his arms. Lana clings to him and rests her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes. Clark’s eyes begin to well up too, as they embrace.

As Lana feels Clark’s strong arms around her, all her pent up emotions rise to the surface. She begins to sob into his chest heavily. Clark holds her closer, his own tears falling silently upon her hair. Lana tries to speak between her sobs.

Lana: It hurts - so much, - Clark.

Clark strokes Lana’s hair, then pulls back enough to look at her. He kisses her forehead gently, then pulls her again into his chest.

Clark: I know.

Lana’s tears continue to flow, but the sobs subside. Clark guides Lana to the sofa, where they sit, side by side.

Lana looks up at Clark again, grasping his hand in hers.

Lana: It feels like I’ve lost - like we’ve lost - a son.

Clark nods his agreement, too choked up to speak. Tears slide down his cheeks.

Clark: I loved him, Lana. I’m so sorry - I couldn’t save him.

Lana: It wasn’t your fault, Clark. You kept trying - you never gave up.

Clark: You know what his last words to me were? He said, “I wish - you - had been - my father, - Clark.”

Clark begins to sob, having trouble repeating Evan’s words.

Lana pulls his head onto her shoulder, this time being his comforter.

Lana: You were like a father to him, Clark. No one could have been a better dad to Evan than you were. You’ll be an amazing dad someday, Clark. I’m sure of it.

When their tears are spent, Clark rests against the sofa back, and Lana rests her head on his chest. Clark strokes her hair lightly, as the two sit in silence for a very long while. No more words are needed - just the comfort of the other’s presence, and the awareness of the special bond they share, because of Evan - a bond that both know will last, no matter what else the future holds for them.

***
It is nearly 10 P.M. before Lana reluctantly separates herself from Clark, and makes her way home. Unable to sleep, she again writes in her journal.

LANA’s JOURNAL

I wish I had stayed with Clark. It’s so hard being alone. It just helps to be able to share the pain together. It helps to be able to talk about how I feel - and have him know exactly what I mean, because he feels it too. It hurts so much - losing Evan. But somehow, Clark’s very presence comforts me.

Clark surprised me, though - because, for the first time ever, he didn’t just listen to me. He shared his childhood memories; and he shared his own pain and grief. Clark can’t begin to know how much that means to me - that he would open up to me like that.

The odd thing is, I was the one beating around the bush this time. When I told him that Evan helped me see where I belong - well, what I really meant was that, after being so distant from Clark all year, Evan brought us together again, & helped me to see that the only place I really belong is with Clark.

Clark did say that we need to make the most of the time we have - before it’s too late. I got the feeling that he was talking about us - saying that we’ve wasted enough time, and that it’s time for us to make the most of the time we do have to spend together, before we lose the chance for good.

I really hope that’s what he meant. I really want things to work out this time. I hope Clark wants that too. Clark is…one of a kind. I’ve had a taste of what a future with him could be like - and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. I really want him in my life - always.


***

Lionel and Genevieve meet in her Metropolis hotel suite. Lionel tricks Genevieve into drinking poisoned wine. He tells her she will die a painful death, unless she gives him the stone she has - the one Jason obtained by killing Bridget Crosby. She apparently agrees to his terms, and he exchanges the antidote for the stone.

***

Clark is sitting in a chair on his front porch, his chin on his clasped hands, thinking. It is very late, and Clark has been sitting there ever since Lana left. Jonathan and Martha come outside and walk toward Clark slowly. Clark hears them approaching and lifts his head to look up at them. Jonathan reaches over and rubs Clark’s shoulder, in an attempt to comfort him. Clark stares down at his hands in silence.

Jonathan: You did everything you could, Clark.

Martha sits down in a chair near Clark, and leans toward him.

Martha: I'm sure Evan knew that.

Clark sighs heavily, shaking his head side to side.

Clark: All the times that I've run off or disappeared or almost died, how do you guys deal with that?

He glances up at Martha. She looks up to Jonathan. Jonathan stoops down, so as to be on eye level with Clark.

Jonathan: Well, it isn't easy, Clark, but it does come with the territory. You see, every parent's greatest fear is that one day they will lose their child forever.

Clark sighs again.

Clark: It seems like raising a kid is the toughest job in the world.

Martha: It's also the most rewarding.

Jonathan reaches out to take Martha’s hand with smile.

Jonathan: There is nothing quite like watching your son… grow up into a young man you can be very proud of.

Martha and Jonathan both smile at Clark with pride. Clark smiles briefly, then becomes serious again.

Clark: It's too bad I'll never know what that's like.

He looks up at Jonathan. Martha speaks up.

Martha: Why not?

Clark: I'm from another planet. I'm not even human. Who knows if I can have kids?

Martha: Clark, your father and I couldn't have children. We were still blessed with a son. You never know what the future will bring you.

Clark looks at his parents, thinking about what they’ve said. Jonathan reaches out and grasps Clark’s clasped hands encouragingly.

Clark gazes at his parents thoughtfully.

***

CLARK’s JOURNAL

Maybe Mom & Dad are right. Maybe the future could turn out to hold all that I’ve dreamed of.

After everything that Lana and I have gone through with Evan - well, I just feel like we’ve wasted so much time. We’ve pushed each other away so many times - and I don’t want to do that anymore. Its time to make the most of whatever time we have left - to give ourselves a chance to have a future together.

When I watched Lana with Evan - all I could think of was how much I’d love for her to be my wife - and for us to have children together. But then the doubts began to set in…I’m not even human…I don’t know if we could have kids…I don’t even know if it would be safe for us to…be intimate. How could she ever want to marry me if she knew the truth about me?

But then my parents reminded me that I was adopted. So was Lana. And Lana & I just shared with each other how Evan felt like a son to us. That gives me some hope, that we could be parents. We could at least adopt - that is, if Lana could even want to have a future with me once she knows about me. That’s a very big “if”.

The time I spent with Lana earlier, though - it was such a comfort to me. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to open up to someone the way I did with Lana tonight. I’ve never told anyone about how I used to imagine I was the rabbit in the book - and how I imagined that my parents brought me to life with their love. I’ve always felt that way - that even though I am different, that somehow, my parents gave me life, through their love. Lana said she hoped that Evan felt that way about us. I hope so too. I hope he felt that in some way, Lana and I gave him life, through our love for him. I think he did.

Lana seemed stunned - and honored - that I opened up to her. I thought it would be harder to do; but it wasn’t - not with Lana. I really wanted her to know me - so it wasn’t too hard to show her a hidden part of me. Oh, I was really nervous, since I’ve been so accustomed to hiding everything from everyone. But Lana was so accepting. She never laughed. She understood.

And then, we shared the depths of our grief over our loss of Evan. Lana sobbed into my chest, and I held her tightly, wanting to ease her pain. But when my own pain and grief rose up, I was so comfortable allowing Lana to share my pain - and then she held me, and comforted me. It was something I had never experienced before. I’ve always bottled everything up inside. My suffering was always done alone. I’ve always shut everyone out. But this time, it was different. I was able to reach out to Lana, and we shared something deep and profound. And I knew for the first time what it is like to not be alone.

I’m sick of being so alone. I want Lana in my life - always. I’ve got to do whatever is necessary to give us a chance to have a future together - before it’s too late.


***

The next evening, at the Luthor mansion, Clark is led into Lex’s study by a servant. Lex is seated near the fire with his lawyer and stands up when Clark enters.

Lex: Clark.

Clark: Lana told me you straightened things out with child services. I appreciate it.

Lex: Well, I know you grew pretty tight with him. I promise you, Evan’s life wasn't in vain.

Clark: What do you mean?

Lex: Well, my team believes studying his unique cellular structure could advance research on cancer and age-related diseases by hundreds of years.

Clark begins to smile.

Lex: I'm releasing our findings to every research facility across the globe. Evan's life may offer hope for generations to come.

Clark’s smile widens, glad to hear it.

Clark: He was a special kid, Lex. [Clark’s smile fades, as he becomes more serious.] I can't help wondering what kind of man he would've become.

Lex: A good one... as long as you were in his life. I bet you're gonna be a great dad someday, Clark.

Lex turns away. Clark smiles & nods to himself, then looks to Lex.

Clark: So will you, Lex.

Lex turns back to Clark. He answers with slight amusement.

Lex: I don't know about that.

Clark look’s at Lex questioningly.

Lex: Look, we're all reflections of how we've been raised. Your parents gave you encouragement and support. Mine chose the opposite track. I plan on leaving a different kind of legacy.

Clark looks strangely at Lex, not quite understanding.

Lex: Well, I better get back to work.

Clark extends his hand.

Clark: Thanks, Lex.

They shake hands, then Clark turns and makes his way out. Lex gazes thoughtfully after him. Lex’s lawyer stands up.

Man: Mr. Luthor, are you sure you want to release the findings?

Lex stares toward the doorway where Clark just exited. After a long pause, he answers.

Lex: Eventually.

***
CLARK’s JOURNAL

Lex said the research they did with Evan could be used to help find cures for cancer and age-related diseases. That helps a bit - to think that Evan’s short life might not have been in vain - that maybe his life will have an ongoing impact on the lives of many others. It doesn’t take the pain away, but it helps ease it a little. I can’t wait to tell Lana. I’m sure it will comfort her to know that Evan’s life served a wider purpose.

He was a special kid. Lana and I loved him very much. I think he loved us too. Evan brought us together in a way Lana and I could never have expected. Evan caused a profound change in me. Losing him brought me to a place where I could not remain alone. It forced me to stop hiding - to reach out to another - to Lana - to let her in. I feel freer than I ever have before. And I’m gaining confidence in my ability to finally let Lana in fully. I do trust her. After all we’ve been though, I finally have regained something I thought I’d never have again - hope. Hope for my future. No - hope for our future. Yes, a future full of shared joys and shared sorrows. Lana and I - together. Forever.

***
END of AGELESS

[Cardinal]

I like it that they've found someone to lean on. Where neither Clark nor Lana could go on by themselves, they found the strength in each other.

[Nemu]

Hi... broken record here... ;)

I agree with Card...

Sad that the honest Clark will kinda disappear fast...

PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

Nice to see them feeling that way if only they could act on it sooner rather than later sigh....

[binkys711]

ok finally caught up! sorry took me so long. :\

AWWW!! and so the clana-filled episode is over. :( It was great that Clana went on their first date together and they believe in trying hard in keeping their relationship in-tact no matter what the cost, AND planning a future together *cough marriage cough* :D :p

LOVED the journals in ageless , especially the ext. loft version and their thoughts on that. PPMS!!! :D

[SVsleuth]

FOREVER - Part 1

LANA’s JOURNAL

The last day of high school. I can’t believe it’s here already. Time is just going by too fast. I wonder what will happen now? Chloe’s going off to MetU. And Clark - I haven’t mentioned college to him lately. I heard him mention once that he was considering going to the University of Miami. I hope he doesn’t decide to go that far away. Things have been so normal again between us. Clark is finally back in my life, and I don’t want to lose him again. Miami is just so far away, though. I know I’ll never see him if he goes there. I’ll hate having to say good-bye to him. I really don’t know how I can do it. How can I let him go again?

Why did we waste so much time - time we could have spent together? Lately, we’ve been trying to make up for lost time. We hang out together a lot - at school, after school, on weekends. We’re closer friends than we’ve ever been - but I’m wanting more than that. And yet, I’m hesitant to move it there, especially if Clark could be going half way across the country for college. I can hardly stand to think of how life will be here for me, if I stay in Smallville, with both Chloe & Clark gone.

I still haven’t decided what I want to do in the fall. I came back here from Paris to try to find answers about the tattoo on my back. So far, all I know is that the symbols in the caves and on my back, are connected to those stones - and to Isobel. Jason wasn’t much help. He was more interested in finding those damned stones than in our relationship. I had hoped that maybe Clark could help me figure it all out - but I don’t want to risk the same thing happening with him. I don’t want our relationship to be all about those stupid stones.

Still, I’m in the dark. I fear that Isobel will appear again. Whenever I look at that stone, I can feel the power rising up inside of me again. It scares me. I wanted to just hide the stone & forget all about it - but I can’t. I’ve been carrying it with me, unsure of what to do with it. I don’t want to keep it - because I’m afraid of what could happen if she takes over again. I keep thinking that maybe I ought to give it to Clark. Somehow it seems that he would know what to do with it.

I guess I just feel like I need to get that whole thing with Isobel and the stones settled before I’ll be able to fully give my attention to deciding what I want to do with my life, what I might want to major in at college, or whether maybe college isn’t really for me at all. The one thing I do know, is that I don’t want to be alone in life. And when I think of my future, only one thing is clear to me - I want Clark to be a part of my life, hopefully a very big part.

***

Chloe signs Brendan’s yearbook. A few minutes later, she finds herself in a nearly empty school building. There are no swarms of students in the hallway when the bell rings. Chloe goes out into the hallway and then into a lockeroom, investigating. She is frightened to find Haley there, seemingly turned into a wax statue.

Chloe gasps and darts out of the locker room. She runs out into the hallway and tries to exit the building, but the doors are locked. She turns and runs back to the Torch office where she picks up the phone, but finds it to be dead. Then she turns around and runs to the windows. She pulls open the blinds of one window, and is shocked that the usual view is not there. She then opens the rest of the blinds, becoming increasing frightened. She backs away from the windows, as she realizes that the light is coming only from rows of fluorescent light fixtures, not the sun.

Chloe: Oh my God! What going on?

The school bell rings.

Chloe: Help! Help me! Help!!

***

As Clark comes down the stairs in his house, he overhears Martha and Jonathan talking in the kitchen.

Martha: He's obviously been thinking about this for a while. You have to let him make his own decisions, Jonathan.

Clark hesitates, then enters the kitchen where he sees Jonathan holding a large brown envelope.

Jonathan: Hey. You mind telling me why you have a financial aid package for Central Kansas?

Clark: That's where I'm going to college.

Jonathan: What happened to Met. U? What happened to Ohio, what happened to Miami?

Clark: I thought I'd stay closer to home.

Martha: Clark, I know starting all over with new friends in a new city can seem overwhelming, but you can't let that hold you back.

Jonathan: This is one of the most important decisions you gonna make in your entire life.

Clark: You don't think I know that?

Jonathan: Does Lana happen to be going to Central Kansas?

Clark: I don't know where Lana's going to school, so no, this is not about Lana.

Jonathan: Oh, then it's about us. You don't think I can run this farm without your help.

Clark: This is where I'm needed.

Jonathan: Clark, your destiny lies far beyond those corn fields out there. And I'm not about to let you turn your back on that just because of us. Now I've got a farm to run.
Jonathan leaves.

Martha: Clark? Is that really the reason?

Clark doesn’t answer.

***
CLARK’s JOURNAL

Dad doesn’t understand - probably never will. I’ve been thinking about things for quite a while now - considering staying closer to home. I had almost decided on going to the University of Miami - but something just didn’t feel right. I felt like I’d be leaving my parents in a bind - and I didn’t want to do that. So I began to consider other options - ones that would allow me to go to college and still help out at home.

Then, Evan came into our lives - and as suddenly as he came, he was gone. Something Lana said has stuck with me. She said, “We think we have all the time in the world - that we’re going to live forever - but it’s not true.” I responded that I guess we need to make the most of the time we have - before it’s too late. That conversation - and the whole experience of losing Evan - has really stayed with me. And I’ve come to realize that I want to make the most of the time I have with my parents - while they’re still here. I know my dad’s heart isn’t good - and I still can’t help but blame myself for that. I can’t change it; but I can make the most of the time we have while he’s still here. I love working the farm with him, side by side, father/son. I’m not willing to cut that short, just to go off to a more prestigious school far away. That’s not the kind of son I want to be. I want to be a son who is there for his parents, to help them and support them in every way I can, for as long as I can. I can do that, and still get a good education by commuting to Central Kansas.

I wish Dad could understand how much I fear losing him. I know that my staying on the farm will increase his life span. Without me here, he’ll overdo it, and be gone way too soon. I’m not ready for another funeral. I love my dad. I want him to stay around as long as possible. I want to create lots more good memories with him - before it’s too late. So, no matter what he says, I’ve made up my mind - I’m staying in Smallville, and commuting to Central Kansas.

At first, Dad thought I was doing it because of Lana. Funny thing is, Lana and I have avoided the subject of college. I’ve been enjoying my time with her, and haven’t wanted to spoil it with regrets about what will happen when she goes off to college. I really have been avoiding thinking about it. But this is the last day of school. I guess it’s time to think about it.

Lana has always dreamed of getting out of this town. She’ll probably go half way around the world. And that thought is what has been holding me back with her lately - keeping me from kissing her and telling her how I really feel about her. I don’t want to hold her back. I want her to be able to pursue her dreams to the fullest. The thought of her leaving doesn’t frighten me the way I thought it would. I guess it’s because I truly want Lana to be happy. I want her to find whatever it is in this life that fulfills her. It’s actually comforting to know that, no matter how much distance might separate us, Lana and I share a bond that can never be taken from us - a bond that was strengthened because of Evan. A part of her will always stay with me, and a part of me will go with her.

I do wonder now what her plans are. Maybe it’s time that I ask her. Maybe she isn’t going as far as I think - maybe just to MetU with Chloe. If she’s not going too far, maybe we can still spend time together, and explore whatever it is that has been developing between us lately. In any case, I will make the most of the time we do have, while she’s still here. Maybe I’ll even tell her everything - then I could speed off to visit her no matter where she goes. I did promise her that this time would be different. I haven’t forgotten.

[Cardinal]

Oooooh! The Clana is getting thick, without them even being together. I had forgotten that both of them had thought the other was going away for school.

I can see how that thought could hold them back from a romantic entanglement.

Good stuff, SV. ;)

[SmallvilleMan]

Uh oh, what's that? *Hears alarms going off* It's the whimp alarm.........Clark being a whimp again, what a shocker, what's next? Airplanes?:lol:

[Nemu]

I read it, I don't have much to say...

It's good...

PPMS!!!

[SVsleuth]

(Surprise! I got a sudden urge to update this one.)

FOREVER - Part 2

Chloe meets a few other students, Lisa and Delia in the replicated school. They tell her to just play along with Brendan, because he is watching them with cameras. Brendan tries to convince Chloe that staying in high school forever will be great, much better than moving on to a lifetime of disappointments. Brendan demonstrates his ability to keep them all there by turning Wendell into wax in front of Chloe’s eyes.

***
At Smallville High School, Clark receives his cap and gown at a table set up in the hallway of the school. As he turns around, Lana walks up to him wearing her cap.

Lana: What do you think?

She smiles at him as she models the cap. Clark breaks into a smile for a moment too, then becomes more serious.

Clark: I think it's finally starting to hit me. It's really over, isn't it?

Lana nods slightly, and her smile fdes as she gazes up at Clark. Clark motions toward the doors of the school, where students are entering and leaving.

Clark: You know, I remember walking through those doors the first day of freshman year.

Lana looks toward the doors, then turns back toward Clark as she removes her cap.

Lana: Actually… I think you tripped.

Lana smiles and laughs slightly as she looks fondly at Clark, remembering the day perfectly.

Clark lowers his eyes for a moment, then meets Lana’s gaze, ready to admit the truth.

Clark: Well I couldn't help it; you made me nervous.

He smiles as he looks at Lana lovingly.

Lana: It was cute.

Clark gazes intently at Lana, making her nervous. She looks away and lightens the mood.

Lana: Who knew you'd turn into this big high school football star?

She grins widely as she meets his gaze again.

Clark: Former football star… [Clark becomes more serious again, wanting to express his feelings for Lana before it is too late] who’s gotten used to seeing you every morning at the lockers.

Lana searches his eyes, then lowers hers self-consciously, affected by the affection she sees in his eyes.

Clark: But I guess that's all gonna change now that you're going off to college.

Lana’s expression becomes serious as she looks back at Clark.

Lana: Well, I don't know if I'm gonna go.

She turns and begins to walk slowly down the hall, deep in thought. Clark follows.

Clark: Really? I mean, what do you mean? You're the one that's always dreamt of leaving this town, ever since you were a little girl.

Lana glances over at him. Then straight ahead again as she answers.

Lana: I know. It's just that right now I feel I’d be making that decision because it's what everyone expects us to do.

Lana stops walking and turns to look up at Clark.

Lana: If I go, I want to make that choice for the right reasons.

Clark is surprised, and questions her for clarification.

Clark: So you're staying… in Smallville?

Lana shrugs and shakes her head uncertainly as she answers him honestly.

Lana: I don't know. I think it would be really hard with all of you guys gone.

Clark takes a quick breath, hope rising in his heart.

Clark: Well not all of us will be gone.

He swallows nervously, then continues.

Clark: I'm thinking of commuting to Central Kansas.

Lana breaks into a beautiful smile, relief evident on her face as she looks up at Clark.

Lana: Then maybe I won't have to spend any more time trying to figure out how to say goodbye.

They stand therefore a few moments, just smiling at each other, happy in the new realization that they might both be staying in Smallville.

A teacher’s voice calls out more names for caps and gowns, drawing Clark and Lana’s attention.

Teacher: Wendell Johnson! Chloe Sullivan! Haley Timmins! Delia Watkins!

Clark and Lana look toward the teacher, surprised that Chloe hasn’t picked hers up yet.

Clark: I would've thought Chloe would be the first one in line.

***
At the Luthor mansion, Jason shoots Lex with a tranquilizer dart and kidnaps him.

***

At the Kent farm, Jonathan is over-exerting himself, chopping wood, trying to prove that he can run the farm without Clark. He is heavily winded as he talks to Martha.

Martha: When are you going to admit that the truth is you and I can't run this place alone?

Jonathan: Martha, what exactly is it that you want me to do? You want me to tell our teenage son that we couldn’t possibly survive around here without him? What kind of parents would that make us?

Martha: Honest ones. How many times has he asked be treated like an adult? This decision took a lot of maturity.

Jonathan: Or guilt. Martha, Clark still feels responsible for my heart problems. I'm not going to allow him to do this out of pity.

Martha: It's not pity, Jonathan. Clark knows that if he leaves, he can only come back a few times a year. And he doesn't want one of those times to be your funeral.

Jonathan is shocked into stillness.

***
Back at Smallville High, Clark and Lana pick up Chloe’s gown for her and head toward the Torch office together. Clark’s thoughts are on Lana.

CLARK’s THOUGHTS

I can’t believe Lana may stay in Smallville! Maybe we can have another chance after all. It still seems odd to me, though, that she’d even consider staying. It’s just so opposite of what she’s always dreamed. I got the feeling that there was something else - some other reason she wasn’t telling me. I won’t pressure her about it, though, or try to influence her to stay, even though that’s what I’d like. She needs to decide for herself. Whatever she decides, I’ll support her - though I have to admit, that I’ll be very happy if she stays here with me. But I don’t want to be the cause of holding her back from pursuing her dreams. If she needs to go, I’m prepared to let her. I just hope that somehow, we will get the chance to explore more with each other. After everything we’ve been through, things are good again between us - and I don’t want to lose that.


Clark and Lana enter the Torch office. There are boxes everywhere as if Chloe was getting ready to pack her things.

Clark: Chloe?

He hangs her gown on a hook.

Lana walks over and stares at Chloe’s wall, as Clark looks around the office.

Lana: I don't know if Met. U.'s ready for the Wall of Weird.

Clark: (with surprise) She didn't get the Torch out today.
Lana turns toward Clark.

Lana: Maybe the printers aren't working.

Clark looks around more closely.

Clark: No. It's not even in its final format. There's no way that Chloe would let the last day of school go by without getting in her final word.

Lana: And when was the last time that Chloe pulled an all-nighter with a deadline and didn't finish her latte?

Lana shows Clark an unfinished cup of coffee which she found beside Chloe‘s computer.

Clark: Or leave without her lifeline?

Clark picks up Chloe’s cell phone from her desk, concerned. Lana looks up at Clark, worried.

***
Lex and Lionel are tied to chairs in a secluded cabin. Jason and Genevieve are there, with a gun, trying to get them to give back the stone that Lionel got from Genevieve, when he poisoned her. They hope that threatening to harm Lex will make Lionel give up the stone.

***
Clark goes to the Talon, looking for clues as to what happened to Chloe. He talks to Lois, then is asked by another student to sign her yearbook. Clark notices that the students who never picked up their caps and gowns are all on the “Most Like To…” page in the yearbook.

Clark: Listen, Wendell, Haley, Chloe, and Delia. They didn't pick up their graduation robes today.

Lois: Not your "Most Likely to Ditch" crowd. You think something's happened to them?

Clark: I don't know. Anything seem weird last night when you left Chloe?

Lois: No, she was just swarming through a pile of photos with some photographer kid.

Clark looks worried as thinks about it.

***
Lana leaves the school and walks toward her car. Her thoughts are racing.

LANA’s THOUGHTS
I hope Chloe’s alright. I’m sure Clark will find her and bail her out of whatever predicament she’s gotten into. Doesn’t he always?

It’s really comforting to think that Clark might still be around after graduation. I was surprised at how relieved I felt to hear it. I never expected that he might be staying in Smallville. Maybe he can help me solve the mystery of the tattoo and the stones after all. A part of me wanted to bring it up - wanted to tell him the real reason I’m not ready to leave Smallville. But another part of me is really happy with the way things have been going with Clark - and I don’t want to screw that up by involving him in this weird mystery. Then again, I always hated that he kept secrets from me; should I keep something like this from him? I mean, what if his secrets are connected to these stones too?

Lana gets in her car and pulls a small makeup pouch out of her purse. She unzips it and takes out the red handkerchief which the Stone of Power that was found in China. She unwraps it carefully and stares at it intensely for a moment, feeling its power calling to her. Unsettled, she quickly wraps it up again and puts it away. When she turns back to her open window, she is startled to find Brendan standing there with his yearbook.

Lana: Hi.

Brendan: Hey. I didn't mean to scare you there.

Lana: It's okay.

Brendan: I was just wondering if you'd sign my yearbook, actually.

Lana: Sure.

Brendan opens his yearbook to a picture of Lana. She reads the caption aloud and laughs.

Lana: "Most Likely to be a Cover Girl". I think that the photographer had something to do with this.

She begins to sign her name on the photograph.

Brendan: Thanks. Of course a photograph could never take the place of the real thing, right?

Lana smiles at him and continues to sign. He reaches into the car and touches her, turning Lana into his next wax mannequin.

***
(Anybody still reading this? leave a comment, please. Thanks!)

[Cardinal]

So Lana's staying for the stones, huh?

If she only knew how closely Clark's secrets are linked to the stones. ;)

As for Clark, I'd consider Lana to be justification enough to stay in Smallville. Wanting to help his folks would just be icing on the cake.

[Nemu]

i will read this eventually...

It is in the good parts...

[NYC300Z]

Yay another chance for Clana those two are starting to come around again lol

PPMS!